International Mother Language Day 2021, February 21

“Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow” – Oliver Wendell Holmes. Each year, on 21 February, International Mother Language Day (IMLD) comes as a reminder of the power of language in preserving the uniqueness of human societies and promoting their distinct values. This year, UNESCO has decided on ‘Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society’ as the theme for the IMLD. To observe IMLD 2021, the Permanent Missions of Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Jordan, New Zealand, Lithuania, UN, and UNESCO would be organizing a virtual event on the 22 February 2021. The event is aimed at upholding the inalienable right of people globally to their mother languages and the importance of linguistic and cultural diversities. Representatives of the co-hosting member states and the UN will speak about their visions and commitments for promoting multilingualism within and beyond UN as a means for promoting inclusion in education and society. The discussion will be followed by a multilingual cultural programme.

 

Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE AT THE OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY


Monday, 22 February 2021
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST 

WATCH THE EVENT ON: UNITED NATIONS
UN WEB TV

 

On 21 February 2021, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will perform during the Observance of International Mother Language Day (IMLD).  The event will be hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, in collaboration with Members States from across the regions and UNESCO.  

 

The event is aimed at upholding the inalienable right of people globally to their mother languages and the importance of linguistic and cultural diversities.  Multilingualism, one of the core values of the UN, contributes to promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally and in the process, achieving the goals of the United Nations.  While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our lives, it has reminded us how interconnected we are today.  And how we all must all work together to tackle our current global crises.  Multilingualism and diverse culture cultures are important elements in building a peaceful and inclusive world. 

 

The music programme by the UN Chamber Music Society that you will hear today, will reflect on our diverse elements – through the universal language of music.  It will honour multilingualism, by featuring composers from South Africa, Bangladesh, France and Guadeloupe.  Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.  All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

 

 

MESSAGES

 

Welcome remarks by H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh

Statement by H.E. Mr. Volken Bozkir, President of the General Assembly

Message of Director General of UNESCO, to be delivered by UNESCO Representative to the UN in New York

Statement by Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications

 

Delivery of Message by Mr. Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City

 

MUSIC PROGRAMME

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

 

SOUTH AFRICA / IsiXhosa
SIBUSISO NJEZA (1982 - )  “Nyana Wam” (“My Son”) aria from Madiba the African Opera
Nosango Mtirara (Soprano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Amir Farsi (Flute), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

FRENCH / GUADELOUPE
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Quartet in g minor, I. Allegro
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

BANGLADESH / Bangla
GARRY SCHYMAN (1954 - ) "Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)]
 

SPECIAL THANKS
 

Dylan Louie, Video Editor
UN Chamber Music Society Messages

World Day of Social Justice, 20 February

 

''A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy''; is the theme chosen to celebrate World Day of Social Justice; 20 February.

Forum:This year's commemoration supports efforts by the international community to search for solutions to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, universal social protection, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice for all. Consequently, it aims at fostering dialogue with United Nations member States and relevant UN institutions and other stakeholders on actions needed to overcome the digital divide, provide decent work opportunities,, and protect labour and human rights in the modern era of digital technologies.

Leaving no one behind means leaving no one offline.

 A new UN DESA policy brief calls for a common framework to close the digital divide. Closing the digital divide will be vital to recover better from the COVID19.

Statement by the ILO Director-General Guy Ryder on World Day of Social Justice 2021.

To meet the challenges of the 21st Century, we need a human-centred response that promotes social justice for people and protection of the planet.

Delivering Social Justice in the New Economy | DAVOS AGENDA 2021

What policies, practices and partnerships are needed to embed equity and inclusion into our economic systems? This session is associated with the following projects and initiatives of the World Economic Forum: Partnering for Racial Justice in Business, Partnership for Global LGBTI Equality, The Valuable 500 - Closing the Disability Inclusion Gap, Lighthouse Projects on Social Justice and Sustainability, the UpLink COVID Social Justice Challenge, and the Technology and Social Justice Initiative. Speakers: Caroline Casey, Peter T. Grauer, Carmine Di Sibio, Ashleigh Shelby Rosette, Tatiana Clouthier, Saadia Zahidi.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD DAY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

IN SUPPORT OF (IN)VISIBLE WOMEN ORGANIZATION AT THE
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (UNIS)
 

 

VIRTUAL GLOBAL LAUNCH: UNITED NATIONS
Saturday, 20 February 2021
12pm Eastern Standard Time (New York)


WATCH THE PERFORMANCE: UNITED NATIONS 

 

 

Sending support to homeless women in the New York community, on World Day for Social Justice, Saturday 20 February 2021 at 12:00pm EST,  the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will launch a virtual concert dedicated to helping thousands of women suffering from homelessness – through (In)visible Women, a non-profit organization based at the United Nations International School (UNIS).

