Tuesday, 31 May 2016

World No-Tobacco Day 2016, May 31.

World No Tobacco Day, May 31.
Día Mundial Sin Tabaco, 31 de Mayo.
Journée mondiale sans tabac, 31 mai.




Theme 2016 : Get ready for plain packaging.
Tema2016 : Подготовиться к простой упаковке табачных изделий.
 Tema 2016 : Prepárate para el empaquetado neutro.
Thème 2016 : Préparez-vous au conditionnement neutre des produits du tabac.
 2016年世界无烟日：为平装做好准备
استعدوا للتغليف البسيط




Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon on World No-Tobacco Day 2016, May 31.

Cigarettes and other tobacco products kill almost 6 million people every year.  Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.  As part of that approach, Governments have committed to strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries to reduce the proportion of people who use tobacco.

On World No Tobacco Day 2016, the United Nations is lending its support to one simple measure with proven effectiveness in reducing demand:  the plain packaging of tobacco products.  As laid out in the United Nations tobacco control treaty, this entails restricting or prohibiting the use of logos, colours, brand images or any promotional information other than brand and product names displayed in a standard colour and font.

Tobacco use is one of the largest causes of preventable non-communicable diseases, including cancers, heart and lung disease.  It also diverts valuable household income.  Plain packaging reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products, restricts tobacco advertising and promotion, limits misleading labeling, and increases the effectiveness of health warnings.
On this World No Tobacco Day, I call on Governments around the world to get ready for plain packaging.

Ban Ki-moon,
United Nations Secretary-General

Statement from Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO on World No Tobacco Day 2016, May 31.
 
This year on World No Tobacco Day, being held on 31 May, WHO is calling on governments to get ready for plain packaging of tobacco products. Dr Margaret Chan WHO Strip back the glamour and glossy packaging that contain tobacco products, and what is left? A product that kills almost 6 million people every year. Tobacco packaging is a form of advertising and promotion that often misleads consumers and serves to hide the deadly reality of tobacco use. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) is drawing attention to the role of plain packaging of tobacco products as part of a comprehensive approach to tobacco control, including comprehensive bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship and graphic health warnings. We do this for a very good reason: plain packaging works. New evidence from Australia, the first country to fully implement plain packaging, shows that changes to tobacco packaging there led to over 100,000 fewer smokers in Australia in the first 34 months since implementation in 2012. The evidence tells us that plain packaging reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products. It restricts tobacco advertising and promotion. It limits misleading packaging and labelling. And it increases the effectiveness of health warnings. 

The evidence explains why plain packaging was included in guidelines to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). It also explains why governments, like those in Australia, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, have passed plain packaging laws. The strength of this evidence has been rigorously tested, including recently in the High Court of England and Wales, which rejected all 17 of the industry’s challenges to the UK plain packaging law. In doing so, the court stated that some of the tobacco industry evidence was “wholly untenable and resembled diatribe rather than expert opinion”. This decision came in the same week that arbitrators revealed that they refused to hear a Philip Morris claim against the Australian law on grounds that the company had engaged in an abuse of process in bringing the claim. These results are a cause for celebration, but governments must remain vigilant. We have seen over and over again how industry, fuelled by its deep pockets, has been able to develop new strategies in an attempt to protect profits generated from its deadly products. In the case of plain packaging, it has been the target of a massive tobacco industry misinformation campaign dating as far back as 1993.
 
  WHO has stood up against this campaign, replacing falsehoods with the facts. While plain packaging represents a power tool for tobacco control, it also builds upon other measures that governments have at their disposal to curb tobacco use. It is recommended that plain packaging be used as part of a comprehensive multisectoral approach to tobacco control. On this World No Tobacco Day, we are telling the world to get ready for even more comprehensive tobacco control. Get ready to further accelerate implementation of the WHO FCTC. Get ready to improve global health, reduce premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like cancers, heart and lung disease, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. And get ready for plain packaging.
 
Magaret Chan,
WHO Director-General.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forum : World No-Tobacco Day [WHO] - 31 May.
 
Defying the tobacco industry.
 
