World Teacher' Day 2013, October 5

On World Teachers' Day, October 5, the ILO salutes teachers and commits to supporting their key role in building the citizens and societies of the future, says Guy Ryder, the ILO's Director-General.

Joint Message on the occasion of the World Teachers’ Day 2013

A Call for Teachers!
5 October 2013

Irina Bokova, Director-General, UNESCO
Guy Ryder, Director-General, ILO
Anthony Lake, Executive Director, UNICEF
Helen Clark, Administrator, UNDP
Fred van LEEUWEN, General Secretary, Education International


Teachers hold the keys to a better future for all. They inspire, challenge and empower innovative and responsible global citizens. They get children into school, keep them there and help them learn. Every day, they help to build the inclusive knowledge societies we need for tomorrow and the century ahead. On this World Teachers’ Day, we join forces to thank teachers and to call for more, better trained and supported teachers. Nothing can replace a good teacher. Evidence shows that teachers, their professional knowledge and skills are the most important factor for quality education. This requires stronger training upfront and continual professional development and support, to enhance performance and learning outcomes. We know this and yet, far too often, teachers remain under-qualified and poorly paid, with low status, and excluded from education policy matters and decisions that concern and affect them. And there are far too few of them today. At the global level, some 5.24 million teachers need to be recruited in order to reach the goal of universal primary education by 2015 -- 1.58 million new recruits and 3.66 million to replace those leaving the profession. The challenge goes beyond numbers – more teachers must mean better quality learning, through appropriate training and support. This is essential for ensuring every learner’s right to quality education – especially, to reach the 57 million children of primary school age currently out of school. At current pace, we estimate that 49 percent of these children will never enter school, while 28 percent will start school late – 54 percent of them are girls. Equally worrying is the low level of learning. An estimated 250 million children are failing to learn to read and write by the time they reach the age for grade 4. Approximately half of these children are in school. The access and learning crisis must be urgently addressed.

Learning is not possible without professional, well trained, well supported, accountable and valued teachers. Teachers are the central solution to the learning crisis, and yet too many are poorly trained and poorly supported – often disconnected from the policy decisions that affect them. Teachers are central to the provision of safe and supportive learning environments, and yet too any of them are teaching in circumstances of extreme hardship, emergencies and even attacks. There are however, also bright parts to the picture. We have seen a range of efforts to improve teacher status -- through teacher professionalization and certification schemes, incentives for service in remote or disadvantaged communities, minimum wage laws, career development models, continued professional development, support to female teachers deployed in remote locations, peer-to-peer support and inter-generational mentoring, recognition awards and incentive for teacher progression, raising admission standards for teacher training programmes, public awareness campaigns, free training and recruitment bonuses. All of these practices ensure equality and quality and make a real difference to learning outcomes; they must be scaled up and taken forward. This is where effective international action is essential, in support of national efforts to bolster teachers and education institutions, and improve the education opportunities of all children. All of this work must ensure that teachers’ pay and conditions reflect a commitment to delivering high quality education by a qualified and motivated teaching work force. This is why teachers stand at the heart of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative to make sure every child goes to school, receives a quality education, and develops a new sense of global citizenship. This is our call for teachers today. Join us in thanking and supporting the teachers we have and in recruiting new women and men, to shape more effective education systems and prepare young people and adults for active and responsible participation in society. There is no stronger foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development than a quality education provided by well trained, valued, supported and motivated teachers. The education of future generations hangs in the balance unless we can rise to the challenge of putting the best possible teacher in every classroom.



RELATED INFORMATION :
Press Release: Education unionists Worldwide unite for quality public education

EVENT : "Better Quality Education for a Better World ", Friday, 4 october 2013, UNESCO HQs

 World Teachers' Day 2013 : Celebrations around the world.

Download the Posters (PDF)

AR | CH | EN | FR | RUS | SP

Additional resources:

•  Join the Forum :  October 5th is World Teacher's Day 
• UNESCO  eAtlas of Teachers 

• Read A Teacher for Every Child: Projecting Global Teacher needs from 2015 to 2030 (PDF) 

 

Global Shortage of Teachers 

 

Every Child Needs a Teacher

The supply of teachers is failing to keep pace with the demand for primary education. According to the latest UIS data, the world needs to create 1.6 million new teaching posts by 2015 in order to reach universal primary education, while replacing 5.2 million teachers leaving the profession.

The situation is most extreme in sub-Saharan Africa, where the school-aged population continues to rise. More than 900,000 new primary school teachers are required by 2015.

Explore the data to see where the demand is most acute. 

En savoir plus sur Tableau

World Heart Day, September 29

World Heart Day: Healthy habits starting in childhood can prevent heart disease
 

On World Heart Day (Sept. 29), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is urging the adoption of healthy living habits during childhood to prevent heart disease and other health problems in later life.

