World Television Day 2024; November 21st.

FORUM: “TV supports Democracy.” World Television Day 2024. In the 21st century, what is the purpose of a TV? It's not just a one-way channel for broadcast and cable content anymore. Modern televisions offer a wide range of multimedia and interactive content, such as streaming videos, music, and internet browsing. The interaction between emerging and traditional forms of broadcast creates a great opportunity to raise awareness about the important issues facing our communities and our planet. This year’s edition of the TV clip showcases how TV is an essential element supporting democracy. Television delivers a unique combination of 4 elements:

1. TV plays an important civic role in informing citizens about the world around them. It provides the population with vital sources of information, essential for democratic participation in society. TV reinforces media plurality representing a wide range of views and perspectives.
2. TV is a trusted and reliable source of information and is held to high editorial standards (a particularly important element in the current context of increasing misinformation, fake news and lack of transparency).
3. TV is a mass-reach medium offering an easy and democratic access to content and information to the wide population – across all platforms and devices, whoever and wherever audiences
4. The above-mentioned elements are enhanced by TV’s unique nature as an audio-visual medium, i.e. it’s power to create collective viewing experiences, key cultural moments and cross-societal conversations (across all social groups and generations) through compelling storytelling that resonates with wide audiences.

TV’s role as an essential element supporting democracy is largely made possible by advertising as a source of funding. Advertising allows media to remain independent and free of political influence. The egta, ACT and The Global TV Group release a special TV spot to illustrate the strengths of TV - the medium that is watched and loved by billions of people around the world. Watch the TV spot and follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Television, #Tvbroadcasting, #WorldTVDay, #21November, #qualityContent, #PayTV , #OTT, #IPTV, #broadband, #androidtv.

EVENTS: On November 21st, from UNHQ in New York will be held a virtual event will be held to mark the World Television Day 2024. The celebration will highlight TV’s essential role in supporting democracy. This year, our 30-second video clip is a powerful reminder of how multiplatform TV delivers verified information, shapes public opinion, and drives social change. Participants will discover the many ways how TV supports Democracy. The ACT (Association of Commercial Television), the egta (Association of TV and radio sales houses), the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) and the Global TV Group join forces to promote the power of TV widely across the globe. Celebrate the World Television Day with us, Join the celebration!

Get the latest online event and discover interviews with CEOs of TV companies from around the world in which they highlight the many strengths of this ever-evolving medium!

AWARDS: The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) presented the inaugural “Excellence in Production Technology” Emmy® Award to The Santa Clauses Season Two film. The award was presented as part of the 75th Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards at the Prince George Ballroom in New York, hosted by David Pogue, Emmy award-winning correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning. William Wang, VIZIO Founder & CEO, received Life,me Achievement Honors for his contributions to the television manufacturing industry by bringing premium-quality, innova,ve TVs, and soundbars into millions of American homes at affordable prices. Watch The 75th Tech & Engineering Emmy Awards>> DOWNLOAD THE DIGITAL PROGRAM!

2024 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award Honorees

• Pioneering Development of Inexpensive Video Technology for Animation: Lyon Lamb (Bruce Lyon and John Lamb).
• Large Scale Deployment of Smart TV Operating Systems: Samsung - LG - Sony - Vizio - Panasonic.
• Creation and Implementation of HDR Static LUT, Single-Stream Live Production: BBC and NBC.
• Pioneering Technologies Enabling High Performance Communications Over Cable TV Systems: Broadcom - General Instrument (CommScope) - LANcity (CommScope) - 3COM (HP).
• Pioneering Development of Manifest-based Playout for FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television): Amagi - Pluto TV - Turner.
• Targeted Ad Messages Delivered Across Paused Media: DirecTV.
• Pioneering Development of IP Address Geolocation Technologies to Protect Content Rights: MLB - Quova.
• Development of Stream Switching Technology between Satellite Broadcast and Internet to Improve Signal Reliability: DirecTV.
• Design and Deployment of Efficient Hardware Video Accelerators for Cloud: Netint - AMD - Google - Meta -
• Spectrum Auction Design: FCC -Auctionomics.
• TV Pioneers – Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT): Karl Ferdinand Braun - Boris Lvovich Rosing - Alan Archibald Campbell Swinton.
• TV Pioneers – Development of lighting, ventilation, and lens-coating technologies: Hertha Ayrton - Katharine Burr Blodgett.

STATEMENTS: Read the TV leaders on how TV drives Brands.


AV LIBRARY: The United Nations Audio-Visual Library has a treasure trove of archival video and audio, marking iconic and historic moments from the last 76 years.

World Philosophy Day 2024; November 21st.

