UN Program Director News and Updates 2023
The year 2023 will be a fruitful one for NGO’s and Civil Society. UN Headquarters is now once again open and we will be able to participate in special events, lectures, panels, and conferences. The UN continues to stress its respect for and reliance upon grassroots organizations who work diligently to promote UN platforms and do work on the ground.
It is worthwhile to occasionally revisit the Strategic Development Goals and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They are a constant source of education and inspiration. Our Youth Representative Program is back on track now, and I am quite impressed with the caliber of students Liz DiGiorgio (our Youth Rep mentor) has recruited. Read their essays and you will be too. As in the past, I will also be highlighting work of our WCA activist/artists and request that you submit materials to me so that I can share them here on the website. Meanwhile, the UN continues to fight for justice, climate action, and diplomacy against mounting odds worldwide. Hopefully we can all make a small but meaningful contribution to progress.
Maureen Burns-Bowie
It is worthwhile to occasionally revisit the Strategic Development Goals and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They are a constant source of education and inspiration. Our Youth Representative Program is back on track now, and I am quite impressed with the caliber of students Liz DiGiorgio (our Youth Rep mentor) has recruited. Read their essays and you will be too. As in the past, I will also be highlighting work of our WCA activist/artists and request that you submit materials to me so that I can share them here on the website. Meanwhile, the UN continues to fight for justice, climate action, and diplomacy against mounting odds worldwide. Hopefully we can all make a small but meaningful contribution to progress.
Maureen Burns-Bowie
Update #1
Youth Representatives
photo: Valerie Smosna
Liz Di Giorgio is an Associate Professor CUNY Queensborough, where she teaches painting and drawing. She has been Women's Caucus for Art/Un Program Director of United Nations Youth Representatives since 2015. In that time, Liz has found that the UN Program has broadened her students’ understanding of the world, and that it has positively impacted their artistic aspirations as well.
Liz is a painter who has exhibited her work nationally and was a recipient of two Pollock-Krasner awards.
Her work references the Luminist tradition of late 19th century American landscape painting in a manner that acknowledges our urban era. Nature, as memorialized on antique china, stands in for long gone vistas, while elongated shadows suggest the raking light of morning and early evening. The halo-like depiction of plates, cups, and bowls expresses a reverence for the concept of sustenance itself, connecting the sustenance provided by nature with the sustenance that women have provided throughout the ages. At its deepest level, her work is a tribute to a concept of sustenance that is neither defined nor limited by gender or culture.
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photo: Jin Hee Choi
My name is Jasmine Torres Ventura, and I strongly believe that I could provide a unique perspective as a Youth Representative for the Women’s Caucus for Art at the United Nations. I believe in advocating for those who don’t always find themselves in a position to advocate for themselves, especially within marginalized groups. I was raised in a very tight-knit Latino household of two immigrant parents (my father from Peru, my mother from El Salvador), who strove to give their children the life they themselves did not have, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and community among their children. This has remained ingrained in me all the way into adulthood. I strive towards always being a better version of myself while remaining true to my values as I recognize and hope that every action and choice I make moving forward in this life contributes toward a more meaningful and impactful tomorrow. This year I was finally able to participate and fundraise on behalf of the Lupus Research Alliance in the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus, alongside a wonderful community of individuals who are a part of the Hospital for Special Surgery Department of Social Work Programs – La LuCha.
There are many issues faced globally that involve climate change, sustainability, poverty, inequality, human rights, and gender equality. These global issues are important to me because regardless of one’s circumstances, people deserve quality of life, equality, access to resources such as water, food, education, technology, sanitation, and healthcare, among many other issues. From a young age I have held this growing anxiety regarding climate change, our environment, and the impact we as a society have on this planet that gives us life. One of the many pressing issues we face today is climate change. It is an undeniable truth that if change does not occur within the next decade there will be devastating effects for generations to come. As we continue to grow as a society and as demands on our environment increase alongside it, there is the need to evolve towards a more beneficial and sustainable way of living. I am hopeful. I see the power in our voices in community. I see the impact in words, actions, and movements towards the change we strive to achieve.
Poverty is a pressing global issue that affects millions of people globally who find themselves living beneath the poverty line, facing malnutrition, dehydration, limited access to basic sanitation, water supply, health care and education. Every human being relies on water for survival, yet so many individuals do not have access to safe drinking water or proper sanitation, making them more susceptible to diseases. Water should be affordable and safe for all as it is essential for our survival, yet countless people find themselves without.
