Monday 30 November 2015

2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference

 Конференция по изменению климата 2015.
气候变化大会2015.
Conférence sur les changements climatiques 2015.
United Nations Climate Change Conference 2015.
Conferencia sobre el Cambio Climático 2015.
 مؤتمر تغير المناخ 2015.




PARIS2015 - UN Climate Change Conference

2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference : The 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC is expected to take place in December 2015, in Paris, France. COP21


The twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) will take place from 30 November to 11 December 2015, in Paris, France. UNFCCC


 United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon on ‪‎Climate Change‬ and COP21/CMP11 - UN Radio Interview (Paris, 29 November 2015) UN Web TV



The Secretary-General answers the following questions:

1. Do you think we are on track to reach a climate change agreement in Paris?
2. How are climate change and the Paris Agreement linked with the sustainable development goals?
3. Why is it so urgent that we do something now?
4. In the context of a world threatened by disease, war and famine, what makes you optimistic that world leaders can work together instead of in their own interests?






FORUM : The COP21/CMP11
  
 The conference objective is to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, from all the nations of the world. Leadership of the negotiations is yet to be determined.


EVENTS :  2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

COP21-CMP11



Where and when do I collect my COP 21 conference badge?

Registration and the collection of the badges will take place at the conference venue at the Paris-Le Bourget site (Parc des expositions du Bourget). Badges are compulsoryfor participants to gain access to the premises. They are issued only on the basis of being nominated from Parties, observer States or observer organizations. You must first register at the registration desk, which will be open from: Sunday, 22 November to Friday, 11 December 2015


Related News : 

- Everything you need to know about the Paris climate summit and UN talks.
The Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF15).
- E.L.L. Practice | The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference
-  With climate at 'breaking point', leaders urge breakthrough in Paris.
-UNFCCC COP 21
- Get News on the latest Climate Action - UNFCCC 
- COP21-CMP11 -Paris Conference information HUB 
Obama: Business needs seat in climate efforts
- Climate Change, Teaching Resources.


Key Steps :


Tuesday 24 November 2015

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2015, November 25th



Theme 2015 : Prevention.

 
Say NO - Unite to end violence against Women


            The atrocity crimes being committed against women and girls in conflict zones, along with the domestic abuse found in all countries, are grave threats to progress.
I am deeply concerned about the plight of women and girls living in conditions of armed conflict, who suffer various forms of violence, sexual assault, sexual slavery and trafficking. Violent extremists are perverting religious teachings to justify the mass subjugation and abuse of women. These are not random acts of violence, or the incidental fallout of war, but rather systematic efforts to deny women’s freedoms and control their bodies. As the world strives to counter and prevent violence extremism, the protection and empowerment of women and girls must be a key consideration.
Roughly half of today’s 60 million forcibly displaced people are women.  Many who flee war and violence are often exploited by unscrupulous smugglers, and frequently suffer gender discrimination and xenophobia in host societies.  Those who are too young, too old or too frail to make the risky journey are left behind even more vulnerable without those who have left.
            Even in areas at peace, violence against women persists in the form of femicide, sexual assault, female genital mutilation/cutting, early marriage and cyberviolence. These practices traumatize individuals and tear at the fabric of society.
            I have led a global response through the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign and the HeForShe initiative to engage men in promoting gender equality.  I call on governments to increase contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which aims to address chronic underinvestment in this area.
            Millions of people across the world are uniting under the banner colour orange, chosen to symbolize the brighter future of a world free from violence against women and girls. This year, in a sign of the growing momentum for change, orange lights will illuminate iconic landmarks from the historic ruins at Petra in Jordan to Niagara Falls in North America.
            We can also blaze a path to a future of dignity and equality for all by implementing the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which recognizes the importance of eliminating violence against women, with related targets across several of the Sustainable Development Goals.  Recent major reviews of United Nations peace operations, peacebuilding efforts and the women, peace and security agenda have all highlighted the critical value of women’s participation in peace and security.
            The pervasiveness of violence against women and girls means we can all take steps to address it. Let us join forces to end this crime, promote full gender equality and realize a world where women and girls enjoy the safety they deserve – for their sake and for all of humanity.

