New Humanity NGO at the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference: fostering dialogue and peace

On November 13, 2023, New Humanity participated in the Plenary at the General Policy Debate of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference at its headquarters in Paris through the speech delivered by Catalina Hinojosa López, Vice-President of New Humanity NGO. 

For the second time during the Plenary session, New Humanity was represented by a youth speaker, witnessing the intergenerational approach and the trust practiced within the organization. In her address, Hinojosa acknowledged the ongoing challenges in our world—war, violence, polarization, exploitation, and hatred. She outlined a pathway: “There is an urgent need to mobilize all forces to ensure that dialogue, reconciliation, and healing remain the preferred paths to repel violence at all levels.” 

New Humanity has been relentlessly promoting human fraternity as the cornerstone of dialogue, peace, justice, and solidarity. Hinojosa emphasized the organization’s commitment to deep intergenerational, interreligious, intercultural, and interconnected relationships rooted in mutual trust, respect, and support. The core message was clear: dialogue is key to transcending hatred, discrimination, and global conflicts. 

The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is a principle present in all religions and is fundamental to New Humanity’s commitment to shaping behavior that respects every human being. The organization’s involvement in education, particularly through the “Citizenship and Fraternity Dice” method, demonstrates practical steps taken to instill values of dialogue and inclusivity in younger generations. 

New Humanity and the United Nations: a journey of collaboration and commitment 

In 1987 New Humanity obtained Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC), and has held General Consultative Status since 2005. In 2008 New Humanity was recognized as a NGO partner of UNESCO. This status enables New Humanity to actively support UN work, establish networks with governments, organizations, and UN bodies, and contribute recommendations to international decision-making processes. 

Therefore, the statement also facilitated a call from faith-based NGOs to the UNESCO General Conference to “restore the full place of interreligious dialogue in the [UNESCO’s plan of activities for the next two years (C5)]”. This crucial element aims to foster more inclusive and peaceful societies, exemplifying New Humanity’s commitment to building a united world and a proactive approach to addressing global crises. 

By fostering collaborations, advocating for interreligious dialogue, and promoting inclusive education, New Humanity continues to play a vital role in creating a united and fraternal world.  

📄 Read the full statement.