Global Ministries and the United Nations

Special Calendar Dates

• September 21 is International Day of Peace
• October 24 is United Nations Day
• December 10 is Human Rights Day

The United Nations: “A Voice for All of Us”
Reflection by Nicki Amouri, 2012-2013 Global Ministries intern at the UN and student at Union Theological Seminary in NY

October 24 – United Nations Day
Much of the United Nations’ achievements in the last 74 years have reflected the core values of the world’s religions. As people of faith, we must advocate for responsible United States policies toward the UN. To start, we all deserve to know much more about the United Nations! UN Day is an opportunity to organize educational and advocacy events about the UN.

Global Ministries and Human Rights Work with Partners and the UN

Global Ministries Peace with Justice Projects

Why is Global Ministries present at the United Nations?

Global Ministries has a critical presence at the United Nations. Why? Religious groups are important for an active and concerned civil society. Wider Church Ministries has long been accredited as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the United Nations.  This status gives WCM – and by extension DOM and Global Ministries – the opportunity to address the United Nations on matters of international concern like global civil society, human rights, conflict resolution, and economic and development issues. As a participant in the religious community present at the UN, your representatives participate in coordinated activities of the NGO community in relation to a variety of UN programs and conferences. 

“The work of faith groups is extremely powerful.  Their continued support at the UN will mean more of a voice for all of us regarding issues surrounding poverty, women, peace and security, environmental sustainability, and the protection of human rights around the world.”

Nicki Amouri, Global Ministries intern at the UN (2012-2013)

History at the United Nations

Our churches early on sought international peace and in 1945 called for the United Nations. They joined the Federal Council of Churches study “Six Pillars of Peace” which strongly influenced the UN Charter. Church policy statements have long supported the UN as it has sought to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war… to promote social progress and better standards of life” for all God’s people.

First represented at the UN through the UCC Office for Church in Society and the Board for World Ministries, our churches are present today through the work of Justice and Witness Ministries and Wider Church/Global Ministries as accredited members of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) community at the United Nations.

Who represents Global Ministries at the UN?

Although Global Ministries does not presently have a permanent office in New York, we maintain a presence at the United Nations. Rebekah Choate, Program Associate for Global Advocacy and Education, is currently named the main representative at the UN. By connecting relevant staff and programs with UN information and activities, and in partnership with several long-time New York-area volunteers, Global Ministries’ interests are represented at various UN and NGO forums.

Sustainable Development Goals

In 2016, the UN launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals to complete by 2030. For a Christian faith perspective on the Sustainable Development Goals, check out The Sustainability Book online.

From 2000 to 2015, promoting and advancing the UN Millennium Development Goals were a priority for our work in interpreting how the UN and the church work together. Advancing MDGs, such as greater water-related rights and development, was an important component of the church’s work with the ecumenical community at the UN. Global Ministries Water for All! Campaign in 2005-2006 arose from this effort.

Faith for Rights Framework

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has released a toolkit and study guide called #Faith4Rights. It suggests peer-to-peer learning modules, exploring the relationship between religions, beliefs and human rights. It provides approaches that are adapted to faith actors, civil society representatives and educational institutions. It stimulates an interdisciplinary discussion on “faith” and “rights”, in relation to 18 key topics that serves a triple purpose: (1) engaging to ensure ownership, (2) thinking critically to face challenges, and (3) reinforcing the mutual enhancement between faith and rights.

Contacts at the UN

Rebekah Choate
Associate for Global Advocacy and Education
Main NGO representative for Global Ministries 
700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 736-3208 choater@ucc.org

For More Information

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• United Nations Millennium Development Goals
• The One Campaign