The Journalists and Writers Foundation organized its JWF High-Level Reception 2025 on Monday, 22 September 2025 at PentHouse45 in the presence of its Global Partners from 24 countries, convening the speakers of the SDGs Conference 2025 and SDGs Roundtable Discussions together with the distinguished diplomats of the United Nations and change-makers of the human rights community based in New York. 

As the world leaders gather at the UN Headquarters for the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly under the theme of #BetterTogether, over 150 journalists, civil society leaders, human rights defenders, youth advocates and practitioners attended the JWF High-Level Reception for an exchange of best-practices, to foster future partnerships and engage in meaningful dialogues sharing a common mission of sustainable peace and development. In addition to serving as a platform for an intellectual gathering, the reception was also attended by dozens of youth delegates from across the USA, Canada, Denmark, North Macedonia, Nigeria, Norway, Romania, and Sweden. As the youth empowerment remains one of the working pillars of the JWF, youth leaders had the opportunity to experience diplomatic engagements in action. 

The program started with the Opening Remarks of Cemre Ulker, Representative of the Journalists and Writers Foundation to the UN Department of Global Communications, as she emphasized that the presence of this global audience reflects a shared commitment to the values of inclusive dialogue, grassroots action, and multilateral cooperation — the foundational pillars for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In her remarks, Ms. Ulker highlighted the significance of empowering civil society actors, particularly in times of global uncertainty, as key drivers in transforming communities from the bottom up. She reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder partnerships in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and building resilient societies grounded in equity, justice, and peace. Her remarks set the tone for an evening devoted to shared reflections, cross-regional solidarity, and visionary leadership on the road to the United Nations Summit of the Future.

In his Welcoming Remarks, Mehmet Kilic, President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the participation of JWF’s global partners and delegates representing 24 countries at the 3-Days of Actions during the UNGA80. Mr. Kilic highlighted the importance of convening during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where the global community stands at a pivotal moment to reaffirm commitments toward the 2030 Agenda and the upcoming Summit of the Future. Mr. Kilic emphasized the critical role of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, celebrating the JWF’s continued collaboration with civil society actors, youth leaders, and diplomatic missions in building inclusive and resilient communities. He reflected on the growth of JWF’s global network and its unwavering commitment to amplifying local action for global impact, particularly through initiatives promoting education, gender equality, human rights, and climate action.

He also introduced the JWF’s 2025 UNGA80 Side Events, including the Roundtable Discussion on Education and Youth Participation, the Global SDGs Conference on Inclusive Policymaking, and discussed the Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony, which received civil society project submissions from around the world. Mr. Kilic noted that these multistakeholder gatherings are designed to foster intergenerational dialogue, share best practices, and spotlight innovative solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals through civic engagement and democratic participation.

Representing the international delegations at the JWF UNGA80 Side-Events, Dr. Mehmet Aslan, Director of Marketing and Public Relations of McYESS Ltd, delivered brief remarks discussing the importance of unity as a best practice to stand together on advancing the SDGs. Dr. Aslan further stressed that democracy is under threat in the current age due to the degrading status of human rights violations, climate crisis, and widespread wars, amongst others. He emphasized that gatherings like these are catalysts for dialogue and change, and that no one should be left behind.

In her Keynote Address, H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr, Former Vice President of Costa Rica, expressed her gratitude to the Journalists and Writers Foundation for convening such a powerful and inspiring gathering during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. She emphasized that realizing the Sustainable Development Goals must go beyond written aspirations and instead be translated into tangible realities for every woman, man, and child across the globe. Ms. Campbell Barr urged the global community to embrace a new kind of leadership—one that is compassionate, courageous, and grounded in unity. She underlined that leadership is no longer defined by the pursuit of power, but by the moral clarity to address injustice, heal divisions, and build bridges across communities. 

True progress, she argued, requires the active participation of all sectors of society—from journalists and human rights defenders to educators, faith leaders, and civil society actors. Drawing attention to the multiple crises facing humanity, including climate disruption, inequality, forced displacement, and the erosion of democratic values, Ms. Campbell Barr called for a “shining generation” of leaders committed to love, inclusion, and peace. She closed by inviting the audience to act with conscience and courage, to choose hope over despair, and to leave behind a more just, humane, and peaceful world for future generations.

Hon. Mr. Thanasis Chimonas, Vice Mayor for Social Integration of Migrants and Refugees in the City of Athens, delivered a heartfelt keynote reflecting on the critical global challenges confronting humanity today. He described the current moment as one of the most alarming periods since the end of the Second World War, which is marked by violent conflicts, assassinations, racism, and rising forms of xenophobia threatening democracy and fundamental human rights.

In his remarks, Mr. Chimonas emphasized that urgent, collective action is needed to reverse these trends and reaffirm our shared humanity. He recognized gatherings like this High-Level Reception as powerful platforms for change, highlighting the importance of civil society dialogue and international collaboration. Expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to participate, he encouraged attendees to make the most of the days ahead and reaffirmed his commitment to the values of peace, inclusion, and solidarity.

Ms. Cleopatra Lorințiu, an acclaimed Romanian writer, journalist, and former diplomat, delivered a deeply reflective address on the erosion of humanistic values in today’s world. She opened with a powerful reminder that in times of widespread dehumanization and cultural disconnection, convenings like this High-Level Reception offer a vital space to reclaim dignity, dialogue, and empathy. Drawing from her lived experience in post-communist Eastern Europe, Ms. Lorințiu described the harsh societal transitions that followed political upheavals, marked by loss of moral anchors, social fragmentation, and a turn toward individualism and exploitation. She argued that such disoriented periods call for the steady voice of civil society, especially organizations that champion decency, cultural understanding, and the values of humanism. Reflecting on her multifaceted career as a writer, journalist, filmmaker, and advocate for free expression and minority rights, Ms. Lorințiu emphasized the transformative power of tolerance, freedom of movement, and the ability to truly listen to one another. 

Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, the Africa Regional Representative of the Global Peace Foundation, shared a heartfelt message on the power of dialogue and shared human values in the face of growing global instability. Having just arrived from Africa alongside esteemed colleagues and scholars, Mr. Omondi emphasized the importance of partnerships, including the Foundation’s collaboration with the Harmony Institute and other global stakeholders. He underscored the pressing need for global leaders and civil society to come together and declare that enough is enough in the face of ongoing conflicts from Ukraine and the Middle East to unrest within the African continent. Mr. Omondi called on participants of the UNGA Side Events to use their collective platforms to advocate for peace, dialogue, and responsibility in international relations.

In a heartfelt reflection, Ms. Daisy Khan, Founder of (Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality) WISE, shared her long-standing admiration for the Journalist and Writers Foundation and applauded its dedication to bridge-building in an increasingly divided world. Drawing on her early experiences growing up in Kashmir, where she encountered the richness of the world’s major religions, Ms. Khan emphasized the essential truth that all humans carry the same divine spark, regardless of faith or background. Reflecting on her early desires to become a journalist, she spoke of her current work as a podcaster and advocate, continuing to amplify messages of unity and compassion. Ms. Khan concluded by affirming that the majority of people in the world are indeed peacemakers, bridge-builders, and connectors. She encouraged the audience never to underestimate their power to bring marginalized voices to the center and reiterated her full support for the vital mission of the JWF. Following the remarks, the event and the networking session continued as guests enjoyed an open-buffet along with live music.