UNAI SDGs: Advancing refugee inclusion through the 2030 Agenda

By Jamie Dehouck

A couple of weeks ago I was able to attend the UNAI SDGS Workshop Webinar “Advancing refugee inclusion through the 2030 Agenda” which took place on world refugee day. The webinar was moderated by Omar Hernandez who is a Program Manager and Public Information Officer at the United Nations Academic Impact Office. 

Demello Chair Initiative

The webinar was attended by panelists with experience in refugees/stateless people resettlement within Higher Education. I had the opportunity to hear from many panelists currently working in Brazil on the local integration of refugee rights and a greater understanding of social impact. Ultimately the main point from these Brazil-based panelists is that to strengthen the government response and advocacy for refugee protection there had to be a bigger focus on refugee rights within civil society. We had the opportunity to hear from William Torres Laureno Da Rose the Senior Protection Assistant for the United Nations Higher spoke about his experience in refugee programming and how regularly displaced peoples benefit from UN Programs often then join in managing the program. He introduced a UNHCR initiative that is moving forward in South Latin America called the Demello Chair which strives for initiatives, “from actionable research that responds to local needs and influences policy- and decision-making to refugee access to tertiary education and academic jobs.” The Demello chair was created in honour or of Sergio Vieira de Mello, a Brazilian United Nations diplomat renowned for his Humanitarian work. De Mello was killed in Iraq during a hotel bombing.

Universities that are representatives of the De Mello Chairs also provide scholarship initiatives, legal aid, mental health aid, and language aid to best support incoming students from displaced backgrounds. Currently, the program is active in other latin american countries however its initial start in Brazil at the University Centre of Brasilia (UNICEUB) and Catholic University of Río de Janeiro.

Summia Tora

Outside the academic panelist, we had the opportunity to hear directly from Summia Tora, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan and Afghanistan’s first Rhode Scholar. She spoke about what it was like attending a prestigious institution like Oxford that did not have any existing infrastructures available to support incoming displaced students such as herself. She worked with the World Bank to create scholarships and grants to support the academic journey of refugees, specifically women from Afghanistan. Additionally, she spearheaded her organization, Dosti Network to provide immigration services to support refugee resettlements. Dosti Network initiative was created out of her desire to, “evacuate her family out of Afghanistan in 202”.

This webinar increased my insight into how unilateral the global refugee response system is and how limited support there is for displaced people in the field of academia. Through this webinar, I’ve come to realize that if there is any hope of equity of life for refugees there needs to be more focus on all aspects of life rather than just resettlement.

World Water Day Summit

By Manuela Gomez

NAFSA, as a United Nations Interest Group, plays a significant role in the plan of action of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The UN Youth Reps are crucial to raising the voice “for people, planet and prosperity”  as it is the purpose of the 2030 SDGs. Attending events that follow this purpose, like the World Water Day Summit, is crucial to raising awareness. In this case, the purpose is to transmit the importance of clean water and sanitation to guarantee other SDGs like poverty, hunger, good health, and well-being.

Water Infrastructure Beyond Pipes and Pumps 

The US Water Alliance World Water Day Summit was a unique experience that visualized the importance of water from different perspectives, like art, comedy, science, and social development. The microplastics conversation between scientist Nisha Swinton and comedian Larry Owens was so interesting. It made an unseen problem, like microplastics and their effects on oceans and the water we consume,  easy to understand. In addition, the screening of the Lynchburg short film, a small community in South Carolina, and how they have dealt with water quality issues was so important. It evidenced how quality potable water systems are not just an issue in developing nations but also a problem in the United States. Most importantly, it demonstrated how water infrastructure goes beyond pipes and pumps. Water infrastructure is health, economic development, and well-being. Water infrastructure plays a critical role in not only reaching one of the SDGs, “clean water and sanitation,” but also how clean water and sanitation contribute to other SDGs like poverty, hunger, good health, and well-being. 

