Friday 15 March 2024

International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024. March 15th.

FORUM: ''Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia.'' International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024. We stand in solidarity with those that have suffered intolerance, discrimination, violations and violence, purely on account of being Muslims. Nobody should suffer fear for having or manifesting their religion or belief. Everyone should feel safe and benefit from the equal protection of their human rights, which must be guaranteed by all States. Yet today, hate entrepreneurs, political parties, armed groups, religious leaders and even State actors around the world, are trampling on respect for diversity of religions and beliefs, discriminating, violating human rights, and overlooking or even attempting to justify these violations. Acts of harassment, intimidation, violence and incitement based on religion or belief have risen sharply across the world last year, reaching alarming levels, shocking our conscience and creating a climate of fear and deep distrust. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Faith4Rights, #cultureofpeace, #antitIslamophobiaday, #15March.




EVENTS: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Office of the Director-General will organize a special High-level event to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024 on 15 March 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm from the united Nations office in Geneva. Watch the commemoration!



The International Day to Combat Islamophobia occurs at a time when we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry in many parts of the world.

Institutional discrimination and other barriers are violating the human rights and dignity of Muslims. Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities. Online hate speech is fueling real-life violence.

Much of this disturbing trend is part of a wider pattern of attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations, also including Jews, minority Christian communities and others.

We must confront and root out bigotry in all its forms. Leaders must condemn inflammatory discourse and safeguard religious freedom. Digital platforms must moderate hateful content and protect users from harassment. And everyone must unite to combat intolerance, stereotypes and bias.

Together, let us commit to promoting mutual respect and understanding, foster social cohesion, and build peaceful, just and inclusive societies for all.



Statement by the United Nations General Assembly President at the High-Level Event to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024.



Your Excellency, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of Mauritania, and Chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC Member States,

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Two years ago, this General Assembly adopted a momentous resolution – proclaiming this day, 15 March, as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

This came in the wake of the senseless Christchurch massacre – where 55 innocent Muslims brutally lost their lives.

On this important day, as President of the General Assembly, I stand in solidarity with all Muslims around the world – particularly with all those deliberately targeted by any acts of Islamophobia; any form of racism; and any form discrimination.

Excellencies,
Freedom of religion, belief or worship; and freedom of opinion and expression, are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing.

The right to one’s religious belief or worship cannot – and must not – be the basis for any form of intolerance and discrimination.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing an alarming surge in discrimination, intolerance, and violence against members of many religions in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia.

Hate speech, in particular, has become a sickening poison in the hearts and minds of those who perpetrate it – and a relentless torment on those who are targeted by it.

I categorically deplore all acts of violence against Muslims and persons of all religions and beliefs – as well as attacks against sacred places of worship, religious sites and shrines. Such demeaning and dastardly acts cannot be hidden behind the cover of freedom of expression.


Excellencies,

Intolerance, xenophobia and hate speech – both online and offline – are fueling the exponential increase in hate crimes and conflict, as well as socioeconomic marginalization.

In particular, Muslim women – in many regions of the world – face multiple forms of discrimination based on their religion,gender and ethnicity.

Not only is this morally wrong, it is a flagrant violation of their human rights and dignity.

Every individual has the right to live without fear of violence or any form of prejudice.

Upholding freedoms – including those of religion, opinion, and assembly – is crucial to combating intolerance and discrimination of any shape or form.

States have the primary obligation to protect and defend all human rights for all – and to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination.





But – as responsible global citizens – we, individually, are also duty bound to contribute to combating any form of discrimination; any form of incitement to hatred and violence against Muslims,and by extension, against persons of other belief systems.

This is particularly important at this moment, in the context of the ongoing military confrontation in the Middle East – which has led to an alarming rise in both Islamophobia and antisemitism around the world.

As President of General Assembly, I stand firmly against racism and all forms of discrimination and call upon the entire international community and on civil society to repudiate racism and xenophobia in all its forms and manifestations, including islamophobia.

Together, let us end all forms of intolerance and discrimination.

As we mark this International Day to Combat Islamophobia – which this year coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan – let us stand respectfully, shoulder-to-shoulder, in solidarity with our 2 billion Muslim brothers and sisters.

