Blog - Soroptimist International

Fast Fashion’s Impact on Our Planet and Women’s Well-being

Blog of Habiba Alambo, SI Representative to the UN in Nairobi. Picture this: every time you buy that trendy top for a bargain price, or those stylish jeans at an unbelievable steal, you may unknowingly be contributing to a staggering environmental toll. Fast fashion, the darling of our consumer-driven world,

MOST Forum: Managing Social Transformation and Governance Challenges

Blog of Evelyne PARA, SI UN Representative at UNESCO. On 17 and 18 June 2024, the 2nd Forum MOST (Management of Social Transformations) brought together at UNESCO Paris numerous representatives of Member States, academics and the business world, several NGOs and participants from civil society. In a world facing

The Road to Busan: The INC’s Journey Towards a Plastic Pollution Treaty

Blog of Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representative to the UN in Nairobi. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established by the UN General Assembly on 11 December 1990 to negotiate a framework convention on climate change. The INC held five sessions where over 150 states discussed binding commitments, targets, and timetables

Advancing Intergenerational Well-being and Health Against Plastic Pollution

Blog of Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representative to the UN in Nairobi Plastic pollution is a pervasive and escalating crisis that impacts every aspect of our lives. Its detrimental effects on health and the environment are particularly pronounced among vulnerable groups, including children, women, and informal workers. Recently, I had the

Human Rights Council Discussion: AI, Tech & Human Rights

Blog of Dr. Olga Tzortzatou-Nanopoulou, SI UN Representative in Geneva. As the next UN Human Rights Council meeting begins, it is important to reflect on the recent high-level informal discussion led by Ambassador Omar Zniber. The discussion focused on the critical intersection of new technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and the

Safeguarding education in conflict zones

Blog of Berthe De Vos-Neven, SI UN Representative in Geneva. As we look ahead to the 57th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC57), it's crucial to reflect on the discussions and initiatives from HRC56 that continue to shape our path forward. One of the most pressing issues addressed at

Opening Session of the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Blog of Pascale Muylaert, SI UN Representative Designate in Geneva. As we anticipate the upcoming 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, it's crucial to reflect on the significant discussions and outcomes of the previous session held earlier this year. The 56th session laid bare the ongoing global

Uniting for Impact: Dialogue Between UNESCO and Partner NGOs

Blog of Victoria Kutto, SI UN Representative in Nairobi. On May 8, 2024, at the UNEP in Nairobi, SI UN Representative, Victoria Kutto attended a key event, titled "Uniting for Impact," which sought to bring about collaboration between UNESCO and various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) from the region. This was the

UNCSC 2024: A Crucial Platform for Global Dialogue

Blog of Habiba Alambo, SI UN Representative in Nairobi. The UN Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) 2024, held in Nairobi, stands as a key event organised by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) in collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs). This annual conference provides a platform for diverse civil

Global Challenges, Unified Solutions: Reflections for UNCSC 2024

Blog of Ruhiyih Temko, Young Soroptimist, alongside Mary Muia, SI UN Representative Nairobi. Have you ever thought about the pivotal moments in your youth that shaped who you are today? Who was the mentor who held your hand and guided you through the challenges, especially as a woman striving to