Thursday, 29 May 2014

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development - 21 May



The  World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.


On 5 May 2014, the UN General Assembly held a day-long debate on “Culture and sustainable development in the post 2015 development agenda.” Speakers underscored through country level testimonies and global data how culture, in its manifold expressions ranging from cultural heritage to creative industries, from sustainable tourism to cultural infrastructure, drives and enables the social, environmental and economic pillars of sustainable developments.

President of the United Nations General Assembly message  for the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2014.

Statement attributable to the President of the General Assembly
United Nations, New York, 21 May 2014
On this World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, I encourage all of us to recognize the importance of cultural diversity, both as a reflection of the richness of humankind, and as essential to the flourishing of countries and communities across the world.
As we approach 2015, the international community is seeking to identify ways to promote inclusive socio-economic development across the world. Development needs to be truly sustainable and should be adapted to local contexts; it should rely on the cultural resources of countries and peoples, while respecting cultural rights.

As highlighted by the United Nations General Assembly, culture enables and drives development and should be mainstreamed in all development programmes. It ought to be recognized as such in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Culture also drives development within a number of sectors including tourism and heritage. Moreover, a respect for cultural diversity is necessary to address both the economic and human rights dimensions of poverty and to promote quality education, sustainable cities and urbanization, sustainable environmental practices, and inclusive societies.

The Special Thematic Debate on Culture and Sustainable Development, which I convened on May 5, as mandated by the General Assembly in its third resolution on this subject, gathered more than 250 participants, all of whom concurred that there can be no sustainable development without cultural diversity. I encourage ongoing efforts by Member States and other stakeholders in this regard and hope these issues will be underscored in the current and forthcoming process of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Cultural Diversity and Creativity


Cultural Diversity and International Solidarity

Identity, Diversity and Pluralism

Message from Ms.Irina Bokova the Director-General of UNESCO for the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2014. .

Our cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity. It is a source of renewal of ideas and societies, through which we open up to others and craft new ways of thinking. This diversity provides opportunities for peace and sustainable development.
In the final push to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, UNESCO is continuing to strengthen its advocacy and action in favour of the link between culture and sustainable development. The resolution adopted in December 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly, recognizing the role of culture as a driver and enabler of sustainable development, is an invitation to further mobilize the potential of cultural diversity. This diversity is a valuable resource for attaining development goals, including fighting poverty and promoting gender equality, quality education and human rights, and we must fully integrate it into the global strategies for sustainable development.

The United Nations Creative Economy Report 2013, co-published by UNESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), confirms that the creative economy is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the world. Figures show that world trade in creative goods and services totalled a record $624 billion in 2011 and that it more than doubled from 2002 to 2011. From audio-visual design to production, performing arts to new media, publishing to the visual arts, our cultural diversity is a creative diversity. It is a source of employment and income, conveying identities and collective benchmarks, contributing to social cohesion and self-esteem in our globalized world.

The greatest strength of cultural goods and services lies in their dual, economic and cultural nature. This specificity offers a response to the growing demands for more integrated policies, capable of addressing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. Culture is not a commodity like any other, and this principle, which is internationally recognized by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted in 2005, is a guiding principle for forging more innovative and sustainable development strategies.

We have entered a new age of limits – in terms of resources, in terms of the planet – and our response must be to unleash our most powerful renewable resource, human intelligence and creativity. Our cultural diversity is a stimulator of creativity. Investing in this creativity can transform societies. It is our responsibility to develop education and intercultural skills in young people to sustain the diversity of our world and to learn to live together in the diversity of our languages, cultures and religions, to bring about change.
Today, I call on Member States of UNESCO to carry this message to the highest level, to include culture and cultural diversity in the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. We must make culture a priority now.

                                                                                                                                           Irina Bokova



The film illustrates through motion graphics and photographs how the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) invests in creativity to transform societies. Established under the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the IFCD is the international cultural cooperation platform that supports over 60 projects on entrepreneurship and business development, new technologies and innovation, empowering individuals and social groups. The film encourages viewers to make contribution to the IFCD in order to invest in creativity in developing countries and transform societies towards achieving sustainable development.

 

Decision makers, cultural entrepreneurs and practitioners in the global South use IFCD investments to develop policies, markets and training opportunities that strengthen their culturally unique cultural industries. Thanks to our governmental and private donors, we have raised US$ 6.4 million, which has helped support 61 projects across 40 countries so far.

The IFCD is multi-donor Fund established under Article 18 of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

UNESCO - International Fund for the Promotion-of Cutural Diversity (IFCD)




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Africa Day 2014, May 25th.

