Notre Dame Virtual School’s October Theme is taken from the UN’s ACT NOW for a Peaceful World.
Together, we can take action to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world for all. Illustration: United Nations Department of Global Communications
United Nations – Actions for a peaceful world
Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity, it is a call to action. Each of us can heal divisions and embrace peace and understanding. We can call on our families and communities to do the same. Speak up, learn, practice respect, embrace diversity, protest injustice. Be the change you want to see!
Speak up for peace
In today’s divided world, our clarion call for peace should echo louder than ever. There are many ways to speak up for peace and everyone can be part of the conversation. Spark conversations off-and-online about the urgent need for understanding, non-violence, and disarmament. Use your voice and words to challenge hate and champion peace. Join the UN’s Peace Begins with Me movement and share inspiring stories of hope, using the hashtag #PeaceBegins. Source: [ https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions-peaceful-world ]
ACT_ NOW .pdf
UN 80th Anniversary of the United Nations – October 24, 2025
25th Anniversary as SNDdeN with NGO status
The United Nations was officially established in 1945, after 50 nations signed the UN Charter in San Francisco on June 26, 1945. From its outset, the UN Charter committed to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” promote human rights, uphold international law, foster social progress, and improve living standards around the world.” From 50 founding members to 193 today. Through its many specialized agencies, ECOSOC, General Assembly, Security Council, etc., it’s involved in nearly every global issue — peacekeeping, health (e.g. WHO), education (UNESCO), climate action (UNFCCC), sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and more.
Milestones & Moments:
• First peacekeeping efforts, collective security actions (e.g. Korea, early Cold War)
• Expansion of member-state-based decision-making and treaties
The UN80 initiative is reviewing and updating how the UN works for this century — reform, multilateralism, funding, how to respond effectively to conflict, climate crises, human rights abuses.
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) — 25 Years at the UN as an NGO
Since 2001, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have been present at the United Nations as an accredited Non-Governmental Organization with consultative status to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). From their office in New York, SNDdeN have advocated on global issues — justice, peace, education, health, climate, environment, and dignified living for the most vulnerable. The SNDdeN NGO representatives have included Srs. Joan Burke (USA), Sr. Jean Stoner (USA), Sr. Amarachi Ezeonu (Nigeria), and currently, Sr. Isabelle Izika Tsamba (Democratic Republic of Congo).
The Connection & Significance
• Over these 80 years, the UN has grown into a space where civil society, including religious congregations, can bring witness, advocacy, and experience from the ground. SNDdeN’s 25 years as an NGO shows concretely how a religious congregation can partner with the UN structure to lift up voices from the local to the global.
• Our work reflects many of the UN’s core goals: peace, dignity for all, education, care for the environment, health, attention to those marginalized. It’s a living example of “making known God’s goodness with others,” in a global arena.
Learn More [ https://www.sndden.org/united-nations/ ]
POPE LEO XIV ACTS NOW
Pope to speak at Laudato si’ Movement conference on 1 October
(“Raising Hope for Climate Justice”)
Pope Leo told he is an “action hero” on climate
https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53383
Pope on Gaza: ‘There is no future based on violence, forced exile, and vengeance’
Notre Dame Virtual School Calendar, 2025-2026
Download: [ https://notredameonline.org/wp-content/uploads/NDVS-Calendar-2025-2026.pdf ]
