Organizations Participating in this Webinar: Grace Initiative Global, International Crisis Group, Yale Divinity School, Institute for Economics and Peace, German Marshal Fund, International IDEA, CGIAR, Mercy Hands for Humanitarian Aid, Harvard Program on Refugee Trauma, Yale Office for International Affairs

see this special event on the 75th Anniversary of the UN Charter on YouTube

As 2020 has unrolled, a global health crisis changed the paradigm of nearly all aspects of life; notwithstanding, the increased need for compassion, cooperation, and support.  In less than six months, the global community experienced inter alia an infectious pandemic and witnessed repercussions of racial discrimination.  Indeed, events and challenges demonstrate no greater time to reflect on the universal principles for peace, human rights, and security, embodied in the UN Charter.  

 Paradoxically, the Covid19 pandemic has unmasked the fragility of many sectors and societal disparities, including in the delivery of inter alia health, agricultural and food systems.  It prodded experts to reassess the notion of convening and being in community.  On the heels of the pandemic, incidents of racism, reminded us of some of the harshest of social realities.  

 Despite the damaging impact, it is possible to discern positive outcomes and a constructive path, for collaboration and transformation.  For example, the pandemic spurred ingenuity, from start-up cottage industries producing masks, to establishment of local distribution of food centers, and to people promoting good will when feasible.  These endeavors rose not only due to necessity, but also, to a shared sense of humanity and a finding that collaboration and cooperation – despite social distancing – is the best way to achieve our goals.  The best mechanism for enjoying health, safety and social cohesion is through the recognition that sustainability is best realized through mutuality and all human beings have dignity.  The UN Charter imbues these principles.

 Addressing harsh transboundary challenges, such as a pandemic, discrimination and even climate change necessitate crossing divides and jurisdictions to realize for everyone’s well-being.  From the global to the local level, extending cooperation, understanding, and respect will ultimately benefit everyone.  To this end, we believe that from a multilateral to a community level, there is a transformational path for morality, for innovation, and for sustainability, as exemplified through the UN Charter.  

  To this end, it is our honor to invite you to view our webinar in recognition of the anniversary of the UN Charter and a strengthening our shared sense of community.