presse release

PRESS RELEASE
– Paris, March 5, 2025 –

UNESCO hosted the fifth edition of the Femina Vox International Forum, an  event created and directed by Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Artist for Peace  and Ambassador for Peace of the Universal Circle of Ambassadors of Peace  (Geneva), Vice President of the UNF, and Ambassador of the Declaration of the  Rights of Humanity. Free and open to all, this forum once again achieved  resounding success, bringing together an engaged audience to amplify women’s  voices worldwide. 

Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF and Secretary-General of the  Declaration of the Rights of Humanity, would like to thank our Vice Presidents  Manal El Abssy and Ronald Jappont, our Secretary-General Carole Berté, as well as  the numerous UNF Ambassadors who traveled from various countries to  participate in this essential forum to assess the actions needed to achieve gender  equality. Special thanks to Guila Clara Kessous for enabling the UNF to be one of  the partners of this event. 

Going Beyond the Beijing Declaration  

Introduced by a powerful performance of Chinese artist Qian Qu, the first  roundtable brought together Wang Yanping, Wang Xiangxian, and Yvonne Yung  Hun, who shared insights on progress and persistent challenges regarding  women’s rights. Yvonne Yung Hun, actress and former beauty queen, delivered a  powerful message to all women: “Learn to love yourself, believe in yourself, listen to  your emotions, and believe in your dreams to be free to choose your own path.” 

The speakers emphasized that while the Beijing Declaration, adopted 30 years  ago, laid the foundation for the fight for gender equality, it must now be surpassed  to accelerate societal transformation and secure a legitimate place for women in  both economic and political spheres.  

This discussion was followed by a powerful performance by Les Mamans du Congo,  whose music conveyed a strong message about the role of African women in  society.  

Women: Key Players in Global Diplomacy  

Chantal Chambu Mwavita, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic  of Congo, delivered a poignant testimony on her commitment and the urgency of  making women’s voices heard in diplomatic and governmental institutions:  

“Every day, we must fight to ensure that women’s rights are not just promises but  tangible realities. We should not compete with men but rather perfect humanity  together.”  

She also called on the international community for urgent assistance in response  to the ongoing war affecting her country.  

The session concluded with a moving performance by Hura Mirshekari, an Iranian  activist singer, whose voice resonated with the audience, expressing the struggle  of women for their fundamental rights. 

Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for Social and Human Transformation  

Entrepreneurship was also at the heart of discussions, not only as an economic  driver but also as a tool for resilience and empowerment for women living in war,  fundamentalist, or repressive contexts.  

The roundtable featured Amida Haman (Afghanistan), Shayda Hessami (France/ Iran), Bushra Alzoubi (Syria), and Najat Vallaud-Belkacem (France), who shared  their experiences as pioneers of change on the ground.  

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, former French minister and President of France Terre  d’Asile, strongly emphasized: “Femina Vox gives a voice to women activists  worldwide, who demand one simple thing that I summarize as follows: women  should be at the table instead of being on the menu!” 

Bushra Alzoubi seized the opportunity to address the international community:  “It is time to stop seeing Syrian women as victims. We are fighters.”  

The Asian Women’s Choir then moved the audience with a musical performance  celebrating the diversity and strength of women around the world.  

Engaging Men for Real Equality  

Gender equality cannot be achieved without transforming male mindsets. Three  committed men spoke about the importance of male allies in this fight:  Mathieu Narendra, Malagasy activist for women’s rights  

Siyabulela Jentile, founder of the South African movement Not in My Name  International  

Marcos Vinicius Torres Pereira, professor of civil and international private law in  Brazil 

Siyabulela Jentile stressed that this fight is not solely a women’s issue: 

“Defending women’s rights should not be seen as a women’s struggle but as a  human struggle.”  

Guila Clara Kessous concluded this session by reminding: “All women must have  access to the same rights as men, not as women, but as human beings. This fight  can only be won together, with men and women united.”

