International Jazz Day 2024; April 30th

FORUM: "13th edition of Jazz Day'' International Jazz Day 2024. Let's celebrate the power of music to unite and strengthen humankind. The Day aims promote dialogue, tolerance and peace through music. 2024 marks our 13th anniversary. This year's edition will be celebrated in more than 190 countries. The UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock are pleased to announce that the city of Tangier, Morocco will serve as the Global Host and will anchor the International Jazz Day programs around the world. Follow the conversation with the hashtags:  #JazzDay, #InternationalJazzDay; #Jazzday13, #Jazz, #April30

EVENTS: Join the UNESCO’s live-streamed concert at 6:00 PM (EST) featuring some of the world's greatest jazz masters. The four-day celebration in Tangier (April 27-30) will emphasize the city's jazz heritage and highlight cultural and artistic ties between people in Morocco, Europe and Africa. A culminating All-Star Global Concert at the beautiful, new Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier – an architectural masterpiece – will be broadcast via YouTube, Facebook, the United Nations and UNESCO to millions of viewers worldwide.

International Jazz Day is an opportunity to celebrate the power of jazz as a universal language of freedom to promote mutual understanding, tolerance and solidarity.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024; April 28th.

FORUM: "Climate change and safety and health at work." World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024. As climate change intensifies, workers around the globe find themselves at an increased risk of exposure to hazards such as excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, air pollution, vector-borne diseases and agro-chemicals. A “staggering” number of workers, amounting to more than 70 per cent of the global workforce, are likely to be exposed to climate-change-related health hazards, and existing occupational safety and health (OSH) protections are struggling to keep up with the resulting risks, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).The report, Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, says that climate change is already having a serious impact on the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world. The ILO estimates that more than 2.4 billion workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion) are likely to be exposed to excessive heat at some point during their work, according to the most recent figures available (2020). When calculated as a share of the global workforce, the proportion has increased from 65.5 per cent to 70.9 per cent since 2000. In addition, the report estimates that 18,970 lives and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years are lost annually due to the 22.87 million occupational injuries, which are attributable to excessive heat. This is not to mention the 26.2 million people worldwide living with chronic kidney disease linked to workplace heat stress (2020 figures). However, the impact of climate change on workers goes well beyond exposure to excessive heat, the report says, creating a “cocktail of hazards”, which result in a range of dangerous health conditions. The report notes that numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney disfunction and mental health conditions. The impact includes:

• 1.6 billion workers exposed to UV radiation, with more than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from nonmelanoma skin cancer.
• 1.6 billion likely to be exposed to workplace air pollution, resulting in up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers annually.
• Over 870 million workers in agriculture, likely to be exposed to pesticides, with more than 300,000 deaths attributed to pesticide poisoning annually.
• 15,000 work-related deaths every year due to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne diseases.

“It’s clear that climate change is already creating significant additional health hazards for workers,” said Manal Azzi, OSH Team Lead at the ILO. “It is essential that we heed these warnings. Occupational safety and health considerations must be become part of our climate change responses – both policies and actions. Working in safe and healthy environments is recognized as one of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work. We must deliver on that commitment in relation to climate change, just as in every other aspect of work.” The report also explores current country responses, including revising or creating new legislation, regulations and guidance, and improving climate mitigation strategies – such as energy efficiency measures – in working environments. Join the International Labour Organization global dialogue. Follow the conversation wirh the hashtags: #WorldDayofSafetyandHealthatwork, #28April, #SafeWorkingEnvironment, #HealthyWorkingEnvironment. #Rightatwork, #safeday.

 

EVENTS: On 28 April, from 13:30 to 15:30 PM GMT, the ILO Global debate on climate change and occupational diseases will relate the health consequences of climate change can include cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions. the celebration will bring together experts and constituents to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this right in the world of work. It will also serve to present the findings of research on the implementation status of various provisions of the fundamental Convention No. 155 and the Convention No. 187.  Stay tuned and get ready to watch the Livestream!

STATEMENTS: Statement from ILO Director-General on World Day for Safety and Health at work 2024; April 28th.