  The theme for Africa Day 2014  focuses on agriculture and food security.

 


Transformation, growth, dynamism, progress and partnership: these concepts are central to the African Union’s narrative as it embarks on the second half of its first centennial. I am confident that the AU’s vision, “Agenda 2063,” can succeed.

Agriculture and food security – the theme of this year’s Africa Day – will be critical. More countries are investing in agriculture, while donors have pledged to increase funding and technical assistance.  I am especially alarmed by the high risk of famine in South Sudan, where the lack of a genuine cessation of hostilities may cause farmers to miss the planting season.

My Zero Hunger Challenge initiative aims to scale up efforts to eliminate hunger through sustainable agriculture and food systems. The observance of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming aims to mobilize support for smallholder farmers, especially women, who contribute so much to Africa’s food security.
At the same time, we must do more to unleash the full potential of Africa’s agricultural sector, which employs two out of every three Africans. By processing commodities and using other means to add value, we can help develop rural areas, create jobs and empower people while ensuring food security.
I encourage Africa’s leaders and their partners to advance these aims. The United Nations will continue to accelerate our push to reach the Millennium Development Goals and to ensure that Africa’s priorities, as expressed in the Common African Position, are reflected in the post-2015 development agenda.
I also call on Africa’s leaders to participate in the Climate Summit I will convene in September to galvanize action toward a meaningful new climate agreement. Africa is among the regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and I fully support the continent’s leaders as they engage on this critical issue.
Africa Day is also a moment to reaffirm commitment to the continent’s women and young people. I express my solidarity with the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls in Borno State, Nigeria, along with the country’s Government and people, and pledge to work for their safe return.

Africa is achieving admirable growth, but social and economic inequalities are on the increase. Greater equity presents a common challenge to the continent as a whole and can help foster peace and stability. Conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and mediation are critical to realizing the goal to end all wars in Africa by 2020.


The United Nations will maintain a strong partnership with the African Union as we pursue peace, sustainable development, democracy and human rights. On this Africa Day, let us pledge to continue standing with the people and leaders of Africa as they advance on a path to a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

 

On Africa Day, Ban urges leveraging continent's potential for the good of all people

A woman farmer in Ganta, Liberia. Photo: UNMIL/Christophe Herwig


 
25 May 2014 – The world must do more to unleash Africa's full potential in agriculture, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said while also urging the continent's leaders and development partners to combat growing social and economic inequalities.
“Greater equity presents a common challenge to the continent as a whole and can help foster peace and stability,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message to mark Africa Day, which commemorates the founding in 1963 of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union (AU).
“Transformation, growth, dynamism, progress and partnership” are central to the AU's narrative, Mr. Ban said, pledging the UN's continued cooperation on partnerships to pursue peace, sustainable development, democracy and human rights.

Highlighting this year's theme for Africa Day, which focuses on agriculture and food security, Mr. Ban noted that two out of three people on the continent are employed by the agricultural sector even as hunger persists in various countries.

With an average annual GDP increase of 4.8 per cent between 2000 and 2010, up from 2.1 per cent in the previous decade, Africa has seven out of the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world. The agriculture sector, in particular, has progressed considerably, with the intensification of staple food production.
“By processing commodities and using other means to add value, we can help develop rural areas, create jobs and empower people while ensuring food security,” said Mr. Ban, whose 'Zero Hunger Challenge' aims for a future where every individual has adequate nutrition.

First proposed at the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), the Zero Hunger Challenge aims to scale up efforts to eliminate hunger through sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Its five objectives are to make sure that everyone in the world has access to enough nutritious food all year long; to end childhood stunting; to build sustainable food systems; to double the productivity and income of smallholder farmers, especially women; and to prevent food from being lost or wasted.
This year's commemoration of the Day also falls amid observances of the ongoing International Year of Family Farming, which aims to mobilize support for smallholder farmers, particularly women.
In his message, Mr. Ban also urged African leader to participate in his Climate Summit this September noting that the continent is among “the regions most vulnerable” to climate change.

Ending Conflicts ... sustaining Peace


 Celebrating the AU PSC 10th anniversary and reflecting on 10 years of changing the world


 Africa has opted to become a conflict-free continent in line with the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration. The PSC, as the locomotive for the realization of this noble vision, should play a leading role.

The PSC now needs the PSC to graduate from his role of "fire brigade" to one of prevention.

The 10th anniversary is a major occasion for self-introspection of the PSC, to draw lessons from its ten years of operation at the service of Africa.

