Upon accepting his new role, Dias brings a wealth of experience in international diplomacy and a strong commitment to the values of the Catholic Church. “I accept this challenge as a service to the Church, to its members, in order to enhance our NGOs, arousing everyone’s unity with deep respect for everyone’s diversity,” he stated. His leadership envisions to strengthen the organization’s impact on global issues and enhance the Catholic Church’s presence in international affairs. 

The Forum, established in November 2007, comprises over 120 Catholic-inspired Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with consultative status before intergovernmental institutions. It was conceived as a space for dialogue and collaboration among Catholic NGOs to address global issues, offer a strengthened Christian witness and contribute to the common good of humanity. 

Dias was then introduced to Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. During their encounter, Dias presided over a delegation that discussed the Forum’s work, its collaborations with international bodies and outlined thematic priorities for the coming years. The meeting emphasized the crucial role of the Forum in addressing pressing global issues such as peace, climate change, gender, family, artificial intelligence, health, migrations, and the right to life. 

Navigating the role: catholic NGO representatives at the UN

The International Forum of Catholic NGOs has evolved significantly since its inception in 2007. Since then, the Forum has now grown to include organizations actively participating in global dialogues. Beyond providing a platform for dialogue and exchange, the Forum plays a vital role at the United Nations. Catholic NGO representatives have worked collaboratively to create and present joint statements, written contributions, and oral statements at the UN. 

This collaborative effort extends beyond the global stage, with Catholic NGO representatives forming a supportive network. By signing documents jointly, these NGOs amplify their impact on issues debated at the UN. The internal Forum, organizing general assemblies every three years, ensures a robust relationship with the Holy See and sustains the momentum of Catholic NGOs within the UN framework. These representatives address critical global issues and contribute to the formation of a more just and compassionate world through their collaboration and advocacy efforts. 

Did you know New Humanity NGO has representative offices in six different cities?  Each one collaborates wih several partners that specialize in many different fiels of activities. Check it out!

Geneva

Paris

New York

Brussels

Nairobi

Rome

L'articolo Jorge Dias Ferreira assumes presidency of the International Forum of Catholic-inspired Organizations proviene da New Humanity.

The Statement prepared by New Humanity NGO of the Focolare Movement and delivered by Jorge Dias Ferreira, representative of their Geneva delegation, was co-signed by other 4 NGO’s Caritas Internationalis, World Evangelical Alliance, Associazione Communità Papa Giovanni XXIII and OIEC. 

Download the Joint Oral Statement here <<

Watch the video <<

Additional resources

– Research: Assessing the impact of sanctions on humanitarian work. Sponsored by the Ecumenical Council of Churches from the Word Evangelical Association and Caritas Internationalis in collaboration with the Geneva Graduate Institute.

– More details about it here <<

L'articolo “The Syrian population deserves to live in dignity” – Joint Oral Statement proviene da New Humanity.

Do you want to contribute to a united world, representing the United World Project and New Humanity NGO in your country and working with national and international institutions such as UNESCO and the United Nations? You are invited to join us!

Who are we ?

The United World Ambassadors program is promoted by New Humanity International NGO, a Non-governmental organization of the Focolare Movement. The mission of the NGO is to be the expression of the values, ideas and good practices that are born from the life of the Focolare Movement in every sphere of society, the idea of a united world, promoting the spirit of universal fraternity at all levels, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1987 it obtained Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC), and has held General Consultative Status since 2005. In 2008 it was recognized as an NGO partner of UNESCO. New Humanity NGO is one of the main promoters of the United World Project.

The ‘United World Ambassadors’ program aims at creating a worldwide network of youth who become spokesperson of New Humanity NGO at national and international level, being the bridge between local and global efforts for a united world. Specifically, the ‘United World Ambassadors’ will be in charge of establishing a collaborative relationship with national Institutions (such as the UNESCO National Commissions,) Governments, and Civil and Religious Organizations. Their task is to identify, collect and present the best practices promoted over the years in their respective countries, with the final aim of obtaining the recognition of the United World Week at the United Nations.

