You can visit this page anytime to read about current events and debates at the United Nations, in addition to finding resources, interviews and information about our shared mission with the UN.
United Nations Day
October 24th is the officially birthday of the United Nations! On this day 75 years ago, the UN Charter was ratified, creating the first organization of its kind. The United Nations has been dedicated to fostering lasting peace, sustainable development and human rights for all people (especially the most vulnerable). As a social justice ministry, our engagement with the United Nations provides a unique opportunity to work with a multi-faceted community of changemakers and showcase faith-based approaches to global peacemaking through our work. We continue to engage with the UN in meaningful ways to better understand social issues and meet urgent needs of marginalized communities.
UN General Assembly Highlights
The United Nations General Assembly took place from September 15-30, virtually bringing together world leaders, civil society organizations, humanitarians, advocates and activists from countries around the globe. A key sentiment mentioned during the debates was that the “UN is only as strong as its members,” alluding to creating better opportunities for youth and everyday people to engage with the UN. The major topics debated by heads of state included climate change, the refugee crisis, UN reform and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, hundreds of side events took place simultaneously and Intersections staff attended virtual programming on anti-racism, women’s empowerment, mental health and disaster relief.
A short film called Nations United beautifully captures the UN’s work over the last 75 years.
A longer report with more information, including data on key topics from the UN General Assembly, can be found here.
The UN been staunchly advocating for the rights of the LGBT community since 2008 with the creation of the UN LGBTI Core Group, which is a cross-regional network of member states who advocate for the universal respect of the human rights for all LGBT persons. The United Nations also launched the Free & Equal public information campaign in 2013, led by the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), which had billions of social media impressions and sparked events for LGBT advocacy in more than 30 countries. In addition to these efforts to engage governments and community leaders worldwide in LGBT issues through high-level meetings, events and digital advocacy, the UN also appointed Mr. Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
UN COVID Gender Spotlight
Here is an update on how COVID is impacting women and girls around the
Photo: Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo, UN Gender Advocacy Officer, in the Central African Republic
Overview of the United Nations
Subscribe to Receive Weekly Newsletters: