Through partnerships with institutions and representatives of diverse religions and cultures, we’ve supported key initiatives in Human Rights & Peace, Dialogue, Youth, and Ecology, fostering social cohesion and advocating for positive change. Here are the highlights of our work in 2024: 

• Human Rights & Peace 

Despite advancements like artificial intelligence reshaping our world, inequality and hunger remain pressing issues. In collaboration with NetOne and the Mission of the Holy See, we launched “AI: A Pathway to Global Peace and Integral Human Development” at the UNHQ in New York, fostering a critical dialogue on the ethics of AI. We also participated in the seminar “The Right to Food: Between Deprivation and Waste” at the FAO headquarters in Rome, sharing impactful initiatives addressing hunger and sustainability.  

New Humanity took significant steps at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, advocating for the rights and care of older persons and quality education for peace and tolerance. At the International Conference on Sanctions, Business, and Human Rights, where we highlighted the importance of solidarity in economic policies. 

In the context of migration, we recognized the fundamental human rights to mobility and cultural participation through the HeARTmony project, implemented across Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Bosnia, and Egypt. The project promoted social inclusion, well-being, and international cooperation while raising awareness of migration dynamics. 

• Dialogue

Dialogue is crucial in promoting understanding, valuing cultural and religious diversity, and bridging divides in an increasingly polarized world. New Humanity participated in the UNESCO roundtable “Religion: a Source of Strength in a Challenging World“, emphasizing the role of religions in fostering peace through dialogue. At the “Together for Humanity: Peace and Dialogue as a Methodology“ congress, we helped develop responses to contemporary global challenges.  

Locally, Project DialogUE engaged citizens in four Bilateral Dialogue Groups to discuss topics like communication, ecology, and social policies, leading to international meetings where participants shared perspectives and made recommendations for EU decision-makers. 

• Youth 

We gathered over 4,000 young people from diverse cultures, countries, and religions at the GenFest, an international event organized by the United World Project. The event focused on global unity and featured youth-driven proposals on sustainable development, climate action, peace, human rights, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, and youth empowerment. These proposals were presented at the UNAOC Global Forum to high-level UN representatives. 

The AFR.E.S.H. project empowers young leaders from Europe and Africa to address global challenges across continents like migration, climate change, and inequality. The M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW project aims to establish a pedagogical laboratory for peace in the Mediterranean, strengthening educational opportunities for young people. 

• Ecology

Together with the Politics for Unity Movement (MPPU), we co-hosted the event “From Crisis to Collective Action: Co-Governance Solutions for Cities“ at the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York. Additionally, the International Congress on Relational Sustainability, organized by EcoOne, brought together over 250 participants to explore how the natural and human sciences can collaborate for a more integrated approach to sustainability. 

The Greenclusive project advanced environmental sustainability by empowering social minorities, particularly the younger generation, to lead ecological initiatives and actively contribute to the global green movement. 

As we continue our work in 2025, we remain commited to uniting communities and addressing the pressing challenges of our time. If our initiatives have positively impacted you, we invite you to consider supporting our efforts through a donation. Your contribution will help us continue advancing our mission to promote a united world, guided by the universal spirit of fraternity as a dynamic factor in social cohesion.

L'articolo New Humanity NGO 2024 Highlights: A Year of Action for Global Change  proviene da New Humanity.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Acciones de Familias Nuevas from Spain engaged educators, tutors, and young participants in transformative training sessions and virtual exchanges across continents. These initiatives emphasized the six interconnected dimensions of human development—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and historical (family/environment)—while fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Here are the key milestones of this journey. 

Training the trainers 

A virtual exchange and training session for future tutor couples of the Up2Me program was held on June 24 and 25, 2023. The event gathered 64 participants, including European and African specialists, for an enriching weekend of learning and interaction. Conducted in French and Italian with simultaneous translation, the session aimed to prepare educators to deliver the Up2Me program to children and adolescents in diverse cultural contexts. 

The training emphasized the importance of intercultural exchange, with participants sharing insights from their respective regions. One participant remarked: “The content was rich and vital for our youth. The program equips us with practical tools for working with adolescents and inspires me to reach more children at all levels.” 

Connecting cultures for the first time 

Young participants from Europe and Africa met virtually for the first time on February 18, 2024. Over 40 young people and their tutors came together to share experiences and reflections. 

The discussions revealed the universal impact of the Up2Me program, transcending cultural and social differences. Despite the wide diversity in age, culture, and social background, the experience shared by participants highlighted many common points. One young participant reflected, “This experience helped me understand myself better and connect with others in a meaningful way.” 

