The United Nations has positively impacted millions of people worldwide, with stories from nearly 200 countries showcased at an exhibition at the organization’s New York headquarters. The “Shared Lives, Shared Future” exhibition highlights the UN’s evolving spirit and mission over time, presenting real-life stories of individuals and communities transformed by the UN’s mission in areas such as humanitarian relief, education, development, and sustainability.
One such story is that of Mariam, a girl who studied at a UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip before the ongoing conflict. She expressed her desire for life to return to normal, saying, “We miss the UN schools we used to go to. I want life to go back to how it was before.” The UNRWA is currently providing life-saving aid amid the devastating humanitarian crisis.
In Sudan, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is providing shelter, food, medical care, and education to those displaced by the war. Radwa, a Sudanese refugee, has combined her entrepreneurial skills with cash assistance from UNHCR to start a small bakery business in a refugee camp. She said, “I like helping people because everyone needs support. That is why I support fellow refugee women so that we can grow together, and no one is left behind.”
In Yemen, a 15-year-old girl named Afaf was pressured to marry a 40-year-old man, but with the help of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), she was able to escape the marriage. She received counseling and training in a “safe space” supported by the UNFPA.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has also provided essential equipment to the Beirut Fire Brigade, making their missions safer and more effective. Layal, a firefighter, said, “The new equipment provided by the UN greatly improves our safety and readiness.”
In Afghanistan, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has supported farmers in shifting from growing opium to cultivating legal crops. Zahoor, a farmer, said, “With UN support, I transitioned from opium to cabbage farming. I received training in modern agriculture and was provided with pesticides to protect my crops.”
The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has partnered with eco-industrial parks in Ukraine to promote sustainable production. Liudmyla, a manager of an eco-industrial park, said, “Since 2020, we have been actively cooperating with the UN on energy-saving projects, which has helped us cut our gas and electricity use, and move towards more energy-efficient production.”
In Malaysia, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has partnered with the Johor Port Authority to design and implement a water-saving system. Rabiah, who works at the port authority, said, “With the UN’s support, we implemented a solution that saves 10 million liters of fresh water every year.”
The exhibition will also be presented in various locations worldwide and is accessible online, highlighting the significant impact of the UN’s work on individuals and communities around the world.