World Art Day 2024; April 15th.

FORUM: “Art & Human Dignity: Human Rights and Healing Arts for a Culture of Peace.” World Art Day 2024. "The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is – it's to imagine what is possible" – Bell Hooks. Art has long played an integral role in conveying messages of evolution, revolution, freedom and creativity, and a messenger to the masses of global issues. Art has the transformational power of taking macro ideas of worldwide transformation and communicating them in a digestible manner for society. The opportunities it presents highlight possibilities for change, and bring to the forefront the urgency of working towards accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Like everyone in society, Artists also have a responsibility for using the work they put out into the world for a greater purpose. Art is not just a pretty painting, it is the pulse of society, the heart of the change they want to see in their local and global communities.On this an occasion; we invite you to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldArtDay, #15April, #Arts.

EVENTS: A webinar to mark World Art Day 2024 will be organized by the UNESCO. The challenges we face today can only be met through far-reaching cultural policies aimed at helping creative communities overcome this crisis and protecting and improving the status of artists. In February 2024, Culture and Education Ministers from around the world came together in Abu Dhabi with the goal of adopting this new Framework for Culture and Arts Education. IFLA was closely involved in the consultation process during 2023 [see our input during the Multistakeholder Dialogues here] in order to secure a place for libraries in this framework. The current draft makes historic progress in recognizing libraries. It calls on countries to broaden their concept of learning environments by establishing more sustained cooperation with libraries. Get Involved with Cultural Policy and Advocacy in 2024!

The UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025) edition will be held in Barcelona. During this ministerial forum, UNESCO will present the first-ever global report on the state of culture, the fruit of three years' work. MONDIACULT 2025 will be an opportunity to develop common solutions to ensure that the use of AI is fully respectful of artists rights, both in terms of intellectual property and compensation. In early 2025, UNESCO will launch a call for projects dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence on culture. The winners will present their innovative solutions for artists at MONDIACULT 2025. The conference brought together the world’s culture ministers 40 years after the first MONDIACULT in 1980. It ensure that the voices of artists and civil society are fully heard as countries set the agenda for culture for the years to come. To date, thousands of artists and professionals have participated in more than 300 debates around the world.


PUBLICATIONS: In 2023, Compendium of Cultural Policies & Trends have been conducting a research campaign on Freedom of Artistic Expression. They have published four reports and held a conference in Malta where artistic freedom played a major role, and conducted a survey on artistic freedom in Europe. It is now time to publish an overview of these findings in the first half of 2024, to officially close the research campaign and move on to another topic.

World Chagas Disease 2024; April 14th.

FORUM: ‘‘Early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.“ World Chagas Disease 2024. The slogan this year aims to raise awareness among patients, their families and health workers about the need for early (timely) diagnosis and lifelong follow-up of people affected by the disease. In many countries, there are low detection rates (<10%, frequently <1%) and frequent barriers to access adequate healthcare. Chagas disease is prevalent among poor populations of continental Latin America but is increasingly being detected in other countries and continents. It is often termed as a “silent and silenced disease” as the majority of infected people have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. There are approximately 6-7 million people infected with Chagas disease worldwide, with 10,000 deaths, every year. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #14April, #WorldChagasDiseaseDay.

EVENTS: The WHO and the PAHO will hold an online event to mark the World Chagas Disease 2024 under the slogan ‘‘Early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.“ the events will seek to give visibility and attention to Chagas and raise the level of awareness in everyone about the importance of improving early detection, expanding diagnostic coverage and equitable access to clinical care for the disease.

WEBINARS: On April 10th, 2024, starting at 11:00 am. – US Eastern Time; 12:00 pm. - Argentina 10:00 am. - Colombia; 09:00 a.m. – Mexico and Central America. You are invited to participate to the virtual event entitled ''Chagas exists and we can eliminate it.", this conversation with people from different sectors, whose contributions and perspectives will seek to enrich and exchange the perceptions and concepts of this problem, beyond the biomedical approach. We will have representatives from the world of cinema, anthropology, journalism and medicine. Join us and help us broaden and expand awareness about this disease to detect it early and give the comprehensive care that affected people need. The webinar will be streamed by the PAHO. Watch the webinar!