I take this opportunity to wish a blessed month and Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims around the world. This is a moment to embrace empathy and compassion; the beauty and richness of our diversity; and that which unite rather than devide us, that is, our common humanity.

Let us not give in to the forces of division and hate, but rather rally for dialogue, tolerance, respect, understading, harmony and compassion for all others – always.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,

Al Salamu Alikom and Ramdan Kareem.

It gives me a great honour to be addressing this High-Level event commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

I wish to applaud the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and particularly the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Chair of the 49th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, for focusing attention and calling for action, to curb and put an end to Islamophobia.

It is alarming to see the overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and violence, directed against members of many religious communities in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, antisemitism and prejudices against Christian minorities as well as other faith communities.

It is particularly heart breaking that many Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan are suffering wars and conflicts.

Around the world, Muslims are still facing stigmatization, hate speech and structural bias.

Their fundamental human rights are being compromised.

Their dignity undermined.

Manifestations of discrimination, bigotry and violence against Muslims including the desecration of their holy book, mosques and sacred sites are unjustifiable and are utterly rejected.

Across our cross-cutting activities, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue, emphasizes respect for religious and cultural diversity with the aim of advancing a culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies and nations.

I stand ready with my office to work closely with you to address Islamophobia through mobilizing concerted actions towards a paradigm of mutual respect among diverse cultures and religions.

Concluding, I wish to extend my warmest wishes to all Muslims around the world on the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan.

Thank you.

Statement by a group of un independent expert on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024; March 15th.


“In proclaiming 15 March the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022, the UN General Assembly called for “strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels”.

Yet today, hate entrepreneurs, political parties, armed groups, religious leaders and even State actors around the world, are trampling on respect for diversity of religions and beliefs, discriminating, violating human rights, and overlooking or even attempting to justify these violations.

Acts of harassment, intimidation, violence and incitement based on religion or belief have risen sharply across the world last year, reaching alarming levels, shocking our conscience and creating a climate of fear and deep distrust.

We urge States to ground their responses to all forms of religious hatred, including Islamophobia, in the universal values, principles and legal framework of international human rights.

Orchestrated public burnings of the Holy Qur’an are deplorable. Expressions of religious intolerance engender deep hurt and fear at individual and community levels, and must be condemned.

Where advocacy of religious hatred constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, it must be prohibited by law in accordance with international standards.

During this holy month of Ramadan, we are appalled at the continued refusal by Israel to allow adequate humanitarian assistance and food aid to be provided to the mainly Muslim civilian population in Gaza despite the widespread hunger and signs of severe malnutrition. We are seriously concerned about undue restrictions imposed on access to the Al Aqsa Mosque. These restrictions are particularly alarming, in the context of monumental loss of life and destruction of a significant number of places of worship in Gaza. Cultural property is protected in international humanitarian law during armed conflict since it recognises damage to the cultural property of any people as resulting in damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind.

Physical attacks – including killings, harassment, verbal attacks and death threats – motivated by the perceived religious affiliation of the victims are an unacceptable failure of the State to protect all its citizens in line with its obligations. In too many countries in the lead up to elections, State and non-State actors feed religious tensions and promote discriminatory laws and policies against Muslim minorities to gain political advantage. Recent tensions in relation to the Babri Masjid – now Ram Mandir – are a case in point.

Across the world, we have witnessed attacks on mosques, cultural centres, schools and even private property belonging to Muslims.

States and faith-based actors have human rights responsibilities, and they have to step in to counter such violations, in line with the Rabat Plan of Action. The UN Faith for Rights framework provides concrete implementation guidance, while stakeholders can also use the #Faith4Rights toolkit to encourage respect for religious diversity.

In observing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia this year, we stand in solidarity with those that have suffered intolerance, discrimination, violations and violence, purely on account of being Muslims. Nobody should suffer fear for having or manifesting their religion or belief. Everyone should feel safe and benefit from the equal protection of their human rights, which must be guaranteed by all States.”


LIVESTREAMCommemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024.

Saturday 9 March 2024

International Day of Women Judges 2024; March 10th.