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, are the leading cause of death worldwide and in most countries of the Americas, where they claim some 1.9 million lives each year. Following a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent these diseases.

“Take theroad to a healthy heart” is the theme of this year’s World Heart Day campaign, which is led by the World Heart Federation and directed primarily at mothers, who play a central role in teaching their children healthy habits, and at children, who are becoming overweight and obese in increasing numbers, thanks to what experts refer to as “obesogenic environments.”

Heart disease prevention begins with breastfeeding and continues with healthy nutrition, eating more vegetables, fruits and other unprocessed foods while limiting salt, avoiding trans fats, sugars and tobacco and doing physical activity throughout one’s life.

Obesity, which is on the rise in children, is a leading risk factor for premature illness and death in adults. “If the pattern continues, we will have more and more people suffering from diabetes and hypertention at earlier ages,” said Pedro Orduñez, PAHO advisor on prevention and control of chronic diseases. “Before, we saw obesity-related diabetes at 60 or 70 years of age. Now we’re seeing it in people who are 40 or 50 years old.”


Resources :  

° World Heart Day ( World Health Organization).

° Cardiac Science AED program management is an investment in making your organization heart safe. Federal (and some state) regulations for AED program management require heart safe training, record keeping, AED maintenance, and a licensed physician to oversee your AED program. As the AED program management partner for your heart safe program, we provide AED training (along with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training), record keeping, AED maintenance services, and medical oversight of your heart safe program.

°  Join the Forum : World Heart Day, September 29 

World Rivers Day, September 29

Join the Forum : 29 September is World Rivers Day.
Here are just some of the activities around the world planned for World Rivers Day, 2013.

A small sampling of events now planned for World Rivers Day 2013. Many more important events are coming up such as the 16th International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia in the days leading up to World Rivers Day. This is being coordinated by the International River Foundation. Many additional events will be listed in future updates in the weeks ahead... please let us know of your plans.

We encourage you to take part in an event in your area (or plan your own), and we wish all the organizers around the world much luck in the success of their ambitious celebrations!




Iraq - Nature Iraq Foundation, together with Nature Iraq and Waterkeepers Iraq, plans to recreate a journey down the Tigris River, starting in southeastern Turkey and traveling through Iraq, using traditional boats and vessels in order to document and bring awareness to the myriad threats facing not only the timeless waters of the Tigris but also the unique cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. The event will start on September 15 and conclude around World Rivers Day. The project strives to connect conservation issues with daily life and enable people to take action. Contact - info@ni-foundation.org or Pete Nichols at Waterkeeper Alliance (212-747-0622).

Australia - World Rivers Day Events throughout Australia
Numerous World Rivers Day events are being planned in river catchments across Australia. In keeping with the original concept, International River Foundation is promoting World Rivers Day throughout its global network, and for the third year in a row, is developing an Australian focused campaign. They are also coordinating a major World Rivers Day photo contest. Email patricia@riverfoundation.org.au to learn more about how the IRF can help with World Rivers Day events for all regions of Australia.

Carinthia, Austria - Children’s River Event in Ferlach Parish
On September 27th, 72 children of the elementary school in Ferlach will spend the day learning and experiencing various interesting things about water in general and rivers in specific. There will be up to eight stations with different core water themes: power, painting, plants, quiz, circulation, taste, experiments and rescue. There will also be a river cleaning contest, where the children who find the most pieces of garbage can win prizes and a little money for their grade in school. The event will take place between 8:30 am and 1 pm. For more information, please contact Katharina Rohner,
katharina.rohner@arco.at

New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada - RiverFest - a celebration of BC & World Rivers Day
Join us Friday, September 27 (4 to 9) and Saturday, September 28 (11 to 6). Inspired by the river, RiverFest will be presented free to the public and will consist of art exhibits, interactive activities from conservation organizations and community groups that build upon the river and environmental themes. Live music and entertainment will complete the weekend offerings for an exciting, family-friendly festival atmosphere. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/

Belize - World Rivers Day event in Belize
A World Rivers Day event will be coordinated in Belize in celebration of the country’s great rivers. Contact Kenrick Theus for details – kenricktheus@consultant.com

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada - World Rivers Day Gala Event at Burnaby Village Museum and Surrounding Site. Burnaby will celebrate World Rivers Day in a major way with a gala event at the Burnaby Village Museum, which is bisected by the beautiful Deer Lake Brook. There will be a large array of attractions for young and old – and, along with the many attractions and interpretive displays already on site, there will be live birds of prey, a children’s fishing pond, face painting, music, entertainment of various sorts, a special “living with coyotes” presentation, children’s activities, streamside habitat restoration demonstrations amongst many other fun things to do. Come enjoy a stroll through Burnaby’s marvellous past, a community that has long focused on the many waterways within its midst; its lakes, streams and the great Fraser River that it borders. Open from 11 to 4:30. Contact – Lynda Maeve at lyndamaeve.orr@burnaby.ca

