International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022, March 21st.

FORUM: “Voices for action against racism.” International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022.

The 2022 edition draw the inspiration of the High Commissioner’s report on racial justice on the Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality: “LISTEN UP: Ensure that people of African descent and those who stand up against racism are protected and heard, and their concerns are acted on”.

Statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights ar the commemorative meeting on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022.

Distinguished President,
Excellencies,

I am honoured to join you today to celebrate the voices of the people who stand up against racism – millions of people around the world who have decided to stand up for our fundamental, and universal, equality and rights.

Despite considerable efforts – and some progress – millions of Africans and people of African descent; Asians and people of Asian descent; indigenous peoples; national, ethnic and linguistic minorities; religious communities; and migrants continue to be confronted by racism, racial discrimination, inequality and exclusion. Racism still permeates social structures and institutions in every region of the world.

The impact of racism on people’s human rights is far-reaching. From people seeking refuge from conflict – as we saw recently on the borders of Ukraine – to children attending school; people in need of health-care; job-seekers and many others – my Office has observed multiple manifestations of racism in every aspect of people’s lives.

Digital tools often enhance these profoundly negative phenomena. For instance, algorithms embedded in internet searches often reinforce negative racial stereotypes and biases. Facial recognition – which is often used for surveillance purposes – can be a source of discrimination, and may reinforce discriminatory practices against minority communities especially by law enforcement.
The banning of certain books, especially books about racial identity, from school curricula and school libraries also constitutes an assault against the right to education and efforts to recognise and combat past legacies of harm.

The Four-point Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality that I presented to the Human Rights Council in July 2021 points out that systemic racism requires a systemic response, and can only be dismantled through vigorous and comprehensive reforms.

At the international level, this effort should be guided by the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and several other important instruments, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Ensuring the meaningful and effective participation and representation of all communities at all levels of State institutions and decision-making processes is also fundamental. In this context, I welcome this year’s thematic focus of “Voices for action against racism”. Acknowledging the people who face and stand up against racism – and actively responding to their concerns – is essential to achieving progress.

We must protect the civic space and safety of those who face and stand up against racism. Their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in particular must be safeguarded as they often constitute the only way they can impart change.

I also want to emphasise that all politicians and authorities bear a special responsibility to refrain from, prevent and confront incitement to hatred and discrimination.

Serious discussions on the legacies of enslavement and colonialism must continue and lead to reparatory justice. Only when we fully acknowledge the burdens created by past harms will we be able to move forward and achieve real and sustainable change.

Racism is an assault on human dignity, and on everything the United Nations stands for. Today – and every day – I stand in solidarity with all victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. I ask all of you to act with me, to end this deep injustice.

Thank you.

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Other Statements

Statement from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March 2022.

EVENTS

Debate in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022

Monday, 28 March 2022.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CET.
Palais des Nations, UN Geneva

The panel discussion will gather speakers who are known for their active role in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and who are from diverse backgrounds. They will share their experiences and will advocate in favour of listening to those who face racial discrimination.

CAMPAIGN

We need everyone’s voice for action against racism. Join us to spread the word for racial justice and equality. Show support for #FightRacism by sharing your picture w/ our “I Stand Up To Racism” filter on social media using: #FightRacism, #StandUp4HumanRights

International Day of Nowruz 2021, March 21

Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Nowruz 2021, March 21.

"Dear friends, Each year, Nowruz marks a new beginning. Last year, the Nowruz celebration coincided with the early days of an unprecedented and devastating global pandemic. This year, the Nowruz spirit is more vital than ever. Solidarity between communities and generations is more crucial than ever. Our promise in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind is more essential than ever. Today, we can start to see light at the end of the tunnel. As the world comes together to defeat COVID-19, Nowruz serves as an inspiration to recover and rebuild in a more just and durable way, in harmony with nature. I offer my best wishes to everyone marking Nowruz. May this day advance happiness, health and harmony to all."

FORUM: International Day of Nowruz 2021

 Promoting values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighborliness.

International Day of Forests 2021, March 21

"Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being."


Too precious to lose. International Day of Forests 2021.

