SDGs ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 2024
24 September 2024 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | New York
ROUND 2: CIVIL SOCIETY BEST PRACTICES AND INITIATIVES FOR THE SDGs
As a part of the SDGs Conference 2024, the Journalists and Writers Foundation and its 56 Global Partners from 30 countries organized the SDGs Roundtable Discussions elaborating on critical issues to promote and protect sustainable peace and development. This interdisciplinary event hosted 12 interfaith and civil society leaders from 9 countries, and it convened a global audience that is advocates of Pact for the Future working towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Osman Oztoprak, Managing Director of the Alliance for Shared Values moderated Roundtable 2 focused on advancing sustainable development through best practices and innovative initiatives. In his opening remarks, Mr. Oztoprak underscored the importance of intercultural dialogue and understanding, themes that had been previously explored, and noted that experts from Brazil, Australia, Canada, North Macedonia, Spain, and the USA would be sharing inspiring projects that foster collaboration and resilience. In his capacity as the Managing Director of the Alliance for Shared Values, Mr. Oztoprak has extensive experience in community building and intercultural work. Since 2001, he has been involved in founding several interfaith and intercultural organizations, dedicated to fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.
Osman Oztoprak reiterated the importance of intercultural work, especially in the current era, where misinformation and polarizing narratives can drive social division. He shared a quote from the poet Rumi, emphasizing the profound power of human connection, particularly through sincere eye contact, to transcend words and bridge differences. He noted that civil society organizations play a pivotal role in creating spaces for dialogue and connection, bridging gaps between policymakers and communities by customizing solutions that meet local needs. Osman Oztoprak also addressed the challenges civil society faces, such as funding cuts and shifting government policies, but commended the resilience and innovation of these organizations, which continue to serve communities despite adversity. Mr. Oztoprak emphasized that civil society work contributes to capacity building and empowers individuals to become part of the solution, making societies stronger.
Temirkhon Temirzoda the Executive Director of the ARCO Forum in Spain, discussed a project called the “Concert of Three Cultures.” This project, running since 2014, brings together musicians and performers from the three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. The concerts, held in various locations across Spain, highlight the shared values of these religious traditions and create a platform for interfaith dialogue, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. Mr. Temirzoda shared an inspiring presentation focused on the transformative power of music in promoting interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding. These concerts have been a part of significant international events, such as the UN’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, and have successfully fostered cooperation, tolerance, and respect across Spain.
Mr. Temirzoda detailed the creation of the Spanish Youth Interfaith Ensemble in 2021 as part of a European Union-funded initiative. The ensemble consists of young professional musicians from the three Abrahamic faiths, who come together to perform religious, spiritual, and cultural songs. Beyond the performances, the ensemble’s mission is to prevent radicalization among youth, promote social cohesion, and address marginalization and inequality. Temirkhon Temirzoda stressed the ensemble’s success in engaging communities, building personal connections among participants, and creating opportunities for intercultural exchange. The group has performed in over ten concerts across Spain and even in Brussels and has become a platform for peaceful gatherings and interfaith dialogue.
He also highlighted how the ensemble aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 16 (promoting peaceful and inclusive societies), and SDG 17 (fostering partnerships across cultural and religious boundaries). Their work has garnered international recognition, including participation in events like the International Day of Living Together in Peace and media coverage on Spain’s national television. In concluding his presentation, Temirkhon Temirzoda shared a quote from the Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd, which underscored the importance of fostering knowledge and understanding to combat ignorance, fear, hatred, and violence. He expressed hope that the ensemble’s message of brotherhood, harmony, and peaceful coexistence would continue to spread globally.
Sarah Elsakhawy, Women’s Empowerment Project Coordinator at Embrace Relief started her presentation by outlining the organization’s mission to assist those in need through research-based programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed the importance of engaging directly with the communities they serve, as this engagement fosters a deeper understanding of critical global challenges and how best to address them.
During her talk, Ms. Elsakhawy presented alarming global statistics regarding education and poverty as over 244 million children and youth are currently out of school, particularly in conflict-affected areas. These young people encounter substantial barriers to education, including safety concerns, cultural norms that prioritize boys’ education, and economic pressures that compel children to work instead of attending school. In conflict-affected regions, literacy rates plummet, and youth unemployment remains high, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Sarah Elsakhawy highlighted the disproportionate impact these issues have on women. Notably, women aged 25 to 34 are 25% more likely to live in extreme poverty than their male counterparts. In Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 60% of the informal labor force but face significant challenges, including a lack of job security, benefits, and access to financial resources. For example, in Tanzania, only 6% of women have access to formal financial services, and fewer than 10% own land, despite representing more than half of the agricultural workforce. These barriers hinder women’s ability to achieve economic independence and fully contribute to their communities.
Emphasizing that education is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for peace and economic development, Sarah cited UNESCO statistics indicating that each additional year of schooling can increase an individual’s income by up to 10% and reduce the risk of conflict by 20%. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, make informed health choices, and contribute positively to their families and communities. Sarah Elsakhawy noted that economically empowered women reinvest up to 90% of their income into their families and communities, a much higher rate than their male counterparts.
