WFWPI UN Office Newsletter - Summer 2021 - Edition 43

IN THIS ISSUE WFWPI Launches Giving for Good Project Feature article to support SDGs 12 and 13 Giving for Good ‘21 By Merly Barlaan With the recent news of floods, droughts, alarming heat levels and other Human Rights and Justice environmental calamities being experienced all throughout the world, it is no doubt that solving the climate issue is one of the greatest challenges of Right to Development our time. Human Rights Council As an initiative to help educate, raise awareness and take action on the UN Crime Commission importance of building the Earth’s sustainable future, Women’s Federation Peace Leadership for World Peace International (WFWPI) launched Giving for Good International (GFGI) in 2020, under the leadership of Dr. Sun Jin Moon, Youth Peace Conference Senior Vice President of WFWPI. GFGI is now a new signature project of Women, Peace and Security WFWPI that aims to conserve the Earth and all life through outreach, humanitarian aid and circular fashion. First Ladies at CSW 65 The “Giving for Good” Auction held in February of this year, auctioned off SDG and Global Cooperation new or gently used clothing, shoes and accessories, from the closet of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of WFWPI, and her family’s closet. High-Level Political Forum Environmental sustainability is a concern close to the heart of Dr. Moon Generation Equality Forum and she expressed her full support and enthusiasm for this fundraiser. The GFGI auctions have raised more than $200,000 since 2020, to support the global effort to mitigate environmental degradation. Young Voices Cont. on page 3

THE JOURNAL PAGE 1 WFWPI UN OFFICE

WFWPI UN OFFICES JULY 2021 | VOLUME 1

UN NEWSLETTER TEAM

Publisher Julia H. Moon

Editor in Chief Carolyn Handschin Vision

PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH Editorial Directors Women working together to realize Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango one global family rooted in a culture of Mako Mori sustainable peace. Grace Kellett

Mission This newsletter is published by Women’s Federation for World Peace Empowering women as peacebuilders International and leaders in the family to transform Office of UN Relations the community, nation and world. 4 West 43rd Street Through education, advocacy, New York, partnership, reconciliation and NY 10036, USA humanitarian service, WFWPI aims to create an environment of peace and NEW YORK: unoffice@wfwp.org well-being for future generations and GENEVA: c.handschin@wfwp.org people of all races, cultures and VIENNA: m.riehl@wfwp.org religious creeds. WWW.WFWP.ORG

GIVING FOR GOOD AUCTION 2021

On July 16, 2021, WFWPI announced the 10 winners for The following 10 projects were granted funding from the the GFGI Climate Action Project Grant, as WFWPI’s proceeds of WFWP Japan’s Giving for Good Auction contribution to the “United Nations Decade on held in December, 2020. Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030” which was launched by the United Nations in June, 2021, to promote the UN In addition to WFWPI’s “Permaculture Peace Garden” Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, to project in the Philippines and “Green Solar Energy for facilitate global cooperation for the restoration of the African Villages” in Kenya, the following 10 degraded and destroyed ecosystems. winners will be funded by the 2021 GFG Auction proceeds. GFGI Climate Action Project Grant supports projects and activities related to solving environmental issues aligned with UN SDG 12: Responsible consumption and PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH production to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, Ensure good use of resources, Improving energy efficiency, Sustainable infrastructure, Providing access to basic services, Green and decent jobs, Ensuring a better quality of life for all; and SDG 13: Climate Action.

As an NGO that promotes the world as one global family, we cannot turn a blind eye to the devastated planet, which affects the well-being and safety of our entire global family. WFWPI hopes that GFGI can establish a tradition of recognizing and supporting climate action projects that contribute to the healing of the planet.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

Right to Development and the Call for Global Equality

By Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango closer partnerships for more efficient implementation.