FORUM: "Empathy and Action: Women and Girls in Carceral Settings." International Day of Women Judges 2024. Women judges contribute to the quality of decision-making and help to build trust in the judiciary. The fight against corruption and other crimes can only be successful if the judiciary is inclusive, diverse and offers different gender perspectives. This year, our focus is on the theme to reflect on the challenges faced by women within prison systems and to recognize the importance of empathy in understanding their experiences and the necessity of taking concrete actions to preserve their rights.As we celebrate the International Day of Women Judges, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us. Through empathy, and proactive measures, women judges are spotlighting the needs of children with incarcerated mothers, ensuring that their voices are heard. Together, let us strive to build a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #10March, #IAWJ, #WomenJudges, #WomenJudgesofEmpathy, #IDWJ2024, #WomenInJustice #WomenForJustice.





EVENTS: on March 10th at UNHQ; The International Day of Women Judges 2024 will be held to celebrate Women Judges. On March 8th; A webinar dedicated to examining the challenges encountered by children with incarcerated mothers will be organized by the International Association of Women Judges. This event will serve as a platform to illuminate the empathy and proactive efforts undertaken by women judges in addressing the often-overlooked circumstances faced by infants who accompany their mothers in carceral settings. Register to participate!





CAMPAIGN: The campaign “Tech for Justice” shows how women judges are using data and technology to address pressing court system issues, including the problem of congested prisons. With the campaign “Women in Justice, women for justice” to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary, to celebrate the progress that has been made and raise awareness about the challenges ahead.


STATEMENTS
: Read the Statement of Greeting from the IAWJ President on the International Day of Women Judges: Watch the statement by the Hon. Judge Ivy Velasco of the Court of Philippines on International Day of Women Judges 2024 and read the Statement of the the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Supreme Judicial Council and the East West Management Institute on International Day of Women Judges 2024; March 10th.




Thursday 7 March 2024

International Women's Day 2024; March 8th.



FORUM: “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.” International Women's Day 2024. The world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all. If current trends continue, more than 342 million women and girls could be living extreme poverty by 2030. To ensure women’s needs and priorities are considered, governments must prioritize gender-responsive financing and increase public spending on essential services and social protection. Policymakers must also value, recognize, and account for the vital contribution women make to economies worldwide through paid and unpaid care work. Women spend around three times more time on unpaid care work than men and if these activities were assigned a monetary value they would account for more than 40 per cent of GDP. Investing in women and championing gender equality turbocharges a future where everyone in society can thrive, creating a world of boundless opportunity and empowerment for all. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #8March, #InternationalWomensDay, #IWD2024, #Investinwomen, #accelerateprogress.



EVENTS: This March 8th; International Women’s Day 2024, join the United Nations in celebrating under the theme Invest in women: Accelerate progress. Tune in at 10 am ET to watch the live-stream on UN WEB TV. Only 61.4% of prime working age women are in the labour force compared to 90.6% of prime working age men. Most women’s employment is in the informal economy. We need to create decent work opportunities for all - Invest In Women and in care services. The event programme will accentuate the urgency of strategic investment and collaborative alliances, and commemorate achievements in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. The Observance will reflect the theme of the day and will be opened by the United Nations Secretary-General. It will include statements from other high-level United Nations dignitaries and a panel discussion with women leaders in the United Nations. The observance will also include live musical performances by Rockers on Broadway and the UN International School Senior Choir. Get the IWD2024 Agenda programme!

Agenda programme



Taking place at UNHQ in New York from March 11 to 22, 2024; The 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) under the priority theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective." and Review theme entitled ‘‘ Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-third session)’‘; The Representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are invited to contribute to the session.The Commission's two-weeks session includes the following activities (CSW68 Side events & Session outcomes). Explore Proposed Organization of Work; Read the Information about side events and activities organized outside the formal programme of the session. The outcome of the Commission’s consideration of the priority theme during its 68th session will take the form of agreed conclusions, to be negotiated by all Member States. Read the Zero draft agreed conclusions. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it was established by Council resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women's rights, documenting the reality of women's lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Register to participate to the CSW68!





STATEMENTS: Read the Secretary-General of the United Nations Statement on International Women’s Day 2024; March 8th.


On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women and girls around the world, and we applaud all they have achieved in the fight for equality.

Women and girls have made great gains – demolishing barriers, dismantling stereotypes and driving progress towards a more just and equal world.