Ban Ki-moon 




Across the world, violence against women and girls remains one of the most serious—and the most tolerated—human rights violations, both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality and discrimination.
Its continued presence is one of the clearest markers of societies out of balance and we are determined to change that.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women we say again:
It is not acceptable.
It is not inevitable.
It can be prevented.
Although there is no single solution to such a complex problem, there is growing evidence of the range of actions that can stop violence before it happens, especially if they are implemented in parallel.
Further research currently underway will lead to more definitive strategies and interventions to prevent violence.
We believe that, through concerted action by everyone involved, from governments to individuals, we can tackle the unequal power relations and structures between men and women and highlight the necessary attitudinal, practice and institutional changes.
Imagine how different the world would be for girls growing up now if we could prevent early marriage, female genital mutilation, the turning of a blind eye to domestic violence, abusive text messages, the impunity of rapists, the enslavement of women in conflict areas, the killing of women human rights defenders, or the hostility of police stations or courtrooms to women’s testimony of violence experienced.
We have made progress in improving the laws that distinguish these acts and others as ones of violence and invasion of human rights. Some 125 countries have laws against sexual harassment, 119 have laws against domestic violence, but only 52 countries have laws on marital rape.
We know that leaders, whether CEOs, Prime Ministers, or teachers, can set the tone for zero tolerance to violence.
Community mobilization, group interventions for both women and men, educational programmes and empowerment of women are some of the interventions that have impact, when they are put together with other legal, behavioural and social changes.
For example, in Uganda, engaging communities in discussion of unequal power relations between men and women dropped rates of physical violence by men against their partners by half.
In Myanmar, provision of legal aid services for rural women is improving access to justice and the training of even a small group of male leaders has been identified as contributing to a change of behaviour in some 40 per cent of those in the target communities.
We are doing pre-deployment training for peacekeepers to be more gender sensitive and to better protect civilian populations in conflict areas.
And in the United States, urban police officers trained to recognize the warning signs of intimate partner violence, are making some progress in reducing the numbers of murdered women.
As we launch the Orange the World Campaign today, we already know that tuk-tuk drivers in Cambodia, soccer stars in Turkey, police officers in Albania, school children in South Africa and Pakistan, and hundreds of thousands of others around the world, are all in their own way taking a stand.
We now have, for the first time, explicit targets to eliminate violence against women in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These demand accelerated action.
When more than 70 world leaders took the podium in New York at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment on 27 September 2015, the majority named ending violence against women and girls as a priority for action.
It is indeed a priority.
I believe that if we all work together: governments, civil society organizations, the UN system, businesses, schools, and individuals mobilizing through new solidarity movements, we will eventually achieve a more equal world—a Planet 50-50—where women and girls can and will live free from violence.


 
Orange the world - End Violence Against Women and Girls


Events : 

From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

This year, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women invites you to “Orange the world: End violence against women and girls.” Join the UNiTE campaign and organize “Orange Events” between 25 November and 10 December 2015.




Join us! Share your photos, messages and videos showing how you orange your world at facebook.com/SayNO.UNiTE and twitter.com/SayNO_UNiTE using #orangetheworld. For more information about “Orange the world,” see poster and download toolkit.

Ban Ki-moon (UN Secretary-General) at Commemoration of United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2015.

25 Nov 2015 - Statement by H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, at Commemoration of United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.


Publication : 

Preview United Nations' flagship report, the World's Women 2015 - Trends and Statistics


 
Cyber violence against Women and Girls - A world wide wake up call

Sunday 22 November 2015

International year of Pulses 2016 (IYP)

  International year of Pulses 2016 (IYP).



2016 as International Year of Pulses.


The International year of Pulses 2016 (IYP) aims to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition. 

The IYP 2016 creates a unique opportunity to encourage connections throughout the food chain that would better utilize pulse-based proteins, further global production of pulses, better utilize crop rotations and address the challenges in the trade of pulses.





