Tuesday 29 November 2011

2011: An extraordinary year for human rights , Help us celebrate human rights!

Human Rights Day 2011

EVENTS :

New york

The High Commissioner for Human Rights will host a global conversation on human rights through social media on Friday, 9 December at 9:30 a.m. New York time.

Geneva

On 9 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, there will be a dialogue focusing on the transformational role of social media, including discussion of the extraordinary events over the past year, personal experiences of campaigners from countries in the process of change, and those working for social and cultural equity in different regions and perspectives from conventional media operators.

Around the world

United Nations offices around the world are partnering with civil society organisations, governments and academic institutions to commemorate Human Rights Day 2011 through a range of events.
Examples include: a seminar on human rights defenders and social media in Cairo, Egypt; social media campaigns on human rights in Mexico and Cameroon; a panel discussion in Nairobi, Kenya on the use of social media and new technologies to advocate for human rights; and a human rights film festival and concert in Yerevan, Armenia.

 

About Human Rights Day

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observance of Human Rights Day.

The UDHR: the foremost statement of the rights and freedoms of all human beings

The Declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, consists of a preamble and 30 articles, setting out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled, without any distinction.
The Declaration was drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions. It has over time been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples. Virtually all states have accepted it. The Declaration has also served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as disabled persons, indigenous peoples and migrant workers.

The Most Universal Document in the World

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into more than 380 languages and dialects: from Abkhaz to Zulu. The Universal Declaration is thus the most translated document - indeed, the most "universal" one in the world.


It has been a year like no other for human rights. Human rights activism has never been more topical or more vital. And through the transforming power of social media, ordinary people have become human rights activists.

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This year, millions of people decided the time had come to claim their rights. They took to the streets and demanded change. Many found their voices using the internet and instant messaging to inform, inspire and mobilize supporters to seek their basic human rights. Social media helped activists organize peaceful protest movements in cities across the globe - from Tunis to Madrid, from Cairo to New York - at times in the face of violent repression.

Human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values. As a global community we all share a day in common: Human Rights Day on 10 December, when we remember the creation 63 years ago of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On Human Rights Day 2011, we pay tribute to all human rights defenders and ask you to get involved in the global human rights movement.
2011: An extraordinary year for human rights
The High Commissioner for Human Rights will host a global conversation on human rights through social media on Friday, 9 December at 9:30 a.m. New York time.
We want you to be part of it – join the conversation, send a question, watch it live.

Help us celebrate human rights!

Secretary-General's Message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 29 November 2011

Secretary-General's Message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 29 November 2011

Sixty-four years ago on this day, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181, ‎proposing the partition of the mandate territory into two States. The establishment of a ‎Palestinian State, living in peace next to a secure Israel, is long overdue.‎
The need to resolve this conflict has taken on greater urgency with the historic ‎transformations taking place across the region. I call on the Israeli and Palestinian ‎leadership to show courage and determination to seek an agreement for a two-State ‎solution that can open up a brighter future for Palestinian and Israeli children. Such a ‎solution must end the occupation that began in 1967, and meet legitimate security ‎concerns. Jerusalem must emerge from negotiations as the ‎capital of two States, with ‎arrangements for the holy sites acceptable to all. And a just and agreed solution must be ‎found for millions of Palestinian refugees scattered around the region.‎
While there are many challenges to this goal, let me stress an important, indeed ‎historic, achievement of the Palestinian Authority during the past year. The Palestinian ‎Authority is now institutionally ready to assume the responsibilities of statehood, if a ‎Palestinian state were created. This was affirmed by a wide range of members of the ‎international community at the meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee in September. ‎I commend President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on this ‎remarkable success. These efforts should continue and be supported. ‎
In this regard, the current suspension by Israel of customs and tax transfers owed ‎to the Palestinian Authority risks undermining these gains. These revenues must be ‎transferred without delay. ‎
Above all else, a political horizon is vital. I am deeply concerned that Israeli-‎Palestinian negotiations are not taking place, while trust between the parties continues to ‎fade. A glimpse of hope comes from their engagement with the Middle East Quartet. I ‎call on both sides to develop serious proposals on borders and security, and to discuss ‎them directly with each other, with active Quartet support, in the context of a shared ‎commitment to reach an agreement by the end of 2012. ‎
The parties have a particular responsibility to cease provocations and create a ‎conducive environment for meaningful negotiations. Israel's recently intensified ‎settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is a major obstacle. Settlement ‎activity is contrary to international law and the Roadmap, and must cease. Unilateral ‎actions on the ground will not be accepted by the international community. For its part, ‎the Palestinian Authority should also find ways to help de-escalate the situation and ‎improve the prevailing divisive climate, and to be ready to engage directly in the search ‎for a negotiated solution. ‎
I also urge the Palestinians to overcome their divisions, based on the ‎commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the positions of the Quartet and ‎the Arab Peace Initiative. I take note of President Abbas's continuous efforts towards a ‎transitional government that will prepare for presidential and legislative elections in May. ‎Palestinian unity that supports a negotiated two-State solution is essential for the creation ‎of a Palestinian State in Gaza and the West Bank. ‎
The United Nations continues to be strongly committed to the population in Gaza, ‎and to implementing all aspects of Security Council resolution 1860. I appreciate efforts ‎undertaken by Israel to ease the closure, and continue to call for removing the numerous ‎remaining measures that severely restrict the movement of people and goods and limit the ‎ability of the United Nations to support Gaza's economic recovery and reconstruction. ‎
I also take this opportunity to remind those in Gaza who fire rockets at Israel or ‎continue to smuggle weapons that these actions are both unacceptable and completely ‎contrary to Palestinian interests. I call for an end to rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, and ‎for Israel to exercise maximum restraint. Both parties should fully observe calm and ‎respect international humanitarian law. ‎
I welcome the recent prisoner exchange that saw the release of hundreds of ‎Palestinian prisoners and an Israeli soldier. This significant humanitarian breakthrough ‎should be followed by further steps to consolidate calm and end the closure of Gaza. ‎
Amid these many challenges to the realization of their legitimate aspirations for ‎statehood, the Palestinian leadership submitted an application for membership in the ‎United Nations. This is a matter for the Member States to decide. Whatever view of this ‎matter is taken, we should not lose sight of the ultimate goal of reaching a negotiated ‎peace agreement on all final status issues, including borders, security, Jerusalem and ‎refugees. ‎
Let us, on this International Day, reaffirm our commitment to translating ‎solidarity into positive action. The international community must help steer the situation ‎towards a historic peace agreement. Failing to overcome mistrust will only condemn ‎further generations of Palestinians and Israelis to conflict and suffering. A just and ‎lasting peace in the Middle East based on Security Council resolutions 242, 338, 1397, ‎‎1515 and 1850, previous agreements, the Madrid framework, the Road Map and the Arab ‎Peace Initiative is critical to avoid this fate. For my part, I pledge to continue pursuing ‎my efforts with all the means available to me.‎
Ban Ki-moon