Every individual is entitled to human rights without discrimination, yet we see injustices and disparities faced on account of a person’s race, background, religion, sex, or disability. We witness gender inequality, which is not limited to autonomy over one’s own body and reproductive rights, but also the pay gap between women compared to their male counterparts, the lack of equal representation in positions of power, in the workplace and under the law, and in the ability to live a life free of violence and harm. It so important to raise awareness regarding global issues as they are simply not as distant as some people wish to believe, and at any given moment anyone could find oneself facing similar hardships or circumstances. It shouldn’t take suddenly being in the shoes of another to hold empathy and compassion, and to realize every single human being is deserving of so much more than what they may be currently living with or experiencing. People deserve life, equality, and they deserve the proper tools and resources to better their own lives. They deserve advocates for change who will fight for them. We as a society deserve meaningful and real change and together it is possible. Every action has an impact. There is power in every decision being made, and we are the catalyst for change towards a more beneficial and sustainable way of living across the globe.
I believe that there is a lot more power in our voices than we give ourselves credit for, and together both in actions and words we can create the change and impact we strive towards. There is also power that you find across different forms of media. Art is such a special uniting, uplifting force that holds so much potential. To me, art acts like a bridge of connection that unites people from a multitude of places across the globe and communities in expression, thoughts, emotions, and in conveying ideas that relate to us and bring us closer in meaningful ways despite our differences. I myself have found art to have helped me navigate through challenging times. Art has a special way of touching people’s hearts and bringing them closer together. I hold admiration for the members of the Women Caucus for Art and the individuals who have created a community merging the arts, social activism, education, and dedicating themselves to the betterment of individuals across the globe while also recognizing the contribution women have made in the arts. This program is a wonderful opportunity as it allows for impactful discussion and understanding of global issues alongside the arts. I hope to engage and broaden my knowledge, communication and leadership skills while gaining more confidence in my abilities as an advocate.
Photo: Liz DiGiorgio
My name is Sharon Whinston, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Youth Representative for the Women’s Caucus for Art International Caucus at the United Nations. I look forward to attending UN briefings and writing articles about complex global issues.
I am deeply concerned about the environment, particularly wildlife, and appreciate having the opportunity to bring awareness to these crucial issues. For a long time, I have been very interested in birds. The average person may be aware of the damage that fossil fuels and coal bring to the environment, especially to birds. Of course, nothing comes without negatives, and if solar and wind power are better alternatives, people need to be aware of the harm they cause as well as the benefits.
A common sentiment in many of the articles on both solar and wind is that the number of deaths due to these energy sources is low when compared to fossil fuels. While that may be true in the current day, it’s largely because wind and solar provide only a small portion of our energy needs. As we increase our use of these sources, the number of birds that fall victim to them will rise.
Suppose we continue expanding solar/wind power production in hopes of getting them to the point of equal or better efficiency than fossil fuels. In that case, we will need to clear hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of land to develop these facilities. It is important we do not shy away from these harsh realities, even if it’s not what we want to hear.
My name is Sharon Whinston, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Youth Representative for the Women’s Caucus for Art International Caucus at the United Nations. I look forward to attending UN briefings and writing articles about complex global issues.
I am deeply concerned about the environment, particularly wildlife, and appreciate having the opportunity to bring awareness to these crucial issues. For a long time, I have been very interested in birds. The average person may be aware of the damage that fossil fuels and coal bring to the environment, especially to birds. Of course, nothing comes without negatives, and if solar and wind power are better alternatives, people need to be aware of the harm they cause as well as the benefits.
A common sentiment in many of the articles on both solar and wind is that the number of deaths due to these energy sources is low when compared to fossil fuels. While that may be true in the current day, it’s largely because wind and solar provide only a small portion of our energy needs. As we increase our use of these sources, the number of birds that fall victim to them will rise.
Suppose we continue expanding solar/wind power production in hopes of getting them to the point of equal or better efficiency than fossil fuels. In that case, we will need to clear hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of land to develop these facilities. It is important we do not shy away from these harsh realities, even if it’s not what we want to hear.
photo: Jin Hee Choi
My name is Yumi Kamata and I’m from Japan. I had been studying illustration for 4 years, and
I didn’t have any problem getting an education until Covid-19 happened. During the pandemic, I struggled. I had been studying alone in my room without seeing anyone. There were so many technological issues such as internet problems and running out of capacity on my laptop that made me think about the global education problem more. These struggles made me think about people who lack access to educational resources around the world. Now that I have a growing awareness of this global problem, I would like to be a UN/NGO rep for the Women's Caucus for Art and to learn more about this and other global challenges.
During the pandemic, I volunteered for the non-profit organization, Amaterasu-Za. It is an organization that educates about Japanese culture. I helped them by creating art for a set design in one of the scenes of their performances. There were many non-Japanese people in the audiences, but it seemed that the audience understood and was impressed by the performance and culture. This had a great impact on me. Through this volunteer experience, I learned that art is the best way to express ourselves, our identities and our humanity. Even without language, people can connect, sympathize, help and cooperate with each other.