STATEMENTS: Read the Message from the WHO Director General on World Chagas Diseases Day 2024; April 14th and the Statement of the PAHO Regional Director on behalf World Chagas Disease Day 2024; April 14.

International Day of Human Space Flight 2024; April 12th.

FORUM: “Celebrating the first Human Space flight.” International Day of Human Space Flight 2024. Yuri Gagarin became the 1st human to orbit the Earth. He visited the United Nations with fellow astronaut Valentina Tereshkova after she became the 1st woman in space. The mission of the Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) is to implement government policy and legal regulation, to provide government services and to manage state property in the field of space exploration, international space cooperation and joint projects and programmes in space, space research, missile and space technology for military purposes, strategic missile systems, coordination of the maintenance, further development and use of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) in the interests of civilian consumers, including commercial consumers, and international cooperation in this sphere, as well as the general coordination and management of the activities being carried out at the Baikonur space centre. The goals of the "Cosmonautics day" online class hour are to introduce the first cosmonaut, to promote career in space science and technology and reflect on the future of outer space. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #12April, #YuriGargarin, #HumanSpaceFlightDay, #YurisNight.

EVENTS: Celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first manned flight into space. Every year on April 12th at 9:07 am Moscow time on #CosmonauticsDay, we start counting minutes until Gagarin’s return home in 1961. Launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, his spacecraft, Vostok 1, completed a full orbit around the Earth, landing in the Saratov Region. The flight lasted for 108 minutes. Two days later, the capital and the entire country welcomed the space hero back. The world applauded the space pioneer. On Cosmonautics Day 2024, all of Russia’s regions hold special festive events, exhibitions, excursions, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, flash-mobs, quests and art contests for children.

Space Foundation Presents Yuri's Night 2024: After the view of the Total Solar Eclipse, immerse yourself in an atmosphere of out-of-this world excitement marking space milestones being celebrated around the world. Indulge in delectable culinary and cocktail offerings, participate in cosmic hands-on activities, get bidding in a silent auction packed with amazing offerings, and meet real-life astronauts – all while supporting educational programming offered by Space Foundation!. Come celebrate past space exploration and what is yet to be discovered. By participating, you'll enjoy a cosmic experience AND contribute to the advancement of STEAM education for future space explorers and innovators worldwide. Join us for Colorado Springs’ own Yuri's Night, the ultimate event for space enthusiasts and party lovers alike. Explore Yuris Night Agenda and get your tickets today for this stellar celebration!

FILM SCREENING - Apollo 11 - First Steps Edition Screening.

Celebrating Women Astronauts 2024.

LIVE: Russia Makes Third Attempt to Launch its First Heavy lift Spacecraft Angara-A5. 


Russia embarks on a third attempt to proceed with a test launch of its Angara-A5 space rocket after technical glitches prompted officials to abort missions at the very last minute for two days in a row. The launch of the Angara is intended to showcase Russia’s post-Soviet space ambitions and the growing role played by Vostochny. The Angara launch vehicle is capable of carrying payloads bigger than 20 tonnes into orbit. 

This launch is the first from Vostochny. Due to its location closer to the equator, Angara-A5 can deliver a heavier payload to orbit if launched from there rather than from Plesetsk, a Soviet-era facility where Russia has previously carried out three successful Angara test launches. Watch the Lanch of the Angara- A5 Space rocket!

World health Day 2024; April 7th.

FORUM: “My health, my right.“ World health Day 2024. This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, edu cation, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination. Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and disability. Conflicts are devastating lives, causing death, pain, hunger and psychological distress. The burning of fossil fuels is simultaneously driving the climate crisis and taking away our right to breathe clean air, with indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds. The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution. Yet countries are not passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations are entitled to access health services. This underpins the fact that at least 4.5 billion people — more than half of the world’s population — were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021. To address these types of challenges, the theme for World Health Day 2024 is 'My health, my right’. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Myhealthmyright, #WorldHealthDay, #7april, #HealthforAll.