MESSAGE FOR ART EXHIBIT ON PALESTINIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES AND ARTEFACTS New York, 29 November 2011

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
-- MESSAGE FOR ART EXHIBIT ON PALESTINIAN
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES AND ARTEFACTS
New York, 29 November 2011


I welcome this year’s art exhibit on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. These beautiful paintings, ceramics and textiles gracefully express the rich Palestinian cultural heritage. They also reflect the yearning of the Palestinian people for recognition and dignity.
Art has the power to help us transcend historic challenges and communicate universal values, including the search for peace, justice and mutual respect.
The United Nations has always stood for an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State, living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.
I continue to urge the parties to refrain from provocative action, including unilateral actions on the ground, and create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful negotiations on all the core issues.
A historic peace must end the conflict and the occupation that began in 1967 and resolve all permanent status issues, including the plight of the Palestinian refugees.
In the occupied Palestinian territory, the United Nations continues to provide relief to the Palestinian people, assist in addressing their social and economic needs, and support their state-building efforts.
As Secretary-General, I will continue to do my utmost to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people 29 November 2011

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people 2011
29 November 2011


The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a moment to mark our support to the Palestinian people in their quest for a more peaceful future.

The decision taken by UNESCO Member States during the 36th Session of the General Conference to admit Palestine to the Organization strengthens UNESCO’s resolve to deepen international cooperation in all of our areas of competence. Quality education, support to culture, promotion of freedom of expression are essential conditions for a better future for all peoples in the region. This is our message on the occasion of the 2011 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which we will celebrate through the arts and culture at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

UNESCO has a clear position. Leasting Peace can only be built on equal respect for the human rights and the dignity of every woman and man. This is the foundation for solidarity within societies and between them. This is also the basis for promoting dialogue and fostering mutual understanding.

UNESCO has been long engaged with the Palestinian people to strengthen the process of state-building and to till the ground for a more tolerant, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
This starts with education, where UNESCO works to promote tolerance and supports the psychosocial needs of students by developing schools as comfort zones. We are training teachers and helping to build a high-quality education system. We provide scholarships and learning opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized communities, and we offer catch-up courses and free-of-charge tutoring for thousands of students every year.

Our work in culture also contributes to help sustain the Palestinian identity and develop the culture sector as a social and economic outlet. UNESCO supports efforts to protect a number of major cultural sites and monuments and to underpin the cultural expressions and cultural entrepreneurship of the Palestinian people. These are sources of social cohesion and vectors for
development.

Freedom of expression is a core ingredient of vibrant democracy and the rule of law. This is why UNESCO is working with the Palestinian people to promote independent and pluralistic media, to strengthen freedom of expression, and to ensure access to information – including, for instance, training courses for women journalists.

Peace must be built in classrooms, through respect for cultural diversity, and on the basis of inclusive and professional media. It must be taken forward by tolerant schoolchildren, better equipped teachers and independent journalists. These are the foundations for solidarity and sustainable peace.
Irina Bokova

Friday 25 November 2011

The Durban Ceba Initiative

Durban CEBA

The eThekwini Municipality and the Wildlands Conservation Trust will be profiling a new community climate protection model, the Durban CEBA Initiative, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17/CMP7) to be held in Durban.



Community Ecosystem Based Adaptation

Africanising Adaptation The Durban CEBA Initiative is a partnership between the eThekwini Municipality and The Wildlands Conservation Trust aimed at uplifting local communities by creating ‘green’ jobs for the poor and unemployed, restoring the ecosystems that are important to the welfare of these communities and reducing our collective vulnerability to climate change.

Buy CEBA credits and make a difference Each CEBA credit that you buy will employ one local community member for a day, to undertake a range of climate protection work, such as invasive alien plant (IAP) clearing, ecosystem restoration or community recycling. This work is directed towards both reducing climate change impacts through carbon sequestration and emissions reductions, and in building resilience and adaptability to climate change in vulnerable communities.

So, by buying CEBA credits, you are contributing towards global climate protection, ecosystem restoration, job creation, climate change adaptation and building the green economy. You couldn’t ask for a more sound investment in offsetting your carbon and ecological footprints! Buy CEBA credits here

Thursday 24 November 2011

Ban Ki-moon answers five questions on ending violence against women

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's UNiTE campaign

Ban Ki-moon answers five questions on ending violence against women




United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. 

UNiTE brings together a host of UN agencies and offices to galvanize action across the UN system to prevent and punish violence against women.

Through UNiTE, the UN is joining forces with individuals, civil society and governments to put an end to violence against women in all its forms.