One key point that we have to master is that, over the next ten years, the prime focus of the Council for achieving peace and security in Africa will be to focus on prevention, prevention.. and yes again.. prevention.

The Peace and Security Department has released its free Hybrid Mobile App for your SmartPhones and Tablets.
Stay up to date with the latest news and events, browse the historical timeline, play the educative quiz and post your results on the leaderboard,learn about the APSA, Participate to the discussion for the 2020 Silencing the guns countdown.
This innovative App is designed to work on a range of mobile devices and screen sizes.


Join the Forum Africa Day - 25 May



News Tracker: past stories on this issue

UN agency calls for concrete measures to end hunger in Africa by 2025
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International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2014 , May 23rd.

On International Day, UN urges end to ‘global social injustice’ of obstetric fistula


23 May 2014 – United Nations officials today called for eradicating the global social injustice of obstetric fistula, a consequence of childbirth that affects an estimated two million women and girls in developing countries but is entirely preventable with access to quality medical care.
“This International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is an opportunity to sound the alarm on this tragedy so that we may galvanize action to end it. Progress is possible,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message to mark the occasion.
Observed annually on 23 May, the Day aims to raise awareness about, generate new support for and speed up efforts to end an injury that harms women physically, socially and economically.
Most women who develop fistula, a hole in the birth canal usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour, remain untreated for their entire lives, and the condition can easily recur in women and girls whose fistula has been surgically treated but who receive little or no medical follow-up and then become pregnant again.
“It is an appalling fact that in our world of modern medical advances, nearly 800 women still die from pregnancy-related complications each day, and for every woman who dies, almost 20 more are injured or disabled with severe or life-shattering, long-term conditions such as obstetric fistula,” said Mr. Ban.
The Secretary-General said that addressing obstetric fistula is more than a matter of health. “It is a human rights imperative,” he stated, adding that, if left untreated, the condition can contribute to social isolation and depression and lead to chronic medical problems.
Over the past dozen years, some 47,000 women and girls have received surgical treatment supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which leads the global Campaign to End Fistula.
“Fistula is fully preventable when all women and girls have access to high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, especially family planning, maternal health care and emergency obstetric care,” said Mr. Ban, who called for joint efforts to eliminate this “global social injustice.”
The theme of this year’s Day is “Tracking Fistula – Transforming Lives” and reflects an important step forward in eradicating this preventable condition.
“To treat fistula and provide women with follow-up medical care, we need to know more about how many women and girls are in need of services and also where they live,” UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin said in a statement.
“In most instances, stigma forces women living with the condition to remain hidden and isolates them from families and communities. By systematically registering and tracking each woman and girl who has or had an obstetric fistula, we can make enormous strides in improving their well-being and increasing the chances of their babies’ survival in subsequent pregnancies.”
Dr. Osotimehin said that eliminating the health crisis of obstetric fistula requires scaling up countries’ capacities to provide access to equitable, high-quality sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning and maternity care, especially comprehensive emergency obstetric care.
“Tracking and treating all fistula cases is crucial, but it is also necessary for countries to take steps to prevent fistulas by addressing underlying medical and socio-economic causes, eliminating gender-based social and economic inequities, preventing child marriage and early childbearing and promoting education, especially for girls,” he added.
Despite the progress made, the Executive Director said that far more support and momentum are needed to enable the Campaign to expand its reach to all corners of the world where women suffering from fistula remain isolated and often unaware that treatment is available or even possible.
“The time has come to put an end to obstetric fistula and address the circumstances that perpetuate it, including poverty, lack of access to health care, child marriage and early childbearing.
“We have the resources and know-how. What we need now is the political will to elevate the status of women and girls, rectify inequalities and protect the human rights of every woman and girl, so that fistula may never again undermine a person’s health, well-being, dignity and ability to participate in and contribute to their communities.”

News Tracker: past stories on this issue
Greater attention needed for safe childbirths, UN urges on inaugural Day to end obstetric fistula
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International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2014.

 The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity.

 Join the Forum on the International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May

 

 Message of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias on the Occasion of the International Day for Biodiversity 22 May 2014. "Island Biodiversity

 

INTERVIEW: ‘Bright spots’ can help islands navigate towards sustainable future, says UN biodiversity chief.

 Tiny though some may be, islands play a huge role in sustaining life on the planet – making up less than 5 per cent of Earth’s landmass, they are home to 20 per cent of all bird, reptile and plant species – and protecting their fragile ecosystems from ill-considered development, polluted waters and invasive species is the main focus of this year’s International Day for Biodiversity.

