World health Day 2024; April 7th.

FORUM: “My health, my right.“ World health Day 2024. This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, edu cation, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination. Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. Diseases and disasters loom large as causes of death and disability. Conflicts are devastating lives, causing death, pain, hunger and psychological distress. The burning of fossil fuels is simultaneously driving the climate crisis and taking away our right to breathe clean air, with indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds. The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution. Yet countries are not passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations are entitled to access health services. This underpins the fact that at least 4.5 billion people — more than half of the world’s population — were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021. To address these types of challenges, the theme for World Health Day 2024 is 'My health, my right’. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Myhealthmyright, #WorldHealthDay, #7april, #HealthforAll.

EVENTS: On April 7th, for the World Health Day 2024, the World Health Organization will observe its anniversary. On April 8th, from 12:30 to 13:45 P.M. GMT, the High-level dialogue entitled ’’Realizing the right to health in a world in turmoil” will be held online and in-person. Marking the 75th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organization, this event will look at how to continue to advance human rights for health, even in the face of serious emergencies. This dialogue will bring the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, together with human rights defenders, policy makers, health workers and other stakeholders to discuss how to protect the right to health and other health-related human rights in a world in turmoil. It will explore how policy makers can uphold international commitments and discuss actions to take at the global, national and local levels to realize the right to health for everyone. In-person participation is encouraged for a dynamic discussion. Choose to participate by filling the In-person registration form or the Online registration form. Stay tuned to Watch the webcast!

A High-level dialogue between WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk will mark the 75th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organization. This event will look at how to continue to advance human rights for health, even in the face of serious emergencies.

MESSAGES: Read the Statement of the WHO Director-General the World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the PAHO Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO African Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO WPRO Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO SEARO Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO Europe Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th, the Statement of the WHO EMRO Regional office Director on World Health Day 2024, April 7th.

Health rights correspond to a checklisk.

 

Health rights correspond to a checklisk. from Christina Parmionova

In War and conflict, health workers, facilities and supplies are off limits.

In War and conflict, health workers, facilities and supplies are off limits. from Christina Parmionova

Everyone, everywhere has the right to good mental health.

Everyone, everywhere has the right to good mental health. from Christina Parmionova

Zero Discrimination, Affordable treatments, Respectful care, Lead health response.

World Health Day 2024 - Zero Discrimination, Affordable treatments, Respectful care, Lead health response. from Christina Parmionova

Focusing on the rights of women and girls

Focusing on the rights of women and girls from Christina Parmionova

International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024; April 7th.

FORUM: “Remember-Unite-Renew.” International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024.

STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024.

Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Honorable Ministers,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 30 years ago is a stain on our collective consciousness and a brutal reminder of the legacy of colonialism, and the consequences of hate speech.

Over the course of 100 days, one million people were killed.

The vast majority were Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide.

Neighbours turned on neighbours.

Friends became murderous foes.

Entire families were wiped out.

The carnage was driven by an explicit intent to destroy members of a group simply because of their ethnic identity.

These 100 days reflected the worst of humanity.

But the aftermath revealed the best of the human spirit: resilience, reconciliation, courage and strength.

The survivors’ stories stand as a testament to the power of hope and forgiveness.

People like Laurence Niyonangira, a survivor of the genocide who lost 37 relatives in 1994.

She chose to forgive one of those responsible for the slaughter of her family after he confessed and served time in prison for his crimes.

“As survivors,” Laurence said, “we can only heal our wounds with the people who created them.”

Her powerful story, and others like it, are part of the exhibits on display for this event reminding us of the imperative of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice.

Excellencies,

This year, we focus on the rancid root of all genocides — hatred.

Genocides culminate in mass violence and death.

But they start with the weapon of words.

The genocide in Rwanda was fuelled by decades of hate speech targeting the Tutsi.

Three decades later, the verbal violence of hate speech is still all around us.

Nowadays, divisive and dangerous ideologies are delivered through the global megaphone of social media.

But the vile messages remain all-too-familiar.

Racism, misogyny, lies, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, stigmatization, discrimination and the outright denial — or even glorification — of past genocides, including the Holocaust and genocide against the Tutsis.

The global community must stand as one against this torrent of hate speech, and denounce it wherever it’s found.

We must also stand together in a renewed global push to ratify and fully implement the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, while strengthening prevention mechanisms, educating new generations about past genocides, and countering the mis- and disinformation that fuels hate speech and genocidal intent and action.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I want to convey a special message to the young people from Rwanda joining us today here and online.

