Martin Nesirky opened his comments with the report that the United Nations has spearheaded several global initiatives to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement, for instance, is a landmark accord that aims to limit global warming, and a recent climate conference concluded yesterday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 
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Some have been skeptical, given that the UAE has the third most extensive net-zero-busting plans for global oil and gas expansion. 

Nearly every country has agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels” – the main driver of climate change – at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. It is the first time such an agreement has been reached in 28 years of international climate negotiations.

This year’s COP is a significant milestone: the first assessment of how countries are faring against emissions-cutting commitments made in Paris in 2015. 

​The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) works to implement this agreement, encouraging nations to set and achieve emission reduction targets. In collaboration with Atlanta, the UN can extend these efforts by supporting the city in developing sustainable infrastructure, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing eco-friendly urban planning.

Atlanta's unique challenges require customized strategies. The UN can tailor its approaches by closely engaging with local communities, understanding their needs, and incorporating their voices into decision-making processes. Focusing on education, healthcare, and employment opportunities can help bridge social inequalities. The UN can also assist Atlanta in creating inclusive policies that prioritize marginalized populations.

Combating Corruption Conference in Atlanta:

​The United Nations, leveraging its global expertise, can aid Atlanta in combating corruption by providing technical assistance, training, and resources. Implementing transparent governance practices, establishing robust accountability mechanisms, and promoting whistleblower protection can strengthen institutions. Collaborative efforts between the UN and local anti-corruption agencies can foster a culture of integrity within the city's governance structures.

Examples of Successful UN-Atlanta Partnerships:

Successful partnerships between the UN and cities facing challenges like Atlanta's can be found worldwide. For instance, in Bogotá, Colombia, the UN has collaborated on sustainable urban development initiatives. Sharing best practices, knowledge, and resources has been instrumental in addressing climate change, social disparities, and corruption. These models can inspire and guide collaboration between the UN and Atlanta.

​Role of Academic Institutions in Global Issues:

​Academic institutions like Georgia State University can actively contribute by conducting research, providing expertise, and fostering innovation. Collaborations with the UN can involve joint research projects, policy development, and educational programs. These partnerships can enhance the UN's understanding of local dynamics and help devise context-specific solutions to global challenges.

Encouraging Cross-Sectoral Collaboration in Atlanta:

The UN can encourage cross-sectoral collaboration by facilitating dialogue platforms, workshops, and conferences that bring together government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives. Establishing a framework for collaboration on sustainability and equity goals, with clear roles and responsibilities for each sector, can promote practical cooperation in addressing interconnected challenges.

Engaging the Private Sector in Atlanta:

Effectively engaging the private sector in UN initiatives requires demonstrating the business case for sustainability. The UN can work with local businesses in Atlanta to showcase the economic benefits of environmentally friendly practices. Recognition programs, incentives, and public-private partnerships can motivate companies to adopt sustainable business models that align with UN climate change and social equity goals.

Adapting Global Standards Locally:

The UN's global standards can be adapted locally by working closely with Atlanta's policymakers to integrate these standards into local regulations and policies. Tailoring international guidelines to suit the city's context ensures consistency and effectiveness. Regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms can refine these adaptations, ensuring ongoing relevance and impact.
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Ensuring Inclusivity in Atlanta:

The UN must engage in extensive community outreach and involvement to ensure inclusivity in Atlanta. Localized awareness campaigns, community forums, and partnerships with grassroots organizations can help identify and address the diverse needs of different communities. Tailoring initiatives to respect cultural diversity and socioeconomic disparities is crucial to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.
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Collaboration with Educational Institutions:

​Educational institutions like Atlanta's Global Studies Center can enhance global competency in addressing complex challenges. The UN can provide resources, speakers, and collaborative opportunities for students and faculty. Joint programs, internships, and research initiatives can foster a global awareness and responsibility culture, preparing the next generation to contribute effectively to climate change, equity, and corruption issues.

reposted from Fast Facts from the UN

As the horrific situation in the Middle East worsens with each passing day, the world is seeing a growing trend of polarization and dehumanization on both sides of the crisis. 

Amid this disturbing reality, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the need to uphold the basic principles of human dignity at all times. 

“Hateful rhetoric and provocative actions must cease. I am deeply troubled by the rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry. Jewish and Muslim communities in many parts of the world are on high alert, fearing for their personal safety and security,” he said.

“We must find a way to hold on to our common humanity,” he further stressed. 
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The United Nations has a long history of mobilizing the world against hatred of all kinds to defend human rights and advance the rule of law. The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech seeks to enhance the UN’s response to the global phenomenon, and makes a firm commitment to step up coordinated action to tackle the threat.

As people across all walks of life come together to challenge the spread of hate, there are many ways you too can take a stand to make a difference. Learn how you can take action here.

Source: The Better World Campaign

If you've been following the federal budget process on Capitol Hill, you've probably heard that the UN Regular Budget is among a list of programs the House may defund in the upcoming fiscal year. That's right; for the first time in American history, the U.S. House of Representatives has proposed defunding the United Nations.

(And for more details, read our analysis of the House and Senate appropriations bills.)

This threat to the UN comes at a time when the world is increasingly relying on multilateral institutions to help navigate global challenges like extreme weather events, conflict, and hunger. Fortunately, Americans understand the essential role of the UN. In fact, a majority of registered voters from both sides of the aisle want the U.S. to stay engaged in the organization.

In a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult, 73% of registered voters say that the U.S. should maintain an active role in the UN. A separate survey from the Pew Research Center similarly found that 58% of Americans hold a favorable view of the UN.  