“Plain packaging is going global as more and more countries seek the important health gains it can bring to communities,” says Dr Bettcher. “The tobacco industry has been getting ready for plain packaging for some time, conducting massive misinformation campaigns to block the measure."

  • Campaign brochure 
  •  Posters: Get ready for plain packaging
  • WHO's work on tobacco control


    •  
    Events :
     
    Africa :  Winners of the 2016 World No Tobacco Day Awards in the African Region.
    Europe :  World No Tobacco Day Awards 2016 recognize several countries in European Region.
    Latin America : PAHO honors Canadian and U.S. academics, Brazilian NGO with regional 2016 World No Tobacco Day awards.
     
    News  :
     

     
     

     
     
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    Friday, 27 May 2016

    International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2016, 29 May

    联合国维持和平人员国际日, 5月29日.
    Международный день миротворцев ООН, 29 мая.
    Día Internacional del Personal de Paz de la ONU, 29 de mayo.
    Journée internationale des Casques bleus des Nations Unies, 29 mai.
    International Day of UN Peacekeepers, 29 May.








    2016 Theme: “Honouring Our Heroes”
    Tema de 2016: «Honrando a nuestros héroes»
    Тема 2016 года: «Чествуем наших героев»
    Thème 2016 : «Rendons hommage à nos héros»
    2016年主题：“缅怀我们的英雄”
    شعار عام 2016: “تكريم أبطالنا”

    The confidence that the world places in United Nations peacekeeping is reflected in its massive growth in recent years, in terms of both numbers and complexity. Fifteen years ago, the UN had fewer than 40,000 military and police personnel. Today, more than 105,000 uniformed personnel from 124 troop- and police-contributing countries serve under the blue flag, along with 18,000 international and national civilian staff and UN Volunteers. They manifest the best attributes of global solidarity, courageously serving in dangerous environments to provide security to some of the world’s most vulnerable.
    Over the past year, the ‘Blue Helmets’ deployed across 16 peacekeeping operations around the world have saved countless lives, advanced peace and inspired hope. In South Sudan, more than 200,000 civilians who feared for their lives sought shelter at UN bases. In the Central African Republic, peacekeepers successfully supported landmark presidential and legislative elections that have set the once deeply troubled country on a path to peace and stability. Peacekeepers have confronted armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and disarmed ex-combatants. In Mali, peacekeepers have suffered grave losses that have not deterred them from implementing their mandate. In Haiti, UN Police and civilian experts have helped to mitigate gang violence. When fears of Ebola spread around the world, peacekeepers in Liberia provided security as international experts contained the spread of the virus.
    In many countries, UN mine-action personnel have transformed danger zones littered with landmines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions, into areas that can be used for schools, hospitals and farms.
    As the size, complexity and accomplishments of peacekeeping have grown, unfortunately so have the risks. Before the millennium, about three dozen peacekeepers lost their lives each year; now that figure has spiked on average to 120.
    Last year, the list of fallen numbered 129. These peacekeepers came from 50 countries, hailing from the ranks of the military, police, international civil servants, UN Volunteers and national staff. They had vastly different backgrounds, but all shared heroism and the belief that UN peacekeeping is and must remain a global force for good.
    That is why it is critical to end the deeply disturbing cases of sexual exploitation and abuse on the part of international forces deployed to troubled areas. I have been unrelenting in my call for a focus on the victims. And I am proactively addressing this serious problem at every opportunity while calling on Member States, which alone have the power to discipline their forces, to impose severe consequences that provide a full measure of justice and healing to the affected communities.
    Last year, I appointed a High-Level Independent Panel to review how UN peace operations can be strengthened to better meet current and emerging challenges. We are now actively engaged in adapting UN peace operations, making clear improvements to make them faster, more responsive and more accountable to countries and, most importantly, the people we are deployed to serve.
    On this International Day of International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we honour our heroes – the more than one million men and women who have served under the UN flag with pride, distinction and courage since the first deployment in 1948. And we pay our highest tribute to the more than 3,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives while in service during that period. We are forever in their debt. And we pledge today to realize the full potential of United Nations peacekeeping to usher in a better future.
    Ban Ki-moon

