10-19 July, 2017 – WCPUN was among the thousands of organizations attending the United Nations HLPF, where Member States gathered to report on progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world.” Independent reports highlighted inconsistencies between progress many States claim to have achieved and realities on the ground as witnessed by NGO/CSOs. While official mechanisms for accountability are lacking, initiatives such as the Action for Sustainable Development Network (A4SD), are providing a platform for diverse groups worldwide to make their independent findings available. WCPUN ED Shamina de Gonzaga currently serves as a Member of the A4SD Facilitation Group for North America. A4SD has issued a response to the HLPF Ministerial Declaration, see attached (EN/ESP/FR): A4SDStatementHLPF2017_ENA4SDStatementHLPF2017.ESP_A4SDStatementHLPF2017_FR
29 June, 2017 – The ILSC Conference Series, International Conference on Novel Diagnostics & Aordable Treatments (ICNODAT), will focus on Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Well-being), (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm) at the Church Center for the United Nations. Registration: arthur@globalfoundationdd.org Advancing SDG 3
28 June, 2017 – Biscayne Bay is one of Miami-Dade County’s most significant natural resources stretching from Key Largo to North Miami Beach, yet recent Miami Herald articles suggest that the bay is in trouble, particularly in urban areas. Over 30 South Florida-based environmental NGOs, and government entities, have joined forces to coordinate a stakeholder conversation to address adverse impacts including litter (marine / estuarine debris) and other water pollutants (storm drain & surface runoff, canal drainage, residential & industrial waste and other chemical pollutants). The Biscayne Bay Marine Health Inaugural Summit (BBMHS) will be held at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, hosted by the Biscayne Bay Coalition and FIU the Institute for Water and Environment. WCPUN is pleased to participate in the Inaugural Summit, recognizing the linkage between local action and the UN’s global SDGs.
31 May 2017 – Puebla, Mexico, WCPUN Executive Director Shamina de Gonzaga is invited by the IEU, Puebla, to address local authorities, media, and academia on the topic of Challenges for Mexico in relation to US policies on migration. The talk focused on opportunities to engage migrants in designing, disseminating, and implementing programs for economic development at the local level. Other speakers representing the Ministry of Education, and the State of Puebla, addressed the imbalance of power between the US and Mexico and described efforts currently underway to support the reintegration of deported migrants.
12 May, 2017 – On the occasion of the Preview of the Venice Biennale, the Central European Initiative (CEI), with Trieste Contemporanea and Transparadiso (Barbara Holub and Paul Rajakovics) hosted a Forum on the concept of a “Harbour for Cultures.” Based on actual redevelopment needs of Trieste’s Porto Vecchio (old port), the Forum brought together curators from throughout Central Europe, as well as other special guests to envisage what a “Harbour for Cultures” would entail in the context of current obstacles related to migration, and exclusion. Among the guest speakers was WCPUN Executive Director, Shamina de Gonzaga, whose remarks were entitled “Towards a Harbour for Cultures: Exploring the myth of legitimacy; Identifying new rites/rights of passage.” The meeting was held at UNESCO’s Venice Office. trieste contemporanea 02
Monday, 03 April, 6:30 p.m – Indocumentales is pleased to present two short films FREE LIKE THE BIRDS, by Paola Mendoza, and SIN PAÍS / WITHOUT A COUNTRY, by Theo Rigby, documenting experiences related to deportation and the family. Following the screenings, participants will be invited to an interactive discussion on Addressing family separation; the role of film and of faith-based communities, featuring guest speakers, Director Paola Mendoza, named by Filmmaker Magazine among the New Faces of Independent Film, and Rev. Juan Carlos Ruiz, Founder, New Sanctuary Coalition movement.
The event is held at NYU’s King Juan Carlos Center Auditorium, 53 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012. RSVP
22 March, 2017 – The Stand Up Rise Up Environmental Film Series closing event presents the film Revolution followed by a panel discussion with guest speakers: Caroline Lewis: CLEO Institute ED – Daniella Levine Cava: MDC Commissioner; James Murley: MDC Chief Resilience Officer; Dr. John Van Leer: UM Asso. Prof. of Physical Oceanography/Citizens Climate Lobby; Captain Dan Kipnis: Climate Reality Project; SpeakerValencia Gunder: NFM – South Florida Lead Climate Organizer; Salua Rivero: MDC Wolfson Campus “Yes Club” Student President. MDC Wolfson Campus, Miami. RSVP
