JWF HIGH-LEVEL RECEPTION 2024
23 September 2024 | PentHouse45 Rooftop | New York
On September 23, 2024, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) hosted the JWF High-Level Reception in celebration of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly at PentHouse45 Rooftop in New York. This networking event brought together JWF Global Partners from around the world, allowing them to engage with UN Ambassadors, diplomats, journalists, academics, and human rights advocates. As advocates for sustainable peace and development, participants shared their innovative initiatives aimed at creating a more prosperous world while establishing valuable connections for future collaborations. Delegations of international experts from 21 different countries attended this global gathering, which was the inaugural action day of the JWF side events for UNGA79.
Cemre Ulker, the Journalists and Writers Foundation’s Representative to the UN Department of Global Communications, commenced the program by underscoring the importance of the 79th UN General Assembly in the context of ongoing global conflicts. She stated that this multilateral meeting is focused on the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amidst rising tensions and obstacles.
Ms. Ulker pointed out the recent endorsement of the “Pact for the Future,” which is based on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ 11 Policy Actions that aim to reimagine multilateralism through global solidarity, renew social contracts, and secure a sustainable future for future generations. She recognized the dedicated efforts of civil society in shaping key documents and urged for collective action to transform these agreements into tangible outcomes in the days ahead.
In his welcome remarks, Mehmet Kilic, President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the participation of JWF’s 56 Global Partners from 30 countries worldwide. He recognized the diverse presence of participants from 21 nations and thanked them for their dedication to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals at local, national, and global levels. Mr. Kilic reflected on the challenges faced over recent years, particularly due to the pandemic, while highlighting the resilience and solidarity of this international community. He emphasized the critical role of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals in creating a world that leaves no one behind, especially for youth and future generations. Additionally, Mr. Kilic provided insights into the JWF UNGA79 side events and the Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony, which has garnered a record number of 80 civil society project submissions from 43 countries.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Alp Aslandogan, Executive Director of the Alliance for Shared Values, highlighted the importance of creating inclusive and peaceful societies. He urged attendees to cultivate new, enduring friendships and engage in discussions that promote understanding among diverse backgrounds. Dr. Aslandogan reflected on the idea of a “scorecard for humanity,” recognizing the progress made in science and technology while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges of prejudice and conflict within society. He referenced comprehensive research findings that demonstrate how positive intergroup contact—where individuals from different backgrounds interact meaningfully—can help reduce prejudice and foster peace
Dr. Aslandogan outlined the essential conditions for effective intergroup contact, such as mutual understanding, common goals, and institutional support, as articulated by Harvard Professor Dr. Gordon Allport. He presented successful examples of organizations dedicated to this mission, including Braver Angels, which facilitates dialogue between politically polarized communities and creates a safe space for constructive discussions. Acknowledging the integration of immigrants and refugees into new societies as one of the pressing challenges of our time, Dr. Aslandogan concluded his keynote remarks by emphasizing the Alliance for Shared Values’ dedication to assisting migrants in rebuilding their lives.
At the conclusion of his speech, Dr. Alp Aslandogan was honored with a plaque recognizing his contributions to the JWF UNGA79 Side Events held alongside the UN General Assembly. During the reception, several other distinguished guests also shared their perspectives and expressed gratitude for the JWF’s international programs that promote global peace, unity, and human development.
Representing Romania’s delegation, Antonio Momoc, the Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the University of Bucharest, underscored the significance of media freedom and education in preserving democracy. He addressed the challenges faced by journalists globally, especially in nations experiencing a rise in populism and authoritarianism, where freedom of speech is frequently jeopardized. Additionally, he noted the declining trust in traditional media and the increasing pressures from AI, social media, and extremist movements. Antonio Momoc emphasized that media literacy and education are vital in equipping future journalists to defend democracy, report on pressing social issues with integrity, and combat the pervasive spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Noel James Debian, Senior Specialist Producer and Presenter at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, spoke on behalf of the Australian delegation about the influence of religion and ethics on public discourse. He highlighted how the Australian government, through its public broadcasting institutions, promotes pluralistic values and collaborates with religious and civil society organizations to tackle important social issues such as migration and refugee resettlement. Mr. Debian connected the Sustainable Development Goals with the ethical teachings of various religions, emphasizing the shared principles of social responsibility and justice found in Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, and other faiths.
Her Excellency Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Women Affairs, delivered a compelling address on the human rights situation in Africa, urging the global audience of advocates to support sustainable development projects in Nigeria. She expressed her concerns about the early stages of international action plans, particularly regarding corruption, which perpetuates a cycle of poverty alleviation. Minister Ohanenye called for an urgent transition from policy advocacy to direct, tangible actions that would swiftly improve the lives of the Nigerian population
She appealed to international organizations, including the United Nations, to reassess their strategies with a greater emphasis on achieving measurable outcomes and urged multilateral agencies to avoid prolonged discussions that lack community engagement. In concluding her remarks, Minister Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye expressed her gratitude for JWF’s global efforts in fostering impactful partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals.
AAdjunct Professor Morten Kjaerum from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, participating from Denmark, also took the floor to highlight the importance of dialogue in fostering understanding and bridging divides, drawing on his experiences in human rights and the European Union. He shared a guiding principle that has served him throughout his career: “Can we meet to agree where we disagree?” Additionally, he emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement in global discussions, commending their participation in the JWF UNGA side events. Professor Kjaerum reminded the audience of the significance of the 1993 Vienna Declaration as a historical reference and drew connections to the “Pact of the Future” document highlighted at the event. He urged everyone to actively utilize and promote this new document to shape future global initiatives.
Representing 56 JWF Global Partners, Ahmet Keskin, Executive Director of the Australian Intercultural Society, took the stage to share his insights on the pivotal role of the United Nations in establishing common objectives for a fair and equitable world. He stressed the necessity of exchanging best practices and knowledge, as well as learning from past failures to avoid repeating mistakes. Mr. Keskin highlighted the essential contribution of civil society in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commended the Journalist and Writers Foundation for its efforts in fostering international networks that support the realization of these Global Goals.
The event then shifted to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Journalist and Writers Foundation. JWF Board Members and Advisory Board Members, including Vonya Womack, Executive Director of RUSU, Ibrahim Anli, Executive Director of the Rumi Forum, and Dr. Reginald Maudlin Nalugala from Tangaza University, expressed their appreciation for JWF’s commitment to effecting positive change. They reflected on the foundation’s history and its dedication to promoting themes that foster equal, just, and cohesive societies.
The gathering concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark JWF’s 30 years of impact. In his closing remarks, President Mehmet Kilic recognized the valuable contributions of young volunteers who played a significant role in organizing the UNGA79 side events. Fall 2024 interns Banu Uyanik from the Netherlands and Zehra Ozdemir from Atlanta also shared their experiences with the foundation, highlighting JWF’s commitment to youth and women’s empowerment. The event wrapped up with a networking session, allowing organizers and attendees from 21 countries to express their enthusiasm and resolve to continue their efforts toward building a more just and peaceful world.