As climate change intensifies, workers around the globe find themselves at an increased risk of exposure to hazards such as excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, air pollution, vector-borne diseases and agrochemicals. The time to act is now!
The climate emergency is affecting our planet, our ecosystems, and millions of workers worldwide.
Seventy percent of workers today are facing dangerous levels of heat. Workers also face chemical exposure, UV radiation, pollution, and vector-borne diseases.
And it is affecting their health and mental well-being.
Illnesses like kidney and heart disease, and cancer are on the rise.
The danger is present and real, and the time to act is now.
On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work, I urge all nations to ensure that their safety and health policies adequately protect workers and livelihoods, and ensures overall productivity.

Statement by the ILO Bangladesh Director Office Mr.Tuomo Poutiainen on World Day for Safety and Health at work 2024; April 28th.

April 28, 2024 The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since Bangladesh began commemoration of the day


The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since Bangladesh began commemoration of the day in 2016.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), supports Bangladesh in its journey to address occupational safety and health (OSH), and in establishing a robust national OSH framework to make all workplaces safe. The adoption of the OSH policy, the creation of the OSH country profile, and the development of the National Action Plan on OSH all mark significant milestones in this journey. These achievements are testament to the country's commitment to improving workplace safety and health, aligning with international standards and ILO conventions.

Despite these notable advancements, we recognize the challenges that remain. Building a proactive culture of prevention of workplace hazards and accidents requires continuous effort, collaboration, and collective action. In addition to having protective policies, it is also important to have effective policy implementation, ensuring that every worker in Bangladesh is guaranteed of a safe and healthy work environment. This calls for concerted efforts from the government, employers, workers, along with the support of development partners and civil society.

To further strengthen the effective implementation of occupational safety and health measures in Bangladesh, the country may consider ratifying the ILO Conventions on OSH; the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). These conventions provide a robust framework for establishing, implementing, and continually improving the Bangladesh safety and health management systems that are crucial for protecting workers.

As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing workplace safety and health across all sectors. The ILO remains committed to supporting Bangladesh in its endeavours to improve safety and health at work. The ILO is thankful to development partners for their continued commitment and partnership in advancing safety and health in the world of work. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve a safer, healthier, and more productive workforce, contributing to the sustainable development and economic growth of Bangladesh.

Let us continue to work hand in hand to strengthen the implementation of the OSH National Action Plan and foster a lasting culture of safety and health at work. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of workers in Bangladesh.

ILO Country Director;

World Intellectual Property Day 2024; April 26th.

FORUM: "Intellectual Property and the UN Sustainable Development Goals." World Intellectual Property Day 2024. On April 26th, we will focus on the “can do” attitude of women inventors, creators and entrepreneurs around the world and their ground-breaking work. Women everywhere are: Driving scientific breakthroughs; Setting new creative trends; Building businesses and transforming our world. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WomenandIP, #26April, #WorldIPday, #InnovationandCreativity, #IntellectualProverty, #Patents, #Trademarks, #Industrialdesign, #Innovations.

EVENTS: On 26 April, the WIPO will celebrate the World Intellectual Property 2024 across the globe. The events will highlighting the critical importance of intellectual property (IP) in catalyzing the human innovation and creativity needed for achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore the Worldwide World IP Day 2024 celebrations and join the innovative, creative and enterprising women around the world.

 

WEBINARS: Overview of WIPO's activities with a focus on World IP Day 2024: This webinar hosted by the WIPO Knowledge Center, in collaboration with the World IP Day team, will introduce all campaign activities aimed at raising awareness of the importance of innovation, creativity and IP in helping to achieve the SDGs. This event is designed for anyone who is curious about WIPO and what’s new in intellectual property, especially at an international level. Get the Events calendar.

STATEMENTS: “From electric vehicles to lifesaving drugs, clean and green tech, to AI and digital technologies – IP can be the vehicle to turn bold new ideas into real world impact. So on this World IP Day, let us come together to use the power of IP to achieve the SDGs and build a better world for all,” Read the full Message from WIPO Director General Daren Tang on World Intellectual Property Day 2024; April 26th.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2024; April 26th.

