JWF High-Level Reception 2025 and Ramadan Iftar Dinner: A Night of Unity, Dialogue, and Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
[New York, NY – March 10, 2025] – The Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) hosted a distinguished High-Level Reception and Ramadan Iftar Dinner on the occasion of the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Held at the stunning Penthouse45 rooftop venue in Manhattan, the evening brought together a diverse gathering of UN ambassadors, diplomats, interfaith and civil society leaders, academics, journalists, and youth advocates to celebrate the ongoing efforts towards women empowerment, gender equality and sustainable peace.
The event was a powerful demonstration of the intersection between women’s rights advocacy and interfaith dialogue, as it coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. Attendees were welcomed by Cemre Ulker, JWF’s Representative to the UN Department of Global Communications, who set the tone for the evening by emphasizing the importance of global partnerships, inclusivity, and mutual understanding in advancing the rights of women and girls. She acknowledged the presence of Global Partners from the United States, Romania, Canada, Poland, the UK, Albania, and across Latin America, as well as esteemed UN Ambassadors and Youth Representatives, highlighting the significance of collective action in tackling gender disparities.
The reception’s agenda featured compelling speeches and discussions, beginning with welcoming remarks from Mehmet Kilic, President of the Journalists and Writers Foundation. In his address, Kilic underscored the importance of strategic collaborations in achieving gender equality and empowering women across all sectors. Kilic said: “This year, we are thrilled to have collaborated with 16 NGOs from 7 countries to organize 14 panel discussions, 1 high-level reception, and 1 film screening focused on Women’s Rights.” He reiterated that partnerships and youth engagement are the driving forces of transformative change, encouraging participants to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation and amplify the voices of women and girls worldwide.
A key highlight of the evening was an insightful presentation on the themes that JWF and its Global Partners will explore during the two-week CSW69 session. The audience gained an in-depth understanding of the 14-panel discussions and initiatives focused on evaluating the progress made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration, the first global policy document to emphasize the rights of girls. As this year (2025) marks the 30th anniversary of the declaration, panelists reflected on the persistent challenges hindering women empowerment and gender equality, the achievements made thus far, and the urgent need for renewed commitments to close the gender gap.
Another major highlight of the evening was the focus on youth leadership. The event provided a platform for young advocates to voice their ideas, share best practices, and engage in meaningful dialogue with high-level decision-makers. Priyanka Chahal, JWF’s Program Associate and Youth Representative to the United Nations DGC, delivered an inspiring speech on the need for youth inclusion in global policy discussions. She emphasized that young people are at the forefront of driving sustainable solutions, and their active participation in decision-making processes is essential for achieving true gender equality.
The event also featured an interfaith faith leaders, including Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See Mission to the UN; Dr. Ronnie Perelis, Associate Professor of Sephardic Studies at Yeshiva University; Father James DiLuzio, Director of the Paulist Associates & Paulist NYC Interfaith Relations Liaison; and Dr. Nuray Yurt, Board President of Peace Islands Institute and Executive for Merck who each shared profound reflections on the shared values of fasting, charity, and compassion in their respective religious traditions. They emphasized the role of interfaith dialogue in fostering harmony, addressing global challenges such as poverty and violence, and strengthening community resilience. Rev. Dr. Toshikazu K. Nakagaki, President Emeritus of the Buddhist Council of New York was also among the interfaith leaders who has contributed to building peaceful and inclusive societies through interfaith dialogue.
Recognizing the spiritual significance of Ramadan and its alignment with the values of empathy, generosity, and social justice, the event also featured a special segment dedicated to interfaith dialogue. Distinguished faith leaders from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—including Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, Dr. Ronnie Perelis (Jewish tradition), Father James DiLuzio (Roman Catholic Christian tradition), and Dr. Nuray Yurt (Islamic tradition)—spoke on the importance of fasting, charity, and unity in their respective religious traditions. Their reflections reinforced the common values that bind diverse faith communities together, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. As a gesture of gratitude, JWF President Mehmet Kilic presented beautifully crafted Turkish ceramic plates, honoring their steadfast commitment to interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and the peaceful coexistence of all people.
The call to prayer was observed before breaking fast, symbolizing the unity and shared human experience across different religious backgrounds. An open buffet dinner was then served, allowing guests to continue engaging in networking and discussions against the breathtaking backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
As the evening progressed, the program highlighted the impact of global partnerships in advancing women’s rights. JWF proudly showcased the work of partner organizations from across the United States, Canada, Romania, Poland, the United Kingdom, Albania, and Latin America, recognizing their dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment. These partners play an essential role in promoting policy changes, advocating for marginalized voices, and mobilizing grassroots initiatives to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.
As a token of appreciation, JWF presented its Global Partners with certificates and plaques to honor their unwavering commitment to gender equality, human rights, and social justice. This recognition reinforced the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that underpinned the entire event, serving as a powerful reminder that achieving meaningful change requires a united and sustained effort.
As CSW69 continues over the next two weeks, JWF and its 16 partners from 7 different countries remain dedicated to driving actionable solutions that address the 12 key areas of the Beijing Declaration, which remains the most comprehensive global framework for women’s rights. Panel discussions and advocacy initiatives will focus on evaluating progress, addressing new challenges, and accelerating efforts toward closing gender gaps.
The JWF CSW69 High-Level Reception and Ramadan Iftar Dinner successfully bridged communities, sectors, and generations, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for a more inclusive and equitable world. As the event concluded, the message was clear: Global partnerships, interfaith dialogue, and youth engagement are essential to achieving sustainable peace, gender equality, and social progress.
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