The UN Dream and The New Agenda for Peace

Written by Christina Kim, Intern WFWPI- UN Relations Office, New York

On October 28th, WFWPI Office for UN Relations-NY commemorated the United Nations Day with a forum on the theme, “The UN Dream and the New Agenda for Peace” on October 28, 2023 at Kean University, Union New Jersey. The event was held in partnership with Kean University, Always Forward, Universal Peace Federation and Save ME Movement International.  This forum marked strides in commemorating United Nations Day and building upon the hopeful synergy of the SDG Summit.

  
The forum featured a panel of six distinguished speakers who addressed the impact that climate change on human security and food systems today. To combat these issues, the discussion introduced soft power peace approaches as well as holistic and nature-based solutions to ensure sustainable peace, food security, and mobilization for the future.

  
State Senator Joseph Cryan, who served in the New Jersey State General Assembly for Legislative District 20 and as Union County Undersheriff, initiated the panel discussion by offering a unique perspective from within the policy realm, shedding light on New Jersey’s endeavors towards SDG achievement. With his governmental background to advocate for climate change, he gave great insight to how politics shape our society to become more environmentally conscious.  

Following suit, Ms. Sofia Sabboritt, a human rights lawyer and international development professional, shared stories and advice from her ten years of experience working in the field of women's empowerment, rural poverty, and food sovereignty. She delved into the intricate connections between food systems and societal dynamics, particularly migration, offering profound insights derived from her personal research.

  
Ms. Merly Barlaan, Director of WFWPI, UN Relations Offices in NY, emphasized the need for a platform to bridge the gap between the UN development agenda and its implementation in the communities. She further explained the importance of a multi-sectoral dialogue to strengthen trust, solidarity, accountability and to create an effective space where inspiration can turn into implementation. Drawing from personal grassroots and UN experiences, Ms. Barlaan stressed the impact of linking practices to broader institutions, emphasizing the right to development. Her points addressed the audience directly, inspiring listeners to start becoming advocates for change any way that they can and encouraging everyone to do so, even if it is at a local level.

  
Dr. Rior Santos, the Regional Project Manager at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UN OPS) in  Micronesia, spoke virtually. He described the crucial task of implementing UN mandates to national commitments at local and individual levels, stressing the pivotal role this plays in bridging the gap for SDG attainment. 
 
Mr. Jonathan Phillips, as the final panelist and leader of Groundwork Elizabeth, shed light on his work in national community-driven Trusts. He shared pictures and stories of his work in fostering sustainable communities in programs centered at Elizabeth and Union County - emphasizing Groundwork Elizabeth’s significance in achieving SDGs amid the persistent challenge of climate change. Phillips shares his achievements in collaborating with various public and city sectors, and is now managing 150+ community gardens and working with the Green Team Youth program for hands-on experiences.

  
The interactive discussion then opened the floor for a question and answer session, where the participants engaged in dialogue with the panelists. A main topic that arose from this session was how participants within the audience could also contribute to the mitigation of climate change and what policies and initiatives they could implement in partnership with key stakeholders in the society.

  
Rev. Barry Geller, the Executive Director of the Universal Peace Federation USA, then delivered an enlightening presentation on the profound importance of hope and family. He connected his message by sharing the vision of the founders of UPF and the Ambassadors for Peace initiative to achieve lasting peace in the world.  

The event was concluded and marked by the presentation of “Ambassador for Peace '' awards to Ms. Priscilla Garces, and Anupaum Dutta presented by the President of SAVE ME International, Engr. Emilijun Rapada. With Priscilla Garces’ work to empower the voices of both the Hispanic and disabled community. A young App creator,  Airsha Dutta was given the Young Global Women Peace Ambassador for her work in developing an App promoting the practice of circular fashion as a young girl.

  
The diversity of speakers underscored the importance of understanding the founding vision of the United Nations and achieving its goals of peace and development through the SDGs, and the New Agenda for Peace. WFWPI extends its appreciation to the attendees who came from all ages, races, and backgrounds to create a single unified community focused under one goal: achieving the “UN Dream” - a world of sustainable peace. The event ultimately has left a profound impact on the audience and has inspired further project collaboration among local leaders to implement impactful change starting from their own communities.