Washington, DC, United States - Paddle for the Potomac
Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Paddle for the Potomac to benefit Potomac Riverkeeper. As part of the 2nd Annual Waterkeeper Alliance Splash Series, join us at Key Bridge Boathouse for an afternoon of on the water fun! The event will revolve around paddling in all of its forms, from canoeing, to kayaking, to stand-up paddleboarding. Come down for an informal paddling opportunity, to watch skill demonstrations, or take part in an organized activity led by a local outfitter or certified instructor. We will have food, music, and other on the land activities to enjoy also! Saturday, September 21st, 1 pm to 5 pm. Visit website for more information – www.potomacriverkeeper.org

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada- Formal Opening and Celebration of the Restoration of Hastings Creek.
Vancouver will be having a major World Rivers Day event on Sept 30th at Vancouver’s Creekway Park from 10:30 to 12:30 celebrating the day-lighting and restoration of Hastings Creek, which was previously culverted and paved over more than 80 years. Stage one of this state-of-the-art stream restoration effort will be completed by late September and WRD Chair Mark Angelo, along with representatives from the Vancouver Park Board and Vancouver City Council will participate in the formal opening. Contact Michelle Larigakis, michelle.larigakis@vancouver.ca

Ohio, USA– The fabulous Maumee Bay River Festival takes place on World Rivers Day from 12 noon to 7 PM in downtown Toledo. The event includes great entertainment, river boat rides, riverside walks, educational activities and great fun for all ages. Contact – Sandy Bihn, Lake Erie Waterkeeper, Sandylakeerie@aol.com

Penampang Sabah, Malaysia - Bamboo Rafting Festival
Community-Led Environmental Awareness for our River (CLEAR), a community based organisation, will be organising a BAMBOO RAFTING FESTIVAL to celebrate the World Rivers day in Penampang Sabah, Malaysia. Contact Winnie Jimis for more information: winjimis@yahoo.com.

Langley, British Columbia, Canada - BC Rivers Day Community Festival
Join the Langley Environmental Partners Society and the Township of Langley for the annual celebration of rivers on September 29th, 11 am to 2 pm! This year’s free family event at William’s Park, Langley, BC (238 St. south of 68 Ave.) offers interactive displays and activity booths. More information at: www.leps.bc.ca or 604.532.3511

Cradock, South Africa - Fish River Marathon
As river canoeists and enthusiasts who look for every opportunity to enjoy rivers while also being involved in cleaning/monitoring for pollution, etc., we celebrate these days. Our major annual River Racing event that is extremely popular in South Africa takes place in the Eastern Cape area of Cradock on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September. Contact Jennie Dallas, jennied@highbury.co.za, for more information.

US and International waterkeepers – The Waterkeeper Alliance is approaching all member organizations both nationally and internationally about their possible participation in World Rivers Day. Details on these events will be included in an upcoming September update. Contact – Sharon Khan at skhan@waterkeeper.org

Kilby to Mission, British Columbia, Canada - World Rivers Day Paddle on the Fraser River
In celebration of World Rivers Day, paddle down the Fraser River with Hope Mountain Centre and the company of professional guides and explore the most productive salmon habitat found anywhere in the world. A giant flotilla of canoes, kayaks, and paddle rafts will travel 20 kilometres from Kilby to Mission. Along the way, you’ll visit the gravel bars, side channels, islands, and riparian forests that make this part of the Fraser so important to fish and wildlife. For more information visit us at www.hopemountain.org.

Rivers across Europe - Uniworld River Tours in Europe
On the Rhine, the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, and the Douro and other great rivers across Europe, there will be Rivers Day awareness events unfolding led by the Uniworld Cruise Line. Uniworld continues to play a leadership role in the promotion of World Rivers Day and will be making this a special day with onboard events highlighting our ongoing project, “sustainable river cruising” to preserve a most precious resource: water and the rivers. Contact Sonja Tischer, Director Program Services, GRC Global River Cruises GmbH, Tel: +41-61-638-96-86 / efax +41-61-638-96-97 / cell +49-15-222-6-999 02, email: stischer@uniworld.com / uniworld.com

New Jersey, USA – On the Woodbridge River, the New Jersey Baykeepers are planning a community day that involves kayaking and clean ups on Sat. Sept. 28. For more information, contact – Deborah A. Mans, NJ Baykeeper & Executive Director - debbie@nynjbaykeeper.org