Listening to the youth: strengthening relationships 

A second virtual exchange on October 19, 2024, allowed for deeper connections among participants. This meeting brought together 48 participants from partner countries and 11 guests from other African nations. The diverse group included children under 18, young adults, and their trainers, totaling 59 individuals. The event was conducted in five languages—English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian—to accommodate various linguistic backgrounds. 

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their experiences through guiding questions, such as identifying impactful songs or phrases from the Up2Me course and sharing how the program has influenced their lives. The insights gathered highlighted the program’s relevance and participants’ enthusiasm to recommend it to their peers. 

Our commitment to building bridges between Europe and Africa through education and dialogue continues—explore the milestones of the AFR.E.S.H. program here. 

L'articolo Up2Me expands formation across continents with AFR.E.S.H program proviene da New Humanity.

In a world marked by war, crises, and polarization, dialogue and cooperation remain the only paths to peace. With this conviction, New Humanity NGO joined the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum that convened its Group of Friends at Cascais, Portugal, from November 25th to 27th. Under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future — Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity,” the event brought together diverse stakeholders—including religious leaders, academics, youth, media, and civil society representatives. High-profile attendees included António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, the king Felipe from Spain, several current foreign ministers and previous prime ministers of European countries.

New Humanity NGO of the Focolare Movement and member of UNAOC’s Multifaith Advisory Council highlighted the organization’s commitment to fostering a just and united society, where faiths are spaces of encounter and collaboration. Rooted in decades of grassroots initiatives, New Humanity bridges local action with international diplomacy to tackle global challenges and promote peace. This participation underscored the importance of multilateral efforts to restore trust and reshape a future of harmony and collaboration among international institutions, religious organizations and the private sector.

Our commitment

During the Global Forum, Ana Clara Giovani and André Correia, youth representatives of the Focolare Movement, along with Maddalena Maltese, the main representative of the New Humanity NGO in New York, presented the document “Together to Care – For Our Human Family and Our Common Home.” This document represents a commitment by the Youth for a United World (Y4UW) to the Pact for the Future, approved by the United Nations last September.

Al Genfest 2024, un raduno di 4.000 giovani provenienti da tutto il mondo tenutosi in Brasile, sono stati lanciati otto hub di innovazione per promuovere l’unità della famiglia umana e prendersi cura della nostra casa comune. Le otto Comunità Mondo Unito hanno consolidato e sviluppato proposte e progetti ispirati alla spiritualità dell’unità del Movimento dei Focolari, in linea con i principi della Dichiarazione delle Nazioni Unite sui Diritti Umani e del Patto per il Futuro dell’ONU. Queste iniziative si concentrano su aree quali lo sviluppo sostenibile, l’azione per il clima, la promozione della pace e dei diritti umani, il dialogo interculturale, la coesione sociale e l’empowerment dei giovani.

These projects and proposals form the core of the document presented in Cascais. It opens with a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, acknowledging his tireless efforts to champion peace and sustainable development. Among the key proposals are the establishment of a High-Level Youth Forum to integrate youth perspectives into global decision-making, and preparations for the UN’s 80th anniversary and COP 30, showcasing youth-led solutions for urban sustainability and climate justice.

Presented to Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, and Felipe Paullier, High Representative for Youth Affairs, the document received enthusiastic support. Both leaders recognized New Humanity’s long-standing contributions and expressed interest in further analyzing the proposals. This engagement underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping policies for a just and sustainable future, strengthening the connection between grassroots actions and international diplomacy.

Next Steps

To expand the reach and effectiveness of this work, United World Ambassadors, a youth network, will play a pivotal role in connecting grassroots initiatives to international frameworks like the United Nations, ensuring that local actions resonate globally.

New Humanity remains committed to bridging grassroots initiatives with high-level organizations, advancing its mission to promote fraternity, dialogue, and sustainable development. The connections established during the UNAOC Global Forum will be instrumental in strengthening the impact of our projects and amplifying the voices of youth worldwide.

To download the document, in English, click on the image

First published at focolare.org

L'articolo New Humanity NGO elevates GenFest proposals at UNAOC Global Forum proviene da New Humanity.