Clearly, this message isn't getting to Congress. 

That's why we at BWC are doing our part to advocate for multilateral engagement, including joining with more than 55 other organizations to urge full funding of America's international assistance programs and partners.

You can add your voice to the chorus of champions for global cooperation by reaching out to your member of Congress. It only takes a minute to add your name to a message that will go directly to your representative. 

The stakes are simply too high to withdraw from the world's most important conversations - and the most significant global body.  

We are so proud of our state and of Calvin Smyre who was recently selected by President Biden to serve in the U.N. General Assembly! Smyre served 48 years in the Georgia General Assembly. Calvin Smyre stated, “I am deeply honored to be appointed Representative of the United States at the United Nations General Assembly and I am excited to have this opportunity to serve and represent the United States. I am grateful to President Joe Biden for this opportunity and the trust he has shown in me.”

​For more information, follow  this link to read the full article from WRBL. 

The partnership between the United Nations and Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta and nationwide can be a powerful force in advancing the SDGs, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating a sustainable future for all.

Promoting gender equality and empowering women: Mothers and women caregivers play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and empowering women within their families and communities. Through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations recognizes the significance of women's empowerment and aims to achieve gender equality by 2030 (SDG 5). Women caregivers, including mothers, contribute to this goal by fostering an environment of equality and ensuring that their children, both boys, and girls, have access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities.

Ensuring quality education and lifelong learning: Mothers and women caregivers are instrumental in providing their children's access to quality education and supporting their lifelong learning journey. Education is a fundamental right, and the United Nations emphasizes its importance through SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Mothers and women caregivers who volunteer for the United Nations Association Atlanta Chapter and HBCUs in Atlanta contribute to this goal by advocating for educational opportunities, providing mentorship, and creating awareness about the importance of education among marginalized communities.

Promoting health and well-being: Mothers and women caregivers have a significant impact on the health and well-being of their families. They play a crucial role in providing healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring the overall well-being of their loved ones. The United Nations recognizes the importance of health and well-being through SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Mothers and women caregivers who volunteer for the United Nations Association Atlanta Chapter and HBCUs in Atlanta can partner with the United Nations to raise awareness about health-related issues, promote preventive measures, and advocate for accessible healthcare services for underserved communities.

To optimize the partnership between the United Nations and Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta and nationwide, the following steps can be taken:

Collaboration on research and knowledge sharing: The United Nations can partner with HBCUs to collaborate on research projects related to the SDGs. This collaboration can involve sharing expertise, data, and resources to address critical social, economic, and environmental challenges. HBCUs can contribute their academic knowledge and research capabilities to support the United Nations' efforts in achieving the SDGs.

Capacity building and youth engagement: The United Nations can work closely with HBCUs to enhance capacity building initiatives and youth engagement programs. By leveraging the expertise and networks of HBCUs, the United Nations can provide training, workshops, and internships to students interested in sustainable development and global issues. This collaboration would empower young people from HBCUs to actively contribute to the SDGs and build a diverse pipeline of future leaders.

Awareness campaigns and community outreach: The United Nations and HBCUs can jointly organize awareness campaigns and community outreach programs to promote the SDGs and address local challenges. By leveraging the influence and reach of HBCUs within their communities, these partnerships can create awareness, foster dialogue, and mobilize resources to tackle social and environmental issues at the grassroots level.

Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), issued the following statement today on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

“The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion and subsequent attacks on Ukraine. Russia’s military offensive on another sovereign nation contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations and is a clear violation of the UN charter. We echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for Russia to end its assault and bring its troops back home. 

“We know all too well the destructive impact of war, and innocent civilians always pay the highest price. Amid the escalating violence, more than 500,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes to seek refuge in neighboring countries with millions more impacted and expected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in the coming days and months. 

“As UN partners scale up humanitarian operations on the ground in Ukraine and at its borders, UNA-USA stands committed to helping the Ukrainian people caught in the middle of this conflict. 

“Our thoughts are with the millions of people in Ukraine impacted by this egregious act of violence. This conflict must come to an end – immediately."

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Take Action

Here are three actions you can take right now to support Ukraine:

1. Donate to OCHA’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and other UN agencies, like UNHCR and UNICEF, working on the ground in Ukraine and at its borders to provide critical support and assistance to people in Ukraine.
2. Ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support full funding for the UN and its agencies to ensure they can continue to carry out their life-saving work around the world, including in Ukraine.
3. Participate in a peaceful protest. Find one close to you here. 

We want to thank Anna Mahalak, Dr. Adam Nykamp, Caglar Iscioglu, Chinita Allen, Patrick Wallace and the participants who joined us for a productive launch of our Sustainable Coffee Talks series last week. We discussed The Pandemic's Impact on K-12 Education: Challenges and Opportunities after COVID-19 and the obstacles parents, students, teachers, and the community face. Progress is ongoing, and many are implementing changes to address educational goals, effective communication, and public health.

Specific solutions include:

Synergy:
It is essential to create synergy. We must work together towards a common goal and keep communication consistent and meaningful.

Management:
Proper teams and management structure is essential. Individuals must be responsive and dependable.

Trust:
Establishing trust and credibility is vital within the Education sector.

Communication:
Half of the World's population is bilingual, and Georgia's state supports biliteracy and dual language immersion programs.
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Science:
Science and children. Twin is an Ed-tech startup that addresses the World's problems and provides solutions through science.

The next step is to inform others and learn about additional ways to advocate and increase community engagement. Please visit our website or email us at [email protected]

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