Ideas
What to do if you want to work at the UN?
I recommend getting involved with an NGO and get some experience about civil society involvement in United Nations issues.
Let me use this particular article to report on a recent event hosted by my NGO on-line. Even though it was “just” an on-line event, we work closely with Diplomatic Missions and United Nations bodies to thematize SDG issues.
Here’s a rundown using the Zoom Summary as a base:
The meeting began with the preparations focused on finalizing the speaker line-up and order for the event, with various speakers confirmed to deliver presentations on topics including peace, women’s rights, and sustainable development. The program schedule was discussed in detail, covering introductions, presentations, a group photo, and a Q&A session, with specific roles assigned to participants and technical arrangements made for audio and video. The event featured presentations from multiple speakers highlighting their work in promoting peace, women’s rights, and sustainable development, with awards presented to recognize outstanding contributions in these areas.
Next steps
- Miss Oliviera: Print the latest version of the speaker’s information document at the office
- Host-Lilly: Share the banner on screen shortly before 7 o’clock
- Host-Lilly: Start livestreaming on Facebook at 7 o’clock
- Host-Lilly: Record the meeting
- Host-Lilly: Let guests into the meeting at 7 o’clock (at 5-2 or a couple minutes to 7)
- Miss Oliviera: Take over as MC after Maya’s opening remarks
- Miss Oliviera: Introduce all speakers during the program
- Katerina: Share her PowerPoint presentation during her speaking slot
- MERLE: Send Anupam’s PowerPoint presentation to Lilly (completed during meeting)
- MERLE: Send Marlies’ PowerPoint presentation to Lilly
- Renate: Give closing remarks after Marlies’ presentation
- MERLE: Give brief closing remarks after Renate
- Arshia: Put the QR code for Fashion Chiss app in the chat
- Anupam/Headway: Launch the Guapa app in a couple of weeks
- MERLE: Announce the date for Meet and Greet episode 13
- MERLE/Team: Connect interested parties who want to reach out to speakers after the event
Summary
Speaker Lineup and Order Finalization
The preparation time before the meeting focused on finalizing the speaker lineup and order for the event. The speakers were confirmed as follows: Maja for opening remarks, Kasia for greetings, Chryzl T. SICAT replacing Evangelina Lourdes, Mila Arseno, Ashya Dutta, Anupam Dutta, Andy Benefuerta, Catherine Colley, and Marlies for the Youth Ambassador Peace Awards. It was clarified that if Althea Dutta is not present, her father Anupam will speak after her, and if both are absent, Andy Benefuerta will speak earlier. The order was confirmed based on the speaker list created by Merle.
Program Logistics and Event Planning
The meeting began with a focus on finalizing the order and logistics of the upcoming program. Host-Lilly and MERLE discussed the sequence of events, including introductions, presentations, a group photo, and a Q&A session, with specific roles assigned to participants. Katerina inquired about her participation and departure time, and Host-Lilly confirmed her role and the timing. The group also addressed technical issues related to PowerPoint presentations and screen sharing, ensuring everything was set for the event. The conversation ended with a reminder to start the program at 7 PM, allowing time for participants to arrive.
Meeting Technical Setup and Logistics
The meeting host, Lilly, greeted Councillor Myla and other attendees, discussing technical adjustments for audio and video. Lilly outlined the meeting’s schedule, including the use of a banner and the role of KyungIn as the MC, with Dr. Maria Riehl set to open the meeting. Lilly noted that some participants, such as the Philippine Embassy and others, were still missing or had not yet checked in, and she planned to manage the Zoom user access until 7 PM.
Women’s Federation Global Meeting
Maria Riel, director of the UN Office Vienna from the Women’s Federation for World Peace International, opened the 12th session of the Meet and Greet online meeting, emphasizing the organization’s mission to promote healthy families and loving relationships. She highlighted the importance of reconciliation and understanding in addressing global conflicts and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Miss Oliviera, a legal guardian and child advocate from the Netherlands, was introduced to guide the evening’s discussions, and Katarina Minolari, president of the Women’s Federation for World Peace in Albania, was acknowledged for her participation.
Women’s Federation SDG Initiatives Presentation
Katerina presented the activities of the Women’s Federation Albania in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on youth engagement and environmental awareness. She highlighted initiatives such as speech competitions, the Youth Peace Academy, and campaigns against plastic pollution, which received support from government ministries and involved young people in educational and community activities. The presentation concluded with a brief overview of a plastic awareness campaign and its final event, which was attended by deputy ministers.
Philippines Gender and Youth Empowerment
The meeting highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to gender and youth empowerment, with Vienna discussing initiatives like the gender resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency and domestic efforts to update laws for gender equality. She mentioned the country’s progress in gender balance, with five out of six undersecretaries being women, and its ranking of 25th in gender parity globally. The event also featured Councillor Myla Arceno, a Filipina-British politician, as a speaker, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in governance.
Myla Arceno’s SDG Leadership Speech
Myla Arceno, the first Filipino mayor elected in Stevenage, UK, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of women, youth, and civil society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She shared her personal journey as a migrant and emphasized the role of maternal leadership in building resilient communities. Arceno discussed the initiatives in Stevenage to support older people, environmental protection, and youth engagement, while calling for partnerships and collaboration across different sectors to create a sustainable future.
Youth Sustainability Projects Presentation
Arshia, a high school senior from Queens, New York, presented her sustainability projects as a Youth Peace Ambassador for the UN Women’s Federation. She discussed her work on a permaculture app and program, a fashion upcycling app called “Fashion Chiss,” and a community goals app. Arshia shared her experience in creating these apps, which aim to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and her involvement in organizing events like CSW 68 and CSW69. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Women’s Federation, which helped her develop both technically and personally.
AI Transformation and Job Creation
Anupam Dutta, a Global Digital Transformation leader, discussed the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on industries, governments, and economies. He emphasized that AI can benefit everyone and enhance skills rather than replace jobs. Anupam outlined his organization’s goal to create 5,000 jobs and train 50,000 people in AI over the next 3-5 years. He also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and mental health in the context of AI-driven transformation. Additionally, he mentioned the upcoming launch of the Guapa app, a property of the Women Federation, to connect people globally.
AI and Digital Literacy Discussion
The meeting featured a discussion on the importance of AI and digital literacy, with Anupam highlighting these topics. Andy shared his experiences as a journalist, emphasizing how personal experiences can intersect with political issues, and the need for discernment and empathy in today’s chaotic information environment. Marlies presented Andy with the Youth Ambassador for Peace Award for his exemplary work in promoting intercultural harmony and the United Nations’ goals.
Peace and Development Initiatives Presentation
The meeting featured presentations from several speakers highlighting their work in promoting peace, women’s rights, and sustainable development. Andy received an award for his efforts in supporting youth and underprivileged communities. Catherine Kollie, the executive director of Women for Positive Actions in Liberia, shared her organization’s initiatives in empowering women and promoting gender equality, including training programs, advocacy, and support for women entrepreneurs. Marlies Ladstetter presented the Peace Designer Training, an educational initiative aimed at empowering youth to create peace projects in their communities. The meeting ended with closing remarks from Renate Amesbauer, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and continuous efforts to create a peaceful and sustainable world.
Youtube video recording available here: https://youtu.be/YYf9cX-gljk