UNANIMA International: Significant Advances

Sr Jean Quinn, dw

Executive Director Jean Quinn, fdls’s introductory remarks in the NGO’s recent newsletter addresses the theme of travel, on the eve of the numerous travels to COP28 (Climate Conference). She also points out something that hasn’t made the headlines: the presence of the first Faith Pavilion. A pavilion where over 65 sessions were held, bringing together religious and civil society representatives from a wide range of backgrounds.

UNANIMA International (UI) intends to make the most of this space to establish conversations with an approach that touches the whole of society. This Faith Pavilion is intended to be a place where faith-based NGOs can get daily updates concerning the negotiations and also “spiritually defend climate justice.” Find out more about the six objectives of the Faith Pavilion at COP 28.

Still on the subject of COP 28, UI has produced a Position Paper and a Political Declaration which examine the main priorities and issues to be addressed at the event. Links to the documents are provided. The newsletter also announces that the NGO is co-sponsoring a side event entitled “A Global Catholic Letter to the COP28 Presidency”. This is part of a series of Catholic actions to urge governments to take courageous action in favour of climate change mitigation and integral human development.

Some of the participants at the UISG Advocacy Forum

As part of the NGO Committee on Migration, UI was actively involved in planning a subcommittee event to counterbalance the measures imposed by New York City Hall on migrants, who were attempting to repeal housing rights and cut childcare subsidies for undocumented families.

The publication also mentions actions in connection with World Homeless Day and Poverty Eradication Day. It highlights our participation in the 2023 Advocacy Forum of the International Union of General Superiors (UISG).

Sister Brigid Arthur, recipient of the 2024 Woman of Courage Award

It also announced the recipient of the 2024 Woman of Courage Award, Sister Brigid Arthur, originally from Melbourne, Australia, member of the Brigidine community. There is a brief presentation of her career that has led to this public recognition.

The newsletter once again features two community testimonials. The first reports on the initiative of the Sisters of the Divine Savior in Poland, who house Ukrainian refugees in their convent. The other highlights the daily challenges of supplying water to a small community in a district in northern Uganda. The partnership between the Marist Brothers working with refugees from Sudan and Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA) is praised as much for the results achieved as for the collaboration.

Find out more in the newsletter, available in English, Spanish and French.