It was a joyful hour of meeting together, almost an oasis within the context of the tension and conflicts experienced here every day. The program featured a presentation by the Focolare, and included a message from the current Focolare president, Margaret Karram, who encouraged each one present “to be a person who builds bridges, opens new paths, removes walls and opens people up to hope!” [Here is the full message]

The project was then presented by students from the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grades (the first year will start with 7th grade students). The program offers a pathway that develops gradually over three school years to ensure that each student will achieve a deep understanding of the concepts presented and internalize the content. Three themes will be addressed over the course of the year.

Each theme will be accompanied by “actions” featured on the “Cube of Peace”, a cube that features phrases on each side which suggest ways to build peaceful relationships. Here are the themes for this first year, 2024-2025 (and the associated Cube of Peace actions):

• Understanding oneself, self-esteem and personal development (“Treat others as you would like to be treated)
• Training in conflict management; working as a team (“Forgive those who hurt you”)
• Intergenerational and peer dialogue (“Discover the good in others”)

Gen Rosso and Gen Verde musical bands, which were prevented from being present due to the current situation, sent a video greeting, encouraging everyone to become leaders in promoting hope and fraternity. [Here is the video of their greeting].

The event was a real celebration thanks to each school’s artistic contributions, including presentations by a student band, a choir and a cultural dance. It was a mosaic of colors and sounds that made everyone experience a seed of a “united world,” a world of brotherhood and peace.

See also: https://cmcterrasanta-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/93bcddc1-7742-4223-bd76-dd86e5f8e05f.mp4?_=1

L'articolo October 24, 2024 – Launching “TogetherWEconnect” in the Holy Land proviene da New Humanity.

New Humanity NGO, through the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, played a central role in supporting this initiative, organizing a round table to demonstrate how interfaith and intercultural dialogue can drive united human values, even in a challenging world.

Key Takeaways from the Round-Table

Several influential speakers shared valuable insights during the round-table, shedding light on diverse perspectives:

• Bérengère Savelieff (Pax Christi): Presented a compelling case for inter-religious collaboration based on a UN resolution, sharing a field experience from the Congo that demonstrated how dialogue drives actionable change in conflict-affected areas.
• Maria Teresa Siniscalco: Showed how interfaith dialogue enriches school education, with examples from schools in Pakistan and Slovenia, illustrating its role in building bridges between young people of different backgrounds.
• Reverend Youshiharu (WFB & Religions for Peace Japan): Explored how interfaith approaches address ethical dilemmas in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, showcasing the relevance of spiritual perspectives in modern challenges.
• Professor Fabio Petito: Argued for closer collaboration between religious organizations and governments, emphasizing that this partnership is essential for tackling contemporary global issues effectively.

Building Momentum for Action

The discussions also served as a platform to strengthen the role of interfaith dialogue in global policymaking. Panelists and participants expressed their willingness to present the work of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee to key delegations, including those of France and Italy, to garner support for a UNESCO resolution. The next step involves reaching out to additional member states of UNESCO’s Executive Board to build broad-based backing.

Furthermore, the round-table reinforced the unity and commitment of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee. This shared sense of purpose will drive ongoing initiatives, including a magazine project led by Pax Christi. The magazine will highlight the committee’s collective achievements, further advancing advocacy efforts with UNESCO member states.

Why This Matters

The conference was a powerful reminder that inter-religious dialogue is not just theoretical; it creates real, measurable change. From shaping educational practices to addressing complex ethical questions, it fosters collaboration that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.

We invite you to watch the sessions and be inspired by the stories and strategies shared:

• October 28 Morning Session | October 28 Afternoon Session
• October 29 Morning Session | October 29 Afternoon Session

L'articolo Round table at UNESCO – How interfaith dialogue is building inclusive and peaceful societies proviene da New Humanity.

Part of New Humanity’s broader efforts, the project has been supporting a network of around 500 local producers, many of whom come from conflict-prone areas. By providing a platform for these producers to directly sell their products, MadeByNature helps build a sustainable economy that not only supports the local farming community but also works to ensure food security in Lebanon.  

To share more about this important project, Christiane and Marc Beyrouthy, from MadeByNature, have created a video detailing their work and how you can get involved. This initiative was also presented as part of global efforts to tackle food insecurity at the FAO headquarters in Rome during the seminar “The Right to Food: Between Deprivation and Waste – It’s Time to Act,” held on October 10, 2024.  

Watch the video to learn more about the situation and the ways you can support.  

Donations can be done through madebynaturelb.com or via WhatsApp 00961 76 363 353. 

L'articolo How this company is ensuring food security for Lebanese in war zone proviene da New Humanity.

