IOR Delegation Represents at United Nations 2019 Global Engagement Summit
IOR Delegation Represents at United Nations 2019 Global Engagement Summit
NEW YORK, February 25, 2019--The International Orchestra of Refugees (IOR) delegation attended UNA-USA’s 2019 Global Engagement Summit at New York Headquarters on February 22. UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks in the General Assembly Hall, speaking on the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment throughout the Western world.
“The refugees are those that flee, not because they want to, or want a better future, but because they are forced to flee by conflict, or by oppression, by dictatorships, by the violations of their basic human rights that they are facing. There is an international law, an obligation for countries to protect refugees. Our appeal to all countries is to keep their borders open to refugees, and to grant them protection, and allow them to integrate into societies, at least during the time they are not able to go back to their countries of origin.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres can be seen in the crowd with Sana'a Hussien, Chair of Special Initiatives for UNA Chicago. Photo courtesy of Christopher Dowell Photography.
The IOR delegation had the opportunity to sit down and connect with Michael Scott Peters, U.S. Youth Observer to the UN, and discussed the importance of increasing awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The IOR delegation, and other inspiring youth with Michael Scott Peters, U.S. Youth Observer to the UN. From left to right: Juan, Sebastian, Austin, Chris, Michael, Caroline, Laurel, and Ellie.
Photo Courtesy of Christopher Dowell Photography
Issue Tracks covered pertinent topics such as Achieving Zero Hunger: The New Reality. Despite tremendous progress in hunger reduction with the implementation of the Millenium Development Goals, global hunger has increased over the past few years.
Planet Earth: Partnering for Urgent Climate Action discussed the threats of climate change, and its pressing consequences in displacing people as a result of natural disasters.
IOR learned about proactive measures that can be taken to tackle questions in the contexts of both resource-scarce and resource-abundant nations.
IOR is proactively preparing for a major expedition to visit refugee camps abroad to tackle the issues discussed at the Global Summit firsthand. We intend to do so in collaboration with our partner organization, The Refugee Nation, an organization committed to bringing the world together to support refugees.
The IOR delegation can be seen holding a gift, the Refugee flag, from the Refugee Nation at the New York HQ, 2019 United Nations Global Engagement Summit. Pictured from left to right: Caroline Kurdej, Sebastian Agignoae, Juan Lazo Jr., Christopher Dowell.
Written by Caroline Kurdej, International Orchestra of Refugees
###
About International Orchestra of Refugees
IOR’s mission is empowering displaced musicians to become musical ambassadors of peace, through orchestral opportunities and collaborative community.
“The International Orchestra of Refugees gives these people who are displaced the opportunity to prosper, not just survive.”
-Sebastian V. Agignoae, Founder & Director of IOR
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sebastian Agignoae, IOR Founder
sebastian@IORefugees.org