Category: News and Events

WCPUN was pleased to co-convene the latest installation of the series on media and sustainable development at The Pratt Institute on 22 October, from 2:30 – 5:30 pm, in conjunction with the premiere of the non-verbal documentary “ON CITIES.” Participants connected with a virtual international gathering, organized by the Knight Center for International Media at the University of Miami School of Communication, in an effort to use media to engage individuals and institutions around the world in better understanding urban challenges and sharing inspiring stories of urban innovation across borders. Attendees were invited to join the global conversation using Skype and Twitter. The meeting was hosted by Public Project at The Pratt Institute as part of the series of cross-disciplinary conversations exploring collaborative intersections between media and sustainable development, co-convened by partner organizations: World Council of Peoples for the United Nations (WCPUN); Images and Voices of Hope (IVOH); and what moves you? On Cities Launch event

On the occasion of 17 October, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Gema Álava, Artist and WCPUN Cultural Adviser, will contribute to the United Nations commemoration with the collective art creation, Circle of Hope & Peace, an interactive installation made of fragments of letters written by people living in extreme poverty. Their words of hope for a better future, will be handed to and placed in a circle by each panelist during the ceremony. The event, focused on the theme “Extreme Poverty is Violence,” is co-organized by UN DESA, ATD Fourth World, and the NGO Sub-Committee for the Eradication of Poverty, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of France to the UN and the Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso to the UN.
Flyer International Day Eradication Poverty 17 Oct 2012
PRESS RELEASE Circle of Hope&Peace at United Nations Headquarters
View the artistic process, courtesy of SWITCH

WCPUN is pleased to participate in a panel discussion on “The Topical Fruit of Rio+20: What was Harvested and What is Still on the Trees” co-sponsored by United Nations Association of the United States of America’s Council of Organizations, UNA-USA Southern New York Division, and Other Members of the NGO Community, Wednesday, July 25, 2012 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Turkish Mission to the United Nations, 821 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, with Robb Skinner, Senior Director of UN Relations and Special Initiatives, United Nations Foundation; Elizabeth Cousens, United States Ambassador to ECOSOC; Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative at the Kenya Permanent Mission to the United Nations; Nikhil Seth, Director, Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations; Jeff Huffines, UN Representative, World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Rio+20 NGO Major Group Organizing Partner; Shamina de Gonzaga, Director, World Council of Peoples for the United Nations and Co-founder, what moves you?

Summary of 30 May meeting attached
Engaging the public in sustainable development conversation overview

Hands-on demonstration, interactive discussion moderated by Shamina de Gonzaga (editor-in-chief of Centerpoint Now), and an exhibition of paintings by José and Pedro Cuní will unveil the process leading to the rediscovery of the water-soluble encaustic techniques and its implications. Organized by Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute and Pedro Cuní with the cooperation of World Council of Peoples for the United Nations/ Centerpoint Now, and support of the Embassy of Spain. MCI Theater, Museum Support Center,
4210 Silver Hill Rd, Suitland, MD 20746
http://www.spainculture.us/calendar/589/

WCPUN is participating in the Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and the Peoples Summit; co-presenting a workshop on “The Need for a Rights Based Approach to Sustainable Development Governance” – 14 June, 2012, 11:30 – 13:00, Rio Centro room T9; 18 June, 2012,14:00 – 16:00, room t2c Madre Cristina – Programme attached
Rio+20 Side Event – The need for a rights-based approach to sustainable development governance

Engaging the Public in Sustainable Development: Media Strategies and Best Practices / Impliquer le public dans le développement durable: stratégies de communication et bonnes pratiques – co-hosted with the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, at the UN Church Center – Event programme report and survey results attached / Summary forthcoming
programme bilingue Engaging the public in sustainable development
New Media and Sustainable Development ESGCI – LCA
Appendix survey – New Media and Sustainable Development

Participation in meeting of the Blue Frog Society/ A Habitat without Territory in Vienna, under the auspices of artist/urban planner, Barbara Holub (February 29th);
Launch of course with business students at the ESG in Paris to design new media marketing strategies around “sustainable development” issues (March 2nd)

WCPUN in collaboration with Ana Tzarev Gallery and the Turkish Consulate facilitated “A Children’s Dialogue in the Language of Flowers” an artistic exchange between children in Istanbul and New York. Opening Reception at Ana Tzarev Gallery on February 23rd –

Wings of Hope – 50th Anniversary celebration and 10th Annual Night for Miracles
Remarks at the special event to raise funds for Wings of Hope Medical Relief and Air Transport Program, which provides life-saving air ambulance services and facilitates proper medical care for children and adults with life-threatening medical issues.