Identifying the Vital Role that Civil Society Plays in Advocating for Realizing Human Rights In observance of 75th Anniversary of UDHR and Human Rights Day
2023-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The NGO Committee on Ageing and NGO Committee on Human Rights Invite you to join us to the upcoming event:
Identifying the Vital Role that Civil Society Plays in Advocating for Realizing Human Rights
In observance of
75th Anniversary of UDHR and Human Rights Day
Wednesday 13 December 1-3pm EST (In Person only)
Church Center of the UN
777 United Nations Plaza, NY, NY
Civil society ensures that the voices of all people are heard while bringing their lived experience throughout the lifespan. Not all persons are protected equally. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Right (UDHR), two NGOs, OHCHR and US will address important role of NGOs.
Speakers
NGO Committee on Ageing/NY Chair, William Smith, Moderator.
Frances Zainoeddin and Bethany Brown, co-chairs of Human Rights subcommittee and a speaker from the US Task Force on Human Rights of older persons(Invited).
NGO Committee on Human Rights Co-chair Bobbi Nassar Moderator.
Renzo Pomi, UN Representative, Amnesty International
Mandeep Tiwana, Chief Officer -Evidence and Engagement, CIVICUS
OHCHR 75th anniversary outcomes and path forward.
Christian Courtis, Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights
Perspective from a Member State: Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Administration for Community Living, HHS
To learn more about the event please refer to the Concept Note : https://www.ngocoa-ny.org/ngos-program-13-dec-2023.pdf
Please RSVP: Cynthia.stuen@gmail.com
Discussion followed by refreshments.

CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. Visit here for specific information:
NGO Committee on Ageing
NGO Committee on Ageing Vienna
NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva.

Informal meeting of the plenary to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Awards Ceremony for the 2023 UN Prizes in the field of Human Rights
2023-12-15 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Informal meeting of the plenary to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to hold the awards ceremony for the United Nations Prizes in the field of Human Rights for 2023
Friday, 15 December 2023, 10:00 to 13:00
United Nations Headquarters, General Assembly Hall
The Award Ceremony for the 2023 United Nations Human Rights Prize will serve as an occasion to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This event will take place on 15 December 2023 at 10.00 a.m., in the General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters.
Interested NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC are invited to attend.
Letters announcing this event from the President of the UN General Assembly are available to view at: PGA Letter of 25 October 2023 and PGA Letter & Programme of 4 December 2023

CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. Contacts for specific information:

NGO Committee on Human Rights
Co-Chair: Bruce Knotts | Unitarian Universalist Association | bknotts@uua.org

NGO Committee on Human Rights (Geneva)
Co-President: Léonie de Piccioto | International Council of Jewish Women | aldep777@gmail.com

CoNGO 75th Anniversary Commemoration in Geneva and the Sixth Global Thematic Webinar
2023-12-15 13:30 - 17:30 (Atlantic/Azores)
The Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in
Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)
and co-organizer

with co-sponsors

invite you to the
CoNGO 75th Anniversary Commemoration in Geneva
and the
Sixth Global Thematic Webinar
CoNGO and UDHR: Celebrating 75 Years
December 15, 2023
Geneva 13:30 – 17:45 CET | New York 7:30 – 11:45 EDT | Nairobi 15:30-19:45 EAT
Bangkok 1:30-5:45 ICT Dec. 16 | Fiji 00:30-4:45 FJT Dec. 16
Rio de Janeiro 9:30-12:45 BRT | Beirut 14:30 – 18:45 BRT
Time Zone Calculator
Venue: In-person (Main Hall, Ecumenical Centre, Geneva) and Online (Zoom)
This event will also be live-streamed on YouTube.
Language interpretation in English, Arabic, French and Spanish
Register for In-Person Participation
Register for Online Participation
Concept Note Ver. 7.0
A. In commemoration of its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO) has organized three Commemorative Events (chronologically Vienna, Bangkok, and New York) and five Global Thematic Webinars generating engagement, cooperation, and action on global issues that constitute the core of ongoing programs of non-governmental and civil society organizations. These sessions have been conceived in the spirit of CoNGO’s commemorative motto, “Defining the Present, Shaping the Future, Making the Change Now.”
B. The Civil Society Summit on Substantive Issues, “Shaping the Future: The UN We Need for the World We Want,” held by CoNGO on 8 October 2021, highlighted global justice among all humanity’s significant global critical concerns. The Summit brought together over 1,000 participants worldwide to contribute experience and competencies, share doubts about our current world, and collectively articulate aspirations and proposals we must achieve for the world we want. The Civil Society Summit was rich in outlining concepts and actions needed to shape the future. As a direct outcome, the CoNGO General Assembly resolved to use the outcome of the Summit—the Synthesis Report—as a substantive basis for CoNGO’s programmatic direction, especially highlighting it in 2023, CoNGO’s 75th-anniversary year. The assembly agreed to convene a series of six high-level global thematic webinars throughout 2023 to engage a global constituency on the critical themes articulated at the Summit and to elaborate on the agenda, responses, and actions necessary to implement the anniversary theme.
C. The first webinar (March 2, 2023) focused on social justice, particularly migration, racial, and health justice. The second webinar (June 5, 2023) focused on pursuing global justice and solidarity, particularly realizing Agenda 2030, sustainable development and humanitarian action. The third webinar (August 31, 2023) focused on gender justice, youth and intra- and intergenerational justice and solidarity for future generations. The fourth webinar (September 7) focused on peace, human security and the threats to the security and sustainability of people and the planet, continuing what previous webinars had explored—engaging CoNGO’s constituency in a deeper dive into the UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s “Our Common Agenda,” including the proposed convening in 2024 of a Summit of the Future, which was projected to offer what was being called the “Pact for the Future.” The webinar also examined the UN SG’s Policy Brief on A New Agenda for Peace. The policy brief included recommendations “to achieve more effective multilateral action for peace and security, based on international law, for a world in transition.” The “A New Agenda for Peace” was framed around the core principles of trust, solidarity, and universality that were the foundations of the UN Charter and a stable world. It presented twelve concrete sets of proposals for action in five priority areas.” The fifth webinar (October 27) focused on cooperation with the United Nations System, built into the purposes and operations of numerous NGOs/CSOs. The UN and NGOs struggle individually and collectively, every day and every year, to meet the needs, sufferings, and aspirations of people and the planet in a time when global inequities are widening, human rights are under renewed threat, a climate emergency time bomb is ticking, and millions affected by ongoing or new catastrophes are off the public screen. Debt crises, inequalities, wars and conflicts have prevented many governments from providing their citizens with adequate health, education, social protection and other human rights. All these topics are the elements of ongoing UN-NGO interaction, both in conference halls and in rural and urban settings worldwide. The sixth and final webinar will be focused on human rights, allowing for a double commemoration of the 75th anniversaries of both CoNGO and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
D. The Fourth Anniversary Event and the Sixth Thematic Webinar will be held in Geneva on December 15, 2023, honoring and sharing in the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 10 is Human Rights Day). It is also relevant that 2023 is the 75th Anniversary of the World Health Organization, UN Peacekeeping Operations, and the ILO Convention on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize. It is also the 75th Anniversary of the CoNGO Member Organization, the World Council of Churches, based in Geneva, which will host the sessions. The first director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, Dr. O. Frederick Nolde, is credited for drafting Article 18 of the UDHR, dealing with, among others, freedom of religion. WCC was a founding member of CoNGO in 1948. The World Federation for Mental Health, a long-serving CoNGO member who will join us on December 15, also celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year.

E. It is foreseen that Items 4-7 in Section F below will be based on presentations of the present and desired future of human rights commitments, obligations and aspirations in each sub-thematic area. It will also consider the strides in developing a right to development and the right of future generations and the intersections between human rights and planetary justice in the age of the Anthropocene. Among the categories to be referenced will be women’s rights, older persons’ rights, migrants’ rights, labor/worker’s rights, the actions and safety of human rights defenders and environmental rights defenders, and lawyers and journalists engaged in protecting and promoting human rights, closing the gaps in the implementation of United Nations Conventions and Covenants; and more. Much like the previous five, the discussions in this last webinar aim to engage the UN 2020 General Assembly Declaration on the commemoration of the UN 75th anniversary and to produce NGO contributions to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Our Common Agenda, the UN Summit of the Future and related Pact for the Future and the 11 Policy Briefs.