Yet they face immense obstacles. Billions of women and girls face marginalization, injustice and discrimination, while the persistent epidemic of violence against women disgraces humanity.

Our world still reflects millennia of male-dominated power relations.

And progress is under attack, with a fierce backlash against women’s rights.

At our current rate, legal equality is some three hundred years away.

We must move much faster.

On International Women’s Day, we stand with women and girls fighting for their rights, and we commit to accelerating progress.

This year’s theme – invest in women – reminds us that ending the patriarchy requires money on the table.

We must support women’s organisations on the front line.

And we must invest in programmes to end violence against women, and to drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action.

This all depends on unlocking finance for sustainable development so that countries have funds available to invest in women and girls.

We also need to increase the number of women leaders in business, finance, central banks and finance ministries. This can help drive investments in policies and programmes that respond to women and girls’ needs.

Women’s rights are a proven path to fair, peaceful, prosperous societies. It is good for us all.

Together, let’s take urgent action to make it a reality.

António Guterres; United Nations Secretary-General.







In celebrating International Women's Day 2024, under the theme of 'Investing in women: Accelerate progress', the ILO puts a spotlight on the essential and inseparable roles of decent work and gender equality. As this year's International Women's Day falls during the 350th session of the Governing Body, the celebration will be joined by the Director General, GB participants, and ILO colleagues. The reception will start with songs from the ILO choir followed by contributions from the DG and the representatives of 3 constituents.



International Labour organization



Monday 4 March 2024

International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024; March 5th.

FORUM: "It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now!." International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024. Since the founding of the United Nations, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to the Organization’s efforts to maintain international peace and security. Weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, continue to be of primary concern, owing to their destructive power and the threat that they pose to humanity. The excessive accumulation in conventional weapons and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons jeopardizes international peace and security and sustainable development, while the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is seriously endangering civilians. New and emerging weapon technologies, such as autonomous weapons, pose a challenge to global security and have received increased attention from the international community in recent years. Why Do You think disarmement is important?; Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #IDDNPA2024, #Disarmament, #disarmamentawarenessday, #5march, #nonproliferationawarenessday #VCS, #peaceandsecurity.

March 5th




EVENTS: Activities to Commemorate the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day 2024.

During the Month of March; A Conversation Series event on reducing the human cost of weapons through a gender lens, with a focus on conventional arms. A Vienna Conversation Series event, planned in cooperation with the Diplomatic Academy Vienna, the Austrian Research Association, and the Kyrgyz Republic, seeks to raise awareness on the role of disarmament in advancing international peace and reducing the human cost of weapons, with a focus on conventional arms. The event also seeks to make a link to International Women’s Day (8 March), highlighting the gendered impact of weapons, as well as the importance of women’s full and equal representation in disarmament processes.


From February 28th to March 8th 2024- You’re invited to participate to a interactive game entitled ’’Visibility among the Vienna community”. The Office for Disarmament Affairs’ (ODA) in Vienna will be kicking off a series of activities to mark the International Day. There will be an exhibition booth at the Rotunda of the Vienna International Center, featuring educational materials on the human cost of weapons, an interactive game on disarmament facts and fiction, and short videos. Social media activities, including ODA’s e-learning opportunities, will continue during the week.


On March 25th 2024; The Cine-ONU screening of the BBC documentary “Nuclear Armageddon: How Close Are We?”. The Vienna Office is partnering with UNIS Vienna Cine-ONU’s initiative to screen the BBC documentary, “Nuclear Armageddon: How Close Are We?”. It will be followed by a panel discussion. Open to public, this event aims to raise awareness on the importance of nuclear disarmament.


On March 5th 2024; A Online Public Social Campaign on the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Background Observed. On the International Day, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) will launch a social campaign to raise awareness on disarmament. The campaign will be kick off with video messages from UN Resident Coordinators in Asia-Pacific. The public can post video responses to Why do you think disarmament is important?” on social media using the hashtag #IDDNPA2024.