FORUM: “Philosophy: bridging social gaps.” World Philosophy Day 2024. Philosophy brings us together, offering essential tools to address some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. In the context of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST)programme, UNESCO’s work on philosophy aims to promote humanist thinking as a response to social transformations and to encourage its use for impact on political dialogue. Philosophy allows to think collectively about the future of humanity - and to design a better world. Thursday’s World Philosophy Day is an opportunity to focus on the importance of reflection and critical thinking in building fairer, more equal, and inclusive societies—especially in times of crisis. On this Day of collective exercise in free, reasoned and informed thinking on the major challenges of our time, all of UNESCO’s partners are encouraged to organize various types of activities - philosophical dialogues, debates, conferences, workshops, cultural events and presentations around the general theme of the Day, with the participation of philosophers and scientists from all branches of natural and social sciences, educators, teachers, students, press journalists and other mass media representatives, and the general public. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldPhilosophyDay, #philosophy, #21November, #Philosophicaldebates, #PhilosophyDay.

EVENTS: On November 20th, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm GMT at UNESCO Paris Conference Room I. The UNESCO will organize a panel discussion entitled " Philosophy: bridging social gaps" to mark the World Philosophy Day 2024 with the French National Commission for UNESCO. The round-tables will highlight philosophy's vital role in mending the social fabric and fostering a more cohesive society. The Opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, followed by the Opening Speech by Mrs. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO will open the session. A Keynote lecture entitled "Why we need a concept of social energy?" will be made by Mrs. Hartmut Rosa. A High-level plenary session entitled " Philosophy supporting Youth inclusion" with Mrs. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, Mrs. Charlotte Casiraghi, Founder of Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, Mrs. Hartmut Rosa, philosopher and sociologist, Edwige Chirouter, philosopher and Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair Philosophy with children will be organized. A Youth introduction by the secondary students of the Maison de la Philosophie (Romainville) and the high schoolers from Quebec's Philo-Jeunes network; A Video message from Mrs Daniel Innerarity, titled " Philosophy helping to navigate the social divides created by AI" will be presented. Panel discussion entitled " Philosophy and Poverty: repairing social cohesion" with: Mr. Mario Pezzini, Senior consultant and special advisor for the MOST Programme (moderator), Mr. François Jomini from ATD Fourth World, Mrs. Amina Zakhnouf, co-founder of “Je m'engage pour l'Afrique” and investment Officer at the Fonds d'innovation pour le développement (Esther Duflo's fund) and Mrs. Júlia Casamasso Mattoso, brazilian philosopher, collaborator of ATD Quart Monde, councillor for the city of Petrópolis, Brazil. The panel is organized in partnership with the ATD Fourth World Association and will show how philosophy can contribute to the fight against poverty. The entire event will be interpreted in both French and English. Register to participate!

Africa Industrialization Day 2024; November 20th.

FORUM: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa's Structural Transformation”. Africa Industrialization Day 2024. The theme focuses on harnessing emerging technologies like AI and innovations in green manufacturing to accelerate Africa's industrialization in a sustainable manner. The event aims to build stronger policy advocacy; harness the power of AI in reviving Africa's industrial sectors; improve efficiency; boost productivity; and foster innovation in Africa's industrialization agenda. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #ArtificialIntelligence, #AccelerateafricasIndustrialization, #AIW2024, #integratedmarket, #AfricaIndustrializationDay, #Industrialization, #20november, #AfricaIndustrialization, #AfricaIndustrializationWeek, #IndustrializingAfrica.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General for Africa Industrialization Day 2024; November 20th.

On Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.

From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the Continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.

This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.

Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration.

I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth. The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.

António Guterres’ United Nations Secretary-General.

PUBLICATION: The crucial challenge facing policy makers in government and the multilateral agencies is that of framing a new industrial strategy for sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century. Whatever its limited success in other fields, structural adjustment has failed signally not just in reversing the recent trend towards de-industrialization but also in creating an appropriate policy environment for sustained industrial growth. … A fresh start—a new approach—is needed. Read the IMF report entitled ''10 Africa: Industrialization Strategy In the Context of Globalization''!

EVENTS: On November 20th; The observance of the Africa Industrialization Day 2024 is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.

 

This year, Africa Industrialization Week is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from the 25th to the 29th of November 2024, under the theme “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa's Structural Transformation”.

Consequently, the 3rd Edition of the African Women in Processing Summit (3rd AWIP) will be held on the margins of the Africa Industrialization Week. This summit will focus on empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa's processing industries.