F. Programme
See Speaker Bios
SEGMENT I: Moderated by CoNGO President Liberato Bautista
13:30-14:19
1. Introduction and Message by Liberato Bautista (CoNGO President)
2. Welcome and Keynote Address by Jerry Pillay, General Secretary, World Council of Churches (Delivered by Kenneth Mtata, WCC Programme Director for Public Witness and Diakonia)
3. Keynote Addresses from the UN System
a. Director General Tatiana Valovaya (Delivered by Sophie Torelli-Chironi, NGO Liaison Unit, United Nations Office at Geneva)
b. Written Communication from Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
c. Ibrahim Salama (Chief, Human Rights Treaties Division, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)
d. Lina Nykanen-Rettaroli (Senior Technical Lead for Human Rights, World Health Organization)

SEGMENT II: Moderated by Cyril Ritchie (CoNGO First Vice President)
14:20-15:31
e. Ruth Marlyn Grace Sidabutar (World Summit on the Information Society | International Telecommunication Union) (human rights and ICTs)
f. Barbara Reynolds (Chair, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent) (human rights and racism)
4. Human Rights, women and gender justice:
a. Jane Aeberhard-Hodges (Former Director, Gender Bureau, ILO) (human rights in the context of the 75th anniversaries of the UDHR and the Freedom of Association as a fundamental human right
b. Carolyn Handschin (Chair, NGO Committee on Status of Women Geneva)
c. Casey Harden (General Secretary, World YWCA)
5. Human Rights in the Age of the Anthropocene
a. Human Rights and the Right to Development (Shyami Puvimanasinghe, Human Rights Officer, Right to Development Section, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights)
b. Human Rights and Economic and Environmental Justice (Budi Tjahjono, International Advocacy Director, Franciscans International and Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights)

BREAK FOR 10 MINUTES
15:32-15:42

SEGMENT III: Moderated by Manjit Dosanjh (International Cancer Expert Corps, CoNGO Board Member)
15:43-16:45
6. Human Rights and Specific Populations and Concerns
a. Human rights and health (Manjit Dosanjh, International Cancer Expert Corps)
b. UDHR and Freedom of religion or belief (Ganoune Diop, Seventh-Day Adventist | International Religious Liberty Association)
c. Migration and human rights of migrants (Torsten Moritz, Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe)
d. Human rights, minorities and indigenous peoples (Antine Sonde, Associate Human Rights Officer, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights)
e. Human rights, food sovereignty and human security (Manoj Kurian, Coordinator, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance)
f. Human Rights and Ethics (Fadi Daou, Globethics.net)
g. Human rights education and learning (Elisa Gazzotti, Soka Gakkai International)
h. Intergenerational Justice and Solidarity (Alejandro Bonilla, NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva | Greycells)

SEGMENT IV: Moderated by CoNGO President Liberato Bautista
16:46-17:05
7. Navigating the Future
a. Human Rights and the Building of a New Eco-Social World: Navigating Future Directions (Joan Davis-Whelan, Vice President, International Federation of Social Workers)
b. Towards the UN Summit of the Future (2024): Strengthening the UN System, Reinforcing Human Rights (Jan Lonn, Secretary-General, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations)
8. Concluding remarks by Liberato C. Bautista (CoNGO President)

G. Reception
17:06 to 17:45
A reception at the Ecumenical Center will follow after the programme.
For inquiries, contact:

Liberato C. Bautista Cyril Ritchie
CoNGO President CoNGO First Vice President president@ngocongo.org firstvp@ngocongo.org

13 December 2023 (Version 7.0)

Language and Human Rights—A Dialogue Forum Celebrating 75 Years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
2023-12-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
**Call for Participation**

Language and Human Rights

A Dialogue Forum Celebrating 75 Years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

18 December 2023

The NGO Committee on Language and Languages presents a dialogue forum celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 2 of this landmark achievement in articulating fundamental human rights enshrines the right to non-discrimination based on language. Later UN covenants and declarations strengthen language rights. Professor Robert Phillipson, a world-leading expert on language rights, will discuss the intersection of language and human rights, and the increasing recognition of linguistic human rights in national and international law. Representatives of NGOs, Secretariat and UN agency staff, colleagues from Member States, scholars, and others interested in language rights are invited to participate in the dialogue forum.

Professor Robert Phillipson is an internationally leading expert on language rights. A recipient of the Linguapax prize, he has published over 200 articles and books and lectured on language rights throughout the world. Most recently, together with Tove Skutnabb-Kangas, he served as editor of the Handbook of Linguistic Human Rights, published by Wiley.
Format
The meeting will take place on 18 December 2023 from 10:00-11:00 EST/New York via Zoom. It is anticipated that interpreting will be provided in English, French, and Spanish.

Registration
Interested individuals from diplomatic missions, UN entities, civil society, academia, intergovernmental organizations, among others may register for the dialogue forum by completing this general registration form no later than 15 December.

CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. For specific information about the NGO Committee on Language and Languages, contact Francis M. Hult | Universal Esperanto Association | UEA | fmhult@umbc.edu

NGO CSW/NY December Monthly Meeting
2023-12-19 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
NGO CSW/NY December Monthly Meeting
Climate, Migration and Poverty

Date: Tuesday, 19 December 2023
Time: 11am – 1:00pm EST (Find your timezone)
Location: Virtual on Zoom

NGO CSW/NY’s December Monthly Meeting will focus on climate-related forced migration and its connections to the CSW68 Priority and Review Themes.
Following the conclusions around climate held in the COP 28 Outcome Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace, this meeting aims to fill in the gaps from the COP 28 process and highlight the needs, priorities, and promising solutions for addressing the multiple intersecting challenges of climate, migration and poverty.
Panel discussants will provide global and local perspectives on the gender dimensions of climate and poverty, and will present alternative solutions for collective action. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists through a Q&A segment, and the floor will then be opened for a guided interactive discussion centered on framing advocacy and strengthening coalitions in preparation for addressing these issues during CSW 68.

Register to attend

CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. For more specific information:

NGO Committee on Status of Women/New York
NGO Committee on Status of Women Vienna
NGO Committee on Status of Women Geneva

NGO CSW/NY January Monthly Meeting
2024-01-16 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
SAVE THE DATE
NGO CSW/NY January Monthly Meeting
Education as a Pathway to achieving gender equality

Date: Tuesday, 16 January 2023
Time: 11am – 1:00pm EST (Find your timezone)
Location: Virtual on Zoom

When people have access to quality education they can break the cycle of poverty and address issues of gender inequality. Education reduces the chances of poverty being transmitted between generation. Inequities are reduced by advancing skills and connectivity in underdeveloped regions by providing basic necessities such as drinking water, food, sanitation and shelter. These disadvantages in education also translate into lack of access to skills and limited opportunities in the labor market for women.
At our January monthly meeting we showcase multilateral efforts to achieve SDG4 – good quality education: What are the successes and what are the failures? We will seek to answer some key questions:
1. How does the work of the UN system promote quality education to break the cycle of poverty?
2. How can CSOs engage and/or partner with organizations to ensure a protracted education in the midst of crisis?

Register to attend

The NGO Committee on Ageing In Cooperation with the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC)calls your attention to upcoming event—YOUTH AT THE UN: WHERE DOES AGING FIT IN?
2024-01-18 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
The NGO Committee on Ageing In Cooperation with the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC)calls your attention to upcoming event:
YOUTH AT THE UN: WHERE DOES AGING FIT IN?
“How Can We Engage UN Youth in Advocacy Work for the
Human Rights of Older Persons?”
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
11:00AM – 12:30 PM ET
Virtual Program. Use this link (no registration required)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87375816960
Younger people have a strong presence at the United Nations. They make their voices heard as new policies and programs are developed. Older persons’ voices need to be heard too and are often forgotten in discussions of human rights. Join us in a lively discussion that will explore ways in which advocates for older persons and advocates for youth–the ‘future generation of older people’–can learn to work in partnership to advance human rights throughout the lifespan.
PROGRAM
William Smith, Chair, Welcome and Chair’s Report
NGO Committee on Ageing/NY
Speaker:
Amal Abou Rafeh, Chief, Programme on Ageing Section, Division for Inclusive Social Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations
Respondents:
Ediola Pashollari, President of the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) and Secretary General of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY)
Uwem Robert OTU, President Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) and Senior Advisor, African Youth Movement
Moderator: Sandra Timmermann, Chair, Intergenerational Task Force, NGO CoA/NY and Secretary, Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC).
www.ngocoa-ny.org

Civil Society Regional Consultation for the Americas in the lead up to the CND Mid-Term Review
2024-01-18 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Civil Society Regional Consultation for the Americas in
the lead up to the CND Mid-Term Review
Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español.
Por favor role para baixo para ver a versão em português.