Growing Success and International Recognition  

This 5th edition of the Femina Vox International Forum once again celebrated the  progress made toward gender equality while stressing the urgency of continuing  the fight.  

President Emmanuel Macron praised the initiative, stating:  

“Femina Vox is an essential platform for expressing women’s rights.”  

Through powerful testimonies, expert insights, and artistic performances from  around the world (China, Congo, Iran, Bangladesh), the event demonstrated that  collective action is the key to change.  

The key message of this edition?  

“The future will not wait for us, and neither will we.”  

A slogan repeated multiple times, highlighting the urgency of amplifying women’s  voices and relaying these discussions in international media. 

Relive the entire 5th edition of the Femina Vox International Forum on

Watch the FranceInfo report  

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG6LruXvc0z/?igsh=bzF3ZHh4bjhndnM2 

UNF together with Alliance pour la Préservation des Forêts were main partners of  this memorable event.  

Conference organized by the Foreign Affairs Commission in the Galerie des Fêtes of the Hôtel de Lassay in Paris on February 6, 2025.

At the initiative of Mr. Bruno Fuchs, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the French National Assembly, a conference was held to identify solutions for building a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Mrs. Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, emphasized the importance of this conference, particularly due to the various positions on the Middle East situation, including those of Mr. Donald Trump. Personalities particularly concerned with the topic contributed to formulating suggestions that the Foreign Affairs Commission may present publicly:

• Henri Laurens, historian, Chair of Contemporary History of the Arab World at the Collège de France
• David Khalfa, Co-Director of the North Africa – Middle East Observatory at the Jean Jaurès Foundation
• Éric Danon, former French Ambassador to Israel
• Brigitte Curmi, former French Ambassador for Syria
• Joseph Bahout, Director of the IFI at the American University of Beirut
• Agnès Levallois, Vice-President of IReMMO
• Mara Rudman, Emeritus Professor at the Miller Center, Deputy Envoy for Middle East Peace under the Obama Administration
• François Gouyette, former French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
• Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the United Arab Emirates Council
• Einat Wilf, politician, former Knesset Member
• Hasni Abidi, Director of CERMAM

Arnaud Pontus, journalist and host of Le Grand Invité on RFI, and Stéphanie Antoine, journalist and host of Le Débat on France 24, skillfully moderated the event.

We would like to particularly thank Mr. Bruno Fuchs, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly, for inviting us to participate in this important event of reflection on a subject that is particularly close to our hearts.

At UNF, we have many ambassadors from this region of the world who are working towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The UNF, along with Christophe Giovannetti, its President and Secretary-General of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Humanity, will always stand alongside those who seek a lasting, just, and respectful peace for the people of the region. You can watch the conference at the following link: https://youtu.be/y4zN150gUr0

Press Contact:
Christophe Giovannetti
President of the UNF
[email protected]

November 11, Paris, France – The UNF is proud to have been a partner in the Hope  Giver campaign, an international movement led by the renowned Egyptian tennis  player Anwar El Kamony. Despite facing severe health challenges, Anwar  successfully returned to the international stage two years after doctors had  considered amputating his hands. This campaign is a remarkable beacon of hope  for anyone navigating a tumultuous path in life.  

Christophe Giovannetti Pdt de UNF, Corinne Lepage, Manal El Abssy – Vices  President de UNF and Guila Clara Kessous Ambassador of the UNF, participated in  three inspiring days to conclude the Hope Giver 2024 campaign alongside Anwar  El Kamony and esteemed Egyptian personalities who extended a warm hospitality.  We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Sports and Youth, for his kindness and dedication to  para-sports; the Ministry of Tourism for their assistance during our stay; Professor  Dr. El Tayeb Abbas, CEO of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, for  personally guiding us through this exceptional museum; Mr. Amr Adawy, Vice  President of EgyptAir, for making our journey so pleasant; and the Director of the  American University in Cairo for hosting an inspiring masterclass on their campus.  We also extend our gratitude to Eng. Mohamed Fahmi, Director of the University  of Technology, for facilitating our engagement with Egypt’s youth—the primary  stakeholders in the values championed by the UNF. 