“The empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges”

Commission on the Status of Women
Fifty-fifth session
22 February – 4 March 2011
 

discussion
“The empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges”

General Discussion 

Priority theme


Key policy initiatives and capacity-building on gender mainstreaming: focus on science and technology 

Evaluation of progress in the implementation of the agreed conclusions on “The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child”

Gender equality and sustainable development
Elimination of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and the empowerment of women 

The empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges 

Gender statistics: Challenges and new directions 



Regional Groups:

Argentina on behalf of the Group of 77 and China
Bahamas on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Chile on behalf of the Rio Group
Hungary on behalf of the European Union
Indonesia on behalf of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Kiribati on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum Group
Mozambique on behalf of the African Group
Namibia on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Nauru on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States



Member States:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Botswana
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Central African Republic
Chile
China
Congo
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Egypt
El Salvador
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Islamic Republic of Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mexico
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay (English | Spanish)
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar (Arabic | English)
Republic of Korea
Russian Federation
Saint Lucia
Senegal
South Africa
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Spain
Sudan
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Uruguay
Viet Nam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe


Permanent observers:

Holy See
Organization of the Islamic Conference
Palestine


UN entities:

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
United Nations Regional Commissions


Other intergovernmental organizations:

African Union Commission
International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS)
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
Partners in Population and Development (PPD)


Non-governmental organizations:

American Association of University Women, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Girl Learn International, Inc., Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, The Salvation Army and Passionists International
Asia Pacific Women's Watch (APWW)
Education International (EI), Public Services International (PSI), Internatinoal Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
International Network of Liberal Women
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
International Public Policy Institute, National Alliance for Women and Women's Intercultural Network
Latin American Caucus
Middle East Caucus
NGO Committee on the Status of Women, NY
Rural Development Leadership Network
Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTH)
Soroptimist International
Young Women's Caucus

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - November 25th


Secretary-General
SG/SM/13955
OBV/1052
WOM/1885

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Violence – Often, Mere Threat of It – One of Most Significant Barriers To Women’s 

Full Equality, Says Secretary-General in Message for International Day



Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November:

Violence against women and girls takes many forms and is widespread throughout the globe.
It includes rape, domestic violence, harassment at work, abuse in school, female genital mutilation and sexual violence in armed conflicts.  It is predominantly inflicted by men.  Whether in developing or developed countries, the pervasiveness of this violence should shock us all.  Violence — and in many cases the mere threat of it — is one of the most significant barriers to women’s full equality.

The right of women and girls to live free of violence is inalienable and fundamental.  It is enshrined in international human rights and humanitarian law.  And it lies at the heart of my “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign.  Since its launch in 2008, the campaign has galvanized Governments, civil society, the corporate sector, athletes, artists, women, men and young people around the world.  The social mobilization platform “Say NO — UNiTE” has recorded more than 2 million activities worldwide
— from protest marches to public awareness campaigns, from legislative advocacy to help for victims.

Many of these activities have received support from the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.  Since it was founded 15 years ago, the Fund has delivered grants worth $77 million to 339 initiatives in 126 countries and territories.  We would like the Fund to be able to do even more, but demand for support continues to outstrip resources.  This year alone, the Fund has received more than 2,500 applications requesting nearly $1.2 billion.  I appeal to all our partners to help us meet this vast unmet need.

Our challenge is to ensure that the message of “zero tolerance” is heard far and wide.  To do that, we must engage all of society — and especially young people.  In particular, young men and boys must be encouraged to become the advocates we need.  We need to promote healthy models of masculinity.  Too many young men still grow up surrounded by outmoded male stereotypes.  By talking to friends and peers about violence against women and girls, and by taking action to end it, they can help break the ingrained behaviour of generations.

On this International Day, I urge Governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence.  Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.

Top UN officials highlight youth leadership in ending violence against women

 

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks at event to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

23 November 2011 – Top United Nations officials today called for engaging all of society, and especially young people, to end violence against women, a scourge that spans the globe and takes many forms, including rape, domestic violence and harassment at work. “Whether in developing or developed countries, the pervasiveness of this unacceptable violence should shock us all,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at an event in New York to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
“Violence – and in many cases the mere threat of it – is one of the most significant barriers to women’s full equality,” he added.

This year’s Day, observed annually on 25 November, focuses on youth leadership in preventing and ending gender-based violence.
“Our challenge,” said Mr. Ban, “is to ensure that the message of ‘zero tolerance’ is heard far and wide. To do that, we must engage all of society – and especially young people – and in particular young men and boys.”
He highlighted the need to promote “healthy models of masculinity,” and in particular encourage young men and boys to become advocates for change.
“I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic. Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.”

In a separate message for the Day, Mr. Ban said the right of women and girls to live free of violence is “inalienable and fundamental” and enshrined in international human rights and humanitarian law.


It also lies at the heart of the “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign that the Secretary-General launched in 2008 that has galvanized governments, civil society, the corporate sector, athletes, artists, women, men and young people around the world to end the pandemic.
Mr. Ban also urged governments and the private sector to increase their support to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which is marking 15 years of giving grants to support innovative regional, local and national projects.

The fund has delivered grants worth $77 million to 339 initiatives in 126 countries and territories since it was established in 1997. However, demand for support continues to outstrip resources, the Secretary-General said, noting that this year alone, the fund has received more than 2,500 applications requesting nearly $1.2 billion. Mr. Ban said an additional $100 million in annual donations is needed.

The Executive Director of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet, for her part, called on world leaders to mobilize political will and investment to ensure that women can live a life without violence.
“Violence against women is not solely a women’s issue,” she stated in her message for the Day. “It diminishes each and every one of us. We need to come together to end it. By coming together, by standing up against violence against women, we will come closer to peace, justice and equality.”

According to UN Women, 125 countries have specific laws that penalize domestic violence, and equality between women and men is guaranteed in 139 countries and territories. But women continue to be subjected to violence, with estimates indicating that up to six in 10 women have suffered physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, a majority from their husbands or partners.

Ms. Bachelet outlined 16 concrete policy actions to end violence against women, including revising laws, providing universal access to emergency services for survivors, engaging men and boys, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

In a related development, the UN released a report today stating that Afghanistan has a long way to go before its women are fully protected from violence and their equality is properly upheld through the landmark Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW) law enacted two years ago.
The report, produced by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) and the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), makes 32 recommendations to the Government and its international partners to improve implementation of the law, including raising greater awareness of the law among Afghan women and men and within all levels of the Government.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

World Fisheries Day - November 21

Fisheries and Aquaculture

In 1995, FAO member countries adopted the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, which sets out principles and methods applicable to all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. The code outlines ways to achieve the sustainable development and management of fisheries and aquaculture.