The Vienna & New York NGO Committees are pleased to invite you to participate in the Americas regional civil society consultation in preparations for the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) Mid-term review in 2024. The consultation will take place ONLINE on 18 January 12noon to 2PM EST. (please check here for converting into your respective time zone)
The CND Mid-term review is a process that aims to assess the implementation of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration on strengthening actions at the national, regional and international levels to accelerate the implementation of joint commitments to address and counter the world drug problem. The review will also identify challenges and gaps, as well as best practices and lessons learned, in order to inform future actions and strategies.
As a civil society representative working on drug related issues and based in the Americas, your participation in this consultation is valuable and important.
If you are interested in participating in this consultation, please fill out this online registration form by 15 January 2024. You will receive a confirmation email with further details and instructions on how to join the consultations.
We look forward to hearing from you and engaging with you in this important process.

Register

10th Anniversary Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs—Human Rights and Dignity: Towards a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future
2024-01-23 08:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
10th Anniversary Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs
Human Rights and Dignity: Towards a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Hybrid (Register here for online participation)
Physical Venue: 8th Floor Conference Room, Church Center for the United Nations (777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017)
LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH, ARABIC and SIGN
Sponsoring Organizations:
ACT Alliance, General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, Islamic
Relief, Religions for Peace, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Soka Gakkai International, United
Religions Initiative, World Council of Churches, UN Women, UNFPA, UN Office on the Prevention of Genocide
In partnership with:
UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Development
The 2024 Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-based Organizations in International Affairs marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. A decade ago, faith-based partners initiated this symposium, which coincided with Martin Luther King’s birthday and aimed at fostering dialogue on the intricate interplay between religion and international affairs. With a deliberate inclusion of UN member states and entities, the symposium sought to create a platform for collaborative policymaking and constructive engagement.
In 2016, the second symposium established a strong partnership with the UN Interagency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development, creating an annual policy dialogue involving UN entities, member states, faith-based actors, and civil society to address pressing global challenges. Past themes have included a wide range of critical issues related to human rights, the prevention of atrocity crimes and their incitement, the promotion of peace, inclusion, and combating systemic injustice. The upcoming 10th Symposium will reiterate commitment to human rights and dignity. It aims to inspire collective action for a compassionate society and aligns with World Interfaith Harmony Week that will take place from 1 – 7 February 2024 to promote understanding among diverse religious communities worldwide.
See Full Concept Note
See program
Register

Speaker Bios

OVERALL MODERATORS
Ms Simona Cruciani, OSAPG

Simona Cruciani serves as a Senior Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations Office on the Prevention of Genocide (UNOSAPG) where she is the Head of Programs and the focal point for the implementation of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on hate Speech. Before joining the UNOSAPG, Simona served in United Nations field operations, respectively from 2004 to 2006 in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Burundi as an Electoral and Civil Affairs Officer, and from 2006 to 2008 at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan as a Civil Affairs Officer.
Simona’s focus has primarily been on preventing and responding to atrocity crimes as well as supporting human security, democratization and human rights in conflict and post-conflict situations. Simona owns a master’s degrees in Contemporary History, International Affairs and Public Health.

Mr Rudelmar Bueno de Farcia, General Secretary, ACT Alliance
Rudelmar Bueno de Faria (Brazil) is the General Secretary (CEO) of the ACT Alliance, an international coalition of 140 churches and faith-based organizations working together in humanitarian, development and advocacy work in over 125 countries. Prior to this, he served as the World Council of Churches Representative to the United Nations and Deputy Director for the Lutheran World Service. He has over 30 years of experience working with national and international faith-based organizations. His education embraces business administration, international relations and foreign trade. He has post-graduation studies on Diakonia and Community Development and several specialization courses related to international, humanitarian and human rights laws.
Rudelmar is the former co-chair of the United Nations Multi-Faith Advisory Council, member of the UN Steering Committee for the Implementation of the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence, Commissioner of the UN High-Level Commission of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Follow-up and member of the COVAX Facility AMC Engagement Group. Rudelmar has extensive expertise in areas such as Gender Justice, Climate Justice, Peace and Human Security, Migration and Displacement, and Humanitarian Response and Disaster Risk Reduction. He is a member of the Steering Committee on Humanitarian Response (SCHR), member of the Advisory Board for the Humanitarian Encyclopedia, and member of the NGO Working Group on the UN Security Council.

HIGH LEVEL OPENING

Ms Alice Wairimu Nderitu, OSAPG
Alice Wairimu Nderitu of Kenya is Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. Ms. Nderitu is a recognized voice in the field of peacebuilding and atrocity crimes prevention. As mediator of armed conflicts, she served as a member of the African Unions Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (Fem-Wise), the Women Waging Peace Network and Global Alliance of Women Mediators. She contributed to defining the role of women mediators, as one of the few women who are signatories to peace agreements as a mediator.
She previously served as Commissioner of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Kenya; Director, Education for Social Justice at Fahamu; Head of the human rights education department of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and was a Commonwealth Exchange Fellow at the South African Human Rights Commission. She was also a member of the Concerned Citizens for Peace, a group of Elders facilitating peace confidentially between African leaders at the highest levels.
Ms. Nderitu holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Keene State College, a Master’s Degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature and Philosophy from the University of Nairobi.

Ms Diene Keita, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Deputy Executive Director (program), UNFPA
Ms. Diene Keita is the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund. Prior to this, she served as Minister of Cooperation and African Integration of the Republic of Guinea, and brings to this position nearly 30 years of experience including senior leadership with the United Nations.
Ms. Keita first joined to the United Nations System in 2006 as UNDP Program Officer in New York. Subsequently, she served as UNDP Deputy Representative in Africa and the Caribbean, and Representative to the African Union in Addis Ababa.
During her tenure at UN System, Ms. Keita served as UNFPA Representative in Mauritania, Benin, DRC and Nigeria (two of UNFPA’s largest programs worldwide). Concurrently, she was the UN Resident Coordinator in Mauritania, Benin and DRC. During this period, Ms. Keita led with success large and complex public health programs, expanded strategic partnerships and mobilized critical resources to support efficient delivery at local and global level.
Throughout her career, Ms. Keita has worked extensively on women and youth empowerment, inclusive growth, demographic issues and sustainable human development, sexual and reproductive health, as well as gender-based violence issues in the context of humanitarian crises.
Dr Keita holds a doctorate in law, summa cum laude, a DEA in international economics and development law, and a DESS in international relations from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne and is fluent in English, French and Italian, among other languages.

Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary, World Council of Churches

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Pillay was previously dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. A member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, he is from South Africa.
When he became part of the leadership of the Uniting Presbyterian Church, he was appointed to serve on the WCC central committee, and was also appointed to the board of trustees of the Council for World Mission. He also served on the National Executive of the South African Council of Churches for many years, and was the first President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches from 2010 – 2017.
His first formal engagement with the WCC was at the WCC 9th Assembly in 2006, where he served as a delegate from his denomination. He brings to the general secretary position his desire for the churches to come together. With church unity as one of his absolute priorities, he also believes that churches need to offer guidance and direction to a suffering world.