Overall objectives

The overall objective emphasizes building synergies between policy, investments, innovation, and capacity building across sectors to effectively leverage AI and green solutions for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Africa, as underlined below. Specifically;

• To build stronger policy advocacy around leveraging AI and green industrialization for Africa's sustainable development.
• To highlight strategies and best practices for harnessing the power of AI to boost productivity and efficiency across industrial sectors in Africa.
• To promote investments in AI solutions that can help revive and transform key industries in Africa.
• To facilitate experience and knowledge sharing between policymakers, industries, academia, civil society and development partners on integrating AI in production systems.
• To explore collaborative initiatives between public and private sector for increased funding in AI research and development for industrial applications.
• To enhance technical skills and capabilities in AI and green technologies critical to Africa's industrial growth and global competitiveness, in line with the existing Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA7 2016-2025), SDG 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063 which aims to transform and revitalize education in Africa.
• To showcase innovative use cases of AI and green industrialization by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa.
• To formulate policy recommendations and actionable strategies for mainstreaming AI and green industry in Africa's industrialization planning and development agenda.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger policy frameworks and advocacy plans formulated to integrate AI and green industrialization in Africa's development policies and strategies at national, regional and continental levels.
• Increased awareness and knowledge on the applications of AI in enhancing productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa's industrial sectors.
• New partnerships and investment commitments established to fund AI and green technology R&D and scale up deployment in Africa's industries.
• Enhanced collaboration between policymakers, industries, academia and other stakeholders to develop sector-specific AI adoption roadmaps.
• Increased skills, capabilities and technical expertise in AI and green industrial technologies across industrial workforce and institutions in Africa.
• New databases and knowledge exchange platforms developed to showcase AI and green technology innovations by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa.
• Valuable case studies and best practices documented on the implementation of AI and green industry solutions in Africa.
• Comprehensive policy recommendations and action plans developed for mainstreaming AI and green industrialization in Africa's development policies and strategies.
• Commitments from stakeholders to implement strategies and actions for harnessing AI and green industry to advance Africa's industrialization.

World Children's Day 2024; November 20th.

FORUM: “Listen to the future. Stand up for children’s rights.” World Children’s Day 2024. Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable and universal. But in too many places today children’s rights are being misunderstood, disregarded or even denied and attacked. By listening to children we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today. Upholding children’s rights is the compass to a better world – today, tomorrow and into the future. A better future For Every Child is possible, and children are leading the way. By championing their right to be heard, we can better fulfill the rights of every child, everywhere. If you are ready to follow their lead, join the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldChildrensDay, #Foreverychild, #20November, #EveryRight.

EVENTS: On November 20th from the UNHQ; The United Nations children’s Fund and its Regional offices worldwide will held a webinar and will help coordinate ongoing activities and initiatives to mark the World Children’s Day 2024.

Kids take over.

Children will ‘take over’ high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport and entertainment normally held by adults to shine a spotlight on issues that matter to them.

Turn the world blue.

Landmark buildings around the world will light up blue on the day to show support for child rights. Wear something blue, change your profile picture online and help raise awareness.


Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Children’s Day 2024; November 20th.

On World Children’s Day, we celebrate the youngest members of our human family.


But today is also a moment to recognize the enormous challenges children face in our deeply divided, tumultuous and often violent world.

It is shocking that, in the 21st century, any child still goes hungry, uneducated, or without even the most basic health care.

It is a stain on humanity’s conscience when children’s lives are caught in the grinding wheels of poverty, or upended by disasters or violent conflicts that are killing and maiming children.

One hundred years ago, the League of Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Child — the foundation of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

This year’s theme reminds us that we must listen to children as they fight for their rights — and for humanity’s future.

The recently adopted Pact for the Future includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. All three texts contained strong commitments to protect and support children, invest in their rights, and expand opportunities to actively participate in the decisions affecting them.

Every child has the right to live in peace, health and safety.

Today and every day, let’s protect and support children as they meaningfully contribute to making our world a better, brighter, more peaceful place for all people.

António Guterres.

PODCASTS: Teens and their parents talk about the future.

Take action!

This World Children’s Day, join us and listen to the future. Discover what’s happening and take part of activities

Explore ways you can join us this World Childrens Day:Young people: Join the U-Report community
Parents: Help nurture children’s voices
Teachers: Access resources on child rights
Business: Become a partner and host a kids’ takeover
Government: Take action for child rights

Learn about child rights.

Do all children have rights? Are children’s rights the same as human rights? Learning about child rights is the first step in becoming a child rights defender.Read the child-friendly version of The Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Explore resources for parents and teachers on child rights.
Watch “We All Have Rights” a video explaining child rights to children aged 3 to 6.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about UNICEF

Start a conversation.