Five things we learned from the launch of the International Year of Pulses


The official launch of the International Year of Pulses took place on 10 November at FAO Headquarters in Rome. With over 200 participants and many more viewers worldwide, the event welcomed high level attendance from government ministries, civil society and the private sector. The speakers and special guests highlighted the many benefits of pulses, and also brought to light some of the obstacles facing the global production, supply and trade of the crops.
Here are five key facts we learned about pulses from the featured guests and speakers during the launch:

1. Pulses are an indispensable crop for vulnerable communities in developing countries.

In developing countries, pulses make up 75 percent of the average diet, compared to 25 percent in industrialized countries. They provide an affordable alternative to animal protein: pulses contain 20 to 25 percent protein by weight, whereas wheat has 10 percent and meat has 30 to 40 percent. Pulses are an increasingly important crop for smallholder farmers, particularly female farmers who hold a larger share in the labour force in pulses farming.

2. Lentils, beans and chickpeas have been an essential part of human diets for centuries.

Archaeological remains found in Anatolia (modern day Turkey) show that ancient agricultural production of chickpeas and lentils dates back to 7000 - 8000 B.C. Today, wild relatives of lentils and peas are still seen in the southeast Anatolian region, and samples have been collected and protected in Turkey’s gene banks.

3. Pulses consumption is declining.

Although world pulses production has increased by over 20 percent in the past 10 years, consumption has seen a slow but steady decline in both developed and developing countries in the same period. This may be partially due to an inability for pulses production to keep pace with a growing population, as well as a shift in many countries to more meat-centric diets.

4. Science and technology innovations can help close the yield gap in pulses production. 

Crop genetic improvement, selective breeding and sustainable intensive farming have been proven to increase yield potential and climate resilience in pulses. Improved varieties of heat-tolerant faba beans in Sudan helped increase production by 60 kilograms per hectare. In Turkey, the specially developed Gokce variety of chickpea withstood severe drought and produced when most other crops failed.

5. Pulses production is highly water efficient, especially when compared to other protein sources.

Production of daal (split peas or lentils) requires 50 litres of water per kilogram. Conversely, one kilogram of chicken requires 4325 litres of water, one kilogram of mutton requires 5520 litres, and one kilogram of beef requires 13000 litres of water during production. Their small water footprint makes pulses production a smart choice in drier areas and regions prone to drought.
For a full recap of the event, read the press release and check out the Storify below.

Friday 20 November 2015

World Television Day 2015, November 21st

In recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-maSking by bringing 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, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day (through resolution 51/205 of 17 December 1996).

World Television Day is not so much a celebration of the tool, but rather the philosophy which it represents. Television represents a symbol for communication and globalization in the contemporary world.


UNTV Crew at work. UN Photo/Loey Felipe


To mark World Television Day on Saturday 21 November, TV organisations from around the world have brought together the latest statistics to reveal how millennials’ relationship with TV looks today. With data from 10 countries – including the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, the UK, and France – the insights show how much TV millennials now watch, how it is the dominant form of video in their lives, how important the TV set remains, the huge reach of TV, and their attitudes towards TV advertising.

Although different countries measure and report TV consumption in different ways, what is clear from statistics from across the world is that young people are watching a lot of TV:

* In the USA, 18-24s watch an average of 2 hours, 33 minutes of TV a day, 25-34s watch an average of 3 hours, 50 minutes a day (source: Nielsen, ‘Total Audience Report’, Q2 2015)
* 15-34s in Ireland watch an average 2 hours, 25 minutes of TV a day. 86% of this is watched live (source: Nielsen, Jan-Oct 2015)

* 16-34s in the UK watch 2 hours, 23 minutes of linear TV on a TV set a day (source: BARB, H1 2015)

* 18-34s in Germany watch 2 hours, 21 mins of TV a day (source: AGF/GfK Jan-Oct 2015)·
*In Belgium 12-24s are watching an average of 1 hour, 29 minutes of TV a day, 10 minutes more a day than in 2010 (source: Audimetrie CIM, 2014 vs 2010)