During the pandemic, several human rights movements continued to grow, such as Black Lives Matter, Asian American and Pacific Islander civil rights movements and the women’s rights movement as well. Many artists stood up and expressed their identity, and these global problems got attention from all over the world, not only from people in the US. This program of the Women's Caucus for Art interests me because I would like to learn how to connect with people and how to help people through art.
Update #2
Karen Frostig at the United Nations
NY Times article on Karen:
www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/arts/holocaust-remembrance-day-latvia.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=Arts&fbclid=IwAR3f3B2W4X7C2sZU_nPMkRP8EeEolDzN26t8qzhKfcOMzSl1NkTxkRKgIZ8
Update #3
International Holocaust Remembrance Day @ UN General Assembly
Memory – Keeping Stories Alive
Sharon Whinston
The “Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2023 – International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust” was an important tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It had many incredibly well-spoken and engaging speakers. This included the Secretary-General, António Guterres, who addressed the General Assembly, Professor Karen Frostig, Professor Ethel Brooks, and the moderator Melissa Fleming, among others.
Many of the speakers honored the victims by sharing their stories, by remembering their names and their children’s names and sharing these stories to be remembered by others. The Holocaust was a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of six million Jews and millions of others deemed “undesirable.” But when we hear the number six million, it’s almost incomprehensible. It is easy to think of the Holocaust in terms of statistics, but every one of the six million Jewish victims had a unique story, a family, and a community. By learning about their lives and experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the true horror and tragedy of the Holocaust. We owe it to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust that they are not just remembered as a mere number making up a statistic, but that they are remembered as the individuals they were.
During Professor Ethel Brooks’s speech, she took a moment to recall the story of Amalie Baumann-Blach. She was a wife and a mother of four. It was difficult hearing about Amalie’s deportation and separation from her family before her murder at Auschwitz in 1943. Hearing her husband’s and her children’s names, even though I have never met them, I felt a deep sense of empathy and connection toward her. When we hear about individuals, we start to picture ourselves and our families in these victims’ shoes, experiencing the same atrocities. When these stories are told, it is much harder to hear as it is confrontational and reinforces how dire it is never to let such horrors happen again.
Another individual whose story deeply impacted many, was during Ambassador Richard Mills’s speech when he shared the heartbreaking story of Hans Fisher. Hans was only 11 when he fled persecution on the MS St. Louis. His father was waiting for him in Cuba, but when the ship arrived, they were turned away. Mills noted, “It is beyond my conceiving how demoralizing it must have been for 11-year-old Hans to see Cuba, and his father, receding in the distance.” It was incredibly despairing to hear that even the United States turned away the ship with over 900 German Jews aboard. Mills’s speech left a lasting impact, profoundly affecting me. No human should face these injustices, yet this child was forced to. Robbed of his childhood, family, and stability, he was never confident as to whether he would live and be reunited with his father or be sent back to the Nazis and die. I feel deep sorrow and compassion for Hans, though I cannot begin to imagine his helplessness during that time.
While watching this briefing, I felt overwhelming emotion and connection when hearing the names and stories of these individuals. Professor Karen Frostig made a statement that has intensely resonated with me. She shared her grandparents’ story and how they passed away at the Jungfernhof concentration camp in Latvia. She spoke about visiting the site and standing on the unmarked ground of Jungfernhof, standing on the ground where countless suffered and where her grandparents’ bodies now rest. “It was a chilling moment. And it was also a moment filled with love and a yearning to be close to my grandparents, to protect them with my memory.” When memories and stories die, it is almost a second death to those forgotten.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to watch this ceremony and hear these victims’ names and stories. They are not just numbers that make up a statistic; they were grandparents, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children. By remembering their names, we acknowledge their individuality and can share that knowledge so they may live on; by sharing the stories of the victims of the Holocaust, we ensure that those who lost their lives are not forgotten and that history may never repeat itself.
Memory – Keeping Stories Alive
Sharon Whinston
The “Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2023 – International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust” was an important tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It had many incredibly well-spoken and engaging speakers. This included the Secretary-General, António Guterres, who addressed the General Assembly, Professor Karen Frostig, Professor Ethel Brooks, and the moderator Melissa Fleming, among others.
Many of the speakers honored the victims by sharing their stories, by remembering their names and their children’s names and sharing these stories to be remembered by others. The Holocaust was a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of six million Jews and millions of others deemed “undesirable.” But when we hear the number six million, it’s almost incomprehensible. It is easy to think of the Holocaust in terms of statistics, but every one of the six million Jewish victims had a unique story, a family, and a community. By learning about their lives and experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the true horror and tragedy of the Holocaust. We owe it to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust that they are not just remembered as a mere number making up a statistic, but that they are remembered as the individuals they were.
