Global Advocacy at the UN with Janet Palafox, IBVM
Episode Summary: Sr. Brenda welcomes Janet Palafox, IBVM, NGO representative to the United Nations, for an enlightening discussion on social justice, poverty and global disparities. Together, they unpack the historical and systemic roots of poverty, exploring how colonization and enslavement have shaped the modern world. Janet introduces the concept of reparations, framing it as a necessary repayment for exploitation rather than a charitable act. She offers a fresh perspective on how global development has disproportionately benefited the Global North at the expense of the Global South. The episode concludes with an introspective discussion on the role of religious advocates at the UN and their potential to influence meaningful change in addressing these pressing issues. Enter this powerful and reflective conversation!
About Janet Palafox, IBVM (click to expand)
Sr. Janet Palafox, IBVM, has served as the NGO Representative to the United Nations for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate and the Congregation of Jesus (IBVM/CJ UNNGO) since May 2020. She joined the Loreto Sisters in 2002 after a decade in the banking industry. Actively engaged in UN NGO coalitions, she is the Secretary of the Working Group on Girls (WGG), Vice-Chair of the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, and a Steering Committee member of the Justice Coalition of Religious (JCoR). Born in the Philippines, Sr. Janet is passionate about social justice, Catholic Social Teaching, and advocating for the most marginalized. With over 20 years of experience in advocacy, awareness-raising, and community development, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Graduate Diplomas in Human Resource Management and Theology, and a Master’s in Development Studies.
Love & Speak the Truth podcast is made possible by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, US Region
Executive Producers: Megan Beutel and Jennifer Schmitz
Sound Track: Laurenti Wright on keyboard
Music Composition of Women Bearing Witness: Maria Bierer, IBVM
All Rights Reserved 2025-26. ™
Dear Sister,
I am a religious sister from Uganda, trying to get in touch with a Sister of BVM, called Hadro Teri,
Could she be of your Institute ?
I got a letter from her and I m not sure if it is genuine communication,
Kindly see if you can get her email for me.
Kind regards,
Sr. Sophia Agnes ASiimwe