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.

 The UNESCO Youth Forum  

Crafted by and for the youth, the UNESCO Youth Forum is orchestrated by the Social and Human Sciences Sector. It provides a dynamic space for engagement, discussion, and debate, allowing young minds to share their recommendations and solutions with Member States during the esteemed UNESCO General Conference. 

Focus of the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum 

The Social Impacts of Climate Change and the need to achieve an equitable climate transition  

This year’s forum tackled the pressing issue of the Social Impacts of Climate Change and the imperative of achieving an equitable climate transition. With young people boldly asserting that their future is at risk due to climate change, the forum assumed a critical role in shaping discussions around the future of humanity, particularly for the youth. 

Nomination and Representation 

Each participating Member State nominates a youth representative, and although NGOs are not directly invited, the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee was invited for the first time to nominate a youth representative to represent the Youth of those NGOs. In this case, Melissa, the representative of New Humanity with the Paris delegation, was chosen, marking not just a significant responsibility with the NGO-Youth Steering Group, but a testament to the appreciation and value accorded to the work of the Paris team and the New Humanity NGO. 

Preparatory Sessions and Objectives  

In the lead-up to the forum, preparatory sessions were conducted virtually from August onwards, involving over 170 young participants from five regions. These sessions focused on four key objectives: youth creation and knowledge dissemination, proposed youth actions responding to local challenges, strengthening youth capacities, and ensuring youth voices reach decision-makers. 

Key Recommendations and Solutions  

The main goal was to identify actionable recommendations and youth-led solutions, focusing on areas such as effective youth engagement, sustainable communities, skills development for a green and blue economy, ethical digital solutions, and the protection of human rights. These recommendations formed the foundation of a two-page document, symbolizing the collaborative effort to address the social impact of climate change. Also, a one-page per region was drafted and delivered. 

“I would like to encapsulate the essence of the forum, highlighting the three-month journey of crafting recommendations and solutions. It was a great challenge but what I could appreciate in substance was the promotion of constructive and positive exchanges within a diverse group, grounded in the significance each country and region places on the climate crisis and actively addressing solutions to a more conscious, caring, fair, equal and sustainable future. What I take from this experience and will promote within the NGO-Youth Steering Group and my own NGO the importance of respectful discussions, recognizing that every contribution is a step towards an infinite array of possibilities for fostering dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas advocating for human fraternity and for sure future collaboration on concrete practices”. Melissa Mejía Flórez

Conclusion 

The 13th UNESCO Youth Forum stands as a significant milestone in the ongoing global discourse on climate change. Through shared experiences, dialogues, and a commitment to finding innovative solutions, participants showcased the power of unity in addressing pressing global challenges. Melissa’s journey exemplifies the ethos of New Humanity, paving the way for continued collaboration in the pursuit of an equitable and sustainable climate transition. As the forum concluded, the echoes of these discussions reverberated, leaving an indelible mark on the collective commitment towards a shared and just future. 

L'articolo Charting a Path: Insights from the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum proviene da New Humanity.

For the second time during the Plenary session, New Humanity was represented by a youth speaker, witnessing the intergenerational approach and the trust practiced within the organization. In her address, Hinojosa acknowledged the ongoing challenges in our world—war, violence, polarization, exploitation, and hatred. She outlined a pathway: “There is an urgent need to mobilize all forces to ensure that dialogue, reconciliation, and healing remain the preferred paths to repel violence at all levels.” 

New Humanity has been relentlessly promoting human fraternity as the cornerstone of dialogue, peace, justice, and solidarity. Hinojosa emphasized the organization’s commitment to deep intergenerational, interreligious, intercultural, and interconnected relationships rooted in mutual trust, respect, and support. The core message was clear: dialogue is key to transcending hatred, discrimination, and global conflicts. 