While islands and their surrounding near-shore marine areas face immense challenges, especially those triggered by a rapidly warming planet, the head of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is convinced there are “bright spots;” that the innovation, experience and knowledge of islands and the communities that thrive among them can contribute significantly to the conservation and sustainable use of Earth’s biodiversity and natural resources.

“That’s the big agenda this year,” said Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, the Convention’s Executive Secretary, in an interview with the UN News Centre. On the International Day and throughout 2014, the CBD Secretariat will aim to boost overall support for islands party to the Convention and States parties that have island territories to make better use of existing solutions, enhance partnerships and mobilize more global attention to the threats islands face.

Along these lines, the UN will be convening the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States from 1 to 4 September in Apia, Samoa, to focus worldwide attention on the sustainable development of this unique group of countries.

Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias (left), Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, speaks at special event on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May), on the theme "Water and Biodiversity". UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz
“We plan to keep up the momentum generated by the [spotlight cast on] islands and oceans at the 2012 Rio+20 conference,” said Mr. Dias, referring to the culmination of a series of landmark UN meetings on sustainable development. Rio+20 was preceded in 2002 by the Johannesburg World Summit, which itself was preceded by the historic 1992 Earth Summit, where nations agreed on what have become known as the “Rio conventions:” the UN Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC); the Convention on Desertification; and the CBD itself.
Sunset in Havana. UN Photo/Milton Grant
Noting the inextricable link between the fate of island biodiversity and islands themselves, under pressure as they are from many of the same threats, he said: “Islands are isolated and they have precious biodiversity that is unique to them; if we lose this biodiversity…it its gone forever,” he said, explaining why it is so vitally important to keep the issue at the top of the development agenda.
“[They] are fragile ecosystems, facing threats from desertification, as well as unsustainable fishing, forestry and agriculture. Increasingly, with the onset of climate change, they are also being threatened by sea-level rise and ocean acidification,” he added.
Major drivers of biodiversity loss are invasive alien species – both animals and plants ¬– that colonize an island, out-compete the native fauna and flora and destroy them. For a species to become invasive it must “arrive, survive and thrive,” according to the CBD.

Mangroves Cut in Hera, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret
And while it may be hard to imagine, surrounded as they are by water, islands are often negatively impacted by desertification. “Some are in regions with less rainfall. Some have poor irrigation [systems] or manage ecosystems unsustainably. But generally, it’s driven by climate change: it’s getting hotter and drier in many island regions,” Mr. Dias said.

This led him to make a passionate plea for stepping up protection for the world’s coral reefs: “[They] are like the ‘rainforests of the oceans.’ Coral reefs are the richest ecosystems in the oceans, and islands are where they are concentrated.”

Fishing off Atauro Island, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret
Unfortunately, coral reefs are under serious threat –“perhaps the most threatened ecosystems on Earth” – from overfishing, pollution and of course, climate change. “As the water gets warmer, sea levels rise, and as we put more CO2 into the atmosphere, the water filters that,” he said, underscoring that reefs can be seriously damaged if their food sources are disrupted or the waters around them become too acidic. “It’s a huge challenge,” he lamented.
Against this backdrop, the CBD will be working with all countries to promote the aims of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including Aichi Biodiversity Targets, adopted in Nagoya, Japan and bolstered by the General Assembly’s decision in 2010 to declare the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity.

Marine Wildlife off Atauro Island, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret
“We will be making a big push for partnerships and capacity-building so that all countries can enhance their implementation of the strategy” said Mr. Dias, explaining that the Strategy’s 20 targets are grouped in five goals: reducing underlying causes of biodiversity loss by tackling socio-economic drivers such as unsustainable production and consumption; addressing “direct drivers” such as deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable fisheries; boosting conservation efforts; enhancing benefits to society; and enhancing instruments to help implement the agenda.
As part of efforts on the International Day, the CBD along with the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) are launching the Island Bright Spots in Conservation and Sustainability report, which affirms that even though islands are more at risk than ever before, leaders of island countries and countries with islands have made visionary commitments at local, national, regional and global levels.

Aerial views of the approach to Dili, Baucau. UN Photo/Martine Perret
“The whole idea is to bring together and disseminate solutions to help islands deal with threats. That’s the ‘bright spot.’ We don’t only want to [highlight] the challenges, we want to show that there are some good solutions,” he said, echoing the report’s focus on inspiring projects to create or expand land and marine protected areas; tackle invasive species; and address the impacts of climate change.