FAO has developed four international plans of action dealing with seabirds, sharks, fishing capacity and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to support the code. Two special strategies have been designed to improve data collection and monitoring systems for both capture fisheries and aquaculture. A series of technical guidelines, intended to help translate the code’s principles into action, further promote the code’s implementation.


Fish for food, livelihood and trade 


As vast as the world’s oceans may seem, their resources are limited and their ecosystems fragile. FAO believes that they can be protected and conserved with careful and responsible stewardship. The Organization is committed to helping countries manage fisheries and aquaculture more effectively and to ensuring that fish continue to be a significant source of food, livelihood and trade for future generations.


KEY FACTS

  •  Some 80 percent of the world’s fish production is used for human consumption. The rest is mostly processed into fishmeal and fish oil.

  •  The number of people who are directly engaged in the primary production of fish either in capture from the wild or in aquaculture reached 44.9 million in 2008. In the last three decades the number of fishers and fish farmers has grown faster than the world’s population and employment in traditional agriculture.

  • Fish and fish products reached a record US$102 billion dollars in exports in 2008, with further growth
    expected. In developing countries, fishery net-exports (exports minus imports) are higher than those for
    other agricultural commodities including coffee, tea, rice and bananas.

  •  Some 53 percent of the world’s marine fishery resources are fully fished, or fished to the maximum
    sustainable level. Another 32 percent is overfished, depleted, or recovering from depletion.

  •  Fish contributes to food security in many regions of the world.Numerous developing countries rely on fish as a major source of protein; in 28 of them, fish accounts for over 40 percent of animal protein intake.
     
  •  Since 1970, fish production from aquaculture has increased at an average annual rate of 6.6 percent.
    With production reaching 52.5 million tonnes in 2008, aquaculture will soon overtake capture fisheries as a source of food fish.
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World Fisheries Day - November 21

    Sunday 20 November 2011

    21 November as World Television Day

    In December 1996 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day commemorating the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996.

    The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day (through resolution 51/205 of 17 December 1996). This was done in recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-making by alerting world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues.

    On 21 and 22 November 1996 the United Nations held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today's changing world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation. That is why the General Assembly decided to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day - to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held.

    The celebration highlights how communications have become one of today's central international issues, not only for their relevance to the world economy, but also for their implications for social and cultural development. The celebration also underlines the ever-increasing demands faced by the United Nations to address the major issues facing humankind - and that television - as one of today's most powerful communications media, could play a role in presenting these issues to the world.


    Past Statements

    "Television can be a tremendous force for good. It can educate great numbers of people about the world around them. It can show us how much we have in common with our neighbours, near and far. And, it can shed light on the dark corners, where ignorance and hatred fester. The television industry is also in a unique position to promote mutual understanding and tolerance -– with content that tells the stories not just about the powerful, but about the powerless, and not just about life in the world’s richest pockets, but also in the developing countries that are home to the majority of the world’s population."

    Secretary-General Kofi Annan
    World Television Day message
    21 November 2003
    (SG/SM/9007 OBV/392)
    "Recognizing its power, public television has a vital role in guaranteeing access for all people to information on their own cultures and on global events. It is certainly indispensable for the proper functioning of genuine democracies. Television is a decisive factor in globalization. It supports cultural diversity and helps to establish freedom of information."

    H.E. Mr. Jan Kavan
    President of the Fifty-seventh Session of the General Assembly
    World Television Day message
    21 November 2002
    (Full text of message )
    "Television, as the world’s most powerful medium of communication, has a key role to play as these changes deepen and spread further still."

    Secretary-General Kofi Annan
    World Television Day message
    21 November 2002
    (SG/SM/9007 OBV/392)
    "Television can help the world to better understand the United Nations -- to understand that it is their United Nations: theirs to improve, theirs to engage, theirs to embrace. As we enter a new millennium, I look forward to working closely with the world's television professionals in pursuit of global peace and development."

    Secretary-General Kofi Annan
    World Television Day message
    21 November 1999
    (SG/SM/9007 OBV/392)

    Documents

    General Assembly resolutions related to television

    • Proclamation of 21 November as World Television Day : resolution adopted by the General Assembly.
      (A/RES/51/205, 28 February 1997)
    • Principles Governing the Use by States of Artificial Earth Satellites for international direct television Broadcasting.
      (A/RES/2917 (XXVII), 1983)
    • Preparation of international instruments or United Nations arrangements on principles governing the use by States of artificial earth satellites for direct television broadcasting.
      (A/RES/2917 (XXVII), 1973)
    • Preparation of an international convention on principles governing the use by States of artificial earth satellites for direct television broadcasting.
      (A/RES/2916 (XXVII), 1973)

    Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly

    Questions relating to information

    Related Documents

    Universal Children's Day - November 20











    By resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate. The date 20 November, marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.



    Africa Industrialization Day 2011

    Secretary-General's Message for 2011

    This year’s commemoration of Africa Industrialization Day shines a spotlight on the challenge of “Sustainable Energy for Accelerated Industrial Development”.
    Approximately 600 million people in Africa still live without access to affordable and sustainable modern energy, and rely mainly on traditional biomass for cooking and heating.  This is a major impediment to Africa’s social and economic development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

    Ensuring access to reliable, efficient and affordable energy is a key element in advancing industrial development, creating decent jobs and increasing productive capacity, especially for small and medium enterprises and rural populations.  Modern sources of energy will decrease dependence on primary commodities, reduce vulnerability to external shocks, and increase economic resilience.

    We need to make access to energy a priority. At the same time, we must ensure that energy solutions do not endanger our environment, climate, and the welfare of future generations.