Finally, the panel on Women and Water, between Elena Soterakis (BioBat), Dr. Shannon Marquez (Columbia University), and Zainab Salbi (Daughters for Earth), revealed the crucial role that women play in water provision and sanitation, and vice versa. A significant example they discussed is South Sudan, where peace is defined by access to water.  In a country that lives in an armed conflict, the fact that women are responsible for 80% of the water collection demonstrates their significant role in peacebuilding. The final reflection is that it is necessary to engage more women as decision-makers in accomplishing the SDGs.

Exploring Global Diplomacy: NAFSA’s UN Tour Unites NYU and Columbia Students

By Jamie Dehouck

Introduction

In a world where global diplomacy and international relations take center stage, what could be more exciting for students than the opportunity to explore the heart of international cooperation? The recent NAFSA event at the United Nations (UN) provided just that and more. Attended by students from New York University (NYU) and Columbia University, this tour offered an unforgettable glimpse into the inner workings of the UN. Through a guided tour led by a seasoned UN tour guide, students had the chance to step into restricted areas like the General Assembly and other sections of the Secretariat. 

UN Tour: A Unique Experience

The United Nations, headquartered in the heart of New York City, is an iconic symbol of global cooperation. For NYU and Columbia students, a tour of the UN is more than just an outing—it’s an educational and inspiring journey. A highlight of the NAFSA event was the guided tour provided by a dedicated UN tour guide. These guides are well-versed in the history, functions, and importance of the UN, making the tour an enriching experience. They provided students with insights into the inner workings of an organization that plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges.

Access to Restricted Areas

What made this event particularly special was the access granted to restricted areas within the UN headquarters. Students had the opportunity to step inside the General Assembly, where world leaders gather to address global issues. This exclusive access allowed students to experience the UN in a way that few get to.

Cross-Institutional Collaboration

The decision to combine students from NYU and Columbia for this event was intentional. NAFSA recognized the importance of cross-institutional communication and the power of diverse perspectives when it comes to understanding international relations. By bringing together students from different academic backgrounds, this event encouraged the exchange of ideas and fostered a sense of unity in addressing global challenges.

Learning About International Relations

In the midst of this rich experience, students were able to interact with international peers. Conversations flowed, ideas were shared, and friendships were forged. This event reinforced the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in addressing the world’s most pressing issues.

Conclusion

The NAFSA event at the United Nations was a transformative experience for NYU and Columbia students. It provided a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of one of the world’s most prominent international organizations. Through the guided UN tour, access to restricted areas, and the collaboration between students from different institutions, this event underscored the significance of international cooperation, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication. 

Civil Society Townhall with the 77th President of the General Assembly: Youth Perspective

By Jorge Fabian Hernandez Perez

Attending the recent Civil Society Townhall, presided over by the 77th President of the General Assembly, was an enlightening experience that delved into critical issues of our time. The event primarily focused on the evaluation of progress beyond GDP measurements, the role of civil society organizations, and the crucial link between artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reflection post aims to highlight the key takeaways from the event, with particular emphasis on the discussions surrounding AI and its implications for a sustainable future.

The Turning Point of History:

The 77th President emphasized that we are at a turning point in history, facing two distinct crises: traditional geopolitical conflicts and the consequences of our non-sustainable operational practices. These crises, driven by geopolitical dynamics and climate change, are now beginning to interact, requiring us to address them collectively. It was acknowledged that the accumulation of risk factors has surpassed the capacity of traditional economic regulations and institutions to cope, necessitating transformative goals and a renewed focus on sustainability.

Unfolding the SDGs and AI’s Role:

The discussion shed light on the connection between the 2030 Agenda for SDGs and the Secretary-General’s Common Agenda. It was highlighted that while the SDGs were initially compromised between scientific necessity and political feasibility, new scientific trends and political realities have emerged since their adoption. The One Common Agenda (OCA) framework complements the SDGs by exploring areas not fully unfolded within the original goals. Notably, the rapid advancements in AI and digital technologies were acknowledged, emphasizing the need to consider their profound impact on our path to 2030.

Beyond GDP: Redefining Development:

The event underlined the limitations of relying solely on GDP as a measure of development. GDP, originally designed to estimate military capabilities during times of conflict, fails to capture the complexities of society, such as inequality and the value of human, social, and natural capital. It was argued that a comprehensive understanding of development requires a system that simultaneously measures various forms of capital. Consequently, the slow implementation of SDGs, currently at only 19%, necessitates a critical examination of policy, tools, and cooperation, as well as the need to upgrade existing mechanisms, like GDP.