Ask children about their ideas, priorities and dreams for the future. To help hold supportive conversations, check out articles from our Parenting Hub:Talking to your child about climate change
How to talk to your child about conflict and war
Talking to your kids about racism
10 ways to create healthy digital habits at home
11 tips for communicating with your teen
How to communicate effectively with your young children

World Children’s Day (WCD), marked on November 20th is UNICEF’s global day for children, by children. It marks the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and serves as a call to action for schools, communities, institutions, sports and businesses to engage with children and support their rights. 

Why Engagement from the Private Sector is Key on World Children’s Day? 

• Businesses have the power and influence to make a positive impact through advocating for children’s rights. 
• Corporations can support children’s futures through sustainable business practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the workplace.
•  By listening to children’s ideas about the future and embedding children’s rights into their strategies, businesses can help address today’s global challenges while engaging their employees, customers and fans around topics that resonate with children and society. 

How Today’s Challenges Impact Children?

• Children’s lives are at a crossroads due to the global challenges of conflict, climate change, and disruptive technology and many other challenges. 

o Conflict threatens children’s safety, access to education, and overall well-being. 

o Climate change is risking their future by destroying ecosystems, displacing communities, and causing health risks. 

o Disruptive technology can either widen inequalities or create new opportunities for children, depending on how it is managed. 

 These will be the areas of focus for World Children’s Day, but businesses are free to approach children’s rights more broadly, or to relate to any specific children thematic that is close to their heart. Corporates as Key Players in Solving Global Issues.

• Businesses have the capacity to contribute to solutions by aligning their strategies with children’s rights and sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

• Businesses truly have a role in upholding children’s rights. Corporate leaders have influence and could leverage children’s voices, making sure children are heard and included in decisions that will shape their future. 

Why Marking WCD? 

• Be perceived as a company that feels concerned about children’s rights. 
• Reach the new generation and be perceived as a CSR actor by them. o Enhance employee engagement by fostering a sense of purpose and making room for discussions around children’s matters. 
• Inspire other businesses to celebrate WCD.
• Raise awareness on children’s rights at the workplace and through the company’s network (employees, fans, customers…). 

How Can Businesses Mark World Children’s Day? 

1. Internal Employee Engagement • Workshops and Dialogues: Host internal workshops or lunch & learn sessions to discuss the global challenges impacting children today. Encourage employees and their children to share their thoughts on how the company can contribute to addressing these issues. Possibly tackle family-friendly initiatives at the workplace. • Employee Participation in Social Responsibility: Encourage employees (and their children) to participate in community or volunteer initiatives focused on children’s rights. • Have a day where children can come to work with their parents and take over key roles, assets, boards, channels (e.g. company newsletter) and digital platforms (e.g. company's website) to add their print. The red thread of the takeover will be to help children express their views, concerns and reimagine the future. • Have activities around children’s rights. See here the Convention on the Rights of the Child in a child-friendly format and multiple languages, as well as some other resources for possible activities. • Be creative around the `blue´ thematic and turn some of the company assets to blue. 

2. Shine a Light on UNICEF work • For existing UNICEF partners - Choose this date to illustrate how your partnership has contributed to advancing the rights of children or amplify a partnership launch, announce a new campaign, promote a cause-related marketing. For this, as well as for any co-creation initiative, make sure you liaise with your UNICEF focal point that will be happy to support you. • If you are not a UNICEF partner - Feel free to follow us and amplify UNICEF key messages through resharing, reposting UNICEF WCD-related messages on your channels. They will be available on the day on unicef.org, Facebook, X, LinkedIn. You are encouraged to also check UNICEF national channels. 

3. Partnerships with Schools and NGOs • School and Community Partnerships: Corporates can collaborate with schools or educational institutions to create activities that encourage children to share their vision for the future on WCD. This could involve: o Essay and Art Contests: Invite students to express their ideas about the future through creative writing, drawings, or video projects. Offer rewards like scholarships, prizes, or donations to their schools or centers. o Kids Takeovers: Have kids take over key roles in the company, talk about their future, discuss global issues, and how the company can help.

 4. Outreach and Social Media Activations • Community Outreach: Spread the World Children’s Day message to customers, fans and other relevant stakeholders. Encouraging them to participate in events, share their visions for the future, or contribute to causes that support children’s rights. • Social Media Engagement: Use the company’s social media platforms to amplify children’s voices and ideas about the future. Engage in the campaign by using #WorldChildrensDay, and encourage followers to: 

• Share their ideas on how corporates can positively impact children’s futures.
• Highlight children’s contributions through their artwork and essays.
• Messages using #WorldChildrensDay on X might be added to UNICEF’s World Children’s Day page o UNICEF WCD-related messages will be published on the day on unicef.org, Facebook, X, LinkedIn. You are encouraged to also check UNICEF national channels.