    Next year’s crucially important Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development is a major opportunity to step up international action and investment.  Next year also marks the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

    I recently appointed a High-level Group to help meet three energy objectives by the year 2030: universal access to modern energy services; doubling the rate at which we improve energy efficiency; and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.  Achieving these goals can help to end energy poverty and catalyze a clean-energy revolution that benefits all humanity.

    As we mark Africa Industrialization Day, let us work together to achieve “Sustainable Energy for All” and advance economic development and productivity throughout Africa.

    November 2011 - United Nations Observances

    Friday 18 November 2011

    Sunday 20th November is this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

    WHO: Decade of Action for Road Safety - message by Dr Margaret Chan

    The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Margaret Chan, in a video statement to mark the launch of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020



     

     

    World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

    Sunday 20th November is this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The day is not only an opportunity to remember those who have been killed or injured in road crashes but also a day to remember others, such as the family and friends of victims, who have been affected by the fall-out of collisions on the world’s roads.

    Bike Crash
    Source: Jason Edward Scott Bain, flickr

    Sunday will also be the first Remembrance Day to fall within the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, which was launched earlier this year by the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration and partners. The Decade of Action’s goal is to stabilize and then reduce the global level of road traffic fatalities, which is currently predicted to rise. Importantly, the Decade of Action’s framework recognizes that achieving its goal will not happen by only focusing on road users and participating countries are being encouraged to implement activities in five key areas:
    • Road safety management
    • Safer roads and mobility
    • Safer vehicles
    • Safer road users
    • Post-crash response
    This year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is being marked by events all around the world. Earlier this week goodwill ambassadors from the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation visited a primary school in Ho Chi Minh City to remember road traffic victims in Vietnam. While other events on Sunday include, a photo exhibition of all October 2011 crashes at a memorial gathering in Istanbul, Turkey and a “Slow Down for Kids” event in Shanghai, China. The World Day of remembrance will also be observed for the first time in Kuwait.

    Related PLoS Medicine articles:
    Preventing Road Deaths—Time for Data
    Road Trauma in Teenage Male Youth with Childhood Disruptive Behavior Disorders: A Population Based Analysis
    Prescription Medicines and the Risk of Road Traffic Crashes: A French Registry-Based Study
    Protecting Vulnerable Road Users from Injury

    November 19th is World Toilet Day.

    "Toilet Civilization: Health, Tourism, Quality of Life". 

    In 2001, the World Toilet Organization declared its founding day, 19 November, as World Toilet Day. Since then, 19 November has been observed globally by its member organizations.

    Facts about Water and Sanitation

    The impacts of the global water and sanitation crisis are far-reaching. Beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood, those impacted are often confined to lifecycles of disadvantage and poverty. Access to clean water and sanitation helps sustain communities, build livelihoods and save lives.

    Facts about Water

    884 million people lack access to an improved water supply


    • A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.
    • At any given time, half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water-related disease.
    • The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.
    • While basic needs vary, the minimum threshold of water use is 20 litres per day. Factoring in bathing and laundry needs would increase this to 50 litres per day.
    • Most of the nearly 1 billion people lacking access to clean water live on about 5 litres of water a day. That’s about one tenth of the amount needed to flush a standard toilet.
    • A five minute shower using a standard showerhead uses approximately 100 litres of water. Installing a low-flow version would help reduce water usage to 35 litres for the same five minute shower.

    Improved Drinking-Water Unimproved Drinking-Water
    Use of the following sources:
    • Piped water into dwelling, yard or plot
    • Public tap or standpipe
    • Tubewell or borehole
    • Protected dug well
    • Protected spring
    • Rainwater collection
    Use of the following sources:
    • Unprotected dug well
    • Unprotected spring
    • Car with small tank or drum
    • Tanker truck
    • Surface water (river, dam, lake, pond, stream, canal, irrigation channel)
    • Bottled water*
    *Bottled water is considered to be improved only when the household uses drinking water from an improved source for cooking and personal hygiene; where this information is not available, bottled water is classified on a case-by-case basis.


    Facts about Sanitation

    2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation

    • 1.1 billion people still defecate in the open.
    • The majority of the illness in the world is caused by fecal matter.
    • Lack of sanitation is the world’s leading cause of infection.
    • 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation – defined as a sanitation facility that ensures the hygienic separation of human excreta from human contact.
    • 88 per cent of all diseases are caused by unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and insufficient hygiene.

    Improved Sanitation Unimproved Sanitation
    Use of the following facilities:
    • Flush or pour-flush to:
      • Piped sewer system
      • Septic tank
      • Pit Latrine
    • Ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine
    • Pit latrine with slab
    • Composing toilet
    Use of the following facilities:
    • Flush or pour-flush to elsewhere (that is,
      not piped sewer system, septic tank or
      pit latrine)
    • Pit latrine without slab/ open pit
    • Bucket
    • Hanging toilet or hanging latrine
    • Shared facilities of any type
    • No facilities, bush or field

    Facts about Women and Children

    Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.

    • 1.4 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation.
    • For children under five, water-related diseases are the leading cause of death.
    • Parasitic infection transmitted through unclean water and poor sanitation hinders learning potential for more than 150 million children.
    • Access to clean water and sanitation can reduce the risk of a child dying by as much as 50 per cent.
    • Inadequate sanitation is experienced by millions of women as a loss of dignity and source of insecurity.
    • Women shoulder the largest burden in collecting drinking water.
    • Girls under the age of 15 are twice as likely as boys of the same age to carry the responsibility of collecting water.


    Facts about Productivity

    Almost two-thirds of people lacking access to clean water live on less than $2 a day.

    • 443 million school days are lost each year due to water-related diseases.
    • Millions of women and children spend several hours a day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources.
    • Every $1 spend on water and sanitation creates on average another $8 in costs averted and productivity gained.
    • Lack of clean water and sanitation creates lifecycles of disadvantage – with illness and lost educational opportunities in childhood leading to poverty in adulthood.