The statements also highlighted the need for stronger institutions facilitating the right to development, socially, economically and politically. Developing and least developed countries have suffered through conflicts and exploitation, which has led to instability in the institutionalization of positive peace and therefore protection of human rights. There are societies where The Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to institutions need strength and support to fulfill the duty of Development, convened May 17-21, 2021, engaged in protecting the right to development. The statements debates in the effort to establish a binding treaty on the therefore suggested the inclusion of the principle of Right to Development. stronger institutions, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. Two WFWPI Representatives to the UN, Mrs. Carolyn Handschin and Ms. Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango, attended The final discussion in the committee was on the articles the sessions and contributed to the discussion, lobbying and regarding “obligations and duties” in realizing the right to debates. The debates began with introductory statements development. WFWPI noted that the obligations stated in from UN Member States and were followed by civil society the articles were primarily negative obligations, asking representatives. During its intervention, WFWPI reflected state parties and international organizations to refrain from on the need for the global community to take responsibility or to not take certain actions, obliging them to protect RTD, for filling in the gaps of global parity and realizing the and suggested the articles include more positive obligations right to development for all. instead. To support this suggestion, WFWPI cited how the commitment to development is similar parallel and The statement was well received by members of civil complementary to the commitment to protecting climate, society and was closely aligned with statements made by that the recent trend in climate agreements have been to other CSOs and a number of UN Member States in Asia and agree to positive obligations and therefore the world needs the developing world in the following days as the draft similar trends in the area of development as well. convention was discussed. The second and the third days focused on articles, debates and discussions regarding the Overall, WFWPI representatives strongly urged member preamble of the draft convention. WFWPI contributed states to remember that there still exists poverty, war, mass various thoughts and suggested additions to the draft atrocities and much more, which require more than just the convention as well. negative obligations to not do something in order to be resolved. The Member States were urged to ensure that state The discussions were based upon the principles of parties do something in the form of positive obligations, prioritizing the victims of poverty, global parity and other especially in taking greater responsibility for development inequalities. Statements also mentioned that as civil in LDCs and other developing countries. society, there is a great need for increased investment in the sector of education and training of children and youth, the The session concluded after a lengthy debate among unemployed and the underskilled to facilitate development. Member States trying to reach consensus on the draft report, with notable reluctance on the part of some Statements acknowledged the detailed and impactful work developed countries in turning the work of this group into a of the drafting group of experts of the draft convention. The binding treaty. WFWPI nevertheless encouraged Member statements addressed the importance of peace and security States and supported the efforts of various developing as well, as its absence affects a huge part of society due to countries and other NGOs in their negotiations in resulting human rights violations. WFWPI also promoted substantializing draft convention into a binding document. the role of partnership with civil society in this respect, as WFWPI also took the floor in the closing statements to CSOs are major focal points in addressing human rights pledge its support of the work of the international violations, especially in developing and in least developed community and concluded their statement noting the countries (LDCs). Therefore, it was noted, cooperation importance of maintaining hope for development and global between CSOs, governments and the UN needs more peace to be realized. strategic conversation, especially in regard to funding and PAGE 4

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

The 41st Human Rights Council Appoints Reem Alsalem 5th Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women: A Look at the Mandate

By Carolyn Handschin

In order for the work of the Human Rights Council (HRC) to As if trying to make up for such a shameful oversight, the be effective, a growing team of independent experts, special General Assembly was quick to follow up that same year with rapporteurs or working group members is regularly a “Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against appointed. Elected for three years, not paid, they act Women (DEVAW),” a non-binding tool that frames gender independently of governments to play an important role in violence as a threat to “the peace and development of monitoring nations and policies by reporting the results of nations.” With this high level framework in place, and in visits, interviews and research back to the Council. This tandem with the Convention on the Elimination of group, called Mandate Holders, has been increasing over Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) passed in 1979, its time, now covering 11 country mandates and 44 thematic reports and debates have significantly influenced the creation mandates, including violence against women. of other international and local bodies, and many decisions taken since. It was in 2008 that the servicing of the CEDAW One of the seven mandate holder vacancies to be filled Committee was moved to Geneva under the auspices of the during the 47th Human Rights Council (June 21-July 9, 2021) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, under was a new Special Rapporteur on “Violence against Women, the same roof as all HRC mandate holders. Its Causes and Consequences.” According to a well- established process, 27 eligible candidates had registered, During the 25th anniversary of the creation of the post in and it was the task of the Consultative Group of Ambassadors 2019, Ms Dubravka Simonovic presented a report that in Geneva to narrow the list to three experts through virtual included a brief history of the post, and the contributions that interviews conducted over a month, and propose those to it had made to the 25 year review of the Beijing Platform for voted upon at the 47th HRC. Action, and the 20 year review of the Security Council 1325, both in 2020. Her analysis highlighted the positive changes The mandate for a Special Rapporteur on Violence against in the global context of women’s rights, but also the Women and Girls was established in March 1994 through a systematic discrimination and normalization of some aspects, resolution of the Human Rights Commission, predecessor of citing the MeToo manifestations for breaking the silence. the Human Rights Council. This followed the historic Vienna World Conference on Human Rights a year earlier, when for Since 1994, there have been four Special Rapporteurs on the first time violence against women (VaW) was officially VaW, each bringing a different focus and new discoveries to recognized by the international community as a crime. the mandate. Radika Coomaraswamy (1994-2003), the first

