Perspectives from the Global NGO Community |
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Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations - and 28 years for
The NGO Reporter
Connecting NGOs, the Media, and Civil Society networks worldwide to the work of the
Global NGO Executive Committee and issues related to UNDGC Affiliates.
This is the final issue for 2020. Next year, we plan to update the Reporter's look and feel, connecting it more seamlessly to our new website and blossoming social media. Please contribute to our publication and success!
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President's Message
This year has been difficult for all peoples, nations, and families with the spread of Covid-19 and economic distress in its wake. But my message today is hope and Perseverance. Why perseverance? Because perseverance gives us the ability to make changes in our lives which we often think are impossible to achieve.
Consider our creativity in using technology to keep our service programs operating. Our new ways of communicating with co-workers, families, and friends have extended our outreach to people around the world and promise to continue growing our active membership in the global NGO community. Perhaps the most important thing that we have learned is that our role as individuals and organizations is key to curbing the spread of Covid-19 as we persevere in following the advice of scientists, to wear masks, distance from others, washing hands and more.
I vividly remember the one word my father would always use when I had a problem that I thought was unsolvable. “Persevere, Fannie, in following the straight path,” he would say. At that time in my life, it gave me little support. But, this Pandemic has brought that word to the forefront of my thinking. I believe that if we persevere long enough, we will achieve our goals of eliminating this disease worldwide and moving ahead with new technology to make the world a more equal and inclusive place.
I believe that “We the Peoples” are well positioned now to make long-wished-for fundamental changes in society when we put aside our fears, set our goals and Persevere.
Ms. Fannie Munlin
President, GNEC
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Localizing Climate Justice: A Series |
On September 25, 2020, the Global NGO Executive Committee co-sponsored the Localizing Climate Justice Conference Series Launch (LCJC) virtual event. The event was organized by the team of youth climate activists behind the Global Youth Climate Action Declaration (GYCAD), including GNEC Directors Nadine Clopton and Annie Deng.
The emphasis on climate justice for the series is intentional and echoes the voices of movements around the globe calling for justice across a myriad of issues. Climate justice is a more regenerative, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to climate action. It begs the question: how can we ensure that our solutions do not create a deeper web of challenges for those whose cries go unheard in decision-making bodies?
Climate justice is an inherently intergenerational issue and aligns with the mission of the Sustainable Development Goals. The 1987 Brundtland Report, also known as Our Common Future, defined Sustainable Development as “the human ability to ensure that the current development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. It is impossible for climate reform to have the impact that is needed if our existing solutions do not strive to create a viable future for the generations to come.
Nadine Clopton
Member
Board of Director, GNEC
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You‘re Cordially Invited! |
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Will you join our Holiday Chat?
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LOCATION
Zoom: https://bit.ly/2020GNECholiday
DATE AND TIME
12/08/20 12:00pm
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12/08/20 2:00pm
It's time for festivities all around the world! Join us for an international and intergenerational chat about our holidays and traditions.
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USG for Global Communications Melissa Fleming
Receives British Podcast Award
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What does it take to be a United Nations worker in some of the world’s
most difficult and dangerous locations?
How are health workers, humanitarians and peacekeepers racing to protect the most vulnerable populations from the threat of the COVID-19 virus?
Stationed in remote locations and far from family, how are they coping?
To find out, USG Melissa Fleming meets them.
Search for “Awake At Night” wherever you listen to podcasts, and subscribe HERE to hear it first.
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An Ode and Music to Celebrate UN Day 2020 |
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UN Chamber Music Society – “75 YEARS OF LOVE” Concert in Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations: In Support of the UN Refugee Agency. Of particular interest: USG for Global Communications Melissa Fleming addresses the anniversary
Click Link, below, for some excellent, eclectic music:
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Ode to United Nations
We the peoples on this earth,
Are inhabitants since our birth,
As humans we have a heart and soul,
Then why do we behave foul?
Instead of being united,
We are getting more divided,
Each day many hearts are filled with sorrow,
While hoping for a new tomorrow,
Let us respect humanity,
And stop this insanity,
To unite as nations,
To ensure peace for generations!
