Meeting the President of ECOSOC

Thursday was the day for us to go into New York City and meet with the Austrian ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Martin Sadjik, who is the president of ECOSOC (The Economic and Social Caouncil).  We began the day with rain, fog and a bus delayed by 1½ hours because of mechanical problems.  Everyone was in good spirits while we waited for the bus, and Griselda, who had organized everything, adjusted the time schedule with the help of friends.

Sr. Griselda introduces Austrian
Ambassador Sadjik

The sun greeted us in New York City where we met with the president of ECOSOC  who spoke with us about the post-2015 UN agenda.  He began by noting that the economic divide between the developed and developing countries is narrowing while the economic divide between the wealthy and the poor in developed countries is widening. This economic inequity is one issue which cries out to be addressed.  He then went on to say that with the 2015 deadline to reach the Millennium Development Goals fast approaching, the UN is looking to the next steps.  An open committee has gathered priorities for the following 15 years, which embrace many needs not addressed by the MDG’s.  These include such things as urban development, life-long education and energy from sustainable sources, as well as many of the issues addressed in the MDG’s.  The areas of concern looking to 2030 will be 15 or 16 and articulated in what will be called Sustainable Development Goals and include many concerns left out of the Millennium Development Goals. 

Sr. Patty presents the Statement to the
Public

After the talk by the Austrian ambassador, Patty Johnson presented the Statement of the Congregations of St. Joseph at the UN on Engagement in Action for Systemic Change with a view to sustainable development and gave Mr. Sadjik a copy.   Following this, during lunch, many of the group took advantage of his presence

Sr. Susan, Australia, speaks about
issues in East Timor

for informal conversation with him.  

On Tour at the U N

In the evening there was a little time to
walk around and explore New York
 

Later in the afternoon we had the opportunity for a guided tour of the United Nations, where we learned once again about the history and the work of the UN, while visiting the chambers where much of the work is done.  After the day of rich experiences we returned tired but happy to our Brentwood “home,” ready for some rest as we prepared for our last day together.