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

Special Rapporteur insisted upon adding the phrase, “its The outgoing, but very active Dubravka Simonovic (2015- Causes and Consequences” to the mandate title, a brilliant 21) has given attention to several emerging issues, addition, which focused and protected it in many ways. including on-line violence against women and violence Her work was very much in the area of standard-setting against women in politics. She contributed to a femicide/ and violence perpetrated by states, including armed gender-related killings watch. She also reviewed the conflict. This contributed to the historic Security Council obligations of governments to provide protection measure Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000. and shelters and advocated for global statistics. In an address to the GA in 2015, she defined the changed During the tenure of Yakin Ertürk (2003-09), the mandate landscape around the issues and requested a stronger focus was expanded to include formal annual reports to the on prevention, implementation challenges and very General Assembly and to the Commission on the Status of importantly, a better collaboration and strategizing among Women. In her first report, she focused on developing relevant bodies. effective implementation of norms to end violence against women and insisted that prevention be a part of the due With the new appointment of Ms. Reem Alsalem, another diligence of states. She insisted on accountability of states chapter and new opportunities in understanding and and the need for sustainable funding sources for responding violence against women in all its facets will be implementing recommendations. explored. Having worked extensively for UN-Women, OHCHR, UNICEF and IOM, as well as for non- Rashida Manjoo (2009-15), initiated the good practice of governmental organizations and academia, the Council regular regional consultations with civil society noted Ms. Alsalem’s successful field experience over years organizations and a focus on the obligations of states, and expertise in transitional justice and migrant issues. including reparations for victims of violence. Through her She will be building upon a mandate that has become a visits she insisted on the prioritization of gender-based “visible, respected and credible women’s human rights concerns at the domestic level, encouraged governments to mechanism to guide States, civil society actors, the listen more attentively to autonomous bodies and civil international community and other relevant stakeholders society voices, and establish suitable mechanisms to do on the elimination of violence against women, its causes this. and consequences.”

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

WFWPI Hosts Side Event for the 30th Commission of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice By Rennate Amesbauer

On May 17, 2021, WFWPI in cooperation with the people usually settle in areas with access to electricity, “Earth Foundation” and government representatives a factor that can greatly influence immigration. H.E. from Kenya and the Philippines, hosted a side event for Orina shared that due to Kenya’s privileged location in the 30th Commission of Crime Prevention and Criminal the world, it is not difficult to produce solar energy. Justice (CCPCJ). CCPCJ is organized annually by the Therefore, the government is currently making great United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), strides towards providing adequate lighting to homes, with the topic for this year being: “Effective measures businesses, institutions and irrigations. This project is to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants, while being implemented in 12 counties, the majority of protecting the rights of smuggled migrants, particularly which are in rural areas. Solar powered street lighting women and children, and those of unaccompanied systems are already in place in many towns and cities. migrant children.” The theme WFWP chose for this H.E. Orina is convinced that green energy is the future year’s side event was “New Village Development-To and that through partnerships with WFWP and other Counter Involuntary Migration and the Smuggling of institutions it will be made widely available. Migrants.” H.E. Deena Joy D. Amatong, Chargé d’Affairs of the The welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Maria Riehl, Philippine Embassy, emphasized the importance of this PhD Director of WFWP UN Office for UN Relations topic for the Philippines and their willingness to engage Vienna and Vice Chair of the NGO Committee on with partners active in the field. Government data for Peace. Referring to the problem of involuntary 2019 revealed that 2.2 million Filipinos were working migration and related crime caused by poverty, poor overseas, over half of whom were women working education and unemployment for women and youth in primarily in elementary occupations and in sales and particular, Dr. Riehl emphasized the need to find service industries. Those who went overseas through solutions through technical advancements and smuggling or human trafficking were not included in cooperation within and between communities. She the data. The Philippine government is aware that introduced the three panelists, who demonstrated their domestic economic development dimensions need to be projects as best practices for the enhancement of rural considered to ensure that migration becomes a choice living standards, thus minimizing the need for rather than a need, and that involuntary migration fuels migration. human trafficking. Thus, wide-ranging efforts from the government to private sectors are needed. H.E. The Opening Remarks by H.E. Stella Mokaya Orina, Amatong shared plans of the Philippino government Deputy Permanent Representative, Embassy of the leading up to 2040, which are designed to ensure a Republic of Kenya, began with a fact in which African

HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

stable and secure life for Filipinos as well as counteract the need for involuntary migration.