 

 From job discrimination, to lack of affordable housing, for them and their children, homeless women in unstable living conditions face many challenges. These issues make the daily lives of homeless women in need, immensely difficult.  (In)visible women is committed to help in making our community a safer, happier and healthier place for women on the streets and transitional shelters in New York City. 

 

Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.

 

 

Opening Messages

 

Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City

to be delivered by

Penny Abeywardena, New York City's Commissioner for International Affairs
 

 

Remarks

Dr. Dan Brenner
Executive Director of the United Nations International School


 

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

 

Special Guest Artist
Patrick Jee, NY Philharmonic Cellist

Music Programme
 

VADIM PETROV (1932 - 2020) Mám Tě Rád ("I Love You"), Op.76
Brenda Vongova (Piano), Amy Baskurt (Violin I), Marien Chatard (Violin II), Abigail Elder (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Sooah Jeon (Flute), Saerom Kim (Clarinet), 
Ben Goldscheider (Horn)

 

 

OSVALDO GOLIJOV (1960 - ) “Omaramoor”
Patrick Jee (NY Philharmonic Cellist)

 

JAMES RA (1974 -  ) Evocation
Patrick Jee (NY Philharmonic Cellist), Tamami Awaji (Piano)

 

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685 - 1759) "Prayer":  Dettingen Te Deum

David Strongin (Violin), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685 - 1750) Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D major, BWV 1050: I. Allegro (excerpt)
Jonathan Salamon  (Harpsichord), Amy Baskurt (UNIS Violin Solo), Ye-won Chang (Flute Solo),  Amane Miura (UNIS Violin & Co-Founder of (In)visible Women), Kristen Meola (UNIS Violin & Co-Founder of (In)visible Women), Abby Elder (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass)

 

 

 

********************

Support the (In)visible Women NYC
https://invisiblewomennyc.org/

 

 

 

SPECIAL THANKS

UN Department of Global Communications


Recording of Handel:
High Line Nine
Christina Maxwell, Manager
Artist Kyle Meyer, represented by Yossi Milo Gallery
 

Artwork of Poster: Laydown
By Abeer Obaido

VERY SPECIAL THANKS
 

Mickey Alexander, Audio Engineer

Daniel Drake, Video Editor

World Radio Day 2021, February 13

Theme 2021: Evolution, Innovation, Connection.

Proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD).

Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. At the global level, radio remains the most widely consumed medium. This unique ability to reach out the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. Radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations. 

CELEBRATIONS IN 2021

On the occasion of World Radio Day 2021 (WRD 2021), UNESCO calls on radio stations to celebrate this event’s 10th anniversary and the more than 110 years of radio. 

This edition of WRD is divided into three main sub-themes:

• EVOLUTION(link is external). The world changes, radio evolves. 
  This sub-theme refers to the resilience of the radio, to its sustainability ;
• INNOVATION(link is external). The world changes, radio adapts and innovate. 
  Radio has had to adapt to new technologies to remain the go-to medium of mobility, accessible everywhere and to everyone;
• CONNECTION(link is external). The world changes, radio connects.
  This sub-theme highlights radio’s services to our society—natural disasters, socio-economic crises, epidemics, etc.

WRD 2021 Celebration KIT

13 ideas for celebrating the 13th February

WRD 2021 Official Audio Message

WRD 2021 Official Video – Innovation

WRD 2021 Official Video – Evolution

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021, February 11

Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021, February 11th.

Advancing gender equality in science and technology is essential for building a better future.

We have seen this yet again in the fight against COVID-19.

Women, who represent 70 per cent of all healthcare workers, have been among those most affected by the pandemic and among those leading the response to it.

Gender inequalities have increased dramatically in the past year, as women bear the brunt of school closures and working from home.

Many women scientists are facing closed labs and increased care responsibilities, leaving less time for critical research.