Digital Transformation, AI, and Inequality:

The discussions surrounding AI and the digital revolution highlighted the challenges posed by increasing inequality. As AI rapidly develops, those countries and companies at the forefront of technological advancements have the potential to exacerbate global inequalities. Therefore, addressing digital equality and justice becomes crucial. A proposed solution was the negotiation of an international digital compact, aimed at ensuring fair access to the internet and fostering digital education and infrastructure on a global scale. The urgency to bridge the digital gap by September 2024 was emphasized and the need to contain the potential geopolitical risks associated with AI, including its use in conflict, was discussed.  

All in all, the Civil Society Townhall proved to be a pivotal platform for exploring the complex interplay between AI, sustainable development, and the future trajectory of international society. This event not only emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to development, surpassing the limitations of GDP measurements, but also highlighted the pressing need to integrate human, social, and natural capital in our evaluation of progress. Furthermore, the urgency to address digital inequality and harness the immense potential of AI for the well-being of all was firmly underscored.

As I reflect on these discussions, I am particularly struck by how crucial they are for shaping my career goals as a policymaker. The advent of the digital revolution and the rapidly evolving landscape of AI pose unprecedented challenges to the policymaking process. The current regulatory framework is ill-equipped to handle the complexities and potential risks associated with AI’s exponential growth in the coming years. Acknowledging this reality, it becomes evident that engaging in conversations and staying at the forefront of AI discussions is not only intellectually stimulating but also critical for effective policymaking. I will continue participating in these discussions, laying the necessary seeds of regulation in a currently-barren digital regulatory landscape.

To watch the full town hall, please select the following link, which will redirect you to the United Nations Youtube page. 

Global Columbia Collaboratory: Facilitating Students’ Collaboration for Social Impact

taken from IIE Networker (IIEB): https://www.iienetworker-digital.com/iieb/0222_fall_2022/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1822391#articleId1822391

By Dr. Shannon P. Márquez, Dean, The Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement, and Gale D. Lynch, Program Director, Global Columbia Collaboratory, Columbia University

Columbia University’s Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE) faced the same dilemma as a majority of education abroad offices in the spring of 2020: how to serve students whose study abroad plans were abruptly disrupted by COVID-19? UGE already had been grappling with how to address the significant barriers that exist related to physical student mobility, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and included the implementation of a UGE virtual exchange platform for global learning in our strategic plan. Thus, in the summer of 2020, we initiated the “Global Columbia Collaboratory,” a virtual exchange program framed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)^{Display footnote number:1}, to allow students to engage in global learning regardless of their physical location. Moreover, the implementation of the Global Columbia Collaboratory became a strategic imperative for the university^{Display footnote number:2} to support Columbia undergraduate students who had been repatriated to locations around the world as a direct result of the pandemic.

As many of us have learned during the past two years of the pandemic, virtual exchange is able to bridge some of the gaps in access to global experiences. During the past 30+ years, the field of international education has identified these gaps and continues to challenge the industry to think critically about how to support all students to enhance their global learning perspectives. Incorporating the SDGs into virtual exchange programs, such as we do with the Global Columbia Collaboratory, provides students with a vital framework to critically reflect on their role and learning in a global context.

Theories & Frameworks to Promote Global Awareness and Global Learning

To address the complex global challenges facing the world today – such as the COVID-19 pandemic – and help empower students to make a difference in the world as global citizens, global experiential learning should prepare students to understand cross-cultural cooperation and communication and enhance their skills and competencies, such as global self-awareness, understanding global systems, applying knowledge to contemporary global contexts, and social justice (to name a few of those on the AAC&U Global Learning Rubric).^{Display footnote number:3} Including the SDGs in the overarching framework for the Collaboratory program allows us to map directly to these specific skills and competencies, while exposing students to the larger context of pressing global issues.