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada - 5th Annual Kamloops World Rivers Day Shoreline Cleanup
World Rivers Day is a day to celebrate our rivers by increasing awareness of water related issues and promoting core values associated with sustainability, conservation and river stewardship. This event will help bring a greater awareness to the rivers that we use for drinking water, industry, agriculture, residential uses and recreation. As well, it will increase awareness with historical and cultural issues. Meet at Riverside Park, Sunday, September 29th, Noon to 5 PM. More information: www.kamloops.ca/worldriversday

Abuja, Nigeria - Celebration of World Rivers Day in Nigeria
The Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers will be formally inaugurated to coincide with this year’s celebration of World Rivers Day. The new foundation wants to seize the opportunity to create awareness within Nigeria of the need to protect and restore the country’s rivers. Contact Analiefo A. Nzegwu for more information – anzegwu@yahoo.com

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada - Paddle Event at the Yellowknife River
Paddlers for Parts will once again host a one day event at the Yellowknife river bridge, Yellowknife NT. Being fairly cool here by that time we usually have a few boats to paddle and big fire with goodies to eat at the end. Contact Greg Loftus at cominco@theedge.ca for more information.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria - Celebrating 2013 World Rivers Day in Nigeria
Under the River Ethiope Trust Foundation, founded in 1992 to protect River Ethiope, Dafe Irikefe will organise a River Conservation Essay Competition among secondary schools along River Ethiope to raise awareness among youth. In Abuja, Nigeria Dafe will also be inaugurating a new organization known as Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers to mark World Rivers Day. An inaugural lecture titled Nigerian Transformation Agenda: Where is the Place of Rivers will be delivered during the occasion and a letter advocating for a law to be enacted to protect rivers in Nigeria will delivered to Nigerian parliament. Dafe Irikefe, CEO and Founder of the River Ethiope Foundation is communicating with key stakeholders in Nigeria seeking their partnership and support for the upcoming World Rivers Day. Email: retfon@yahoo.com

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada - 20th Annual Ridge Meadows Rivers Day
Free, family-friendly event on September 29th, 11 am to 3 pm. We are going to have a great line up of entertainment, exciting environmental exhibits, BBQ lunch, carnival games, face-painting, storytelling and trout-fishing pond! Musical entertainment by Two Tall Women, Tusket, and Gord & Trish.
Location: Allco Fish Hatchery/Allco Park, 24959 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge
For more information, please go to: www.alouetteriver.org or contact (604) 467 6401

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada - Tod Creek Watershed Rivers Day Celebration
Educational, family-oriented activities with a focus on the transformation of Tod Creek into a functioning habitat clear of invasive plants and animals. Time: 1 pm – 3 pm. Snacks and drinks provided. Contact Jillian Stewart for more information – officeadmin@cab-bc.org

Bangladesh and South Asia. – The Riverine People (www.riverinepeople.net) will be participating in World Rivers Day for the 4th consecutive year and is also working with others across South Asia to do the same. Most importantly along with some of the groups and organization we are trying to build a consensus to observe the day in a common theme for South Asia; that is Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal. The Riverine People will also be publishing an edition of the quarterly Bangla journal dedicated to river issue, entitled 'Nadee'. World Rivers Day Chair Mark Angelo was interviewed for this issue. Contact – skrokon@gmail.com

Iran – The Iran Mountain Watch Group will participate in World Rivers Day for the first time and will be working to draw the attention of other NGO's to this event. Contact is Abbas Mohammadi, Mountain Watch Group – am.kouh@gmail.com

England – The organization, Thames21, will be organizing the “Cleaner Thames Challenge” from Sep 19 – 22 in the run-up to World Rivers Day. This event will focus on the on-going effort to clean up one the world’s iconic rivers. Contact – Emily.braham@thames21.org.uk

Many other events are in the planning stages from ranging from events in India focusing on the Yamuna and Ganges (contact - Gopi Duttaakash) to events in Peru focusing on that country’s great rovers and the threats confronting them (contact Hector Flores - liderazgo_indigena@yahoo.es . These and other events will be profiled in future updates.


° To Learn more about these incredible rivers… check out this link to an article from National Geographic

° To see beautiful photos of these protected rivers… check out this link to Michael Melford’s Photos

World Tourism Day 2013, September 27

Message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

With unsustainable consumption and climate change threatening global water resources, this year’s World Tourism Day highlights the responsibility of the tourism industry to safeguard and intelligently manage water.  In this International Year of Water Cooperation, I urge tourism establishments to cut consumption and improve waste management and I call on individuals to play their part by making environmentally conscious choices when they travel.  By making water saving a priority we can all help to build the future we want.

Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General
United Nations

Join the Forum : September 27 is World Tourism Day 

•  Tourism Stories – How tourism enriched my life
• Sustainable Tourism Governance and Management in Coastal Areas of Africa
•  Cambio demográfico y turismo
• Défis et opportunités de l’expansion du tourisme dans les petits États insulaires en développement 
• Faits saillants OMT du tourisme, édition 2013 
•  Panorama OMT del turismo internacional, Edición 2013

International Maritime Day 2013, September 26.

The official logo for World Maritime Day, 2013

World Maritime Day 2013: Sustainable Development: IMO's contribution beyond Rio+20

The theme was chosen in order to focus IMO’s efforts during 2013 on carrying out the commitments made at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, better known as Rio+20,  held in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
 
World Maritime Day 2013 is on Thursday, 26 September.  This year's World Maritime Day Parallel Event will be held in Lima, Peru on Wednesday and Thursday, 2-3 October 2013.

A message from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Koji Sekimizu

---

In the future, mankind's development must be able not only to meet the needs of the present, but also allow future generations to meet their own needs. Our development must be sustainable.

 

The United Nations is taking the global level role in pushing forward efforts to give substance to the concept of sustainable development.

 

A significant landmark on the road to sustainable development was laid down last year at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro, in June, 20 years after the first of such conferences in the same city.

 

One of the main outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference was the agreement by Member States to launch a process to develop Sustainable Development Goals.

 

The World Maritime Day theme for 2013 is "Sustainable Development: IMO's contribution beyond Rio+20".

Central to any future development is the global supply chain, the complex mechanism that enables today's inter-dependent, global economy to function. The maritime sector is a vital link in that chain.

 

As the world's only really reliable, global, cost-effective and energy-efficient mass transportation method for energy, materials, foods and industrial products, maritime transport is central to sustainable development. And the maritime transportation system itself must, therefore, ensure that its development is also sustainable.

 

I include within this blanket term not just the operation of ships, but all the activities that are vital to support shipping. Activities such as the operation of maritime traffic management systems and global communication systems, ports and multi-modal connections are all components of this multi-faceted sector.

 

Also, shipbuilding and classification, ship registry and administration, ship finance, ship repairing, ship recycling, the education and training of seafarers, are all part of the system – as, indeed, are search and rescue services, maritime security agencies, coast guards and maritime law enforcement agencies and many others, too. They all have a part to play in defining and achieving a sustainable Maritime Transportation System.

 

The Maritime Transportation System already contributes significantly to the three pillars of sustainable development – social, environmental and economic. But how do we turn the concept of a sustainable Maritime Transportation System into something tangible? The first step is to identify some broad areas that we need to address if sustainability is to be achieved. Safety; environmental protection; efficient operation; security; and resource conservation are some of the main areas where we will need to focus.

 

My colleagues and I in the IMO Secretariat are working with industry partners and others on a concept of a sustainable Maritime Transportation System. On World Maritime Day, I will invite interested Member States and organizations to discuss the concept at a symposium.

 

This initiative will be my own contribution to celebrating this year's World Maritime Day.

 

And, because the Maritime Transportation System is so essential to the continued development and future growth of the world economy, IMO will continue to take the lead in supporting it with the appropriate global standards and by helping to promote, through technical co-operation, the necessary national maritime transportation policies and institutional frameworks for a sustainable Maritime Transportation System.

 

Our understanding of sustainable development today embraces a concern both for the capacity of the earth's natural systems, and for the social, economic and cultural challenges faced by humanity.

 

This year's World Maritime Day theme will highlight the importance of the Maritime Transportation System and provide an opportunity to discuss this matter further.

 

World Maritime Day 2013

World Maritime Day 2013 icons 

• Día Marítimo Mundial, Última semana de septiembre.
•  Всемирный день моря, 26 сентября.
•  Journée maritime mondiale, Dernière semaine de septembre.
•   World Maritime Day, 26 September.
•  世界海事日2013, 年9月26日.

• موضوع عام 2013 هو: التنمية المستدامة — مساهمة المنظمة البحرية الدولية لما بعد ريو + 20

Messages for International Day of Peace 2013, September 21.

  "EDUCATION FOR PEACE " is the theme of the International Day of Peace 2013

Join the Forum : International Day of Peace - September 21.
Watch the videos :  International Day of Peace 2013

  Marking observance of the International Day of Peace, the United Nations on Wednesday urged nations to invest in education that encourages children to embrace global citizenship based on values of tolerance and diversity. The theme of this year's observance is: 'Education for Peace.' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell in New York, ahead of the official observance of the Day, which falls on Saturday, Sept 21.

