The United Nations Association of New York 2024 UN Day Humanitarian Awards Dinner
Left to right: UNA-NYC President Abid Qureshi, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, ELC Executive Chairman William P. Lauder, and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. | Photo: Melanie Zhang
Hot on the heels of the UN General Assembly, last week the United Nations Association of New York celebrated the 79th anniversary of the United Nations, as it held its annual UN Day Humanitarian Awards Gala Dinner, this year with a special focus on Sustainable Development Goal 5: gender equality. In the halls of the Metropolitan Club, one of our city’s most beautiful spaces, UN leaders, business leaders, and international fashion icons gathered to celebrate progress and recognize the challenges facing women and girls today.
We were pleased to be joined once again by MSNBC’s Richard Lui, who emceed the evening after opening remarks by Stéphane Dujarric, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesman.
For their tireless work on behalf of women and girls around the world, we were thrilled to award three honorees: The Estée Lauder Companies, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.
Left to right: Estée Lauder Global Ambassador Karlie Kloss, UNA-NYC President Abid Qureshi, and ELC Executive Chairman William P. Lauder
Exemplifying corporate leadership: The Estée Lauder Companies
Founded by a woman more than five decades ago, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is not just among the world’s favorite cosmetic brands — it’s also a champion of gender equality. ELC supports women and girls through numerous programs focused on education, health, and more.
“ELC doesn’t just talk the talk — they act, boldly,” said UNA-NYC President Abid Qureshi in his introductory remarks.
We were thrilled to be joined by three Estée Lauder Global Ambassadors: Karlie Kloss, Elizabeth Hurley, and — virtually — Amanda Gorman. Ms. Kloss spoke on stage about ELC’s support of her non-profit Kode with Klossy, while Ms. Gorman, the US’s National Youth Poet Laureate, delivered remarks via a recorded message and discussed her own partnership with ELC in support of girls’ literacy.
Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Executive Chairman William P. Lauder dedicated his speech to the women at the heart of ELC’s success. “Our company — at heart — was built by women, with women, for women.”
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF
A global voice for girls:
Catherine Russell
As Executive Director of UNICEF since 2022, Catherine Russell oversees the organization’s work in over 190 countries and territories. Amid immense challenges, she has never wavered in her demands that global leaders step up their support for girls.
Under her leadership, UNICEF has helped the global community understand that the climate crisis is also a children’s rights crisis: one in which girls suffer disproportionate consequences. In her acceptance speech, Ms. Russell reflected on some of the girls she has met through her work — and underscored the impact they can make when supported by the global community.
“Today, 600 million adolescent girls represent the largest generation of potential leaders, earners innovators, and changemakers the world has ever known,” said Ms. Russell. “Their potential is immense, but in too many places that potential is at risk.”
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
Making women a priority at the UN: Sima Bahous
Established in 2010, UN Women is one of the United Nation’s newest entities: indeed, Ms. Bahous is only the third Executive Director in its history. Yet in little time, she and the agency she leads have grown and made considerable impact. Just a few years ago, for example, UN Women entered the humanitarian space, ensuring that women are prioritized in emergency situations.
There is still much to be done — Ms. Bahous pointed out that of the 193 speakers who took to the podium at the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly, only 10 percent were women — but the Executive Director’s message was ultimately one of hope.
“The best way to have powerful, high-impact, rapid, and — yes — cost-effective humanitarian solutions is to invest in empowering women, in empowering youth, in empowering girls — and to invest in them urgently,” concluded Ms. Bahous. “They are our best hope for a peaceful, just, and prosperous present and future.”
The UNA-NYC Board of Directors and staff give special thanks to all honorees, partners, guests, and volunteers for their support and participation in another outstanding Gala Dinner. We look forward to next year’s!
All Photography: MelanieQuinnPhotography.com