Salt Lake City, Utah – August 26-28, 2019 – Vanguard Service Brigade International (VSB) proudly participated in the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference, a premier global forum for civil society engagement, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year’s conference focused on the theme “Building Inclusive and Sustainable Communities”, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by 2030.
With over 3,000 participants representing 700+ civil society organizations from more than 100 countries, the conference served as a platform for global dialogue, strategic collaboration, and actionable solutions to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, urban development, infrastructure, education, and social inclusion.
Vanguard Service Brigade International’s Key Contributions:
- Collaboration in Inclusive Communities & Social Sustainability: VSB actively participated in the “Inclusive Communities – Leaving No One Behind” thematic session, sharing insights on grassroots initiatives that support marginalized groups, economic empowerment, and access to essential services.
- Climate Action & Community Engagement: The VSB team joined the “Climate Change – Communities in Action” discussions, emphasizing local solutions for sustainability, disaster resilience, and eco-conscious urban planning.
- Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution: As part of the “Peaceful Societies – Recovering from Conflict and Nurturing Peace” track, VSB contributed to conversations on grassroots peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive governance strategies.
- Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development: VSB engaged with young leaders in the “Youth-led Session – Creating Opportunities and Economic Success for Youth”, advocating for skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for future generations.
Strategic Collaborations & Outcomes:
VSB leveraged the conference to strengthen partnerships with global organizations, UN agencies, academic institutions, and public-private sector leaders. These collaborations aim to accelerate sustainable urban development, enhance community-driven initiatives, and implement scalable solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
The conference’s outcome document, developed by civil society representatives, highlights key action points and policy recommendations. Vanguard Service Brigade International actively contributed to these discussions, reinforcing our commitment to building resilient and inclusive communities worldwide.