Components of the Global Columbia Collaboratory

The Collaboratory is composed of students from all three undergraduate schools at Columbia University (Columbia College, School of Engineering, and School of General Studies), as well as undergraduate students enrolled in universities around the world. Collaboratory programs are offered in partnership with the Columbia Global Centers and other entities such as Columbia World Projects and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Upon joining the Collaboratory, students enter an interactive online ecosystem, a global network to meet other participants and participate in global seminars; reflect on and exchange perspectives related to addressing the complex global challenges and themes that map to the SDGs; and propose and develop a social impact project and/or get involved in a project initiated by their peers/partners across the world. We offer global seminars and curriculum that highlight a theme related to an SDG (or interrelated SDGs) and create small groups where students reflect on the seminars and ideate possible social impact projects inspired by the seminars, readings, and Collaboratory content.

“The Amazon Region We Want” Collaboratory

For our summer 2022 Collaboratory, in partnership with Columbia Global Centers Rio, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the Science Panel of the Amazon, we offered four global seminars focused on the theme “The Amazon Region We Want” in which students were introduced to the complexity of protecting the Amazon ecosystem. Guided by the 17 targets outlined in the SDGs, students learned from experts in the field, local practitioners, and Amazonian scientists that the Amazon we want involves not only climate action, but clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities, etc.

While this can feel overwhelming, a key component of the Collaboratory is to facilitate students’ collaboration on a social impact project so they have the opportunity to work across differences and apply their learning to make a positive impact. Student groups consulted with five local NGOs working in the Amazon to create an awareness campaign based on the NGOs’ specific needs. We encouraged the students to consider how their campaign mapped to the themes of underlying the SDGs.

Our goal in creating the Global Columbia Collaboratory was to provide virtual global learning rooted in the SDGs to students unable to physically study abroad. We have successfully accomplished this initial goal and see the potential for expanding the Collaboratory to all students who come through our office for education abroad. Offering all our students the lessons of the SDGs, critical reflection and the power of collaboration will help us reach our strategic goals and challenge students to frame their global experiences through the lenses of social, environmental, and economic justice.

REFERENCES

1. United Nations (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development. New York: UN Publishing.

2. Columbia College (2020). My Columbia College Journey. Retrieved from http://www.college.columbia.edu/journey/home

3. Association of American Colleges & Universities (2020). Global Learning VALUE Rubric. Retrieved from https://www.aacu.org/value/rubrics/global-learning

World Press Freedom Day

On May 3, 2019, UNESCO and the United Nations Department of Global Communications hosted the annual World Press Freedom Day, a day that highlights the current challenges faced by the media in times of elections and the growing prevalence of disinformation, along with the media’s potential to support democracy, peace, and reconciliation.

Through a video message, Mr. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, emphasized the themes of this year’s World Press Freedom Day and how honest elections are dependent upon the press as they guide the public to choose their representatives. H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd UN General Assembly, added that with the rise of nationalism and populism, it is important that we defend high quality and independent journalism. She also alerted the audience to the increase in the number of journalists murdered and called on us to address this pressing issue. While we associate attacks on journalism through censorship and other means as ideas of the past, Ms. Alison Smale from the UN Department of Global Communications discussed how concerns of censorship, intimidation, and threats are very real and present to journalist now. She also dispelled the notion of ‘fake news’ by highlighting that if the information is fake or false, then it cannot be news. Ms. Smale calls for vigorous innovation to solve our modern concepts of journalism. H.E. Ms. Amal Mudallali, the Ambassador of Lebanon, Vice-Chair of the UNGA Committee on Information, spoke more to the violence that journalists face today, citing that in 2018 violence against journalists reached its worst levels. 348 journalists were detained and 80 killed, an 89% increased from the previous year, and 60 were taken as hostages and attacks on journalists are on the rise everywhere including democracies. H.E. Ms. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Ambassador, African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations addressed how the media can play a vital role in preventing conflict. She discussed how media protection and integrity are essential for Africa’s agenda for 2023. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encapsulate the ability for peaceful and just societies. The UN agenda for sustainable development depends upon institutions such as free press. Reading the names of all the journalists killed last year, Ms. Valeria Robecco, President of the UN Correspondents Association (UNCA), called the audience to action and change.     