·*Italian 15-34s watch an average of 2 hours, 33 minutes of TV a day (source: Auditel, Nov 2014 – Oct 2015)

·*18-34s in Canada watch 2 hours, 43 minutes of linear TV a day (source: Numerous, Sept 2014-Aug 2015) 

Some new video services, such as Netflix and YouTube, have gained popularity in recent years. The data gathered from different countries shows their popularity among younger generations relative to TV:

* In Germany, 74% of 14-29s’ video consumption is accounted for by TV, 26% by online video (source: TNS Convergence Monitor 2015)

·*TV content accounts for 70% of 15-24s’ video consumption in France (source: Mediamétrie, 2015)

* TV accounts for 65% of 16-24s’ total video consumption in the UK; 7% is YouTube and 4% is Subscription VOD services such as Netflix (source: Thinkbox, ‘Truth about youth’, 2015)

*18-34s in Canada spend 7.6 times more time watching TV each week than they do on YouTube (19 hours vs. 2.5 hours), 17 times more time with TV than with Netflix (1.1 hours) and 3.3 times more with TV than they spend on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter combined (5.2 hours/ 0.4 hours / 0.2 hours respectively) (source: Digital: comScore Media Metrix; Multi-Platform; Sept 2014 - Aug 2015)

*TV accounts for 41% of 14-24s’ media day in the UK. The next most popular media activity is social networking/messaging, which accounts for 15.7% (source: IPA Touchpoints, 2014)

*In the USA, 18-34s spend more time online with ad-supported TV brands than with Google, AOL, MSN and Yahoo! combined or with Facebook. On average, 18-34s in the US spend 39 minutes a month watching TV online compared with 25 minutes with Google/AOL/MSN/Yahoo! and 23 minutes with Facebook (source: Nielsen Npower Live+7 July 2015 P18-34/ VAB analysis of comScore duplicated July 2015 data, mediametrix, multiplatform A18-34)

*38% of 15-34s in Belgium say TV is the medium they would miss the most compared to 16% for social networks (source: TNS, ‘La perception des médias’, 2015)

*In Spain, 15-34s spend more time watching TV than doing any other thing online. They spend 2 hours, 28 minutes a day watching TV, triple the 55 minutes they spend online (sources: Kantarmedia /Comscore MMX, 2015)

*Also in Spain, 9 out of 10 15-34s who use the internet do so to watch TV (source: Comscore MMX, 2015)

As new screens proliferate, it means TV can be watched wherever and whenever people want. However, the TV set remains millennials’ favourite way to watch:

*In the UK, 70% of 16-24s’ total video consumption – 65% of which is TV – takes place on a TV set (source: Thinkbox, ‘The Truth about Youth’)

*In Australia, 25-34s spend 80.1% of their screen viewing time watching broadcast TV on a TV set, compared to 9.3% watching video (incl. TV) on laptops, 5.6% on smartphones and 5.1% on tablets (source: ‘Australian Multi-Screen report Q2 2015’)

*For 18-24s in Australia it is a similar picture: 60.9% with broadcast TV on a TV set, 21.9% on laptops, 12.5% on smartphones and 4.7% on tablets (source: ‘Australian Multi-Screen report Q2 2015’)

*The TV set is by far the most popular device for 15-34s in Finland. 60% of their time spent watching TV and other video content is on TV sets (source: Nelonen media/TNS Gallup, ‘The Future of TV May’, 2015)

*99% of 13-34s in the Netherlands own a TV set (source: VIMN/BrandDeli, ‘TV (Re)defined’)
*Similarly, in Germany, 76% of 14-25s’ total video contact continues to happen on the TV set (source: IP Fourscreen Touchpoints, 2014)

*In Sweden, 51% of 18-34s’ prefer to watch any video content on a TV set, 33% prefer a laptop, 10% prefer a tablet and 5% opt for their mobile device (source: Reklamkraft, 2015)

TV is the world’s most popular medium for every age group. In an average week, TV reaches:

