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.

Analysis and good practices emerged on an international scale at a seminar organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Pontifical Gregorian University, together with the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to FAO, IFAD and WFP, and the Rome Forum of Catholic-inspired Non-Governmental Organizations. The contribution of New Humanity and Action for a United World.

We know that the role of women in community development and the ability to ensure food security in the light of integral ecology is excellently covered.

Although it is often invisible in the eyes of many, the good accomplished by them is not only realized in every relationship but extends and generates community. This is what was expressed in the conclusions by Msgr. Fernando Chica Arellano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the FAO, who well summarized the theme of the study seminar “Women and Food Security: a bond to be strengthened” held on May 22 at the Aula Magna of the Pontifical Gregorian University.

The seminar dealt with this theme through several papers that were dense in content and capable of triggering profound reflections, as well as some experiences of Catholic-inspired NGOs that brought out the importance of women in promoting education, economic livelihood, and family and community development. Each report helped illuminate one aspect of the inextricable link between women and food security. It began with an illustration by Prof. Nuria Calduch, head of the Department of Biblical Theology at the university hosting the conference, of the pages of the Bible that speak of women’s dedicated and generous agricultural work, almost as if to redeem the evil they have committed and for the benefit of all men.

Instead, Prof. Stefano Zamagni, emeritus of Political Economy at the University of Bologna, extolled the role of women starting with food education, which should be carried out already in the family.

Unfortunately, the economist pointed out, this role of hers is threatened by the crisis of the family institution itself but perhaps even more so, with regard to food security, by the oligopoly of seeds. Those who manage them have no interest in making quality available or maintaining stable production; in this context, the woman is completely excluded.

This condition, or her irregular, transient, meager involvement, probably makes the fight against hunger problematic. A fact highlighted by the alarming numbers set out in the report by Dr. Marcela Villareal, director of the Division of Partnerships and Collaboration with the UN at FAO. Yet women, as Villareal points out, precisely in rural management and work, even in the case of particular events (natural disasters, pandemics, etc.) perform better than men and are more effective.

Subsequent reports by Dr. Karinki, a representative of the legal department of UNIDROIT (an auxiliary body of the United Nations), and Dr. Satu Santala, associate vice president for external relations and governance of IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), confirmed the difficulties of women in ‘accessing credit not only to eradicate poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries but also to get back on their feet after calamitous events such as those of climate change.

All this only widens the gap between men’s work and women’s, who nevertheless find greater fulfillment in family or small community settings.

The ability of women to increase the sustainability and quality of peace processes was extolled by Dr. Flaminia Giovannelli, former undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development. And this along with the ability to support in a totally invisible, but fundamental way, the fishing and aquaculture sector, keeping family affections and the work system strong as confirmed by Father Bruno Ciceri, former director of Stella Maris Internazionalis. Women’s balance between family and work and the need for its harmonization was the topic developed in the talk by Dr. Gabriella Gambino, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Gambino was able to connect, in particular, the capacity of women to generate relationships and thus make the common good accessible to all. In order to give strength to this seminar, the representative of the dicastery for the laity offered the key word to always keep in mind in every community, small or large, to develop a greater sensitivity toward care: sharing.

Finally, among the experiences offered to demonstrate what was highlighted in the reports emerged the one proposed by New Humanity and AMU, an NGO of the Focolare Movement, concerning women protagonists of community development in the rural area in Burundi (Central Africa). In particular, through a video testimony, a young woman, a caring mother of a family and tenacious worker in the agricultural sector passionately recounted her commitment in that field. The effectiveness of her action helped to create wealth for other families in need as well, simply by investing in the products of the land from processing in the fields to selling in the markets to managing credit.

“Burundi: Women as protagonists of community development in the rural area”

Speaker: Emanuela Castellano – on behalf of  AMU – Azione per un Mondo Unito and CASOBU. (From New Humanity NGO ‘s network)

L'articolo Women and food security 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.

With the theme, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, we find the direction we have set and the efforts we have poured this year in the same breath as today’s invitation. A few months ago, we launched #DareToCare: People, Planet, and Our Ecological Conversion, a global campaign that appeals to recognize and respond to the cry of our ailing planet. With the recent extreme weather conditions felt across the globe, there is no denying that we are under a worsening climate crisis, one that cannot be detached from other crises that we are experiencing today including poverty as well as in the area of health and food quality and supply, among others. Acknowledging that everything is interrelated, we have understood that care for the earth and care for others are inseparable. We cannot remain aloof anymore nor can we set it aside. This is not the time to be bystanders. This is the time to stand together and roll up our sleeves because in spite of the numerous differences we may have, we have one common home and we have a shared responsibility to take care of it.

We commend the choice of the theme for this year’s celebration geared towards what is close to the heart of many young people and the reality we face at present. While this occasion reminds us that young people – ever passionate, creative, and dauntless – can lead the way to a better world, one generation cannot do it all alone. We must not be afraid to tap collaborators and forge partnerships so that our local initiatives will have a wider and lasting, global impact. After all, we are all children of the earth and the concern of the earth is the concern of everyone, no exceptions.

As a partner of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and as an accredited observer of the United Nations Environmental Programme, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure human and planetary well-being and we are willing to exhaust all possible means on our part towards this cause. Driven by care, we invite everyone, especially the young people, to take a step back by reviewing one’s lifestyle (including one’s consumption and activity) and its impact on our planet and make a move forward by organizing and providing aid for projects such as those under the United World Project held in different parts of the world, be involved or amplify support in policy-making, and calling private sector to shift its production and way of doing business to those sympathetic to the planet.

