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 first event of its kind and brought together key representatives from UNESCO and partner NGOs to discuss and strategise on how to enhance collaborative efforts for the greater good of communities across the globe.
Setting the Stage for Future Collaborations
The conference, hosted by the UNESCO Unit for Civil Society Partnerships, was designed as an interactive platform for dialogue. It provided an opportunity for NGOs to connect with UNESCO and explore potential collaborations that go beyond monetary support. The emphasis was on building relationships and leveraging each other’s strengths to amplify the impact of their work.
The event underscored the importance of fostering both established and emerging partnerships. This meeting marked the beginning of future collaborations that will be instrumental in achieving shared goals, with a focus on amplifying the work of NGOs and enhancing their influence on global agendas.
Amplifying the Voices of NGOs
A key theme of the conference was the critical role that NGOs play in driving positive change within communities. The discussions emphasised the need for NGOs to prioritise their missions and recognise the power of their collective voice in influencing global agendas and shaping the future.
The importance of amplifying the voices of NGOs was highlighted as essential to ensuring that their impact is both heard and felt, reinforcing the idea that partnerships with UNESCO can significantly enhance the reach and effectiveness of their work.
Becoming an Official Partner of UNESCO
An overview was provided on the benefits and process of becoming an official partner of UNESCO. Partnering with UNESCO offers NGOs access to a vast global network, invitations to major UNESCO events, and visibility that can significantly enhance their work.
The application procedure for NGOs interested in formalising their partnerships was also detailed, emphasising the importance of aligning activities with UNESCO’s mission and ideals to be considered eligible.
Learning from Successful Collaborations
The conference highlighted several successful collaborations between UNESCO and NGOs, with case studies illustrating the impact of these partnerships. These collaborations have demonstrated the potential for NGOs to make a substantial difference when supported by UNESCO’s resources and network.
Participants shared their areas of interest, including initiatives related to the Ocean Decade, youth empowerment, communications, national commissions, civil society engagement, and tackling discrimination. These discussions provided a roadmap for future collaborative efforts that can address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.
A Call to Action for Soroptimist International
For Soroptimist International (SI), the conference underscored the alignment between its mission and that of UNESCO, particularly in the area of education. The potential for more collaborative activities with UNESCO was recognised as a powerful way to amplify the voice of women and girls globally.
SI representatives were encouraged to actively seek out elective opportunities within UNESCO, thereby increasing the representation of women and ensuring that their perspectives are included in global decision-making processes.
Conclusion
The “Uniting for Impact” conference was a landmark event that not only strengthened the ties between UNESCO and partner NGOs but also set the stage for future collaborations with the potential to transform communities around the world. As NGOs and UNESCO continue to work together, the capacity to drive meaningful change has never been greater. The event serves as a reminder that by uniting efforts, it is possible to amplify impact and create a better future for all.
This conference was just the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful and impactful partnership between UNESCO and the global NGO community. Together, they are poised to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and achieve the sustainable development goals that will benefit future generations.