The United Nations, Civil Societies, and Human Rights
Salt Lake City hosts the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference
Over 4000 people attended the historic 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Among those on the planning committee was Tanner Center for Human Rights Associate Director, Aleta Tew. “When local and global leaders and citizens from around the world bring together ideas and experiences for creating inclusive and sustainable communities everyone benefits,” she said.
This annual event is a unique gathering of people from around the world who have in mind the benefit of everyone. The open engagement forum, includes representatives of non-governmental, faith-based organizations, educators, students and individual activists from around the world. “This global forum is unique. It allows for the sharing of knowledge and ideas between these entities on a local, international and global level,” said Ms. Tew.
She described the undeniable positive energy surrounding the global community in attendance. “True leaders have a service mentality and know service starts within our own communities. Open discussions where the sharing of research, ideas and implementation is welcome is the best way to bring about positive change,” she said.
In a powerful closing session, Nigerian musician and global prison reform ambassador Yinka “Lamboginny” Lawanson was so moved by the conference that he united the global crowd by performing a song he had written, produced and recorded the previous night in his hotel room titled, “I am you, you are me --together we are United Nations.”
“We are imaginative beings and our ideas reach beyond geopolitical boundaries. This annual conference fosters cross-sectional conversations on a global scale enhancing inclusivity and respect for the dignity of all. This is the origin of human rights,” said Ms. Tew.