On March 5th 2024; You are invited to participate to the Youth for Humanitarian Disarmament contest. Mexico, in its capacity as the President of the 12th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, will launch a youth contest “Igniting change – Youth for Humanitarian Disarmament: Advancing the goals of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”. The contest calls on young people worldwide to share their thoughts, insights and perspectives on the unacceptable harm caused by the use of cluster munitions, focusing on three main themes: risk education, humanitarian disarmament, and the Sustainable Development Goals. For more information on how to join the Youth for Humanitarian Disarmament contest, please click here. Register here to participate in person or online.


International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024



 Statement of the Secretary-General on the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024; March 5th.

This second International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness comes at a perilous moment, marked by rising levels of military spending, deepening geopolitical tensions and growing violent conflicts across the globe.

Meanwhile, some leaders are using apocalyptic rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons. The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the use of explosive devices in populated areas, and the growing military application of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are also serious concerns.

Today reminds us that disarmament and non-proliferation are critical not only to a peaceful future, but to our very existence.

Global leaders must invest in peace by strengthening the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation and use of deadly weapons — including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — and by developing disarmament solutions.

The proposed New Agenda for Peace includes new strategies and approaches to eliminate the threats posed by nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and other emerging dangers, such as autonomous weapons systems.

On this important day, let us speak with one loud, clear and united voice.

It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now.

António Guterres.

COVENTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS
Advancing the goals on the cluster munition convention


IGNITING CHANGE - YOUTH FOR HUMANITARIAN DISARMAMENT


Saturday 2 March 2024

World Wildlife Day 2024; March 3rd.

FORUM: “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.'' World Wildlife Day 2024. For this occasion, we are exploring digital innovation and highlighting how digital conservation technologies and services can drive wildlife conservation, sustainable and legal wildlife trade and human-wildlife coexistence, now and for future generations in an increasingly connected world. We are in the midst of a global digital revolution that is breaking down barriers to people-centered digital governance and to equal opportunities for all to unleash the power of digital transformation. The ‘digital divide’ is slowly narrowing, with better connectivity and Internet access reaching 66 per cent of our global population. However, around 2.7 billion people of our global population are still not online. On average, only 36 % of the populations in the least developed countries and landlocked developing countries are online. Women and young people are more likely to experience gaps in Internet access and/or job-ready digital skills. Technological innovation has made research, communication, tracking, DNA analysis and many other aspects of wildlife conservation easier, more efficient and accurate. Yet, uneven access to these new tools, environmental pollution and unsustainable applications of certain technologies remain critical issues for achieving universal digital inclusion by 2030. How are you Connecting People And Planet for the WWD2024?; What Digital Innovation in wildlife conservation inspires you or sparks your curiosity?; What kind of Technology For Wildlife have you (or someone you know) using?. 


Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.


EVENTS: While WWD2024 will be celebrated on 3 March 2024, the high-level event will take place on 4 March 2024 at UNHQ in New York, NY, United States of America. This year, the CITES Secretariat has teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme, WILDLABS, Jackson Wild (host of the World Wildlife Day Showcase and the WILDLABS Awards 2024) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) (host of the World Wildlife Day Youth Art Contest). The World Wildlife Day 2024 represents a platform for inter-generational exchange and youth empowerment through art, presentations and conversations on the opportunities ahead for our shared sustainable future in digital wildlife conservation. WWD2024 offers a jumping off point for exploring what digital innovations are available now, what intersectional discrepancies we are facing and how we want our digital connectivity to evolve for all people and planet. Get the World Wildlife Day 2024 Agenda Programme and watch the livestream on United Nations WebTV. On and around March 3rd, many side-events, seminars, workshops and excursions will be held worldwide to celebrate the World Wildlife Day 2024. Explore the map of WWD2024 celebrations around the world.

WWD2024 Agenda Programme



Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Wildlife Day 2024; March 3rd.

Human activities have devastated our wildlife. Human ingenuity can help to save it.

Pollution, climate chaos, habitat loss and exploitation of nature have pushed a million plant and animal species to the brink of extinction. This is horrifying in itself. It is also a direct threat to the health and livelihoods of billions of people around the world — particularly the most vulnerable.

As the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day reminds us, digital technologies can help to turn things around. Already, satellites are helping to track animals under threat. And data is charting wildlife migration and land use, supporting efforts to protect them.

When used responsibly, sustainably and equitably, digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize conservation. But they are a tool in our arsenal, not a silver bullet. We still need concerted efforts by countries, companies, and individuals to help pull the world’s wildlife back from the brink and build a just, sustainable future.