The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is a principle present in all religions and is fundamental to New Humanity’s commitment to shaping behavior that respects every human being. The organization’s involvement in education, particularly through the “Citizenship and Fraternity Dice” method, demonstrates practical steps taken to instill values of dialogue and inclusivity in younger generations. 

New Humanity and the United Nations: a journey of collaboration and commitment 

In 1987 New Humanity obtained Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC), and has held General Consultative Status since 2005. In 2008 New Humanity was recognized as a NGO partner of UNESCO. This status enables New Humanity to actively support UN work, establish networks with governments, organizations, and UN bodies, and contribute recommendations to international decision-making processes. 

Therefore, the statement also facilitated a call from faith-based NGOs to the UNESCO General Conference to “restore the full place of interreligious dialogue in the [UNESCO’s plan of activities for the next two years (C5)]”. This crucial element aims to foster more inclusive and peaceful societies, exemplifying New Humanity’s commitment to building a united world and a proactive approach to addressing global crises. 

By fostering collaborations, advocating for interreligious dialogue, and promoting inclusive education, New Humanity continues to play a vital role in creating a united and fraternal world.  

Read the full statement.

L'articolo New Humanity NGO at the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference: fostering dialogue and peace proviene da New Humanity.

Monday 3 July, the Ambassador of the Permanent Delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO, mr. Hamed Alhamami, officially opened an exhibition entitled “Tolerance, Understanding, Coexistence: Oman’s Message of Islam”. The exhibition, which has been promoted by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Oman since 2009, has travelled around the world and has visited 39 countries . The exhibition, about religious life and society in the Sultanate of Oman, aims to promote interfaith dialogue, with special emphasis on religious tolerance, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

The following day, the representatives of New Humanity NGO, met with other NGO’s and some institutional actors to learn more about the work of Baraza NGO, a new participant to the NGO interfaith working group, which presented its UNITY programme for school in a.o. Germany and India. The other participants to the round table also shared their expertise and experiences in the field of peace education through interfaith dialogue. A contribution for New Humanity NGO was made by Mrs. Maria Teresia Siniscalco on the work of the NGO in the field of (peace) education.

Other NGOs in attendance at the meeting were Pax Christi International, International Council of Jewish Women, the International Fellowship for Reconciliation and the World Fellowship of Buddhists. Other individual guests were in attendance including Jan Figel – former European Commission Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion outside the European Union, Monsignor Guillaume Bruté de Rémur – Rector at Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Lebanon, Beirut and Prof. Dr Anke Weber – Head of Studies for Intercultural Business Psychology at the University of Applied Sciences, Hamm-Lippstadt in Germany.

Central to the enfolding discussion was the importance of a genuine interfaith dialogue both for the work of (international) public institutions, such as UNESCO, and the life of civil society. The meeting between the various faith based organisations presents a sign of hope and opens up perspectives for future collaboration.

L'articolo Interfaith NGO meeting at the UNESCO in Paris proviene da New Humanity.

Celebrates

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HUMAN FRATERNITY

A PATHWAY FOR PEACE & UNITY

On February 4th 2023 at 9.00 am (EST) / 15.00 (CET)

[LIVE on www.youtube.com/UnitedWorldProject]

Program

Opening
What is Human Fraternity?

• Chantal Grevin, Main Representative of New Humanity NGO at UNESCO

Partners in Human Fraternity

• Nihal Saad, Chief of Cabinet, Spokesperson of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (New York) – Invited
• Catherine Thiounn, Main Representative of Buddhists World Organization at UNESCO
• Christian Renoux, International Fellowship of Reconciliation IFOR
• Younès Aberkane, Department Culture of Peace in AISA NGO
• Mabih Nji Helvisia, United World Ambassador and member of Together for a New Africa

Voices of Human Fraternity

• Carlos Palma, Founder and Coordinator of Living Peace International (Italy)
• Tamara Awwad, Executive Director AMU for Middle East
• Irene Duffard, President of the Politics for Unity Movement in Argentina
• Esther Salamanca, Associate Professor of Public International Law at the University of Valladolid (Spain)
• Antonino Puglisi, Scientist – International Board of EcoOne (United Kingdom)

Closing remarks
The Future of Human Fraternity

• Marco Desalvo, President of New Humanity NGO (Jerusalem)

L'articolo International day of Human Fraternity: A pathway for peace & unity proviene da New Humanity.

by Paolo Balduzzi

Late September 2016. That must be the time when I meet Pierre Benoit. He was in Rome, coming from Paris, for some meetings related to his service in education for the New Humanity NGO and other related bodies.

