During an event-packed and well-attended High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development running from 10 to 19 July, participants have been able to show their support for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in different ways.

By wearing colorful and handwoven lanyards, prepared by sixteen Nepalese women and two trainers of the Women’s Initiative Nepal (WIN), the HLPF attendees have indirectly provided their support for the tangible implementation of SDG1, SDG2, SDG4, SDG5, SDG8, among other goals.

Ahead of this annual event, 1,000 lanyards were handmade at WIN, a non-profit organization in Nepal that aims to lift women from extreme poverty by providing training, employment, comprehensive empowerment and financial assistance.

By taking part in this effort, women from disadvantaged, marginalized and poor communities received schooling, stipends for their children’s education, and financial assistance to help feed their families.

The project was supported by the Investment Community Visibility Group (ICV), an organization that connects family offices and fund investors to evaluate opportunities that create a social impact beyond a financial return. In addition, some 20 students from the United Nations International School (UNIS) Nepal Club volunteered to help assemble the lanyards.

As the HLPF is about to come full circle, following eight intense days where SDGs progress has been front and center of events and discussions, the lanyards have in a small but visible way told their own compelling story of empowerment. A story of how every action, every effort – big or small – plays an important role to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.