SESSION 1: Upholding Human Dignity: Respecting Rights, Flourishing Humanity

MODERATOR
Ms Audrey Kitigawa, President/Founder, International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation
Audrey E. Kitagawa, JD, is the President/Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, and the former Advisor to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations.
She is the Chair of the Anti-Racism Initiative, and Gender Equality Working Group, and a member of the Advisory Council of the G20 Interfaith Forum. She is a United Nations Representative for the United Religions Initiative, a board member of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, and a member of the Advisory Council of Global Security Institute.
She has been listed in Who’s Who Of American Law, Who’s Who Of American Women, Who’s Who In America, Who’s Who In The World, and Prominent People of Hawaii. She is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which celebrates diversity, and the importance of immigrants to the economic and social success of the United States for her work in multiculturalism, Asian women’s history and empowerment, and spiritual leadership. She is the recipient of the Medal “Pride of Eurasia” and a Diploma from the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Education and Science L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University for her outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and education in Eurasia.

PANELISTS
Dr Ganoune Diop, Director, Public Affairs and Religious Liverty, Seventh-day Adventist Church
Ganoune Diop, PhD, is the Director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department (PARL) at the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. He is the Secretary General of the International Religious Liberty Association. He is also the Secretary of the Conference of General Secretaries of the Christian World Communions.
Dr. Ganoune Diop was the director of the United Nations Relations of the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists.
Previous to his current functions, he was the Director of the Five World Religions and Philosophies Study Centers (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Secularism and Postmodernism).
He regularly trains leaders in capacity building in reference to peace, justice, and human rights: the pillars of the United Nations. In the ecumenical world and interfaith partnerships, Dr. Diop participated as advisor to the Public Issues Committee at the WCC General Assembly in Busan, Korea. He was also invited as advisor to the work of the reference Policy Committee of the Central Committee of the WCC.
Dr. Diop was granted a doctorate Honoris Causa for his work in helping promote a culture of human rights grounded on human dignity. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Thomas Kane Religious Freedom Award, from the well-known J. Rueben Clark Law Society in Philadelphia, United States of America. In 2019, he received the Award of Excellence: Ambassador for Liberty and Peace – Jean Nussbaum & Eleanor Roosevelt at the United Nations in Geneva. In 2020, Dr. Diop was one of four recipients of the Charles Elliott Weniger Society for Excellence Award of Excellence, Loma Linda University.
Bio adapted from: https://www.rfp.org/leadership_member/dr-ganoune-diop-phd-2/

Ms Elisa Gazzotti, SGI Representative to the UN, Human Rights Education Focal Point and Chair of NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education
Elisa Gazzotti works as programme coordinator for Human Rights Education at Soka Gakkai International Office for UN Affairs. In 2018 she was appointed as the chair of the NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning, a coalition of non-governmental organizations that advocates for human rights education at the United Nations, to ensure implementation at the national and local level.
From 2020-2022 Elisa served as the co-chair of the Human Rights Engagement Task Team of the Global Protection cluster led by UNHCR. Before joining Soka Gakkai International Elisa was working with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy and UNDP in Amman, Jordan. Elisa holds an Executive Master in International Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts with a thesis on ‘Women’s protection in Syria and Iraq’ from the Geneva Academy in Geneva, Switzerland and a Master in International Relations from ‘Università degli Studi di Pavia’ Italy.

Mr Atallah Fitzgibbon, Faith and Partnership Adviser, Islamic Relief Worldwide
Atallah FitzGibbon has worked in local economic and social development both in the public and voluntary sector in the UK and overseas. Most recently over the last 20 years he has served at Islamic Relief Worldwide as International Programmes Director, Head of Policy & Strategy and Head of Global Advocacy. Currently as Faith & Partnerships Advisor at Islamic Relief Worldwide, he currently leads IRW’s engagement and partnerships on faith-based approaches to tackling the major challenges of our time.
Atallah has led the development of Islamic Relief’s last two global strategies between 2009-21, which has involved leading on the drive to improve faith literacy and localisation within IRW’s work and the development of IRW’s conceptual framework and theory of change on human development. This included developing our policies on Islamic social financing and approaches. As Global Advocacy Manager Atallah focussed heavily on faith community contribution to the SDGs and refugee protection. Atallah leads IRW’s work on faith-based approaches to peace-building and has been active in recent initiatives and research that has focussed on the role of faith-based actors in refugee protection and conflict transformation. He is active both in the World of Neighbours initiative in Europe as well as KAICID’s Network for Dialogue which explores the role of interreligious and intercultural dialogue for the social inclusion of migrants and people seeking refuge in Europe.

Mr Michael Wiener, Human Rights Officer, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva
Michael Wiener has been working since 2006 at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including for five years supporting the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and now working in the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-discrimination Branch. He was also part of the core team organizing the expert workshops that led to the adoption of the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. Since 2017, he has been working on the design and implementation of the Beirut Declaration and its 18 commitments on “Faith for Rights”. In addition, he has been a Visiting Fellow of Kellogg College at the University of Oxford since 2011. During his UN sabbatical leave in the summer of 2022, he was also a Senior Fellow in Residence at the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.

SESSION 2: Gender Equality, Peace, and Eradicating Violence

MODERATOR
Ms Dawn Minott, Advisor, Gender and Gender-Based Violence with Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus focus at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
With over 20 years of progressive experience at the United Nations, Dawn Minott has dedicated her efforts to advocacy for sexual reproductive health, gender equality and youth empowerment working with UN Women, United Nations Development Program and currently UNFPA. Her current role involves setting normative standards from a gender perspective to guide how UNFPA’s work, with a particular focus on gender-based violence, can be strengthened by working across the continuum of humanitarian, development, and peace-responsive actions.
Dawn’s career has spanned diverse roles from Head of Office to Special Assistant to the UNFPA Executive Director. She’s served at the country, regional, sub-regional and headquarters levels across duty stations in Barbados, Jamaica, South Africa, and Nigeria, and the UNFPA Headquarters in NY.
Dawn is also committed to cultural diversity and social justice. She serves as Diversity Equity and Inclusion Corporate Advocate for UNFPA and holds certification for that function. She also holds a MA degree from York University, Canada. She actively engages in nurturing young professionals and team members through mentorship and professional development. Outside of work, Dawn wears many creative hats. As a published author, poet, blogger, and motivational speaker she channels her creativity to inspire and connect with diverse audiences. She also serves as a ministry leader within her church community testimony to a holistic approach to her personal and professional life.

PANELISTS
Ms Karen Volker, Director of Partnership and Violence Prevention, United Religions Initiative
Karen Volker was born and raised in California before starting her international journey of diplomacy and violence prevention. She joined URI in January 2023 after a ten-year stint at Cure Violence Global (CVG), a community-based violence prevention nonprofit, and a 26-year career at the U.S. Department of State as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service. At CVG, Karen specialized in adapting the model to different social and cultural contexts and different types of violence.
While at the State Department, Karen spent over a decade overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign assistance programming in a variety of regions undergoing transition (including Central & Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Balkans, and the Middle East). Other areas of focus include countering violent extremism and multilateral diplomacy, especially vis-a-vis the European Union. At URI, Karen focuses on expanding URI’s partnerships and brings intentionality and effective practice to sharpen URI’s mandate to reduce religiously motivated violence worldwide. Karen represents URI at the United Nations, seeking to strengthen and expand relationships with partners as well as influencing global policies to advance interfaith cooperation, prevent violence, and promote cultures of peace, justice, and healing.

Rev Dr Elaine Neuenfeldt, Gender justice Program Manager, ACT Alliance
As a Gender Program Manager at ACT Alliance, Elaine Neuenfeldt leads the development of the work on gender justice and mainstreaming across the global network of faith-based organizations. Elaine has a PhD in Theology and she has academic research and teaching exploring the ethical and transformative implications of religion and faith in the intersection of gender justice and human rights. Elaine has also developed expertise in cross-cultural teamwork, policy development, and networking with multiple stakeholders at different levels and regions.
Elaine has acquired experience and knowledge in advocacy for women human rights, participating in designing curriculum for training and capacity sharing for faith actors, jointly with other ecumenical and interfaith organizations.
In a challenging time when religion and faith (institutions, movements and leaders) are becoming major actors in public space, to be agents of change or, sometimes, strong impediments for implementing women human rights and gender justice, Elaine has been dedicating time and knowledge sharing on developing methodologies with faith-based organizations developing critical narratives and practices on faith, religion, and theological understandings.