He was the first to arrive and I was there in the same office. All the others would arrive later, in the following hours, but in the meantime that was the first opportunity for us to get to know each other.

An elegant and likeable Frenchman, Pierre, had that cunning air not of someone who boasts of what he’s talking about, but of someone who always has a broader horizon to look at the trivial things of everyday life. To these however, he gave great value through gestures of kindness, so we had a coffee together. It was a moment of sharing with almost boyish amazement in front of any beautiful thing. I cannot forget his laugh; it was truly unmistakable.

Eternity and humanity mingled in Pierre, and if sometimes (I will understand this over time) he may have seemed a little cut off ‘in his world’, in reality his presence is a very strong reminder not to let myself be suffocated by the daily rush and by the toils of a complicated life. Pierre taught me this: to always look beyond the obstacle, to remember that there is more to life than the ordinary, especially in the most difficult moments; and that the ordinary, with small attention to others, can be beautiful. 

Pierre was a Parisian, born in 1952 and was a teacher of Italian, working for years in a high school in the north of the French capital. Married to Marie-Annick, he had two daughters, Agathe and Fleur; he was passionate about education and had ‘education for fraternity’ at heart.

Some years earlier, Pierre had in fact come to know the Ideal of a United World proposed by Chiara Lubich, fully understanding its enormous potential also from a social and, therefore, educational point of view. This is why he had thrown himself heart and soul into working towards this goal with competence, professionalism and passion, seizing in his daily work the possibility of changing the world.

In his high school, one day, after a rather animated discussion between two female students, he proposed to roll the fraternity dice: a real game dice where on each of the six sides there is written a sentence of encouragement to dialogue and encounter with the other: it is the method for fraternity – a lay version of Chiara Lubich’s Art of Loving – proposed to the students in a format suited to their age: the experiment was so successful that Pierre and his students founded the Fratern’Aide Association to promote this pedagogy of fraternity in other schools. The goal remains the same today and helps build peace, brotherhood and solidarity between everyone, even among generations. The goal translates into collaboration, animations, meetings with people in homes for the elderly and even interventions at elementary, middle and high schools, while participating also at meetings of associations and also at various conferences. 

From the very beginning, therefore, the method proposed by Fratern’Aide made its way into the schools, but also into the surrounding civil and cultural world. And in turn, in view of Pierre’s constant, broader horizon, he went beyond his own comfort zone and in this case reached UNESCO and the Council of Europe, where in 2011, at the invitation of the then President of the Human Rights Commission, the association communicated its history and experience.

It is also thanks to this commitment that, over the years, Pierre had become a true animator of the New Humanity NGO, bringing the expertise and results of his research on fraternity in peace education and global citizenship to conferences and workshops in different parts of the world.

Together with Marie-Annick, Pierre also became the representative of the New Humanity NGO at UNESCO, which for him meant working with all people of goodwill to build the unity of the human family, investing in inclusive actions and projects, to give all children and students in different parts of the world the same chances in life.

It was an intense life of work, relationships and much study, which did not allow Pierre time even for great events that affected his family, first and foremost the illness of his beloved daughter Agathe and her death at a young age. His work as a parent which did not end by his daughter’s fate, had however led him over the years to refine his sensitivity for others, especially the most suffering, seeking in an exquisitely obstinate manner the path of dialogue, giving meaning with his testimony to that premature death.

