Connecting to Trade and Culture in Broward County
UNA Broward County Chapter participated in the 6th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE), November 17th, 18th, 2021 held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. FITCE welcomed high-level government leaders from 60 countries, international trade experts, and delegations from around the world. This was a great opportunity for UNA Broward County Board representatives to participate in dialogues relating to international trade, foreign direct investment, and culture; additionally, being the perfect venue for a Membership & Partnership Drive. UNA Broward County Chapter Board of Directors Vacancies were announced at FITCE, for Chair and Vice-Chair succession planning. Over the course of the two-day event, we made over 50 new connections who are interested to engage with UNA-USA through our SDG Sign-in. Our focus was on: Partnerships & Collaborations for the Global Goals (SDG 17), Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
Key connections and relationships strengthened included with the Broward County Chamber, Broward County Commission representing 31 cities, representatives from Broward County’s three leading public economic engines – Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau – as well as the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, the Broward Cultural Division and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward Kiwanis Clubs, Kids of Love, Girls in STEM Foundation, several Sister Cities Association chapters, and many more. UNA Broward County Chapter reinforced their presence at the newly inaugurated site for the Broward County Convention Center and promoted WFUNA (World Federation of United Nations Associations) for international reps.
A successful FITCE show wrapped up on Thursday, November 18th with a Hybrid in-person/virtual Chapter meeting and a SE Regional Chat via Zoom. On Friday morning, UNA Broward County Chapter was invited to participate in a celebration of International Men’s Day at Apollo Middle School. International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is to improve gender relations and promote gender equality not only for men but for women too, advocating for Gender Equality (SDG 5).