Who are we looking for ?

Young people between 18 and 30 years old who share a passion for universal fraternity and a united world, who are enthusiastic to learn more about international and intercultural relations and ways to have an impact by being global citizens, and by working together with others from all over the world.

Our activities and expectations: The ambassadors’ role

• Engage in an online formation program to be prepared to interact with international and other institutions.
• Collect good practices on concrete ways in which people are living for universal fraternity in our cities, countries or regions to show how a united world is possible.
• To be the spokesperson for New Humanity NGO and the United World project both locally and with the international institutions.
•  Active participation in the United World Ambassador Network, working with professionals from the New Humanity Offices all around the world and partner associations. Concretely as ambassadors we commit ourselves to learn, to share and to act for a united world. We commit ourselves to do this for at least two years to ensure the continuity of the program. In this way we make steps to realize change in our communities and in the international institutions and we have a chance to live valuable life and professional experiences together.

On Tuesday May 4th 2021, 20h-21h (Rome time) during the United World Week, we will hold a webinar on this call for those who are interested.

How to apply ?

Please fill out the application form (click here).

The application process will close on Friday June 4th 2021.

Do you have any questions ?

Contact us at: uwa@new-humanity.org

L'articolo Call for ‘United World Ambassadors’ proviene da New Humanity.

Conference on “Climate Change: It is happening here, it is happening now”

As a contribution to the 41st ordinary session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, New Humanity co-organized the conference “Climate Change: It’s happening here, It’s happening now” together with the Permanent Representation of the Philippines, the NGO APG23 and other partner organizations of the Forum of Catholic-inspired NGOs in Geneva.

Dr. Jorge M. Dias Ferreira, main representative of New Humanity in Geneva, contributed to the debate with a reflection inspired to Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudatio Si”. It underlined how the deterioration of the environmental heritage is deeply connected to the human and ethical heritage deterioration.

Dr. Ferreira proposed the creation of a regulatory system that effectively respects human life and the living environment, while at the same time setting clear limits aimed at ensuring the protection of eco-systems before new technological and economic models of power may eliminate not only a sound environmental and social policy, but also freedom and justice for all.

L'articolo New Humanity brings up the challenge of climate change at the 41st Human Rights Council proviene da New Humanity.

Prof. Esther Salamanca, a New Humanity expert in the field of Human Rights, presented the experience of “Co-Governance” as a good local practice of sound policies for the promotion and protection of human rights, on the occasion of a seminar on the topic organized by the UN Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

Co-Governance. From 17 to 20 January 2019, New Humanity, together with several partner and associated organizations, organized four days of debate and discussion on city governance, networking and on learning models of sustainability and coexistence. In her speech, Prof. Salamanca underlined the innovative strength of the project and the relevance of the “Pact for a new governance: networked cities” that the 400 participants signed at the end of the conference.

Echoes of the speech. Echoing the speech by Dr. Salamanca, some speakers said they shared the idea that the local dimension of good governance is fundamental for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and that, in their view, cities play an essential role in protecting human rights.

Priority towards the “least”. “I also appreciated the fact that the speeches of other speakers, Prof. Salamanca noted, emphasized that the Goals for Sustainable Development propose concepts dear to New Humanity, such as cooperation and dialogue “without leaving anyone behind”, and the priority towards the least and the most marginalized”.

Cooperation with other NGOs. The event was also attended by dr. Jorge M. Dias Ferreira, main representative of New Humanity in Geneva. Several representatives of Catholic-inspired NGOs active at the Human Rights Council also appreciated New Humanity’s intervention and shared their intention to continue collaborating on the subject.

Event site

L'articolo New Humanity proposes “Co-Governance” as a model of local policies for the protection of human rights proviene da New Humanity.

