Third Annual Moms +SocialGood to Unite Mothers for Global Change on May 1, 2015 in New York City

On May 1, 2015, in honor of Mother’s Day, hundreds of advocates and experts will gather at the New York Times Center in New York City to share ideas and inspire action for improving the health and wellbeing of women and children around the world.

One of the happiest moments in a mother’s life should be the moment when she holds her new baby for the first time. However, in some parts of the world, pregnancy and childbirth is a time fraught with worry. Each day, an estimated 800 mothers and 18,000 young children die from largely preventable causes. Hosted by the United Nations Foundation and Johnson & Johnson, and broadcast globally via LiveStream, Moms +SocialGood will draw attention to some of the greatest challenges facing women and children, and put moms and dads at the forefront of the discussion on how to tackle these issues. The one-day event Moms +SocialGood will also kick off the Global Moms Relay, a digital stage where mothers, leaders and change-makers around the world can join the conversation, sharing their hopes and goals for a better future and inspiring action.

“As the world turns its attention to the next set of global development goals, it is more important than ever that we prioritize the wellbeing of women and children,” said Kathy Calvin, President and CEO, UN Foundation. “We know that the goal of ending preventable deaths among women and children is achievable, but we all must continue driving our efforts for change to ensure this becomes a reality. Through Moms +SocialGood and the Global Moms Relay, we can mobilize the voices of mothers to make a difference in the lives of women and children everywhere, building a healthier world. ”

“For over 125 years, Johnson & Johnson has remained committed to helping mothers and children live healthier and happier lives,” said Sarah Colamarino, VP, Corporate Partnerships, Johnson & Johnson. “Through our partnership with the United Nations Foundation, we build on our commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, bringing mothers and fathers together to work towards their shared wish: providing the best for their child.”

Global Moms Relay will run from May 1 to June 19, just before Mother’s Day through Father’s Day. It will feature celebrities and community leaders from New York to Nairobi answering the question, “What kind of world do you want for your family in 2030?” Viewers are encouraged to read the inspiring stories and share them with friends on social networks. For each social media share, Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 to one of four causes that boost health and happiness for moms and children around the world—MAMA, Shot@Life, Girl Up, and UNICEF.

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Press contacts:

UN Foundation: Tina Musoke, tmusoke@unfoundation.org

Johnson & Johnson: Alexandra Holland, aholland@its.jnj.com

About Moms +SocialGood
Moms +SocialGood is a one-day event dedicated to the power of moms and families to create a better future for their communities, and the role of social media and philanthropy to boost health and happiness for moms and babies everywhere. Hundreds of the brightest and most passionate people will gather on May 1, 2015 at the New York Times Center in Manhattan to share ideas and inspire action for improving the health and wellbeing of women and children. Hosted by the United Nations Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson, with support from BabyCenter and The Huffington Post, this unique gathering will focus the world’s attention on ways to address some of the greatest health challenges affecting women and children today. Anyone, from anywhere, will be able to participate in the dialogue by tuning into the discussion via live stream and social media. www.MomsPlusSocialGood.org

About the Global Moms Relay
The United Nations Foundation and Johnson & Johnson, with support from BabyCenter, a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, and The Huffington Post created the Global Moms Relay, a global conversation among mothers and their friends to create change. From May 1 to June 19, 2015 (just before Mother’s Day through Father’s Day), each day a celebrity, community leader, or everyday mom and dad, will share a personal story on the kind of future they want for their family and the world, and then “pass the baton” to the next contributor. Each time you share one of these posts via social media, Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 (per action) to help improve the health and wellbeing of moms and kids worldwide through the Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA), Shot@Life, Girl Up and UNICEF. For more information, visit www.GlobalMomsRelay.org