Next, Ms. Merly Barlaan, Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Director for WFWPI Offices for UN Relations, shared a project very dear to her heart. The “Permaculture Peace Garden’’ was initiated seven years ago to counter forced migration and create holistic communities for a healthy planet. Sustainability will be realized through practicing the universal value of stewardship leading to peaceful coexistence between people and the planet. Quoting Bill Mollison, she The closing remarks were given by Mrs. Carolyn defined permaculture as a method of land management Handschin, Director of the WFWPI Office for UN with the principles of regenerating agriculture, Relations, who shared how important partnerships are rewilding and community resilience and working in tune and how creating opportunities on the ground can appeal with nature. It can counter the cost of migration, but the to local and national governments and decision-making project’s success depends on investment by partners to leaders. generate local employment and reduce the need for a working parent abroad. Alongside that, the civil society can be taught how important these projects are, and through events learn Ms. Susan Kone, President of WFWP Kenya, shared the type of responsibility they have as well. If leading how electricity does not only light up villages and organizations and civil society members come together, homes but empowers women as well. Growing up in a with the resources, the ideas and the creativity, these home with just one kerosene lamp, Ms. Kone advocated types of projects can be even more fruitful and for installing more lights in the African villages through expansive. the “Green Solar Energy for African Villages” project, which is sponsored by WFWPI. With this project, the In March of this year, WFWPI was able to participate in type of home is not important because the panels can be the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and installed anywhere. A few of the advantages include: its Criminal Justice in Kyoto, Japan. Ms. Moriko Hori, renewability, its low-cost and unlike other systems, it President of WFWP Japan, represented WFWPI, making does not require a lot of maintenance. This helps many two verbal statements. Ms. Hori read a statement that families that live in 2-4 room houses with just a single represented the values of WFWPI stating: “WFWPI is lamp. Moreover, the solar lamps allow children to study convinced that quality education on all levels is one of after sunset and allow parents to complete household the most fundamental elements for the healthy chores at home, increasing productivity. development of a society, and its resilience against crime…Youth and families less isolated, better educated Mag. Franz Nahrada, founder of the Earth Society and more engaged make societies more resilient to Foundation, is an advocate for a reversal of the current crime.” trend towards “urbanization” and in the direction of “ruralization.” Both developing countries and the Western world are experiencing an exodus of young people and families from villages to cities, leaving villages with a proportionally high elderly population. The cause of village depopulation frequently lies in the lack of educational opportunities. Mr. Nahrada highlights the need for a “Village University” through partnership with universities in the cities. He referred to an unforeseen benefit of the COVID-19 crisis, which is the growth and development of distance learning, already widespread in Austria.

PEACE LEADERSHIP

Youth Peace Conference - Palestine & Israel Peace Accord

By Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango

On April 11 - 12, 2021, the WFWPI UN offices in Geneva Their efforts were well received by the participants, who and Vienna with WFWP Middle East jointly organized the were motivated to apply the practice of listening and “WFWP Youth Peace Conference - Palestine & Israel Peace sharing in their own negotiations during the Youth Peace Accord,” with various special sessions taking place earlier Conference. in the month. Prior to the conference, WFWP held a number training programs with UN Peacekeeping officials, The Youth Peace Conference simulated a UN Peacebuilding Government representatives from Israel and Palestine and Commission with delegates from Palestine, Israel and other other civil society leaders, who instructed the delegates and countries participating. This conference began with an participants on the key issues of concern, diplomacy, peace opening ceremony on April 11, with speakers from Israel’s building measures and more. Ministry of Youth Affairs, representatives from Palestine, academicians from Cyprus and WFWPI leadership - Mrs. The first of these special sessions was hosted on March 12, Julia Moon. Following the opening ceremony, the delegates 2021, on the topic “Peace building and the role of foreign engaged in heated negotiations on the issue of Palestine and policy” with civil society experts and the representatives of Israel. Topics addressed included the role of history, land, WFWPI. A short film on the model of security dilemma was religion, identity and political affairs in the region. screened for the participants. This was followed by a fruitful discussion on the role of foreign policy and the The Chair and the Vice Chair of the conference mediated obstacles to peace building due to the security dilemma. effective strategies and developed very well-defined rules of procedure in prioritizing the sub agendas in discussion for The second special session was held on March 26, 2021, on the peace agreement. After two days of debates, the the topic “Peacekeeping and peace meditation,” for which delegates reached a peace agreement, which had clearly Mrs. Svejtlana Jovic, Team Leader, United Nations Interim established a successful peace process for the issue. The Force in Lebanon SW Civil Affairs was the speaker. She agreement also had agreed conclusions resolving the issues conducted a very informative seminar on peacekeeping, the of land, nationality, identity, sovereignty, trade, economy UN Peacekeeping force and their process, role in the region, and other social affairs. The peace agreement was adopted and strategies of peace mediation. This provided the in the closing ceremony, followed by a feedback session participants with the knowledge and perspective of a with the participants and the audience, who observed the peacekeeper, which would help in their negotiations towards debate throughout the conference. The exchange of a peace agreement transcending political perspectives. emotions, gratitude and mutual appreciation brought the conference to a very satisfied and hopeful end. The final special session was held on April 2, 2021, on the topic “The role of youth in peacekeeping and governance.” Our experts from the ministries of the governments of Israel Speakers included Mr. Orima Malkin, Ministry of youth and Palestine as well as from the UN warmly welcomed the affairs, Israel and Mrs. Samia Elwazer, Member at General efforts and success of the WFWP Youth Peace Conference. Union of Palestinian Woman. This was one of the most WFWP was honored to have facilitated an event that powerful sessions, during which the need for friendly equipped young adults with the power of diplomacy and communication between the both sides was highlighted. The peace mediation and hopes to further develop these efforts speakers met in advance to greet and share perspectives with in the future. each other to reach a common ground while addressing the participants. During the session, they shared their personal stories and related their experiences to the course of conflict’s history.