New Humanity shared its vision on the topic of children’s rights in relations to the digital environment, in order to contribute to the General Comment that the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is writing on this topic.

Shared Responsibility. As expressed by prof. Juan Garcia Gutierrez, a New Humanity expert in this area, the NGO of the Focolare Movement believes that the protection and promotion of children’s rights with respect to the digital space should be a shared responsibility among families, educators and public and legislative institutions, and it should follow a human right-based approach.

Priorities. Here are the top priority issues for New Humanity:

•    Considering the right of access to the Internet, including its neutrality, as a right of its own, is particularly valuable to guarantee other rights to children and young people, such as the right to education or freedom of expression;

•    Reflect on the scope of children’s right to play and to free time (as recognized by Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child), and its translation into the digital world;

•    Promote a permanent education in the technological field (digital or media literacy, literacy with respect to codes, etc.), as a digital competence that covers in a unified way the various levels of use and meaning.

Download the full text of the contribution offered by New Humanity (Spanish)

L'articolo New Humanity offers its vision on minors and cyber space at the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) proviene da New Humanity.

New Humanity is grateful to Dr. Fernandez for having being one of the main architects of the Forum of Catholic-inspired NGOs (CINGO) in Geneva. Through the Summer University for Human Rights, he also contributed – with also great financial support – to the formation of more than 2,000 students from 115 countries over the last twenty years —including about 20 youth from New Humanity.

In this painful circumstance, we are close to his family and to our colleagues at OIDEL. Below are a few of the countless messages of remembrance and condolences received in recent days by representatives of New Humanity and the Focolare Movement who got to know him and collaborate with him over the years.

To follow his wish in honoring his memory, contributions are accepted to CUHD, for the Summer University for Human Rights Foundation (IBAN CH28 0900 0000 6048 0637 9); or to the Mankolé Hospital in Kinshasa (RDC) on the account of the Stiftung Foundation (CH36 0900 0000 8001 0060 3).
Mailing address: Résidence Universitaire de Champel, Avenue de Beau-Séjour 18, 1206 Genève,  info@champel.ch

“I ask God to welcome Alfred into His Kingdom of Love as a reward for the good he bestowed and for his testimony of faithfulness to the Gospel to the end, even in suffering. From heaven, he will continue to follow those who loved him and support those who will continue and bear to fruit his precious legacy, for the benefit of many”
Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement

“I remember him with great affection and esteem. I consider him as one of those “nextdoor” saints and cannot but express deep gratitude for his great support for New Humanity, in particular by offering his availability to form many of our young people during these years. From up there, Alfred’s life will certainly continue to bear fruit.”
Marco Desalvo, President of New Humanity

 
“Alfred was striking because of his vast culture, high effectiveness and competence, his broad humanistic while deeply Christian vision. His great love for the Church and humanity were fascinating, and inspired in him an extraordinary capacity for dialogue with human “peripheries”.
He had the gift of great humility and of being always available and at the service of all, in such a delicate way that it seemed almost like you were serving him.
Although the pain of separation from this true spiritual brother is strong, I feel great joy and gratitude to God for the gift and opportunity to get to know Alfred and grow with him in God’s love. I feel committed to not let his hard work and legacy vanish.”
Jorge M. Dias Ferreira, Chief Representative of New Humanity in Ginevra
 
“With Alfred’s departure, we are losing not only a personality in the field of education and human rights, but also a man whose reserved nature hid remarkable human qualities. We too miss him deeply and share the pain of our friends in Geneva.”
Chantal Grevin, Chief Representative of New Humanity at UNESCO
 

“We have a vivid memory of Alfred as a loving man, gifted with great intellectual rigor and full of a love that is nourished by a source beyond the human level. We pray for him and assure his family and friends of our most sincere affection”
Marie Annick and Pierre Benoit, Associate Experts in Education at UNESCO
 
 
“During these days that bind us more than ever to Paradise, we continue to pray and remember Alfred and thank him for his life and witness to daily sanctity”
Lucia d’Auria, Project Manager