We would like to thank the artists who joined us, sharing moments of emotion as  a family: the incredible adventurer Sean Swarner; the famous Egyptian singer  Safaa Abo El Saoud, Pdt of art and culture of the hope giver campaign; Italian  singer Federico Martello; Venetian soprano Anna Sanachina; Monaco’s glamorous  ambassador Delia Grace Noble; singer Samantha Lorraine Takes; and young cello  prodigy Benjamin Jacobs. Thank you for delivering such an emotional  performance, symbolizing unity among all people—abled or disabled, regardless of  race or religion.  

We also extend our gratitude to Mr. Khaled Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman and  Managing Director of Administrative Capital, for enabling us to visit Cairo’s  impressive new city. This remarkable urban development combines the grandeur  of ancient Egypt with the modernity of a New Egypt. The colossal infrastructures,  reminiscent of ancient Egyptian achievements, amazed and fascinated us.  

Special thanks go to Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki Stephanous, President of the Protestant  Church of Egypt and President of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social  Services, for presenting his admirable work promoting respect among all religions  in Egypt and aiding millions in need. We are proud to stand alongside you in your  efforts. Additionally, we are honored to support the Swiss association No  Difference, which helps individuals with disabilities realize their dreams, achieve  challenges in sports and culture, and foster social integration through self-esteem  and personal growth. Claudio Alessi, co-founder of No Difference, eloquently and  generously conveyed the organization’s mission.  

Lastly, we extend our deepest gratitude to Anwar El Kamony, founder of Hope  Giver, and Manal El Abssy, President of International Affairs for the campaign.  Christophe Giovannetti remarked: “Anwar, from the first day we met, a strong bond of friendship was formed. Through our shared experiences of health  challenges, we connected, but most importantly, we unite with you around a  future of sharing and helping others. From the bottom of our hearts, we love you!”  On this occasion, an ambitious humanitarian program to combat malaria in Africa  was announced under the high patronage of the Vatican. The initial beneficiaries  of this program will be Hope Giver in Egypt and the Republic of Congo.  We will always stand with HOPE GIVER!  

Press Contact:  

Christophe Giovannetti  

President of the UNF  

[email protected] 

About the UNF:  

Through partnerships and initiatives, UNF tackles global challenges and works to  improve living conditions worldwide.  

We are honored to announce that Hervé Diaz, Ambassador of the Union Nations  Federation (UNF), has been awarded the Order of the Pléiade.  

Recognized for his commitment to youth education and training, as well as for his  economic development initiatives, particularly across the African continent, Hervé  Diaz stands out for his dedication and actions in support of the Francophonie.  

Established on April 30, 1976, in New York, the Order of the Pléiade is administered  by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie. It is the only prestigious  international distinction awarded by a parliamentary assembly in tribute to  individuals who serve the ideals of the Francophonie.  

The Pléiade insignia, symbolizing this honor, is a 45 mm medallion surrounded by  seven blue-enamel branches, each adorned with a star, evoking the Pléiades  constellation.  

Mr. Bruno Fuchs, Member of Parliament for Haut-Rhin, President of the Foreign  Affairs Commission, and General Delegate of the Parliamentary Assembly of the  Francophonie, presented this distinction to Hervé Diaz during a ceremony marked  by a stirring speech.  

Mr. Fuchs, a renowned specialist in African affairs, praised Hervé Diaz’s efforts and  humanitarian spirit dedicated to the development of the African continent. 

Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF, also paid tribute to his colleague  and friend:  

“The entire UNF team is very proud to see this prestigious distinction awarded to  Hervé Diaz, in recognition of his work in Africa, but above all for his humanitarian  values, which unite us all. Congratulations, my friend!”  