    Messages and Remarks




    Forum : International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers - 29 May.
    Commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (Geneva 31 May 2016)

     
     
     Screening of “UN, last station before hell” followed by Panel Discussion on “Honouring our Heroes” at the UN office at Geneva commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
     
    The theme for the 2016 International Day of UN Peacekeepers is “Honouring our Heroes.” The Day offers a chance to pay tribute to the "Blue Helmets" invaluable contribution to the work of the Organization and to honour more than 3,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948, including 128 last year. Today, more than 124,000 military, police and civilian personnel are deployed in 16 peacekeeping operations on four continents.
    UNPA issues stamps that feature images of the important work of UN peacekeepers around the world. The stamps are part of a joint stamp issuance with Austrian Post at the World Stamp Show in New York








    Hervé Ladsous (DPKO) and Atul Khare (Field Support) International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers - Press Conference (26 May 2016)  UN Web TV



    Briefing to the media by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Hervé Ladsous, and Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare, on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.‪






    
    
    More than 95 % of the UN Peacekeepers work in Missions with a protection of civilians mandate.



     Events : Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Awards






    The Security Council established the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Medal as a posthumous award to members of peacekeeping operations "as a tribute to the sacrifice of those who have lost their life as a result of service in peacekeeping operations under the operational control and authority of the United Nations".










    List of Fallen Peacekeepers to be awarded the Dag Hammarsköld Medal in 2016.











    UN Peackeepers honoured at U.N. Headquarters : Mr. Ban presided over a ceremony during which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was awarded posthumously to 129 Military, Police and Civilian Personnel who lost their lives while serving in Peacekeeping Operations during 2015.



    
    List of Fallen UN Peacekeepers to be awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at 19 May 2016 ceremony - LIST( 1)
    Add caption


    
    List of Fallen UN Peacekeepers to be awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at 19 May 2016 ceremony - LIST( 3)



    List of Fallen UN Peacekeepers to be awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at 19 May 2016 ceremony - LIST( 4)




    UN peacekeeping operations mark the Day by strengthening bonds with the local populations that they have been deployed to serve. For example, by holding sporting events, school and orphanage visits, art and essay competitions, photo exhibits, neighbourhood clean ups, tree plantings, concerts, and conferences and workshops on peace issues. Events around the world will be shared through the tag #Together4Peace.




    Resources :






    







    #Together4Peace

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    Tuesday, 24 May 2016

    Africa Day 2016, May 25


    День Африки, 25мая.
    Journée de l'Afrique, 25 mai.
    Día de África, 25 de mayo.
    Africa Day, May 25.
    非洲日, 5月25日.
     يوم أفريقيا ,25 مايو..
     
    May 25th is Africa Day

     

     

     
    Statement from Mr.Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, on Africa Day 2016.

     

    Africa Day 2016 is being celebrated in furtherance of the African Union’s theme for this year: “Human Rights with a Particular Focus on the Rights of Women”. This demonstrates the commitment of Africa’s leaders to place women – as key drivers and enablers – at the front and centre of all efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Both frameworks share similar strategic principles, with a focus on people, prosperity, environmental sustainability, justice, human rights and mutually accountable partnerships. The alignment between the global and the continental agendas calls for a harmonized approach in planning, implementation and monitoring. Under Agenda 2063, Africa’s priorities include investing in its people, with an emphasis on women and youth; developing manufacturing and agro-processing; building transport, water, sanitation, energy and ICT infrastructure; domestic resource mobilization and stemming illicit financial flows; ending conflict; promoting human rights; and expanding democratic governance. Africa also has the opportunity to pursue industrialization in a more environmentally sustainable manner, including through climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and arresting deforestation. I encourage African nations and their partners to spare no effort in advancing these priorities. The United Nations is committed in its support. Africa’s economic prospects are good, despite the uncertain global economic landscape. Growth is projected to increase to 4.4 per cent in 2016, from 3.7 percent in 2015. I urge Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities, and ensure that no African is left behind. This is crucial for tackling root causes of conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, and fostering peace and stability. I also commend Africa’s bold initiative on “Silencing the Guns by 2020”, which is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063’s First Ten-Year Implementation Plan. The successful implementation of these new agendas will require a renewed partnership for development cooperation among African governments, UN entities, the African Union Commission, the NEPAD Agency, the Regional Economic Communities and the development partners. The private sector also has a key role to play in creating jobs, promoting innovation in technologies and services, and supporting the massive infrastructure transition needed to fulfil Africa’s sustainable development objectives. On this Africa Day, I urge all stakeholders to rally behind the transformative vision set out in the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. What is good for Africa is good for the world.





