Women & Youth Working Together For A More Resilient & Sustainable Future
Written by: Merle Soquila-Blaschke
On April 16, the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in Vienna hosted a meet-and-greet event themed “Women & Youth Working Together For A More Resilient & Sustainable Future.”
Mrs. Carolyn Moser-Handschin, Director of the WFWPI Offices for UN Relations and President of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women at the United Nations in Geneva, delivered the opening remarks.
Ms. Rachel Beth Tamayo, UN Representative for WFWPI in New York, USA, has actively participated in various WFWPI UN initiatives such as the UN Dream Forum commemorating UN Day, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), and multiple UN Side Events. She spoke about positive psychology in relation to UN SDG 3 on Health and Wellbeing and the overall purpose of the UN SDGs to build a better world. Additionally, she crafts UN News reports via social media channels for WFWPI in New York, Geneva, and Vienna while providing support to the CAO of WFWPI.
Ms. Sarah Pirker, who holds a Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology and International Development Studies from the University of Vienna, is currently a project officer at the UNODC’s civil society unit. She coordinates the drug demand portfolio and supports the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs. In her position, she encourages NGOs to engage with permanent missions at UN Vienna.
Ms. Claire Marie Hernando, a 12th Grade STEM student from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, has twice served as President of her school’s student government. She champions advocacies related to youth and women empowerment, poverty reduction, quality education, environmental protection and conservation, and science communication. Currently, she is working on a low-cost desalination project aimed at addressing water scarcity issues in several communities.
Ms. Nikki Jerusalem Gjeloshgjokaj, from Albania, served as Secretary General of IAYSP Philippines from 2019-2023. She highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership in driving sustainable development, discussing programs aimed at empowering youth and fostering sustainability. These programs include the “Peace Designer’s Training” for peacebuilding and advocacy, the Youth Heroes Award recognizing outstanding community contributions, and the Billion Trees Planting and Growing Project supporting SDG 13 on Climate Action.
Ms. Rebecca Justen, from the UK, holds a Master’s in Education and an MSC in International Welfare. She is the Founder, Trustee, and Chair of Me, Myself and I (SCIO) Organization and an Ambassador of Women Empowerment for Change. Currently, she runs the “Resilience & Mindfulness” project for women victims of domestic abuse. This project includes cultural activities, outdoor excursions, and seminars to strengthen women's roles in their families, providing them with new experiences and tools for child-raising and communication.
Ms. Arshia Dutta, a sophomore student at Queens Technical High School in New York, USA, originally from New Delhi, India, engages in programming, drawing, dance, and essay-writing. As a Bharatanatyam graduate, she is developing an app called “Fashion-scious,” based on SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.
Mr. Paul Mburu, from Kenya, is the Founder and International Director of the Sober Life Mentorship Society and the WFAD Liaison Representative of the East and Central Africa Network for Crime and Substance Use Prevention. Since 2011, Paul has conducted interactive awareness and mentorship outreaches locally and internationally. He has presented the voice of African youths at international conferences, including the 2016 UNGASS Conference in Vienna. He coordinates projects like the Sober Lives, Healthy Communities Project in the DRC, focusing on empowering young people to lead drug-free lives, pursue education, and become responsible adults.
Dr. Maria Rhiel, Director at the WFWPI Office for UN Relations in Vienna, has been active for over 20 years with her husband in the organization “FORUM EAST,” providing humanitarian aid and education in countries behind the Iron Curtain.
The WFWPI Office for UN Relations in Vienna's meet-and-greet showcased the power of women and youth in promoting a resilient and sustainable future. Inspiring speakers highlighted their contributions to advocacy, innovation, and community service. The event celebrated their achievements and reinforced the importance of collective efforts in building a better world.