Following the opening session, a roundtable discussion led by Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of Outreach Division at the Department of Global Communications. Ms. Meredith Broussard, Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, New York University discussed the nuances of journalism through the misconceptions of the role artificial intelligence plays in the field. She is committed to advancing technology information inside journalism as a way to empower journalists in their research. Mr. Stephen J. Adler, Editor-in-chief, Reuters spoke about the specific attacks on journalists in Myanmar. The government there uses social media to disseminate hate speech and propaganda. Ms. J. Alex Tarquinio, President of the Society of Professional Journalist, noted that the 2016 U.S. elections were a wakeup call and put institutions that defend democracies on high alert. The elections showed new ways in which freedom of expression can be weaponized. Mr. Warren Hoge, Senior Adviser, External Relations at International Peace Institute noted that uncovering stories that expose injustice and corruption comes from fostering knowledge of how peace can be consolidated and expanded. Encouraging freedom of the press also comes from cultivating the space for dialogue. He also emphasized the foundation of impartiality that should be at the forefront of journalism and the importance for journalists to stick to the facts and to not take sides. Concluding the briefing Ms. Maria Salazar-Ferro advocated for the active protection of journalists and focused on three countries, South Africa, India, and Guatemala, as countries with tailored emergency tool kits for journalists. Attacks on free press are most relevant today and with the expanding dimensions of the journalism field, it is important to protect journalists and freedom of the press on all fronts.

 

Remembering Slavery: The Power of the Arts for Justice

 

On March 28, 2019, the UN Department of Global Communications hosted a Civil Society briefing on the topic of Remembering Slavery: The Power of the Arts for Justice to explore the role of memorials in remembering important history.

 

The panel was moderated by Dr. Sherril D. Wilson, professor and author who writes about the enslaved African presence in New York City. Dr. Wilson discussed how she actively worked in the creation of the Slave Burial Sites in New York City and how memorials and burial sites are markers of historical rebirth. Marie Paule Roudi, the Director of UNESCO, spoke to UNESCO’s dedication in establishing a network to build capacity for managing slave memorial sites. Through the Slave Route Project, UNESCO has been able to preserve and promote sites of memory related to slavery, and to promote the contributions of people of African descent to the construction of contemporary societies. The designer for the Ark or Return, the Permanent Memorial to Honour Victims of Slavery at the UN, Rodney Leon presented his process and reasonings for the design and construction of the Ark of Return. The name of the memorial is an allusion to “The Door of No Return” in Senegal and it symbolizes “an emotional return to a place where we were ripped away from”. Leon also elaborated on the focal points and intended objectives involved with memorialization.

Jacques Martial, the Chairperson for the Memorial ACTe in Guadeloupe, discussed the history of slavery in Guadeloupe and how this history is intertwined in the design and construction of the Memorial ACTe. The building itself is a platform to discuss not only the Transatlantic slave trade, but also other forms of slavery and servitude rooted in the history of Guadeloupe. Malick Kane, the Cultural Administrator of the World Foundation for the Memorial and Safeguarding of Goree, presented on the design and construction of the Goree Memorial and its goal to embody all the global sites of the slave trade and to emphasize the African perspective of the slave trade. The history of slavery in Africa has been one of departure, but this memorial aims to mobilize the diaspora to commemorate the legacy of slavery. Noah Brown, a Toronto based artist, designer, and curator, showcased the focus of his art to explore different Black identities and the history behind those identities. Brown offered a youth perspective on how we as youth continue the legacy of this tragedy.

68th United Nations Civil Society Conference: Civil Society Conference Townhall

On February 28, 2019, The United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC) hosted a briefing to discuss and provide more planning information for the upcoming 68th Civil Society Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah in August. Mr. Jeff Brez, the Chief of NGO Relations and Advocacy Section at the Department of Global Communications, led the briefing by giving an overview of the progress made since the last Townhall meeting. Civil society is an integral part of the planning, coordinating, and participation in this conference and this sentiment is expressed through the drafting and writing of the outcome document that will be revealed at the conference. The conference concept note was shared at this briefing. The concept note serves as a guiding force for the subcommittees to work from and it outlines the proposed thematic sessions and focal points for the conference.