    Ban Ki-moon,

    United Nations Secretary General


    United Nations- African Union Peace and Security Cooperation - U.N. Security Council, 7694th meeting.


    1. Adoption of the agenda.
    2. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international Peace and security.United Nations-African Union peace and security cooperation: Chapter VIII application and the future of the African Peace and Security Architecture

     
    Letter dated 9 May 2016 from the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General  (S/2016/428)

     

     

     

     
     
    Forum :   Africa Day - 25 May

    "Towards a Peaceful, Prosperous & Integrated Africa " African Union.
    Towards a Peaceful, Prosperous & Integrated Africa

     

     
    Events :
     


    South Africa :
    1.  President Jacob Zuma is to host the 2016 Africa Day celebration on May 25, 2016 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

     
    Zambia : 
    1.  51st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group - May 23 to 27, 2016.

     
    Ethiopia :
    1.  African Union Commission launches 2016 edition of AU Research Grants
    2. 2nd Meeting of the Technical Team Meeting on the Establishment of the African Medicines Agency, AUC HQs, 7-8 June 2016

     

     
    News :

     


     

     
    Publications :

     
    ° African Economic Outlook 2016
    
    African Economic Outlook 2016 - Afdb, OECD, UNDP

    With two-thirds of Africans expected to live in cities by 2050, how Africa urbanises will be critical to the continent’s future growth and development, according to the African Economic Outlook 2016 released today at the African Development Bank Group’s 51st Annual Meetings.


     Africa’s economic performance held firm in 2015 amid global headwinds and regional shocks. The continent remained the second... fastest growing economic region after East Asia. According to the report’s prudent forecast, the continent’s average growth is expected at 3.7% in 2016 and pick up to 4.5% in 2017, provided the world economy strengthens and commodity prices gradually recover.
    In 2015, net financial flows to Africa were estimated at USD 208 billion, 1.8% lower than in 2014 due to a contraction in investment. At USD 56 billion in 2015, however, official development assistance increased by 4%; and remittances remain the most stable and important single source of external finance at USD 64 billion in 2015.