Mr Jimmie Briggs, Co-Founder and Director, Man Up Campaign
Jimmie Briggs has more than two decades of experience as a journalist, author, and activist. He was a co-founder and executive director emeritus of Man Up Campaign, a global initiative to activate youth to stop violence against women and girls. This led to his selection as the winner of the 2010 GQ Magazine “Better Men Better World” search, and as one of the Women’s eNews ‘21 Leaders for the 21st Century’. Jimmie has served as an adjunct professor of investigative journalism at the New School for Social Research and was a George A Miller Visiting Professor in the Department of African and African American Studies at the University of Illinois: Champaign-Urbana.
For a decade, he has been an adjunct teacher of documentary journalism at the International Center of Photography. As a journalist, he has written for scores of publications following staff tenures at The Washington Post, The Village Voice, LIFE magazine and others. The recipient of honors for his work as a journalist and advocate, he’s been a National Magazine Award finalist, recipient of honors from the Open Society Institute, National Association of Black Journalists, the Carter Center for Mental Health Journalism, the Congressional Black Caucus, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, among many others. His 2005 book Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War took readers into the lives of war-affected children around the world in half a dozen countries. His next book project is an oral history of Ferguson, Missouri in the wake of Michael Brown’s death in 2014. He currently contributes to Vanity Fair, AARP, and other publications. Jimmie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors, in Philosophy, from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as a Medal of Distinction from Barnard College. He lives in New York City.

Dr Azza Karam, President, Women’s Learning Partnership
Dr. Azza Karam is the President and CEO of the Women’s Learning Partnership; serves as a member of the United Nations’ Secretary General High Level Advisory Board on Multilateralism; and also as a Professor of Religion and Development at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam (The Netherlands). She is Secretary General Emerita of Religions for Peace International.
She served for nearly two decades in the United Nations (in UNDP and UNFPA), where she Coordinated the Arab Human Development Reports, co-founded and Chaired the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion – with over 20 UN system bodies – and founded and convened its Multi Faith Advisory Council, as part of the 750 global NGO database she coordinated. During her tenure at the United Nations, Azza was a Lead Facilitator, Coordinator and Coach, for a methodology she pioneered: peer to peer “Strategic Learning Exchanges”, on religion, development and diplomacy.
Apart from the work in the United States, she has worked with other intergovernmental and international organizations such as the OSCE, the EU, and International IDEA in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and East and Central Asia, where she created and managed global programs on Women and Politics, Democracy and/In the Middle East, and Applied Research on Democracy. She has lectured and taught in various universities, including West Point Military Academy (from 2002 to 2018). She has published widely, and was translated into several languages (on political Islam, gender and women’s rights, Human Rights, democracy, conflict, peacemaking, and education). She has received multiple awards, including for her work on/in the United Nations, as well as in/on Interfaith work and Culture. She was awarded an honorary Degree by John Cabot University in 2022. Born in Egypt, Azza is also a citizen of the Netherlands.

SESSION 3: Key Learnings for a Just, Peaceable and Inclusive Future

MODERATOR
Rev. Dr. Liberato Bautista, President, Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship wirh the United Nations (CoNGO)
The Rev. Dr. Liberato C. Bautista is a civil society leader whose professional life has been dedicated to working with faith-based, ecumenical and non-governmental organizations worldwide, spanning the last four decades. He serves as President of CoNGO, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations. He is an ordained minister of The United Methodist Church. He has served for 27 years to the present as Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs of the General Board of Church and Society.
Bautista represents CoNGO and UMC-GBCS as an NGO representative to the United Nations worldwide. He previously chaired the Council of Organizations of the United Nations Association of the USA (COO UNA-USA) and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN (CRNGO). Bautista studied political science, history, and international studies at the University of the Philippines and religion and social and political ethics at Drew University (USA) and was awarded in 2016 a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, by Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines. Bautista is a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS). He received the 1996 Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from Drew University and recognition in 2017 by the Korea Democracy Foundation for his contributions to the democratization and struggle for peace and justice in the Korean Peninsula. Bautista has taught in university, college, and seminary settings and has published on varied subjects, including international affairs and multilateralism, NGO and civil society, social and political ethics, theology and religion, ecumenism, religious liberty, human rights and human dignity, Indigenous peoples, global and forced migration, and peace, justice, and social transformation. For more information about Bautista, including his publications, visit bit.ly/47DL0hf and https://bit.ly/4aYLDVv.

PANELISTS
Mr Anwar Khan, President, Islamic Relief USA
Anwar Khan, a distinguished humanitarian leader, holds a Master’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. As the co-founder and current president of Islamic Relief USA, he brings over 30 years of invaluable experience in the field of humanitarian and development assistance. He has served on the boards of Inter Action and US Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA). He has also served in the U.S. State Department’s Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group, where he advised on humanitarian issues and the intersection of faith and development.
Currently, he serves on the board of World Food Program USA, Joint Learning Initiative and the Alliance to End Hunger. He is on the Advisory Council for the Muslim Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University.
As President of IRUSA, Anwar has prioritized programs that elevate human dignity and advocates for strengthening resilience to climate change and natural disasters. He also helped ensure that the organization continues to hold governments accountable for their commitments under the Paris Agreement and fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to climate change. Throughout his work, he always emphasized community security through peacebuilding activities, behavior change campaigns, and youth empowerment and involvement. The organization is involved in strengthening food security, famine prevention, climate change, and increasing advocacy.

Ms Emily Kenney, Policy Specialist, Rule of Law, UN Women
Emily Kenney is a Policy Specialist on Rule of Law and Transitional Justice at UN Women headquarters, where she works in the Peace, Security and Resilience Section on women’s access to justice in conflict-affected countries and accountability for conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Emily holds a J.D. from NYU School of Law, an M.Phil from the University of Cape Town in Justice & Transformation Studies, and a B.A. from Tufts University.

Mr Peter Prove, Director, International Affairs, World Council of Churches
Peter Prove, Director, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) at the World Council of Churches (WCC) since 2014 (responsible for WCC programs in the fields of human rights, peacebuilding and disarmament, and for relations with the UN system). Previously Executive Director, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), 2010-2014; Assistant General Secretary for International Affairs and Human Rights, Lutheran World Federation (LWF), 1997-2010; and a lawyer in private legal practice in Australia, 1986-1996.
Extensive experience of interfaith networking for human rights, peace and development. Numerous leadership roles in UN and civil society contexts, including as President of the NGO Special Committee on Human Rights (Geneva), 2000-2008; member of the UN International Task Team on HIV-related Travel Restrictions, 2008; member of the UNCTAD Expert Advisory Group on Promoting Responsible Sovereign Lending and Borrowing, 2009; member of the UNAIDS International Advisory Group on Universal Access, 2011; member of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Councils network 2012-2014; member of Steering Group of International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD), 2018 to date; founding member of the International NGO Committee on Human Rights in Trade and Investment (INCHRITI); and founding member of the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN).

H.E Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, Grand Mufti, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council; Co-Moderator, African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace; Co-President, Religions for Peace
Sheikh Mubaje was born in Bungokho in Mbale district. He became familiar with Islamic affairs early in his life, thanks to the years spent in a Madras Islamic Primary School in Natete Kayunga district and Namatembe Islamic Institute in Namutumba. Sheikh Mubaje later joined Bugembe Islamic Institute in Jinja, where he completed senior six in 1976 in Islamic studies. In 1977, he went to Riyad in Saudi Arabia for a bachelor’s degree in Sharia (Islamic law). In 1981, he became the Imam of Madinah Mosque, Mbale and founded Mahdi Noor Islamic Institute.
Months later, he became the Mbale district khadi, while pursuing a post-graduate diploma in philosophy at Mbale Islamic University. Mubaje later enrolled at Makerere University for a master’s degree in religious studies. After graduation, he returned to Mbale University as a lecturer in religious studies.
In 2000, Sheikh Mubaje was unanimously elected Grand Mufti of Uganda and was instrumental in founding of Religions for Peace‘s Interreligious Council of Uganda. In 2001, he helped form the African Council of Religious Leaders-Religions for Peace. He continues to hold the position of Co-Chair of the Council and is an ex-officio member of Religions for Peace World Council.

