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.

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

From October 18 to 20, 2024, experts and visionaries from across the globe will convene in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and Cordoba, Argentina, for the International Meeting on Relational Sustainability. This gathering seeks to foster a new synthesis of personal, environmental, social, and economic dimensions through a holistic and collaborative approach.

Relational Sustainability emphasizes the interconnections between individuals, society, and nature. It promotes deep, meaningful relationships at every level—interpersonal, societal, and environmental—to lay the foundation for a just, resilient, and sustainable world. The event will spotlight how human and natural sciences can contribute to this integration, addressing today’s complex challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities.

The conference will explore a variety of themes, such as Integral Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Ethics. Participants will also discuss technological solutions for ecological issues, sustainable urban planning, and the role of education in fostering a culture of sustainability. The program will feature keynote addresses, interactive workshops, roundtables, and poster presentations, allowing for cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative problem-solving.

Organized by New Humanity and supported by leading global initiatives like EcoOne, SocialOne, and the Economy of Communion, the meeting invites governments, businesses, non-profits, and individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue. This gathering embodies the Focolare Movement’s commitment to unity and dialogue, encouraging participants to envision sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

The poster 

The flyer (Call for Papers)

The abstract submission forms

Second Circolar

For more information on how to participate, submit abstracts, or register for the event, please visit the official conference page.

L'articolo International Meeting RELATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY proviene da New Humanity.

UN Side Event at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2024

The Politics for Unity Movement (MPPU) and New Humanity NGO are sponsoring an online side event during the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), scheduled from July 8 to July 17, 2024, in New York. The event, titled “From Crisis to Collective Action: Co-Governance Solutions for Cities,” will take place on July 11 at 9:30 am ET.

The 2024 HLPF will focus on how to achieve the 2030 Agenda and eradicate poverty in the face of multiple crises. Our side event will explore how cities can advance the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing co-governance and participatory governance as innovative responses to urban challenges.

Concept Note

Cities hold immense potential for social innovation and resilience. However, governance poses significant challenges that require innovative solutions. Co-governance and participatory governance models have emerged as powerful, network-based approaches that foster collaboration among diverse policy actors. This paradigm shift towards collaborative urban governance aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, hunger eradication, climate action, peace promotion, inclusivity, and partnership strengthening (Goals 1, 2, 13, 16, and 17).

Our event aims to share best practices in co-governance that can address the multiple crises experienced locally and globally. By promoting discussions on climate resilience policies, equitable food access, and sustainable development implementation capacities worldwide, we highlight the critical role of collective action and active engagement from a broad range of stakeholders. These include city networks, academics, policymakers, citizens, associations, and activists.

Fostering collaboration among these groups, our ultimate goal is to catalyze positive urban transformation and achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. We aspire to create a committed network of partners dedicated to promoting collaborative governance practices, thereby enhancing sustainable development and resilience in cities around the world.

Join us on for a transformative discussion on co-governance solutions that can lead cities from crisis to collective action.

Event Details

• Date and Time: July 11 at 9:30 am EDT (ET) (Use this tool to find out what time will be at your end)
• Main Language: English
• Translation Availability: Simultaneous translation will be available in Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• Links to Follow:
  • Event Livestream – for English only: Watch Here
  • Event Livestream – to follow the translations: Enter here (Meeting ID: 844 5043 2857 – Passcode: 580743)
  • Additional Information: mediaoffice@new-humanity.org 

L'articolo From Crisis to Collective Action: Co-Governance Solutions for Cities proviene da New Humanity.

• Inclusion is integral to sustainability  

Inclusion lies at the heart of sustainability, as protecting the planet requires the commitment and participation of everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. The project emphasized the importance of engaging diverse communities, including minorities and marginalized groups, in sustainability initiatives.  

In Lithuania, the activities were developed with a multinational group, with Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. Inclusion was sought by overcoming the language barrier. In Hungary, the project had a special focus on the Roma people, one of the minority populations in the country. In Italy, a summer campus was held in the most peripheral and marginalized district of the city creating a sense of belonging and accomplishment. 

• Communitarian empowerment through active participation  

Practical engagement, such as transforming school spaces into green areas or participating in community clean-up activities, empowers individuals to take ownership of sustainability efforts and inspires a sense of responsibility towards the environment. 

Collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, educators, policymakers, and project participants, is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting sustainability outcomes. The project emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships and collective action. 

• Local actions can have global impact 

The project exemplifies the importance of local initiatives in contributing to global sustainability efforts. During their visit to Brussels and European institutions, the participants learned how their local activities could effectively influence decisions at the European Union level, demonstrating the interconnectedness of local and global spheres. 