FORUM: “38 years since the tragedy occurred.” International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2024. It is normal for people to seek an explanation for why the tragedy occurred. Through understanding, we seek to reassure ourselves that a similar event could happen again. Learn about the world's worst nuclear disaster that happened at Chernobyl by exploring the timeline of Events. Since the United Nations agencies have shifted their focus from humanitarian assistance to prevention, recovery, remediation and capacity development, an integrated approach to sustainable development was adopted to address the needs of the affected regions and communities. Follow the conservations with the hashtags:#Chernobyl, #minuteofsilence, #chernobyldisasterday, #26April.

EVENTS: Minutes of silence for the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. On April 26th at 01:23:58 a.m GMT for International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2024; The United Nations General Assembly invites all Member States, relevant agencies of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society to observe the day. This year, we commemorate the 38th observance of the tragedy; Participants will be invited to pay a minute of silence to the victims during the candle lighting ceremony, The survivors and dignitaries later will mark the day with a night vigil.

A liquidator of the Chernobyl catastrophe lays flowers below a bust at 'The Heroes Alley' in memory of the Chernobyl victims.

Ukrainian government and administrator layed flowers below a bust at 'The Heroes Alley' in memory of the victims of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Kiev.

Widows holding portraits of their husbands who died following the liquidation after the Chernobyl catastrophe during a memorial ceremony.

Young peoples hold candles during a mourning ceremony near of the memorial for 'liquidators' who died during cleaning up works after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, in Slavutich, Ukraine.

Families arranges portraits of lost liquidators near a monument honoring people who were killed in cleanup efforts after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster.

Citizen stands near the monument erected in memory of the victims of the Chernobyl explosion in Ukraine's capital Kiev, Ukraine, on April 26

A emotional reactions at the monument honoring people who were killed in cleanup efforts after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster during a memorial ceremony in Kiev.

In Russia and Belarus, the participants have observed a munite of silence on hehalf the 38th observance of the tragedy.

World Malaria Day 2024; April 25th.

FORUM:"Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable World." World Malaria Day 2024.

This year’s International Malaria Day theme underscores Gender, Health equity and Human Rights as a cornerstone to building resilient societies. When we invest in women, Health and Human Rights we make strides towards a healthier, more equitable world. World Malaria Day, observed globally annually on 25th April serves to emphasize the importance of ongoing investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. On World Malaria Day 2024, we will highlight malaria's heavy toll on women and girls, impacting their health, roles, and economic outcomes. Malaria perpetuates inequality and hinders Universal Health Coverage. A gender-focused approach is vital, focusing resources and targeted interventions in vulnerable areas. Focus areas include addressing gender disparities, improving pregnancy-related prevention, and promoting inclusive health systems. Community engagement ensures equitable access to malaria prevention and treatment interventions. Let's recommit to women and girls' well-being, pursuing equity in the fight against malaria. We encourage partners to use the following hashtags in social media posts to join the conversation: #AccelerateTheFight, #WorldMalariaDay #GenderEquityHumanRights, #EndMalaria #ZeroMalariaStartswithMe.

World Malaria Day Symposium  is held yearly @jhmalariarsch in Baltimore on the 25th of April. The latest research is presented. It is one of the largest events of its kind in the western hemisphere
Focused on four major areas of research — entomology, parasitology, epidemiology and immunology — JHMRI boasts experts from around the globe, all working to prevent and cure malaria

International Delegates' Day 2024; April 25th.

FORUM: “Valuing delegates and representatives.” International Delegate’s Day 2024. The United Nations General Assembly President will address to the Permanent Missions and Observer Offices, Heads of State, Heads of Government and Ministers for Foreign Affairs , U.N. Senior officials with the 2023 Credentials Presented to the Secretary-General on the Rules and Procedure of the United Nations General Assembly.

 

EVENTS: "Reflections & Vision for the Future." The celebration of the International delegates Day 2024 will be held on April 25th at UNHQ in New york and at UN Office in GENEVA. The 2024 calendar of conferences and meetings of the United Nations is prepared by the Meetings Management Section of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. It is then reviewed by the Committee on Conferences and approved by the United Nations General Assembly.

Reflections & Vision for the Future.