The training program emphasized the theme “Togetherness: Building Teams and Leaders for a New Africa”, designed to reinforce leadership attitudes and civic participation through a blend of local training activities and international exchange. Lecturers, facilitators, and participants from European countries expanded the participants’ perspectives from both continents on common challenges and diverse cultural viewpoints regarding the topics discussed. 

Enhancing Peer-to-Peer Learning 

In response to participant feedback from the Summer School in 2023, the 2024 program focused on increasing opportunities for exchange among participants. The structure included fewer lectures and more collaborative sessions, allowing attendees to share their insights and best practices on leadership. Discussions were facilitated in English, French, and Portuguese, accommodating the diverse linguistic backgrounds of participants. 

A notable new feature was the peer-to-peer moments, where participants from different countries, but sharing a common language, engaged in meaningful conversations about their reflections and proposals based on the lectures. Feedback indicated that these moments were highly appreciated and contributed significantly to the learning experience. 

Opening Session and Key Themes 

The event began with a powerful address from Prof. Justus Mbae, former Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Chairperson of T4NA. He emphasized the crucial role of individual passion, energy, and curiosity in driving meaningful change. Prof. Mbae’s message resonated with participants, motivating them to embrace their potential as agents of transformation. 

Dr. Melchior Nsavyimana, the project manager of T4NA, expressed his gratitude for the commitment shown by all involved in making the training a reality. His acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts among participants from various regions underscored the essence of teamwork in achieving common goals. 

The first day featured a reflective session led by Professor Declan O’Byrne, Rector of Sophia Institute University, who engaged participants in discussing the challenges and opportunities of leadership in today’s world. This segment proved impactful, as participants reflected on their own leadership journeys and the wisdom required to navigate complex environments. 

Throughout the week, various crucial themes were explored, including: 

1. Collaboration and Complex Issues: A session on “Hard Problems & Contextual Factors,” moderated by Annette Pelkmans, Professor of International Economics at Sophia University Institute, highlighted the importance of collective action in solving complex challenges. The introduction of the “6 by 1 methodology” provided a structured framework for participants to navigate these difficulties, encouraging them to reflect on the challenges of fraternity, love, and globalization. 
2. Conflict Management: Raphaël Takougang, a lawyer at the Cameroon Bar Association, led discussions on conflict transformation and peacebuilding, reinforcing the idea that everyone plays a role in fostering peace through daily actions and commitments. 
3. Gender Inequality: Geneviève Sanze highlighted the vital role of women in socio-economic development, stressing the importance of recognizing unpaid labor and advocating for balanced partnerships between men and women. Her insights on mutual societies and initiatives focused on women’s development underscored the potential for creating more equitable communities.

In addition to thematic discussions, time was allocated for national group exchanges, allowing participants to delve deeper into the content and develop action plans tailored to their local contexts. These collaborative sessions fostered a sense of community and mutual support, essential elements for effective leadership. 

A Collaborative Closure 

As the training concluded, Melchior Nsavyimana, Project Manager of Together for a New Africa, encouraged participants to become active citizens and implement the lessons learned in their communities. The event wrapped up by reaffirming the significance of collaborative leadership in building a stronger, more equitable, and united Africa. 

The T4NA Summer School 2024 not only equipped young leaders with essential skills and knowledge but also created a vibrant network of individuals committed to driving positive change. As they return to their communities, these leaders carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to fostering unity and collaboration across the continent. 

To access all the materials and lectures from the Summer School, visit AFR.E.S.H. Project. 

For more information on the Together for a New Africa project, visit the website. 

L'articolo Togetherness in Action: Strengthening Leadership at the T4NA Summer School proviene da New Humanity.

L'articolo Bridging science and society: International Congress sparks new vision for Relational Sustainability proviene da New Humanity.

Focus of the event was the presentation of recommendations for the European Union from the DialogUE project – “Diverse Identities Allied, Open, to Generate a United Europe” on issues crucial to the current European and world situation, summarized in the “DialogUE Kit” brochure.

“You can see with the naked eye that something happens when people of peace talk,” said MEP Catarina Martins of the European Left, who opened the meeting in a hall of the European Parliament. “And this is just such a moment. Dialogue is a powerful tool for peace.”

The project stems from the decades-long commitment of New Humanity, an expression of the Focolare Movement, which has significantly promoted good practices in interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The approach fosters mutual respect and trust, essential elements for fruitful dialogue and collaborative efforts.