Dear friends,

We will never forget the horrors of those terrible 100 days.

But we need your help.

We need your voice and your activism to keep alive the memory of those who were killed.

And to call out hatred wherever you hear or see it.

In your cities, towns, and neighbourhoods. In your schools. Online. Anywhere and everywhere.

Let’s all push back against hatred and intolerance, wherever we find it.

May the memory of the victims spur our actions, and inspire our commitment to ensure a better, safer world for all people.

The United Nations will always stand with you in this important effort.

Thank you.

António Guterres.

EVENTS: 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka30) : The AUC/PAPS of the Agrican Union, in collaboration with the RwandainAddis, commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as #Kwibuka30, under the theme: “Remember-Unite-Renew” at the AUHQ

The International conference kwibuka30 at the Kigali Memorial Center on April 7th 2024 marks the start of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial commemorates the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The remains of over 250,000 people are interred there. There is a visitor centre for students and others wishing to understand the events leading up to the genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994.

Special Event- Kwibuka 30

Memorial Ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, organized by the Department of Global Communications and the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations.

12 April 2024 | UN General Assembly Hall | 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Commemorative activities 

- Moment of silence, candle lighting ceremony -Video honoring Kwibuka 30 - Testimony from Mr. Claver Irakoze, song writer, author of That Child is Me and Transmitting Memories in Rwanda, Founder of Umurage 

Special message from Rwandan children 

- H.E. Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General 

- H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly 

- H.E. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the UN

- H.E. Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the UN 

- Honorable Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement

Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary General for Global Communications Music by the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Symphony Orchestra

2024 Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda - United Nations General Assembly. Get the agenda programme!

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024; April 6th.

FORUM: "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies." International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024.The concept of Sport for Development and Peace is rooted in the recognition that sport possesses unique attributes that enable it to contribute to development and peace processes. These attributes include: Universal popularity – transcending of national, cultural, socio-economic and political boundaries, when done right, sport is enjoyable for participants and spectators alike and can be invoked in virtually any community in the world. Capacity as a powerful global communications platform – Because sport events offer the capacity to reach vast numbers of people, they are effective platforms for public education & social mobilization. Ability to connect – sport is an inherently social process bringing together players, teams, coaches, volunteers & spectators. Cross cutting nature – sport can be used to address a broad range of social and economic challenges. Potential to empower, motivate and inspire – sport has the natural ability to draw on, develop, and showcase individual strengths and capacities.  On April 6th; Join the discussion on the role that sports and major sporting events play in communities, and the discussion on the importance of sports in our everyday lives and the impact it has on communities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #PeacefulSocieties, #InclusiveSocieties, #Sport4SDGs, #SportForDevelopment, #Agenda2030, #SportDay, #IDSDP, #6April.

EVENTS: On April 4th, from 11am to 1pm (EST); A panel discussion will be held to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The special event featuring elite athletes and sporting organization experts highlighting the role sport plays in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gain insight from leading figures in the sporting world as they discuss innovative ways sport is helping take climate action, promote sustainability and gender equality, combat racism, and foster industry partnerships.The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024 event will recognize the role of sport in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. In addition to UN Member State Ambassadors and UN officials, the event features elite athletes and experts from prominent sporting organizations such as the Players Coalition, Concacaf, UEFA, Generation Amazing, Protect our Winters, and FIFA. Speakers will share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities that leverage sport as a tool for sustainable development and peace. The event entitled "Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies." is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. Join UN DESA for a special event; Register to participate!

The FIFA World Cup 26™ in Los Angeles will deliver one of the most diverse cities in America to support the promotion of human rights, environmental sustainability and the game of football. Australia, IR Iran, Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan have reached the third round of AFC qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with two games to spare. Bahrain, Indonesia, Korea Republic, Palestine and Saudi Arabia are also on the cusp of going through after an exciting matchday. Elsewhere, Jordan and Syria won by seven goals, Afghanistan stunned India to hike their hopes, and China PR and Oman secured impressive victories. Find out the full match schedule for World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and USA with fixtures and results from each of the 104 games in the 48-team tournament. Read the latest FIFA news and ‎register your interest in ticket to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026!

International Day of Conscience 2024; April 5th.