 

 United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Peace 2013.

 The International Day of Peace is a time for reflection – a day when we reiterate our belief in non-violence and call for a global ceasefire.  We ask people everywhere to observe a minute of silence, at noon local time, to honour those killed in conflict and the survivors who live with daily trauma and pain.
This year we are highlighting Education for Peace.  Education is vital for fostering global citizenship and building peaceful societies.
In June, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl targeted for assassination by the Taliban for campaigning for the right to education, came to the United Nations.  Malala said: “One teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.”  These are our most powerful weapons. 
That is why, last year, I launched the Global Education First Initiative.  Every girl and every boy deserves to receive a quality education and learn the values that will help them to see themselves as part of a global community.
Governments and development partners are working to get every child in school and learning well to equip them for life in the 21st century.  There is new momentum in countries with the greatest needs, such as those affected by conflict, which are home to half of all children lacking education.  But we must do more – much more.  Fifty-seven million children are still denied an education.  Millions more need better schooling.
Educating the poorest and most marginalized children will require bold political leadership and increased financial commitment.  Yet aid for education has dropped for the first time in a decade.  We must reverse this decline, forge new partnerships, and bring much greater attention to the quality of education.
On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect.  Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity.  Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might.

Ban Ki-moon

Statement by the President of the 68th Session of the General Assembly at the Peace Bell Ceremony in New York

18 September 2013

Excellencies,
Secretary General,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We begin this year’s General Assembly- our 68th session- as we have every year since 1981, with a tribute to peace which happens to be the very foundation upon which this organization representing our family of nations is built.  The annual Peace Bell Ceremony is a poignant reminder of the overarching purpose of our work to ensure a more peaceful world. The ringing of the peace bell is also an evocative statement of purpose guiding our collaborative efforts towards meeting the agenda of the 68th session of the General Assembly.

This bell rings for peace at a time when so many across the globe are struggling to eke out a living, and begin their day in the dark and end their day in dark, hungry and terrified to face the horror of another tomorrow. This bell rings for peace at time when there is still conflict and bloodshed in many parts of the world., where there are tensions and violence born of traditional and long held divisions, or stemming from ethnic and/or religious differences.
As we hear this bell ring, let us remember that it was the United Nations General Assembly, that established this International Day of Peace in an effort that all member states will recognize and reflect upon the value of peace in world filled with everyday examples of bloodshed, violence and war. It is a day where any countries involved in conflict will have a day of ceasefire; where we will have a minute of silence in which we recognize and honour the victims of war and conflict wherever they are, and where we dedicate ourselves to work together to promote peace.

What makes this 2013 International Day of Peace unique is that for the first time, the Day has been dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education. Let us remember that education is a path to growth and development for citizens and societies, and that education that teaches the value of peace is a key preventive means of reducing war and conflict.
One of the world’s great  leaders, Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  It is therefore fitting that today we reflect on the role of education as one of the important building blocks upon which peace can be built.  Education provides an opportunity to raise the veil of ignorance that blinds us to the path of decency, respect, tolerance and the interdependence of the human family, irrespective of country of origin, religion or ethnicity. No serious business leader would fail to optimise all the resources available to them. Yet, we do exactly that when we fail to give girls and women equal access to education, healthcare and opportunity. Let us remember that when we educate our girl children, and when we empower women and young people we create a more sustainable future - one which holds the real promise of reducing poverty and ill-health and of eliminating the scourge of gender violence.
The ringing of this peace bell today summons us all to work for the broader cause of human development to which people everywhere are entitled, and to build the peace in which all people and societies can prosper. Let us not forget that peace does not occur by happenstance, it is the product of the conscious and consistent effort of people of good will acting together for the common good. And let us remember that peace that is secured by hard work, dedication and commitment is a peace that is lasting and sustainable and very much needed in this world of ours.
Thank you.

H.E. Mr. John W. Ashe

 Día Internacional de la Paz, 21 de septiembre de 2013

 Journée internationale de la paix 2013, 21 septembre 2013

国际和平日 教育促进和平, 2013年9月21日

 رسالة الأمين العام بمناسبة حلول اليوم الدولي للسلام لعام 2013

International Democracy Day 2013, September 16.

The 2013 Ozone Day - A healthy atmosphere, the future we want

• The message of the United Nations Secretary-General on the 2013 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer - 16 September 2013 (A C E F R S)

 United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2013.

Extraordinary challenges require extraordinary responses.  A generation ago, the world’s nations agreed to act definitively to protect the ozone layer, initiating an inter-governmental process that blazed new trails.

As we implement the outcomes of the 2012 Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, the remarkable success story of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer provides a beacon of hope.  It provides protection for the ozone layer, significantly contributes to climate mitigation and reminds us that, faced with existential threats, the nations of the world are capable of cooperation for the common good. 

