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.

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.

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.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, NetOne together with the NGO New Humanity in collaboration with the Holy See Mission to the United Nations, co-organized the initiative “AI: A Pathway to Global Peace and Integral Human Development,” which took place in New York, UNHQ, Conference Room 6, from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. and was followed online from different parts of the world.

The Opening remarks by His Excellency Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, set the tone for the reflections, We stand at the precipice of a technological revolution unlike any other in human history. The emergence of AI is reshaping our world in profound and unprecedented ways. From revolutionizing industries to transforming the way we live, work, and interact, AI has become a driving force of change in the 21st century”.

In recent years, digital progress has brought significant opportunities and challenges, with serious implications in all areas of society. In this era of rapid technological change, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most powerful tools with the potential to transform societies, advance peace and achieve sustainable development. However, its ethical implications remain a subject of intense debate.

Maddalena Maltese, journalist and representative of the NGO New Humanity, moderator of the event’s panel discussion, recalled that “on January 1, Pope Francis, in his message for the International Day of Peace, raised urgent questions about AI: “What will be the consequences, in the medium and long term, of these new digital technologies? And what impact will they have on individual lives and societies, as well as on international stability and peace?” She also highlighted that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, discussing priorities for 2024, stressed that AI will affect all of humanity, reiterating the need for a universal approach to address it.

The panel discussion with multi-stakeholder dialogue on the ethical challenges posed by AI and strategies discussed the interplay between technical, ethical, political, legal and economic considerations.

Father Philip Larrey, professor of philosophy at Boston College, former dean of philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran University, and president of Humanity 2.0. laid out a number of pressing issues starting with the theme of peace. “ChatGPT or Gemini could write a perfect peace plan, looking at the situations we are living, but would we be willing to follow its directions?” Fr. Larrey said, emphasizing the human factor as decisive in the decisions to be made, even when it comes to lethal weapons. Another central theme of his talk was the empathy that machines can demonstrate and are sometimes preferred over the human element. “Humans understand meanings. Machines don’t, as much as machines are getting very, very good at simulating what we consider meaningful,” the Boston College professor insisted, warning of the increasingly difficult challenge of discerning what belongs to humans and what belongs to technology, with machines that in the future may even be programmed to feel feelings.

Laura Gherlone, a researcher in semiotics at the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research in Argentina and a professor at the Catholic University of Argentina and a member of NetOne’s International Commission, spoke about Artificial Intelligence and, more generally, digital technologies in light of the thinking of digital decolonization. She argued that: “today, post-colonial contexts are at a crossroads: either falling behind or catching up. They are obliged, in other words, to dramatically accelerate certain processes that today embody a techno-centric, supposedly universal, model of knowledge: digitization and the implementation of AI systems are among these processes.”

She states that this process ” almost always comes at a very high cost, on at least three levels: at the economic and technical-structural level, at the social level and lastly, the accelerated and forced adoption of technological progress as a path towards a universal model of knowledge. She suggests: “the The ethical debate on AI could be greatly enriched through decolonial reflection, integrating, for example, the work of those collective movements committed to rethinking and redesigning technical architectures “from the South”, that is, theoretical-methodological and practical solutions that are often sidelined because they are far from profit logics”.

Closing the event were two best practices from civil society. Marianne Najm, a communications engineer based in Beirut, spoke on the ethics of AI and the concept of the digital oath for engineers and anyone active in the digital world. The project started in 2019 inspired by the Hippocratic Oath, the oath that most doctors take at the end of their academic journey. Just as the Hippocratic oath aims to awaken the human obligation of doctors, similarly the digital oath aims to awaken the human obligation of digital actors by directing their work toward ethically human-centered design.

Marcelle Momha, Cameroonian living in the United States, policy analyst and researcher specialized in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and cybersecurity, had prepared an intervention on the AI 2030 community, which due to timing was not possible to illustrate, but her paper is available on this link bellow. “AI 2030 is a vibrant community of business leaders, data scientists, technical builders, and pioneering researchers dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of AI to benefit humanity while minimizing its potential negative impact.” She explained in his theme.

In his message for the World Day World Peace, the Holy Father remembers that “technological developments do not lead to an improvement of the quality of life all humanity, but on the contrary aggravate the inequalities and conflicts, can never be considered a real progress.” As organizations of civil society, we want to accompany the efforts of the United Nations and all those institutions that are working for an ethical commitment in the field of technology that sustains digital developments as a contribution to the promotion of human principles of peace and fraternity.

To review the live stream, you go to link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1h/

To see the speeches again and for more information, go to: https://www.net-one.org/ia-una-via-per-la-pace-globale-e-lo-sviluppo-umano-integrale/

Source https://www.net-one.org

L'articolo AI: A Pathway to Global Peace and Integral Human Development proviene da New Humanity.

