The United Nations has positively impacted millions of people worldwide, a fact highlighted by an exhibition at the organization’s New York headquarters that showcases stories from nearly 200 countries. Titled “Shared Lives, Shared Future,” the exhibition traces the UN’s evolving spirit and mission, presenting real‑life accounts of individuals and communities transformed by its work in humanitarian relief, education, development, and sustainability.
One story features Mariam, a girl who attended a UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip before the current conflict. She longs for a return to normalcy, saying, “We miss the UN schools we used to go to. I want life to go back to how it was before.” UNRWA continues to provide life‑saving aid amid the devastating humanitarian crisis.
In Sudan, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) supplies shelter, food, medical care and education to those displaced by war. Radwa, a Sudanese refugee, combined her entrepreneurial skills with UNHCR cash assistance to start a small bakery in a refugee camp. “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,” she explained.
In Yemen, 15‑year‑old Afaf faced pressure to marry a 40‑year‑old man. With help from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), she escaped the marriage, receiving counseling and training in a UNFPA‑supported “safe space.”
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has equipped the Beirut Fire Brigade with essential gear, enhancing safety and effectiveness. Layal, a firefighter, noted, “The new equipment provided by the UN greatly improves our safety and readiness.”
In Afghanistan, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has assisted farmers in shifting from opium to 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) partners with eco‑industrial parks in Ukraine to promote sustainable production. Liudmyla, a park manager, explained, “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) collaborated with the Johor Port Authority to design a water‑saving system. Rabiah, an authority employee, said, “With the UN’s support, we implemented a solution that saves 10 million liters of fresh water every year.”
The exhibition will travel to various locations worldwide and is also accessible online, underscoring the significant impact of the UN’s work on individuals and communities around the globe.
Comments are closed for this story.