5. Employee-Led Volunteering and Fundraising Initiatives • Volunteer Days: Encourage employees to participate in volunteer days where they engage directly with children, such as mentorship opportunities, or environmental cleanup initiatives. • Fundraising Events for Children’s Rights: Organize fundraising events where employees and the community can raise funds for UNICEF or other initiatives.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS

LIVESTREAM: Special event entitled "The Right to Identity from Birth: Challenges and Perspectives for Francophone Countries", on the occasion of the celebration of the International Children's Rights Day from UNHQ.

World Toilet Day 2024; November 19th.

FORUM: "Sanitation for Peace." World Toilet Day 2024. This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect. ‘Safe toilets for all by 2030’ is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – but the world is seriously off track. 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation, including 419 million who practise open defecation. Faster action to improve and protect people’s access to sanitation is critical to building a fairer, more peaceful world. Conflict, extreme weather events and disasters can destroy, damage or disrupt sanitation services, these elements put Toilets under threat. When toilet systems don’t work – or don’t exist – untreated human waste spreads in the environment, unleashing deadly diseases such as cholera. Governments must ensure that sanitation and water services are resilient, effective, accessible to everyone and shielded from harm.

EVENTS: On November 19th; UN-Water — the UN’s coordination mechanism on water and sanitation will held a webinar under the theme is ‘Sanitation for peace’.  to mark the World Toilet Day 2024.

Statement of the UN-Water Chair on  World Toilet Day 2024; November 19th.

Toilets and sanitation protect us – and drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

But 3.5 billion people still live without their human right to safe sanitation, with profound impacts on public health, education, economies and ecosystems.

Safely managed sanitation is a human right, essential to a healthy and stable society. Yet many of the people being left behind without these services live in fragile contexts.

For them, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and institutional neglect.

Attacks are destroying sanitation infrastructure and disrupting services.

Drought is impacting water-based sanitation systems and waste treatment processes.

Flooding, earthquakes and sea surges are damaging toilets, buildings and pipes, spreading human waste into soils and water sources.

No matter where people live or what is happening, they must have affordable and completely reliable access to a safe toilet.

But institutional neglect of sanitation has meant progress is too slow, too fragmented and too under-funded – and the Sustainable Development Goal 6 target of safe toilets for all by 2030 is seriously off track.

This World Toilet Day, if we are to build a fairer and safer future for everyone, we must accelerate much faster towards fulfilling this promise.

Alvaro Lario.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Toilet Day 2024; November 19th.

Toilets are fundamental to promoting human health, spurring development, and helping all people, especially women and girls, live their lives in dignity.

But too many members of the human family live without this basic human right. At the current rate, 3 billion people will still live without safely managed sanitation by 2030.

This year’s World Toilet Day shines a light on the threats to sanitation posed by conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect.

I urge all governments to support the United Nations Strategy for Water and Sanitation, prioritize clean water and sanitation across budgets, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that can protect these systems in the face of extreme weather.

Cooperating to safeguard water can power and sustain peace. Water stewardship can strengthen multilateralism and ties between communities, and build resilience to climate disasters. It can also drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – which are the foundation of peaceful societies – including by improving health, reducing poverty and inequality, and boosting food and water security.

We must work to expand assistance to developing countries — through both financing and technology — to build and maintain these life-sustaining systems.

And all parties to conflict must stop targeting sanitation and water infrastructure.

Let’s spare no effort to meet our commitment to water and sanitation for all, and ensure that every person in the world can realize this fundamental right.

António Guterres.

Get involved!

Be part of the global campaign called ‘Toilets – A Place for Peace’. You can help raise awareness and drive action to tackle the sanitation crisis. Download resources to get involved and find out more about the connection between toilets and peace.

Key messages

Toilets are a place for peace. This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect.

Toilets are a place for protection. By creating a barrier between us and our waste, sanitation services are essential for public and environmental health. But when toilet systems are inadequate, damaged or broken, pollution spreads and deadly diseases get unleashed.

Toilets are a place for progress. Sanitation is a human right. It protects everyone’s dignity, and especially transforms the lives of women and girls. More investment and better governance of sanitation are critical for a fairer, more peaceful world.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: 2024 World Toilet Day | Sanitation for peace,

ACTIVATION KIT in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
CERTIFICATE in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
FACTSHEET in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
POSTER in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
CAMPAIGN TRELLO with social media resources in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish, and editable files.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024; November 17th.

FORUM: "Homage to those lost on the world’s roads."World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024.