EVENTS: On April 7th, for the World Health Day 2024, the World Health Organization will observe its anniversary. On April 8th, from 12:30 to 13:45 P.M. GMT, the High-level dialogue entitled ’’Realizing the right to health in a world in turmoil” will be held online and in-person. Marking the 75th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organization, this event will look at how to continue to advance human rights for health, even in the face of serious emergencies. This dialogue will bring the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, together with human rights defenders, policy makers, health workers and other stakeholders to discuss how to protect the right to health and other health-related human rights in a world in turmoil. It will explore how policy makers can uphold international commitments and discuss actions to take at the global, national and local levels to realize the right to health for everyone. In-person participation is encouraged for a dynamic discussion. Choose to participate by filling the In-person registration form or the Online registration form. Stay tuned to Watch the webcast!

A High-level dialogue between WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk will mark the 75th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organization. This event will look at how to continue to advance human rights for health, even in the face of serious emergencies.

MESSAGES: Read the Statement of the WHO Director-General the World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the PAHO Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO African Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO WPRO Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO SEARO Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO Europe Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO EMRO Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th.

Health rights correspond to a checklisk.

 

Health rights correspond to a checklisk. from Christina Parmionova

In War and conflict, health workers, facilities and supplies are off limits.

In War and conflict, health workers, facilities and supplies are off limits. from Christina Parmionova

Everyone, everywhere has the right to good mental health.

Everyone, everywhere has the right to good mental health. from Christina Parmionova

Zero Discrimination, Affordable treatments, Respectful care, Lead health response.

World Health Day 2024 - Zero Discrimination, Affordable treatments, Respectful care, Lead health response. from Christina Parmionova

Focusing on the rights of women and girls

Focusing on the rights of women and girls from Christina Parmionova

International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024; April 7th.

FORUM: “Remember-Unite-Renew.” International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024.

STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024.

Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Honorable Ministers,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 30 years ago is a stain on our collective consciousness and a brutal reminder of the legacy of colonialism, and the consequences of hate speech.

Over the course of 100 days, one million people were killed.

The vast majority were Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide.

Neighbours turned on neighbours.

Friends became murderous foes.

Entire families were wiped out.

The carnage was driven by an explicit intent to destroy members of a group simply because of their ethnic identity.

These 100 days reflected the worst of humanity.

But the aftermath revealed the best of the human spirit: resilience, reconciliation, courage and strength.

The survivors’ stories stand as a testament to the power of hope and forgiveness.

People like Laurence Niyonangira, a survivor of the genocide who lost 37 relatives in 1994.

She chose to forgive one of those responsible for the slaughter of her family after he confessed and served time in prison for his crimes.

“As survivors,” Laurence said, “we can only heal our wounds with the people who created them.”

Her powerful story, and others like it, are part of the exhibits on display for this event reminding us of the imperative of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice.

Excellencies,

This year, we focus on the rancid root of all genocides — hatred.

Genocides culminate in mass violence and death.

But they start with the weapon of words.

The genocide in Rwanda was fuelled by decades of hate speech targeting the Tutsi.

Three decades later, the verbal violence of hate speech is still all around us.

Nowadays, divisive and dangerous ideologies are delivered through the global megaphone of social media.

But the vile messages remain all-too-familiar.

Racism, misogyny, lies, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, stigmatization, discrimination and the outright denial — or even glorification — of past genocides, including the Holocaust and genocide against the Tutsis.

The global community must stand as one against this torrent of hate speech, and denounce it wherever it’s found.

We must also stand together in a renewed global push to ratify and fully implement the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, while strengthening prevention mechanisms, educating new generations about past genocides, and countering the mis- and disinformation that fuels hate speech and genocidal intent and action.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I want to convey a special message to the young people from Rwanda joining us today here and online.

Dear friends,

We will never forget the horrors of those terrible 100 days.

But we need your help.

We need your voice and your activism to keep alive the memory of those who were killed.

And to call out hatred wherever you hear or see it.

In your cities, towns, and neighbourhoods. In your schools. Online. Anywhere and everywhere.

Let’s all push back against hatred and intolerance, wherever we find it.

May the memory of the victims spur our actions, and inspire our commitment to ensure a better, safer world for all people.

The United Nations will always stand with you in this important effort.

Thank you.

António Guterres.

EVENTS: 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka30) : The AUC/PAPS of the Agrican Union, in collaboration with the RwandainAddis, commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as #Kwibuka30, under the theme: “Remember-Unite-Renew” at the AUHQ

The International conference kwibuka30 at the Kigali Memorial Center on April 7th 2024 marks the start of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial commemorates the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The remains of over 250,000 people are interred there. There is a visitor centre for students and others wishing to understand the events leading up to the genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994.