My hope is that this success will inform and inspire the international community in charting a new vision and responsive framework for the period beyond 2015, the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.  Sustainable development -- enabled by the integration of economic growth, social justice and environmental stewardship -- must become our global guiding principle and operational standard.

On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, I commend all who have made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation.  I urge Governments, industry, civil society and all other partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environment and development challenges of our times.

Mr Ban Ki-moon.

 Learn more about the theme 2013 :

Día Internacional de la Preservación de la Capa de Ozono, 16 de septiembre, Tema de 2013: «Una atmósfera saludable es el futuro que queremos».

Journée internationale de la protection de la couche d'ozone, 16 septembre.Thème 2013 : Une atmosphère saine, tel est l'avenir que nous voulons.

موضوع عام 2013: غلاف جوي سليم هو المستقبل الذي نريد

保护臭氧层国际日, 9月16. 2013年主题：“一个健康的大气层是我们期望的未来"


 Международный день охраны озонового слоя, 16 сентября. Тема 2013 года:  "Будущее, которого мы хотим, — здоровая атмосфера планеты."

 Documents

• Invitation letter to governments to commemorate the 2013 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer [English] [French] [Spanish]
• Montreal Protocol Information Kit (C) (E) (F) (R) (S)
• Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

  PSA - 1 (30 seconds)	PSA - 1 script
  PSA - 2 (30 seconds)	PSA - 2 script
  PSA-3 (Combined PSA 1 & PSA 2) ( 60 seconds)	PSA - 3 script

• Vital Ozone Graphics 1 - Initial version: http://www.grida.no/publications/vg/ozone/
• Vital Ozone Graphics 2 - climate link: http://www.grida.no/publications/vg/ozone2/
• Vital Ozone Graphics 3 - 2012 Update

Messages for United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation - 12 September

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the UN Day for South-South Cooperation 2013

This year’s observance of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation comes amid intensifying international efforts to accelerate progress on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by the end of 2015, the internationally agreed deadline. Concurrently, the South has assumed a greater role in the global development landscape.

In many developing countries incomes are up, poverty is declining and hope is rising.  The goal of reducing extreme poverty by half has been achieved. Equity in primary education -- attendance by girls and boys -- has been reached. Infant mortality has seen tremendous decreases, with five of nine developing regions reducing the under-five mortality rate by half. More than 2 billion people have gained access to clean drinking water. These and other economic achievements of the global South have given rise to a rapidly expanding middle class adding a strong voice to demands for more liberties, equity, decent jobs and a wide range of goods and services that are critical to genuine human progress.

Despite these positive trends, 1.2 billion people are still trapped in conditions of extreme poverty. Wide-ranging global discussions are under way to define a Post-2015 development agenda that will galvanize development efforts at all levels. Wide-ranging global discussions are under way to define a Post-2015 development agenda that will galvanize development efforts at all levels in the years and decades ahead.  As that agenda takes shape, the international community is already united around the idea that South-South cooperation should remain an integral part of the global partnership for development.

Developing countries are turning to each other for lessons on innovative policies and schemes to address pressing development challenges. The Brazilian Bolsa Familia Programme, a cash transfer model, has helped improve childhood nutrition and education in Brazil, and the system has been successfully transplanted to Africa. India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme entitles each rural Indian household by law to one hundred days of unskilled work per year on public works programmes. China’s emphasis on infrastructure development in other developing countries has resulted in improvements in electricity supply, an increase in railway connections and reduced prices for telecommunications services. More solutions are available across the global South which, if adequately harnessed, could make meaningful contributions across a range of urgent concerns, from hunger and health to education and sustainable energy. 
South-South cooperation offers real, concrete solutions to common development challenges. Sharing best practices, funding pilot projects in far-flung locales, providing the capital to scale-up successful projects, supplying regional public goods, developing and adapting appropriate technologies —these are the opportunities that the international community needs to better leverage.  On this United Nations Day for South-South cooperation, I call on all partners to redouble their efforts to harness the wealth of knowledge, expertise and development thinking in the Global South.

Ban Ki-moon

Delivered by Ms. Rebecca Grynspan, Associate Administrator
of the UN Development Programme

  The state of South-South cooperation : Report of the Secretary-General

° Día de las Naciones Unidas para la Cooperación Sur-Sur, 12 de septiembre.
° Journée des Nations Unies pour la coopération Sud-Sud, 12 septembre.
°  联合国南南合作日, 9月12日
°  День сотрудничества Юг-Юг Организации Объединенных Наций, 12 сентября
°  مقطتف من رسالة الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة


South-South Cooperation is sweeping the globe. Find out how Unep's South South Cooperation Exchange Mechanism is helping the southern hemisphere find solutions for an environmentally sustainable future for southern countries...and beyond.