• Sharing knowledge amplifies impact 

During the training activities, participants have learned and experienced how sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices with broader audiences amplifies the impact of sustainability initiatives, inspiring others to take action and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.  

A social media campaign was developed to engage young people with a wider audience and spread the message of sustainability and inclusion. Formation and information went hand in hand during the Media Training and equipped the youth and the partners with skills to share their actions and learnings in an international and entertaining way. Developing a social campaign requires dedication, constancy and collaboration – posts made with cross-posting tools have been the most successful and the results can still reach greater heights. 

• Cultural and linguistic diversity as assets  

 Cultural and linguistic diversity is a great challenge and can create many barriers for engagement, but embracing it enriches community efforts and promotes mutual understanding and tolerance. Overcoming language barriers and fostering inclusive spaces enable diverse communities to collaborate towards common goals. 

The Greenclusive project is a winning partnership of 7 organizations in 6 European countries, co-funded by the European Union.  

Partners:  

L'articolo Results and lessons learned about ecology and inclusion from Greenclusive project proviene da New Humanity.

Dialogue is the focus of the Focolare Movement’s second “Communion in Action Report,” the mission statement presented onthe 20th of February 2024 at the General Curia of the Society of Jesus in Rome. The document, translated into five languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese), is an overview of the activities and initiatives promoted by the Focolare in the year 2022, a narrative not only of the spontaneous sharing of goods, but of inspired experiences and initiatives lived worldwide, specifically for this publication, from and to the dialogues: that between Ecclesial Movements and New Communities in the Catholic Church; that between the various Christian Churches; that between different religions, with different cultures, with Institutions, and in engagement with the many global challenges.

Among the speakers at the presentation press conference, in the presence of Margaret Karram and Jesús Morán, President and Co-President of the Focolare Movement, were Monsignor Juan Fernando Usma Gómez, Head of the Western Section of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, Dr. Giuseppe Notarstefano, National President of Italian Catholic Action, Dr. Rita Moussallem, head of the Focolare’s Center for Interreligious Dialogue, and Giancarlo Crisanti, Focolare’s general administrator. Participating via internet were Monsignor Athenagoras Fasiolo, Bishop of Terme and auxiliary of the Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy, and Prof. Stefano Zamagni, economist and professor of Political Economy at the University of Bologna.

The session, which was moderated by journalist Alessandro de Carolis, was a true exchange of reflections and emphasized how such seemingly antipodal terms as “budget” and “communion” can complement each other, accounting not only for numbers but also for life.

Read the full article at focolare.org

L'articolo Communion in Action Report: communicating achievements so that good can circulate proviene da New Humanity.

From January 16th to 18th, youth from Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Lithuania, Austria, and Hungary had the opportunity to engage in various dialogues with key figures in sustainability, including representatives of the European Green Deal and committed politicians. The journey provided a chance to connect all the locally conducted activities to the reality of the EU institutions. Mátyás Nemeth, from Hungary, states: “This trip to Brussels is very interesting because we can meet people from other countries and share experiences we had back home. We learned how much the European Union has been doing for ecology and how local activities can effectively influence EU decisions.”

Each country developed different activities aligned with their local realities, always emphasizing two common values: sustainability and inclusion. These were moments when the young people engaged with various realities, including Gypsies and Rom, people with disabilities, and youth from foster homes and those incarcerated. From Italy, Ludovica Cesarone shares how the project changed her life: “I know myself, but I don’t know how deeply I understand myself. This project has given me the opportunity to integrate, make friends, and create relationships with incredible people.” 

Three pillars guided this transformative journey: Responsible Citizenship, Green Trainings & Activities, and Sensitization Through Communication. These themes formed the foundation for participants to deepen their understanding of sustainability and its various dimensions. 

The immersive experience began with a visit to the European Council, where an informative session about the functioning of the European institutions set the tone. Subsequent visits included the European Parliament, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), COMECE, the German Representation, and the Green European Foundation. Each visit served not only as a tour but also as an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogues, fostering connections and understanding. 

The project goes beyond practical actions and has a profound impact on the youth, helping to shape them into individuals who are agents of change in the world, equipped with values such as empathy and self-knowledge. “With this project I learned to think also about the other, the importance of not being indifferent. Reflecting about consumerism, we learned about child labor in Bangladesh – when I think about it, I’m sure we need to change the way we consume”, Mária Krištofíková from Slovakia shares her learnings. 

Inclusion is at the heart of sustainability. Protecting the planet and ensuring the sustainability of life on earth depends on the commitment and participation of everyone, regardless of their background, culture, language, or economic situation. Juan Camilo Poveda, coordinator of the Austrian group, emphasizes: “Initiatives like this are very important because young people want to get involved, they want to learn. This is the opportunity to change a whole generation.” The stories shared by participants reflect not just a commitment to sustainability but a collective understanding of the importance of responsible citizenship, nurturing a generation that seeks to redefine the future.