The report highlights, among other examples, the 2005 Micronesia Challenge –¬ calling on the region to conserve 30 per cent of coastal waters and 20 per cent of land by 2020 ¬– which demonstrates how inspired political momentum leads to diverse initiatives on the ground. The similar Caribbean Challenge Initiative, launched 2008, provides a model for leveraging large-scale public and private sector commitment towards common goals.

Egrets gliding over the small body of water in Tasi-tolu, Dili. UN Photo/Martine Perret

Egrets gliding over the small body of water in Tasi-tolu, Dili. UN Photo/Martine Perret
“We need to disseminate these lessons learned and encourage countries and civil society organizations to make better use of them,” said Mr. Dias. “We hope all countries will be able to make good use of this information and develop initiatives to highlight the relevance of biodiversity for their sustainable development.”


 UNESCO and Island Biodiversity,

This year, the International Day for Biological Diversity is dedicated to “island biodiversity,” in line with the designation by the United Nations General Assembly of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States.
In September, Samoa will host the Third International Conference of Small Island Developing States. UNESCO is helping to prepare this major event, which will help to shape a new global sustainable development agenda to follow 2015. This agenda must recognize the importance of Small Island Developing States for global sustainable development.

Island biodiversity is essential here. Many islands and archipelagos have evolved unique biodiversity over time, with a high rate of endemism and particular conservation challenges, with species on small islands being particularly vulnerable to extinction.
The livelihoods and cultural identities of islanders have always been inextricably linked to biodiversity. However, with the presence of people and associated biodiversity —crops, livestock and pests—the risk of extinction to native biodiversity is especially high, and novel communities of species have largely replaced native island biodiversity in many places. Today, climate change, natural disasters, and skewed development are threatening the sustainability of human communities on islands as well as island biodiversity.

UNESCO is acting to address these challenges. The sub Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves (20 members) and the Network for Pacific Biosphere Reserves (10 members) belong to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. The World Heritage Convention
also includes many natural sites on islands.

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission is building the leadership capacity of the directors of marine and coastal sciences institutes, with a focus on Small Island Developing States, where livelihoods depend heavily on marine resources. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s
Ocean Biogeographic Information System is a gateway to the world's ocean biodiversity and biogeographic data and information,
building and maintaining a global alliance of over 500 institutions in 56 countries, including in Small Island Developing States.

UNESCO is also working through such initiatives as
Climate Frontlines and Sandwatch , to build the capacities of islanders and to develop networks that help communities to self-
organise and create their own resources that are culturally sensitive and scientifically sound. This includes initiatives to help conserve island biodiversity.

Throughout all of this, UNESCO is committed to working with all partners for the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, and the Organization is contributing full-steam to preparing a successful Third International Conference of Small Island Developing States. As we shape the post-2015 development agenda, we must recognise the importance of island biodiversity and work together to ensure the conservation of this precious and irreplaceable natural resource, which is the basis of human
well-being.

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity,  22 May 2014.

News Tracker: past stories on this issue
Ban praises small islands’ commitment to address climate change
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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2014, May 17th.



The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.




 
  

Theme 2014: Broadband for Sustainable Development.



  With digital development now well recognized as a transformative tool to fast-track sustainable development, the United Nations is marking World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with calls on the global community to roll-out high-speed broadband networks, making digital communication affordable as well as universally accessible.

“Broadband connectivity is a critical element today in ensuring that information and communication technologies are used as effective delivery vehicles for health, education, governance, trade and commerce in order to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth,” declared Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in his message on the Day.

Noting that the theme of this year's Day is “Broadband for Sustainable Development”, he said that ITU's efforts in line with that agenda focus on the dual goals of supporting the deployment of mobile broadband and the continued rollout of fixed-line technologies along with a thrust on meeting the global challenges of our times, such as combating climate change.

“I call upon our partners – Governments, industry, academia and technical experts – to identify key gaps in broadband research and development, [and ] infrastructure,” Mr. Touré said, also urging stakeholders to define policy priorities for action in the areas of allocating radio frequency spectrum for broadband, and to seek leading edge technological solutions, particularly in the extension of broadband access into rural areas, least developed countries and small island developing States.
In his message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said broadband connectivity is a transformative tool to achieve the three pillars of sustainable development – economic growth, social inclusion and environmental balance.
“It is a key element of the debate on the post-2015 development agenda,” he said, stressing that broadband networks provide smart eco-friendly solutions to manage booming cities and transport systems; conduct long-distance diagnosis and treatment for patients in remote locations; and promote innovative educational applications for students around the world.
Noting that the ITU was approaching its 150th anniversary next year, he urged stakeholders to work together to bridge the digital divide and harness the power of technology to create a better and more sustainable future for all.
Echoing many of those sentiments UN General Assembly President John Ashe said that modern communication tools make it possible to connect the remotest communities and endow people with information and knowledge so they can realize their social, cultural and economic aspirations.