At this year’s Summit of the Future, Members States will discuss our proposals to develop new metrics to complement gross domestic product (GDP). Activities like overfishing and forest clearance increase GDP while devastating nature. Complementary metrics can provide balance, by measuring the things that really matter to people and planet.

I also urge countries to take urgent action to drastically reduce emissions, adapt to climate extremes, prevent pollution and put the brakes on biodiversity loss, including recognizing the role Indigenous Peoples play in protecting biodiversity.

Developed countries must invest in biodiversity and climate action in developing countries. And all Governments must create new national climate plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as well as national biodiversity strategies that implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

We depend on nature. Let’s show that nature can depend on us — and act now to protect it.

Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

OTHER STATEMENTS: Read the other Statements and Remarks on behalf World Wildlife Day 2024.


CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Share your digital innovations in wildlife conservation using this Social media kit which features official hashtags, post ideas, information about the theme and Get the World Wildlife Day 2024 Communication materials!



LIVESTREAM: World Wildlife Day should connect people with our natural world and inspire continued learning and action beyond the event. For WWD 2024, we hope to provide a jumping off point for exploring what digital innovations are available now, what discrepancies we are facing and how we want our digital connectivity to evolve for people and planet. The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with partners such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Jackson Wild and others, will host the World Wildlife Day 2024 celebration


World Hearing Day 2023; March 3rd.

FORUM: “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!World Hearing Day 2024. Globally, over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet. Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual cost of nearly US$1 trillion globally. Deeply ingrained societal mis-perceptions and stigmatizing mindsets are key factors that limit efforts for preventing and addressing hearing loss. Changing mindsets related to ear and hearing care is crucial to improving access and mitigating the cost of unaddressed hearing loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual cost of $980 billion each year. This is the cost incurred due to the impact of hearing loss without rehabilitation access, including productivity losses and social exclusion. On March 3rd, the World Hearing Day 2024 will focus on overcoming the challenges posed by societal mis-perceptions and stigmatizing mindsets through awareness-raising and information-sharing, targeted at the public and health care providers. Follow the conservation with the hashtags: #worldhearingday; #hearingcare. #3march.




EVENTS: On March 3rd, to mark World Hearing Day 2024; The Member States, partners and stakeholders are encouraged to organize a webinar to raise awareness in communities, in order to address mis-perceptions around ear and hearing problems and ensure accessible ear and hearing care. As part of activities promoting World Hearing Day, the World Hearing Forum (WHF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health (CGHH) invite proposals for WHF-CGHH Small Grants for World Hearing Day 2024.Kindly register to participate to World Hearing Day 2024 events to get global visibility. The event information will be made available to a wider global audience.




EXHIBITS: Changing mindsets is essential to making ear and hearing care accessible. Through this photo exhibition and related stories, the World Health Organization and the World Hearing Forum will draw attention to the positive impact of timely identification and management of ear and hearing problems in order to correct existing mis-perceptions and change damaging mindsets.




PUBLICATIONS:

- WHO issues guidance to improve access to hearing care in low- and middle-income settings.

For World Hearing Day, marked on 3 March, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released new technical guidance on hearing aid service delivery approaches for low- and middle-income settings. This document is designed to provide practical guidance to countries in developing hearing aid services in areas that lack human resources for assessing hearing, as well as fitting and maintaining hearing aids.

The guidance, developed with support from the ATScale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, is based on the principle of task sharing among specialists and trained non-specialists. It includes two approaches, one targeting adults and the other for children 5 years and over, and is accompanied by resources with tips for healthy ear care practices, use of hearing aids and how to support people living with hearing loss.

Over 400 million people with hearing loss could benefit from using hearing devices. However, less than 20% of these needs are fulfilled,” said WHO Director for the Department for Noncommunicable Diseases, Dr Bente Mikkelsen. “Unaddressed hearing loss is a global public health challenge and incurs an estimated cost of over US$ 1 trillion annually. Given the global shortage of ear and hearing care specialists, we have to rethink how we traditionally deliver services.

The release of the new guide coincides with World Hearing Day. The theme for 2024 is “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all”, highlighting the importance of correcting misconceptions of hearing loss that are common among the general public and primary health providers.