Eventually, conflicts generate highly militarized societies, PEACE LEADERSHIP which are based on a patriarchal culture and strong gender stereotypes. It is not by chance that Armenia and Azerbaijan Bottom-up Approaches to Implement the present two of the highest sex ratios at birth in the world, Women, Peace and Security Agenda in due to male preference. Moreover, the military sector draws Nagorno-Karabakh resources from the welfare sector. Hospitals but also shelters and hotline services for victims of domestic violence suffer from lack of resources. Yet, the Caucasus By Claudia Ditel registers alarming rates of domestic violence and still conservative forces in Azerbaijan and Armenia halt the ratification of the 2011 Istanbul Convention Against Violence Against Women. Unsurprisingly, feminists and pacifist activists in both countries advocate for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and the construction of a culture of peace.

In sum, the protracted conflict exacerbates women’s marginalization and violence against women, generating a continuum of violence even after a ceasefire. Women usually elaborate an anti-nationalist narrative to the extent This year marks the 21st anniversary of the United Nations that they refuse patriarchy and the war. This suggests that Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1325, which launched the women’s narrative constitutes a powerful point of belonging Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The WPS agenda across the borders. For this reason, it is important to create addresses the impact of the war on women and stresses the safe spaces and opportunities for women to engage in an importance of women’s equal engagement in conflict inter-ethnic dialogue. The international community should transformation, in addition to the need of protecting women and enhance peace and reconciliation by creating peace zones girls from conflict-related violence. for meeting each other to create circles for information sharing and support to women. To date, the resolution remains not sufficiently implemented in many areas in the world affected by conflict. One of these areas Bottom-up approaches can create opportunities for women include Nagorno-Karabakh, in South Caucasus, which is an to become the protagonists of grassroots initiatives, possibly unrecognized, de facto, autonomous Republic within the income generating, to empower women and to overtake the territory of Azerbaijan, although it is composed entirely by women-as-victims paradigm. Communities of practices Armenians. The first war was fought in the early 1990s and should be implemented to the design of gender sensitive and ended with the occupation by Armenian troops of seven regions concrete development projects, in which local women from surrounding the small Nagorno-Karabakh, generating around both sides are engaged in activities of common interest, 700,000 Azeri Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The conflict such as small-scale business, resources management, mine remained frozen until September 2020, when Azerbaijan risk education, environmental protection or early warning launched an offensive. The November 9 ceasefire opened the system mechanism for victims of violence. way for the progressive reopening of borders and implementation of infrastructural projects across the region. Peacebuilding is not only implemented in high-level meetings and conferences. Peace, trust and dialogue are However, so far the negotiation process falls short of involving built by the grassroots population first and foremost. communities in the peacebuilding process. Women in particular Bottom-up approaches could constitute a promising and remain marginalized, yet they experience the conflict on many innovative path toward the localization of the WPS agenda levels, as victims not only of the direct effects of the protracted in places where it falls short of being implemented. This conflict but also of the indirect effects. Displaced women are would not only be beneficial for the economic security and living in temporary hosting facilities with poor sanitary the knowledge agency of women themselve, but it would be conditions and scarce gender-sensitive humanitarian assistance. advantageous also for the security of entire communities. They are not able to come back anytime soon in the reoccupied territories due to the presence of landmines. In addition to that, The 2015 Global Study on the implementation of UNSCR many women lost their children, husbands and family members 1325 conducted by UN Women proves that women’s in the last conflict. As described in the 2019 Kvinna Till participation increases the probability of a peace agreement Kvinna report, women are used to taking on greater burden to lasting at least two years by 20 percent, and by 35 percent, provide for the family’s income after the man’s loss or injury the probability of a peace agreement lasting 15 years. and face economic insecurity. Some women are forced to turn to Hence, investing in women in Armenia and Azerbaijan is survival strategies, such as prostitution or smuggling of illegal not only a matter of justice but also a potential for conflict goods, while young girls risk to be victims of early marriages. transformation. PAGE 10

