Israel’s Mission to the UN held a special event celebrating 70 years of Israeli innovation and global contributions aimed at making the world a better place.

By: United with Israel Staff

Israel’s Mission to the United Nations (UN) on Thursday hosted a special forum celebrating 70 years of Israeli civil society innovation and the Jewish state’s contributions to the world.

The forum featured presentations from four Israeli NGOs that are working to make the world a better place.

Among the participating organizations were Save a Child’s Heart, an NGO dedicated to improving pediatric cardiac care for children in developing countries; ZAKA, which provides lifesaving search and rescue assistance to mass casualty emergencies worldwide; Innovation Africa, a non-profit using solar energy to provide clean water, light and refrigeration for vaccines and medication to schools, orphanages and medical clinics; and ISRAID, Israel’s life-saving disaster relief organization that offers long-term support for refugees.

“As we mark 70 years since the founding of the State of Israel, we recall with great pride our country’s commitment to helping others live a better life,” Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, stated. “We have committed ourselves to this cause since the birth of our state.”

“We recognize these organizations’ valuable contribution to the work of the UN and the realization of its 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Danon added.

17 Goals to Improve the World

The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development outlines 17 goals for the international community to implement by 2030 “to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.”

The project includes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which Israel has much to contribute.

For instance, in the sphere of water and sanitation, Israel has experienced much success in combating water scarcity on a global scale through a series of revolutionary technologies such as water desalination and drip irrigation.

Israel, which has been ranked as a world leader in water conservation, continues to share its expertise with countries struggling with water shortages.

Similarly, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV) has trained thousands of scientists and farmers in developing countries such as Swaziland, India, Ghana, and Columbia in water purification methods, helping the UN reach its goal “to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.”

Startups Find Solutions to Global Challenges

On the issue of innovation and infrastructure, with more startups per capita than any other country, Israel continues to use its expertise in science and technology to find solutions to a series of global challenges.

The UN’s ninth goal to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” is present in all facets of Israeli society. From security to health, to transportation, Israeli startups have not only significantly bolstered Israel’s economy, but continue to improve the quality of life for millions around the world.

Speaking at an international conference hosted by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya’s School of Sustainability in December, Roberto Valent, the Special Representative of the United Nations Development Program, informed participants that “Israel is pushing forward and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in a very practical manner.”

“The UN is very happy that Israel is advanced in not only its own actions towards the SDGs implementation, but in also providing a platform for others in the areas of gender, gender equality, education, and especially in innovation,” he stated.