Ms Amani Aruri, Karama Network
Amani Aruri is a human rights activist, committed to supporting youth, women and girls in Palestine and the MENA region. Amani brings 10+ experience advancing gender justice, human rights and peace and security agendas working with civil society organizations, collectives and networks, public and private foundations, and UN agencies. Being results driven, Amani has utilized her skills in managing innovative programs that serve marginalized groups especially youth and women, in addition to designing and implementing capacity-building programs for youth.
She is currently a member of Generation Equality Global Youth Task Force, served as member of the taskforce of the Generation Equality Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, a panelist at Global Resilience Fund, YPS/WPS ambassador of Karama Network and a council member of the International Peace Bureau.

UN Global Online Consultation to Develop a Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms
2024-01-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
UN Global Online Consultation to Develop a Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
The United Nations is developing a Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms. It seeks to provide a concerted global response to information threats that is firmly rooted in human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and opinion and access to information.
The voluntary Code will help guide Member States, digital platforms and other groups in their efforts to make the digital space more inclusive and safer for all. In furtherance of that objective, the United Nations will develop the code, in consultation with stakeholders in the information environment, to present the code in time for the Summit of the Future in September 2024.
To that end, the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations is pleased to invite stakeholders in the information ecosystem worldwide — civil society organizations, think tanks, academic institutions and business groups, including advertising, media, libraries, digital platforms and technology companies — to register for a global online consultation on Tuesday, 23 January 2024 from 9 AM to 11 AM (New York time).
This stakeholder consultation will be crucial in shaping the development of a UN code of conduct for information integrity online. To participate in the consultations, please register at https://forms.office.com/e/rRti1sq2iv by no later than 3 January 2024 to receive event details.
Please also indicate your request in the registration form to be a speaker at the online consultation. For more information on the consultation event, concept note, participation guidelines and contact details, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/3sr4pe8a

UNA-China side event to 45th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) “Take Comprehensive Approach to Advancing Global Human Rights Governance”
2024-01-23 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
On the occasion of the(UPR), UNA-China will hold a side event entitled “Take Comprehensive Approach to Advancing Global Human Rights Governance” at 12:30 – 14:00 (CET), on January 23, 2024, in Room XXVI, Palais des Nations, Geneva. This event will invite Chinese and foreign experts to discuss the challenges and solutions facing global human rights governance and how will China contribute to the global human rights cause. The concept note for this event is enclosed hereafter for your reference.
We sincerely invite you to attend this side event in person and participate in interactive discussion. The working language will be English.
Please be kindly advised that in order to enter Palais des Nations, you need to request for accreditation through the online platform Indico, get your accreditation approved and obtain a digital pass badge. For more information, please refer to the webpage https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/accreditation.

The Final Conference of We Learn Everywhere
2024-01-23 14:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
Register
Online Course
___________
CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. For more specific information:
NGO Committee on Mental Health
NGO Committee on the Family
NGO Committee on Family (Vienna)
NGO Committee on Education, Learning and Literacy

UN Security Council Exit Briefing
2024-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The UN Security Council Exit Briefing features outgoing members of the UN Security Council of the 2022-2023 term: Albania, Ghana, and TBC* (to be confirmed) Gabon and the United Arab Emirates. This UNSC Exit Briefing is to be held on January 25th from 10:00am-12:00pm EST at UNHQ in the ECOSOC chamber. This will be the sixth open, transparent and inclusive UNSC Exit Briefing hosted by The World Federation of United Nations Associations.

United Nations Security Council Exit Briefing

January 25, 2024

10:00am-12:00pm EST

In-person event in the ECOSOC Chamber – RSVP here

This Exit Briefing provides an opportunity for outgoing members of the Council to share in successes, challenges and lessons-learned during their term, while highlighting opportunities and recommendations going forward.

In order to increase engagement and transparency, all CSOs and other members of the larger UN community unable to attend in-person are invited to watch the event through UN Web TV, as it will be live-streamed. If you wish to either attend the event, please RSVP in the registration link above.

If you are able to attend in-person and would like to ask a question during this briefing, please submit your question using the RSVP form.  We also invite you to engage via Twitter using the hashtag #UNSCExit.

Greytalk: "Satire in International Relations: The Legacy of Derso & Kelen, 1922-1950"
2024-02-01 17:30 - 18:30 (Europe/Paris)
Greycells is delighted to invite you to a special Greytalk organized in collaboration with the Swiss Press Club. This event will feature the compelling theme: “Satire in International Relations: The Legacy of Derso & Kelen, 1922-1950”.

We are honored to have Stefan Slater and David Macfadyen, authors of the book “The Political Cartoons of Derso and Kelen: Years of Hope and Despair”, as our keynote speakers. The discussion will be expertly moderated by Isabelle Falconnier, the Director of the Swiss Press Club.
In a unique opportunity, the authors will be available to sell and sign copies of their insightful book. This is a perfect occasion for attendees to acquire a personal memento of the event and to engage directly with the authors.

This engaging Greytalk will be conducted in a hybrid format, offering the flexibility of attending in person at the Château de Penthes (Chemin de l’Impératrice 18, 1292 Pregny-Chambésy) or virtually via Zoom. Following the talk, we invite you to join us for a reception, where you can mingle and discuss the insights shared during the event.

To confirm your participation, please register through the following links:
For In-Person Attendance : https://bit.ly/Greytalk_In_Person_Participation
For Online Participation : https://bit.ly/Greytalk_Online_Participation
We eagerly await your presence at this enriching and interactive event.

Best regards,
GREYCELLS

NGOCSocD Civil Society Forum
2024-02-04 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Dear all,
Our Civil Society Forum kicks off this Sunday, February 4, 2024 with a virtual Orientation Session from 10:00am-11:30am EST on Zoom.
To attend the virtual orientation session, please register by clicking this link: http://tinyurl.com/registercsf

Here is the list of our speakers:

You will have the opportunity to hear about the Commission’s organization of work that will shape the debate of its 62nd session, along with past experiences and current perspectives from our prominent speakers. You will also be able to actively engage in our interactive Orientation session with live questions and polls, just to name a few!

The Forum will then continue with the in-person sessions on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 9:00am-2:45pm EST in Conference Room 4 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The sessions will be livestreamed. More details will be shared with you within the next few days.

Please share this information with your networks.

Looking forward to seeing you all then!!
Warmly,
Despoina
Chair of the 2024 Civil Society Forum

62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62), 5-14 February 2024
2024-02-05 - 2024-02-14
The 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62) will take place from 5 to 14 February 2024, in Conference Room 4 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Furthermore, the Commission will commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
The priority theme of the CSocD62 will focus on “Fostering social development and social justice through social policies to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication”. The emerging issue will focus on “The Influence of Digital Transformation on Inclusive Growth and Development: A Path to Realizing Social Justice”.
The Commission elected H.E. Ms. Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India as Chair of the 62nd Commission for Social Development, and Vice-Chairs: Ms. Carla María Carlson, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic; H.E. Mr. Jon Ivanovski, Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of North Macedonia; Ms. Stéphanie Toschi, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg; and Ms. Joslyne Kwishaka, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Burundi.
For more information about the CSocD62, please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/csocd/62nd

Side Events
The deadline is now closed. The final list of side events will be posted online by December 20, 2023, at 12 am EDT (New York time).

A Civil Society Forum on the priority theme of CSocD62 will be held on 9 February 2024. The Forum is hosted jointly by UNDESA-DISD, the NGO Committee on Social Development and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Foundation. The Forum is a time for NGOs worldwide to learn about each other’s work, to prepare for the Commission, including by work on position papers and interventions. For more information, please visit: https://ngosocdev.org/what-we-do/commission-for-social-development/civil-society-forum-2024/.

NGO Participation

UN DESA with the support of the NGO Committee on Social Development facilitate the participation of NGOs in the sessions of the CSocD. NGOs that are accredited to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) may designate representatives to attend the annual sessions of the CSocD. Learn more about the UN ECOSOC accreditation.
Modalities of NGO Participation and Registration: Registration for CSocD62 will be open for ECOSOC accredited NGOs from 9 October 2023 until 12 January 2024. Please visit the indico online registration page for more information.
NGO Written Statements: The deadline is closed.
Request to be heard at the CSocD62: coming soon..

CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. Visit here for specific information about the
Social Development
NGO Committee on Social Development

CSO Dialogue with the UNSC President for the Month of February- Guyana
2024-02-05 15:00 - 16:15 (America/New_York)
Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This email serves as the final reminder invitation to WFUNA’s CSO Dialogue with the President of the UN Security Council for the month of February. Please note the time of this event has changed from 10:00am to 3:00-4:15pm. This Dialogue will feature H.E. Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations.

Briefing on Guyana’s Presidency of the UN Security Council
A Civil Society Dialogue with H.E. Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN
Monday, 5th February, 2024
3:00-4:15pm EST
In-person Meeting at UNHQ in New York, Conference Room 6
Livestream Available through UN Web TV

Please Register Here

Please note that if you have registered to attend the event in person, you must have a UN grounds badge. WFUNA will not be responsible for the organization of attendee’s grounds badges. Therefore, please take the necessary steps to do so if you wish to attend in person.

For convenience of accessibility, the in-person event will also be broadcast on UN Web TV. If you will not be able to join the in-person session, you can watch a livestream of the event, as well as find a recording of the webcast at a later time through UN Web TV.

We invite you to engage via Twitter using the hashtag #MeetUNSCPres

If you would like to be considered to ask a question during the dialogue, please submit your question in advance through the registration form above.

Attendance is open to all civil society representatives. Feel free to forward to interested colleagues.

Sincerely,

UNSC Transparency Initiative Team at WFUNA

Public briefing of the Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development on the Global Economic Context
2024-02-06 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Dear colleagues,
You are cordially invited to a public briefing of the Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development on the Global Economic Context on 6 February 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 EST. In this briefing, Task Force members will present their assessment of the current macroeconomic context and global economic prospects.
Please find attached the draft agenda. Other background documents can be accessed via the event page here.
This briefing will be held in a hybrid format, in CR-12 at UN HQ and via Webex, with the connection details below.
We welcome the participation of all delegations and stakeholders to this briefing and look forward to your contributions to the dialogue.
Please send any queries to developmentfinance@un.org.
Webex link to the briefing:
https://unvc.webex.com/unvc/j.php?MTID=mbbb0865f31fb530bcdf4e1d6f5f8459f
If prompted. then enter the following info to join:
Webinar number: 2347 043 9263
Webinar password: [REDACTED]
via VC system:
SIP URI: 23470439263@unvc.webex.com PW: [REDACTED]
Kind regards,
Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development
Financing for Sustainable Development Office
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
United Nations
Email: developmentfinance@un.org
Phone: +1 (212) 963-8618
http://developmentfinance.un.org

The Holocaust and Cultural Memory
2024-02-08 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Thursday, February 8th
1:00-2:30pm EST
Zoom and in person
Register for the event here

A Civil Society Forum on the priority theme of CSocD62
2024-02-09 10:00 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
A Civil Society Forum on the priority theme of CSocD62 will be held on 9 February 2024. The Forum is hosted jointly by UNDESA-DISD, the NGO Committee on Social Development and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Foundation. The Forum is a time for NGOs worldwide to learn about each other’s work, to prepare for the Commission, including by work on position papers and interventions. For more information, please visit: https://ngosocdev.org/what-we-do/commission-for-social-development/civil-society-forum-2024/.

CoNGO Notes: For information about the collaborative work of NGOs on the above issues, visit the substantive committees under the auspices of CoNGO. Visit here for specific information about the NGO Committee on Social Development.

Parallel Event Organizer Training Part 2 NGO CSW68
2024-02-15 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Parallel Event Organizer Training
Register for the 15 February training at 10:30 AM EST here.

View the recording for yesterday’s Parallel Event Organizer’s Training below.
We are also offering a “Part Two” for organizers that want further clarification or advice on hosting a successful in-person and/or virtual event at NGO CSW68 Forum, as well as to ensure that any event organizers that were unable to attend yesterday’s meeting recieve this important information.
PART TWO of the Parallel Event Organizer Training will be this coming Thursday, 15 February at 10:30 AM EST. Register below.

Parallel Event Organizer's Training | Part Two

See part 1 recording here.
If you’re hosting a Parallel Event during the NGO CSW68 Forum and weren’t able to attend the training, watch the recording now!
We walked through the new and improved Virtual Portal with Momin from vFairs and had a Q&A session.
We addressed the following topics:

Using the new vFairs Virtual Platform
Important information for in-person Parallel Events
Safety and security
Other useful resources

CSVGC-NY "The Importance of Spirituality and Values in Daily Life and Global Affairs".
2024-02-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Dear Friends of the CSVGC-NY,
We trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we embark on an exciting new year filled with plans and possibilities. The CSVGC-NY committee is thrilled to announce our first General Meeting of 2024, featuring a presentation by the esteemed and inspiring Audrey Kitagawa on “The Importance of Spirituality and Values in Daily Life and Global Affairs”.
About Audrey Kitagawa:
She is President/Founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, and the former Advisor to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations.

She is the Chair of the Anti-Racism Initiative, and Gender Equality Working Group, and a member of the Advisory Council of the G20 Interfaith Forum. She is a United Nations Representative for the United Religions Initiative, a board member of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, and a member of the Advisory Council of Global Security Institute.
She has been listed in Who’s Who Of American Law, Who’s Who Of American Women, Who’s Who In America, Who’s Who In The World, and Prominent People of Hawaii. She is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which celebrates diversity, and the importance of immigrants to the economic and social
success of the United States for her work in multiculturalism, Asian women’s history and empowerment, and spiritual leadership.
She is the recipient of the Medal “Pride of Eurasia” and a Diploma from the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Education and Science L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University for her outstanding contribution to the
development of spiritual culture and education in Eurasia. She is the of the Spirit of the UN Award, which recognizes individuals whose work expresses the core principles, spirit and vision of the United Nations.

SAVE THE DATE: Feb 15th 1pm (EST) via Google Meet

World Day of Social Justice
2024-02-20 13:15 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
For more information, please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/poverty-eradication/events/wdsj2024

Discussion Forum - Gendered Dimensions of Crimes that Affect the Environment
2024-02-21 08:30 - 2024-02-22 11:45 (America/New_York)
SAVE THE DATE:
DISCUSSION FORUM ON THE GENDERED DIMENSIONS OF CRIMES THAT AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT
21-22 February 2024

In the framework of the International Gender Champions Initiative (IGC), UNODC and UN Women, together with the Government of Slovenia, are pleased to invite you to the Discussion Forum on the Gendered Dimensions of Crimes that Affect the Environment. The Discussion Forum will take place online on Wednesday 21 February 2024 at 14:30 -17:00 (CET) / 8:30 – 11:00 (EST) and Thursday 22 February 2024 at 14:00 -17:45 (CET) / 8:00 – 11:45 (EST) and will begin with a high-level opening session to be followed by panel discussions with subject-matter experts from various organizations and sectors. Interpretation will be available in Spanish and Portuguese.
The high-level opening will feature:
• Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• Ms. Sima Bahous, Executive Director, UN Women
• H.E. Ambassador Ms. Barbara Žvokelj, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations in Vienna
• Ms. Anne Heloise Barbosa do Nascimento, Youth activist, Action Coalition – Feminist Action for Climate Justice, Generation Equality

REGISTER HERE

Protecting people and the planet represents one of the world’s greatest and most urgent challenges. In this context, women and girls are among those who have and continue to be disproportionately impacted by the triple crisis, due to structural gender inequality. However, the specific gender dynamics of the crimes that affect the environment, such as wildlife and forest crimes, crimes in the fisheries sector, illegal mining, trafficking in precious metals and waste, and other crimes related to climate justice are still not well understood. Despite the growing attention on the importance of understanding the intersectional gendered dimensions of these crimes, research has not yet focused on the different ways men and women may engage with the illicit supply chain—whether as offenders, defenders (handlers, managers, guardians), influencers, beneficiaries and/or victims. This discussion forum will culminate in an outcome document to inform future policymaking and programming on these matters.

More information can be found on the Discussion Forum Website.