“We remember him as a friend and a person of faith, a great thinker and a person who spent his life for human rights”
Davide Bilardi, Human Rights Representative and former student at the Summer University on Human Rights
 
 
“We had a great relationship with him. Although from now on, given the physical separation, our relationship will be necessarily different, we know by faith that it will be as beautiful and profound as ever.”
Juan Garcia Gutierrez, Associate Expert in Education
 

” As a former student at CUHD, I will never forget the short but very intense moments I had with Alfred and the way he was making everyone feel special and deeply loved.”
Tomaso Comazzi, Communications Officer and former student at the Summer University on Human Rights
 
 
“The ones who leave their mark on earth are the good people. May his light remain alive”
Maria Salas Portas, Associate Expert in Human Rights
 
 
“I only saw him twice, but his strong personality and absolute modesty really impressed me. We lose a true brother; all the Christian components – and more – present at the UN in Geneva lose a great partner and colleague.”
Marigi Lorenz
 
 
“We continue to pray for him, so that he may continue to shine on all the endeavors he committed in“
Jean Besson, Youth of New Humanity
 
 
“I join in prayer and remembrance of a very special person”
Giacomo Fabris, Youth of New Humanity and 2017 student at the Summer University on Human Rights

L'articolo A Tribute to Dr. Alfred Fernandez by New Humanity NGO proviene da New Humanity.

Jorge M Dias Ferreira, main Representative of New Humanity in Geneva, held a formative session dedicated to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to its main anthropological and pedagogical aspects. The presentation was part of the seminar on Human Rights, organized by the Henry Dunant University College (CUHD) in Geneva, for teachers in the Valle d’Aosta Region.

During his speech that was part of the morning program on November 23, Dr. Ferreira focused on the key points of the declaration, adding his personal experience as a trainer and expert on child psychology.

The other experts who intervened offered contributions that were complementary to the session held by Dr. Ferreira.

Prof. Michel Veuthey, President of the Henry Dunant University College in Geneva, outlined the history and evolution of human rights over the years, the values of the Chart of fundamental rights in the history of Europe, as well as some practical cases of Human Right issues.

Prof. Stefania Gandolfi, UNESCO chairholders on Human Rights and Ethics of international cooperation at the University of Bergamo, reflected on the systemic approach to human rights.

Lastly, Marcella Ferri, professor of International Human Rights Law at the University of Bergamo, presented the international system of human rights.

Workshops. The program included also practical workshops, focused on ways and tools useful for the teaching human rights

Special Invitation. Dr. Ferreira had been invited to the seminar by Alfred Fernandez, former president of the Henry Dunant University College, who passed away recently.

Contacts with regional representatives. The seminar also offered our representative in Geneva the opportunity to meet several representatives of Valle d’Aosta, Italy, region. Both the representatives from the region and the teachers who were present expressed their appreciation for the contribution offered by New Humanity. There was a common desire to continue the collaboration in the future, for the purpose of protection of Human Rights in their territory.

L'articolo New Humanity Offers a Contribution to the Formation of Teachers in Valle d’Aosta Region (Italy) on the Human Right Issue proviene da New Humanity.

“Right to Education and New Technologies: a Necessary Dialogue”

Prof. Juan Garcia Gutierrez of National University of Distance Education (UNED) offered his remarks on behalf of New Humanity at the panel discussion organized by OIDEL NGO and the Smart Internet Users project.

Download the Speech (Spanish)

“Where danger grows, safety also grows”. During his speech, prof. Garcia quoted the German poet Hörlderlin, to underline how it is possible to adopt an approach that applies the “spirit of fraternity” contained in the first article of the Universal Declaration. With such approach, a potential risk presented by the introduction of new technologies in the Education field can become a new opportunity to fully enjoy all human rights, including the right to education.