Special Event- Kwibuka 30

Memorial Ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, organized by the Department of Global Communications and the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations.

12 April 2024 | UN General Assembly Hall | 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Commemorative activities 

- Moment of silence, candle lighting ceremony -Video honoring Kwibuka 30 - Testimony from Mr. Claver Irakoze, song writer, author of That Child is Me and Transmitting Memories in Rwanda, Founder of Umurage 

Special message from Rwandan children 

- H.E. Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General 

- H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly 

- H.E. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the UN

- H.E. Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the UN 

- Honorable Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement

Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary General for Global Communications Music by the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Symphony Orchestra

2024 Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda - United Nations General Assembly. Get the agenda programme!

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024; April 6th.

FORUM: "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies." International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024.The concept of Sport for Development and Peace is rooted in the recognition that sport possesses unique attributes that enable it to contribute to development and peace processes. These attributes include: Universal popularity – transcending of national, cultural, socio-economic and political boundaries, when done right, sport is enjoyable for participants and spectators alike and can be invoked in virtually any community in the world. Capacity as a powerful global communications platform – Because sport events offer the capacity to reach vast numbers of people, they are effective platforms for public education & social mobilization. Ability to connect – sport is an inherently social process bringing together players, teams, coaches, volunteers & spectators. Cross cutting nature – sport can be used to address a broad range of social and economic challenges. Potential to empower, motivate and inspire – sport has the natural ability to draw on, develop, and showcase individual strengths and capacities.  On April 6th; Join the discussion on the role that sports and major sporting events play in communities, and the discussion on the importance of sports in our everyday lives and the impact it has on communities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #PeacefulSocieties, #InclusiveSocieties, #Sport4SDGs, #SportForDevelopment, #Agenda2030, #SportDay, #IDSDP, #6April.

EVENTS: On April 4th, from 11am to 1pm (EST); A panel discussion will be held to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The special event featuring elite athletes and sporting organization experts highlighting the role sport plays in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gain insight from leading figures in the sporting world as they discuss innovative ways sport is helping take climate action, promote sustainability and gender equality, combat racism, and foster industry partnerships.The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024 event will recognize the role of sport in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. In addition to UN Member State Ambassadors and UN officials, the event features elite athletes and experts from prominent sporting organizations such as the Players Coalition, Concacaf, UEFA, Generation Amazing, Protect our Winters, and FIFA. Speakers will share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities that leverage sport as a tool for sustainable development and peace. The event entitled "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies." is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. Join UN DESA for a special event; Register to participate!

The FIFA World Cup 26™ in Los Angeles will deliver one of the most diverse cities in America to support the promotion of human rights, environmental sustainability and the game of football. Australia, IR Iran, Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan have reached the third round of AFC qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with two games to spare. Bahrain, Indonesia, Korea Republic, Palestine and Saudi Arabia are also on the cusp of going through after an exciting matchday. Elsewhere, Jordan and Syria won by seven goals, Afghanistan stunned India to hike their hopes, and China PR and Oman secured impressive victories. Find out the full match schedule for World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and USA with fixtures and results from each of the 104 games in the 48-team tournament. Read the latest FIFA news and ‎register your interest in ticket to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026!

International Day of Conscience 2024; April 5th.

FORUM: "Consciousness in humans and other things." International Day of Conscience 2024. The day will be observed on April 5th, to commemorate the value of human conscience and celebrate the aspiration for a better world. This day serves as a beacon, lighting up people's hearts, awakening people's conscience, and guiding us to implement the culture of peace with love and conscience. The profound power of conscience plays a pivotal role in achieving global peace and love.Conscience will lead us to right direction. And Consciousness will trigger our awareness of what is morally right and that we have a social and moral responsibility towards “our neighbors” in the broader sense that transcends neighborhoods to cities , countries, and continents so that solidarity, compassion, fraternity prevails for the good of all humanity. Here comes “consciousness”. You may ask: what is the difference between conscience and consciousness ? Again if we go to google, we will find that: “consciousness is the function and state of awareness of the human mind that receives and processes information, stores it or rejects it”. It is proven that the more information one is able to gather and process, the more aware and the more conscious one becomes regarding one’s internal and external world” Awareness and wakefulness represent the 2 main components of consciousness. Join the conversation with the hashtags: #concienciousness, #DayofConscience; #5April, #concience.

