Virtually Connected: How the first-ever virtual UNGA was able to connect the minds of leaders, activists, and advocates for better solutions
By +SocialGood Connector, Clarisse Joy Mañabat
For the first time in history, the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was launched virtually. It is also during this year that the United Nations (UN) celebrated its 75th anniversary around the theme of making the lives of everyone, everywhere better. 75 magnificent years of ending poverty, vaccinating people, ensuring more students are in class, and endless collaborations to achieve a better future. This year was seen as a grand celebration of the UN’s achievements, however, it was also the year when the whole world faced and is currently fighting a global pandemic. This forced us to stay inside our homes and retreat to a digital world where we are all connected.
Although daily lives were disrupted, the UN is still working either on the grassroots or high-level setting to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy. With this, the 75th UNGA happened in the digital space. Presidents and prime ministers of each state delivered their progress updates and messages through technology. Activists and advocates were not silenced, but rather, raised their voices in the digital space, collaborated, and brainstormed solutions to solve local and global problems.
The Plus Social Good community launched its +SocialGoodLab via Zoom, where connectors, advisors, and the United Nations Foundation team met and discussed solutions. Our community of changemakers are only apart physically, but never silenced to collaborate and spark discussions. A two-day +SocialGoodLab event discussed the 17 Global Goals, and how we can use technology and finance effectively to achieve these goals. Connectors and Advisors were divided into three thematic themes: Finance and Investment, Technology and Innovation, and Knowledge and Communication. Each team member gave their insights on the topic and co-created solutions. To collaborate with the community, kindly stay connected with the +SocialGood social media handles.
Another platform called YOUNGA by BridgingTheGap Ventures was introduced this year, where more than a thousand youth leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs were invited. YOUNGA launched an innovation mastermind session, a working group for each theme, and a four-week leadership and training program in order to further develop the skills of youth delegates on different relevant issues.
It is also during this time that I was able to connect with some youth delegates from all over the world who are eagerly passionate and working in their own communities to spark solutions. I was also able to connect with and interview two of the facilitators of one innovation mastermind session called Image Pressure and Inequality: Journey to Self-Esteem by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.Akeena Rosalie Siladan and Erika Jane Aspera, the facilitators and Girl Scouts from the Philippines shared with me the importance of self-esteem and confidence, and some of the Girl Scouts Philippines initiatives.
The Free Being Me is a global,continuous campaign that was introduced to empower girls through body confidence and self-esteem. In 2014, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) saw that there is a decline in girls’ participation. 8 out of 10 girls are so concerned about the way that they look that they isolate themselves and decline their participation from important activities. WAGGGS believed that girls should not feel any pressure or insecurity about their body because each and every one is uniquely beautiful inside and out. Having self-esteem allowed girls to participate in important discussions and events, therefore, empowering them and their communities.
The virtual 75th UNGA may have been different from previous years, but this does not mean that it is limited. The United Nations opened many spots for everyone to come in and participate in solution and decision-making. Resources were also provided and spread widely in order to help each individual organize his or her own dialogue or have their voice heard. To access some of these resources and to watch the replay of some events, you may read my blog “Materials and Virtual Events to mark the #UNGA75”.
