Saturday, 14 March 2015

Focus on The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (3rdWCDRR)


Third UN World Conference on Disaster risk reduction ; ‪#‎WCDRR


The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and its preparatory process welcome the participation and contributions of all relevant stakeholders, including parliaments, civil society, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, non-governmental organizations, national platforms for disaster risk reduction, focal points for the Hyogo Framework for Action, local government representatives, scientific institutions and the private sector, as well as organizations of the United Nations system and intergovernmental organizations.
  

UN Secretary-General calls for massive investment in disaster risk reduction


March 14, 2015 : The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, today opened the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, stating that annual economic losses now exceed US$ 300 billion annually.
“We can watch that number grow as more people suffer. Or we can dramatically lower that figure and invest the savings in development. Six billion dollars allocated each year can result in savings of up to US$360 billion by 2030, the Secretary-General said.

He said he had met earlier in the day with Vanuatu President, Baldwin Lonsdale, and extended his condolences to the people of Vanuatu amidst fears that Cyclone Pam may have caused widespread damage and destruction over the weekend.

The Secretary-General told the 4,000 participants – including representatives of 186 governments - attending the opening day of the five day event: “You have made this the highest-level meeting on disaster risk reduction in history. This is the first stop on our journey to a new future. Disaster risk reduction advances progress on sustainable development and climate change.”
He praised the existing global agreement on disaster risk reduction, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), which was adopted ten years ago in Kobe, Japan. He said it “has saved thousands of lives. Now we must respond to the world’s growing needs by empowering individuals, supporting communities and backing promises with resources.”

Work is continuing at the Conference to agree on a new framework for disaster risk reduction which will update the HFA.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said: “Our thoughts are with all disaster victims. Our best possible tribute will be to make this Conference a success.”



Lists of Natural Hazards
  • Avalanche snow avalanche, snow slide
  • Cold Wave extreme weather, extreme temperature, cold temperatures
  • Cyclone hurricane, tropical storm, tropical depression, typhoon
  • Drought deficiency of precipitation, desertification, pronounced absence of rainfall
  • Earthquake seismic, tectonic
  • Epidemic & Pandemic epidemic: bubonic plague, cholera, dengue, non-pandemic diseases, typhoid; pandemic: H1N1, HIV, smallpox, tuberculosis
  • Flood inundation; includes: flash floods
  • Heat Wave extreme weather, extreme temperature, high temperatures
  • Insect Infestation locust, plague, African bees
  • Land Slide debris flow, mud flow, mud slide, rock fall, slide, lahar, rock slide and topple
  • NBC - Nuclear, Biological, Chemical biohazard risk, chemical contamination, nuclear radiation risk
  • Storm Surge coastal flood, wave surge, wind setup
  • Technical Disaster chemical spill/leak, explosions, collapses, gas leaks, urban fire, oil spill, technical failure
  • Tornado waterspout, twister, vortex
  • Tsunami
  • Volcano crater, lava, magma, molten materials, pyroclastic flows, volcanic rock, volcanic ash
  • Wild Fire bush fire, forest fire, uncontrolled fire, wildland fire
Loss Events Worldwide 2014

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution adopted in 2013 (68/211) on International Strategy for Disaster Reduction states that the World Conference will result in a concise, focused, forward-looking, and action-oriented outcome document and will have the following
objectives:

• To complete assessment and review of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action;
• To consider the experience gained through the regional and national strategies/institutions and plans for disaster risk reduction and their recommendations as well as relevant regional agreements within the
implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action;
• To adopt a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction;
• To identify modalities of cooperation based on commitments to implement a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction;
• To determine modalities to periodically review the implementation of a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

 

The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

New plan needed to face next decade of natural hazards

The global community needs a plan on how it will build resilience against natural hazards, according to the director of Kenya's National Disaster Operation Centre.Nathan Kigotho, who is in Sendai, Japan for the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, says Kenya is mostly affected by drought.In 2005, a 10-year plan called the Hyogo Framework for Action was adopted to help protect the world from natural disasters. A new plan is now needed to replace it. Nan Zheng began by asking Mr Kigotho what he hopes the outcome of the conference will be.

The Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) 2015

 The Global Risk Data Platform is a multiple agencies effort to share spatial data information on global risk from natural hazards. Users can visualise, download or extract data on past hazardous events, human & economical hazard exposure and risk from natural hazards. It covers tropical cyclones and related storm surges, drought, earthquakes, biomass fires, floods, landslides, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. The collection of data is made via a wide range of partners (see About for data sources). This was developed as a support to the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) and replace the previous PREVIEW platform already available since 2000. Many improvements were made on the data and on the application.




 
 
Support the Global Risk Data Platform
  

The GAR is a comprehensive review and analysis of disaster risk and risk management. It is published every two years.GAR15 was launched in March 2015, it looks at how to make development sustainable. Visit the GAR15 website


Draft post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (revised on 13 March 2015) ‬
Education for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) takes into account the relationships between society, environment, economy, and culture and their impacts. It also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving as well as social and emotional life skills that are essential to the empowerment of groups threatened or affected by disasters.
Natural Disaster Preparedness and Education for Sustainable Development - UNESCO

Media 

United Nations - Interview of Margareta Wahlström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction ahead of the opening of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (Sendai, Japan, 14-18 March 2015)

UNISDR : Resilient Cities Connect is a platform where cities, development partners and businesses can exchange their knowledge, services and capacities to increase the local resilience of people, public services and businesses





Queries on the preparations 

Ms. Elena Dokhlik
Tel: +41 22 91 78861
Fax: +41 22 73 39531, +41 2 27 339855
Email: wcdrr2015@un.org



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

International Day of Happiness 2015, March 20.