During Professor Ethel Brooks’s speech, she took a moment to recall the story of Amalie Baumann-Blach. She was a wife and a mother of four. It was difficult hearing about Amalie’s deportation and separation from her family before her murder at Auschwitz in 1943. Hearing her husband’s and her children’s names, even though I have never met them, I felt a deep sense of empathy and connection toward her. When we hear about individuals, we start to picture ourselves and our families in these victims’ shoes, experiencing the same atrocities. When these stories are told, it is much harder to hear as it is confrontational and reinforces how dire it is never to let such horrors happen again.
Another individual whose story deeply impacted many, was during Ambassador Richard Mills’s speech when he shared the heartbreaking story of Hans Fisher. Hans was only 11 when he fled persecution on the MS St. Louis. His father was waiting for him in Cuba, but when the ship arrived, they were turned away. Mills noted, “It is beyond my conceiving how demoralizing it must have been for 11-year-old Hans to see Cuba, and his father, receding in the distance.” It was incredibly despairing to hear that even the United States turned away the ship with over 900 German Jews aboard. Mills’s speech left a lasting impact, profoundly affecting me. No human should face these injustices, yet this child was forced to. Robbed of his childhood, family, and stability, he was never confident as to whether he would live and be reunited with his father or be sent back to the Nazis and die. I feel deep sorrow and compassion for Hans, though I cannot begin to imagine his helplessness during that time.
While watching this briefing, I felt overwhelming emotion and connection when hearing the names and stories of these individuals. Professor Karen Frostig made a statement that has intensely resonated with me. She shared her grandparents’ story and how they passed away at the Jungfernhof concentration camp in Latvia. She spoke about visiting the site and standing on the unmarked ground of Jungfernhof, standing on the ground where countless suffered and where her grandparents’ bodies now rest. “It was a chilling moment. And it was also a moment filled with love and a yearning to be close to my grandparents, to protect them with my memory.” When memories and stories die, it is almost a second death to those forgotten.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to watch this ceremony and hear these victims’ names and stories. They are not just numbers that make up a statistic; they were grandparents, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children. By remembering their names, we acknowledge their individuality and can share that knowledge so they may live on; by sharing the stories of the victims of the Holocaust, we ensure that those who lost their lives are not forgotten and that history may never repeat itself.
Update #4
Deborah Kruger installation "Accidentals" has been acquired by the Museum of Art and Design, New York City
These large-scale pieces and new wall reliefs are part of a recent body of work that laments the tragic ecological losses of the 21st century: the impacts of climate change on migration, extinction and dying languages. Kruger’s feathered abstract artwork is informed by fiber but made with recycled plastic bags printed with images of endangered birds. Text figures predominantly in her wall reliefs, sculpture and installations. Pattern and Decoration has influenced Kruger’s work since her textile design training at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York evidenced in her recent solo show “Plumas” at PRPG.mx contemporary gallery in Mexico City and “Avianto” which is opening in January in San Diego, CA. Kruger maintains a team-based studio in the lakeside village of Chapala, Mexico, and a studio in the vibrant art community of Durham, North Carolina.
Update #5
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8
In 1945, the Charter of the United Nations became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. The UN celebrated its first official International Women's Day on 8 March during International Women’s Year in 1975. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.
International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century across North America and Europe. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28 1909, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honor of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York where women protested against harsh working conditions. In 1917, women in Russia chose to protest and strike under the slogan "Bread and Peace" on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Their movement ultimately led to the enactment of women’s suffrage in Russia.
Since those early years, International Women’s Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women’s movement has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political, social, cultural and economic arenas.
en.unesco.org
International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century across North America and Europe. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28 1909, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honor of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York where women protested against harsh working conditions. In 1917, women in Russia chose to protest and strike under the slogan "Bread and Peace" on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Their movement ultimately led to the enactment of women’s suffrage in Russia.
Since those early years, International Women’s Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women’s movement has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political, social, cultural and economic arenas.
en.unesco.org
Update #5
UN Photo: Lois Connor
Youth Representatives Attend Briefing on the Arts and Activism at UN Headquarters
Photo: Liz DiGiorgio
Yumi Kamata, Sharon Whinston, and Jasmine Torres Ventura at UN Plaza
"Knotted Gun" sculpture by Carl Fredrik Reutersward was created the night John Lennon was murdered. It is a symbol of the desire for non-violence and peace throughout the world.