PUBLICATION:The Protocol and Liaison Service contributes to the Delegates’ Handbook, a booklet that contains information of a general nature about United Nations Headquarters and is applicable throughout the current session.

UN Press Conferences - The Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General (OSSG) to reserve the Press Briefing Room (S-237). 

 
April 25th - Update on UNRWA and the Situation in the Middle East

2024 International Delegates Day - Press Conferences

International Girls in ICT Day 2024; April 25th.

FORUM: "Leadership.''International Girls in ICT Day 2024. Every year, ITU and partners work together to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICTs towards bridging the gender digital divide. The aim is to encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams.

 In 2024, International Girls in ICT Day will be celebrated on 25 April. This year’s theme underscore the critical need for strong female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #GirlinICT, #ICTs, #DigitalTransformation, #GirlInICTDay.

Message from Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU, Girls in ICT Day 202; April 25th.

April 25th is girls in ICT Day and this year, we're focused on leadership and how the International Community can support women and girls everywhere to become leaders in science technology engineering and Mathematics leadership is so much more than holding a job title or a position of power it's about harnessing the power of ideas and Innovation and the ability to navigate change with confidence whether you're a student entrepreneur or head of state our shared digital future needs women leaders who are not just technologically skilled but Visionaries with a voice to advocate for a more inclusive Equitable and sustainable World online and offline as we continue to witness unprecedented digital transformation with the rise of AI and other emerging tech and Technologies we simply cannot afford to keep leaving half the world's population behind right now just 21% of all ICT ministers are women and only 32 out of 165 ICT Regulators are led by a woman in the highest positions of government gender equality will not be reached for another 130 years in the private sector women technologists occupy l less than a third of positions and face a pay gap of 21% just 22% of AI workers globally are women and the hiring rate of women in Tech leadership roles has stalled when we look at Sea Suite rolls in stem just one in eight is held by a woman I think it's high time to turn all of this around to all the young girls out there the Tech sector needs you your ideas creativity and perspectives are essential if gender equality is to become a reality we need you to step into leading roles to challenge stereotypes and to contribute to building a digital future that benefits everyone to the International Community, let's Empower and encourage more young women than ever to step up into the world of stem let's invest in their education mentorship and skill building opportunities so that they canot only succeed but Thrive as digital Trailblazers let's celebrate support and Inspire our girls on girls and ICT day and every day because they are the leaders of our digital tomorrow.

EVENTS: This year, the theme of Girls in ICT Day is ‘Leadership’. The global Girls in ICT Day celebration will be held on April 25th, 2024 at the FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines in coordination and collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Watch the Insights from International Girls in ICT Day 2024 in  Manila, Philippines

Global ITU Celebration – Inter-Generational Dialogue and Mentorship Sessions

Event Details:
Date: 25 April 2024
Time: 08:00-17:00 Philippines time (GMT+8)
Venue: FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines


The morning sessions will be conducted in a hybrid format.

Programme Agenda


8:00 – 9:00

Arrival of guests and Badging


9:00 – 9:30

Opening CeremonyIvan John Uy, Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippines
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations (Video message)
Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication ​Development Bureau​, ITU
Gustavo González, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines


9:30 – 10:15

High-level Segment (Remarks from Women and Girl leaders)H.R.H Princess Beatrice (Video address)
Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce (Video address)
Honey Castro, Deputy Director for Management Services, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
Betty Chung, Acting Mission Director, USAID
Rosanna Adao, Executive Director, FEU Institute of Technology
Daisy Wachira, Field Programs and Development Manager, W4.org
Karenina Yustika, ITU Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy


10:15 – 10:30. Coffee Break and Networking


10:30 – 11:45. Inter-generational Dialogue

This session aims to foster an inter-generational dialogue on leadership in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by bringing together girls and women leaders and experts in the ICT sector. The moderators will facilitate discussions by posing the questions to both girls and women in ICT, allowing for a dynamic exchange of perspectives, contributions, and experiences to other girls and women in ICT as speakers involved. Audience participation through questions is encouraged, enhancing the depth and richness of the dialogue.

This dialogue aims to provide a platform for insights, reflections, and strategies on leadership in ICT, aiming to inspire and empower both current and future generations of girls and women in the ICT sector.

