The Baha’i International Community, in collaboration with UN2020 and Together First, hosted a three-part online dialogue to exchange ideas on the latest intergovernmental contribution addressing the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The concept of “people-centered development” came into its own at the United Nations’ World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. Part of a series of global conferences in the 1990s, the summit reflected a newfound sense of optimism that, with the Cold War behind it, the international community could come together to understand and begin to address the real needs and aspirations of the peoples of the world.
An informal dialogue, hosted at the Baha’i International Community’s Office and organized by the Coalition for Global Citizenship 2030 and UN2020, took place today with the wider UN community. Over 60 participants discussed the intersection between global citizenship and global governance in light of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
Twenty-five years ago, the World Summit on Social Development took place at the height of optimism about the future of the international order. Its landmark Declaration advocated principles that remain unsurpassed today:
That “social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security.”
The following remarks were delivered by Daniel Perell, Chairperson of the NGO Committee on Social Development and Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the UN and at the opening session of the 58th Session of the Commission on Social Development at the United Nations.
Thank you Mr. Chairman and good morning.
Mr. Chair, Mr. Under Secretary General, distinguished colleagues and friends,
This year of anniversaries at the United Nations provides us with an opportunity for deep and thoughtful reflection.
Every four years a team of scientists is to produce an assessment of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first such report, known as the “Global Sustainable Development Report” was released in September of this year and was presented to over 50 participants at a breakfast meeting at the Baha’i International Community’s (BIC) Office on Wednesday, 6 November.
At a first-of-its-kind meeting at the United Nations, non-governmental organizations deliberated, alongside senior government and UN officials, on the status of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Civil Society Forum, attended by over 500 individuals, was held for the first time during the General Assembly’s High Level Week, a space typically reserved for world leaders.
As thousands gather for the Climate Summit at the United Nations, we are confronted with the basic question of what is needed to make lasting progress on climate change. Views on this may vary, but one thing seems clear: coherence between principles and action is necessary to advance climate justice and environmental protection. Rhetoric articulating appreciation for the environment, concern for future generations, and well-being for all, rings hollow when unmatched by ethical behavior and policy.
As the international community focuses increasing attention on global inequality, a central question emerges: Do the affluent play by a different set of rules?
It is indisputable that in numerous social settings, the well-to-do enjoy benefits and considerations not extended to those of more modest means. Yet, such individuals are themselves shaped by society just as much as they help to shape it. And those cultural norms and values link all people, regardless of material attainment, in ways that are more profound than we might realize.
A delegation of Baha’is from Australia, Canada, Ghana, the US and Vanuatu joined the BIC during the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) last week to share experiences of the worldwide Baha’i community as related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The annual UN Forum provides a platform for Member States, UN officials and civil society to review and follow up on progress made on the SDGs— a series of 17 global goals to be reached by 2030.