EVENTS: on April 4th, from 10-00 to 12:00 AM (EST) in the conference room XI at the United Nations Headquarters in New York; The high level event to mark the International Day of Conscience 2024 will be held. This year is the 5th International Day of Conscience, The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to the United Nations will jointly host celebration activities. The event will re-enforce the values of peace, solidarity and compassion and to encourage the international community to regularly mobilize their efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. In recent years, humanity has faced unprecedented global crises, from climate change to geopolitical conflicts and the widening gap between rich and poor. It is imperative that all of us come together in a united effort to overcome these challenges. Distinguished leaders will convene to deliberate on innovative strategies for addressing pressing global challenges and urgent issues with reference to the violent and deadly conflicts in different parts of the world. We wish to cordially invite leaders to deliver a 3-minute speech that emphasizes the sharing of experiences, insights, and visions that foster a collaborative spirit that transcends borders. By the end of this summit, we aspire to promote concrete actions that contribute to peace, love, solidarity, and humanity. The celebration will be presided by the President of the U.N. General Assembly and the U.N. Secretary General. At UN Geneva; The Observance will be organized by the NGO in Consultative status with ECOSOC, and the Mouvement de la Paix. Read the Concept Note and watch the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace - Celebration of the 5th International Day of Conscience!

STATEMENT: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, warned that the “greatest cascade of crises” and the “breakdown in trust” are threatening world peace and security. “2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and inspiring hope”, the Secretary-General continues to advocate for peace, human rights, and global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of conscience in shaping our collective future.

LIVESTREAM: The International Day of Conscience 2024 event will re-enforce the values of peace, solidarity and compassion and to encourage the international community to regularly mobilize their efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

.

At UN GENEVA.

We would love you to join us on 5 April, 2024, in the presence of Mr Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of the City of Geneva and of UN and UNESCO officials, to celebrate the International Day of Conscience that we dedicate to the youth of the world. This event will be taking place at the Palais des Nations, United Nations in Geneva or can be followed on-line.

CONSCIENCE. LOVE. PEACE.

DATE: 5 April 2024, 10:00 – 17:00 CEST;
LOCATION: Building A, Room VII, United Nations - Palais des Nations, Geneva/Switzerland.

Let's work together to open up new paths of awareness and love, so that together we can build more just and happier societies.


WHAT IS THE DAY OF CONSCIENCE?

"Be the change you want to see in the world," the Mahatma Gandhi asserted in the last century. At the dawn of the new millennium, we answer him with Sofia Stril-Rever, "Be the love you want to see in the world." Love is not just a feeling, experienced individually. It is also a collective force for social justice, world peace, and human evolution. History proves that leaders of conscience and love, such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Wangari Maathai, Nelson Mandela or Malala can shape a future of peace, solidarity, and human rights. According to the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 19 July, 2019, the International Day of Conscience is dedicated to “the promotion of a culture of peace with conscience and love”. It calls us to rethink and rearchitect the way we can build a lasting peace based on conscience and love.


WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CONSCIENCE?

As we witness the escalation of wars and settle into the normality of deadly conflicts between peoples, the trivialization of large-scale massacres of civilian populations and a losing war against nature, we want to remember that we are part of the indivisible community of the living. Therefore, on the International Day of Conscience, on 5 April, 2024, we will say with Renaud Ruhlmann: "Nature speaks, listen to her!", and we will reassert that the war of humanity against itself and against life is not a fatality. Non-killing societies and non-violent economies are possible, as demonstrated by the WHO’s World Violence and Health report. It depends on us to make peace a reality, under the roadmap of the Agenda 2030, the IDGs framework and the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women and Peace, reaffirming the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The celebration of the International Day of Conscience on 5 April, 2024 is therefore a call to realize the power of our interconnectedness and take urgent action to open new pathways of conscience and love for fairer, happier, and peaceful societies.

