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

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

Our commitment

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

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

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

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

Next Steps

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

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

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

First published at focolare.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The project – co-financed by the European Commission – aims at cooperation between the two continents to address global challenges such as migration flows, climate change, inequalities, and conflicts. But in a new dimension – horizontal, equal – between Europe and Africa. It takes place through a series of virtual exchanges and through training initiatives for young Africans and Europeans, involving the different dimensions of personal development: emotional, relational, civic, political, and entrepreneurial skills.

FIRST MEETING OF 2024: A GRAND START!

On May 11th, the first – online – meeting of 2024 took place, full of activities and speeches. Delegates from Italy, Spain, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Belgium, and Kenya participated. Representatives from Slovenia and Luxembourg were also invited. Joseph handled the technical aspects, while Elisa and Simon Peter guided the event as speakers.

After an introduction to illustrate both the project itself and Living Peace International (LP is one of the peace education training programs within AFR.E.S.H), three experiences were shared on the use of the Peace Dice in Spain, Kenya, and Uganda. There was also a “time-out” moment (a minute of silence, prayer, or reflection on peace). Following this, participants were involved in discussions in both separate rooms and in plenary session. The day concluded with a sharing session involving all attendees.

SECOND MEETING OF 2024: ART AND SPORT AS TOOLS FOR PEACE

The second AFR.E.S.H. meeting took place on May 25th. The chosen theme was “art and sport as privileged tools for building peace between the two continents.” A total of 63 representatives from various European and African countries participated.

Carlos, the founder of Living Peace International, shared with everyone how art can truly be a tool for peace. An art teacher from Uganda then shared what he had learned in his ten years of experience. Participants were then divided into groups for a moment of discussion and reflection on the theme at the heart of the debate. Each shared their own – unique – story.

THIRD MEETING OF 2024: BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN GENERATIONS, RELIGIONS, AND CULTURES

The third meeting of 2024 – on June 8th – focused on “building bridges between generations, religions, and cultures.” Representatives from Italy, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Spain, and Belgium participated, as well as delegates from Burundi, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Guinea Conakry. In total, 60 people.

Experts from Africa and Europe shared their experiences. Participants were divided into different groups to delve deeper into discussions, then all came together for a moment of common reflection.

This 2024 cycle of meetings for the AFR.E.S.H project demonstrated the practical importance of intercultural cooperation and training for peacebuilding, and equally important, the exchange and sharing of personal experiences.

L'articolo Three Stages of AFR.E.S.H: The Path Towards Peace and Global Development proviene da New Humanity.

Registrations open!

Support to United World Project – Genfest 2024 – Brazil (“Juntos para Cuidar – Together to Care”)

L'articolo Towards Genfest 2024 proviene da New Humanity.

Join in the AFR.E.S.H ZOOM exchange on May 1 from 11.00 to 12.00 (UCT+2) and then let’s follow the opening of the United World Week 2023 together via live streaming.

Translations available: Swahili, Kirundi, Portoghese, French, English, Italian, Spanish

Register here for the live exchange via zoom <<

L'articolo Networking & International Cooperation among partner organizations proviene da New Humanity.

L'articolo United World Project: a dream of fraternity is born 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.

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.