FORUM: "Consciousness in humans and other things." International Day of Conscience 2024. The day will be observed on April 5th, to commemorate the value of human conscience and celebrate the aspiration for a better world. This day serves as a beacon, lighting up people's hearts, awakening people's conscience, and guiding us to implement the culture of peace with love and conscience. The profound power of conscience plays a pivotal role in achieving global peace and love.Conscience will lead us to right direction. And Consciousness will trigger our awareness of what is morally right and that we have a social and moral responsibility towards “our neighbors” in the broader sense that transcends neighborhoods to cities , countries, and continents so that solidarity, compassion, fraternity prevails for the good of all humanity. Here comes “consciousness”. You may ask: what is the difference between conscience and consciousness ? Again if we go to google, we will find that: “consciousness is the function and state of awareness of the human mind that receives and processes information, stores it or rejects it”. It is proven that the more information one is able to gather and process, the more aware and the more conscious one becomes regarding one’s internal and external world” Awareness and wakefulness represent the 2 main components of consciousness. Join the conversation with the hashtags: #concienciousness, #DayofConscience; #5April, #concience.

EVENTS: on April 4th, from 10-00 to 12:00 AM (EST) in the conference room XI at the United Nations Headquarters in New York; The high level event to mark the International Day of Conscience 2024 will be held. This year is the 5th International Day of Conscience, The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to the United Nations will jointly host celebration activities. The event will re-enforce the values of peace, solidarity and compassion and to encourage the international community to regularly mobilize their efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. In recent years, humanity has faced unprecedented global crises, from climate change to geopolitical conflicts and the widening gap between rich and poor. It is imperative that all of us come together in a united effort to overcome these challenges. Distinguished leaders will convene to deliberate on innovative strategies for addressing pressing global challenges and urgent issues with reference to the violent and deadly conflicts in different parts of the world. We wish to cordially invite leaders to deliver a 3-minute speech that emphasizes the sharing of experiences, insights, and visions that foster a collaborative spirit that transcends borders. By the end of this summit, we aspire to promote concrete actions that contribute to peace, love, solidarity, and humanity. The celebration will be presided by the President of the U.N. General Assembly and the U.N. Secretary General. At UN Geneva; The Observance will be organized by the NGO in Consultative status with ECOSOC, and the Mouvement de la Paix. Read the Concept Note and watch the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace - Celebration of the 5th International Day of Conscience!

STATEMENT: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, warned that the “greatest cascade of crises” and the “breakdown in trust” are threatening world peace and security. “2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and inspiring hope”, the Secretary-General continues to advocate for peace, human rights, and global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of conscience in shaping our collective future.

LIVESTREAM: The International Day of Conscience 2024 event will re-enforce the values of peace, solidarity and compassion and to encourage the international community to regularly mobilize their efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

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At UN GENEVA.

We would love you to join us on 5 April, 2024, in the presence of Mr Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of the City of Geneva and of UN and UNESCO officials, to celebrate the International Day of Conscience that we dedicate to the youth of the world. This event will be taking place at the Palais des Nations, United Nations in Geneva or can be followed on-line.

CONSCIENCE. LOVE. PEACE.

DATE: 5 April 2024, 10:00 – 17:00 CEST;
LOCATION: Building A, Room VII, United Nations - Palais des Nations, Geneva/Switzerland.

Let's work together to open up new paths of awareness and love, so that together we can build more just and happier societies.


WHAT IS THE DAY OF CONSCIENCE?

"Be the change you want to see in the world," the Mahatma Gandhi asserted in the last century. At the dawn of the new millennium, we answer him with Sofia Stril-Rever, "Be the love you want to see in the world." Love is not just a feeling, experienced individually. It is also a collective force for social justice, world peace, and human evolution. History proves that leaders of conscience and love, such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Wangari Maathai, Nelson Mandela or Malala can shape a future of peace, solidarity, and human rights. According to the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 19 July, 2019, the International Day of Conscience is dedicated to “the promotion of a culture of peace with conscience and love”. It calls us to rethink and rearchitect the way we can build a lasting peace based on conscience and love.


WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CONSCIENCE?

As we witness the escalation of wars and settle into the normality of deadly conflicts between peoples, the trivialization of large-scale massacres of civilian populations and a losing war against nature, we want to remember that we are part of the indivisible community of the living. Therefore, on the International Day of Conscience, on 5 April, 2024, we will say with Renaud Ruhlmann: "Nature speaks, listen to her!", and we will reassert that the war of humanity against itself and against life is not a fatality. Non-killing societies and non-violent economies are possible, as demonstrated by the WHO’s World Violence and Health report. It depends on us to make peace a reality, under the roadmap of the Agenda 2030, the IDGs framework and the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women and Peace, reaffirming the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The celebration of the International Day of Conscience on 5 April, 2024 is therefore a call to realize the power of our interconnectedness and take urgent action to open new pathways of conscience and love for fairer, happier, and peaceful societies.

