Our program on Immigration: “A Stronger, More Inclusive World Through International Cooperation.”

“A Stronger, More Inclusive World Through International Cooperation.”

Event Report

United Nations Day 2026

A Stronger, More Inclusive World Through International Cooperation

Organizer: United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), San Fernando Valley Chapter
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM PDT
Featured Speaker: Carl Shusterman, Immigration Attorney and Former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Attorney
Moderator: Dr. Soraya Fallah, Co-President, UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Chapter

1. Overview

The UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Chapter commemorated United Nations Day 2026 with a special program entitled A Stronger, More Inclusive World Through International Cooperation, featuring immigration law expert and attorney Carl Shusterman.

The program provided an opportunity to reflect on the founding principles of the United Nations, including peace, international cooperation, human dignity, human rights, equality, and the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.

Moderated by Dr. Soraya Fallah, Co-President of the UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Chapter, the discussion examined immigration as both a legal and humanitarian issue, highlighting its connections to human rights, social inclusion, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

2. Featured Speaker and Discussion

Carl Shusterman shared his professional experience and perspectives on the U.S. immigration system, drawing on his background as a former attorney with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and his subsequent career as an immigration attorney.

The moderated discussion addressed several important dimensions of immigration, including:

• Personal and professional experience: How working within the immigration system and subsequently representing immigrants shaped his understanding of the challenges individuals and families face.

• Current immigration challenges: The major difficulties facing the U.S. immigration system and potential reforms to make it more effective, fair, and humane.

• Human dignity and human rights: The importance of balancing national security and immigration laws with the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals and families.

• International cooperation: The role of international collaboration in addressing forced displacement, migration, family separation, and refugee protection.

• Immigrants' contributions: The economic, educational, cultural, and social contributions immigrants make to American society.

• Sustainable Development Goals: The relationship between immigration and the UN's goals for peace, justice, reduced inequalities, gender equality, quality education, and global partnerships.

• Civic engagement and public dialogue: The responsibility of community organizations, educators, and individuals to promote informed discussion and counter misinformation and prejudice.

3. Audience Participation

Following the moderated discussion, the program included an audience question-and-answer session. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the speaker, raise questions, and explore issues related to immigration policy, human rights, and international cooperation.

The exchange provided an opportunity for participants to connect professional perspectives on immigration law with broader questions of social responsibility, inclusion, and the protection of human dignity.

4. Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The program highlighted the relevance of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promoting access to justice, effective institutions, and respect for human rights.

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Addressing discrimination and barriers that affect immigrants and marginalized communities.

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Recognizing the particular challenges and vulnerabilities experienced by immigrant women and girls.

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Supporting educational opportunities and equitable access to learning for immigrant communities.

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening international and community partnerships to address shared challenges.

The discussion reinforced the idea that sustainable development and inclusive societies require cooperation across national borders and meaningful participation at the community level.

5. Closing Remarks and Key Message

In closing, Dr. Fallah thanked Carl Shusterman for sharing his knowledge and professional experience, as well as the participants for their engagement.

The closing remarks emphasized that building a peaceful, just, and inclusive world requires more than good intentions. It requires informed citizens, compassionate leadership, constructive dialogue, respect for human dignity, and meaningful international cooperation.

The program concluded with a reminder that the founding vision of the United Nations remains relevant: countries and peoples must work together to address common challenges and build a better future.

6. Conclusion

The UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Chapter's United Nations Day 2026 program provided a meaningful platform for discussing immigration through the broader lens of international cooperation, human rights, and sustainable development.

By bringing together professional expertise and community dialogue, the event reaffirmed the importance of education, advocacy, and civic engagement in building a stronger and more inclusive world.

The chapter extends its appreciation to Carl Shusterman, all participants, and everyone who contributed to the success of this United Nations Day commemoration.

Prepared by:
Dr. Soraya Fallah
Co-President, UNA-USA San Fernando Valley Chapter