Road traffic crashes claim more than two lives every minute and are the leading cause of death among people aged 5-29. Over half of road traffic victims are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Sunday's World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to pay homage to those lost on the world’s roads, advocate for better support for victims and their families, and call for action to save lives. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #17November, #RememberSupportAct, #RoadwaySafety,#SafetyForAll, #WDoR2024.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024; November 17th.


On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, we honour the 1.19 million lives lost every year on the world’s roads. Each death represents a profound tragedy for families, communities, and societies.

Guided by the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, the United Nations is supporting countries in saving lives. Critical frameworks provided by United Nations Road Safety Conventions – supported by the advocacy of my Special Envoy for Road Safety and funding from the UN Road Safety Fund – help show that coordinated efforts can make a difference.

Recent data from the World Health Organization highlights progress in reducing road traffic fatalities, but our journey to reduce road traffic deaths by half by 2030 is far from over.

By improving infrastructure, enforcing safety laws, strengthening international partnerships and promoting responsible behaviour, we can prevent future deaths and make roads safer for everyone, everywhere.

Together, let us build a future where every journey ends safely.



United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement of the Regional Director of WHO Europe on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024; November 17th.

On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, WHO calls upon people to “Remember the 3300 fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues lost on the world’s roads every day; Support those who are bereaved and those who suffer long-lasting consequences from physical and psychological trauma; and Act to prevent such tragedies today and in the future.” In 2005, the United Nations endorsed the World Day of Remembrance as a global day to be observed every third Sunday in November each year.

EVENT: Safer streets are possible.The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024 global event will be held on the third Sunday in November to remember, support and act for those killed or injured by roadway crashes

International Day of Tolerance 2024; November 16th.

FORUM: "Towards a peaceful and tolerant societies." International Day for Tolerance 2024. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. Tolerance is much more than passively accepting the other. It brings obligations to act, and must be taught, nurtured and defended. Tolerance requires investment by States in people, and in the fulfilment of their full potential through education, inclusion and opportunities. This means building societies founded on respect for human rights, where fear, distrust and marginalization are supplanted by pluralism, participation and respect for differences. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #tolerance, #16November, #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay.

EVENTS: On November 16th; The UNESCO, the UNAOC, the UN ACADEMIC IMPACT and the OHCHR will organize a webinar to mark the International Tolerance Day 2023 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance and to teach the values of peace, responsible citizenship, equality, and tolerance in all circumstances.

PRIZE: UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. In 1995, to mark the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, UNESCO created a prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence: the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize. This Prize rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The creation of the Prize has been inspired by the ideals of UNESCO’s Constitution that proclaims that "peace, if it is not to fail, must be founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind".

CAMPAIGN: Diversity is a strength, not a threat.
On Saturday's Tolerance Day & every day, let’s embrace tolerance, respect for diversity, and understanding —values that unite us and make us stronger.

International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2024; November 15th..

FORUM: “Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It’s time we pull together to push back.“ International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2024. The Open Debate on "Threats to International Peace and Security - Transnational Organized Crime, Growing Challenges and New Threats", held in December 2023, highlighted the serious concerns expressed by the Security Council regarding this escalating threat. The United Nations Secretary-General affirmed: "Transnational organized crime is a vicious threat to peace, security and sustainable development wherever it operates. And it operates everywhere - in all countries, rich and poor, North and South, developed and developing". On the same occasion, the President of the Security Council issued a statement expressing concern about the links between international terrorism and organized crime and the use of new technologies by criminal networks; he also stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation to combat transnational organized crime and recognized the role of civil society in achieving this goal. Recently, the Pact of the Future dedicated Action 24 to this issue, focusing in particular on efforts to combat transnational organized crime and related financial flows through the implementation of comprehensive strategies that should include prevention, early detection, protection, law enforcement, addressing root causes and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. In addition, the Pact of the Future calls to strengthen international collaboration to prevent and combat cybercrime and welcomes the elaboration of the draft Convention against Cybercrime, which is scheduled for adoption by the end of this year. Furthermore, the Discussion guide for the Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to be held in Abu Dhabi in 2026, delivered in May 2024 by Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, focuses, inter alia, on Achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through crime prevention and criminal justice efforts. In particular, the following points have been underscored: • On the occasion of the 14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in 2021, Member States with the “Kyoto Declaration” acknowledged the interconnected and mutually reinforcing nature of sustainable development and the rule of law. They recognized that crime hinders sustainable development, and that achieving sustainable development enables States to effectively prevent and combat crime. Effective criminal justice systems can contribute to socio-economic development by reducing violence, improving social cohesion, and providing avenues for redress when rights are violated. Conversely, development can enhance crime prevention by reducing inequality and addressing the root causes of crime through social development programs. Investing in effective criminal justice institutions within development programs positively impacts justice reform. Recognizing the linkages between crime prevention, criminal justice and the 2030 Agenda necessitates a comprehensive approach that enhances safety and security while promoting equitable economic growth, social cohesion, and the rule of law. Renewed efforts are essential to ensure that sustainable development, supported by a resilient and just framework, ultimately contributes to the holistic well-being of societies globally. Thus, it is crucial to integrate the 2030 Agenda into national and international crime prevention and criminal justice strategies. Member States and Observers of the General Assembly, as well as representatives of UN Agencies, regional and sub-regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders including CSO will be invited to attend. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #StopOrganizedCrime, #UNTOC_ReviewMechanism, #TOCday, #15november, #OrganizedFraud, #organizedCrime, #UNTOC.