UNEP's South South Cooperation Exchange Mechanism (MP4) from UNEP

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2013, September 12

The 10th United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation .

The tenth United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation will be celebrated on 12 September 2013 highlighting the scaling up of South-South flows of trade, investment, technology, and know-how as an increasingly important dimension of development co-operation.

A series of events throughout the day will include an opening ceremony and inaugural addresses, a featured event on the India, Brazil and South-Africa (IBSA) Fund and two panel discussions. All the events will take place at CB Conference Room 3 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (TBC), and other UN and UNDP high-level representatives will participate in the opening ceremony at 10am. Following their remarks, the featured event “IBSA Fund: A Flagship Initiative in South-South Cooperation” will highlight the commitment of the IBSA Fund to poverty and hunger alleviation and how innovative South-South partnerships are positively impacting the development landscape” with remarks by the Permanent Representatives of IBSA Fund countries to the UN, and Permanent Representatives of IBSA Fund partner countries. IBSA Fund initiatives include efforts in Palestine, Laos, Viet Nam, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Cape Verde, and Burundi. The panel will be followed by the launch of an exhibition and the IBSA Fund Project Portfolio Overview.

The afternoon sessions will discuss experiences of the World Bank and the Republic of Korea in South-South collaboration followed by a panel on South-South sharing of Social Protection Floors, highlighting experiences led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and facilitated by the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

"South-South cooperation has the potential to balance growth and equity on a global scale. Even in the midst of severe economic, social and political instabilities, South-South cooperation has continued to drive buoyant trade and financial flows in recent years,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a
 Message during the UN Day of South-South Cooperation in 2012.

“In these past ten years, we were able to develop policies that raised global awareness in support of South-South cooperation, enable Member States to set policies and principles, facilitate coordination and mainstreaming of South-South Cooperation within the UN system, enabled national governments to better manage their South-South Cooperation initiatives, and fostered intra regional networking”, said Yiping Zhou, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation.

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LINKS:

• Overall Programme of Activities PDF
• UN Day for South-South Cooperation website

International Literacy Day 2013, September 8

" Literacies for the 21st century"  is the Theme for International Literacy Day 2013.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy.

Resources :

- Literacy rates are rising, but women and girls continue to lag behind. 
-Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Literacy Day 2013
-Working paper on the Definition of Fundamental Education

Infografics :

En savoir plus sur Tableau

That's why Sunday is International Literacy Day.

Milestones :

Starting from 2003, when UNESCO took the lead of the the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012), and going back to 1946, when UNESCO first established a committee to promote ‘Fundamental Education’, review the major milestones on the road to Literacy for All. More

More information from Unesco here: http://bit.ly/QaiBGA

International Day of Charity 2013, September 5th.

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for International Day of Charity 2013.

Charity plays an important role in upholding the values and advancing the work of the United Nations.  Donations of time or money; volunteer engagement in one’s own community or on the other side of the world; acts of caring and kindness with no thought of recompense; these and other expressions of global solidarity help us in our shared quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful future for all.

I welcome this first observance of the International Day of Charity, which was proclaimed last year by the United Nations General Assembly and which coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, whose life and good works for some of the human family’s poorest and most vulnerable members inspired emulation across the world.

Strangely, charity sometimes gets dismissed, as if it is ineffective, inappropriate or even somehow demeaning to the recipient.  “This isn’t charity”, some donors take pains to claim, “this is an investment”.  Let us recognize charity for what it is at heart: a noble enterprise aimed at bettering the human condition.
At a time when we aim to accelerate our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and define a bold agenda for the period beyond 2015, the role of charity can and should grow.

UN bodies such as the UN Volunteers Programme and UNICEF offer venues for people across the world to get involved.  In establishing the Day, the General Assembly asked that charity be encouraged through education and awareness-raising activities; initiatives such as the United Nations Academic Impact's ASPIRE -- Action by Students to Promote Innovation and Reform through Education -- have encouraged young women and men to take on the responsibility of ensuring that their less fortunate peers have the financial opportunity to go to school.  The UN’s humanitarian agencies rely on charitable donations from the public as well as the generosity of governments to continue their lifesaving work in response to natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies.

On this new International Day, I call on people everywhere, of all ages, to act on the charitable impulse that resides in every human being.

Ban Ki-moon

Día Internacional de la Beneficencia, 5 de septiembre.

Международный день благотворительности, 5 сентября.

 Journée internationale de la charité, 5 septembre.

国际慈善日, 9月5日

   أيلول/ سبتمبر 5