Please register here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

***

INVITACIÓN:
FORO DE DISCUSIÓN SOBRE LAS DIMENSIONES DE GÉNERO DE LOS DELITOS QUE AFECTAN EL AMBIENTE
21-22 de febrero de 2024

En el marco de la Iniciativa Internacional de Campeonas/es de Género, la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito (UNODC) y ONU Mujeres, junto con el Gobierno de Eslovenia, se complacen en invitarle a un Foro de Discusión sobre las Dimensiones de Género de los Delitos que Afectan el Ambiente. El Foro de Discusión se llevará a cabo en línea el miércoles 21 de febrero de 2024 a las 14:30-17:00 (CET) / 8:30-11:00 (EST) y el jueves 22 de febrero de 2024 a las 14:00-17:45 (CET) / 8:00-11:45 (EST) y comenzará con una sesión de apertura de alto nivel, seguida por paneles de discusión con expertos y expertas en la materia de diversas organizaciones y sectores.

La sesión de apertura de alto nivel contará con la participación de:

Ghada Waly, Directora Ejecutiva, Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito
Sima Bahous, Directora Ejecutiva, ONU Mujeres (video)
Embajadora Barbara Zvokelj, Representante Permanente de Eslovenia en las Naciones Unidas
Anne Heloise Barbosa do Nascimento, Activista Joven, Coalición para la Acción – Acción Feminista para la Justicia Climática, Generación Igualdad

REGÍSTRESE ACÁ

Proteger a las personas y al planeta representa uno de los desafíos más grandes y urgentes que enfrenta el mundo. En este contexto, las mujeres y las niñas se encuentran entre quienes han sido y continúan siendo desproporcionadamente impactados/as por la triple crisis, debido a la desigualdad de género estructural. Sin embargo, aún no se comprenden bien las dinámicas de género de los delitos que afectan al medio ambiente, como los delitos contra la vida silvestre y los bosques, los delitos en el sector pesquero, la minería ilegal y el tráfico de metales preciosos y de desechos. A pesar de la creciente atención sobre la importancia de comprender las dimensiones interseccionales de género de estos crímenes, la investigación aún no se ha centrado en las diferentes formas en que hombres y mujeres se involucran en la cadena de suministro ilícita, ya sea como delincuentes, defensores/as (operadores/as, administradores/as, guardianes/as), influenciadores/as, beneficiarios/as y/o víctimas. Esta discusión culminará en un documento final que servirá de base para la formulación de programas y políticas públicas.

Más información disponible en la página web del evento.

Por favor regístrese acá.

¡Esperamos contar con su participación!

JOURNÉE INTERNATIONALE DU TRAVAIL SOCIAL 2024 / WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY 2024
2024-02-27 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
(English below)
JOURNÉE INTERNATIONALE DU TRAVAIL SOCIAL 2024
Le Buen Vivir dans le travail social :
co-construire un avenir durable et juste
Rejoignez-nous pour célébrer la Journée internationale du travail social, le mercredi 20 mars 2024, de 9h à 16h, à l’ONU-Genève (ou en ligne) !
Cette édition explorera ce que peut apporter le concept de Buen Vivir aux réflexions et pratiques du travail social. “Co-construire un avenir durable et juste” souligne la nécessité pour le travail social d’adopter des approches innovatives ancrées dans les communautés locales qui prennent en considération des valeurs autochtones et la nécessité de développer une coexistence harmonieuse avec l’environnement.
Pour célébrer le travail social et sa contribution à la diffusion et à l’incarnation du Buen Vivir, la Journée internationale du travail social à l’ONU-Genève poursuit trois objectifs :

engager une réflexion sur les apports du Buen Vivir pour la recherche en travail social;
identifier des situations concrètes dans lesquelles le Buen Vivir permet d’améliorer les relations entre les individus, les collectivités et leurs environnements;
fournir des recommandations sur la manière dont le Buen Vivir peut inspirer des réformes aux niveaux politique, légal, institutionnel et communautaire qui ouvrent la voie à des avenirs plus durables, en renforçant la résilience des personnes face au changement climatique, aux conflits et aux défis socio-économiques.

Découvrez le programme complet !
La journée a lieu en présentiel et en ligne, sur inscription. Pour une participation en ligne, le lien Zoom vous sera communiqué par email après inscription.
S'INSCRIRE

WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY 2024
Buen Vivir in Social Work: Co-Building a Sustainable and Just Future
Join to celebrate WSWD 2024 on Wednesday 20 of March, 9 am to 4 pm!
This edition will explore the topic Buen Vivir in Social Work: Co-building a Sustainable and Just Future and discuss how social workers can adopt innovative, community-led approaches based on alternative value systems that emphasize a more harmonious coexistence with nature.
To celebrate social work and its potential to diffuse and embody Buen Vivir, the event will be convened with three objectives:

Engage in a reflection on how to harness principles of Buen Vivir for social work research;
Identify examples of how Buen Vivir can provide concrete guidance for social work professionals on how to create better relationships among people and between people and nature;
And provide recommendations on how Buen Vivir can inspire reforms at the policy, legal, institutional and community level that pave the way toward more sustainable futures by strengthening people’s resilience in the face of climate change, conflicts and socio-economic challenges.

Discover the full programme!
The event takes place in person and online, with registration required. The “Zoom” link will be provided to you via email after registration.
Sign Up

The Legacy of WWII Asian-Pacific Comfort Women--Columbia Society of International Law
2024-02-27 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
RSVP

WAAS Talks on Science for Human Security
2024-02-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Dear colleague,

The World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) is inviting you to attend the third webinar in a series on Science for Human Security – WAAS Talks on Science for Human Security: Natural Geoengineering Methods for Cooling the Planet, which will be held on February 28, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm CET. The list of participants in the event is attached.

The Zoom link for the webinar is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B8CdopluQNCIqmGOZcZfYg

Sincerely,
Nebojša Nešković

Nebojša Nešković
Vice President
World Academy of Art and Science
www.worldacademy.org

Blended finance for climate action: good value for money?
2024-02-28 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
Dear colleagues,
We are excited to invite you to our webinar “Blended finance for climate action: good value for money?” on February 28th at 3pm CET (UTC+5), together with ActionAid.

Register
On 8 February, Eurodad and ActionAid released “Blended finance for climate action: good value for money?”, one of the first reports exploring the role of blended finance for climate action from a public interest and civil society perspective.
During the 2023 United Nations climate conference in Dubai (COP28), the issue of ‘blended finance’ for climate action was a major focus at the inaugural Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum. This event saw global funds – the Green Climate Fund, Allied Climate Partners and Allianz Global Investors – collectively announce the mobilisation of US$ 5 billion through several blended finance structures, bringing together philanthropies, development finance institutions (DFIs), and the private and public sectors.
What is blended finance and what role does – and should – it have in climate action? This webinar will cover the key messages of the report, and explore the challenges and opportunities that this approach presents. The event aims to initiate a debate on the topic, facilitate knowledge sharing and build capacity among CSOs to engage with these complex discussions.
REGISTER HERE
We welcome your feedback and engagement.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
https://www.eurodad.org/

Conference Town Hall Meeting & Request for Headshots
2024-02-29 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
2024 UN Civil Society Conference
Town Hall Meeting
Date: 29 February 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York
The event will be streamed live on UN WebTV.
REGISTER HERE
Please confirm your in-person attendance!
The deadline for in-person registration is 26 February at 11:59 PM.
Special Disclaimer: A ticket will not be issued if you do not fill out the form correctly.
For more information, please visit https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/2024-un-civil-society-conference-town-hall-meeting.

Taking Stock of US Child Soldier Prevention Efforts
2024-02-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Taking Stock of US Child Soldier Prevention Efforts
February 12, 2024, marks the 22nd anniversary of the entry into force of the landmark UN treaty banning the use of child soldiers. To mark the occasion, join the Stimson Center for an expert discussion of U.S. efforts to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers worldwide through use of the 2008 Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA).
The event will highlight the CSPA’s potential as a child soldier prevention tool, examine its application and impact to date, and consider opportunities to strengthen the law’s implementation in the years to come.
February 29
1:00 – 2:00 PM US Eastern
In-Person or Online
Register