    References

    * 2006 United Nations Human Development Report
    * World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Report 2003
    * WHO/UNICEF Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2010 Update
    * World Bank, All About: Water and Health, CNN, December 18, 2007
    * WHO/UNICEF 2008 Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation: Special Focus on Sanitation
    * Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) A Guide to Investigating One of the Biggest Scandals of the Last 50 Years
    * WHO Safe Water, Better Health: Costs, benefits and sustainability of interventions to protect and promote health

    World Philosophy Day 2011 - Activities to celebrate the day in Member States

    World Philosophy Day

    Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan., United States, Tanzania, Thailand, Russia, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Senegal, Portugal , Phillipines, Panama, Nigeria, Netherlands, Namibia, Morocco, Mexico, Malaysia, Lebanon, Jamaica, Italy, Iraq, Indonesia, Germany, France, Finland , Czech Republic, Cap Verde, Canada , Cambodia, Australia, Argentina, Albania

    World Philosophy Day 2011/ Activities to celebrate the Day in Member States

    1. ALBANIA

    Albanian New Philosophers Network, University of Tirana
    The Network will publish the first issue of its journal. Other activities are also planned.

    2. ARGENTINA

    Centre of Philosophy and Social Studies; International Network of Women Philosophers; Group of epistemological analysis of the Faculty of Arts of the Mar del Plata University
    The celebration will take place from 17 to 19 November 2011 in Mar del Plata. Several activities will be organized, including symposia and roundtable discussions on the history of philosophy, philosophy of language, political philosophy, philosophy of science and ethics.

    3. AUSTRALIA

    The University of Queensland
    World Philosophy Day will be celebrated by the University of Queensland through the organization of different activities.

    4. CAMBODIA

    Philosophical Association of Cambodia (PAC)
    The Association has been preparing a number of activities for the celebration of the 2011 edition.

    5. CANADA

    Canadian Commission for UNESCO
    The autumn 2011 edition of the Journal Philosopher, usually distributed to nearly 900 teachers of philosophy in the province of Quebec, will dedicate a number of articles to the activities related to the celebration of World Philosophy Day.
    UNESCO Chair in Studies of Philosophic Foundations of Justice and Democratic Society at University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM); Philosophy department and the Faculty of Humanities of UQAM; and UPop Montreal

    Based on information received from partners.

    For this edition, a round table on the theme “Welcome, Ladies?” will be organized, to reflect on the role of women in philosophy. Several questions will be asked during the discussions: What is the situation in 2011 and how has it evolved (or not)? Why are women a minority in philosophy? What impact does this minority status have on their studies, career, their person?
    Cégep of Jonquière, Québec
    On 17 November 2011, the Cégep of Jonquière will organize several activities.

    6. CAPE VERDE

    Philosophy Department, Cape Verde University
    The Department will organize a Forum entitled “The value of philosophy for human emancipation” and an exhibition about philosophers on 17 November 2011, in Praia.

    7. CZECH REPUBLIC

    Philosophy Department, University of Pardubice; Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences
    Several activities will be organized.

    8. FINLAND

    AIIPh Baltic Sea Net; Finnish UNESCO ASPnet; Finnish Association for Teachers of Philosophy and Philosophy of Life; and Societas Philosophica Fennica
    These networks jointly organize a philosophical essay event for secondary school students in countries around the Baltic Sea. In Finland, this event also prepares for the selection of candidates for the Philosophy Olympiad in 2012. The winners will receive publications related to the subjects of the competition, philosophy and world heritage. Their names will be announced on 17 November, and the best essays will be published on internet at the following address: www.feto.fi.
    University of Helsinki
    A symposium will be organized by the University of Helsinki.

    9. FRANCE

    Philosophy Circle of La Reunion
    In Reunion the celebration of the 2011 edition of World Philosophy Day 2011 will take place though a series of events organized by the Philosophy Circle of La Reunion.

    10. GERMANY

    German Commission for UNESCO; German Association for Philosophy
    On this occasion, numerous activities will take place throughout the country.

    11. INDONESIA

    Faculty of Philosophy of Gadjah Mada University
    The Faculty of Philosophy of Gadjah Mada University organises a seminar entitled “Philosophy and Local Wisdom for Human Character Building”. The seminar will take place in Yogyakarta on 23 and 24 November and will bring together speakers from South-East Asia, South Asia and the United States America. The objective of this seminar is to promote the importance of philosophy in local wisdom, and of philosophical thinking in general.

    12. IRAQ

    Philosophy Department, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad
    The Department will organize a conference, with the participation of Iraqi philosophers. Coinciding with the eighth centenary of the death of the philosopher Al-Ghazali, the conference will focus on his school of thought.

    13. ITALY

    Philosophy Research Center - Network of the Research Centre for the Didactics of Philosophy of the Province of Liguria; Chiabrera-Martini High School of Savona
    The Center [www.portalefilosofico.com] will dedicate its 2011 celebration to the theme "Philosophy as educational experience". The activities, on 18 November, will be inaugurated by Professor Alfonso Gargano, Headmaster of the Chiabrera-Martini High School of Savona. This will be followed by a video conference with the President of the International Association of Philosophy Professors (AIPPh), Dr. Werner Busch, on “The Political Philosophy of Hannah Arendt”. The day will conclude with a lecture entitled “Forming Man. The Proposal of Edith Stein” by Professor Letterio Mauro, President of the Degree Course in Philosophical Methodologies at the University of Genoa.


    14. JAMAICA


    University of the West Indies
    Several events are organized at the University.

    15. LEBANON

    Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO
    On 17 November 2011, a seminar will be organized on the subject “Freedom from a Philosophical Perspective and Freedom in Practice”, with the participation of politicians, academicians, philosophers, researchers and specialized NGOs.

    16. MALAYSIA

    The University of Malaya
    A conference will be organized on 17 November.

