United Nations, New York Last week concluded a series of Sustainability Conferences at the United Nations in New York city. Through one of my connections, who has knowledge of the environmental and energy saving work I conduct, I received an invitation to attended the first Sustainability Conferences co-sponsored by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
Attending this conference was an honor and a little surreal. Security was intense and thorough, nevertheless I became busy preparing to attend the conference by reading about all the speakers. I continued reviewing all topics and speakers that were at the additional sustainability conferences the following week.
As I write this Going True Green Blog Post, I am finally reflecting back on my copiousness of notes that I put to paper at the conference. Additionally, all the people I met from around the world expressing the same interest in helping our world of countries become increasingly sustainable was invigorating. The conference speakers were from all walks of life and living a more sustainable life were the first steps being taken. Speakers were: H.E. Mrs. Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, High Representative for the UNAOC; H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; Dr. Patrick Fagan, Director of Marriage and Religion Research Institute; Dr. Jacqueline Rivers, Executive Director of Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies; Mrs. Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Founder of Mentoring USA; H.E. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
Attending this conference was an honor and a little surreal. Security was intense and thorough, nevertheless I became busy preparing to attend the conference by reading about all the speakers. I continued reviewing all topics and speakers that were at the additional sustainability conferences the following week.
As I write this Going True Green Blog Post, I am finally reflecting back on my copiousness of notes that I put to paper at the conference. Additionally, all the people I met from around the world expressing the same interest in helping our world of countries become increasingly sustainable was invigorating. The conference speakers were from all walks of life and living a more sustainable life were the first steps being taken. Speakers were: H.E. Mrs. Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, High Representative for the UNAOC; H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; Dr. Patrick Fagan, Director of Marriage and Religion Research Institute; Dr. Jacqueline Rivers, Executive Director of Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies; Mrs. Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Founder of Mentoring USA; H.E. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
As for myself, I arrived early as you can tell from the photo of me below. The first item I noticed was that the conference room was not illuminated in the most energy efficient way. However, this first sustainability conference before the Second Annual United Nations Sustainable Energy For All Forum was focused on the "reasons" and the "how to" get every human on our Earth contributing to sustainability for everyone on every topic. In the midst of last week's UN conferences I started a discussion on Sierra Club's IN (Linkedin) posts. A fellow Environmentalist, Ramakrishna Venkatasamy, commented that no organization or any person should be exempt from contributing to a sustainable planet. There are to be no exceptions. So what is the answer?
"There are to be no exceptions"
 Outside the UN Entrance  Prior to Conference Start |  I Arrived Early  Studies, Reports and Stats |  Presentations Abound  Discussions Abound |
"The answer is FAMILY"
The answer is family. Everyone said the same message and they had the statistics and facts to support every point. Flow charts abound and personal stories solidified...
For a sustainable environment, we need the family to survive.
For sustainable energy, we need the family to instill solutions in our children that there is always a better way.
For a sustainable economy, we need loving family ethics and virtue to operate our corporations.
For sustainable intellect, we need a supporting family around each school aged child.
For sustainable peace, we need the family to give thanks together.
AND then we can have a sustainable world.
Yet, the family which is the most important factor, is the most fragile. The bond between a woman and a man must first be one, so the family can be a team working toward a better tomorrow. Every speaker presented the same truths about what the solution is and it comes down to the Father and Mother of every family.
Afterwards, when the conference concluded two hours later, I had the privilege to speak with others and the speakers. From the Archbishop to Matilda Cuomo, the wife of New York's past Governor Mario Cuomo, as well as many other guests like myself. Connections were forged and friendships started, perhaps we will not see a State, Country, or Corporation lead us to a sustainable tomorrow, instead we will see the family be the vanguard for our world.
Bill Lauto , GTG
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
at GoingTrueGreen.com
Contribute your comments!
For a sustainable environment, we need the family to survive.
For sustainable energy, we need the family to instill solutions in our children that there is always a better way.
For a sustainable economy, we need loving family ethics and virtue to operate our corporations.
For sustainable intellect, we need a supporting family around each school aged child.
For sustainable peace, we need the family to give thanks together.
AND then we can have a sustainable world.
Yet, the family which is the most important factor, is the most fragile. The bond between a woman and a man must first be one, so the family can be a team working toward a better tomorrow. Every speaker presented the same truths about what the solution is and it comes down to the Father and Mother of every family.
Afterwards, when the conference concluded two hours later, I had the privilege to speak with others and the speakers. From the Archbishop to Matilda Cuomo, the wife of New York's past Governor Mario Cuomo, as well as many other guests like myself. Connections were forged and friendships started, perhaps we will not see a State, Country, or Corporation lead us to a sustainable tomorrow, instead we will see the family be the vanguard for our world.
Bill Lauto , GTG
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
at GoingTrueGreen.com
Contribute your comments!
