In memory of the unique Michael Strauss

 

Dear Friends

 

The link to leave your reflections and stories is here.

 We are remembering Michael Strauss, who recently passed away.

Michael fought for social justice, democracy, and sustainable development. For those who knew him, he was a unique character in the UN world who will be missed but remembered for who he was, a non-conformist, a unique person with integrity, not afraid to take on people or causes who at first seemed bigger than him.

His heart was with civil society, and few felt and understood the English language better than him; he was a sought-after editor and writer for the small NGOs that came to New York to participate in UN affairs.

During the Commission for Sustainable Development (1993-2013), he was the go-to person for media outreach within the Major Groups community. Michael became the media spokesperson for the NGO community at the UN, organizing press conferences or events to help governments understand that they needed to fulfil their commitments.

Michael never believed in a normal workday, and you could always chat with him at three in the morning. However, he would readily admit that morning meetings were never his favourites. He was easily recognisable by his proverbial white hat among the more formally dressed people at the UN conferences.

Michael was the Executive Director of Earth Media, which was an independent political and communications consultancy based in New York. Politically active, curious, interested, and critical, Michael was active until his last day. He also served as a media consultant and advisor to governments, UN agencies, and civil society coalitions.

He played a critical role in the media for NGOs at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. 

 

For the Rio+20 Summit in 2012, he was designated Civil Society/ Media Liaison by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Michael has worked extensively with NGOs, Trade Unions, Youth, Women, Indigenous Peoples, and local authorities at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development in New York.

He also co-authored three books: “Only One Earth”, “Negotiating and Implementing MEAs,” and “How to Lobby at Intergovernmental Meetings: Mine is a Cafe Latte.” He also wrote occasional articles on climate change for Inter Press Service.

Michael had strong ties to Europe and spent a year in Denmark during his youth, working on social justice issues.

While a New Yorker, Michael grew up in Queens. During the UN meetings, he could be found in the Vienna Café. Outside of the UN, the all-night Madison Dinner was one of his preferred venues for working and socialising. Ultimately, he found New York winters unbearable and moved to Florida, where he continued his work during his later life.

No matter how old friends and family members get, it is always too early when they are gone. Those of us close to him have a huge Michael hole in our lives, but many stories to share, and through that, he will continue to be with us.

We will miss Michael.

Please feel free to tell a story about Michael, share a reflection, or include a photo or anything about how you engaged with him.

The link is here

We are planning a dinner to remember Mike during the 2026 HLPF. If you plan to be there and would like to come along, let us know, and we will confirm the date and venue closer to the HLPF.

Felix Dodds                     Jan-Gustav Strandenaes