Our journey towards oneness aligns with the decisions made within the United Nations.
When I took up my role as the UNNGO Representative in 2013, it marked a significant milestone. We celebrated a decade of our presence at the United Nations (UN). I am immensely grateful to the hard work and dedication of those who went before me, paving the way for us to engage with the UN and amplify the voices of those in need. Evanne Hunter, Doryne Kirby (RIP), Marilla de Souza, and Anne Kelly laid a solid foundation and built the organizational aspects that proved instrumental in our journey. (Below is a summary of Cecilia’s learnings. You can click HERE for the full text.)
Lesson No. 1: Understanding the Predictable Behaviors of the Human Family
In New York, I witnessed the creation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs), a collective effort for a more sustainable world. Despite noble intentions, there was resistance and limited awareness of crucial issues. Virtual platforms engaged global input, but surprisingly, climate change ranked low in priority, contrasting today’s evident impact. This exposes the complexity of human behavior. The 2030 Agenda, outlined in “Transforming our World,” is a crucial blueprint needing real implementation. Concerns arose about governments communicating these goals effectively, stressing the importance of dissemination and engagement at all levels.
Lesson No. 2: Embracing the Paradigm Shift
The 2030 Agenda marks a shift from linear to interconnected thinking, reflected in the SDGs. Embracing this demands ongoing commitment and deep reflection across various life aspects and governance structures. Its universality requires adaptation to unique regional contexts, highlighting interconnectedness. As part of the Mary Ward Family seeking unity, our interconnectedness mirrors broader connections. Our journey towards oneness aligns with the decisions made within the United Nations. The IBVM and CJ communities have actively engaged in UN events. Cynthia Mathew CJ’s 2017 appointment fostered collaboration, integrating Congregation of Jesus members into the UN Advisory Committee and Representatives Network. Our joint efforts aim at systemic change for greater impact.
Lesson No. 3: The Important Role of Religions
The memory of a significant event during the 2015 SDG negotiations remains vivid. After the publication of the Papal Encyclical Laudato Si, the Kenyan Ambassador, not Catholic himself, held it up during the session, acknowledging its importance. He highlighted the deep connection between Laudato Si and the 2030 Agenda, recognizing the Encyclical’s alignment with the UN’s goals. This exemplified how both frameworks tackle critical global challenges. The subsequent emergence of the Laudato Si Platform for Action reinforced their interdependence. Religious communities and faith-based NGOs collaborating with the UN uphold shared values.
Lesson No. 4: Show Up and Be Counted
The phrase “show up and be counted” encapsulates a potent idea that defined my time at the United Nations. It resonates with those who physically attended UN events or engaged virtually. We’ve had an incredible group of members, colleagues, and friends involved, blending work, enjoyment, and enlightening experiences. Moments like the 2016 visit from the General leadership team boosted awareness of our efforts for a more humane, just, and sustainable world through UN processes. Immersion experiences, interns, and youth representatives significantly advanced our work, especially in youth involvement and network building. Members from the Mary Ward Family, alongside others, displayed commitment by participating in various locations. Schools, students, and families also visited, reflecting growing interest in UN work. Virtually, committees and networks regularly convened, integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our lives and ministries through webinars and collective learning. These efforts heightened awareness, shared global activities, and highlighted our shared challenges as part of the human family.
Lesson No. 5: The Power of Communication
During the establishment of our Communications Office in Spain in the early 2000s, we embraced the wisdom that “what is not communicated does not exist.” This notion holds even greater truth in our present world. Initially, it posed a challenge for those of us accustomed to operating discreetly, ensuring the left hand did not know the actions of the right hand. However, in the second decade of the 21st century, communication became imperative. We established an online presence through our website, social media platforms, and YouTube channel, ensuring information about our work was readily available.
In conclusion, my seven-year tenure as an NGO Representative to the United Nations has provided invaluable insights. I have witnessed the predictable behaviors of the human family, recognized the ongoing paradigm shift, acknowledged the importance of religions in sustainable development, embraced the need to show up and be counted, and realized the power of effective communication. As we forge ahead, let us remember these lessons and continue our journey towards creating a more just, sustainable, and interconnected world for all.
Author: Cecilia O’Dwyer ibvm (previous IBVM/CJ UNNGO Representative to the UN)