    17. MEXICO

    Ministry of Public Education of Mexico
    An International Forum on “The role of philosophical competencies in Higher Secondary Education” will take place from 14 to 16 November 2011 at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Its purpose will be to promote dialogue between education authorities, experts and specialized agencies, in order to strengthen democratic citizenship among high school students through the study of philosophy. In the framework of this event many conferences and round-table discussions will be organized on the following topics: "The present and the future of Latin America. Philosophical reflection”, “The teaching of philosophy and its contribution to knowledge", "The relations between philosophy and natural sciences”, etc. Among the participants are: Fernando Savater (Spain), Philippe Perrenoud (Switzerland), Michael Löwy (Brazil / France), Gianni Vattimo (Italy), Evandro Agazzi (Italy). A book fair will also take place.

    Philosophical Observatory of Morelos, Philosophical Observatory of Mexico

    To celebrate World Philosophy Day, the Philosophical Observatory of Morelos will organize, jointly with its partner the Philosophical Observatory of Mexico, the following two events:

    • A conference to take place on 23 November in Cuernavaca, Morelos, near Mexico City on which occasion a number of issues will be addressed, including: The state of philosophy in Mexico; The development of philosophy and the contribution of Adolfo Sanchez Vazquez; Tribute to Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel; The anthropological contribution to philosophy of Edith Stein, etc.

    • A conference organized on the occasion of the launch of the Spanish version of the UNESCO study Philosophy, school of freedom to be held on 28 October in Toluca as part of the XVI International Congress of Philosophy.
    Center for Classical Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Department of Philosophy at the University of Guadalajara, El Cuerpo Académico: Cibernética, Erótica, Filosofía y Teología
    From 3 to 5 November 2011 in the public library of the State of Jalisco in Guadalajara will take place the National Meeting of Researchers of Novohispano Thought. The meeting will touch upon the following topics: Philosophy of slavery in New Spain; The sources of Novohispano thought; Philosophy and economic, political and social thought; Science and education; History, art and literature; Social thought; Philosophy and arts; Philosophy and science; and History of social thought.
    University Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at the Department of Philosophy of the University of Guadalajara,
    From 7 to 10 November 2011 a student philosophy symposium will be organized as part of the celebration of the World Philosophy Day. The following topics will be discussed: ethics, bioethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of religion, philosophical anthropology.
    International Book Fair in Guadalajara
    On 3 December, in the framework of the International Book Fair in Guadalajara, will take place the VII Philosophical Symposium (VII Banquete de FIL - o – Sofía) on the theme "Recognition and critical thinking", conceived as a dialogue between the Mexican and German philosophers. Another symposium will be held on 1 and 2 December on the theme “Politics, violence and democracy between the global and the local”, which will address such topics as: The changing faces of violence; Conflicts and opportunities of globalization; Perspectives of transculturality; Politics and ethics against violence; Violence and justice, etc.


    18. MOROCCO

    UNESCO Offices in Rabat and Bangkok
    The Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, initiated by UNESCO, will this year take place in the framework of World Philosophy Day from 15 to 17 November 2011, in Manila.
    Philosophical Association of Tetouan
    The Association will organize from 26 to 30 November the following activities:
    • Discussion on the theme "The Existential Situation of the Arab Spring" with the participation of many thinkers and scholars from Morocco;
    • A conference on "The artistic approach of the Arab Spring" followed by a presentation of books;
    • A Plastic Art Exhibition on "Which Arab spring?”

    19. NAMIBIA

    Namibia National Commission for UNESCO; Socrates Society at the University of Namibia
    The Socrates Society at the University of Namibia and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO will organize activities in which eminent personalities will take part.

    20. NETHERLANDS

    Utrecht University
    A round table focusing on philosophy teaching will be organized by the Philosophy Department of the University.
    Teylingen College Leeuwenhorst in Noordwijkerhout
    On the occasion of the Day, the College will organize a “Philosophy and Singer/songwriting: creative expressions of the human mind” masterclass with the participation of the school’s students. The main topics will be primarily freedom of expression and aesthetics.

    21. NIGERIA

    Department of Philosophy of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria; Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, United States of America
    The Department of Philosophy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka, Nigeria), in collaboration with the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (Washington, D.C., United States of America), will organize a conference on "Philosophical Perspectives on Africa and the Global Change”. The following topics will be discussed: the conceptualization of global change; philosophy, democracy and global change; and intercultural philosophy and dialogue of cultures.

    22. PANAMA

    University of Panama; Ministry of Education of Panama
    On 15 November 2011, a conference will be organized by the University of Panama and the Ministry of Education.

    23. PHILIPPINES

    UNESCO Offices in Bangkok and Rabat
    The Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, initiated by UNESCO, will this year take place in the framework of World Philosophy Day from 15 to 17 November 2011, in Manila.

    24. PORTUGAL

    High School of Art Anthony Arroyo, Lisbon
    Several activities are planned.
    Project « filocriatiVIDAde »
    To celebrate World Philosophy Day the project « filocriatiVIDAde » will organise a Philosophical Banquet entitled « Philosophy: Love and other things that make us sigh, think and create!”

    In addition, "filocriatiVIDAde" will conduct, on 17 and 18 November, philosophical workshops for children in some schools in the region of Lisbon.
    Finally, the project will undertake activities in applied philosophy of creativity among the Taekwondo athletes Rodafits from Caneças. This project, entitled PhiloTKD and initiated in 2008, emphasizes the philosophy perspective of Taekwondo, and is adapted to both children and adults.

    25. SENEGAL

    Philosophical Society of Senegal
    The Philosophical society of Senegal plans to celebrate the Day with events on diversity and dialogue of cultures.

    26. SLOVENIA

    To celebrate the Day, a discussion will be organized on the theme “New Humanism – vision or illusion?”

    27. SPAIN

    Illa de Rodes Institut, Province of Girona
    The celebration of World Philosophy Day 2011 will take place on 16 December 2011 in Figueres with the participation of 200 students.