When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another.

Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
Forest restoration

FORUM: International Day of Forests 2021

The theme of the International Day of Forests for 2021 is "Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being." The restoration and sustainable management of forests help address the climate-change and biodiversity crises. It also produces goods and services for sustainable development, fostering an economic activity that creates jobs and improves lives. This year’s theme fits into the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world.

CAMPAIGN: Preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on the International 2021, 21 March.

Humanity’s well-being is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Forests play a crucial role.

Forests filter the air we breathe and the water we drink. They regulate our climate, absorbing one-third of the global greenhouse gases emitted each year.

Forests provide habitat to 80 per cent of all known terrestrial species, many of which are under threat. Today, more than 1 million of the planet’s estimated 8 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction.

Some 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income.

Despite all that they provide, forest loss continues at an alarming rate. We continue to lose 10 million hectares of forests, an area roughly the size of Iceland, every year.

Deforestation also increases the risks of infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.

This year marks the beginning of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which calls for action to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of forests and other ecosystems.

If we fail to act now, we risk a point of no return. But it is not too late to undo some of the damage we have caused.

The crises our planet faces require urgent action by all — governments, international and civil society organizations, the private sector, local authorities and individuals.

Indigenous peoples are leading the way. They care for the Earth’s biodiversity and achieve conservation results with very few financial resources and little support.

On this International Day of Forests let us plant the seeds for a sustainable future by committing to restore and conserve our forests for the benefit of people and the planet.

World Down Syndrome Day 2021, March 21

"CONNECT" is the theme chosen to observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st.

In 2020 around the world, we all had to adapt the ways we connect with each other. It was a big challenge and many people have been left behind. But it was an opportunity to find new ways to connect. This can be a positive outcome from the COVID-19 pandemic. For WDSD 2021 we want to focus on improving connections to ensure that all people with Down syndrome can CONNECT and participate on an equal basis with others.

We CONNECT so that we can:
Share ideas, experiences and knowledge,
Empower each other to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome, and
Reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change.

FORUM: "CONNECT"  World Down Syndrome Day 2021. 

Join Down Syndrome International online for  10th annual World Down Syndrome Day Conference as a series of virtual events. Speakers will include people with Down syndrome, supporters and advocates, government and UN officials and NGO representatives. They will share their experiences, knowledge and expertise, bringing perspectives from around the world. Connections are key for people with Down syndrome to lead full, meaningful lives and to enable them to fully participate in all aspects of life. Connections enable others to hear their voice.

Session 1 - 10th World Down Syndrome Day Conference - Opening and launch - #CONNECT.

In session 1, we will look at the importance of #CONNECT (connecting) for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting exacerbation of inequalities. We will identify barriers and solutions to connecting to inform COVID-19 recovery plans and to build a future where connecting is possible on an equal basis with others.

Broadcast live on Wednesday 17 March 2021 10:00 AM EDT / 2:00 PM UTC.

SESSION 1 PROGRAMME

This event is captioned in English

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Session 2 - 10th World Down Syndrome Day Conference - The importance of inclusion and connection in education - barriers, solutions and COVID-19.


Session 2 will explore the vision of inclusive education, the challenges faced in its realisation and the effect of COVID-19 on education around the world. We will see experiences, information and examples of good practice in inclusive education during COVID-19 and innovative strategies for inclusive education during the COVID-19 recovery and beyond.

Broadcast live on Thursday 18 March 2021 10:00 AM EDT / 2:00 PM UTC

SESSION 2 PROGRAMME

This event is captioned in English

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Session 3 - 10th World Down Syndrome Day Conference - How to #CONNECT - barriers and solutions for people with Down syndrome?


Connections are key for people with Down syndrome to lead full, meaningful lives and to enable them to fully participate in all aspects of life. Connections enable others to hear their voice. Session 3 will showcase good examples of connecting and what it can achieve. Solutions to connecting and innovative projects for removing barriers in the future with be showcased.

