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In 2008, DC was declared the first human rights city in the United States. A human rights city is defined as one whose residents and local authorities, through learning about the relevance of human rights to their daily lives, join in ongoing learning, discussions, systematic analysis, and critical thinking at the community level, to pursue a creative exchange of ideas and the joint planning of actions to realize their economic, social, and cultural as well as civil and political human rights.

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Human Rights Commitment Started Early

By A. Edward Elmendorf, Past President UNA-NCA

In a wide-ranging conversation, UNA-NCA’s 2020 ‘Tex’ Harris Award recipients for human rights progress through diplomacy, Erin Barclay and Scott Busby of the U.S. Department of State, said that their development as human rights advocates began during their high school and college years. Both were trained as lawyers but it was evident that their human rights interests, experiences, and concerns extend well beyond a traditional concern with rights as formulated in law. Our conversation showed that Barclay and Busby represent the best of what people in this country can do in public service under political leaders of widely varying views and administrations.

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Dean Claudio Grossman’s leadership has advanced human rights, rule of law, and legal education with creativity and distinction. His work has influenced both individuals and huge swaths of populations – both through 21 years at the Washington College of Law of American University and in key human rights roles within the Inter-American and United Nations systems. He is Dean Emeritus at the Washington College of Law where he serves as the Raymond I. Geraldson Scholar for International and Humanitarian Law.

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This year’s Perdita Huston awardee, Professor Susan Deller Ross, has an exceptional record in advancing the rights of women and girls domestically and internationally. In a uniquely fascinating and exciting conversation with her, I was able to learn more about the evolution of women’s rights and how much of a significant role Professor Ross played in creating real change for so many women worldwide.

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This October, the United Nations celebrated its 75th anniversary. Over the past year, the United Nations, United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) have both celebrated and examined the first 75 years of the organization in order to better understand what the next 75 years should look like. One major part of this were the global consultations hosted by private citizens, civil society, and other groups, which UNA-NCA took great part in. As the grand finale of this monumental year, UNA-NCA hosted a series of events to further celebrate and examine the future of the UN. These included more casual, intimate gatherings such as our annual Eleanor Roosevelt Happy Hour and a virtual edition of our Young Professional Career Series featuring Careers in the United Nations. UNA-NCA also hosted two high profile events including our special October 15th “UN75 Coffee Chat: The Future We Want” featuring Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD-8).

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UNA-NCA’s Emerging Leaders program aims to provide youth leaders with the tools and support they need to develop their advocacy skills. As an Emerging Leader, students of all ages, including middle and high school, as well as undergraduates, will have the opportunity to connect with mentors, gain professional development skills, get published on UNA-NCA Snapshots, and advance their knowledge of sustainable development and the UN agenda. Candidates will come out having a demonstrated passion for human rights and social justice.

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International Data Sharing and Artificial Intelligence Cooperation in Global Public Health Emergencies

Report produced by the UNA-NCA Peace and Security Committee
Events presented on: Wednesdays, August 19, September 2, and September 16, 2020

The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) along with its Peace and Security Committee hosted a series of panel discussions, entitled “International Data Sharing and Artificial Intelligence Cooperation in Global Public Health Emergencies: A Virtual Roundtable.” The events took place virtually and welcomed panelists and participants from all around the world, including the Kingdom of Spain, France, Malta, the People's Republic of China and New Zealand. All three panels were moderated by Mr. Patrick Realiza, Co-Chair of the UNA-NCA Peace & Security Committee The program provided a platform for discussion among global health experts, government officials, data scientists, researchers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning practitioners and privacy advocates. The panelists all shared their perspectives on pressing issues related to Big Data and AI in the COVID era, including transnational data collaboration and data privacy.

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We Must Keep Up her Fight!

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a hero in every sense of the word. Her recent loss is devastating to us all.

Justice Ginsburg led a truly remarkable life. Appointed by President Clinton in 1993, she became the second woman ever to be sworn in as a justice for the country’s highest court.

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By A. Edward Elmendorf, UNA-NCA Past President

Arms control experts and diplomats, experts on the United Nations, and United Nations Association friends and colleagues mourn the passing of Jim Leonard, a bright star in the UN world for many years. His star was a shooting one, lasting a full 100 years.

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“You in the United Nations are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. I am asking you to help me get justice.” 
-Philonise Floyd

Our nation has been at protest for far beyond the nearly 100 days that have passed since George Floyd's murder; for generations, our neighbors, community members, friends, and loved ones have struggled for justice, support, and their inherent right to life.

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