And so it was until the end, when an illness, swiftly and unexpectedly, took him away a year ago, on July 19th 2021, to that broader horizon that was so constant in his life. Seeking to do the same today, widening our gaze and bravely putting our hearts beyond the obstacles, is the best way to make his legacy relevant.

Useful links:

• https://www.unsa-education.com/article-/comment-apprendre-et-vivre-la-fraternite-entretien-avec-pierre-benoit/
• http://www.eduforunity.org/studi-progetti-esperienze/relazioni/75-relazioni-di-congressi/educazione-un-atto-damore/295-fratern-aide-inglese.html
• https://humanitenouvelle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GrevinChantal_Hommage-a-Pierre-Benoit-le-24-juillet-2021.pdf

L'articolo Pierre Benoit: a broader horizon proviene da New Humanity.

On the 5th  February 2022 a special event for Living Peace will take place: the date will mark its 10th anniversary. This is a project addressed in particular to the world of school and youth groups, and born with the aim of developing, in the different learning and living environments, the commitment to live peace and for peace through a path of active citizenship. (to find out more: http://livingpeaceinternational.org/en/the-project.html )

 In these 10 years, the project has also found application in other expressions of society (parishes, artistic groups, associations, etc.) of the five continents belonging to different cultures and religions, and thanks to this it has contributed to the creation of a culture of peace that starts from personal life and extends to concrete actions in various fields: cultural, sporting, artistic, social, ecological, etc… 

During the webinar we want to go through the significant stages of the project through the stories of the protagonists of the first hour and of the promoters of the culture of peace in the different continents, interspersed with some artistic contributions of the young people and partners of Living Peace.

The event will be broadcasted live on 5th February on Living Peace YouTube channel, from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm. It will be possible to select your language (Italian, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish).

 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjchKxtbrnQ 

Video promo of the event: https://youtu.be/mQ5YT1o9Y_k

L'articolo 10 years for peace. Tenth anniversary of the Living Peace International project proviene da New Humanity.

In the afternoon of Monday, November 15, 2021, during the 41st session of the UNESCO’s General Conference, the non-governmental organization New Humanity took the floor in the General Policy Debate to share the commitment and the work that children, youth and adults have been doing in terms of global citizenship, through the reading key of a united world, that is, fraternity.

“We would be taking a step forward if we all strive to love each other’s country as our own; if we all commit to an integral ecology by taking respectful and caring actions towards our fellow human beings and towards the nature on which our lives depend. This concerns us all, regardless of our beliefs. Whether we are young or old. Whether we have power or not”.

(pdf document – New Humanity NGO speech)

New Humanity NGO at the UNESCO’s 41st session of the General Conference 

The 41st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) opened at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, 9 November 2021 and its work is expected to conclude on Wednesday, 24 November 2021.

The General Policy Debate took place from Wednesday, 10 November morning to Monday, 15 November afternoon which was followed at the end by the reply of Audrey Azouley the reelected Director-General.

Why was this participation important?

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO had the possibility to send their organization’s representative(s) to the General Conference as observers at the session, and some NGOs requested to address the plenary meeting of the General Conference. New Humanity was one of the NGOs who asked to present a statement on matters within their respective competence during the General Policy Debate, and had also a statement to be presented on the SHS commission, with the consent of the presiding officer. 

To have the floor is important because it allows not only to present the relevant actions of the organization itself, but also to know the work of other organizations or projects with which synergy can be created, in order to fulfill together the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

On this occasion, New Humanity presented three general projects that are carried out by a particular promoter (children or youth), but that at the same time are built on the basis of intergenerationality, an indispensable characteristic for the organization.

1. #ZeroHunger, in collaboration with FAO
2. Pathways for a United World as a commitment with UNESCO and the Sustainable Development Goals, and
3. Together for a New Africa, where the training in politics and a culture of fraternity and leadership of young people creates solutions from their own reading of the territory, the country and its culture.