PEACE LEADERSHIP

CSW65 and Partnerships for Peace: “The Journey of 1325 and Women’s Leadership”

By Carolyn Handschin

The 65th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65) “The Journey of 1325 and Women’s Leadership: An in March of 2020 was held for the first time as a virtual Intergenerational Dialogue Between First Ladies and event. While the many benefits of daily personal contact Emerging Leaders” was the theme decided for the and unplanned and exciting opportunities that always WFWPI parallel event to the CSW65. There has been a arose in New York City had to be sacrificed, it did growing disappointment in what seemed to be a provide a broader outreach to new participants and widening gap between civil society access and influence normally unreachable speakers. The theme of this in the working methods of government at the United session’s government debates revolved around women’s Nations (UN). With good will, solutions can be worked effective participation and decision-making in public out, but COVID-19 cannot take the entire blame. life. Thousands of concerned citizens, mostly women, weighed in through a vast virtual platform with their WFWPI decided to bring together two elements that expertise, lived experience, challenges and proposals. could influence better understanding and partnership: young aspiring leaders and a rather untapped and Each year, Women’s Federation for World Peace effective category of leadership and soft diplomacy, International (WFWPI) would bring nearly one hundred First Ladies. Their role in protecting the well-being of members and guests from around the world to the nation and creating platforms for youth has been a experience the UN debates and civil society forum, significant model in implementing the UN Security providing advocacy and networking opportunities. Each Council resolution (UNSCR) 1325 with an year statements would be submitted according to the intergenerational approach. theme, and events organized so that governments could benefit from local expertise and insight in making their WFWPI had the great honor of co-hosting the inaugural recommendations. The presence of civil society also assembly of the International Association of First Ladies ensured that envoys would be sent home with knowledge for Peace (IAFLP) in Korea in January 2020, together and enthusiasm for implementation. with its founding organization,

PEACE LEADERSHIP

the Universal Peace Federation. It was a remarkable All were asked several guiding questions that gave event to hear the stories and issues of these women who opportunity for profound and personal sights that could shared a common position and concern for their nations, have continued for hours: What are the challenges to and to learn how they influenced nation-building, and women’s empowerment and what is needed to encourage how it influenced them. This played an important role in more women to public leadership in your nations? How developing the theme and finding speakers for this CSW could education influence the implementation of UNSCR event. 1325? How has this resolution influenced women and girls in your country, and what is still needed so that The CSW event opened with a welcome from the women and girls can contribute to ending discrimination moderator, Ms. Merly Barlaan, Deputy Director of and aid in preventing violence and abuse? The WFWPI UN Office, who explained that the interactive interactive discussions were so engaging that it was dialogue will focus on the Journey of 1325 and the extended for 20 minutes. impact of women’s leadership for protecting rights and delivering justice through mutual cooperation and Director of the WFWPI Office for UN Relations, Ms. securing sustainable peace. Opening remarks were given Carolyn Handschin, closed the session with a reminder, by Mme. ‘Mammusa ‘Masekoalane Majoro, Spouse of “Like the experience of the women who came from all Prime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho, who touched the over the world to Beijing 26 years ago, their lives were hearts of all when she said, “Raising such a generation changed by listening to one another, and realizing that of women who possess confidence to make it on their they share similar dreams and goals that they would own, without subjecting themselves to abuse, is a retell to their daughters, friends and colleagues. This mission worth dying to give birth to.” to. meeting today brings in that additional factor, a critical and potentially very enjoyable one of intergenerational An Opening Address followed, delivered by Dr. Sun Jin listening, trust building and partnership on the path of Moon, Senior Vice President of WFWPI and Founder of peace.” Giving for Good International. Citing alarming statistics caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, she reminded the audience that all must be aware of the challenges, yet also be able to reach for the higher consciousness where the seeds of hope can flourish and where women’s input is essential.

Ms. Blessie Dhakal, Chair of IAFLP, introduced the First Ladies and the program continued with brief introductory personal remarks from them: Mme. Fionnuala Kenny, spouse of former Prime Minister of Ireland; Mme. Callista Mutharika, First Lady of Malawi and member of Parliament; and Hon. Maria Flores de Aleman, former First Lady and National Assembly member in Nicaragua. The three young leaders were also introduced; Ms. Srruthi Lekha, UN Representative for Peacebuilding and Youth Leadership at WFWPI UN Office Geneva; Ms. Amanda Bradley, Legal Service Team Assistant at Davis Polk Wardwell; and Ms. Jungsoo Moon, Master of Public Policy and International Relations, University of Tokyo. Hoping to balance spontaneity, knowledge and experience, the second part of the session was a round table discussion among the women leaders and the younger participants.