Building a Better Future through Music and the Arts
Yumi Kamata
On March 30th, we went to the United Nations to attend an NGO briefing called “Building a Better Future through Music and the Arts.” In this meeting, speakers shared ideas and experiences about how artists deliver their message and their thoughts to people through the arts. Out of all the great artists and speakers in the meeting, I was most inspired by Yvonne Chow, who is the founder of House of Chow. She had been studying many genres of creativity to find what she loves and really could commit to. Then she decided to address and pursue human rights through the arts. She not only helps so many artists through her activities, such as providing spa treatment, dance lessons and therapeutic treatments for free, but through these activities she also increases the size of her community and then draws in others who are able to offer even more support services. She emphasizes how important collaboration is because unexpected good works always result from such interactions. These days, there are so many advertisements on social media such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and companies have started to focus on social media promotions, even prioritizing social media for their marketing needs. However, I learned that there is no better way of advertising than by word of mouth. I learned that connections between people are really important, and Yvonne Chow has mastered building support through her communication skills.
Yumi Kamata
On March 30th, we went to the United Nations to attend an NGO briefing called “Building a Better Future through Music and the Arts.” In this meeting, speakers shared ideas and experiences about how artists deliver their message and their thoughts to people through the arts. Out of all the great artists and speakers in the meeting, I was most inspired by Yvonne Chow, who is the founder of House of Chow. She had been studying many genres of creativity to find what she loves and really could commit to. Then she decided to address and pursue human rights through the arts. She not only helps so many artists through her activities, such as providing spa treatment, dance lessons and therapeutic treatments for free, but through these activities she also increases the size of her community and then draws in others who are able to offer even more support services. She emphasizes how important collaboration is because unexpected good works always result from such interactions. These days, there are so many advertisements on social media such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and companies have started to focus on social media promotions, even prioritizing social media for their marketing needs. However, I learned that there is no better way of advertising than by word of mouth. I learned that connections between people are really important, and Yvonne Chow has mastered building support through her communication skills.
Building a Better Future Through Music and the Arts
By Jasmine Torres Ventura
Art across all mediums possesses the ability to inspire change and empower communities. Whether it is through music, spoken word poetry, theater or dance, art and music hold the transformative power of amplifying voices and tackling important social issues. On March 30th at the UN Civil Society briefing for “Building a Better Future Through Music and the Arts,” we had the privilege of sharing space with a highly empowering and inspirational group of individuals who embody the transformative power of art and music. Among the remarkable advocates, speakers and performers were individuals such as the Chief of the Civil Society Unit Hawa Diallo, the co-founder of Listen Give Initiative and the TheCreators2030 SDGs, Arts, Youth & Global Citizen Initiative Gail Davvis- Carter, the Artistic Director of Bond Street Theatre Joanna Sherman, Hip-Hop activist Buddha Blaze (Moses Mbasu), a representative from the Institute for Development of Education, Arts and Leisure Therese Folkes Plair, artist Rolf Stahlhofen, poet and speaker Karen Yelverton, UN Orchestra Conductor Predrag Vasic, founder and chair of United Voices 4 Peace Veronica Sabbag, and dance advocate and representative of H+ Yvonne Chow who showcased the impact that both art and music hold in empowering communities and shaping a more sustainable future.
Art and music play an integral role in our everyday life, holding the power to transcend the boundaries and limitations, evoking powerful emotions that create meaningful conversations and drive progress. Hawa Diallo set the stage and ambience by not only introducing art as the essence that drives us to express our thoughts but by challenging us to think about the intersection between creativity, activism and social impact and how that power can be utilized as a transformative source to drive social change not solely on a macro level but on an individual level as well, sharing a captivating performance from 11-year-old Rani Persaud, a youth at Bhuvaneshwar mandir, that encapsulates and shares her culture through dance. Moderator and Panelist Gail Davvis-Carter introduced and guided us into what ultimately was a highly inspiring, heartfelt, and inspirational conversation amongst a diverse set of individuals who highlighted their unwavering commitment to using art and music as a catalyst for change that can inspire empathy and drive progress. The panelists shared how their respective creative mediums have amplified and highlighted social issues. We were introduced to Joanna Sherman from Bond Street Theatre who uses theater as a means to shape the stories of communities and help heal these issues via storytelling. Theater is useful in a range of different environments and topics, helping not only with communication, poise, and learning to advocate for oneself but also incorporating aspects of dance, music, Hip-Hop, and poetry. Joanna Sherman has reached countries from Myanmar to Kazakhstan, to South Africa, to Palestine, to South Sudan, partnering with local organizations in order to shape the stories of communities and give them voices to speak on issues that matter to them, dedicating time, and effort to tackle the issues they face as a whole, amplifying their voices and educating them on the tools that will later help them. Hip-Hop activist Buddha Blaze, empowers and uplifts his community utilizing the power of Hip-Hop to elicit positive change. Through his company Wapi, he has created jobs and employment opportunities for individuals in Africa, which has allowed creative entrepreneurs to touch people’s souls. Music is one of the biggest supporters of the economy, uniting people and bringing awareness to important issues, while also giving Hip-Hop the stage and recognition it deserves.
