Experiencing a virtual UNGA in the new normal
By +SocialGood Connector, Swarnima Shrestha
I remember and miss that time when I was in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) last September. I was elated to be selected as a +SocialGood Connector — part of the UN Foundation’s +SocialGood initiative — , which provided me an opportunity to attend UNGA and connect with a dozen other connectors from different countries who were working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their respective countries.
Attending UNGA last year and many other related conferences and events, and meeting so many amazing, inspiring people was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. It was a dream come true. And one of the best things about being a +SocialGood Connector is the opportunity to bond with fellow connectors. It was such a great experience spending time with these amazing people who are doing such impressive, groundbreaking work in their communities and the bonus is they were also the most fun people to hang out with. We did manage to squeeze in some tourist activities in New York despite our busy schedules. At the end of the week, we were kind of sad to part with each other, but we were already making plans for the next year.
Fast-forward to this September: things are totally different from what we imagined it to be. All of us are affected by the global pandemic of COVID-19 and have not been able to carry out the plans that we made last year. Our priorities and focus have changed due to the new situation, just like the new virtual format of UNGA this year. This was a special year for UNGA as it marked the 75th year of the United Nations. Preparation for this special UNGA had been ongoing for several years. But for the first time in the 75-year history of the UN, world leaders and social change leaders did not gather in New York due to the global pandemic.
But this did not stop UNGA from taking place altogether. This year, the great event took place virtually. All the major dialogues and discussions that were supposed to happen did take place — though the focus of most of the dialogues also changed in order to address the current challenge of handling the pandemic. We as +Social Good Connectors also took part in various UNGA and related events from our own homes. The most important event for us was the +SocialGood Labs organized by the UN Foundation. This two-day event brought together all the connectors, many advisors (past connectors), and some amazing expert speakers to talk about some emerging and relevant issues. This was also an opportunity for the connectors to come together and make plans for the activities they want to plan in the coming year. The connectors had an extensive discussion in smaller groups and then presented their planned events. It was a great occasion for the connectors to plan as well as learn from high-level experts regarding different aspects of the SDGs.
In addition to the +SocialGood labs, there were many other exceptional UNGA events that I was able to participate in. Some of the noteworthy events that I found to be insightful were: the UN75 Youth Plenary hosted by the Office of UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth; Fireside Chat: Innovating to Achieve the SDGs organized by Plus Social Good; American Leadership in Advancing the SDGs hosted by the UN Foundation and the Brookings Institution; Achieving the Global Goals through Local and Regional Governments Actions organized by the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs; Y20 Community Impulse Session on Youth Empowerment; various events at the UN SDG Action Zone; and the YOUNGA Forum. In addition, we also hosted various talk series about SDGs through Instagram live sessions.
Though I was disappointed at not being able to travel to New York and to participate in these events in person, I realized that there are many benefits of the virtual events. First, it is beneficial for the environment as air and road travel are avoided. Also importantly, virtual events can accommodate more people and be more inclusive. They are a great opportunity, especially for people like me living far away but doing significant work. his year’s virtual setting has been a learning experience for the UN as well as world leaders, and even after this pandemic is over and we get back to ‘normal,’ they can consider adding the virtual elements and avoiding unnecessary travel.
As for me, even though I missed the in-person ambiance of New York during UNGA, learning and networking were not compromised. I got the opportunity to meet and network with numerous remarkable people and attend sessions that were full of knowledge and insights. The virtual UNGA experience was exciting and insightful for me though I hope next year I will be able to meet my fellow connectors in person while we make plans to change the world!