The Union Nations Federation (UNF) is proud to announce its strong support for the global Hope Giver Campaign (THGC) and will actively participate in the campaign’s Closing Ceremony, set to take place in Egypt from December 5 to December 7, 2024.

The Hope Giver Campaign is a global movement advocating for the power of hope, inspired by the remarkable survival story of Anwar Elkamony. Through  his personal journey of overcoming extreme adversity,  

Elkamony launched this annual campaign, which now  

spans 23 countries and reaches millions of individuals across the world. The  campaign seeks to uplift and empower diverse communities, including cancer  fighters, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, orphans, homeless individuals,  mental health patients, and those recovering from trauma or severe illness. 

Founded on five key pillars—cancer, disabilities, sustainable development, sports  and art, and humanitarian projects—the Hope Giver Campaign is committed to  creating positive change and spreading hope across the globe.

The Closing Ceremony in Egypt will feature a series of high-profile events:  

December 5: A marathon led by Sean Warner, the only individual to summit  Mount Everest with one lung.  

December 6: A skydiving event over the iconic Pyramids of Giza, followed by a  grand finale at The American University in Cairo.  

December 7: A Women’s Empowerment Masterclass and gala dinner at the  National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. 

Since its inception in 2021, the Hope Giver Campaign has continued to inspire  people from all walks of life, with a clear message from Elkamony: “Nothing is  impossible… Look at how I overcame years of suffering. With hope, we can break  through barriers and support communities worldwide.”  

The UNF is honored to support this campaign. Founder Christophe Giovannetti  expressed his pride in joining the movement: “The Hope Giver Campaign gives  people a chance to reclaim their dignity, especially those who have faced immense  struggles.  

Through remarkable experiences, such as opening extraordinary locations just for  them, we help them emerge victorious from difficult times.”  

The UNF’s presence at the Closing Ceremony underscores its commitment to  fostering hope, resilience, and empowerment for individuals across the globe.  

Media Contact: 

Christophe Giovannetti  

Founder of the UNF  

[email protected]  

About UNF: 

Through partnerships and initiatives, the UNF addresses global challenges and  works to improve lives worldwide.  

About the Hope Giver Campaign: 

The Hope Giver Campaign is a global initiative founded by Anwar Elkamony. It is  dedicated to spreading hope, empowering communities, and supporting  individuals through a wide range of activities that promote resilience and hope.

Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF is pleased to announce the appointment of Yodé and Siro, famous artists from the Republic of Côte D’Ivoire, as Ambassadors of our organization to promote our values of peace, justice and equality on the African continent.

Yodé & Siro is an Ivorian Zouglou band, very popular in Africa from Abidjan. It was formed in 1996, and is made up of two members who have always been committed to defending the environment, particularly through their foundation.

The YeS foundation has just achieved a feat in 43 days by reforesting an area of 182 hectares through several localities in Côte d’Ivoire visited by their popular reforestation caravan.

A constructive working meeting took place during the signing of the Declaration in the presence of Yodé and Siro, the President of the DDHU Corinne Lepage, the President of the UNF Christophe Giovannetti, Carole Berté, Administrative Director of the UNF and Yannick Bery, President of the Citizen Movement “Marcoury en Avant”.

The UNF is an international NGO in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with influential members in 32 countries.

Under the impetus of Our Ambassador Charles Eric Hoffman, who introduced our members to a new way of feeling better emotionally and physically, we are happy to appoint Guillaume Delahaye today as Ambassador to promote a new way of being well in one’s body and in his mind.

Guillaume Delahaye has changed his path from a traditional entrepreneur to turn to others and become a therapist specializing in the field of well-being and emotional health. He has developed his own therapeutic approach called “La Pyralide”, based on the alignment and evolution of spiritual bodies. All of his specialties have enabled many patients to overcome their emotional, mental and behavioral difficulties.