In collaboration with officials from Salt Lake City, Utah, Mr. Baldomero Lago, the Chief
International Officer from Utah Valley University provided updates regarding the planning process in Utah including there will be a youth subcommittee that is based in Utah. In late March the youth subcommittee in Utah will visit meet the youth committee in New York to discuss topics for the youth-led sessions. Mr. Lago is active and engaged in the overall planning process for the conference.

Following Mr. Lago’s comments, Mr. Bruce Knotts, the Chair for the NGO DPI Executive
Committee reiterated the themes for this conference to focus on civil society engagement and involvement. Mr. Knotts added that to the theme of building sustainable and inclusive communities is the commitment in the planning mechanisms to include migrant communities and migrant perspectives to this conference.

Ms. Kim Quarles, the Vice Chair for the NGO DPI Executive committee discussed the efforts that have been made to engage international attendees of the conference through encouraging visa application processes and sponsorships for these international attendees.

With regards to attendance and registration steps for the conference, Ms. Kathryn Good, the Program Management Officer for UNDGC, announced that registration had not yet been opened because the maximum capacity number for the conference had not yet been finalized. There is no cost for registration and it is open to anyone, but the Department will vet all registrants for the conference once it is made available.

With regards to the graphics, Mr. Felipe Queipo noted that the guidelines and waiver forms for the logo are also found on the UNDGC website. Permission must be
granted by  UNDGC in order for a non-UN entity to use the official conference logo.

Ms. Victoria Gorelik from  UNDGC was happy to announce that the conference website is live with important updates, deadlines, and progressions in the planning process for the Conference.

Concluding the briefing, the two newly appointed co-chairs of the NY youth subcommittee spoke about youth involvement. Ms. Aishu Narasimhadevara spoke about how the active youth presence has contributed an interesting perspective on how they can aid in building sustainable and inclusive communities. Youth have been included in all the subcommittees for the conference too. The other youth co-chair Mr. Muhammad Ali Mustafa announced plans for a youth hub with art, poetry and essay contests.

Civil society engagement and involvement is imperative to the success of the conference and the opportunities to be involved through a subcommittee are still possible.

If you are interested in finding out more about the conference and how to be involved, check out this link to the entire briefing event and the conference website for updates:
http://webtv.un.org/watch/civil-society-conference-townhall-to-discuss-the-planning-of-the-68thunited-nations-civil-society-conference-in-salt-lake-city-utah-usa/6008519402001/

https://outreach.un.org/ngorelations/slc-conference

Bridging Sustainable Practices Across Industries: A Focus on Food, Film and Waste Industries

On Thursday, February 14th, 2019, the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC) held a conference called “Start Global, Go Global! Bridging Sustainable Practices Across Industries: A Focus on Food, Film and Waste Industries”. The event had the objective of raising awareness on the innovative methods that can be employed in our modern era to decrease the effects of the enduring environmental changes. The conference featured several speakers who are all working towards making the world a more sustainable place. Mr. Jeff Brez, Chief of NGO Relations, Advocacy and Special Events Section in the UNDGC was the first speaker to address the public. He introduced the topic of the conference and explained how waste poses serious threats to the ecosystem and human health. Moreover, he explained how it is one’s responsibility to develop innovative ways in which waste and global warming can be reduced. He then proceeded to present Christina Delfico, Emmy-Nominated Executive Producer and moderator of the conference. Ms. Delfico commenced her speech by emphasizing her devotion to saving the earth and explained that the purpose of the conference was to showcase how people in different fields and of different ages are all being innovative and developing actions that can be used to avoid harming the earth even more. Every person can do something about climate change and it is one’s responsibility to do so. She advised the audience to start local (in one’s household, school, university, etc.) to then go global.  To end her speech, the producer offered some examples of actions that have been conducted in different parts of the world and tips that one could follow to reduce waste (e.g. begin by implementing a “meatless Monday” in one’s diet every week, not use single-use items, etc.).