Another panelist who spoke was Therese Folkes Plair, a musician and storyteller, who recognizes that her own story, much like all people of color, is a work in progress that is far from complete. We are all storytellers, shaping the story of our lives with each passing day. She has spent 20 years developing programs for her NGO, The Institute for Development of Education, Arts and Leisure, to create programs for maternal health, prenatal and perinatal health, and education. One of her greatest challenges came from being part of the speaker’s program of the U.S. State Department where she utilized stories and music to support and educate communities that were devastated by HIV and AIDS, while also teaching artist the ways they can encourage the voices of other artists in order to bring healing to their communities. Artist Rolfe Stahlhofen from Germany, a singer and musician who was raised in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, emphasized the influence of his environment and the music inspiration that would lead him to create the Water is Right Foundation, where they utilize their voices and networks to play concerts and raise money to carry out projects where they learn and collaborate with the communities they serve in order to elicit understanding and change. Karen Yelverton, a poet, and author who focuses on the power of words and storytelling, utilizing her voice to bridge the gap between generations, noting the power of words through her poetry, reminding us to remember who we are and the power behind our words. Her words touched me, echoing conviction, and passion, speaking to a feeling many know to be true, reminding us of the power and beauty within our own minds. We also heard from Predrag Vasic, who is the founder and music director of the UN Symphony Orchestra, whose mission aims to utilize music as a universal language that connects and bridges communities together, allowing the resolution of conflict, and making connections that further the UN agenda to bring peace, and social and economic development to the world. Each of his projects has served a unique purpose, from highlighting the challenges Indigenous communities face to the talent of women composers and so much more.
We heard from Veronica Sabbag, the founder and chair of United Voices 4 Peace, which aims to bring together voices through music and the arts. Along with others who consider themselves global citizens her goal is to bridge together voices through the arts, tackling the global challenges communities are facing while elevating awareness to a global scale. Lastly, Yvonne Chow, who is a first-generation Chinese American queer women and director of operations and education of H+, highlighted the importance of recognizing the artist as human and the ways that humans need to be taken care of. She expands on the idea of what it means to support your community by becoming civically engaged, creating programs like Dance Mart, Pimp My Style, and Medic for dancers that center around removing the stigma people face when trying to mitigate the problems they are experiencing. She emphasized the need to create a safe space for one’s community to find understanding and have meaningful dialogues while also showing by example how to respectfully enter an art form, contribute and advocate for it. Each of the speakers of the panel showcased how art and music are intrinsic to the very nature of being, touching every aspect of our lives even if we are not aware. By recognizing and utilizing their voices, and power of either connection or the tools at their disposal, they have created the change they want to see. They are a powerful inspiration and example of what it means to show up for your community and do the work, time after time. Change starts from within and carries out into how we interact with the world. The need to come together has never been more important and through both music and the arts it is not only possible but transformative on a global scale.
Art and music provide communities with the ability to engage in self-expression, healing, and social change, utilizing storytelling, theater, music, dance as a means to bridge communities together and inspire collective action. Our voices are powerful tools, to inspire and demand change, to reach places and transform the lives of everyone they touch. In order to create a more inclusive and empathetic society, we have to recognize and utilize the transformative power of art and music. These individuals serve as testaments to the transformative ability in not only our voice but our actions that can empower communities, promote more in-depth dialogue around the issues being faced and their impact. Their unwavering commitment highlights the collective voice through artistic expression, tackling social change and creating a shared purpose and drive for collective action. Every member on the panel showcased the capacity of art and music to inspire, connect and shape a better future. Through collaborative efforts we witnessed how creating spaces for inclusivity and dialogue creates more resilient and empowered communities who utilize their voices to challenge societal problems. It is crucial to empower individuals to not only examine things with a more critical lens, but to express and drive towards a more sustainable future. Being in rooms filled with powerful and enthusiastic voices of advocates who continuously and tirelessly show up not only for their colleagues, but their communities, has inspired me and broadened the scope and the direction I would like to lead as a creative and as an ally to my community. It was a privilege to not only listen to their stories, but feel their radiating passion, purpose, and motivation to become the person they knew they were always meant to be.
Update #6
Dara Herman Zerlein artwork is published in The Nation's Opp Art.
Update #7
Betsy Damon quote:
I'm thrilled to announce that the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation will launch me into my next encounter in listening to water: creating a water-cleaning sculpture that embraces water's desire to always return to its highest state."
I'm thrilled to announce that the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation will launch me into my next encounter in listening to water: creating a water-cleaning sculpture that embraces water's desire to always return to its highest state."
