Recap of the Inaugural Meeting of the NGO Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity
Last week, the Non-Governmental Organization Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity (COIGENS) launched at the United Nations Headquarters. (Jump to: Generations United’s UN rep opportunity in New York.)
Brief History
The COIGENS was formed in New York and approved at the 2018 General Assembly of CoNGO in Geneva on March 3, 2018. It originally began as the Sub-Committee on Intergenerational Relationships of the NGO Committee on Ageing in 2000.
Given the growing importance and urgency of intergenerational issues as global ageing accelerates, the Sub-Committee sought approval for the creation of a Substantive Committee focused on Intergenerational Solidarity following the principles of Article 3 of the United Nations’ International Bill of Human Rights:
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person” and applicable Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined in the 2030 Agenda including health, education, gender equality, work, urbanization, and peace.
Earlier this year, COIGENS elected its first Board Members — which includes two of our UN reps: Susanne Bleiberg Seperson (Vice Chair) and Kevin Brabazon (Treasurer).
COIGENS was officially launched on Oct. 4, 2019 at the UN, and was sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations. The keynote speaker was H.E. Ambassador Martín García Moritán.
Our Executive Director Donna Butts (2nd from left) was on hand to congratulate our United Nations reps (l-r): Ellen Amstutz, Kevin Brabazon, and Susanne Bleiberg-Seperson.
We’re looking forward to working across the United Nations to build a world that values all ages!
Generations United has an opening for a volunteer United Nations representative in New York. If you’re interested in the opportunity, contact us at gu@gu.org.