Poem by Dr. Padmini Murthy
1st Vice Chair, GNEC Board of Directors
to commemorate the 75th birthday
of the United Nations on October 22, 2020 © PM
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26 SITTING AND FORMER AMBASSADORS TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Come Together to Sing Heal the World by Michael Jackson
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Human Rights for Old and Young:
A Life Course Approach
Thirty years ago, the United Nations (UN) designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) to celebrate the contributions that older persons make to their families and communities, but at the same time to address the inequalities and unmet needs that they face. Progress has been made over the years, but at a snail’s pace.
Ironically, it has taken a pandemic to serve as a wake-up call. Death rates are rising among people over age 60 and ageism is rearing its ugly head once again as the value of older lives are questioned. This year’s International Day, with the theme of “Pandemics: How Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing,” looked at aging through a different lens—envisioning a society where the focus is on healthy aging, where older and younger people have equal value and human rights disparities are eliminated. This brief video from Dr. Jane Barratt, the Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing, sums it up nicely. See below:
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(For a video of the full event, go HERE )
Leaving No One Behind
When the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were being drafted, those who provided input from the ageing field focused on a life course approach to solving problems, where no one—regardless of age—would be left behind. As new member of the NGO Global Executive Committee and on the Intergenerational sub-committee, I believe the time is right for all generations to use this as a mantra and come together to jumpstart the conversation about equal rights for everyone no matter what their stage in life. MORE, HERE
Dr. Sandra Timmermann
UN Representative
International Federation on Ageing
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Survey: Mapping Media and Information Literacy Development Globally |
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UNESCO, the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Alliance, and partners have launched this global survey to assess the state of media and information literacy development and solutions that are needed to maintain the momentum of media and information literacy for all.
Deadline: 27 November 2020
As a global community, we must ensure that media and information literacy (MIL) is addressed in a sustained manner. The world’s attention is now turned to media and information literacy as a needed way to build people’s resilience to the COVID-19 and other similar disinfodemics. This type of attention is not new; it happens every time there are certain major social challenges.
We must keep pushing for MIL to be prioritized permanently on the national and international development agenda
Our survey seeks to assess trends in the changes in the supply, content and impact assessment of MIL development and diffusion in the past five years. The outcome report will draw the development communities’ attention to the importance of MIL for the Sustainable Development Goals and highlight what is required to sustain MIL development into the next 10 years and beyond.
Your help is crucial. Please circulate this questionnaire widely so that we can have a record number of responses.
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LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOU
An Occasional Series
The NGO Reporter is pleased to highlight the work of our friends and constituents. Are you associated with UN DGC? If so, please send us articles no more than 600 words or videos no more than two minutes in length about your UN-related work and especially highlighting upcoming, online events worldwide. We'd love to hear from you.
The Mona Foundation
The Mona Foundation supports the work of the UN and is working to advance the United Nations Millennium Development Goals- more specifically goal 2 in achieving universal primary education, and goal 3 promoting gender equality and empowering women. For more information on the Mona Foundation please go to monafoundation.org.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Zubaida was 14 years old when her mother approached the principal of Prerna Girls’ School for a loan of Rs 10,000 for Zubaida’s marriage. By marrying off Zubaida to her cousin, the family would receive money in return, and their financial condition would improve. After realizing the family was in dire financial need, the school principal found jobs for Zubaida and her mother so they could support their family and avoid child marriage.
Nikoo Mahboubian
Main UN Representative
Mona Foundation
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Health-Related NGOs, Take Note - The World Health Organization Announces: CALL FOR ENTRIES
The Health for All Film Festival
Films are a powerful way to raise awareness, improve understanding and encourage action, so that this festival aims to contribute to health promotion and education about health.
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The WHO Health for All Film Festival invites independent film-makers, production companies, public institutions, NGOs, communities, students, and film schools from around the world to submit their original short films on health. The festival aims to recruit a new generation of film and video innovators to champion and promote global health issues.
Film competition categories for 2021
The main competition categories for the second Health for All film festival hosted by WHO will be aligned with the Organization’s global goals for public health.
Submissions will be open from 24 October 2020 to 30 January 2021.
We use FilmFreeway for submissions, please click here to submit.