Check out the highlights of this journey!

L'articolo Greenclusive in Brussels: bridging local actions to global impact proviene da New Humanity.

Abandoned nuclear power plants evoke images of desolation, with Chernobyl standing as a haunting reminder of the potential consequences. Ignalina, another nuclear center located in Lithuania, shares the same landscape with a troubled history. Notably, it served also as the backdrop for the HBO TV series Chernobyl.  

Reaching out to the excluded and planting seeds of hope are part of the mission of the Greenclusive project. The participants decided to act locally at Visaginas, the youngest city in Lithuania, and is primarily known for the nearby Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, construction of which began in 1978. 

Scoping out the territory, investigating the challenges 

Ignalina’s struggles are deeply rooted, and the nearby city of Visaginas bears the burden of an aging nuclear infrastructure. Although the nuclear power plant has been closed, the burial and storage of radioactive waste remain a significant problem and has caused significant damage to Lithuania’s largest lake, Lake Drūkšiai, and its flora and fauna.  

The city faces a number of socio-environmental challenges, such as low birth rate, aging population, disabilities, substance addiction, and psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Additionally, there are challenges such as unemployment and migration. The environmental quality in the municipality is deemed inadequate due to escalating air and water pollution, an underdeveloped waste management system, reliance on diesel for heat, slow housing modernization with reliance on diesel for heat, and a high motorization rate with a dated vehicle fleet and a shortage of electric vehicles. 

In a place where abandoned buildings dot the landscape and waste mars the natural beauty, the question arises: Can ecology and inclusion find a foothold here? 

In Action: Greenclusive Youth’s Bold Initiative 

A group of 9 young people from Lithuania and Estonia embarked on a journey to Visaginas, confronting the complexities of this nuclear-tinged environment. At first, the goal was to observe what is happening in the city, what positive initiatives have been implemented or are in progress, and what problems the city is facing. 

From July 6th to 9th 2023, through the lens of the Greenclusive Project, these youngsters engaged in meaningful actions, such as getting to know the city and the nuclear center, meeting many residents, cleaning the lakeside and visiting the municipality. This collaborative spirit resonated as a testament to the potential for positive change, even in seemingly desolate places. 

The population of Visaginas is predominantly Russian (48%), followed by 20% Lithuanian, and the remainder includes Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. The language barrier complicates communication among diverse communities and makes it harder to engage residents in activities together. Unfortunately, until today, the linguistic divide hinders diverse people and cultures from living in unity and harmony. 

In light of the above, the group had the opportunity to learn about the “Point” Youth Center and its activities. The center brings together young people from different language backgrounds and teaches them mutual tolerance. Those who come to the center can engage freely in various artistic activities, play, create costumes, pursue activities they enjoy, be accepted and respected—respecting each other. 

As a testament to the project’s impact, one of the participants returned to the city after some months for an annual festival. This not only symbolizes the lasting connections formed but also highlights the potential for ongoing positive change. The Greenclusive Project envisions a future where ecological sustainability and social inclusion thrive, especially in the most unexpected and excluded places.  

L'articolo Greenclusive: ecology and inclusion in abandoned nuclear power plant proviene da New Humanity.

Green Trainings: our project offers a range of green training programs designed to inspire and educate. These initiatives include: 

Eco-entrepreneurship Training: We have the possibility to innovate and create alternatives to contribute to a better sustainable world. This can be done from the economy and the cration of companies. This training was led by Carolina Monroy,expert in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Recycle – Reuse – Reduce Training: These slogans are on everyone’s lips – now it’s up to us, in our daily lives. What can we do here and now to protect the environment? This training was led by Rita Soós, strategy expert at the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. 

Responsible Consumption Training: How do my lifestyles affect environmental sustainability? What are the impacts of consumerism on social inequality, biodiversity, climate change? Greenwashing, what is it? This training answers these questions and was let by Márie Kristofikovej, passionate Slovakian ecology activist.  

Communication Training: Hone your communication skills to effectively advocate for environmental causes. Our training empowers individuals to spread the message of sustainability in a compelling and impactful way. This training was realized in presence at Munich but we share with you some of the content discussed in depth by experts during the training. 

Training Materials for Teens: Handbook for young between 13 and 17 years old to encourage them to learn more about concrete actions to fight climate change. 

Join us in the journey towards a sustainable future! Explore our training programs and materials, and let’s empower the younger generation to be leaders in environmental sustainability. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our planet and create positive change for generations to come. 

L'articolo Learn to act: inclusive ecological training initiatives for the youth proviene da New Humanity.