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

Download the Joint Oral Statement here <<

Watch the video <<

Additional resources

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

– More details about it here <<

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

     War is a flagellum. It is an adventure without return that compromises the present of humanity and threatens its future. War is always a loss for humanity. No one has the right to make a war, yet we all have the duty to build peace” – from the Joint Oral Statement

The Statement was delivered through a live video stream by Dr. Maria Mercedes Rossi from Association Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23), on behalf of 20 international NGOs that are members of CINGO*, during the General Debate with the High Commissioner on Human Rights at the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council.

Delivering a Joint Statement is an important action, because it brings together different organizations in a common objective, giving importance to a specific situation or thematic or proposing to focus on a situation that has been observed to be of general interest; in this occasion the focus was advocacy for the common good, joint efforts for peace and international cooperation. 

The co-signatory NGOs addressed their statement on the fact that “disarmament is the only true road to Peace” highlighting the relevance of “One voice to reiterate the no to war and call on states to abandon the logic of arms in favor of a diplomatic solution to the conflict”.

Find the transcript of the Joint Oral Statement here >> Joint OS ITEM 2 GD- Transcript revised

Context:

• The session began on February 28 and is expected to finish by April 1sr (2022). 
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can be accredited to participate in the Human Rights Council’s sessions as Observers. They can address the Council during interactive discussions and debates thus highlighting human rights situations around the globe.
• NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) can -among other actions- submit written statements or make oral interventions to the Human Rights Council.
• 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.

*CINGO, Forum of Catholic-inspired NGOs active in Geneva, was founded in 2007 with the aim of finding and presenting new solutions to current challenges for humanity and promoting an integral vision of the human being, his dignity, the common good, subsidiarity and solidarity.

L'articolo Disarmament is the only true road to Peace proviene da New Humanity.

Climate change is getting worse: we have seen floods, heavy storms, fires, desertification, soil erosion, air and water pollution, and other natural disasters increasing.

Having a wider vision and understanding that we can create networks with people, organizations and institutions, allows us to make greater efforts to leave a better living place for present and future generations and try to reach net-zero Emission.

As part of the Pathways of Planet, People and our Ecological Conversion, we want to share some insights and commitments in this COP 26.

This webinar is an open space for those who are interested and want to know more about COP 26, understand our role in this conference and how we can act locally.

The two main speakers, Dr Lorna Gold and Tillie Palmer will answer some questions about it.

Follow the webinar on the United World Project YouTube Channel

L'articolo COP 26 | INSIGHTS AND COMMITMENTS 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.

In a letter dated May 26, 2021, the Governance Affairs Office of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) announced that, after “careful evaluation and consideration of the documents and information provided,” the NGO New Humanity has been granted accreditation as an “observer” with the United Nations environmental governing body. In this way, New Humanity will be able to designate representatives to participate as observers in the public meetings of UNEP and its possible subsidiary bodies.

In addition, as an accredited organization, the letter states, New Humanity will be required to submit a report of its activities to the United Nations Environment Programme every 4 years from the date of accreditation.

New Humanity carries out its environmental protection activities in particular through the cultural initiative “EcoOne“, promoted by a network of teachers, academics, researchers and professionals working in environmental sciences.

WHAT IS THE UNEP

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority that sets the global environmental agenda and the implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the UN system.

Its mission is to support and encourage collaboration in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life, without compromising that of future generations. UNEP is responsible for: assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends; developing international and national environmental instruments; and strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment. Its work includes, in particular, seven thematic areas: climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment under review. UNEP works closely with UN Member States and representatives of civil society, business, and other major groups and stakeholders, always seeking new ways to leverage every collaboration for sustainable development.

by Tamara Pastorelli

L'articolo New Humanity, UNEP partner proviene da New Humanity.

“Cultural diversity and freedom of belief are part of the rich tapestry of our civilizations,” explained António Guterres in his message as Secretary General of the UN. “As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, let us commit ourselves to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding and dialogue.”

For all the people involved in the permanent laboratory of fraternity which is the United World Project, New Humanity NGO main project, this day can only be a cause of celebration, a springboard, an encouragement to do even more and better to promote dialogue, acceptance, mutual respect and understanding in our diversity. Therefore, on this occasion, we would like to give voice to some of the promoters of the United World Project who are spreading fraternity on all levels.

Tamara Pastorelli

Continue reading on http://www.unitedworldproject.org/en/watch/first-international-human-fraternity-day/

L'articolo First ‘International Human Fraternity Day’ proviene da New Humanity.