UN Orientation

This photo depicts the work of the UN after World War II, the plumb line signifying justice as a new, just world is created.

by Frank McCann, CSJP-A
April 2016

New NGO representatives were given an orientation at the United Nations on March 3-4 at the UN Building at 42nd Street in New York City. I was joined by another 50, or so, relatively new NGO representatives to learn about our work and how it fit into the work of the UN.

Once I got into the grounds—security was initially a challenge—the orientation went smoothly. There were a series of panel presentations each with three or four presenters who explained aspects of the work of the UN and how we, as Department of Public Information (DPI) NGO representatives could help disseminate the work of the UN through our own work.

What impressed me most was the push to organize and add to youth DPI-NGO representatives. The panel discussion after lunch on Thursday consisted of presentations only by youth, and they were well represented on other panels as well. Each NGO has access to four passes for representatives. Two youth delegate passes were added for NGOs with plans in the works to add two more. Youth NGO representatives were also featured prominently in all the other panels and are taking lead roles in planning the conference to be held in late May.

Friday included a practical session about where you can go in the building, how to refer to yourself, and how to (not) use the UN logo. This was followed by another panel on the DPI-NGO Conference to be held in Korea in May/June. The conference was discussed liberally both days.

There was very little shared about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs. are a follow up to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in effect from 2002-2015. They hope to achieve the elimination of poverty and hunger and bring sustainable development to the world community by 2030. The SDGs were referenced, and where to find them was mentioned but the bulk of the discussion was how they would be the subject of the conference. The SDGs are also the subjects of various NGO briefings being held regularly at the UN.

My overall impression of my first few days was the overwhelmingly positive attitude of persons I met. There was no attempt to deny the many issues and problems in the world community, but to a person they feel that they are making a difference and contributing to peace, human rights and economic security around the globe.