“As we look to advance the post-2015 development agenda through North-South, South-South cooperation, to use ICT to advance our development goals, and to set the stage for a more technologically inclusive world, I encourage us to seek every solution that information and communication technologies offer to create a better future for all,” he said.

The circular letter from ITU Secretary-General - WTISD14
 

Submarine cables and the oceans - Connecting the world





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Wednesday, 14 May 2014

International Day of Families 2014, May 15.

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Families 2014.

As we commemorate this year’s International Day of Families, we recognize the meaningful contributions that families make to advancing the mission of the United Nations.
By providing economic and emotional sustenance to their members, families can raise productive, caring citizens committed to the common good. Strong, well-functioning families, whatever form they may take, can help reduce poverty, improve the wellbeing of mothers, promote gender equality and uphold human rights.
Support for families is crucial to realizing their full potential.  That means factoring their needs into development policies, considering their circumstances in addressing conflicts, and advocating for the equal treatment of all families, regardless of their structure. As we strive to usher in a more sustainable future, achieve the Millennium Development Goals, shape a new development agenda and combat climate change, let us mobilize the world’s families.

On this International Day of Families, let us strive to strengthen these small but critical units found in every society so that we may advance as one human family toward greater progress.
Ban Ki-moon

The theme for the International Day of Families 2014: Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals; International Year of the Family + 20










The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family-related provisions of the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits of the 1990s and their follow-up processes continue to provide policy guidance on ways to strengthen family-centred components of policies and programmes as part of an integrated comprehensive approach to development.
The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The International Day of Families in 2014 marks the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family and offers an opportunity to refocus on the role of families in development; take stock of recent trends in family policy development; share good practices in family policy making; review challenges faced by families worldwide and recommend solutions.


