JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION
In partnership with its 52 Global Partners from 27 Countries Presents
SDGs CONFERENCE 2023: IN THE MARGINS OF THE UNGA78
20 September 2023 | John Jay College, New York | Hybrid

The Journalists and Writers Foundation organized the JWF High-Level Reception to welcome its
delegations of Global Partners who arrived in New York from 15 different countries to attend the
JWF`s 3-days of side events in the Margins of the 78th Session of the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA78) on Monday, 18 September 2023 at PentHouse45, New York. This high-
level gathering brought together the UN Ambassadors and diplomats together with JWF`s
international guests, journalists, civil society members, human rights experts, and academics
from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Greece, India, Iraq/Kurdistan, New
Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United States.



Mehmet Kilic, President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation delivered his welcoming
remarks and said: “This is a pivotal moment where global leaders and representatives from 193
Member States convene in New York for high-stakes diplomacy and debate that will shape the
course of our collective future.” He underlined that the UNGA 78 th session presents us with a
plethora of complex challenges and opportunities, from the imperative to combat extreme
poverty and undertake urgent climate action to addressing the multifaceted challenges, we find
ourselves standing at a critical juncture. The specter of power tensions, the devastation of
destructive conflicts, and the aspirations of an ever-expanding global youth population
underscore the compelling need for unity, collaboration, and innovative solutions. The choices
made and steps undertaken in the days to come will unquestionably have profound and far-
reaching effects on our collective path forward. Mehmet Kilic added his remarks inviting the
international guests to reiterate commitments to working together as no one can achieve anything
alone.



Dr. Rushan Abbas, formerly a businesswoman, is now the Founder and Executive Director of
Campaign for Uyghurs shared her personal story and raised awareness of the current genocidal
unlawfulness against ethnic cleansing of millions of Uyghurs in concentration camps. She is
leading international campaigns and diplomatic engagements calling for the urgent release of her
sister Dr. Gulshan Abbas, who has been behind bars for more than 5 years as a cost to Rushan
Abbas` advocacy work. Dr. Abbas was detained only 6 days after Rushan Abbas` first public
speech criticizing the Chinese government at a think tank in Washington DC. She reminded the
audience that over a year ago, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded that
treatment against Uyghurs constituted crimes against humanity. “Genocide begins as [regimes]
take away the ones you love the most,” said Rushan Abbas and ended her address by calling for
global solidarity to be the voice of Uyghurs.

Following the stage addresses, JWF Media Team conducted interviews with notable guests
including Anil Wasif, Director of Strategy at BacharLorai (Canada), Oskar Siri, Sweden`s
Youth Delegate to the UNGA78 (Sweden), Ali Mustafa, UN Representative of AFS
Intercultural Programs (USA), and Shurabe Mercado Guido, Conference Director of IYC
(USA). JWF High-Level Reception continued as guests enjoyed the breath-taking NYC skyline.

** Networking Session at the JWF High-Level Reception on the occasion of the UNGA78.

** Live music and open buffet at the JWF High-Level Reception on 18 September 2023 at
PentHouse45, Manhattan.

** (L to R) Efendi Yilmaz, Lisan Language Center, Manager (Romania) – Mehmet Kilic, JWF,
President (USA), Prof. Silvia Osman (Romania), Houry Guidelekain, NGO/CSW, Advisor
(USA), Dr. Chandler Carter (USA).

** Delegation of experts and Global Partners from Pearl of the Island Foundation (New
Zealand), Affinity Intercultural Foundation (Australia), and Indialogue Foundation (India).

** (L to R) Journalist Arbana Xharra, Film Producer Azadeh Nikzadeh, Berdha Hasems, Cemre
Ulker, UN Rep., JWF.

** (L to R) Mehmet Kilic, President, JWF (USA), Johan Heymans, Human Rights Lawyer
(Belgium), Mehmet Bayrak, Executive Director, Intercultural Dialogue Platform (Belgium).

** JWF Events Team and Youth Volunteers.