Mental health being closely linked to physical health, Guillaume Delahaye was also interested in alternative medicine and holistic approaches. He uses natural and noninvasive methods to help his patients reach their full health potential. It encourages the adoption of practices that promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

He highlights the importance of the prevention of stress-related diseases, burnout, depression, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis and emotional support during degenerative diseases such as cancer. His desire is to create a 3D medicine combining traditional medicine and alternative therapy to support each person in a global and holistic approach to health.

Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF, declares: “It is with joy that we welcome into our organization a humanist who has dedicated his life to the well-being of others and whose talents must be known to all. »

On December 16 2022, a charity evening was held to celebrate the opening of the UNF Office in Ghana, under the High Patronage of the Minister of the Region, His Excellency Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, in order to honor men and women for their commitment to peace, justice and a better world.

Siriam Tieye, Director of Africa and the Great Lakes indicated the objectives and ongoing missions of UNF Ghana in all the sectors of activity concerned for the year 2023 and 2024.

Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF, unfortunately absent for health reasons, wanted to express his gratitude to his collaborator Siriam Tieye for his commitment and the realization of this evening bringing together so many dignitaries from the public service and the private sector. A musical show respecting Ghanaian traditions closed this evening, also dedicated to the defense of albinos in Africa.

Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF, is pleased to announce the signing of the Declaration of the Rights of Humanity by the Institut Pasteur de Lille.

By signing, this Friday, November 18, 2022, the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights, the Institut Pasteur de Lille reaffirms its commitment to the protection of current and future generations, illustrated on a daily basis through its research and prevention activities in favor of longevity and infectious diseases.

Corinne Lepage, former Minister of the Environment and Jacques Richir, Deputy Mayor of Lille and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institut Pasteur de Lille signed on Friday November 18, 2022 the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights (DuDH ) alongside Christophe Giovannetti, President of the UNF and Secretary General of the Friends of the DDHU and Didier Bonneau, General Deputy Director of the Institute.

With this commitment, the Institut Pasteur de Lille joins the signatories of this charter (local authorities, companies, universities, etc.), initiated in 2015 by Corinne Lepage at the request of the President of the Republic François Hollande for COP 21.

The DNA of the Institut Pasteur de Lille, created in 1895 by Louis Pasteur and Albert Calmette to enable the inhabitants of Lille to fight against a serious epidemic of diphtheria is in perfect coherence with the rights and duties of the DuDH, which “proclaims the right living species and Humanity to exist and live in a healthy environment” according to Corinne Lepage, founder of the text.

The Institut Pasteur de Lille has been committed for 120 years to health research and innovation to enable everyone to “Live better longer”. Today, 600 researchers and members of the scientific community contribute, through their discoveries and preventive actions, to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Among the rights, duties and principles enacted by this text, the Institut Pasteur de Lille retains in particular the “duty to direct scientific and technical progress towards the preservation of the health of the human species and of other species,” and the right “to peace and security in environmental, health, food, economic and political terms.

This commitment of current generations to the benefit of future generations is found in the very spirit of the Institut Pasteur de Lille: On the occasion of the signing of the Declaration, Jacques Richir notably recalled that Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin, co – Inventors in 1921 of BCG, a vaccine against tuberculosis, made the choice to offer it to the world, thus saving millions of children at a time when tuberculosis, called the white plague, was wreaking havoc.

The UNF from the beginning of its constitution has always taken as its fundamental value the economic and social development of the African continent by respecting the traditions and values of human rights and humanity.

The Congo has sufficient land (ten million hectares), a highly developed hydrographic network, a favorable climate for agriculture, forests (which cover nearly 22 million hectares) and natural resources, such as oil and mining.

The UNF is happy to provide support in the areas of innovation, security, health, housing and training for a modern Congo in the face of all current challenges.

The UNF and the Republic of Congo, by signing a headquarters agreement, demonstrate their joint desire to participate together in the defense of their common values: Unity, Work, Progress.

The UNF is an International NGO with Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC), with influential members in 32 countries and with official offices in Paris, Geneva, Moroni, Dar Es Salam, London, Bratislava, Conakry, Banjul, Takoradi and Brazzaville.