    “African countries, which include top worldwide growth champions, have shown remarkable resilience in the face of global economic adversity. Turning Africa’s steady resilience into better lives for Africans requires strong policy action to promote faster and more inclusive growth,” stated Abebe Shimeles, Acting Director, Development Research Department, at the African Development Bank.
    The continent is urbanising at a historically rapid pace coupled with an unprecedented demographic boom: the population living in cities has doubled from 1995 to 472 million in 2015. This phenomenon is unlike what other regions, such as Asia, experienced and is currently accompanied by slow structural transformation, says the report’s special thematic chapter.
    According to the authors, lack of urban planning leads to costly urban sprawl. In Accra, Ghana, for example, the population nearly doubled between 1991 and 2000, increasing from 1.3 million to 2.5 million inhabitants at an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. During the same period, the built up area of Accra tripled, increasing from 10 thousand hectares to 32 thousand hectares by an average annual rate of 12.8%.
    Urbanisation is a megatrend transforming African societies profoundly. Two-thirds of the investments in urban infrastructure until 2050 have yet to be made. The scope is large for new, wide-ranging urban policies to turn African cities and towns into engines of growth and sustainable development for the continent as a whole.
    If harnessed by adequate policies, urbanisation can help advance economic development through higher agricultural productivity, industrialisation, services stimulated by the growth of the middle class, and foreign direct investment in urban corridors. It also can promote social development through safer and inclusive urban housing and robust social safety nets. Finally, it can further sound environmental management by addressing the effects of climate change as well as the scarcity of water and other natural resources, controlling air pollution, developing clean cost-efficient public transportation systems, improving waste collection, and increasing access to energy.
    “Africa’s ongoing, multi-faceted urban transition and the densification it produces offer new opportunities for improving economic and social development while protecting the environment in a holistic manner. These openings can be better harnessed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – especially SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities – and the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said Mario Pezzini, Director of the OECD Development Centre and Acting Director of the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate. “The benefits could accrue for both urban and rural dwellers, provided governments adopt an integrated approach,” he added.
    This approach includes stepping up investment in urban infrastructure, improving connectivity with rural areas, better matching formal real estate markets with the housing demand by clarifying land rights, managing the growth of intermediary cities, and improving the provision of infrastructure and services within and between cities. Such investments need to be accompanied by productive formal employment – especially for the youth – and sufficient public goods.
    In 2015, approximately 879 million Africans lived in countries with low human development, while 295 million lived in medium and high human development countries. Africa’s youth are particularly at risk from slow human progress. In sub-Saharan Africa nine out of ten working youth are poor or near poor.
    According to the Outlook, seizing this urbanisation dividend requires bold policy reforms and planning efforts. For example, tailoring national urban strategies to specific contexts and diverse urban realities and patterns is essential. And harnessing innovative financing instruments is paramount. Ongoing endeavours to promote efficient multi-level governance systems, including decentralisation, capacity building and increased transparency, at all government levels, should be strengthened.
    “In 2016, the emerging common African position on urban development and the international New Urban Agenda to be discussed in Quito in October provide the opportunity to begin molding ambitious urbanisation policies into concrete strategies for Africa’s structural transformation,” said Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, the Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme. “We need to invest in building economic opportunities, especially those of women of which 92% work in the informal sector. Cities and towns have a key role to play in that process, but only if governments take bold policy action.”






     

     
    Other Publications :


    ° Sub-Saharan Africa,Time for a Policy Reset - World Economic and Financial Surveys, International Monetary Fund 

     
     

     




     The AU Commission Strategic Plan 2014-2017


    The African Union Commission Strategic Plan 2014-­2017 constitutes the framework that outlines the overall priorities of the Commission for the four year period, and provides guidance for program formulation and prioritization.






    Translation  :



    


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    Sunday, 22 May 2016

    Vesak Day 2016




    2016年主題：佛教路徑世界和平。
    Тема 2016: Буддийский путь к миру во всем мире.
    Tema 2016: El camino budista a la paz mundial.
    Thème 2016: La voie bouddhiste de la paix dans le monde.
    موضوع 2016: مسار بوذي للسلام العالمي.






    At this time of mass population movements, violent conflicts, atrocious human rights abuses and hateful rhetoric aimed at dividing communities, the sacred commemoration of the Day of Vesak offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on how the teachings of Buddhism can help the international community tackle pressing challenges.

    The fundamental equality of all people, the imperative to seek justice, and the interdependence of life and the environment are more than abstract concepts for scholars to debate; they are living guidelines for Buddhists and others navigating the path to a better future.

    One Sutra tells the story of Srimala, a woman who pledged to help all those suffering from injustice, illness, poverty or disaster. This spirit of solidarity can animate our global efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, carry out the Paris Agreement on climate change, and promote human rights while advancing human dignity worldwide.

    The actions of Srimala also illustrate the primary role that women can play in advocating for peace, justice and human rights. Gender equality and the empowerment of women remain urgent priorities that will drive progress across the international agenda.

    In just a few days, the United Nations will convene the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, where leaders will join activists and other partners to address the needs of millions of vulnerable people in crisis.  Buddhists and individuals of all faiths who are concerned about the future of humanity can help advance the Summit’s aims to uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians in conflict, and improve the global response to emergencies.

    On this Day of Vesak, let us pledge to reach out to bridge differences, foster a sense of belonging, and show compassion on a global scale for the sake of our common future.

