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UNFCU Foundation Celebrates Humanitarian Partners Fighting Poverty

Honors Madame Ban Soon-taek for Lifetime of Service and Author Sheryl WuDunn

UNFCU Foundation Celebrates Humanitarian Partners Fighting Poverty

Honors Madame Ban Soon-taek for Lifetime of Service and Author Sheryl WuDunn

Published 12-09-15

Submitted by UNFCU Foundation

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At its Empowerment Celebration held at the United Nations Headquarters last Thursday, UNFCU Foundation, a non-profit, registered 501 (c) (3) organization, recognized the achievements of causes it supported in 2015 to reduce poverty through education and healthcare for women and children in developing countries and New York City.  

Watch the video featured at the event.

“The grassroots, sustainable projects we support are enabling women to lead in their communities, even in the face of extreme poverty, tremendous upheaval, violence and injustice,” said Pamela Agnone, president and director of UNFCU Foundation, which also marked its first year of operations. “Adequate healthcare and access to education are precious gifts for women and children in many parts of the world. We honor the country officers, program managers, physicians and teachers who are leading the fight against poverty, changing mindsets and promoting gender equality.”

Leaders in Women's Empowerment Praised

The Foundation presented Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, humanitarian and women’s education advocate, with the Foundation's inaugural Women’s Empowerment Award.  “Everyone can make a difference and our work together will create a better future for all,” said Ms. WuDunn whose newest book with co-author Nicholas Kristof, A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity, is raising global visibility for the empowerment of women and girls of whom 66 million remain out of school.

Capping the evening, Madame Ban Soon-taek received a lifetime achievement award for her leadership furthering children's education and welfare, autism awareness and research, HIV/AIDS services, and the elimination of violence against women and girls. "Your compassion and involvement advocating for women and children have been powerful forces for change worldwide," said Ms. Agnone. “It is a distinct privilege to present you with the UNFCU Foundation award.”

Criteria for the UNFCU Foundation awards included tireless advocacy, impact and commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically "No Poverty," "Good Health and Well-Being," "Quality Education," "Gender Equality," "Decent Work and Economic Growth," and "Sustainable Cities and Communities."

More than 150 guests attended the reception, including officials from the UN community, diplomatic corps and the private sector.

About UNFCU Foundation

UNFCU Foundation is a New York-based, non-profit corporation established in 2014 by the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU). The Foundation is overseen by an independent board of directors who work with an advisory council comprised of volunteers with specialized expertise in a variety of disciplines to evaluate grant requests and project sponsorships. To learn more, visit www.unfcufoundation.org and follow UNFCU Foundation’s progress on Twitter at @UNFCUFoundation and on Facebook at Facebook.com/unfcufoundation

(Photo caption: From left to right: Madame Ban Soon-taek; Ms. Noorjahan Akbar, Women for Women International; Dr. Nafissatou Diop, Senior Adviser & Coordinator UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Accelerating Change; Ms. Pamela Agnone, UNFCU Foundation President and Director; Ms. Sheryl WuDunn, author.)

UNFCU Foundation logo

UNFCU Foundation

UNFCU Foundation

United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) launched the UNFCU Foundation in February 2015, with the purpose of funding projects that reduce poverty through education and healthcare, especially among women and children in developing countries, the Washington, DC-area, and New York City.

The UNFCU Foundation, a New York based 501(c)(3) organization, supports initiatives that:

  • Work to eradicate poverty and hunger
  • Empower women and youth by offering them opportunities for self-development and economic advancement
  • Promote well-being and provide access to healthcare for women and their families
  • Provide disaster relief

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