Francisco Canzani, general counselor for the Culture and Study area of the Focolare Movement emphasized in his speech that dialogue is built from three elements: attitudes, tools, and method. On the latter, the method of differentiated consensus and qualified dissent, which originated within the platform between Christians and Marxists DIALOP, is now a source of inspiration and practice for other dialogue groups.

In 2023 and 2024, the project involved 4 dialogue groups in 3 main areas: Communication, Ecology and Social Policy. The dialogue groups were:

• Among Christian citizens through the Together4Europe platform.
• Between Christians and Muslims through the Focolare Movement’s Center for Interreligious Dialogue.
• Between Christians and people who do not identify with a religious belief, through the DIALOP platform for cross-religious dialogue
• Between Western and Eastern European citizens through the Multipolar Dialogue Group.

The project mainly facilitated the dissemination of the meaning and methodologies necessary for effective dialogue. It also brought together international experts on these three key challenges, who helped participants understand the main EU documents on these topics and explore the different dimensions of each theme.

The groups worked together to identify shared principles and common proposals. Their work led to recommendations that were submitted to the European Parliament.

The DialogUE project — was promoted by a consortium of 14 civil society organizations from 9 EU member countries.

Among the main results achieved by the project: 12 international meetings and a training for facilitators and experts; the direct involvement of 1,200 citizens and more than 10,000 indirectly; and the creation of the “Dialogue Kit,” intended for educators, NGOs, and policymakers to promote dialogue and social cohesion. These meetings resulted in shared recommendations for EU decision makers to promote more inclusive and sustainable policies.

In the afternoon of October 16, a discussion group hosted by KU Leuven (University of Leuven) in Brussels was held, during which participants analyzed some good practices that emerged from the project and discussed how to further disseminate these initiatives through the ‘Dialogue Kit.

For information about the project: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/project/dialogue/

To review the event click here:

Fisrt published by focolare.org.

L'articolo Final Conference of the DialogUE Project presents and discusses recommendations created by 4 dialogue groups in the European Parliament proviene da New Humanity.

The seminar provided a platform for participants to discuss strategies to ensure fair and sustainable access to food for all. New Humanity had the opportunity to share several concrete experiences from our Zero Hunger initiative, highlighting the diverse projects we’ve implemented across the globe to address food security, sustainability, and environmental protection. 

During the seminar and inspired by our partnership with FAO and a previous joint publication like the Activity Book with Good Practices of Teens of the “Zero Hunger Generation”, we took the floor to share the most recent collection of positive actions by young people and organizations from various countries contributing to the goal of Zero Hunger: 

• Italy: Educational workshops on peace and integral ecology, fostering a holistic approach to food security and sustainability among young people. 

• Korea: A community garden project initiated by local youth, promoting food sustainability and community involvement. 

• Ecuador: Advocacy against deforestation and water contamination, as well as local projects aimed at caring for the planet and educating communities on sustainability practices. 

• Brazil: The UNIredes initiative, which brings together 74 partner organizations to collaborate to support and assist those most in need, creating a strong social safety net. 

• Lebanon: The MadeByNature agribusiness project, which supports a network of around 3,000 local producers, many of whom come from conflict-prone areas. By offering a platform for direct sales of their products, the project helps build a sustainable economy that supports local communities. 

These diverse projects demonstrate how young people and organizations across the world are becoming protagonists of change, using their energy and ideas to combat hunger and promote sustainability in their communities. Although the seminar took place earlier this month, its messages are especially relevant as we mark World Food Day 2024. The global hunger crisis requires urgent and unified action—whether through innovative agricultural technologies, stronger international cooperation, or grassroots community efforts. Now is the time to act. 

Guided by the principles of universal fraternity and inspired by the words of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, we believe that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. Chiara’s call to “die for humanity” inspires our work to serve the most vulnerable. Through partnerships with both public and private sectors, we continue to build networks of support to meet the needs of those affected by hunger and food insecurity. 

During the FAO event, Róisín Reynolds from Taiwan reflected,  

   “Eliminating hunger isn’t as simple as it might seem; there are countless challenges, and sometimes it feels like we are moving backward. However, what we have witnessed today shows that many people are working tirelessly for the same goal. It’s up to us to join them in the fight against hunger.” 

On World Food Day 2024, we renew our commitment to achieving Zero Hunger. By working together, we can build a world where no one goes hungry, and where food systems are fair, sustainable, and inclusive for all. 

Always in Unity, 
Luzi and Egide 

New Humanity NGO 

L'articolo Zero Hunger Generation and “The Right to Food: Between Deprivation and Waste” Event  proviene da New Humanity.