Moderators:Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication ​Development Bureau​, ITU
Zoe Angeli Uy, Youth Digital Advocate, Philippines


Panellists:H.E. Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Namibia (Online)
Alfiah Rizqi Ramdhini, Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy, Indonesia
Dr Tahani Amer, Aerospace Engineer, NASA (Online)
Lys Esther Karikumutima, EAC Youth Advocate from Burundi
Sonita Te, Head of Computer Science Department at Institute of Digital Technology (IDT), Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) (Online)
Agita Pasaribu, Founder and Executive Director of Bullyid Indonesia
Ava Nadir, Commissioner at the Iraqi Communication and Media Commission (CMC)
Ma. Rosalyn G. Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator, UN Women Philippines


11:45 – 12:30. Closing Ceremony: Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, DICT and DIWA Role Models


12:30 – 13:30. Lunch


13:30 – 16:15. Mentorship Sessions (In-person session)

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics - Michelle Alarcon, President of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP)
Sara Venturina, Chief Data Officer, GCash
Atty. Laurice P. Esteban-Tuason, Senior Vice-President and Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer, Converge ICT Solutions Inc.


Blockchain - Jen Bilango, Country Manager of Coins.ph
Gail Cruz Macapagal, Country Director, DynaQuest Technology Services


Cybersecurity - Darlene Jardin, Program Officer for Cybersecurity and Strategic Partnership, USAID BEACON
Ingrid Beroña, Chief Risk Officer, Gcash
Jan Chavez-Arceo, Founder, Impact Solutions Research Institute
Col. Francel Margareth Taburlopa, AFP, Spokesperson


Digital Creatives - Marla Rausch, President of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP)
Janicca Juniller, Assistant Vice-President and Program Management Lead for Digital Channels, Corporate Website, Chatbot, AI/ML, Converge ICT Solutions


Workshop – Intro to Robotics- Jammy Jamasali PCpE, Assistant Director, Computer Engineering Department of Far Eastern University


Digital Careers in the Gig Economy - Marjorie Aviso, CEO and Founder of Telework PH
Pamela Baluyo, CEO and Founder, Scales Expert Inc.


Internet of Things (IOT) - Maria Raisa Helga Ysaac Orbon, Chief Marketing Officer of Packetworx
Glycirynne Dianne Cruz Apolonio, Assistant Vice President and Head of Client Network Operations, Converge ICT Solutions


Robotics - Mylene Abiva, President and CEO of FELTA Multi-Media Inc. Philippines


Digital Arts - Marlyn Montano, Vice-President, Animators, Council of the Philippines Inc.


16:15 – 17:00. Networking

To Learn more explore

Photo Gallery

Webcast (archvie)

Programme (pdf)

Opening Remarks by ITU BDT Director

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024; April 24th.

FORUM: "Reinvigorate multilateralism for a Better Tomorrow." International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024.

With world leaders set to convene at the UN Summit of the Future this September to reaffirm their dedication to peace, sustainable development, and protection of human rights, the importance of multilateralism and diplomacy is more paramount than ever. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayforMultilateralismandDiplomacyforPeace; #24April; #MultilateralismDay; #DiplomacyDay.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General for International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024; April 24th.

The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace highlights a fundamental truth: no country can solve today’s challenges alone.

Dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral solutions provide the surest path to a peaceful and just world.

These eternal ideals form the foundation of the United Nations Charter, and drive global efforts to safeguard human rights and forge hope, prosperity and peace for all people.

But around the world, conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequalities create enormous obstacles to diplomacy and multilateral solutions. Collaboration is consumed by competition; dialogue is overtaken by relentless division.

Diplomacy and the multilateral system itself were created precisely for moments like this. We need to resurrect a new spirit of global cooperation to rebuild trust, heal divisions, and place humanity on the path to peace.

The Summit of the Future this September will be a critical opportunity for countries to share solutions. A New Agenda for Peace that takes a holistic approach to the drivers of conflict can help to restore faith in the multilateral system and what we can accomplish by working as one.

On this important day, I call on all governments and leaders to spare no effort to bridge divides, renew dialogue and trust, and deliver a peaceful future.