To shift our mindsets that condition our vision and therefore our action in the world, on 5 April, 2024, in the presence of Mr Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of the City of Geneva, and of UN and UNESCO officials, we are bringing together physicists and biologists, representatives of ancestral traditions, experts in sustainability, the IDGs and the 17 SDGs, peace activists, artists, writers and meditators, with the participation of young global actors of change that will give the event a transgenerational dynamic.


Download the full concept note




PROGRAMME
10:00 - 10:30 WELCOME & KEYNOTE MESSAGES

• Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet, Office of the Director-General of the United Nations in Geneva (UNOG)
• Hasan Moosa Shafaei, Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UN & other International Organisations in Geneva / Vienna
• Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of Geneva
• Gerald Pillay, President Initiatives of Change InternationalFollowed by: The Caux Palace - a centre for dialogue and peacebuilding to practice the Inner Development Goals by Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of Caux Initiatives of Change

The speakers will address the 3 themes of the International Day of Conscience: CONSCIENCE, LOVE, PEACE.


PART 1: CONSCIENCE, A NEW PARADIGM TO TAKE CARE OF ONESELF, OTHERS AND THE PLANET.

Moderator: Celina Rocquet, Molecular biologist, prof. University Paris 1, France

10:30 - 10:40: Nassim Haramein, Physicist, creative leader, USA

10:40 -10:50: Eric Julien, Spokesperson of the Indian Kogi community, anthropologist & business consultant, France

10:50-11:00: Renaud Ruhlmann, Founder of Naturasounds, musician, independant researcher on plants consciousness, author, France

11:00-11:07: Concluding Remarks: Celina Rocquet (France)

11:07-11:10 Music: The Song of the Sequoia, score by Renaud Ruhlmann, performed by Francisco J Fernandez Benitez, First Violin of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra


PART 2: LOVE, A FORCE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, PEACE & HUMAN EVOLUTION.

Moderator: René Longet, Mayor of Onex 1999-2011, expert in Sustainable Development, author

11:10-11:20: Sofia Stril-Rever, Author and spiritual activist, founder of BE THE LOVE, France

11:20-11:30: Naresh Singh, Professor and Executive Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy

11:30-11:40: Hajar Bichri, Creative Leadership Youth Programme of Caux Initiatives of Change, Morocco

11:40-11:50: Jonathan Belolo, CEO Village People Company, founder of THE PEOPLE, France


11:50 - 12:00: WALK THE TALK

11:50-12:00: "Be the Love" medit-action guided by Sofia Stril-Rever

11:57-12:00: Music: The Song of the Blue Pine of the Himalaya, score by Renaud Ruhlmann, performed by Francisco J Fernandez Benitez, First Violin of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra


PART 3: CONSCIENCE & LOVE FOR PEACE

Moderator: Sarah Noble, Peace Activist, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initaitives of Change, Canada/Switzerland

12:00-12:10: TAHA, a poem of Palestinian author Taha Muhammad Ali, interpreted by actor Sylvain Machac (France)

12:10-12:30: In conversation: Sidi Nabil Baraka (Morocco), Sufi spiritual leader & Moses Garelik (Belgium), spiritual conscious leader, UniOne, founder

12:30-12:40: Women Wage Peace (video clip) and The Sarah & Hajar Accords presented by Guila Clara Kessous (France), Ambassador and Artist of Peace for UNESCO, and Yael Deckelbaum, singer and peace activist

12:40-12:50: Lisa Yasko (Ukraine), MP, Parliament of Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Committee

12:50-13:00: The Prayer of the Mothers, World Premiere (lyrics: Guila Clara Kessous, music: Yael Deckelbaum), presented by Yael Deckelbaum and Guila Clara Kessous


13:00-14:00 LUNCH BREAK AT UN CAFETERIA




14:00 – 15:00 WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS
I. The Outer and Inner Meaning: How the IDGs accelerate the SDGs.

