Stories
The UN family - through its funds, programmes and specialized agencies - carries out activities to improve the lives of people around the world. Here are a few examples:
UNESCO
Children's Artwork on World Heritage Sites
The artwork displayed comes in response to a global call for the Little Artists Exhibition inviting children around the world to draw a UNESCO World Heritage site that matters to them. This could be a site in their community, a memory from a family vacation, or a place they saw in a book, movie, or TV show.
UNESCO
Dancing, a liberating force in refugee camps
“Dancing is a form of healing; the idea is for traumatized people to look after their bodies, to encourage them to dance, be in rhythm, become physically tired in order to promote sleep, listen to the drum and regain their culture”. In Africa, choreographers have set up workshops to help refugees regain hope and dignity through physical expression.
UNDP
Music for social harmony
Music is so much more than artistic expression. It can be a cultural refrain, a balm during a difficult time, or a link to people from other parts of the world. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, music was also “medicine”, says 19-year-old violinist Gabriela. Gabriela is part of the State Centers for Child and Youth Orchestras of Bahia (NEOJIBA in Portuguese). In July 2020, Gabriela went out onto her balcony and began to play her violin. She wasn't alone: 1,950 of her fellow orchestra members accompanied her from their own balconies and windows. NEOJIBA has 13 music centres throughout Brazil that use music education and group practice to encourage growth and integration of vulnerable young people.
UNDP
Music for social harmony
More than a decade of conflict has profoundly affected the relationships between everyday Syrians. With 6.9 million people internally displaced, and entire communities uprooted into already-struggling host communities, the country´s social fabric has been severely undermined. Young people comprise 26% of the total population and are often affected by these community fractures. “Tanaghom: Harmony” Choir, supported by the UNDP brought together youths from different walks of life, united by their love of music, to sing for hope, unity, and peace.
UNAOC
Online Bread-making for Solidarity
Now more than ever, we need something to connect and unite us, to help us feel the support of others and overcome loneliness. Around fifteen people took part in an online bread-making, and the group was very diverse – from volunteers to teachers, to families and foreigners. Through a creative method "Theater of Crumbs", people turned their feelings and wishes for a supportive and healthy community into flour drawings and bread sculptures, as they discussed how they could support the people in need on the streets.