To shift our mindsets that condition our vision and therefore our action in the world, on 5 April, 2024, in the presence of Mr Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of the City of Geneva, and of UN and UNESCO officials, we are bringing together physicists and biologists, representatives of ancestral traditions, experts in sustainability, the IDGs and the 17 SDGs, peace activists, artists, writers and meditators, with the participation of young global actors of change that will give the event a transgenerational dynamic.


Download the full concept note




PROGRAMME
10:00 - 10:30 WELCOME & KEYNOTE MESSAGES

• Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet, Office of the Director-General of the United Nations in Geneva (UNOG)
• Hasan Moosa Shafaei, Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UN & other International Organisations in Geneva / Vienna
• Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of Geneva
• Gerald Pillay, President Initiatives of Change InternationalFollowed by: The Caux Palace - a centre for dialogue and peacebuilding to practice the Inner Development Goals by Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of Caux Initiatives of Change

The speakers will address the 3 themes of the International Day of Conscience: CONSCIENCE, LOVE, PEACE.


PART 1: CONSCIENCE, A NEW PARADIGM TO TAKE CARE OF ONESELF, OTHERS AND THE PLANET.

Moderator: Celina Rocquet, Molecular biologist, prof. University Paris 1, France

10:30 - 10:40: Nassim Haramein, Physicist, creative leader, USA

10:40 -10:50: Eric Julien, Spokesperson of the Indian Kogi community, anthropologist & business consultant, France

10:50-11:00: Renaud Ruhlmann, Founder of Naturasounds, musician, independant researcher on plants consciousness, author, France

11:00-11:07: Concluding Remarks: Celina Rocquet (France)

11:07-11:10 Music: The Song of the Sequoia, score by Renaud Ruhlmann, performed by Francisco J Fernandez Benitez, First Violin of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra


PART 2: LOVE, A FORCE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, PEACE & HUMAN EVOLUTION.

Moderator: René Longet, Mayor of Onex 1999-2011, expert in Sustainable Development, author

11:10-11:20: Sofia Stril-Rever, Author and spiritual activist, founder of BE THE LOVE, France

11:20-11:30: Naresh Singh, Professor and Executive Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy

11:30-11:40: Hajar Bichri, Creative Leadership Youth Programme of Caux Initiatives of Change, Morocco

11:40-11:50: Jonathan Belolo, CEO Village People Company, founder of THE PEOPLE, France


11:50 - 12:00: WALK THE TALK

11:50-12:00: "Be the Love" medit-action guided by Sofia Stril-Rever

11:57-12:00: Music: The Song of the Blue Pine of the Himalaya, score by Renaud Ruhlmann, performed by Francisco J Fernandez Benitez, First Violin of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra


PART 3: CONSCIENCE & LOVE FOR PEACE

Moderator: Sarah Noble, Peace Activist, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initaitives of Change, Canada/Switzerland

12:00-12:10: TAHA, a poem of Palestinian author Taha Muhammad Ali, interpreted by actor Sylvain Machac (France)

12:10-12:30: In conversation: Sidi Nabil Baraka (Morocco), Sufi spiritual leader & Moses Garelik (Belgium), spiritual conscious leader, UniOne, founder

12:30-12:40: Women Wage Peace (video clip) and The Sarah & Hajar Accords presented by Guila Clara Kessous (France), Ambassador and Artist of Peace for UNESCO, and Yael Deckelbaum, singer and peace activist

12:40-12:50: Lisa Yasko (Ukraine), MP, Parliament of Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Committee

12:50-13:00: The Prayer of the Mothers, World Premiere (lyrics: Guila Clara Kessous, music: Yael Deckelbaum), presented by Yael Deckelbaum and Guila Clara Kessous


13:00-14:00 LUNCH BREAK AT UN CAFETERIA




14:00 – 15:00 WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS
I. The Outer and Inner Meaning: How the IDGs accelerate the SDGs.