The twofold approach proposed by prof. Garcia foresees, on the one hand, the need to base scientific and technological development on human rights and, on the other, the need for technologies to be at the service of, and promote human values, the “spirit of fraternity” and human solidarity. Internet and digital technologies do not per se constitute a human right, but they are an indispensable means to fulfil other human rights, including the right to education.

A good practice presented in this regard concerns the “Spanish life” project, organized by UNED and the University of Porto-Novo in Benin. It is an innovative virtual learning tool, developed in an educational context at a distance (and therefore based on internet and digital technologies), oriented to the promotion of human values, such as the civic engagement of students, through intercultural dialogue and development of global citizenship.

Knowledge and control. “Mankind has started a new phase of its history – concluded Prof. Garcia – with a growing and rapid development of science and technology, which offer utopian and dystopian possibilities at the same time. In order to fully benefit from them, the essential purpose of education and learning in our century should focus on the knowledge and control of opportunities and risks.”

The event was moderated by dr. Pablo Nuño, First Secretary at Permanent Representation of Spain before the Office of UN in Geneva. Dr. Charo Sébada, Director of Communication for Smart Internet Users and Dr. Renato Opertti of the UNESCO International Education Office also intervened.

L'articolo New Humanity Proposes the “Fraternity Principle” as a Way for Dialogue Between Right to Education and New Technologies proviene da New Humanity.

“International Solidarity and Migration” Seminar

Download New Humanity’s Presentation

Coinciding with the 38th ordinary session of the UN Human Rights Council, New Humanity and other NGOs part of the Forum of Catholic-inspired Organizations (CINGO) present in Geneva organized a seminar on International Solidarity and Migration at the Palace of Nations.

Dr. Obiora C. Okafor, new independent expert on human rights and international solidarity, opened the event presenting the topics on which he will focus his attention during his term. Among them, there will be migratory phenomenon and international solidarity.

The Spirit of Solidarity proposed by Pope Francis on the occasion of the World Refugee Day 2018 was at the center of the debate, as well as the key words proposed by the Pope on migration: welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating.

The event was moderated by dr. Jorge M. Dias Ferreira, main representative of New Humanity in Geneva, and was attended by leading experts in the field.

On behalf of New Humanity, prof. Esther Salamanca – professor of international law at the University of Valladolid – presented a study on the theme of solidarity in the European asylum policy by the title “Solidarity in EU’s Asylum Policy: A Difficult but Necessary Pathway”. The study was published on the Sophia review (January – June 2018).

We/They. “The focus should not be placed on “us” – he said at the end of his speech – but on “them”. That is what solidarity really means.”

Three sides of the issue were taken into consideration:

Solidarity in EU’s asylum law. Commonly accepted as one of the cardinal values of the European Union, solidarity in EU’s asylum policy has at least two main components: the respect for the fundamental rights of asylum seekers (human rights-based solidarity) and the fair sharing of responsibilities.

Intra-EU Solidarity. The Dublin system is not an effective structural solidarity mechanism. A reform is needed, capable to address and correct the lack of equality within the Dublin system, which causes the Member States to disregard their personal roles and responsibilities.

EU External Solidarity. Based on the EU policies, the principle of solidarity appears as an “operational principle” and the general objective of the “external solidarity measures” adopted by the EU until now is to increase cooperation with relevant non-EU countries in order to strengthen their asylum and national asylum systems and to ensure compliance with international standards.

Consensus on the principle of solidarity. At the end of her speech, prof. Esther Salamanca launched an appeal aimed at reaching a consensus at national and European level on how to implement the principle of solidarity in a way that human rights of asylum seekers are guaranteed inside and outside the EU (extraterritoriality) while sharing responsibility fairly and equitably between Member States.

The parallel event was co-sponsored by the special procedures for Human Rights Council, the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh and the Holy See at the United Nations, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and the CINGO Forum.

L'articolo New Humanity Elaborates on the Theme of Solidarity in EU’s Asylum Policy proviene da New Humanity.