A special invitation

At the conclusion of New Humanity’s speech, an invitation was extended to the Global Citizenship Forum, which will be held on December 6 and 7, 2021.

The NGO Liaison Committee of UNESCO, which gathers more than 400 NGO partners of UNESCO like New Humanity, organizes Forums on themes of interest to UNESCO. New Humanity is fully committed to Global Citizenship and after 2 years of work, with UNESCO and other NGOs interested in the subject, a Forum will take place online on December 6 and 7, 2021 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. 

More information and registration form can be found here: http://www.ngo-unesco.net/forum_global_citizenship.html 

L'articolo Global Citizenship, pathway to a United World 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.

On Monday, September 14, Teens4Unity, an affiliate member of New Humanity, participated with its own experience in the webinar “The voice of NGOs: global citizenship to spur inclusion and diversity” organized by the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee.

Opening the webinar Cecilia Barbieri, Chief of the “Global Citizenship and Peace Education section” at UNESCO, stressed the crucial role played by civil society organizations in the educational field, and specifically in the achievement of the fourth Sustainable Development Goals of “Quality Education” by 2030. This objective aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. According to Barbieri, global citizenship education has become even more relevant and necessary during this pandemic.

During the webinar, Fidelia, one of the leaders of Teens4Unity in Kenya, shared the model of the “Hombre Mundo” (“World Person” in Spanish) camps, which aim to educate new generations of global citizens. The formula is simple: a two-week international camp in which teenagers from different cultures participate. During the first week, young people are challenged to overcome prejudices and nationalism and to undertake a journey together to discover the gifts of their own and others’ cultures. The second week, on the other hand, focuses on learning through action: teenagers visit and contribute to established projects in local communities, where they learn how to serve and respond to the different needs of the community.

Audrey, a Kenyan teenager, took part in one of the camps was able to share the transformative experiences lived by some of her peers. For example, the 2017 Hombre Mundo camp in Patzún, Guatemala which brought together young people from six Central American countries with a vast cultural and ethnic diversity. “Here, they worked on a tree-planting project with an indigenous community,” explained Audrey, “so they learned to appreciate that each culture has much to share.” Also, in 2017, Audrey continued, a camp took place in Eastern Europe, which helped build a friendship between Ana (a Serbian teen) and Luka (a Croatian teen). Friendship that helped them to overcome the pain of a war that divided their peoples and whose scars still struggle to heal today.

These transformative experiences are, undoubtedly, shared by the many hundreds of young people who’ve taken part in these Hombre Mundo camps. But is there something to be learned from these experiences? Can they help us accelerate progress towards the Global Goals?

Fidelia explained that the key lesson of the Hombre Mundo workshops is the ‘Head, Hearts, Hands’ method: an education based on knowing (head), loving (heart) and acting (hands). The young people are then leaders in setting the agenda of the program, they work alongside the facilitators and animators as equals, they have the space to reflect and share on all topics. Like many Global Citizenship Education initiatives, the impact is not immediate. It is not seen immediately in the classroom or during the workshop. The effect is, however, absolutely clear when the students return to their communities and activate change.

Other initatives presented include that of: Leonard Cheshire, a British NGO that supports people with disabilities globally; the International Council of Jewish Women, which shared its experiences of interfaith dialogue in Europe and South Africa’; and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, which campaigns on the need for feminist perspectives to enrich the concept of global citizenship.

Cecilia Barbieri concluded the webinar by stressing the necessity for lifelong learning and the importance of access to such learning, including training on global citizenship.

Five years have passed since world leaders signed up to achieve the Global Goals by 2030. This was a plan to, among other things, end poverty, fight inequality and beat climate change. With 10 years to go, we are really behind. Now, more than ever, we need effective projects and commitments to unlock progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Conleth Burns

L'articolo Global citizenship education is the key to progress on Global Goals proviene da New Humanity.