Moderator: Louise Le Gat, President of A Purpose-led World
With:

• Ignacio Packer, Executive Director Caux Initiatives of Change
• René Longet, Expert in sustainability
• Pascale Fressoz, President AIODD
• Corentin Biteau, Independent researcher Effective Altruism
• Naresh Singh, Professor and Executive Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy

II. Talking Plants and Trees Workshop

Moderator: Yael Guillon, CEO Imfusio

With:

• Renaud Ruhlmann, Founder of Naturasounds, musician, researcher on plants consciousness, author, France
• Sylvie Rouen, Ph.D. in Microbiology and Aromatology, Agronomist
• Celina Rocquet, Cellular biologist, Prof. University Paris 1, France
• Bert Barten, Founder of Talking Trees, multi-disciplinairy artist, theater director, entrepreneur, The Netherlands
• Aloe Vera, Vegetal speaker
• Jean Fabre, UN Interagency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE)

CONVERSATIONS
I. Conscious Science

Moderator: Thibault Verbiest, International Lawyer
With:

• Nassim Haramein, Physicist
• Eric Julien, Anthropologist

II. Women for Peace: UN Resolution 1325
Moderator: Sarah Noble, Peace Activist, Head of Global Engagement, Caux Initiatives of Change

With:

• Guila Clara Kessous (France), UNESCO Ambassador and Artist for Peace,
• Lisa Yasko (Ukraine), MP, Parliament of Ukraine
• Yael Deckelbaum, Singer & Peace Activist
• Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, Global expert and advocate of people with disabilities

III. We Are One

Moderator: Jean-Michel Amor, Founder of PACI
With:

• Sidi Nabil Baraka, Sufi spiritual leader
• Moses Garelik, Founder of UniOne

15:00 – 17:00 WALK THE TALK

Moderator: Jean Fabre, UN Interagency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE)

15:00-15:10: Keynote Message by Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, award-winning actress and producer, global expert and advocate for people with disabilities

15:10-15:40: Public restitution of the workshops / Presentation of the Manifesto Peace and Sustainability by Pascale Fressoz, Founder of AIODD

15:40-15:50: Q&A with the public

15:50-16:00: Presentation of UniONE by its founder Moshe Garelik

16:00-16:10: Conscious Entrepreneurship: Jörg Schäfer, Founder of TREECYCLE & Fahed Qaswami, Founder of GOLDEFI

16:10­-16:20: Conscious Art by Marc-André de Figueres (MA2F), Visual artist, PhD Art and Sciences of Art, UNESCO Prix Lumière, 2016 & 2023

16:20-16:30: The LoveForce Awards, by Khoa Nguyen, author, founder of BETTER WE BETTER WORLD

16:30-16:40: Humanity at a Crossroads: Concluding Remarks by René Longet, expert in sustainability & Jean Fabre, UNTFSSE

16:40-16:50: Thank You by global covenors, Ignacio Packer, Sarah Noble & Sofia Stril-Rever

16:50-17:00: Gospel "LOVE SHALL OVERCOME", an invitation to sing together in conclusion of the day



AGENDA PROGRAMME: Download the full programme here


MEET THE CONVENORS

SOFIA STRIL-REVER is a public speaker, award-winning author, teacher and spiritual activist. Sofia is the biographer of the Dalai Lama and has co-authored four books with him which have been translated into over twenty languages. She is the founding President of Be the Love, a protocol of heart and mind-awakening for leaders and changemakers, encouraging them to shift from individualism to altruism and accelerate the implementation of the 2023 Agenda and the rise of a civilization of love.


IGNACIO PACKER is Executive Director of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, a Swiss private charitable foundation with the mission to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organizations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security. Ignacio has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian work and development issues. He is an expert on human rights and social issues and has been strongly engaged in global advocacy on protection frameworks for migrants and refugees with a particular focus on children and youth.

SARAH NOBLE is Head of Global Engagement at Caux Initiatives of Change. She has dedicated her career to building a better world and is passionate about showcasing people's stories on how we can build peace with each other and the planet. Sarah has held leadership positions at international organisations focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and independent media. She is also co-founder and Curator of the Peace Talks at Interpeace that have taken place in more than 8 countries with over 8.000 attendees and more than 200 speakers from over 50 countries.

COSTS: Participation in the celebration of the International Day of Conscience at the Palais des Nations on 5 April 2024 is free of charge. If you would like to support the values of this day in the service of the common good, you can visit these websites:
Initiatives of Change - Be the Love - Tchendukua - Naturasounds,

HOST, GLOBAL CONVENORS AND PARTNERS:
the conference is hosted by Initiatives of Change, Global Convenors: Ignacio Packer, Sarah Noble & Sofia Stril-Rever; At the initiative of : Be the Love.