Update #8
UN
The 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day
Jasmine Torres Ventura
On May 3rd, 2023, the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day was celebrated, serving as an important reminder of the past and the continued recommitment to the future to protect and defend the public’s right to freedom of press and expression. Without the press there is no freedom, and freedom of the press is linked to all fundamental human rights. Journalists face an increased risk to their lives because of their efforts to protect our freedom of expression and ensuring the public has important information available to them. This year’s conference was dedicated to bringing awareness and opening dialogue on the fundamental role freedom of expression plays in defending all of our human rights, raising awareness of the increasing threat journalists face and the urgency and action needed to offer protection, so they are able to fulfill their work without fear for their security. Every May 3rd, human rights advocates, press freedom advocates, media leaders and journalist gather to honor and pay tribute to the individuals who have lost their lives in pursuit of defending these freedoms and those who continue to risk their lives to ensure our right to a free and independent press.
As expressed by the Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, freedom of expression reveals the state of our society, it is reflected in the regression of our rights, the debates that are held when the line between fact and fiction are blurred, putting into question science against conspiracy theories. As the digital world continues to transform, introducing new methods of sharing and connecting people on a global scale, it has also introduced new threats to society. The threats that society faces have evolved alongside the digital world. The public faces the threat of disinformation and conspiracy prevailing over science and facts, the digital landscape has created increased polarization amongst individuals and less informed public debates. World Press Freedom Day represents the public’s right to know and have accessible information in both free societies and those where freedom still remains contested. Freedom of the press is linked to all fundamental human rights because without access to information we would not be able to make informed decisions or hold governments accountable. However, journalists are at an increased risk of censorship and punishment from both government and non-government actors.
We face a unique threat that has evolved compared to prior threats faced in society that threaten to weaken and destabilize society. All freedoms are reliant on the freedom of the press because power is linked to control and the access to information is power. Without access to free and independent media, the public runs the risk of news becoming compromised, without the ability to make informed decisions or hold the powers in charge accountable. Action is needed to battle misinformation without infringing on individuals’ free speech, finding a balance and solution to combat algorithms on a larger scale. There needs to be an increased education targeted to not only participants who engage and grew up alongside the digital world but also for the individuals who are less informed and unversed in the current digital landscape. The algorithm as it stands uses recommendations as a means to sell advertisements, autoplay becoming a tool towards radicalization.
In order to combat the dangers that the new digital age brings, society has to evolve alongside it in order to adapt and be open to learning how content and algorithms work in order to properly understand and reform the current attention economy. There is the increased danger of the brainwashing and radicalization that is unknowingly occurring as a result of business models that want to keep its audience addicted. But these new digital tools have the capacity to benefit and improve society but are dependent on how society chooses to use them. The systems in which we communicate are changing but we need to ensure that the public continues to receive access to free and independent information rather than content that invokes disinformation, hate speech, and aims to collect the public’s data unknowingly. Journalists play such a vital role in ensuring the public has verifiable information.
There needs to be continued advocacy towards algorithms that follow principles that respect all fundamental human rights as well as the implementation of laws and regulations that will protect the truth and the freedom of expression that are essential as we face new uncharted territory. The internet is a tool and, as our future becomes more digital, we need to acknowledge how this tool is being utilized and ensure that it is used for good rather than to the detriment of the public. We are at a pivotal point in society and, without strengthening and renewing the public trust in our current institutions, we are in trouble. It is not enough to just want to be better, the pandemic highlighted and exposed the instability and lack of unity we have amongst each other. If we lose consideration of one another, genuine empathy towards what truly matters, or our own basic rights, we are in trouble. Social media has created community, but it has also exposed and continues to highlight the injustices and flaws in our current system and in those who hold the power. The truth can no longer be concealed from the public; information travels faster than it ever has in the past. In America alone, digital technology has documented the injustices and cruelties, like the murder of George Floyd, the violence directed toward nonviolent protestors, the attempt to coverup the Ohio train derailment, which had a significant environmental impact all the way to news that you should be alarmed to hear in the 21st century, especially in the country that is supposed to represent the democratic ideals that we are fighting for. Not even 24 hours into May, social media highlighted the murder of Jordan Neely in NYC. We live in a time where there is a lack of empathy toward human life, a reality where housing and food insecurity is a death sentence. There is no future if we stop caring and wanting to right the current wrongs in society, where we level out the injustices and privileges we hold. There is no unity where society leaves behind its most vulnerable, where the broken systems continue with no reform.