To address these systemic issues, Sarah called for policy changes to promote gender equality, the establishment of leadership training programs for women, and the creation of mentorship networks for aspiring female leaders. She emphasized the need for local community engagement to shift attitudes toward female leadership and highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, communities, and organizations. This collaboration should focus on education, practical skills training, and entrepreneurship to dismantle existing barriers.
Sarah went on to detail Embrace Relief’s initiatives aimed at overcoming these challenges. Their RISE program in Tanzania empowers women by providing scholarships for female teachers to pursue roles as school administrators. By investing in women’s education and leadership, this program is cultivating a new generation of female leaders poised to drive systemic change. To date, 24 women have graduated from this program, with another cohort of 24 currently enrolled. Embrace Relief’s LEARN program offers access to high-quality online education for girls in countries with limited educational opportunities. In conclusion, Sarah stressed the importance of creating environments where young women can flourish as leaders, innovators, and advocates for peace. She reaffirmed that empowering girls through education and leadership opportunities is essential for fostering long-lasting, meaningful change. By collaborating with governments, organizations, and communities, we can support women in achieving financial independence and contribute to sustainable development.
Zoran Stojcevski, a Board Member of the Chess Federation of North Macedonia, delivered an insightful address on the transformative power of chess for academic and personal development, especially among young students. He began by sharing his professional background, detailing his 20-plus years as a manager in the banking software industry and illustrating how chess has significantly shaped his leadership and decision-making abilities.
In his speech, Zoran Stojcevski emphasized the unique advantages that chess offers, particularly its capacity to enhance concentration, patience, and decision-making skills in children. He noted the negative impact of social media distractions on attention spans, highlighting that many young people now struggle to focus. Chess, he argued, counteracts this trend by demanding players engage in deep, careful thought regarding their moves, ultimately helping students improve their ability to concentrate for extended periods. This mental discipline, he explained, fosters better analytical thinking and contributes positively to cognitive development.
Mr. Stojcevski framed chess as a multidimensional tool that extends beyond a mere game or sport. He discussed its role in education as a means of promoting personal growth and social cohesion. Notably, he pointed out how chess can bridge gaps related to religion, nationality, and gender, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to learn and interact on equal terms. Mr. Stojcevski described chess as a significant equalizer that promotes understanding and reduces conflict, citing that it boasts one of the lowest crime rates among sports communities.
One of the highlights of Zoran’s talk was a long-term chess initiative in Macedonia that began in 2012, following a European Parliament declaration recognizing chess as a sport. This project, now in its third year, has achieved impressive results, including the training of over 1,000 teachers in chess education, the distribution of chess sets and tablets to schools, and the integration of chess programs into elementary schools starting from the first grade. These efforts have already impacted more than 2,000 students, and Zoran expressed hope to double this number in the coming year.
The primary objective of this project is to teach children essential life skills such as determination and decision-making through chess. Zoran stressed that chess instills the importance of making choices, even imperfect ones, a skill that is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Zoran also highlighted the significance of effectively implementing educational initiatives. He noted that while many countries have attempted to introduce chess into their school systems, Macedonia has found success by starting early, beginning in the first grade, and providing structured support and incentives for teachers. This includes comprehensive training, resources, and motivation through partnerships with large companies. He commended the teachers for their critical role in the program, noting that expertise in chess is not a prerequisite for teaching it effectively; often, those less familiar with the game excel in using it as a broader educational tool.
Zoran wrapped up his presentation by underscoring the importance of creating a stress-free learning environment during chess lessons. He advocated for incorporating creative exercises such as puzzles, music, and animations, which can help keep children engaged and motivated. This approach reinforces the notion that chess is not solely about competition but also about personal growth and enjoyment.
Madhuri Kibria, the Program Manager for Policy Research of BacharLorai, a passionate advocate from Canada, is dedicated to human rights, climate justice, and the prevention of violence against women and girls. Her extensive research has addressed vital issues such as women’s rights and autonomy, strategies for preventing and responding to gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health rights, sustainable development grounded in human rights, and improving access to justice and social support for historically marginalized communities.
In her speech, Madhuri Kibria tackled the menstrual health management crisis, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the event. Ms. Kibria noted that menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM), which aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5, and 6, encompasses good health and well-being, gender equality, and clean water and sanitation. She presented alarming statistics, revealing that 500 million people lack access to basic menstrual products and hygiene facilities, leading to suffering among millions of women and girls due to inadequate sanitation and handwashing options. In Bangladesh, the issue of period poverty is pervasive; 95% of women struggle to afford sanitary products, resulting in a significant number of schoolgirls missing classes due to menstruation-related challenges.
Madhuri Kibria recounted her organization’s collaboration with local civil society groups to provide menstrual health education workshops and distribute reusable menstrual products to young girls in rural Bangladesh. This initiative, launched in 2021, directly benefited 90 young girls and culminated in the organization’s first policy brief in 2023, which examined menstrual health challenges in Bangladesh and offered recommendations for various stakeholders. She emphasized the necessity of translating research into actionable solutions and forming strong partnerships with local organizations to sustainably address issues like period poverty.