Moderator: Louise Le Gat, President of A Purpose-led World
With:

• Ignacio Packer, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change
• René Longet, Expert in sustainability
• Pascale Fressoz, President AIODD
• Corentin Biteau, Independent researcher Effective Altruism
• Naresh Singh, Professor and Executive Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy

II. Talking Plants and Trees Workshop

Moderator: Yael Guillon, CEO Imfusio

With:

• Renaud Ruhlmann, Founder of Naturasounds, musician, researcher on plants consciousness, author, France
• Sylvie Rouen, Ph.D. in Microbiology and Aromatology, Agronomist
• Celina Rocquet, Cellular biologist, Prof. University Paris 1, France
• Bert Barten, Founder of Talking Trees, multi-disciplinairy artist, theater director, entrepreneur, The Netherlands
• Aloe Vera, Vegetal speaker
• Jean Fabre, UN Interagency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE)

CONVERSATIONS
I. Conscious Science

Moderator: Thibault Verbiest, International Lawyer
With:

• Nassim Haramein, Physicist
• Eric Julien, Anthropologist

II. Women for Peace: UN Resolution 1325
Moderator: Sarah Noble, Peace Activist, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change

With:

• Guila Clara Kessous (France), UNESCO Ambassador and Artist for Peace,
• Lisa Yasko (Ukraine), MP, Parliament of Ukraine
• Yael Deckelbaum, Singer & Peace Activist
• Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, Global expert and advocate of people with disabilities

III. We Are One

Moderator: Jean-Michel Amor, Founder of PACI
With:

• Sidi Nabil Baraka, Sufi spiritual leader
• Moses Garelik, Founder of UniOne

15:00 – 17:00 WALK THE TALK

Moderator: Jean Fabre, UN Interagency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE)

15:00-15:10: Keynote Message by Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, award-winning actress and producer, global expert and advocate for people with disabilities

15:10-15:40: Public restitution of the workshops / Presentation of the Manifesto Peace and Sustainability by Pascale Fressoz, Founder of AIODD

15:40-15:50: Q&A with the public

15:50-16:00: Presentation of UniONE by its founder Moshe Garelik

16:00-16:10: Conscious Entrepreneurship: Jörg Schäfer, Founder of TREECYCLE & Fahed Qaswami, Founder of GOLDEFI

16:10­-16:20: Conscious Art by Marc-André de Figueres (MA2F), Visual artist, PhD Art and Sciences of Art, UNESCO Prix Lumière, 2016 & 2023

16:20-16:30: The LoveForce Awards, by Khoa Nguyen, author, founder of BETTER WE BETTER WORLD

16:30-16:40: Humanity at a Crossroads: Concluding Remarks by René Longet, expert in sustainability & Jean Fabre, UNTFSSE

16:40-16:50: Thank You by global covenors, Ignacio Packer, Sarah Noble & Sofia Stril-Rever

16:50-17:00: Gospel "LOVE SHALL OVERCOME", an invitation to sing together in conclusion of the day



AGENDA PROGRAMME: Download the full programme here


MEET THE CONVENORS

SOFIA STRIL-REVER is a public speaker, award-winning author, teacher and spiritual activist. Sofia is the biographer of the Dalai Lama and has co-authored four books with him which have been translated into over twenty languages. She is the founding President of Be the Love, a protocol of heart and mind-awakening for leaders and changemakers, encouraging them to shift from individualism to altruism and accelerate the implementation of the 2023 Agenda and the rise of a civilization of love.


IGNACIO PACKER is Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, a Swiss private charitable foundation with the mission to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organizations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He is an expert on human rights and social issues and has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth.

SARAH NOBLE is Head of Global Engagement at Caux Initiatives of Change. She has dedicated her career to building a better world and is passionate about showcasing people's stories on how we can build peace with each other and the planet. Sarah has held leadership positions at international organisations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and independent media. She is also co-founder and Curator of the Peace Talks at Interpeace that have taken place in more than 8 countries with over 8.000 attendees and more than 200 speakers from over 50 countries.

COSTS: Participation in the celebration of the International Day of Conscience at the Palais des Nations on 5 April 2024 is free of charge. If you would like to support the values of this day in the service of the common good, you can visit these websites:
Initiatives of Change - Be the Love - Tchendukua - Naturasounds,

HOST, GLOBAL CONVENORS AND PARTNERS:
the conference is hosted by Initiatives of Change, Global Convenors: Ignacio Packer, Sarah Noble & Sofia Stril-Rever; At the initiative of : Be the Love.

Partners : UNESCO, the City of Geneva, lthe International Space Federation, Tchendukua, Naturasounds, and Jindal Global University. An event supported by the PACI Foundation.