 News and good practices
  Contest in Catalonia and Balearic Islands - 05/02/2014
Within the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, Intress has organized a pictures contest, ‘1000 families, 1000 different ways’.
Foster Care Center - 05/02/2014
Staff at the Foster Care Center ‘Los Pinos’ in Molina de Segura (Spain) have developed an annual program with twenty educational and leisure activities for the children they work with, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
In Raphoe (Ireland) - 05/02/2014
To celebrate International Day of the Family and the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family on Thursday 15th May Raphoe Family Resource Centre (Ireland) is hosting a day long programme of events for families.
Barcelona es familia - 05/02/2014
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the Municipality of Barcelona has organized different activities that can be seen at the website ‘Barcelona es familia’.
Conference in Cordoba (Spain) - 05/02/2014
The Cordoba Diputation (Spain) has organized a Conference on April 26 with the Large Family Association to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Seminar in The Hague - 04/21/2014
The next 15th May, 20th anniversary of the International Year of the family, the Together4Change Alliance hosts a seminar in The Hague to shape thoughts around the role of parenting in the international development agenda.
Declaration of the World Youth Alliance - 04/21/2014
The World Youth Alliance have issued a Declaration on Family and Economic Development on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
New report on Intergenerational Family Connections - 04/21/2014
Generations United and the Alliance for Children & Families will release the new report ‘Intergenerational Family Connections: The Relationships that Support a Strong America’ on May 13 in Washington, D.C. and in honor of the 20th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Year of the Family.
‘Digital Family Meeting’ - 04/11/2014
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the families Hotel Royal Son Bou in Menorca (Spain) has organized on May, 17 the ‘Digital Family Meeting’, an event about the role of the family in the use of technologies.
Year of Family Tourism in Catalonia - 04/11/2014
The Tourism Agency of Catalonia is promoting the Year of Family Tourism in the annual fair, as an initiative to strengthen that region as the best destination for families with children, dring this 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Conference in Madrid - 04/11/2014
The ‘Colegio de Politólogos y Sociólogos de España’, together with the Ministry and other entities, have organized a conference in Madrid on May, 23, about what Families supply to the needs of support and wellbeing, during which the Anniversary of the International Year of the Family will be treated.
Supporting Immigrant Families in Canada - 04/05/2014
On the United Nations International Year of the Family, the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences of the University of Guelph (Canada) holds an event on 15 April about ‘Supporting Muslim Immigrant Families’.
Requesting American Families - 04/05/2014
Generations United (American NGO based in Washington D.C.) is seeking families to profile for a report in partnership with the Alliance for Children and Families which will be presented to mark the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family at an event on May 13.
Conference in Brussels - 03/29/2014
The International Commission on Couple and Family Relations has organized a Conference in Brussels (12-15 May 2014) to address the challenges facing families around the world twenty years after the United Nations’ International Year of the Family celebrations.
Meeting of families with the Pope - 03/29/2014
The Catholic Church has announced the 8th World Meeting for Families, in Philadelphia, September 2015, coinciding with the process undertaken by the United Nations to celebrate the Twentieth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Meeting in the Senate of Argentina - 03/19/2014
The IAE of Universidad Austral in Buenos Aires has organized a meeting to launch the International Year of the Family in Argentina. It takes place the 27 March in the Senate.
Round table in The Cape Town - 03/19/2014
The Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office in South Africa, together with the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders and the Western Cape Department of Social Development, organized on February 28th a round table entitled the ‘The State of the Family in South Africa.’
Hong-Kong stamps - 03/19/2014
As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, Hongkong Post issues a set of special stamps on the International Day of Families to advocate the importance of upholding family values.
Meeting in Sao Paulo - 03/15/2014
The IFFD (International Federation for Family Development) and the Instituto Brasileiro da Família, in coordination with UN DESA, have organized a Meeting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family in Sao Paulo next 24 March.
Conference on Family Values and Human Trafficking - 03/15/2014
The European Christian Political Movement, the Group for Combating Trafficking in Persons of the Parliament of Romania, the Ecumenical Prayer Group of the Romanian Parliament and the Federation of Catholic Family Organizations in Europe have organized a Conference on Family Values and Human Trafficking in in Bucharest, 2 April.
Conference on Positive Parenting - 03/15/2014
During the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, UNAF has organized in Santander (Spain) a Technical Conference on Positive Parenting , 26 March.
Messy Church - 03/14/2014
Messy Church, the Christian-based organization of the British based charity Barnardo’s, has published a document with some ideas to live the Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
More activities in Singapore - 03/14/2014
SAFRA, an organization founded to aid the Singapore Armed Forces enhance camaraderie and boost morale, is organizing different activities to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Symposium of the Pentecostal European Fellowship - 03/11/2014
On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the Pentecostal European Fellowship held for the very first time a Symposium on the Family and Marriage in Hannover (Germany) on March 7.
Photography Competition in Qatar - 03/11/2014
The Doha International Family Institute has opened the ‘Your Family, Your Lens’ photography competition in collaboration with the Qatar Photographic Society as part of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Family, Upbringing and Early Care - 03/08/2014
In spain, the ‘Seminario de Intervención y Políticas Sociales’ has organized on April, 1 a conference about ‘Family, Upbringing and Early Care’, to mark the Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Salesians in South Asia. - 03/08/2014
On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 35 delegates belonging to different Salesian family branches of the South Asian region was held on 7-9 February 2014 in Hyderabad (India).
Bridge of Love - 03/08/2014
Bridge of Love, a Barnardos Australia project initiated in 1994, is having a new edition this year for country music to make a new effort to help kids in crisis.
The Civil Society Declaration in Romania. - 03/08/2014
Pakiv, the romanian organization specialized in activities with the Roma minority, praises de Civil Society Declaration on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family in its website.
Families in Sub-Saharan Africa - 03/08/2014
As part of the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, Family Impact (Zimbabwe) is producing a report about the state of family in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Doha Briefing - 02/28/2014