SDG & GLOBAL COOPERATION

High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2021

By Mako Mori

From July 6 to 15, 2021, WFWPI delegates virtually Following the opening segment, the forum held three attended the annual High-Level Political Forum on panel discussions, entitled, “The SDGs in time of Sustainable Development (HLPF) under the auspices crisis: A sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). from COVID-19 as an opportunity to realize the SDGs,” “Ensuring that no one is left behind” and The HLPF is the core United Nations platform for “Building resilience against future shocks through follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for structural changes and investment in sustainable Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable infrastructure.” The forums offered a further basis for Development Goals (SDGs). The theme for this year’s a multilateral effort to resume and accelerate progress HLPF was: “Sustainable and resilient recovery from to achieve the 2030 Agenda. the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable The second week of HLPF focused on the Voluntary development: building an inclusive and effective path National Reviews (VNRs), in which 42 Member for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context States representatives shared reports about their of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable country’s progress on the SDGs. The purpose of the development.” VNRs is the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, so that the Over the course of several days, UN Member States countries can learn from one another and be and entities, civil society and other stakeholders encouraged that they are not alone in this effort. The invested in the HLPF came together to discuss ways representatives of Member States shared about the to ensure a sustainable and resilient recovery from drastic negative impact COVID-19 had on their COVID-19 that will put the world on track to realize country’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda, while the 2030 Agenda. In particular, while all 17 SDGs are reaffirming their commitments to learn from the inextricably linked, and progress or setbacks on one pandemic’s lesson and get back on track. affects the others, this year’s HLPF focused their discussion around SDGs 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero The recurring statements made throughout HLPF was hunger), 3 (good health and well-being), 8 (decent the unfortunate fact that COVID-19 had reversed the work and economic growth), 10 (reduced progress towards the 2030 Agenda. ECOSOC inequalities), 12 (responsible consumption and recognized and was concerned with the fact that the production), 13 (climate action), 16 (peace, justice extreme poverty rate rose for the first time in a and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships toward decade, with over 124 million living in poverty. Many the goals). other issues, including economic development, inequalities and climate, which were initially In the opening of the HLPF, speakers called for improving had been backtracking and exacerbated sustainable, resilient post-pandemic recovery, while dues to the pandemic. stressing that no one should be left behind. H.E. Munir Akram, President of the Economic and Social Civil society responded strongly, saying that Council, shared an optimistic message stating, “The “although COVID-19 did not aid in advancing the 2021 session provides a paramount opportunity to goals, we must remember that even before the show unwavering commitment for the achievement of pandemic, we were not on track to achieve the SDGs the 2030 Agenda despite the obstacles and challenges by 2030.” posed by the pandemic.” PAGE 13

SDG & GLOBAL COOPERATION

Civil society was adamant that the pandemic cannot be whole-of-Government approach, regional and local used as an excuse for the failure to meet the goals and mobilization and actions, meaningful participation and called for more proactive measures, as well as involvement of communities, people, civil society, increasing accountability for Member States and their volunteers, academia and the private sector. promises. Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of In the concluding meeting of the HLPF, governments the United Nations, concluded the high-level segment adopted a comprehensive Ministerial Declaration of its 2021 session by urging all to unite, saying “With reflecting Member States’ commitments to gather political leadership, solidarity and unity of purpose, together in a global push to overcome the COVID-19 we can end the pandemic, secure major improvements pandemic and build back stronger through inclusive, in people’s lives between now and 2030, and keep the sustainable recovery plans. H.E. Munir Akram, promise of the 2030 Agenda.” referred to the unanimously adopted Ministerial Declaration as a “beacon of hope” in a time when the HLPF 2021 culminated with a strong sense of global world faces monumental challenges. solidarity to recover from COVID-19 and to recommit to realizing the SDGs by 2030. It may be impossible to In adopting the Ministerial Declaration, the Forum predict when another global emergency will strike, but committed to a variety of ways States and the the HLPF has taught us that global solidarity and the international community can help to advance pandemic willingness to extend help to others who are less recovery, while, at the same time, boost progress fortunate, will better equip us to overcome any future towards realizing the SDGs. The Forum recognized global calamities, together. that the crisis caused by the pandemic has clearly shown the world’s vulnerabilities and inequalities among countries, highlights systemic weaknesses, challenges and risks, as well as threatens to backtrack progress made towards the SDGs.