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THE GLOBAL NGO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Publishers of the NGO Reporter, the recently renamed Global NGO Executive Committee, was founded in 1962 to create a link between the United Nations and the Non-Governmental Organizations associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications UNDGC (formerly: Public Information). It is composed of eighteen Directors and encourages and assists NGOs, as members of civil society, to communicate their interests throughout the United Nations system and to support United Nations' goals and objectives. In partnership with the United Nations Department of Global Communication, the Global NGO Executive Committee co-produces annual conferences for the 1500+ accredited DGC/NGOs around the world.
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USEFUL WEBSITE REFERENCES
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NGO REPORTER
ARTICLE GUIDELINES
WE REQUEST THAT YOU SUBMIT YOUR UN/NGO RELATED ARTICLES FOR CONSIDERATION.
Please refer to the article submission guidelines for the NGO Reporter, online here:
Exhaustive investigations demonstrate that a Volume of the NGO Reporter, under Founder and former Editor Dorrie Weiss, was in its fifth year in 1997. Begun in 1992, then, that would make 2020 its 28th consecutive year of publication. Its free subscriber list includes NGO leaders associated with UNDGC (see above), as well as UN and other media, and all those interested in UN-related, NGO activities at UNHQ and worldwide that are created or promoted by the Global NGO Executive Committee, editor, staff.
Prior to her passing, Ms. Weiss mentored Patrick, as Editor, who later invited Dr. Lester Wilson. They became its co-editors for nearly two decades, assisted in large measure by the dearly departed Joan Levy, and former site manager Isaac Humphries. To all those volunteers, we remain eternally grateful.
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The Global NGO Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations Works Closely
with the United Nations Department of Global Communications
MAILING ADDRESS:
Global NGO Executive Committee
c/o Fannie Munlin
NCNW * Lower Level
777 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Visit the Global NGO Executive Committee Here
NGO Reporter Queries:
Phone: 001-914-843-4820
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Our UN: Continuing to provide humanitarian aid
during a pandemic.
Congratulations and thank you on the occasion of your 75th Anniversary (UN75)!
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EDITORIAL BOARD
NGO Reporter
Editor
Patrick L. Sciarratta
World Development Foundation
Contributing Editor
Annie Deng
The City College of New York
Members
President, Global NGO Executive Committee
Fannie Munlin
National Council of Negro Women
NGO Reporter Site Technician
Scott Carlin
Long Island University
Members NGO Reporter Subcommittee
Professor Scott Carlin
Long Island University
Cristina Fan & Michelle Leon
World Development Foundation
Dr. Padmini Murthy
Medical Women's International Association
Dr. Sandra Timmerman
International Federation
on Ageing
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
GLOBAL NGO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2020-21
OFFICERS
President
Fannie Munlin
National Council of Negro Women
1st Vice-President
Dr. Padmini Murthy
Medical Women's International Association
2nd Vice-President
Scott Carlin
Long Island University
Secretary
Debra T. Boudreaux
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
Treasurer
Dr. Kevin Merges
Rutgers Preparatory School
BOARD MEMBERS
Alexandra Abrams
World Council of Peoples
for the United Nations
Desiree Akhavan
Mona Foundation
Barbara Burns
International Public Relations Association
Nadine Clopton
Caring and Living as Neighbors
Annie Deng
The City College of New York
Dasse Diarra
Olof Palme International Peace Foundation
Carl Murrell
Baha'i International
Dr. C'fine Ezeanochie Okorochukwu
Center for Public Health
Uwem Robert OTU
African Youth Movement
Dr. Mubina Schroeder
Kappa Delta Pi
Patrick L. Sciarratta
World Development Foundation
Dakota Silver
International Public
Relations Association
Dr. Sandra Timmerman
International Federation
on Ageing
New Logo Design
Richard Yep
American Counselling Association
DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS *
Hawa Diallo
UN DGC NGO Relations
Public Information Officer
Felipe Quiepo
UN DGC NGO Relations
Public Information Officer
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Bruce Knotts
Unitarian Universalist UN Office
Ex-Officio, Past Chair
Liberato Bautista &
Soon-Young Yoon
Ex-Officio, CoNGO
Aaron Etra
UNA-USA
Pro Bono Attorney
* UN Department of Global Communications (UNDGC; previously UN Department of Public Information, UNDPI).
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