Beyond their efforts in Bangladesh, BacharLorai has also engaged the Bangladeshi diaspora in Toronto by conducting workshops focused on menstruation, menstrual products, and the associated social stigma. Ms. Kibria underscored the importance of utilizing environmentally sustainable products, aligning with their mission to support both people and the planet. The organization’s global influence was further illustrated by its recent side event at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, where experts from South Asia gathered to exchange experiences and insights on menstrual health. Madhuri highlighted the critical need for cross-border collaboration to tackle period poverty and health inequities.
In concluding her speech, Madhuri introduced the Global Impact Fellowship, an eight-month transformative program designed to empower youth worldwide to develop and implement projects aligned with the UN SDGs. Through this fellowship, the organization aims to cultivate inclusive societies and foster cross-border partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to global advocacy and social impact.
Ahmet Keskin, the Executive Director of the Australian Intercultural Society, delivered a compelling presentation on the “Showing Up” Bystander Intervention Program. This initiative seeks to empower everyday individuals to intervene effectively during incidents of religious vilification, particularly targeting the rising issues of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Western nations such as Australia, the UK, and the US. The primary objective of the program is to equip people with the skills to safely interrupt harmful situations and support victims while preventing the escalation of conflict.
Mr. Keskin explained that the title “Showing Up” encapsulates the program’s mission of encouraging individuals to act during critical moments. The workshops are designed to train participants, who often include frontline service workers and members of the public, to serve as “circuit breakers” in situations involving racial or religious harassment. This training is especially important for visibly identifiable individuals, such as Jewish men wearing kippahs and Muslim women donning hijabs, who are at a higher risk of facing hostility.
A key highlight of Mr. Keskin’s presentation was the collaboration between his Muslim organization and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria in the development of this program. This partnership reflects a commitment to interfaith solidarity and aims to address shared challenges faced by these communities. The training sessions are conducted in small groups of 12 to 20 participants to facilitate interactive role-playing scenarios. These simulated situations of vilification allow participants to practice being bystanders, enhancing their confidence and competence to intervene effectively in real-life incidents.
Since its inception, the program has successfully engaged over 120 participants, with feedback indicating that many individuals feel empowered to act and are motivated to encourage others to join the initiative. Ahmet Keskin underscored the significance of documenting incidents of religious vilification through Australia’s Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism Registers, which play a vital role in influencing policymakers and fostering awareness about these issues. The program has received government funding, with support from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, further highlighting its societal importance.
Addressing the sustainability of the program, Ahmet Keskin acknowledged the challenges posed by limited funding. However, he emphasized the necessity of a community-wide and societal response to combat these pressing issues. In his closing remarks, he urged everyone to take personal responsibility in standing up against casual racism and religious vilification, emphasizing that meaningful societal change can only be achieved through collective action and commitment from all members of the community.
Fatih Saribas, the Director of the Instituto Pelo Diálogo Intercultural based in Brazil, began his presentation by introducing the “Stars of Dialogue Awards,” a notable initiative of his institute. This award serves as a best-practice model for fostering intercultural communication and collaboration. He emphasized the profound yet challenging goal that both the Institute and the broader civil society movements, including those aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the mission to strive to achieve peace.
In his reflections, Mr. Saribas acknowledged the fragile nature of peace and underscored the importance of sustainable dialogue. At the Institute, they believe peace can be realized and maintained through dialogue, a powerful tool for understanding others and building connections. Fatih Saribas explained that dialogue is about bringing people together, allowing them to listen to and comprehend each other’s perspectives. Once people begin to understand one another, they are more likely to develop empathy and affinity. The more connected people feel, the less likely they are to engage in conflict. This is the beauty of dialogue; it has a lasting and transformative effect on people, helping to both achieve and preserve peace.
With this belief in mind, the Instituto Pelo Diálogo Intercultural initiated the “Stars of Dialogue” project. The project aims to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made remarkable contributions to dialogue across different segments of society. Launched in 2015, the project originally focused on fostering dialogue between Turkish and Brazilian communities. At that time, the awards were given to individuals who had contributed to cultural exchange and understanding between these two countries. The recipients included football players, singers, journalists, and academics, among others. While this was a commendable effort, Mr. Saribas recognized that the scope of the project was too narrow, and limited to these two cultures.
To address this obstacle, the Institute expanded the concept and purpose of the awards, making it more inclusive and reflective of Brazil’s rich diversity. Fatih Saribas emphasized that they sought to embrace the wide range of contributions to dialogue from various communities and individuals, ensuring that no effort would go unrecognized. To achieve this inclusivity, the Institute redefined the awards by introducing five distinct categories. These categories enabled the evaluation of significant contributions to dialogue across different spheres of society, ensuring that all meaningful efforts were acknowledged and celebrated.