EVENTS: On November 15th; From 11:30 to 12:30 CET; In light of General-Assembly Resolution 78/267, the UNODC is organizing this High-Level Event to commemorate the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against all Forms of Transnational Organized Crime. Get the flyer and watch the event!

On November 13th, 2024; At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Conference Room 8 at 11am CET, will be held a High-Level Event to celebrate the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2024. The High-level Event aims at discussing how organized crime represents a risk to international peace, security and sustainable development on a global scale, and in highlighting both regional and international initiatives to address the threat and mitigate its impact. The event will analyze transnational organized crime's harmful impacts on social cohesion, trust in national institutions, rule of law, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The High-Level event will focus on the analysis of national, regional, and international experiences that demonstrate how the effective countering of organized crime has led to significant progress in achieving peace, security, development and social cohesion. Space will also be devoted to examining areas that are still severely affected by transnational organized crime, and to reflecting on actions that the United Nations and the international community can take to counter this trend, including victims of TOC. The event will also be an opportunity to highlight the continuing relevance of the Palermo Convention, the most effective international legal instrument in this fight, which celebrated its twentieth anniversary last year. The High-level event will be held in person and consist of an opening segment, three segments with representatives from Member States, UN agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, as well as Academia, Q&A’s and lastly closing remarks. Get the Agenda programme and Watch The High Level Event to observe the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime!

From 25 to 30 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will be held The Fifteenth Crime Congress under the overall theme “Accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: protecting people and planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age”, in line with the General Assembly Resolution 78/223. The Congresses provide a forum for (a) the exchange of views between States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and individual experts representing various professions and disciplines; (b) the exchange of experiences in research, law and policy development; and (c) the identification of emerging trends and issues in crime prevention and criminal justice. Get the Useful Resources on the Overall theme, agenda items and workshop topics, the Discussion guide and learn more about the Generation Justice Initiative. The congress will be organized by the CCPCJ.

PUBLICATION: The release of the new Issue Paper on organized fraud is right on time; The focus of the issue paper is organized fraud that targets individual members of the public or private institutions for the purposes of obtaining a financial or other material benefit. Fraud is an expansive category of crime. One of the greatest challenges to understanding it is its scope. It encompasses a range of criminal behaviours that are bound together by the common principle of dishonesty. The opportunities to employ dishonesty for the purposes of fraud span the full range of social, commercial, financial and technological settings, which can vary in different regions of the world. These opportunities are exploited by criminals from highly diverse backgrounds, ranging from professionals exploiting a legitimate corporate position to cybercriminals from within deprived communities. In this way, fraud is distinct from many other criminal categories that cover more discrete criminal behaviours occurring in specific settings (e.g. burglary). This diversity creates challenges in terms of developing a single, cohesive and comprehensive picture of fraud. The newly adopted resolution on technical assistance recommends enhanced protections for witnesses and victims, along with access to compensation and restitution. Read the full report!


STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2024; November 15th and the Statement of the President of the United Nations General Assembly on behalf the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2024; November 15th.

LIVESTREAM: Watch the High-level Event to Commemorate the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime.

 

World Diabetes Day 2024; November 14th.

FORUM: ”Diabetes and Wellbeing.” World Diabetes Day 2024. This year’s sub-theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps: Uniting to strengthen Diabetes wellbeing” underpins our commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes, and ensuring that all people who are diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care. Join us in raising awareness, spreading knowledge and creating lasting change for all affected by diabetes. Activities will also celebrate the experiences of people with all forms of diabetes to help those impacted to take action, including seeking and obtaining essential care. Take a short survey to share your experience of how living with diabetes, or caring for someone who does, affects your physical and mental well-being. Support our call for well-being to be put at the heart of diabetes care; Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Diabeteslife, #14November, #WorldDiabetesDay, #AccesstoDiabetesCare.