Partners : UNESCO, the City of Geneva, lthe International Space Federation, Tchendukua, Naturasounds, and Jindal Global University. An event supported by the PACI Foundation.

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024; April 4th.

FORUM: ”Protecting Lives. Building Peace.” International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024.

Mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices continue to cause death and injury, especially in situations of armed conflict. On average, one person is killed or injured by such explosive device every hour. Many children are among the victims. The use of improvised explosive devices has expanded, terrorizing civilians and threatening humanitarian actors and United Nations missions and personnel. ”Disabled survivors of explosive hazards, and all people with disabilities living through conflicts”, is the focus of the 2024 commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April). The United Nations has is calling for a greater responsiveness to the needs and rights of all people with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding settings. The 2024 campaign will bring attention to the five-year anniversary of Security Council resolution 2475, which calls upon Member States, and specifically Security Council members, to consider and protect persons with disabilities; to ensure they have access to assistance, and to include them in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on behalf the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024; April 4th.

Landmines and explosive ordnance and remnants of war directly threaten millions of people caught up in armed conflicts around the world — from Afghanistan to Myanmar to Sudan to Ukraine to Colombia to Gaza.

Even after the fighting ends, these deadly devices can contaminate communities for decades to come, posing a daily and deadly danger to women, men and children alike, and blocking vital humanitarian and development assistance.

The brave mine action personnel of the United Nations work with partners to remove these deadly weapons, ensure that people can travel safely in their communities, and provide education and threat assessments to keep people and humanitarian workers safe.

This year’s theme — Protecting Lives, Building Peace — reminds us of the need to safeguard those at particular risk, including people living with disabilities.

I also call on Member States to support the United Nations Mine Action Strategy, and ratify and fully implement the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

Country by country, community by community, let’s rid the world of these weapons, once and for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

EVENTS: To commemorate the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024 on April 4th; The UNMAS is advocating for a greater awareness of the needs and rights of all people with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding settings. Bringing attention to the five-year anniversary of Security Council resolution 2475, which calls upon Member States and Security Council members to protect persons with disabilities by ensuring to victims of exploded ordonances with access to assistance and inclusion in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. In light of the appointment of Mr. Giles Duley as the United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations, the UN mine action community will seek to strengthen the implementation of resolution 2475 and focus attention on ensuring that no one, included persons with disabilities, is left behind.

UNMAS opens a multi-media exhibition themed “Witnessing a Way Forward: Protecting Lives. Building Peace.” The exhibition’s walls will utilise images and interviews of people affected by UXO and conflict-related injury and trauma around the world, and spotlight impactful projects designed by and with these communities. The exhibition will highlight the need for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2475 (2019), which calls on all Member States and Council members to take into account the needs of persons with disabilities in conflict situations. The exhibit is in the Lobby of Visitor’s Centre of the United Nations General Assembly Building in the Visitor’s lobby near the information desk for visitors, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Giles Duley, the United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations, will share stories of the people he has spent time with over the last decade, in his legacy of war documentation, through stories, photos and films. On the 4 April Giles will open the photo/audio exhibition “Witnessing a Way Forward” in a public “fireside chat” with Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming. Over the next week we will bring you more stories from the occupied Palestinian territories, Rwanda, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere.

EXHIBITS

Opening of multimedia exhibition “Witnessing a Way Forward: Protecting Lives. Building Peace.”

Tuesday, 4 April 2024, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. EST, UN Visitors’ Lobby.

Events Around the World

Abyei - On 4 April in Abyei, UNISFA set up an interactive exhibition area about the “Prize Survey” and invited the staff to the “Show and Tell” event. They will be presenting a skit on explosive ordnance risk education to raise awareness about the dangers of explosive ordnance. Additionally, there will be live music and an award ceremony to recognize the most meaningful answers to the “Prize Survey”.

Afghanistan - The IMAD commemorations in Afghanistan will be led by the Directorate for Mine Action Coordination (DMAC) and the mine action implementing partners on 4 April in Kabul. UNMAS Afghanistan and other key stakeholders will participate in the event. On the day around 100 deminers along with their technical equipment including (metal detectors, visors, and armor jackets) will be displayed/ paraded. There will also be an exhibition area for demining equipment, risk education and victim assistance.