A rise in global temperature of even 2 degrees is more than enough to threaten food and water security, the economy, and other aspects of human life. We call upon governments to vigorously uphold and stay true to their commitment of effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions as stated in the Paris Agreement and act on it with great urgency. Likewise, we appeal that all citizens find themselves contributing and cooperating in favor of this endeavor. May all of us be strenuous protagonists in our pursuit of a more sustainable world for the sake of the common good, of our common home.

Gio Francisco

United World Ambassador, Philippines

L'articolo U.N. INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY, August 12, 2021 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.

Read more

©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

L'articolo Partnership Agreement Signed Between New Humanity and FAO to Work Together for the Good of Humanity proviene da New Humanity.

World Water Day

For the 2019 World Water Day, Azione Mondo Unito (AMU) – an asscoiated organisation to New Humanity – was invited to FAO to talk about its experience in the daily challenge to see the right to water recognized in a concrete and substantial way, through free, widespread and safe access.

Read more on the AMU website

L'articolo New Humanity NGO presented to FAO its experience on the Right to Water proviene da New Humanity.

Discover the stories of Robert, Cecilia, Mike, Priya… and of many other teens from every corner of the earth who dream and fighting for a world #ZeroHunger.

PDF Book Download

«This book tells us that the way kids look at hunger and think of it is not way adults do. They see economic goods from a perspective of relationships much more than we do. They are more sensitive to inequality, they give little importance to money, they are generous».
(from Luigino Bruni’s preface)

Collaboration between FAO and New Humanity. This activity book published by New Humanity in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) starts from the observation that the world needs us, our ideas, our promises, our actions.

Common Goal. The book highlights the actions of so many great young people who are committed globally to this common goal: transforming the world into a more just place, without people suffering from hunger and poverty.

International Display. The text you find there has a mainly educational and formative purpose. Through the format of an International Meeting, many children from all 5 continents share true stories, personal and concrete experiences that show their choices and actions, the good habits they carry out in their daily lives and the promise of a firm commitment for the future.

Like a rainbow, made up of different colors, reaches the same endpoint, the book identifies 8 paths to follow in order to reach a #ZeroHunger world.

4 Pathways. This first volume presents 4 pathways in depth; each one deals with an issue linked to hunger and highlights some aspects where every human being could improve.

The book can be read alone or in a group and is suitable for moments of reflection and sharing either at school or in the family or with groups of friends. Each chapter contains an activity or a game with the purpose of stimulating reflection.

Enjoy the reading!

Download the book (English Version)

Download the book (Italian Version)

Download the book (Prijelom nula gladi.pdf – Croatian Version)

***   ***   ***

[CROATIAN VERSION]

Zbirka knjiga „Generacija Nula gladi, djeca na putu prema svijetu bez gladi”

Otkrij priče Roberta, Cecilije, Mikea, Priya … i mnoge druge djece iz najrazličitijih krajeva svijeta koji sanjaju i bore se za svijet #Nula gladi.

Preuzmi knjigu

„Ova nam knjiga govori da način na koji dječaci i djevojčice gledaju na glad nije isti kao način odraslih. Oni, mnogo više od nas, ekonomska dobra vide unutar odnosa. Osjetljiviji su na nejednakost, daju manju važnost novcu, velikodušni su“.

(iz predgovora Luigina Brunija)

Suradnja FAO i New Humanity. Ova zbirka knjiga koju je objavilo New Humanity u suradnji s Organizacijom ujedinjenih naroda za prehranu i poljoprivredu (FAO) polazi od spoznaje da nas svijet treba, naše ideje, naša obećanja i naša djela.

Zajednički cilj. Knjiga naglašava djelovanje tog sjajnog tima mladih koji su globalno predani ovom zajedničkom cilju: pretvoriti svijet u pravednije mjesto, gdje neće biti ljudi koji pate od gladi i siromaštva.

Međunarodna izložba. Tekst koji ovdje nalazite ima uglavnom obrazovnu i formativnu funkciju. Preko međunarodnih susreta prenose se istinite priče, osobni i konkretni događaji mnogih mladih s pet kontinenata: odabiri i postupci koje su ostvarili, dobre navike koje svakodnevno provode i obećanje stalne predanosti za budućnost.

Poput duge, sastavljena od različitih boja, doseže istu točku, knjiga identificira osam stazica kojima treba ići do ostvarenja svijeta #Nula gladi.

Četiri stazice. U ovom prvom svesku produbljene su četiri, svaka se bavi problemom gladi i ističe neke aspekte koje bi svako ljudsko biće moglo poboljšati.

Knjigu možemo čitati sami ili u grupi i prikladna je za trenutke razmišljanja i dijeljenja u školi, s obitelji ili s grupama prijatelja. Na kraju svakog poglavlja predlaže se aktivnost/igra s određenim  smjernicama za poticanje razmišljanja.

Ugodno čitanje i sve najbolje!

Download the book (Prijelom nula gladi.pdf – Croatian Version)

L'articolo New Humanity and FAO Publish the Activity Book With Good Practices of Teens of the “Zero Hunger Generation” proviene da New Humanity.

Youth Ambassadors for a United World

In the framework of the Genfest 2018, 25 young people selected by the New Humanity’s competition Fraternitales met some representatives of the National Delegation of FAO and UNESCO in Manila and promoted at the UN level the United World Week initiative.

Read the Report about that Meetings

Some Photos of the Visits

L'articolo Young People of New Humanity Visit the Delegation of UNESCO and FAO in Manila proviene da New Humanity.