António Guterres.

WEBINARS; PAVING THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE.

The SDSN Portugal, in collaboration with SDSN, and under the auspices of the President of the Portuguese Republic, is organizing the international conference entitled “Paving the Way to the Pact of the Future” that will take place on 17 and 18 June, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. 

The hybrid conference will address selected themes from the UN Agenda in preparation for the Summit of the Future to be held in New York in September 2024. These include: (1) The challenges inherent in a sustainable future; (2) Transforming education; (3) Valuing what counts beyond GDP; and (4) Meaningful involvement of young people in decision-making processes and policy-making. --- 

About the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN): The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.

LIVESTREAM: Special event to commemorate International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024 entitled. 'The challenges of multilateralism and diplomacy for the fulfillment of the promise of the UN Charter in a polarized world.''.

 As the world gathers this coming 24 April 2024 not to only commemorate, but also to celebrate the achievements of multilateralism and diplomacy, which has its best representation in the United Nations, humanity, and particularly the peoples of the Global South, suffers from the consequences of a global crisis with multiple dimensions, including, among others, in the climate, food, energy and finance fields, which, coupled with the negative impacts of ongoing wars and protracted conflicts, such as the one in the Gaza Strip, is only keeping us off track from honoring our pledge of leaving no one behind and ensuring the attainment, by 2030, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commemorative Special Event aims to gather, among others, the Heads of the Principal Organs of the United Nations, as well as high-level representatives from Member States and Observers to the United Nations to engage in a frank and open discussion on how to strengthen and make truly more inclusive the multilateral system, on how to ensure strict compliance and adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, in both its letter and spirit, and on how to balance the participation of relevant stakeholders in some of the intergovernmental discussions within the framework of the three pillars of the United Nations, while ensuring that the intergovernmental nature of the Organization and the leading and central role of States is preserved. Concept Note

 

World Book and Copyright Day 2024; April 23rd.

FORUM: “Exploring the world: One page turn at a time.” World Book and Copyright Day 2024. Books have the power to transport us to new worlds, broaden our horizons, and promote open and inclusive societies. For this occasion let’s highlight the Copyright and Related Rights of authors. The UNESCO Regional offices invite students, teachers, and readers from around the world, as well as the whole book industry and library services, to testify and express their love for reading. Activities will include readings of books and plays; the distribution of bookmarks; the announcement of the winners of literary competitions. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #reading, #WorldBookDay, #CopyrightDay,#WorldBookCapitalCity #23april, #WorldBookandCopyrightDay.

EVENTS: At UNESCO Headquarters; On April 23rd, World Book and Copyright Day 2024, a symposium entitled ‘‘Artificial intelligence & publishing: between futuristic promises and current challenges’’ will be held. Initiatives are multiplying, raising crucial questions. What are the levers and challenges of AI in this field?; What practical applications can be envisaged?; How can this technology be effectively integrated into the very fabric of publishing businesses?. All these questions will be at the heart of the debates at the conference. Join us as we explore the intersection between artificial intelligence and publishing, highlighting the essential role of authors and the risks to literary creation. Register for in-person event participation.

The year of celebrations will start on 23 April, on World Book and Copyright Day 2024 with the opening of the World Book Capital. 2024 is an exceptional year for the city of Strasbourg. The city has just received the Unesco "World Book Capital" label, awarded each year to a city that is committed to promoting books and reading in all its forms. This is the first time that a French city has earned it. Over the course of an entire year starting on avril 23rd, Strasbourg will pay tribute to books and reading through a wide range of events and activities under the title "Lire notre monde" (Reading our World). UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee were impressed by Strasbourg’s strong focus on books to meet the challenges of social tensions and climate change, with programs like 'Reading for the Planet’. The city emphasizes books’ ability to encourage debate and discussion of environmental concerns and scientific knowledge, focusing on young people as agents of change. Strasbourg was also commended for its literary heritage and the activities which focus on artistic disciplines, from music, to theater and illustration. The city has significant experience of organizing large-scale outward-looking events. Among the public lectures we will have “The constellation Gustave Doré. A journey through illustrated books in the 19th century” and the “Couleurs Conte” during the book fair.