Colombia - On 3 April, UNMAS Colombia will host the Forum and exhibition themed “Protecting Lives, Building Peace” at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Jaime Hoyos Auditorium, to discuss “The Contributions of Mine Action to Peacebuilding in Colombia.” This event will be accompanied by a thematic exhibition in which the organizations of Humanitarian Demining, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and VA will present samples of the work they carry out in the communities, and will include an exhibition of the Museum of Improvised Prosthesis of the CIREC Foundation, pieces that have been collected from APM victims who have generated handmade prosthesis after their accidents. Participated in the social media campaign “Protecting Lives, Building Peace” (In Spanish) and was adopted by the 16 humanitarian organizations that make up the The Mine Action Area of Responsibility (MA AoR). Additionally, five UNMAS humanitarian coordinators present in the departments of Cauca, Córdoba, Chocó, Nariño and Valle del Cauca, have arranged with the regional governors to carry out activities aimed at landmine survivors. These local authorities will also disseminate the messages of the campaign agreed in the MA AoR.

Ethiopia -  On 4 April, the United Nations in Ethiopia would like to stress the need for enhancing support to victims affected by Explosive Ordnance with a commemorative event in Addis Ababa, bringing together the United Nations, donors and members of the Mine Action community. Keynote speaker will be the director of the Ethiopian Mine Action Office, with further contributions by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, the UNICEF Ethiopia Head and a representative of a local NGO involved in Mine Action in the country.

Democratic Republic of the Congo -  On 4 April, UNMAS RDC partner with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Congolese Mine Action Coordination Center (CCLAM) to organize an event in Kinshasa, in recognition of mine action day. The event brought together important people and organizations, including donors, embassies, national authorities, and others to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

South Sudan -  On 4 April, from 09:00 to 11:30 CAT, UNMAS South Sudan will lead a commemoration with a focus on youth, featuring a performance by a local musician and engagements with school students showcasing their molded art at Imperial Hotel, Juba. School children will present clay works along with an explosive ordnance risk education song produced by a local musician. Highlights will also include speeches by Honourable Angelina Teny, Minister of Interior Affairs; UNMISS, National Mine Action Authorities (NMMA), and mine action partners; as well as the launch of the National Mine Action Authority Law.

Syria - The ​​UNMAS team in Syria invited heads of agencies in Syria for a field visit to Yarmouk on Thursday 14th March (Yarmouk is a Palestinian refugee camp and was heavily affected by the crisis). The joint visit by UNMAS ,UNRWA and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) survey and clearance teams took place then.The event has been arranged to mark Mine Action Day. In cooperation with agencies including UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNRWA, WHO, OSE, and OCHA, a series of joint media posts will be published to mark the day and raise awareness of affected populations. Furthermore, a joint initiative with UNICEF was organized to promote mine awareness through painting activity in two schools located in Rural Damascus. There was also an SMS awareness campaign to all mobile phone subscribers in the country, and a Facebook campaign to ensure the messages and visual contents reach beneficiaries. Additionally, official ceremony will be held on 16 April, an open-door afternoon at the UNMAS office in Damascus allowing visitors to learn about the organization’s demining operations in the country.

Campaign materials

“Leave no one behind”, the goal of the 2030 Agenda, and as disability rights activists have stated for decades, “Nothing about us, without us”.  Join the 2024 campaign to put the needs and rights of persons with disabilities front and center in our peace & security deliberations, mandates, aspirations, vision and mission.

- Get involved in the celebration!
- Get the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024 communication materials!

CONFERENCES

LIVESTREAM: Twenty-First Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. ---Thematic panel - More effective cooperation between mine-affected and supporting States Parties: The Individualised Approach in context.

The panel discussed the context in which the Individualised Approaches and the National Mine Action Platforms can be used successfully by mine-affected states and donors to build more effective international cooperation. The panel discussion aimed to determine where the main challenges lay, and which areas need to be considered to strengthen cooperation mechanisms.

 The presentations and discussion were articulated around the following questions: 

▪ What are Individualized Approaches and National Mine Action Platforms? And what is their role in building partnerships? 

▪ What challenges do affected-States face, what are the ebbs and flows of partnerships and international support, and how could the Individualised Approach and National Mine Action Platforms help?

 ▪ What are the necessary conditions – on the side of mine-affected State Parties and on the side of donor states – for partnerships to be successful?

 ▪ What challenges do states have in establishing National Mine Action Platforms? Are there any best practices?