    Ban Ki-moon
    United Nations, Secretary General

     
     
    Other Statements
     
    Ms. IRINA BOKOVA, The Director-General of UNESCO.
     

  • THE MOST VENERABLE PROF. DR. PHRA BRAHMAPUNDIT

    • Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, President, International Association of Buddhist Universities, President, International Council for Day of Vesak
  • Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkhalachan, Acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
  • His Holiness Tep Vong, The Great Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom of Cambodia
  • His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Maha Sangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry

    • The Great Supreme Patriarch Dhammayutta Order of the Kingdom of Cambodia

    Prime Minister and Présidents Message on the occasion of Vesak Day 2016

  • GENERAL PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA , Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • Barack Obama , President of United States of America
  • The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Prime Minister of Australia
  • Ranil Wickremesinghe , Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
  • Hon.Nandimitra Ekanayake  ,Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Sri Lanka
  • Ananda Prasad Pokharel, Minister, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation , Government of Nepal
  • H.E.General Prem Tinsulanonda , President of the Privy Council and Statesman of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. Mr.Tanin Kraivixien, Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. General Surayud Chulanont , Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savetsila  , Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. Air Vice Marshal Kamthon Sindhvananda , Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. Palakorn Suwanrath ,Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. Admiral Chumpol Pachusanon  , Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand
  • H.E. Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk , Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand

    •  
    The Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the Kingdom of Thailand

  • Ambassador of the Republic of the Argentine Republic
  • British Embassy, Bangkok
  • Embassy of India, Bangkok
  • Embassy of The republic of Indonesia, Bangkok
  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya
  • Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia
  • Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
  • Ambassador of Spain
  • Ambassador of Switzerland
  • Royal Embassy of Cambodia
  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist republic of Viet nam
  • Ambassador of Nepal
  • Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Singapore


    • VIP Messages
  • Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnnarathana Mahanayake Thero.
  • Official Residence, Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
    •  


     


    


     
    The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized the the International Day to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.

    Citing the story of Srimala, a woman who pledged to help all those suffering from injustice, illness, poverty or disaster, Mr. Ban said that this spirit of solidarity can animate global efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, carry out the Paris Agreement on climate change, and promote human rights while advancing human dignity worldwide.

    The actions of Srimala also illustrate the primary role that women can play in advocating for peace, justice and human rights. Gender equality and the empowerment of women remain urgent priorities that will drive progress across the international agenda.

    In just a few days, the UN will convene the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, where leaders will join activists and other partners to address the needs of millions of vulnerable people in crisis.



     

     
     




     


    See what people are saying on Vesak Day 2016, join the conversation.





    Among Overseas Chinese communities, Vesak day is celebrated depending on their respective traditions, the Buddhist culture in that country or simply both. On Vesak day, Buddhists visit monasteries to offer their prayers and to attend sermons led by Buddhist Venerables. Buddhist prayers often extend beyond themselves to pray for world peace and harmony. They also perform rituals such as the bathing of the Buddha; A symbolic act to commemorate the devas and spirits who made offerings to the Buddha at the time of his birth.
    During the Vesak Day period, monasteries are decorated with Buddhist flags and flowers while vegetarian restaurants offer promotions as people abstain from meat as an act of compassion.
    Many Buddhist will also make donations to charity organizations and to free animals that are captured for human consumption.
     








    คุณูปการของพระพุทธศาสนาต่อการรับผิดชอบสิ่งแวดล้อม

    23 May 2016
    13:20 p.m. - 16:00 p.m ...
    Venue: United Nations Conference Center
    Rajadamnern Nok Avenue and Klong Phadung Krungkasem Road, Bangkok

     


     
    Symposium II : Buddhist education for peace.
     
    การศึกษาแนวพุทธเพื่อสันติภาพ

    - 22 May 2016
    - 16:00 p.m. - 18:00 p.m ...
    - Venue: Conference Room
    2nd Floor, Conference Hall
    MCU Wang Noi, Ayutthaya




    Program: 22nd – 23rd May 2016 (B.E. 2559)





     
    Programme of the Vesak Day 2016





     

     
    Resources :

     
    UNESCO
    Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
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