The next speaker was Akari Tomita, a student. Ms. Tomita described how involved she was in protecting the environment through the Environmental Club of her school. She explained how important youth action is to overcome global warming and stated that one is never too young to make a difference. The speaker presented the “Green Team,” a group of students that make a great impact both within and outside her school. They mentor younger students about the role of protecting the environment and hold annual school-wide events on sustainability. She ended her speech by encouraging young people to fund events, organize projects and emphasized how young people should be exposed to sustainable lifestyles so that present generations can raise newer, more sustainable ones. Ms. Tomita ended with the powerful words: “we have everything to gain, and everything to lose”.

Ms. Duygu Celik, Partnership Adviser at the International Fund for Agricultural Development was the next person to address the audience. She stated that food loss has become more than ever a global challenge and is an issue demanding pressing global action. Food loss equals one trillion USD per year as well as a loss of land area the size of China. Ms. Celik stated that there is presently enough food to feed everyone on the globe but that sustainable methods need to be developed to maintain this. She described how there is one resolution to this problem: focus on small scale farmers, financially invest in them and support their infrastructure.

Ms. Claudine Marrotte, Film Producer, described the methods that she uses in her job to reduce the environmental impact of her industry. She stated that the film industry produces a lot of waste as people in sets tend to drink from plastic water bottles and not eat all the food that is offered. Ms. Marrottee encouraged people to talk about the jeopardizing effects that several actions can have on the environment and also share the actions that one might be conducting to inspire others to protect the earth. For example, she offers every staff member a multiple-use water bottle to reduce the use of plastic ones and donates the food that has not been eaten at the end of the day to local charities and other organizations in need.  She offered three core tips to take care of the environment: 1) reduce one’s use of paper, 2) employ reusable water bottles, and 3) repurpose items.

The next presenter was Max Lerner, Sustainability Development Project Coordinator at NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Lerner introduced the programs that the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has developed in the past few years to protect the environment. Some examples comprise the construction of green roofs, solar panels, food gardens, etc. He also mentioned how the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation is constantly looking for innovative ways to reuse old items and develop interesting and emerging ideas that could be used to increase sustainability.  One example of a good idea that was developed by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation is the solar green roofs. The solar green roofs have been so successful that now he and a team are traveling to Japan to recreate the concept there (#StartLocalGoGlobal).

Erycka de Jesus, Master Composter, “Inter-Sustainabilist” and Just Soil Co-Founder, was the next speaker to address the spectators.  She proceeded to mention that, to overcome waste, one has to start by thinking about one’s life and enquired: “how do you conduct your day? Is there anything better than recycling which you could do that does not require that much energy?”. Ms. de Jesus inspired the listeners to volunteer in their companies’ green activities (if one’s company does not have environmental activities, one should volunteer to develop some) and other local green organizations.

The last speaker of the conference was Tama Matsuoka Wong, Author, Forager, Entrepreneur & Founder of Meadows and More. She explained that, in total, Americans only eat 25 different plants per year. Therefore, it is important for communities in the United States (and globally!) to think about how to diversify food choices. Moreover, Ms. Matsuoka Wong explained that studies have found that wild foods are more nutritious than cultivated food. To find wild food, she encouraged people to look around in the springtime outside of the big cities in fields and other appropriate locations for these types of food.

 

To find out more information on this briefing check out the live webcast linked below and be sure to keep up to date with our blog!

http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/watch/bridging-sustainable-practices-across-industries-a-focus-on-food-film-waste-civil-society-thursday-briefing/6002297637001/?term=bosnia&sort=date&page=9?lanspanish

A Matter of Humanity: The Rescue of Jews in Albania During the Holocaust

 

On Thursday, January 31st, 2019, the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the Permanent Mission of Albania to the United Nations held a conference called “A Matter of Humanity: The Rescue of Jews in Albania During the Holocaust”. The event had the objective of showcasing the heroic role that Albania played during the Holocaust as it was one of the only countries which fondly welcomed the Jewish people fleeing from the mass atrocities that were conducted against them throughout the period of World War II.

Ms. Alison Smale, Under-Secretary-General for the Global Communications, moderated the event and therefore offered the welcoming remarks. She presented one chapter of the Holocaust history that is often overlooked, namely the Albanians role in helping protect the Jewish population throughout the Second World War. Ms Smale described how the Albanian response to the atrocious acts conducted under the Nazi regime exemplified moral courage. Moreover, she explained how the Albanian’s attitude is important to keep in mind considering today’s increase in xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism over the globe. She claimed that it is important to address the hatred that exists over the globe today to prevent events like the Holocaust from reoccurring in the forthcoming decades.

