Sharon Birch

About Sharon Birch

Undertaking media outreach as well as developing communication strategies around sustainable development form the basis of my work at the United Nations. Whether I am working on the launch of major UN reports such as the Sustainable Development Goals Report and the World Economic Situation and Prospects Report or developing the programme for a SDG Media Zone (a live broadcast of panel discussions and interviews on the SDGs), my experience in communications at the UN continues to be exciting and rewarding. I am interested in SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries. By extension, I believe that fostering diversity and inclusion and ensuring that everyone, not only a few, have access to basic needs—good health care, quality education, food and other assets— is crucial to creating a better world for all. Diversity and inclusion will definitely be a core focus for me moving forward.

Experience

1. Public Information Officer

   United Nations

   Sep 2021 — Present

   2017 - Developed the programmes for the SDG Media Zone—a live broadcast of panel discussions and interviews— at the Ocean Conference (June 2017) and at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly- Prepared press kits for several major reports including the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2017 and the World Economic Situation and Prospects Report 20••••16 - Developed a comprehensive press kit for the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals on 1 January 2016 which included backgrounders, FAQs and Press Releases- Contributed to the creation of the press kit for the newly appointed SDG Advocates-Undertook extensive media outreach for the SDGs. 2015 Launch of the final Millennium Development Goals Report - Developed the press kit for the Millennium Development Goals Report 2015. The press kit included a press release, backgrounder, FAQs as well as key messages. Material was shared across the UN system and the media was engaged- Coordinated the participation of the United Nations Information Centres in pushing out the report- Developed a social media strategy for the MDG report and shared across the UN system. Campaigns in 2015 - Was instrumental in the development and implementation of the 2015: Time for Global Action communications strategy- Created social media packages around the themes of the 2015: Time for Global Action campaign- Prepared press materials for the Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015- Undertook media outreach activities for the campaign and the Summit by cultivating relationships with media associations, while seeking/developing new media partnerships.

Education

• Baruch College

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Corporate Communications

  2010 — 2011

• University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), French

  1991 — 1994