It also called on Member States to commit to a number of actions, including to rapidly scale up and expand vaccine production globally and to promote public engagement and innovative partnerships through a

SDG & GLOBAL COOPERATION

A Global Commitment for Gender Equality - Generation Equality Forum

By Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango

Photo courtesy of: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/generation-equality-forum-40-billion-commitments/

The Generation Equality Forum in Paris, held June 30 – July philanthropic and private organizations, we sued in raising 2, 2021 connected almost 50,000 individuals through a the largest amount of investment to advance gender primarily virtual platform, set up to discuss issues related to equality and women’s rights ever. By implementing a new gender equality. The meeting launched a Global way of tackling global issues through efficient Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality designed by six multilateralism, the Generation Equality Forum reversed Action Coalitions – multi-partner associations that are the priorities on the international agenda and made gender mobilizing around six themes deemed critical in realizing equality, for too long underestimated, a long-term issue for the gender equality agenda in all regions. The Forum the international community, along with climate, education likewise launched the Compact on Women, Peace and and health. France will continue to be at the forefront to Security and Humanitarian Action, and reported new sexual accelerate gender equality progress.” orientation fairness drives zeroed in on well-being, sports, culture, and schooling. The USD 40 billion of investments confirmed at the Forum’s close represents a change in resourcing for “The Generation Equality Forum marks a positive, historic women’s and girls’ rights. Lack of financing is widely shift in power and perspective. Together we have mobilized understood to be a major reason for slow progress in across different sectors of society, from south to north, to advancing gender equality and in enacting the women’s become a formidable force, ready to open a new chapter in rights agenda set at the outcome of the 1995 Beijing gender equality,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Conference on Women. By the close of the Forum, Director of UN Women. “The Forum’s ecosystem of partners governments and public sector institutions had committed – and the investments, commitments and energy they are USD 21 billion in gender equality investments, the private bringing to confront the greatest barriers to gender equality sector USD 13 billion, and philanthropy USD 4.5 billion. – will ensure faster progress for the world’s women and girls UN entities, international and regional organizations than we have seen before.” UN Women will maintain a committed an aggregate of USD 1.3 billion. In addition to critical role in driving the Forum’s five-year action journey, these bold investments, many organizations made strong overseeing the implementation of commitments to ensure policy and program commitments, including 440 civil accountability and progress during this time period. society organizations and 94 youth-led organizations. Forum organizers expect that the approximately 1,000 Speaking to mark the close of the Forum on behalf of the commitment-makers confirmed to date will be joined by Government of France, the host of the Paris Forum, many others over the next five years. With this strong Ambassador and Secretary General of the Generation solidarity through global commitments, one can Equality Forum, Delphine O, said, “After two years of confidently hope for global equality and change. collective work with Member States, civil society and

YOUNG VOICES

WFWPI Youth Peace Conference: Thoughts From the Youth Participants

“As this was my first conference, it was easy to understand and follow up with the procedure. All delegates were very knowledgeable about the topic and gave good arguments, and I learned a lot from it.

I want to stress that it was a really good experience and a way to see and try to understand other points of view on the matter, whether it was the opposing team or knowing where the other countries stand on regarding the issue.

I learned more about the educational system in Israel through the ideas of its youth, and how they are being raised and taught about Palestinians. It seemed like the Israeli delegates saw that only one side was causing the issue, referring to them as ‘angry Palestinians,’ which seems like a method to dehumanize the other side, and not seeing them and their issues that give them all right to be angry, you just see them as source of danger, and you give excuses to all inhuman things that are being done under the ‘safety’ excuse. I think these methods are the reason for prolonging the issue.

I was happy to see that as the conference progressed and by the end of it we could notice the changes in ideas and how everyone was able to compromise for the other and how everyone from all participants was united and made one decision. It only shows that with good arguments, proofs, good self-education about the matter and peaceful logical talk between both parties, things can begin to change.”

-Amira (Palestinian Youth Representative)

“The conference was one of the most meaningful and enriching experiences I’ve ever had. I learned a lot, met people I would not meet elsewhere, was exposed to the work of the women’s federation. But most importantly, the conference gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself as a citizen of the State of Israel. It showed me how important it is to know the history of my people and the facts about our existence as a nation and as a state in order to fulfill my duty to protect my country and our right to exist in it. Despite all the difficulties and misunderstandings, we were able to reach an agreement, thanks to the professional assistance of the conference organizers. Overall, it definitely was a meaningful experience, and thanks to it I better understood what path I want to take in the future.”

-Faina Sazanov (Israeli Youth Representative)