H.E. Ms. Besiana Kadare, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, was the next speaker to address the floor. H.E. Ms. Kadare stated that Albania was the only county that had ten times more Jews after the Second World War than before. She recounted how Albania’s embassy in Berlin granted visas to all Jews, regardless of their nationalities. The speaker explained how Albania’s actions were based on their tradition of hospitality, honor, and willingness to help those in need. She described how Albanians have a life motto of “you don’t betray your guest and you don’t betray your neighbor” and how they consider that “there are no foreigners in Albania, there are only guests”. Throughout the Holocaust, the Jews rescued by Albania were not saved in secret.

Entire villages knew about Jewish families hiding in their neighborhoods and nobody turned them into the Nazi police. Moreover, Albanians did not receive compensation for their help. In fact, the country was pleasantly surprised when it received recognition for its actions. Ms. Kadare finished her speech by stating how there is no trace of anti-Semitism or hatred for religion in Albania today and how helping the Jewish peoples during the Holocaust is a source of national pride. She emphasized how future generations must learn to take sides, fight racism and hatred, and promote the peaceful coexistence between different cultures and mentalities (especially in the increasingly interconnected world).

 

Mr. Ronald S. Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, was the next speaker to offer his perception on the topic. He explained how Albania was a country that stood up and defended the Jewish peoples and how these actions were mostly based on courage and leadership. He also regretted the rise in anti-Semitism that is happening today over the globe and explained that this is due to a leadership vacuum. Mr. Sauder explained that today there is much indifference in the world and that this silence is dangerous. Leadership (like the one exhibited by the Albanian’s during the Second World War) is therefore needed to combat this indifference. He ended his intervention by motivating the public to not be indifferent and, most importantly, not be silent.

Dr. Anna Kohen, Child of Holocaust Survivors, stated how the Holocaust is not only remembered by hatred but also by the humanity several people showcased when they helped the Jewish peoples. She recounted the story of how her family fled to Albania as an attempt to escape the Nazis and how, once they got there, the Albanians were so welcoming and thoughtful. She also recounted how everyone in the Albanian town her family ended up settling in knew that they were Jewish, but nobody turned them in. Dr. Kohen ended her speech by prompting the viewers to never condemn an entire population, religion or culture but to regard each person as an individual and to treat everyone with the respect and humanity they deserve.

Ms. Majlinda Myrto, Executive Director of the “Eye Contact Foundation” recounted the story of how her family (and especially her father) protected two Jewish people and how they developed a friendship that lasted their whole lives. Like former speakers, Ms Myrto explained how not one Jew – adult or child – were turned in to the authorities in Albania during the Holocaust. Moreover, she finalized her speech by recounting other experiences of how Albanians protected and welcomed Jewish people throughout the Second World War.

Mr. David Estrin, Chief Executive of “Together We Remember”, spoke about his organization and how he founded it in recognition of his grandparents who were four Holocaust survivors. He explained how he developed this body to transform the memory of genocide and mass atrocity crimes into prevention methods and as a scheme to prevent genocide from happening once more in the world. His organization encourages the leaders of tomorrow to exercise leadership today and to follow the motto of “never again”. Mr. Estrin also wishes to empower young people to lead the way, until violence is completely removed from the world. Moreover, the presenter stated that his objective is to wholly remove genocide, mass atrocities and identity-based violence by 2048.

Mr. Robert Singer, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the World Jewish Congress started by commenting on how the world needs to be more hospitable and welcoming towards every religion, race, and culture. He recommended specific methods of how societies could become more inclusive and respectful concerning different viewpoints, opinions, and ideologies. He ended his speech by stating how respecting others is the most essential element in preventing mass atrocities from taking place today.

Are you interested in finding out more? Check out this link to the full event:

http://webtv.un.org/watch/united-nations-civil-society-briefing-a-matter-of-humanity-the-rescue-of-jews-in-albania-during-the-holocaust/5997046246001/