The Doha International Family Institute in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations organized the Doha Briefing in New York to celebrate the International Year of the Family anniversary.
In the European Parliament - 02/28/2014
The first deaf person to become member of the European Parliament, Ádám Kósa, has published an article on this anniversary, titled ‘EU must “rethink” its family-oriented policies’.
Barcelona is family - 02/28/2014
The second edition of the Barcelona Awards Ceremony for the Innovative Business in Balancing Work with Family Life 2014, held at the City Hall’s Saló de Cent, signalled the official opening of the International Year of the Family, which the city is participating in.
Growing in my family - 02/28/2014
On the occassion of the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, PTA of Álamos School (Querétaro, Mexico) has organized a contest named ‘Growing in my family’ to share the moments that enrich and promote living together and communicating within the family.
School Awards - 02/28/2014
The Spanish Foundation Paz y Cooperación has presented in UN Headquarters the annual edition of their School Awards, around the topic of the family, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
A Tales Contest - 02/24/2014
In the environment of the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the Spanish Federation of Large Familia has convened a National Tales Contest, under the title of ‘Stories of my family’ and for 10-14 yo.
Holistic Development of the Family in Mexico - 02/24/2014
Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (Mexico) has encouraged social, cultural, educational, environmental and sportive institutions to promote policies and programs on intergenerational solidarity during this observance of the 20th Anniversary.
Home Economics in Australia - 02/24/2014
On the occassion of this Anniversary, the Home Economics Institute of Australia will held a conference on ‘Empowering Individuals, Families and Communities through Home Economics’ on 22 March.
Educating children through family - 02/20/2014
The Association for Childhood Education International (Washington D.C., USA) has issued a call to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
In Ontario (Canada) - 02/20/2014
As Family Day 2014 was celebrated across Ontario (Canada)on February 17. At the same time, Our Kids Network launched a call to follow the UN’s global message to celebrate and learn about families during the 20th Anniversary of IYF.
Panel discussion in the Commission for Social Development - 02/20/2014
The critical role of families in meeting sustainable development objectives was the focus of a panel discussion in the Commission for Social Development and in observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
Family in EU - 02/20/2014
At the United Nations 52nd Session of the Commission for Social Development, the European Union has delivered a Statement on family issues, among others.
In United Nations - 02/15/2014
The Doha International Family Institute has organized a Side Event during the UN Commission for Social Development in New York City to conmemorate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, with the participation of the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, the executive director of the Institute; the UN Focal Point on the Family, the Secretary-General Envoy on Youth and the Director General of The Family Watch.
Conference in London - 02/08/2014
Family Links is holding a conference on Friday 11th July 2014 at the Royal Society of Medicine, London. We will be celebrating the United Nations 20th International Year of the Family, which recognises and supports the development of parenting programmes, quality family relationships and the psychological wellbeing of children and youth.
Public funding for 2014 Family Week - 02/08/2014
The City of Melville is offering up to $1,000 to local community groups and associations in support of events and initiatives that celebrate National Families Week, which takes place across Australia from 15 May to 21 May, with the theme for this year, the 20 year anniversary of the International Year of the Family, being ‘Stronger Families Stronger Communities’.
In UN Commision for Social Development - 01/27/2014
On the 13th February, UN Commision for Social Development will celebrate a High-level Panel discussion on the Family in Observance of the Twentieth Anniversary.
In the Senate of the Philippines - 01/27/2014
On January 20, Phillipines’ Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay has proposed a Resolution joining the other Member States in the Celebration of the 20th Anniversary.
The Family Council of Hong Kong - 01/19/2014
The Family Council of Hong Kong, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will organise during 2014 a series of territory-wide publicity programmes to underline the importance of family, Family Symposiums to raise public awareness. They will also produce family education packages to address the needs of young families and New Arrival families.
A week to celebrate - 01/14/2014
Families Australia includes 600 member organisations in that country and has organized a National Families Week (15 - 21 May 2014) as a time to celebrate, make contact with the extended family and friends and share in the enjoyment of family activities within the wider community.
Cornerstone of our society - 01/06/2014
Humberto Belli Pereira, sociologist and former minister of Education of Nicaragua, published an article on the local press about the importance of families for societies, taking the occasion of this year’s anniversary.
Government of Trinidad and Tobago - 01/06/2014
In a special message after the Cabinet’s first meeting of the year, the Minister Clinton De Coteau explains the Government’s initiative to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family and says that “it is time to revisit our family values” and announces the contents of the ‘Strengthening Our Families’ new program.
Singapore’s Government - 01/02/2014
In his New Year Message, Primer Minister of Signapore Lee Hsien Loong has mentioned the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family and the activities that will be organized, such as “Family Days, Children’s Day celebrations and inter-generational events for grandparents and grandchildren,” telling everyone to “join in them, and make a special effort to spend more time together as a family,” and also to “invite friends, colleagues and neighbours who are away from their own families to join you.”
One Family - 01/01/2014
Besides signing the Declaration of the Civil Society and founding a campaigning national coalition called ‘All Families Matter’, One Family (Ireland) also plans to highlight the year with a number of other smaller events which will be kicked off by a radio documentary on the founding of our organisation over 40 years ago..

DPI/NGO Briefing in partnerhip with DESA/DSPD
A special observance of the International Day of Families will be hold next 15 May in UN Headquarters. This event commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family and will feature a panel discussion on ‘Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals.’ A landmark, fully illustrated, commemorative publication by Tudor Rose ‘Family Futures’ will be presented and a copy offered to participants. It is open to the public and will be followed by light lunch (If you need a pass to enter the UN premises, please open the flyer below and click on RSVP link at the bottom). It will also be webcast at UN Web TV.
Secretary-General’s Message...
Flyer...
More information...     
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