For women in scientific fields, these challenges have exacerbated an already difficult situation.

According to UNESCO, women account for only one third of the world’s researchers, and occupy fewer senior positions than men at top universities.

This disparity has led to a lower publication rate, less visibility, less recognition and, critically, less funding.

Meanwhile, artificial Intelligence and machine learning replicate existing biases.

Women and girls belong in science.

Yet stereotypes have steered women and girls away from science-related fields.

It is time to recognize that greater diversity fosters greater innovation.

Without more women in STEM, the world will continue to be designed by and for men, and the potential of girls and women will remain untapped.

We must ensure that girls have access to the education they deserve and that they can see a future for themselves in engineering, computer programming, cloud technology, robotics and health sciences.

This is critical for our work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Increasing women’s participation in STEM can close the gender pay gap and boost women’s earnings by $299 billion over the next ten years.

STEM skills are also crucial in closing the global Internet user gap.

Together, let’s end gender discrimination, and ensure that all women and girls fulfill their potential and are an integral part in building a better world for all.

António Guterres 

World Pulses Day 2021, February 10

 The U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) designated 10 February as World Pulses Day to reaffirm the contribution of pulses for sustainable agriculture and achieving the 2030 Agenda. 

Theme: Love Pulses for a healthy diet and planet.

In recognition of World Pulses Day, The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization will host a virtual discussion on February 11 th, to raise awareness about the crucial role of pulses for sustainable food production, food security and healthy diets. The UNGA has invited FAO, in collaboration with other organizations, to facilitate the observance of World Pulses Day.

Following the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) 2016, World Pulses Day is a new opportunity to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating pulses. Pulses are more than just nutritious seeds, they contribute to sustainable food systems and a #ZeroHunger world. The IYP highlighted the role of pulses in sustainable food production aimed towards improving food security and nutrition.

Importance in diets  

Pulses are an important source of protein, especially for vegetarians or for people who do not get enough protein by eating meat, fish or dairy. Furthermore, pulses are a healthy choice for meat-eaters, helping cut off excess fat from diets, and contain zero cholesterol. They are also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc.  

In terms of gram-for-gram nutritional value, pulses are also far cheaper than meats or other sources of protein, offering an economical alternative.  

Improving agriculture sustainability 

The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility, increasing and extending the productivity of the farmland. In many regions, farmers plant legumes along with other crops, a practice known as intercropping, to improve yield and promote soil biodiversity. 

Pulse crops are also known to fight off plant disease-causing pests, thereby reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Pulses also produce a smaller carbon footprint, indirectly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to climate action. 

 

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2021; February 6

 

UN Women statement for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2021, February 6th.

Time to unite, fund and act to end female genital mutilation.

For 35 years, Yatta Fahnbulleh earned a living in north-western Liberia by initiating girls into adulthood through rituals that included female genital mutilation (FGM) – a practice that violates girls’ bodies and their human rights. She is one of many FGM practitioners who wanted to stop but who could not find an alternative way to support herself and her family. Now she is a caterer, trained along with some 300 other traditional FGM practitioners through the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, who are equipped to earn an income from alternative sources such as climate-smart agriculture, making soap, or tailoring.

The programme is one of the many ways in which UN Women and our partners are working with traditional and cultural leaders to change the norms that sustain harmful practices such as FGM. Continuing this work is more important than ever now that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are threatening livelihoods and increasing financial vulnerabilities, contributing to the risk of backsliding on important progress in gender equality.

Compared to three decades ago, girls today are one third less likely to undergo FGM, but the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be increasing the practice. Not only is it limiting our scope for critical prevention work, but many traditional cutters badly in need of an income during the economic downturn have started again, approaching families directly, door to door, in search of work. Without action, by 2030 we could see as many as 2 million FGM cases that could otherwise have been avoided. Data from UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) show that the crisis will push 96 million people into extreme poverty by 2021, something which can lead to FGM and child marriage being used as negative coping mechanisms to ease extreme physical and financial uncertainty. Girls from the most marginalized groups will be at even higher risk of FGM and child marriage. Pandemic-related school closures provide increased opportunities for FGM to be undertaken on girls at home, which only heightens the risk of health complications as well as the transmission of COVID-19. And with the crisis putting 11 million girls at high risk of never returning to school, future generations of uneducated women are more likely to support the continuation of the practice.

