About the Event

UPEACE NY’s Melissa Wild and Krista Smith had the privilege of attending the SDGs Conference, an insightful event organized and sponsored by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF). It was an honor to hear Dr. Mariateresa Garrido, UPEACE faculty member, contribute to a panel on the critical issue of Cross-Cutting Threats to the Principles of Democracy. Dr. Garrido's presentation focused on principles of peace and how they can help address misinformation and disinformation. Grateful as well to UPEACE student Elif Dursun, for joining! The conference began with a compelling call to action from Her Excellency Epsy Campbell Barr, former Vice President of Costa Rica, who infused the gathering with both optimism and urgency for continued global collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable development, one inspired especially by a new kind of leadership - cooperative over competitive. It was a truly inspiring session underscored by a shared commitment to shaping a more peaceful, informed, and democratic world.