*89.9% of 16-34s in the UK (source: BARB, H1 2015)
*82.6% of 25-39s in Australia (source: OzTAM, 1 Jan-15 Oct 2015, commercial TV only)
*85% of 15-34s in Finland (source: Finnpanel Oy, H1 2015)
*77% of 18-34s in Germany (source: AGF/GfK Jan-Oct 2015)
*88% of 13-24s in the Netherlands (source: SKO, Jan-Oct 2015)
*96.1% of 18-34s in Canada (source: Numeris, Sept 1 2014 – Aug 30 2015)
*64% of 15-34s in France (source: Mediamétrie, 2015)
*72% of 15-29s in Switzerland (source: Mediapulse Fernsehpanel, 2015)
*71% of 15-24s in Sweden (source: IIS, 2015)
*74.6% of 15-34s in Italy (source: Auditel, Nov 2014 - Oct 2015)

The data also shows that Millennials are more favourable towards TV advertising than other forms:
*16-24s in the UK find TV advertising more enjoyable, memorable and humorous than any other media. 54% enjoy TV advertising, compared to 16% for social media; 69% say TV advertising makes them laugh, compared to 24% for social; and 73% say TV advertising is memorable, compared to 17% for social media (source: Ipsos Mori, ‘TV Nation’, 2014)

*65.7% of Italian 18-34s of 18-34s claim they pay attention to TV advertising. They also consider it to be more useful than the average population (source: Gfk Eurisko, 2015)

*In Canada, 18-34s say they are most likely to pay attention to advertising on TV than other media: 39% picked TV, compared to 12% for Social Networks and 2% for mobile. They also chose TV as the form of video advertising they are most likely to watch: 64% for TV compared to 7% for phone, 11% for tablet and 16% for computer (source: Omnivu survey, 2015)

For further research and figures about media consumption of kids, teenagers and millennials.




The global exchanges of television programmes focusing on peace, security, economic and social development and the enhancement of cultural exchange indicate the growing significance of television in today's changing world. The information sharing through television facilitates social and cultural communication and encourages cooperation and partnerships in the world.



 

Why television?

Television: a cornerstone of democracy and a pillar of freedom of expression and cultural diversity. It nurtures education, continually invites people to explore beyond their living rooms and arouses curiosity.

It is a wonderful ambassador for the entertainment industry: not only does it help reveal fresh talent and discover new music, it also stimulates and kindles our musical heritage while encouraging the fusion of styles and artists.

Furthermore, television cultivates generosity and care, underpinning many charitable organisations’ fundraising events. Sports events’ broadcasts inspire people to go beyond their personal limits and gather billions of viewers around sound and positive values. By offering quality entertainment, television provides an avenue of dreams and wonder to households around the world.


World Fisheries Day 2015, November 21th

‎Día mundial de la pesca‬, ‪21 de Noviembre.
‬Journée mondiale des pêches‬, ‪21 Novembre‬. ‪
世界漁業日‬,‪11月21日.
World Fisheries Day, 21 November.
 Всемирны йдень рыболовства‬, ‪21 ноября.





World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November every year around the world. This day aims to highlight the value of human life and the creatures living in water. It tries to highlight the problems related to fisheries like overfishing, bad way of fishing and unsustainable fishing methods. Apart from this it also attempts to address the pollution problems in ocean and coastal areas. On this special day the participating members discuss these problems and come up with several corrective measures which can be implemented. Most of the countries, who are involved in fisheries development, are facing the problems of unequal distribution of fish stock. The main reason for the inadequacy is the rising world population and demand has been increased exponentially. Now on this day all the countries sent their representatives to show case their point of view on a world forum. There is a need of increased level cooperation among the members so that common solutions can be obtained.



 Forum : World Fisheries Day - November 21

People have never consumed so much fish or depended so greatly on the sector for their well-being as they do today.