EVENTS: The observance of the World Diabetes Day 2024 will bring attention to the importance of personalized care for millions of people living with diabetes in the Regions. Research shows that patient education plays a crucial role in the management of chronic non-communicable diseases at both population and individual level, which is why person-centred, tailored diabetes care is essential. Explore the worldwide events learn more about activities in your country!

On November 13th, 2024. from 14:00 – 15:00 (Central European Time); The WHO and International Diabetes Federation organized a joint webinar entitled Breaking barriers and bridging gaps: Uniting to strengthen Diabete wellbeing. This webinar will focus on enhancing diabetes well-being by discussing diabetes-related stigma, promoting mental health and fostering a collaborative approach to care. The agenda includes powerful personal stories from people living with diabetes, interactive Kahoot sessions, spotlights on current initiatives from WHO and IDF and a panel discussion with experts. Register to participates!

On November 14th, 2024 from 12:00 – 15:00 in commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is organizing a thought-provoking and informative 3-hour webinar under this year theme.


On November 14th, 2024, The WHO Regional Office for Africa will organize a seminar entitled “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, underlining the commitment to reducing risk, and ensuring that everyone diagnosed with diabetes has access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care.


On November 14th, 2024 from 16:00 – 17:00 (Central European Time), The PAHO in collaboration with the WHO, is hosting a hybrid event in Mexico City to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2024, which will be broadcast via Zoom. The event will highlight regional successes, challenges and opportunities in diabetes prevention and control.

WEBINARS: November 14th marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the scientist who first discovered, isolated and administered insulin in one of the greatest medical breakthroughs in history. Join us for the virtual community event in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). During this event, we'll hear from diabetes advocates and members of IDF member organisations to learn how they celebrate World Diabetes Day in their country - and what they are advocating for on this special day.

INITIATIVES: Join the Global Diabetes Walk, an initiative created by the World Diabetes Foundation in support of World Diabetes Day. Take to the streets to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes and the importance of physical activity.

Message of WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti on World Diabetes Day 2024; November 14th.

Against a background of rising diabetes prevalence in Africa, complicated by multiple drivers including urbanization, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, the theme of World Diabetes Day Day 2024 appropriately emphasizes the imperative of a collaborative approach to this “silent killer”.

World Diabetes Day is marked annually by the international community on 14 November, with this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, underlining World Health Organization’s (WHO) commitment to reducing risk, and ensuring that everyone diagnosed with diabetes has access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care.

Diabetes, a chronic lifelong disease that leads to uncontrolled blood sugar levels because the body can no longer produce or use the insulin it produces efficiently.

In the WHO African Region alone, more than 24 million adults are currently living with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower-limb amputation, and eye disease that can result in blindness.

Without urgent interventions, predictions are that the number of people living with diabetes in the African Region will rise to 54 million by 2045,[1],[2] the highest projected increase globally. This poses a significant dual health and economic burden, including catastrophic spending by individuals to control their disease.

Compounding the challenge is that Africa has the lowest investment rate in diabetes care worldwide, at only 1% of the region’s health expenditure. Health systems are also traditionally designed to deal with acute, infectious diseases, without sufficient attention paid to chronic diseases like diabetes.

Managing diabetes requires a sustained effort to balance physical health activity, healthy diet, mental well-being, and WHO in the African Region is committed to holistic solutions, including proper nutrition, access to the requisite essential medicines, and mental health support. Equally crucial are comprehensive prevention strategies to address risk factors including obesity, poor diet and physical activity, combined with community engagement to ensure good support systems and reduced stigma.

In an important step forward at the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in August this year, African Member States endorsed WHO’s Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact (GDC) in Africa. Focused specifically on the challenge of integrating diabetes care into broader health systems in a multi-sectoral approach, it provides a roadmap for countries to strengthen diabetes prevention, diagnosis and care, especially at primary health care level.

On World Diabetes Day today, I urge individuals, communities, governments, health workers, policymakers and civil society organizations to join hands and act now. For individuals, prioritize healthy lifestyle, and if you’re already living with diabetes, have regular medical check-ups.

Communities can play their role by creating supportive environments that promote healthy living, reduce stigma, and provide access to affordable diabetes care and education. For governments, we commit our full support to your efforts to implement policies that enhance access to essential medicines, strengthen primary health care systems, and foreground investment in diabetes prevention and care.

Strengthening diabetes control in the African region demands that we address key gaps, including myths and misconceptions about diabetes, fragile primary health care systems and insufficient capacity and training of health care workers.

Together, let us all commit to breaking down the barriers and addressing the gaps, by raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and creating lasting change for everyone in Africa affected by diabetes.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti.

learn more about the

• Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact (GDC) in Africa