 ▪ What should the Convention community do towards the Fifth Review Conference to ensure the strengthening of cooperation mechanisms beyond nice words on paper? 

The panel was moderated by the 21MSP President and featured presentations by Thailand which offered an overview of the need for an Individualised Approach and National Mine Action Platforms as means to respond to the diverse and unique challenges faced by States Parties in their implementation efforts and Norway which offered insights into their funding rationale and reflected on challenges for donor states. 

Watch the webcast

• 1st Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 2nd Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 3rd Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 4th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 5th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 6th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 7th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 8th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 9th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention
• 10th Session, 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention

SUMMARY OF THE MEETING - Explore the 21MSP Summary.

BROCHURE -  View the 21MSP Brochure.

GALLERY PHOTOS - 21MSP Photos / videos.

World Autism Awareness Day 2024; April 2nd.

FORUM: "Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives.“ World Autism Awareness Day 2024. The General Assembly resolution A/RES/62/139 of the year 2007 emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of autism. Today, 17 years later, we have moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society. Join us for a timely discussion on ways to ensure equitable access to essential technologies for individuals on the autism spectrum. Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#EveryoneIncluded, #2April, #worldAutismAwarenessDay, #WAAD, #autismspectrum.

EVENTS: On April 2, 2024, the international community will gather to commemorate the World Autism Awareness Day 2024. To mark this important occasion, the State of Qatar and Autism Speaks will hold an event titled “Leave No One Behind: Autism, Emerging Technologies, and Equity.” This event reflects the commitment to harness the power of technological advancements in the field of autism in an inclusive and equitable manner. The disparity in access to innovative and transformative technologies is becoming more pronounced. The event aims to address these issues, integrating equity and inclusion. It seeks to discuss ways to ensure equitable access to essential technologies for individuals on the autism spectrum. Read the Agenda Programme

On Tuesday, April 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. EDT; The World Autism Awareness Day 2024 observance will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs in this regard from the perspective of autistic people themselves. Like last year, the event will feature an all-autistic lineup of panelists from all walks of life, representing six regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania. The speakers will provide their thoughts on the state of affairs in their respective regions, as well as the importance of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for autistic people to be able to thrive. The event is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, in close collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION). ION is a neurominority-founded and led, volunteer-run inclusive global membership organization headquartered in Switzerland. With a presence currently in 23 countries globally, it is the world’s largest, most globally represented, and diverse neurodiversity initiative. Its purpose is to represent and empower neurominorities, fostering acceptance, appreciation, education, and advocating for equal opportunities and human rights. The event is co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Poland to the United Nations, with support provided by the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN). Read the Event speakers' bios.The event this year is organized by the UNDGC and the UNDESA, with support from civil society partners. Register to participate!

Live streaming on the channel

Tuesday, 2 April at 10:00 a.m. EDT - (Part 1) Autism Awareness Day - Africa & Asia: Moving from Surviving to Thriving.


Tuesday, 2 April at 11:05 a.m. EDT - (Part 2) Autism Awareness Day - Oceania & Europe: Moving from Surviving to Thriving.


Tuesday, 2 April at 11:45 a.m. EDT - (Part 3) Autism Awareness Day - The Americas: Moving from Surviving to Thriving.

WEBINAR: Immersive inclusivity: Enhancing virtual worlds with accessibility - ITU.

Enhancing virtual worlds with accessibility features holds great promise in making immersive digital experiences more inclusive. By incorporating accessibility features into virtual worlds environments, developers can ensure that individuals with diverse abilities can participate fully in virtual activities. For instance, customizable controls, haptic feedback, and voice commands can empower users with motor impairments, while text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities enhance communication for those with hearing or speech challenges. Moreover, platforms in virtual worlds can implement features like adjustable contrast, font sizes, and color schemes to cater to individuals with visual impairments. These innovations not only improve accessibility but also contribute to a more equitable and diverse digital landscape.

On April 2, 2024, the global community will come together to observe World Autism Awareness Day 2024. This occasion, significantly elevated by the commitment of SDG Resources, showcases the powerful intersection of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and autism advocacy. This Webinar will explore the link between accessibility and virtual worlds to pave the way for more inclusive and immersive virtual experiences for users of all abilities. Participation is open to the ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and to any individual from a country that is a member of the ITU and who wishes to contribute to the work. This includes individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations. Participation is free of charge.

LIVESTREAM -Watch the State of Qatar and Autism Speaks event titled "Leaving no one behind: autism, emerging technologies & equity."