 Publications: 

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014 - FAO

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) is the flagship publication of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014 - FAO

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) is the flagship publication of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. This premier advocacy document is published every two years to provide policy-makers, civil society and those whose livelihoods depend on the sector a comprehensive, objective and global view of capture fisheries and aquaculture, including associated policy issues.



Events : 

International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade Conference 2016.
From the 12th - 15th July 2016. Theme "Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment".

Your Partner for Sustainable Seafood - World Wildlife Fund
Events for the Year 2015 :
° 5-9 September: World Seafood Congress, Grimbsy, UK
° 21-23 September: Seafood Expo Southern Europe, Barcelona, Spain
° 5-6 October: Our Oceans Conference, Valparaiso, Chile
° 4-6 November: China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, Qingdao, China

° 3 - 8 December: WCPFC - 12th regular session of the commission, Bali, Indonesia
° 1-3 February 2016, SeaWeb seafood summit, Malta









Related Links :



Wednesday 18 November 2015

Africa Industrialization Day 2015, November 20th.




2015 theme - “Small and Medium Enterprises for Poverty Eradication and Job Creation for Women and Youth"




In recent years, many countries in Africa have experienced significant economic growth and progress in human development.  However, inclusive and sustainable industrial development remains elusive.  Youth unemployment and gender inequity jeopardize the continent’s efforts to eradicate poverty.
The private sector in Africa contributes to a projected 80 per cent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product and supports an estimated 90 per cent of all jobs.  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a pivotal role to play in the industrial development of Africa.  Nevertheless, opportunities for youth and women generated by SMEs are limited, thus failing to harness the full entrepreneurial potential of the continent.  This means less capacity for transformative socio-economic development, innovation and value addition.
I welcome the theme for this year’s Africa Industrialization Day: “SMEs for Poverty Eradication and Job Creation for Women and Youth”.  Africa needs to invest in training and education for women and youth to industrialize, grow the private sector and achieve sustainable development.  SMEs can provide a solid foundation for sustained economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication. 
The important contribution of inclusive and sustainable industrialization in helping Africa to overcome its critical development challenges is clearly recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by United Nations Member States in September.  On this year’s Africa Industrialization Day, I reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations to enhance Africa’s SME sector and stimulate economic opportunities for women and youth to promote the continent’s progress towards economically enriched, socially inclusive and prosperous societies.

Ban Ki-moon



Did you know?
  • Africa’s growth has continued to increase, rising from 3.7 % in 2013 to 3.9 % in 2014.
  • However, the pace of Africa’s industrialization has been slow. Africa's share of global manufacturing exports is a meagre 1.9 %, compared to over 16 % for East Asia.
  • Moreover, Africa is marginalised in world trade. The continent’s share in global exports has remained at roughly 3.3 % since 2010.
  • Today, Africa has over 82 trillion dollars in discovered natural resources. Africa must add value to these resources, to maintain the wealth within the continent.
  • Africa needs a stable trajectory for economic growth and prosperity. To achieve that, Africa must industrialize as prioritised by the African Union's Agenda 2063.








 BACKGROUND 

1. Africa  is  the  least  developed  region  of  the  world  in  terms  of  industrialization.  It  accounts  for  a  negligible  share  of  global  industrial  output  and  manufactured  exports.   Only  in  a  few  of  the  countries  is  the  manufacturing  value  added/GDP  ratio  above  20  pe rcent. In a large number of African countries, the manufacturing sector’s contribution  to GDP is less than 15 per cent and in some cases lower than 5 per cent.  The output of  the  sector  is  heavily  concentrated  on  low  technology  products  such  as  food,  texti les,  clothing,  footwear,  etc.  The  majority  of  African  countries  are  yet  to  be  involved  in  any  significant sense in the medium -  and high -  technology segments of global manufacturing  that  have  been  characterized  by  dynamism  and  rapid  growth  in  recent  years.  The  African  economy  is  heavily  dependent  on  the  production  and  exports  of  primary  products  and  consequently  suffers  from  the  associated  risks  of  this  dependence.  The  continent   must   take   advantage   of   new   opportunities   offered   by   globalization   by  preparing   e nterprises,   putting   in   place   policies   for   upgrading,   developing   human  resources,   strengthening   its   capacities   for   innovation,   by   accepting   the   facts   of  industrialization.  