This International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is a moment to lead change wherever we have a voice and influence; to fund the approaches we know work and support women’s organizations to do so; to demand accountability for community and state actions; to provide essential support for health and social services for survivors of FGM; and to listen to the voices of adolescent girls and young women, and make it possible for them to decide on what happens to their own lives and bodies.

Stories of change such as Yatta’s underline how much is possible when the necessary support and will are in place, and how important it is for the lives of millions of girls in current and future generations to grow up as healthy, educated young women. COVID-19 has shown us that we cannot take the successes on this issue for granted. We have a chance to come together in united action to end FGM and all forms of violence against women and girls, at UN Women’s upcoming Generation Equality Forum – the most important convening for gender equality investment and implementation in a quarter-century. Through its Action Coalitions such as on gender-based violence and sexual reproductive health and rights, respectively, we will be harnessing broad-based will and resources to push forward with this important work focusing on adolescent girls. Let’s use this opportunity to #Act2EndFGM and together realize a world that is truly gender-equal.

• Campaign: Ending FGM is essential to give girls control over their own lives
• 
  
  Story telling: ''I am Generation Equality'': Natalie Robi Tingo, community mobilizer for ending FGM

World cancer Day, 4 Febrary

                          

World Cancer Day, organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and celebrated each year on 4 February, is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer. We can work together to reduce cancer risk factors. We can overcome barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. We can work together to improve cancer control and achieve global targets to reduce premature mortality from cancer and NCDs.

CAMPAIGN: The ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign – shows us that our actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighbourhoods, communities and cities. And that more than ever, our actions are also being felt across borders and oceans. This year is a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer. Together, all of our actions matter. 

Focusing on the increasing cancer burden in developing and developed nations. It also highlights the disproportionate funding allocated to address these staggering statistics and steps you can take to advocate for change today.

WHY THE GLOBAL CANCER BURDEN MATTERS?

Every year, nearly 9 million people worldwide die from cancer. This World Cancer Day 2021, who are you and what will you do? Join the campaign " I am and I will'' to raise cancer awareness and encourage support, action, and funding for prevention, detection, and treatment.

CANCER TODAY provides a suite of data visualization tools based on current national estimates of the incidence, mortality, and prevalence of 27 cancer types in 184 countries, by sex and age group, collected as part of the GLOBOCAN project.

International Day of Human Fraternity 2021, 4 February

Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Human Fraternity 2021, February 4th.

"I am pleased to welcome the first International Day of Human Fraternity in World Interfaith Harmony Week.
I applaud all Member States that co-sponsored the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity, especially the United Arab Emirates and Egypt for co-facilitating the process.
I also acknowledge the significance of the 2019 publication of “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”.
Co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, this declaration is a model for interfaith harmony and human solidarity.
I thank both religious leaders for using their voice to promote interfaith dialogue, mutual respect and understanding across the faith spectrum.
In these trying times, we need this spirit more than ever.
Around the world, deep-seated discrimination, acts of intolerance and hate crimes persist against people simply because of their religion or belief, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
Such vile acts are an affront to internationally agreed human rights and the values of the United Nations.
Cultural diversity and freedom of belief are part of the rich tapestry of our civilizations.
As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, let us commit to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding and dialogue”.

FORUM: As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, on 4 February,  let us commit to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding and dialogue.

What is the Culture of Peace?

A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behaviour and ways of life based on:

• Respect for life, ending of violence and promotion and practice of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation;
• Full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States and non-intervention in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law;
• Full respect for and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms;
• Commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts;
• Efforts to meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations;
• Respect for and promotion of the right to development; Respect for and promotion of equal rights and opportunities for women and men;
• Respect for and promotion of the right of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion and information;
• Adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations; and fostered by an enabling national and international environment conducive to peace.

Source: A/RES/53/243

While visiting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on 19 December 2019, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “In these turbulent and trying times, we must stand together for peace and harmony.” Mr. Guterres conveyed his “deep appreciation” for the Catholic leader’s “extraordinary service in promoting interfaith relations,” including his landmark declaration with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on human fraternity for world peace and living together. “This declaration is extremely important when we see such dramatic attacks on religious freedom and the lives of believers,” said the Secretary-General.