The UN assembly session opened with a focus on accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adopting a “Pact for the Future.” VIVAT International participates in the global effort to advocate for human rights and social justice, bringing grassroots issues to international attention.
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened on September 10, 2024, marking the annual gathering of representatives from 193 Member States. This year’s session holds particular significance as it coincides with the “Summit of the Future,” which focuses on accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), often referred to as Agenda 2030.
A key outcome expected from this summit is the adoption of the “Pact for the Future,” a resolution aimed at outlining more concrete actions for governments to fulfill their commitments to the SDGs.
Representing VIVAT International, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to global advocacy, Sr. Maria Lourdes Santos, SSpS, and Fr. Paul Rahmat, SVD are actively participating in this important session. They are joined by Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, SSpS, the current President of VIVAT, who is on a week-long visit to New York to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of VIVAT’s work at the United Nations.
During the opening session, the outgoing President of the UNGA remarked,: “We are facing complex challenges in our world today, yet through multilateralism, we can, in unison, create the outcomes we need to build a secure and prosperous future.”
This message strongly aligns with the mission of the SSpS, who, through VIVAT International, are committed to bringing grassroots concerns to the global stage. The call to action resonates with the SSpS’ core belief in engaging with efforts that make a meaningful difference in the world, especially for the most vulnerable.
VIVAT International, founded in 2000 by SSpS and SVD, is a global organization with more than 17,000 members from 12 Catholic Religious Congregations. With operations in 121 countries, VIVAT advocates for human rights, peace, and social justice at local and international levels, including in forums like the United Nations.
With Special Consultative Status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and being associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), VIVAT International plays a crucial role in influencing global policy to address the needs of marginalized and underrepresented communities.
For members of the SSpS, who work closely with communities worldwide, this global advocacy provides a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of those at the margins of society. By partnering with VIVAT International, SSpS brings grassroots concerns to the attention of international decision-makers, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable are heard and addressed in significant global platforms such as the United Nations.
Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, SSpS – VIVAT International (President)
Sr. Maria Lourdes Santos, SSpS and Fr. Paul Rahmat, SVD -(VIVAT International Team)
Sr. Miriam and Sr. Maria Lourdes inside the UNGA Hall during one of the sessions.
Sr. Miriam and Fr. Paul inside the UNGA Hall during one of the sessions.
The United Nations Headquarters in UN Plaza, Manhattan, New York City.
View of the UN General Assembly Hall.
Sr. Miriam with Sr. Marides and Fr. Paul [VIVAT International Team].
Sr. Maria Lourdes and Sr. Miriam with the banners of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