2. Industrialization is a critical engine of economic growth and development. Indeed,  industrialization  is  the  essence  of  development.  That  Africa  remains  the  poorest  region  of  the  world,  where  34  of  the  50  least  developed  countries  are  located  and  in  which  p overty  is  on  the  increase,  is  a  reflection  of  its  low  level  of  industrialization  and  marginalization in global manufacturing. There exists a strong linkage between industrial  productive  capacity,  economic  growth,  and  level  of  development.  The  developing  re gions and countries that are sharing in the benefits of globalization, making progress  towards  the  attainment  of  the  Millennium  Development  Goals  (MDGs),  and  moving  up  on  the  ladder  of  development  are  the  rapidly  industrializing  ones.  Africa  has  not  benefi ted  much  from  the  process  of  globalization  and  risks  not  meeting  the  MDGs  in  spite of its richness in natural resources. 

3. African Heads of State and Government have in recent years taken a number of  major initiatives, to meet the challenges of development,  to reverse the marginalization  of Africa in the global economy and polity, and to claim the 21 st  Century for the peoples  of  the  continent.  These  include  the  establishment  of  the  African  Union  (AU)  and  the  adoption  of  the  New  Partnership  for  Africa’s  Devel opment  (NEPAD)  as  the  strategic  programme of the Union.


Strategy for the Implementation of the Plan of Action for the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (En)

Strategy for the implementation of the Plan of action for the accelerated Industrial Development in Africa.




Africa has witnessed improved growth in recent years – averaging 5.5 per cent per annum. Nevertheless, poverty remains a serious challenge. This is because growth alone is not sufficient to propel broad-based development. For growth to be translated into sustained poverty reduction, greater attention needs to be placed on the quality of growth, its sustainability and spread. In this context, greater access to, acquisition and application of science, technology and innovation are critical for African countries to raise the quality of their human capital and consequently, enhance pro-poor growth. UNIDO's AFRICA PROGRAMME.


 Inclusive and Sustainable  Industrial Development in Africa Region - UNIDO.

Inclusive and Sustainable  Industrial Development in Africa Region - UNIDO.

During the 2013-2014 Biennium, programmes and projects assisting African Member States to achieve  UNIDO’s mandate of “Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development“ (ISID) have been implemented  in all UNIDO priority areas; namely, agribusiness and rural entrepreneurship, industrial policy  development, trade capacity building, energy, youth employment, investment promotion, institutional  capacity development, energy efficiency and climate change.

The delivery of UNIDO technical assistance in the region amounted to US$ 37.8 million in 2013 and  US$ 41.2 million in 2014. Moreover, during the 2013-2014 Biennium, UNIDO developed several country  programmes in the region, of which 13 were approved and signed. As of April 2015, there were 17 country  programmes under development. UNIDO also convened a number of events, including conferences and  other thematic global forums in the region.   The region covered by UNIDO’s Africa Bureau comprises 45 sub-Saharan countries, including 20 Middle  Income Countries (MICs), 31 Least Developed Countries (LDCs, out of 34 in African continent); 16 of the  world’s 32 Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs)  and five Small Island Developing States (SIDS, out  of 51 in the world).



Forum :  Africa Industrialization Day - November 20

 On Africa Industrialization Day, Ban warns gender inequity, youth unemployment risk continent’s progress


Events : 
4th Congress of African Economists 2015 Theme: Industrial Policy and Economic Performance in Africa. Share. 16th – 18th November 2015


News :  



The United Nations System and Africa




Resources :
Publications :

Universal Children's Day 2015, November 20th.

 Journée Mondiale de l' enfance, 20 novembre.




