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The event can be watched on:https://youtu.be/gJCPWml5AVE
The event, themed “What Women, Youth & Civil Society can Bring to the Table to Support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) For 2030 to Ensure No One is Left Behind,” has brought together diverse speakers from different continents in a dynamic virtual format on April 29, 2025. Speakers emphasized the importance of gender equality, education, and inclusive development.
Ms Kyung In van de Ven OLIVEIRA, WFWPI UN Office Vienna Representative, our moderator, introduced the first speaker and expertly guided the discussions, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all participants.
Dr. Maria RIEHL, Director WFWP UN Vienna Office, delivered the keynote address.
Mrs. Carolyn HANDSCHIN, Director, Office for UN Relations, WFWPI; President of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGOCSW) at the UN Geneva, emphasized the importance of recognizing inequalities and building systems that stimulate productivity and care. She concluded by stressing the need for self-motivated action and daily behavior to achieve global peace and prosperity. Carolyn expressed gratitude for the meet and greet event, emphasizing its bottom-up approach and the importance of collaboration.
Mr. Zoilo A. VELASCO, Consul General and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippine Embassy and Mission to UN Vienna, representing the Philippine Embassy, acknowledged the Women’s Federation for World Peace’s efforts and highlighted the importance of gender equality and youth development in the Philippines. He also mentioned the Philippines’ commitment to advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive growth.
Ms Rachel Beth TAMAYO, UN Representative for the WFWPI International Relations and Youth Leadership Advocate, shared a personal story about her experience in sponsoring the education of children and emphasized the importance of education and service in shaping a shared future. She stressed the principle of “no one left behind” and the need for inclusive solutions, intersectionality, and holistic progress. Rachel concluded by emphasizing the importance of active and equal participation of women, youth, and civil society in achieving the UN SDGs.
Ms Myra COLIS, Project Lead of INAIYAN Ethics and Governance, founder and Chair of MABIKAS Foundation, a civic organization dedicated to eradicating prejudice against indigenous people, shared her experience at a European Commission event where she spoke up for indigenous voices, leading to their inclusion in the final report. She emphasized the need for upskilling and reskilling. Myra concluded by encouraging everyone to take small steps towards chang,e as it can open paths for themselves and others.
Ms Sulva JOSHI, International Law Consultant and Licensed Attorney in Nepal, discussed the critical role of women, youth, and civil society organizations in advancing the UN SDGs by 2030. She also highlighted the importance of gender equality and reducing inequalities, particularly in achieving SDG5 and SDG10. She also shared her experience working with various organizations, including the Women’s Foundation of Nepal. She concluded by encouraging collaboration and emphasizing the potential for grassroots organizations to drive change and turn the SDGs into reality.
Ms Rosalyn AZUL-CONDAT, Public Servant, Founder & Chair of Mothers’ Heart Network, a project of WFWP- Philippines, shared about the MHN project in the Philippines, its vision, and its impact on society. She also discussed the network’s activities, including education, leadership, environmental, humanitarian, and service programs.
Engr. Radovan DOBROVODSKY, Industrial engineering & Sustainable Development Specialist, discussed the need for unity and compassion in the face of global challenges such as climate change and poverty. He emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of division and consumerism and the need for a scientific approach to address these challenges. Radovan introduced the Creative Society Project, which aims to unite people worldwide and promote collaboration to achieve common goals.
Ms Rosa Maria SOMERA, President of Verein Filipina in Österreich(VFÖ), Global Women’s Peace Ambassador, shared her personal story when she arrived in Vienna in 1973 as one of the first batches of nurses and midwives. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated in Vienna in September 2024.A milestone testament to the unwavering dedication, compassion, and excellence in healthcare. She shared a motto: “Sweet smile and tender care give more relief than medicine”.
The event concluded with discussions on unity, compassion, and the need for collective action to address global challenges. The collaboration between the WFWPI UN Offices New York-Geneva-Vienna team and the guest speakers made it truly inspiring and memorable. It ended with a beautiful musical performance by the Vienna Vocal Ensemble. Everyone’s unique contribution towards peace and sustainable development was appreciated.
- By Merle SOQUILA- BLASCHKE
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