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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFor me, the UN has always felt like some faraway entity that I’d seen in a James Bond film or referred to vaguely in conversations about European conflict or climate issues. But on Friday morning, as I made my way through security, it began to become much more real. I made my way up the steps, soaking in all the fascinating architecture, and met another attendee who was as dumbstruck as I was. She offered to take my photo, and I returned the favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We had no idea what was in store for us as we entered the Great Hall, “the room where it happens”. Our entire day was spent sitting in the chairs of dignitaries who solve global issues and make decisions that affect people all over the world. It was a humbling reminder that each of us is individually responsible and capable of creating positive change on a global scale. <\/strong>The microphone at my seat was a vivid symbol of using your voice and having it amplified to the world. I was fascinated by the powerful translation tool that allowed everyone to comprehend the words that are spoken, no matter the language. And lastly, the sheer magnitude of the world’s issues, from the beginning of the day to the very end, left me sober and determined to be a more committed catalyst for change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout my time at UN Headquarters during this summit, it became clear that no one person or organization can solve these complex global issues alone <\/strong>– it will require cooperation between governments, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals at all levels. However being part of such a passionate community working towards common goals gave me hope that we can achieve great things together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though I can’t possibly capture everything that was talked about, I can share some important highlights with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss the summit or how you can get involved!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rachel Bowen Pittman proclaimed clearly that violence and inequity are as present here in the US as they are globally. Hearing how they were kicking things off, I knew we were going to be in for a roller coaster ride of a day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The greatest problems of our time can only be solved together by collective action.”<\/p>\nH.E. Mrs. Linda Thomas-Greenfield (Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations)<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The Ambassador (whose presence caused enormous applause and a standing ovation) also said how pleased she was to see so many young faces in the Hall, and that she thought the UN needed a “glow up”, citing the need for modernization of the Security Council to make it more inclusive, as well as the need to defend the UN charter and hold those who violate it accountable. She even snuck in a little nod to Amanda Gorman’s UN poem “An Ode We Owe<\/a>“, including the lines “Together, we won’t just be the generation\/That tries but the generation that triumphs” in her speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One year into the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the world is still facing the dire consequences of war. 7200 civilian deaths. 500 children dead. 18 million refugees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Questions are surfacing on the trajectory of the war and the ways the UN is supporting the humanitarian crisis. In addition to displacement and violence, many are now at risk of starvation due to food shortages caused by the conflict. The United Nations is working hard to provide food security and stabilization of global markets through efforts like the Black Sea Grain Initiative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Peter Yao, president of the Better World Foundation and Senior VP of the United Nations Foundation, “There are many casualties to war, and food should not be one of them.”<\/strong> The UN is actively working to provide humanitarian aid and support to areas where food insecurity is most severe. In addition, the UN is focused on identifying long-term solutions like establishing ports, food supply lines, and distribution centers to ensure that communities in need have access to food. With the help of world leaders, the UN is committed to ensuring no one goes hungry as a result of war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ending this panel with a call to action, Metraux and Yeo asked for members of Congress to come and visit the UN, to see the countries working together and that UN engagement truly matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This particular discussion was a fascinating glimpse into how integrated NGOs (Non Government Organizations) are and how critical it is that they each specialize in specific humanitarian needs. The mission of the 100% volunteer-funded World Food Program is zero hunger. UNICEF handles water sanitizing, nutrition, child protection, shelter, and displacement. And Save the Children focuses most on education efforts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most impressive was the fact that Shameza Abdulla was rushing straight to the airport after their segment to provide aid on the ground in Turkey. These people are not just talking heads — they really are actively working to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in all honesty, the greatest takeaway in this discussion was this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest humanitarian challenge is silent crises <\/strong>— making sure the urgent and major emergencies (war, natural disaster) get the support they need as well as keeping the silent crises (human rights, hunger) on the agenda of decision makers and donors.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are positive and powerful changes in human rights movements, including feminist movements and youth movements, which are working in dangerous situations to demand change and are making a difference, especially in the U.S. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlights the prevalence of inequalities, discrimination, and unequal access to healthcare for women, particularly those who are disadvantaged before, during, and after pregnancy. These issues can be compounded by factors such as racism, sexism, and ableism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, shocking statistics reveal that an African-American woman with a college degree is twice as likely to die from childbirth-related complications compared to a white woman without a high school diploma. This underscores the urgent need for addressing systemic biases in healthcare and promoting equitable access to maternal care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Human Rights are under attack but not in retreat.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ukraine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “Refugee camps are no place where human beings can recognize their full human rights. It’s a matter of humanity to welcome refugees – and of international law.”<\/p>\nCraig Mokhiber US<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Myanmar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n China<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Afghanistan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Globally<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Young people can be heroes too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Just start.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Be open to learning.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Top contributions of youth this year include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Youth have also been critical in supporting refugees by making friendship bracelets and welcome packets through InnerView app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How else can we support the SDGs? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Encourage private companies to TALK ABOUT the way that they’re socially responsible. While some are actively working to participate, these efforts are often buried pages deep in their Corporate Social Responsibility Reports, and they aren’t seen by the public. Ask them to talk about their SDG support so that is helps call attention to what we are trying to do globally.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most inspirational story of this segment was hearing Paul Snyder talk about his former female deputy: <\/p>\n\n\n\n “I love peacekeeping. I love the work that has been done. We can do more. During my first mission, there was only one female deputy in the entire staff. I put her forward, gave her an opportunity and she crushed it. She won the UN Gender Advocate of the Year Award.” <\/p>\nPaul Snyder He followed up with these comments on LinkedIn a week later: <\/p>\n\n\n\n “We’ve had 75 years of UN peacekeeping with almost exclusively male leadership. We are at a critical junction for world peace and one solution, in line with our SDGs and mentioned by our esteemed UNA-USA delegates at the United Nations General Assembly is to change the old leadership dynamic and encourage the next generation of women to pursue careers in peace operations and peacekeeping.”<\/p>\nPaul Snyder This panel covered the topic of the global family, one that has never been more relevant than today. UNESCO is here to protect and transmit our shared humanity., bringing people together through what we share. I was particularly enamored with Christinia Eala, who is very clearly an elder carrying deep wisdom and storytelling of the Lakota people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mlcpqmlmkbib.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:1024\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/liveoutrageously.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/img_9490.jpg\" "\\"Photo\\"")
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United Nations Global Engagement Summit Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Opening Plenary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Reflections on Ukraine at One Year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Delivering Humanitarian Aid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Protecting Human Rights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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New York Office Director, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
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Actualizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maintaining International Peace and Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Former Security Focal Point, UN Office of Military Affairs<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
Former Security Focal Point, UN Office of Military Affairs<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nPreserving Cultural Heritage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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