The International Board of Directors of Franciscans International met in New York City from 15 to 20 November 2022. On 16 November, we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet at the United Nations with Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, in which she highlighted the important role played by faith-based organizations in promoting the rights and dignity of all people and respect for our common home.
The Deputy Secretary-General offered us an invitation: to help top UN level personnel connect with the local communities. Our response to her was the assurance of our help and support with those connections. Ms Mohammed conveyed to us her deep faith in God as she navigates the difficulties of work and life.
FI works with Franciscans and other local partners around the world to bring the local community voices to the UN, where we provide a platform to advocate for concrete and positive change.
We are challenged and motivated by this faith-filled conversation we had at this level at the UN and look forward to providing further opportunities for all Franciscans and their local communities to link back to UN resources.
The International Board of Directors:
- Michael Perry OFM
Order of Friars Minor - Joseph Blay OFMConv
Order of Friars Minor Conventual - James Donegan OFMCap
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin - José Eduardo Jazo Tarín TOR
Third Order Regular - Charity Lydia Katongo Nkandu SFMA
International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular - Carolyn D. Townes OFS
Secular Franciscan Order - Blair Matheson TSSF
Society of Saint Francis - Markus Heinze OFM
Executive Director / Ex Officio member