 

ACTIVITIES: Join the community of readers for the World Book Day bookfaceChallenge! In such circumstances, we invite students, teachers, readers from around the world as well as the book industry and library services to testify and express their love for reading by participating to this challenge. Register to participate to the event.

WEBINARS: The right technology can remove barriers to knowledge. For example the Technology from Sage is a curated suite of library technologies that advance teaching, learning and research - from managing reading lists to discovering online resources and reference management. Request a demo!

Librarian Futures Part I: Reading and authoring.
Give library patrons an easy and intuitive way to discover, read, annotate, write and share research with an award-winning online reference management tool. With intuitive and customizable features that enable collaboration, Sciwheel is where research comes together.

Librarian Futures Part II: The Knowledge Gap Between Librarians and Students.
Read the new report in our Librarian Futures series that shares research findings about contrasting librarian and student perspectives on the undergraduate workflow.

Librarian Futures Part III: The Librarian Skills Landscape.
Read the latest report in our Librarian Futures series which explores insights from over 2,000 academic library professionals on actionable strategies for skills and career development.

STATEMENTS: ‘‘After all, behind every book there is an entire chain of know-how and skills which has led to its creation. On this day, UNESCO invites you not only to celebrate reading and culture, but also to make a commitment to their support. ‘‘ Read the message UNESCO Director-General, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day 2024, April 23rd in French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese.

PUBLICATION: UNESCO's World Book Policy and its Impacts. In order to promote the pleasure of books and reading, UNESCO is organizing a collection of books for the benefit of Libraries Without Borders (LWB), an NGO which helps to promotes access for vulnerable populations to education, culture and information. Learn more about the Books for All: a Programme of Action.

English language Day 2024; April 23rd.

FORUM: “Promote the use of English.” English language Day 2024; William Shakespeare played a major role in the transformation of the English language. Many words and phrases were first written down in his plays. 'Elbow room' (King John), 'heart of gold' (Henry V), 'tower of strength' (Richard III) and 'Wild-goose chase' (Romeo and Juliet) - just a handful of the many well-known English phrases that we've learnt from Shakespeare and use in our day to day lives more than 400 years later. Follow the conversation with the hashtags, #EnglishLanguageDay; #23April; #WilliamShakespeare.

EVENTS: At UNHQ in New york, Because the United Nations has only six official languages, many delegates must speak in a language other than their main language, and this poses a special challenge. The history of the UN’s official languages, presented by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library, gives the history of when each of the six official languages of the United Nations became official, beginning in 1946.

On tuesday April 23rd; The English language Day 2024 event will be co-hosted by the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council, The Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of Canada to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of United States to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of Australia to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the U.N.;The Permanent Mission of Ghana to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of Liberia to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of South Africa to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of Angola to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of Malawi to the U.N., The Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the U.N; The Department of Public Information, the United Nations Department of General Assembly Conferences and Meetings (UNDGACM); The United Nations Interpreters, the United Nations Multimedia, the United Nations Radio. WIth the participation of the Member states, Specialized agencies, translators and academics. At UNESCO HQ, The UK Délégation will organize a Meeting with Member States and Institutions for the Celebration of the United Nations English Language Day 2024 at UNESCO Headquarter.

On saturday April 20th, The Shakespeare Birthday Luncheon will be held. Pragnell is delighted to announce that the Shakespeare Birthday Lunch and presentation of the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award will take place on Saturday 20 April 2024 as part of the annual Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Hosted by actor and presenter Alexander Armstrong, attendees will enjoy a three-course lunch with wine pairing and the event will feature performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award, which will be given at the lunch, celebrates individuals who have significantly furthered society’s understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Bard’s work. The illustrious roster of winners includes Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Kenneth Branagh. Pragnell is pleased to reveal that this year’s winner of the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award is globally renowned actor Dame Vanessa Redgrave DBE. Book ticket!

CONCERT: The United Nations Singers are a recreational choir formed in 1947 under the UN Staff Recreation Council to spread the message of harmony and understanding through music. As a microcosm of the world, the group is composed largely of present and former staff of the UN and its agencies and permanent missions.