Broadcast live on Friday 19 March 2021 11:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UTC

World Poetry Day 2021, March 21

 

As a part of the global celebration, the UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature, coordinated by the city of Granada (Spain), will undertake a joint celebration themed “Reconnecting People". World Poetry Day is the occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry, foster the convergence between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and raise the visibility of poetry in the media.


As poetry continues to bring people together across continents, all are invited to join in.

FORUM: "Reconnecting People'' WORLD POETRY DAY 2021,

Where would you like to be reading this #WorldPoetryDay?



UNITED KINGDOM: To celebrate National Poetry Day, The British Museum are taking a look at the diverse world of poetry. In fact, this post alludes to the form of a haiku: 5 poems inspired by objects, 7 poems on objects, and 5 miscellaneous poetry-based nuggets from the Museum.

5 poems inspired by objects: You might have heard of John Keats being inspired by various Greek antiquities in the Museum to write his Ode on a Grecian Urn. Or that the statue of Ramesses II in Room 4 has an intimate connection with Shelley’s Ozymandias. It’s also a bit of an epic – so enjoy!

EXHIBIT: This Chinese painted scroll – ‘Reading in the Autumn Forest’ – transports us to the forest near Mount Baiyue (noe Mount Qiyun) in the east of China.

PALESTINE: By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech, who imagine and act, UNESCO recognizes in poetry its value as a symbol of the human spirit’s creativity.

International Day of Forests 2014, March 21

How forests can be managed  profitably and Sustainably in the Future ?
Join the Forum  : International Day of Forests - March 21.

 

United Nations Secretary-General's Message  on the International Day of forest 2014.

Forests are the lungs of our planet. They cover one-third of all land area, and are home to 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity. They are crucial for addressing a multitude of sustainable development imperatives, from poverty eradication to food security, from mitigating and adapting to climate change to reducing disaster risk.
It is estimated that 1.6 billion people depend on forests for food, fuel, shelter and income.  The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 per cent of people rely on medicines derived from forests as their primary form of health care.

Not only do forests provide essential economic safety nets for a significant number of the world’s poor, they underpin economies at all levels. Round wood production, wood processing and the pulp and paper industries account for nearly 1 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product. Non-monetary benefits from forests, such as water, energy, shelter and medicine, are estimated to be two to three times as great. Forested catchments supply three-quarters of freshwater, which is essential for agriculture, industry, energy supply and domestic use. 
The International Day of Forests is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees to our economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being. However awareness must be coupled with concrete action. As we deliberate on the post-2015 development agenda, let us acknowledge the vital role of forests and pledge to work together to protect and sustainably manage these vital ecosystems. 

                                                                                                                                       Ban Ki-moon

United Nations General Assembly President's Message on the International Day of forest 2014.

Celebrated now for two years, the International Day of Forests and the Tree calls on governments and other multi stakeholders to commit to reducing deforestation while promoting sustainable livelihoods for all forest-dependent communities.
Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass and over 1.6 billion people depend on forest ecosystems for their daily livelihoods.

As we work to create a post 2015 sustainable development agenda, I urge Member States to recognize the ecological, economic, social and health benefits of our forests.
In recent years, global deforestation has spread at an alarming rate. Over 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed each year and deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

This day marks a worldwide commemoration to celebrate our forests and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our essential global ecosystems.

                                                                                                                                          John W. Ashe

  

                                          The new ways of monitoring and managing our forests - FAO Headquarters, Sheikh Zayed Centre
9:00 - 11:00am

Join us and celebrate the International Day of Forests 2014

° Showing of the International Day of Forests Video
° Opening address by José Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General
° Results of FAO’s global remote sensing of forests, Kenneth  MacDicken, FAO Senior Forest Officer
° Highlights of FAO’s forest monitoring work, Eduardo Mansur, FAO Forestry Division Director
° Brief statements by key resource partners
° Closing remarks by Eduardo Rojas, Assistant Director-General, Forestry Department, FAO
° Refreshments

                                                               FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

                                                                                    José Graziano Da Silva, FAO Director-General

Journée internationale des forêts 2014 , Día Internacional de los Bosques 2014, Международный день лесов 2014, 国际森林日 2014,