    Group of high school philosophy teachers (GDF); Centre de Recursos per a l'Ensenyament, Aprenentatge i Innovació de la Filosofia (CREAIF) ; Catalan Philosophical Society ; Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona
    On 16 November 2011, the prizes of the Mostra de Fotofilosofia 2011 will be awarded to their winners at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona. On this occasion, the best “fotofilosofies” will be exhibited and discussed through philosophical practices. This is a cooperative project involving 50 Catalan high schools. The students of each high school create blogs called “fotofilosofies”. A “fotofilosofia” is a philosophical question illustrated with a photo. Using creativity and critical thought, through a dialectic between image and word, it emphasizes questioning and leads to reflection. http://blocs.xtec.cat/filoconvocatoria/

    28. SWITZERLAND

    French gymnasium of Bienne, Swiss Commission for UNESCO
    The 2011 edition will take place in Bienne, a bilingual Swiss town. A bilingual philosophical debate will be organized from 18 to 20 November. Professors from Universities of France, Switzerland and Germany will discuss the theme of evaluation and control, inviting the City to break out from the unique thought and to rethink social links. Philosophy in the City for the building of peace, universal philosophy at the heart of the City and within everyone’s reach, such are the objectives of this celebration.

    29. ROMANIA

    The Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
    A round table and an essay contest will be organized at the University.

    30. RUSSIAN FEDERATION

    Saint-Petersburg Philosophical Society; Faculty of Philosophy of Saint-Petersburg State University
    The Philosophical Society and the Faculty of Philosophy of St. Petersburg State University will organize the Days of Saint Petersburg Philosophy, on the theme “Worlds of values of modern humankind”, from 17 to 19 November 2011.

    31. THAILAND
    The country will be associated with the Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, to take place in Manila (Philippines) from 15 to 17 November 2011.


    32. UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

    Philosophy Association of Tanzania (PHATA) of the Philosophy Unit, University of Dar es Salaam; Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi; and Department of Philosophy, Makerere University, Kampala
    A conference on “Peace and People Centred Development”, coordinated by the Association of Philosophy of Tanzania in cooperation with the University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University Makerere in Uganda, will bring together professionals, researchers in political science, history and economics, NGOs as well as other interested parties, in Dar es Salaam, from 17 to 19 November 2011.


    33. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    This year’s theme in the United States, “Philosophy and the Arts: Human Rights, Democracy and Youth”, will involve the exploration of questions about the nature of art, beauty, and human rights in four academic communities around the country. University undergraduates and high school students
    8.11.2011
    will examine issues involving art, identity, democracy, and human rights, through dialogues that seek to build critical reflection and mutual understanding.

    University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
    On 17 November 2011, Dr. Mitchell Green’s Philosophy of Art class will participate in the dialogue “Philosophy in Images: A Collaboration between College and High school Students”, focused on democracy, human rights and youth as part of Drs. Jennifer Merritt and Loren Intolubbe-Chmil of The UVa Women’s Center, and Aimee Hunt, Education Curator for the UVa Art Museum Women's Center Philosophers’ Club project. Dr. Merritt will also share student products connecting themes of philosophy, human rights and gender from her service learning course for UVa Women’s Center interns entitled “Women Peace and Justice”.
    University of Washington and Nova Alternative High School, Seattle,Washington
    Dr. Jana Mohr Lone and Professor David Shapiro, from the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Philosophy for Children, and Nova Alternative High School teacher Terrance McKittrick, will facilitate a dialogue between undergraduates in the University of Washington’s “Philosophy for Children” class and Nova High School students enrolled in the philosophy class “The Beauty of Dysfunction.” The dialogue, to take place on 17 November, will explore the nature of beauty based on a project completed by both the undergraduates and the high school students.

    St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York
    Drs. Timothy Madigan, David White and Robert Zack will host Dr. Rosemarie Tong, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who will lecture on 16 November on the theme “Global and Local Perspective on Long-term Care for Elderly People”. All day 17 November will be devoted to teaching, learning and discussion through Roundtable Discussions focusing on the themes: Arts across the curriculum; Philosophy and art in a high school setting; Aesthetics appreciation; Metaphysics and the Twilight Zone; Artists at work; Art & Education; and Wither the Arts. The discussions will be available on-line as of 20 November 2011 at http://www.sjfc.edu/academics/arts-science/departments/philosophy/.

    Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
    Dr. Leonard Harris will host Lucius T. Outlaw, Jr., Professor of Philosophy & African American and Diaspora Studies, Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education Vanderbilt University, who will lecture on “Necessity to Philosophize Africana Philosophy and Black Folk”, using SKYPE. The simulcast address is leonard.harrris4. His address will ask and answer “What it is to engage in philosophy and why it is so important to do so?”, emphasizing philosophy’s importance to victims of stereotypes using the critical theory tradition. A graduate student Roundtable Discussion will follow the lecture discussing “The Significance of Graduate Education and Resources.” Dr. Outlaws’ address and roundtable discussion can be found as a podcast www.purdue.edu/cla/unesco on 20 November 20 2011.
    Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
    On 21 November, Dr. M. Ashraf Adeel will host Dr. Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor and Professor of Linguistics (Emeritus), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who will lecture on the topic "The United States and the United Nations". His lecture will address issues pertaining to global understanding and is expected to critique the current state of affairs and suggest ways for improving global relations. Podcast of this discussion will be available on 30 November 2011 by Kutztown.

    34. UZBEKISTAN
    National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, Oliy Majlis (National parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, MOST National Committee, Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Higher and Specialized Education, Ministry of Public Education, National Society of Philosophers of Uzbekistan, “Olima” Women-Scholars Association of Uzbekistan and Independent Institute for Monitoring of Construction of Civil Society
    A National Conference on “Women Philosophers Network in Uzbekistan: Role of Philosophy Teaching in development of Democratic Institutions and Construction of Civil Society” will be organized by these institutions in Tashkent, on 17 and 18 November 2011. The main purposes of the conference are to develop the national scientific network of women philosophers and to highlight the role of social and human sciences in the promotion of quality education for active citizenship. The different conferences and round tables will focus on: “Philosophy and science”, “Teachers’ training: philosophical approaches”, “Skills development of teachers”, “Philosophy knowledge in assessment of students’ competence”, etc.

    35. ZIMBABWE

    Different activities to celebrate the World Philosophy Day will be organized throughout the country.