This week, disabilities innovator Beit Issie Shapiro hosted the first ever conference of Israeli advisers to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Fifteen organizations were invited to attend, thirteen of whom have already been awarded Special Consultative Status and two who have been recommended for this status.
ECOSOC serves as the central forum for formulating economic and social policy recommendations to the UN and member states. Its advisers benefit from international networking opportunities, enhance their potential for impact, and the sharing of knowledge and resources.
Attendees included Beit Issie Shapiro, which organized the event, the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, Israel Women’s Network, Negev Co-existence Forum, SHATIL – New Israel Fund’s Empowerment and Training Center for Social Change Organizations, and Yad Sarah.
The keynote speaker at the conference was Andrei Abramov, who leads ECOSOC’s NGO branch. He spoke about the importance of sharing knowledge internationally.
“Israel has much to offer the world through ECOSOC by sharing its expertise and incredible innovations,” says Abramov. “Israel also has much to benefit, as ECOSOC helps countries to keep abreast of world developments and trends, and to monitor and implement international agreements.”
“I have been inspired by what I have seen here at Beit Issie Shapiro and their innovations to make life easier for people with disabilities, and I believe that their knowledge and experience should be shared with the world. I have been extremely impressed by both the ideas that have come out of this forum, and by the motivation and dedication of all those involved.”
Jean Judes, Executive Director of Beit Issie Shapiro, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrei Abramov to speak at this first-ever forum in Israel. It has opened the doors to greater co-operation between the organizations that are honored to be representatives of Israeli civil society at the UN, and will help to increase co-ordination between Israel and the world for the benefit of the people we all serve.”
For more information, please contact Dara Marcus at dara@beitissie.org.il
