Experience at Franciscans International
and United Nations Headquarters, New York:

“I lived some deep moments that I felt
expanded my vision of the world.”

Sister Tiziana Longhitano, SFP

May - June 2007

In order to learn English and to become acquainted with the United Nations, I spent three months in New York City.

I participated in different sessions, seminars, informal thematic debates of the General Assembly and panel discussions. I attended the Sixty-first Session commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the Fifteenth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development and the Sixth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples. Other events and discussions that I attended were:

• Civilizations and the Challenge for Peace: Obstacles and Opportunities
• The Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
• Combating Malaria and Tuberculosis
• Freedom of the press and copyright
• International day for UN Peacekeepers
• Some meetings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

The meetings ranged from two weeks in duration, a few days or just one day; however, I saw the issues from different points of view or different lifestyles. 

At the UN General Assembly Seated: Srs. Tiziana Longhitano & friend. L to R standing: Associate Thomasina Nolan, Srs. Grace Frances Strauber, Bernadette Sullivan

I met Ambassadors, representatives and some ordinary people. I had known about some of the issues facing these people through my study -- it was touching to meet them and listen to their stories directly. Their stories revealed their struggle to survive.

I regret that the Ambassadors did not sign any agreement in order to implement the ecological concerns of Sustainable Development nor suggestions regarding the indigenous issues. At that moment I was under the impression that the conditions of the poor people and the damage to the planet will not change.

So it is clear that our presence is necessary and our voice can’t be lacking in these top-level meetings.

It is even truer that to make progress in our world it is important to work in our local space and to engage ourselves in our own area, profession, country. This local effort has a greater influence than we can imagine.

Srs. Bernadette, Tiziana and Doris Abdullah (Women in Black)

I’m returning to Italy with valuable information passed on to me by others, which I hope to share with the Franciscan family and with those who give me an occasion to share.

I thank my Congregational leadership for this magnificent experience; I thank the U.S. Area Franciscan Sisters of the Poor for their warm welcome and their patience. I thank too the Franciscans International office in New York for giving me access to the United Nations.

I lived some deep moments that I felt expanded my vision of the world.

© Franciscan Sisters of the Poor
E-mail: sfp@franciscansisters.org   
Website: www.franciscansisters.org

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