The UN Summit of the Future was a forward-looking gathering called by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to help bring the UN into the “next chapter of multilateralism that is more inclusive and networked.” WILPF members who work directly with the UN had the opportunity to provide feedback as the Pact for the Future was being developed. Kim Poole, DMV Branch member, heard about the Summit in the spring and began planning! The process was a chance to learn more about how WILPF and the UN connect, as well as how our US Section interacts with our “UN Office,” generally called the International Secretariat. The result was a parallel event called “Home is a Woman,” which included a discussion of good governance and cooperative housing along with art and presentations by collaborators Teaching Artist Institute and Reparations Now. In addition, WILPF members attended the Summit of the Future and became more acclimated with the process of attending formal meetings. Kim expressed gratitude for the entire team that brought the panel together, as she was in Africa with her work there. Led by Tara Vassefi, there was collaboration and connection! Onward!

The accepted Pact for the Future, agreed upon by representatives, can be found here: https://summitofthefutureun.org/pact/