The Universal Children's Day is dedicated to promoting the well-being and human rights of the world's children, especially those suffering the impacts of poverty, armed conflict, discrimination and exploitation.  The date of the observance -- 20 November -- marks the day on which, in 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Today, we reaffirm our obligation to do everything in our power to enable all children to survive and thrive, learn and grow, have their voices heard and reach their full potential.
This year, I wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the commitments made by the international community to the world's children are extended to a group of children who are often forgotten or overlooked: those deprived of their liberty.
Far too many children languish in jail, mental health facilities or through other forms of detention.  Some children are vulnerable because they are migrants, asylum seekers, homeless or preyed on by organized criminals.  Whatever the circumstances, the Convention dictates that the deprivation of liberty must be a measure of last resort, and for the shortest time. Our aim must be to pursue the best interests of the child, prevent the deprivation of liberty and promote alternatives to detention.
With that in mind, and further to a request by the General Assembly, the United Nations is preparing a Global Study that aims to shine a light on the scale and conditions of children deprived of their liberty and secure the protection of their rights. The study will gather relevant data, identify good practices and help countries grasp the worrisome magnitude of the phenomenon and design measures to address it.  A coalition of UN actors has come together to assemble resources and expertise to take the study forward.  I strongly support this effort and urge Member States to do so as well.
This year's observance falls at a time when 60 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes – more than at any time since the Second World War.  Almost half of them are children fleeing oppression, terrorism, violence and other violations of their human rights.  This observance also comes following the landmark adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which can point the way towards peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies for all.  Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will depend crucially on reaching the most vulnerable children.
On Universal Children's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a future in which no child is left behind, including those deprived of their liberty.
Ban Ki-moon

FORUM : Universal Children's Day - 20 November.

 The one thing all children have in common is their rights. Every child has the right to survive and thrive, to be educated, to be free from violence and abuse, to participate and to be heard .
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon


On the basis of the Convention on the rights of the children and joint effort by all the countries and regions, let us promote and celebrate children’s right on the Universal Children's Day, and continuously build up a living-friendly environment for children in the world through dialogues and actions.

#ChildrensDay
 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.



Numerous schools and other instructive establishments endeavor to illuminate offspring of their rights as indicated by the Rights’ Declaration of the Child and the Convention on the Child’s Rights. Instructors animate their students to consider the contrasts in the middle of themselves as well as other people and clarify the thought of “rights”. In nations where the privileges of youngsters are by and large very much regarded, educators may attract consideration regarding circumstances in nations where this is not the situation.
In a few regions UNICEF holds occasions to attract specific consideration regarding kids’ rights. These may be to fortify enthusiasm for the media around the globe or to begin across the country battles, for example on the significance of inoculations or breastfeeding.
Numerous nations, including Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, hold Universal Children’s Day occasions on November 20 to stamp the Declaration’s commemorations of the Child’s Rights and the Convention on the Child’s Rights. Then again, different nations hold occasions on diverse dates, for example, the fourth Wednesday in October (Australia) and November 14 (India). General Children’s Day is not saw in the United States, in spite of the fact that a comparative recognition, National Child’s Day, is hung on the first Sunday in June.
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EVENTS : Universal Children's Day Celebrations 2015






 Numerous schools and other instructive establishments endeavor to illuminate offspring of their rights as indicated by the Rights’ Declaration of the Child and the Convention on the Child’s Rights. Instructors animate their students to consider the contrasts in the middle of themselves as well as other people and clarify the thought of “rights”. In nations where the privileges of youngsters are by and large very much regarded, educators may attract consideration regarding circumstances in nations where this is not the situation.  In a few regions UNICEF holds occasions to attract specific consideration regarding kids’ rights. These may be to fortify enthusiasm for the media around the globe or to begin across the country battles, for example on the significance of inoculations or breastfeeding.  Numerous nations, including Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, hold Universal Children’s Day occasions on November 20 to stamp the Declaration’s commemorations of the Child’s Rights and the Convention on the Child’s Rights. Then again, different nations hold occasions on diverse dates, for example, the fourth Wednesday in October (Australia) and November 14 (India). General Children’s Day is not saw in the United States, in spite of the fact that a comparative recognition, National Child’s Day, is hung on the first Sunday in June.
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