Existing mindsets limit access to hearing care.

The first of 2 key challenges in ear and hearing care is the lack of health system capacity for the provision of integrated ear and hearing care throughout people’s lives, as evidenced by a lack of policies, human resources and dedicated finances. The service delivery approaches detailed by WHO aim to overcome this challenge by better utilizing non-specialists in providing hearing care to increase capacity.

The second key challenge relates to misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets about hearing loss and ear diseases, which are deeply ingrained within societies and often limit the success of efforts to improve hearing care. Common misperceptions include the idea that hearing loss is an inevitable part of old age and that hearing aids do not work well or are too expensive.

“Common myths about hearing loss often prevent people from seeking the services they require, even where these services are available,” said Dr Shelly Chadha, technical lead for ear and hearing care at WHO. “Any effort to improve hearing care provision through health system strengthening must be accompanied by work to raise awareness within societies and address stigma related to ear and hearing care.”

Misperceptions are also prevalent among primary health care providers who may consider this to be a specialized or difficult to provide service, resulting in failure to identify and treat even those conditions that do not need specialist care.

Changing mindsets

Changing mindsets related to ear and hearing care is crucial for improving access and mitigating the cost of unaddressed hearing loss. To address common myths and misperceptions, WHO has released several information products and resources to raise public awareness. A factsheet for health professionals provides a clear rationale and directions for engagement of primary level service providers in hearing care provision. 


 - WHD2024 Planning Guide: This planning guide provides a basic and practical framework for any person or organization interested in observing World Hearing Day to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care (EHC) at national and community levels across the world. The guide is a resource for those working in the field of ear and hearing care. It has been prepared to provide you with the World Hearing Day branding and key messages and introduce you to the resources for the development of your campaign. Use it to get involved with World Hearing Day and encourage others to join the global campaign. By uniting our efforts, we can help make ear and hearing care a worldwide priority issue. Read the Primary ear and hearing care training manual.
 

PROJECTS: Overview of Global Projects in Specific regions.

STATEMENTS: “Hearing loss has often been referred to as an “invisible disability”, not just because of the lack of visible symptoms, but because it has long been stigmatized in communities and ignored by policy-makers.” Read the full Message from the WHO Director-General on World Hearing Day 2024; March 3rd.


GET INVOLVED!

Here are the ways Governments, Health care providers,Civil society groups, parents, teachers, and physicians can follow:

Governments should take steps to integrate ear and hearing care within primary health careimplement community based approaches that bring services close to people and lead initiatives to raise awareness and mitigate stigma related to hearing loss

Health care providers must also play their role by ensuring they give due attention and care to people with common ear and hearing problems

Civil society groups, parents, teachers, and physicians can use WHO’s awareness materials and community resources to inform people about the importance of ear and hearing care.


Thursday 29 February 2024

World Seagrass Day 2023; March 1st.

FORUM: “Saving Seagrass.” World Seagrass Day 2024. Seagrasses have been declining globally since the 1930s, with the most recent census estimating that 7% of this key marine habitat is being lost worldwide per year. It was recently noted that 21% of seagrass species are categorized as Near Threatened, Vulnerable and Endangered Species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. The combined pressures of coastal development, pollution, including land-based run-off, climate change, dredging and unregulated fishing and boating activities are key drivers of the degradation of seagrasses and their associated ecosystems. Seagrass improve water quality by filtering, cycling and storing nutrients and pollutants, reducing contamination in seafood.
Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #BlueTransformation, #savingseagrass, #Seagrass, #worldSeagrassesDay, #1march.




EVENTS: On March 1st, to observe the World Seagrass Day 2024, a panel discussion will be held at UNHQ to find the ways to save seagrass meadows. The IORA Indian Ocean Blue Carbon Hub is holding a photography competition to highlight these extraordinary ecosystems.

 


PUBLICATION: Seagrasses are one of the most widespread coastal habitats on the planet. They provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits to humans, making them one of the most valuable coastal and marine ecosystems on Earth, but they are under threat. The report, Out of the Blue: The Value of Seagrasses to the Environment and to People (UNEP), provides recommendations to help restore them.

The value of seagrass to the environment and people. OUT OF THE BLUE