UN CSW: WFWP LUNCHEON ON CELEBRATING THE UN'S EFFORTS FOR WOMEN
On a sunny, bright, and invigorating day, with New York City's East River as a backdrop, over a hundred guests gathered in the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations Headquarters for a Women's Federation for World Peace International luncheon commemorating and celebrating the 58th session of the UN's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
As guests arrived on the afternoon of March 18, delightful refreshments were served and groups gathered and made conversation around the room. Acquaintances were renewed and friendships established that represented scores of countries. Mistress of ceremonies Mrs. Alexa Ward, deputy director of WFWP's UN Office, took to the podium with brief remarks on the importance of the afternoon's speakers and the purpose of WFWP's annual celebration-which was co-chaired by Mrs. Carolyn Handschin, president of WFWP Europe, and Mrs. Ward, and coordinated by Mrs. Joy Theriot.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Professor Lan Young Moon, president of Women's Federation for World Peace International. She reminded us of our vow to build the peace we all seek, and how a maternal presence must play a role in the 21st century affairs of humankind. She also shared with us that peace will never be established by a single person, organization, or nation and that, because God cannot be everywhere, He created mothers.
The next speaker, Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN, reflected on gender equality and empowering women as a chief goal for CSW. He indicated that he has been in touch with "civil" societies to end discrimination and abuse toward women. The UN, he said, must cast a wide net to bring everyone to the negotiating table.
Ladies enjoying the luncheon
Mrs. Ward surprised the next speaker, Mr. Andrei Abramov, with a beautiful award and candy as a gift for his upcoming retirement. Mr. Abramov, chief of the NGO Branch of the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs, commented that WFWP is one of the best NGOs and has made some of the best progress on human rights and women's rights since the bar was set in the 1940s. He said this progress has been sustainable and effective.
The final speaker was Dr. Susan O'Malley, vice chair of the executive committee of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York. She shared enthusiastically about her involvement in causes relating to women and girls. The hands-on Dr. O'Malley coordinates 3,000 women around the world to produce 300 to 400 side events a year for business and professional women. She said that the voices of all women need to be heard-from Africa and the Asia-Pacific, to Latin America and the Caribbean. She advised her listeners to follow the NGO country reports.
Everyone who attended left with a renewed determination to support the goals of WFWP and the continuation of its NGO status. One and all felt it to be an honor and a privilege to take part.