It is alarming that in 2023 there are states in the United States and governors that openly aim to infringe on individuals’ rights and free will through proposals and legislative processes. When speaking about the issues being faced globally, we also need to be able to hold the conversation regarding our own government and holding them to the same standard we place on other countries. It is frightening watching the events unfold because we are not just faced with one systemic issue, but rather issues like housing, food insecurity, access to health care, women’s rights, conflict between global powers, the revolution in technology, issues that have become so intertwined with one another being experienced on a global scale. We have seen with social media that our voices are powerful, that we hold the capacity to create change and defend against the powers that threaten the exchange of knowledge and access to information. Facts matter and so do we. We need to become active participants as we shape the future, we cannot fall victim in regressing as society. The freedom of the press is the driver of all human rights. It enables and guarantees our access to free and independent information even when it reveals inconvenient truths. We need to remain intentional and continue to advocate for its protection.
UN: Camilo Minero
The Role of a Free Press in Building a Better Future
Sharon Whinston
World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of the press and to honor journalists who have been falsely imprisoned and lost their lives in the pursuit of informing the public. In this event on May 3rd, entitled “30th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day Global Conference,” many speakers emphasized and reinforced the importance of journalism.
During this conference, it was repeatedly asserted that journalism is a profession critical to the functioning of a democratic society. We must protect our journalists’ freedom and voices as the media is deeply crucial in informing the public on important events, holding those in power accountable, and providing a platform for diverse perspectives. Near the start of this event, the audience got to view a special video message from the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. SG Guterres stated, “The increase of national laws and regulations that stifle journalists are further expanding censorship and threatening freedom of expression.” He added, “They are routinely harassed, intimidated, detained, and imprisoned. At least 67 media workers were killed in 2022, an unbelievable 50% increase over the previous year.” It is important to recognize the dangers of journalism and to support measures that protect the safety and well-being of journalists, both physically and mentally. Access to accurate and reliable information is essential for making informed decisions about our lives and communities.
As journalism has evolved with technology, there have been many benefits for our journalists. However, there have also been many more difficulties with this evolution into the digital age. A.G. Sulzberger, the chairman and publisher of The New York Times, explained how the rise of social media and online platforms has led to a proliferation of fake news and misinformation, which can strongly undermine the credibility of journalism and erode public trust. Mr. Sulzberger addressed the fears of a destabilized democracy and explained how if democracy erodes, the free press will be the first target. He noted, “Gaining control of information is essential to gaining control of everything else.”
Later in this commemoration, we heard from Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist, women’s rights activist, and author. She further expressed the fears and horrors of what happens when a country tries to silence its people. She shared with the audience what happened in 2019 when the Iranian government saw how people could use social media to share the horrors of what happens in Iran. After the government discovered what the Iranian people were sharing online, they executed 1,500 protesters in only three days. The brave protestors and journalists continued documenting this injustice; some even got photos of the protestors’ deaths online for other countries to see. One of these deaths was a brave journalist, Pouya Bakhtiari. He was documenting the protest when he was executed, right next to his mother, Nahid Shirbisheh. After her son was killed, Nahid posted on social media platforms, sharing what happened and how her government responded to journalists and protestors. Because she showed the corruption and violence of her country, she has now been imprisoned for nearly a year.
Access to diverse sources of information through a free press allows individuals to form educated opinions and make informed decisions. When the press is censored and restricted, it limits citizens' ability to access unbiased information and ultimately undermines the democratic process. A lack of information leads to ignorance, and ignorance impedes progress. Removing freedom of the press and silencing journalists silences truth and justice and prevents us from building a better future.
30th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day Global Conference
Yumi Kamata
On May 2nd, we participated in the 30th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day Global Conference. This is a day that highlights the importance of press freedom and raises awareness about the challenges faced by journalists worldwide. I was shocked to learn of the number of journalists who have been jailed in China, Hungary, India, Ukraine and Russia. The number of imprisoned journalists has reached a new record this year. In my country, Japan, it is hard to imagine that journalists are arrested, killed and imprisoned because they use social media to explore political matters or to counter official political narratives. Freedom of expression is a key human right and no one should be able to violate this human right that is essential to a democratic society. We can choose what we agree with and disagree with, but killing those with dissenting opinions is an extreme violation of human rights and poses a threat to all other human rights.
Update #9
Update #10
Youth Representatives tour United Nations Headquarters.
Photograph: Standing in front of Norman Rockwell's "We the Peoples"
Photograph: Standing in front of Norman Rockwell's "We the Peoples"
Photo: United Nations
Photo: Liz DiGiorgio
Update #11
KRISANNE BAKER
At the Wells National Estuarine Reserve opening on September 1 will be a solo exhibition of underwater intertidal images, a glass 'mutating' plankton installation, and paintings inspired by microscope plankton gazing and from NASA and NOAA satellites. This exhibition will be up at the Art & Science Center at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, Wells, Maine through mid October (and can be seen during the winter months by special appointment).
My mission as an ocean activist, artist and caring nerd extraordinaire is to cultivate wonder and awe for that which goes relatively unseen and unknown, and to foster stewardship for the great blue ocean that sustains all of our lives.
https://www.krisannebaker.com/