UN HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2024

Dr. Peter Ostrum Visits the JWF and the United Nations Headquarters

11-12 December 2024 | New York

 

On December 11-12, 2024, Dr. Peter Ostrum, famous for his main character of Charlie Bucket in the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, visited the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) to foster global partnerships promoting the culture of peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Accompanied by the JWF Executive Team—including JWF President Mehmet Kilic, JWF’s UN DGC Representative Cemre Ulker, JWF Advisory Board Member Vonya Womack, Senior Correspondent for Global Strat View based in Washington DC Se Hoon Kim, and Dr. Ostrum visited the Permanent Missions of Germany and Canada to the United Nations to explore the United Nations’ vital role as an advocate for human rights.

 

Public diplomacy plays an essential role in advancing human rights by raising global awareness and promoting democratic values through dialogue, cultural exchange, and communication. It enables governments, NGOs, and civil society to engage with international audiences, spotlighting human rights issues and shaping public opinion. By utilizing various platforms—such as social media, educational initiatives, and cultural events—public diplomacy amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and underscores the importance of accountability and the rule of law.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has become a beloved classic, enchanting audiences in both the United States and the United Kingdom, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its lasting legacy highlights the profound influence of storytelling and creativity. Although Dr. Ostrum was initially drawn to local theatre productions as a child actor, he ultimately pursued a successful career as a veterinarian. As a proactive community leader passionate about humanitarian efforts, inclusive agricultural policies, and empowering children, Dr. Ostrum has gained valuable insights into the functions of the United Nations and its Global Agenda 2030.

 

 

On December 11, the first day of his visit, Dr. Ostrum visited the JWF office and received briefings on the organization’s core activities, including annual global programs held alongside UN Commissions, such as the SDGs Conference, the Commission on the Status of Women Panel Discussions, Media and Journalism Webinars, and the Global Youth Leadership Programme, among other human rights advocacy initiatives. The day concluded with a United Nations Guided Tour, where the delegation learned about UN’s operational mechanisms.

 

 

On December 12, Dr. Ostrum and the JWF team were warmly welcomed by Elizabeth Tudor-Beziés, Foreign Service Officer at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations. Recognized internationally for its inclusive migration policies and state-led empowerment programs for refugees, the delegation discussed Dr. Ostrum’s potential role as a Goodwill Ambassador focused on providing humanitarian assistance to forcibly displaced individuals.

 

 

 

At the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations, Dr. Ostrum and the JWF delegation received insights into Germany’s priority areas as an upcoming candidate for the Security Council. Mr. Holger Dreiseitl, Spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN briefed the delegation on the critical importance of revitalizing SDG #17: Global Partnerships, especially in light of its role as a Co-Facilitator of the recent Summit of the Future during UNGA79.