 اليوم الدولي للالسعادة - 20 مارس


 Happiness is a state of generalized well-being associated with feelings of pleasure, joy, and satisfaction.

Philosophers, clergy, mental health professionals, and numerous others have debated the meaning of happiness for generations, and happiness is a highly subjective concept. While happiness is sometimes used interchangeably with joy, pleasure, or glee to denote a fleeting emotion, happiness is more typically used to refer to long-term feelings of well-being and satisfaction. Happiness does not necessarily mean freedom from suffering, stress, or negative emotions. Instead, happiness indicates overall satisfaction and a tendency to view one’s life as good, meaningful, and fulfilled. Some criteria common to many definitions of happiness include:

   ° Feeling satisfied with the direction one’s life is going
   ° Holding oneself in high regard and being forgiving of your mistakes and shortcomings
   ° Finding satisfaction in simple pleasures and in relationships
   ° Having several areas of fulfillment in life
   ° Having an optimistic disposition and tending to see the glass as half full
   ° Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth
   ° Taking responsibility for one’s own satisfaction rather than allowing emotions to be manipulated by outside forces.


The meanings of ‘happiness’

 What is happiness?, This question has no straightforward answer, because the meaning of the question itself is unclear. What exactly is being asked? Perhaps you want to know what the word ‘happiness’ means. In that case your inquiry is linguistic. Chances are you had something more interesting in mind: perhaps you want to know about the thing, happiness, itself. Is it pleasure, a life of ‪prosperity‬, something else? Yet we can't answer that question until we have some notion of what we mean by the word.

Philosophers who write about “ Happiness” typically take their subject matter to be either of two things, each corresponding to a different sense of the term:
° A state of mind
° A life that goes well for the person leading it


The 10 most common positive emotions.

 This list has been the focus of much research and have been found to shape peoples’ lives most often. Hopefully, you’ll be able to stumble upon them more often by noticing when and how they color your experience.

Joy - Think of the most positive and memorable experience you’ve had. A time when you felt safe, happy, and comfortable. This was probably a moment where you experienced joy. Joy comes from delightful and cherished experiences, and raises our well-being  where we feel light and vibrant.

Gratitude - This entails an emotion or attitude of appreciation where we acknowledge some benefit we have received. Gratitude can revolve around anything you feel great appreciation for, and occurs during the times when you feel thankful for someone or something in your life.

Serenity - This emotion comes along when things are going just right. You may experience a state of peacefulness and tranquility. Your mind isn’t flooded with worries, and you’re able to just sit back and relax. Serenity comes from those moments of stillness and calm where you can just “be” in the present moment.


Interest - I’m always wanting to learn more and uncover new fascinating things, so this is an important emotion for me. Interest comes from being curious or engaged in something. It’s a state of intrigue and wonder, where you want to know more and are pulled toward an object of interest. When feeling interested, you are more open to new experiences and have a desire to explore the world around you.

Hope - This is a belief and feeling that things will turn out for the best. It’s knowing our current problems aren’t permanent and that the future is still promising despite tough circumstances. A hopeful person will believe that what they want will be obtained, and no matter how dire the circumstances they have faith that things will turn around and they will be able to do something about their situation.

Pride – This comes from feeling dignified and important in what we do or have accomplished. It’s not about having an overwhelming sense of self-satisfaction, but having accomplished something that is socially valued and feeling proud about this. It may come along from a sense of purpose and meaning in our accomplishments, and offers an increase in confidence to expand the belief in our potential to do greater things.

Amusement - Whenever we experience fun, humorous, and playful situations with others we are being amused. We can get amusement from laughing with others at a funny joke, watching a puppy frolic, or playing a fun game or activity. Amusement helps us build connections with others.

Inspiration - This comes from experiencing a very moving and emotionally uplifting experience, such as those times in life when we see true goodness or where someone goes above and beyond the ordinary. Amazing feats of intellect, strength, and agility can lead to inspiration. A moment of inspiration draws us in and really stands out as an instant of excellence.

Awe - The notion of being awestruck comes from feeling wonder and reverence toward something extremely powerful and admired. Fredrickson points out this may come from experiencing natural phenomenon, such as the grand canyon, a beautiful sunset, or the crashing of ocean waves. It can also come from amazing creations of art or highly impressive developments. These are the moments when we realize how small and ordinary we really are compared to the vastness of the world around us.

Love - Love is the compilation of all of the above emotions. In general, love is related to a feeling of strong affection and personal attachment, where we have a very positive feeling of connection toward another person. This feeling may be enhanced from watching someone achieve an amazing feat, laughing and having fun together, or from kind and selflessness act they commit. Love is an amalgamation of all the emotional states coming together throughout our life.

Hopefully this list helps you consider the wide range of positive emotions you can experience everyday. A large part of experiencing these emotions is choosing to do so. Begin making a choice to be open-minded and letting in moments of inspiration, joy, and interest, while working to cultivate hope for the future and gratitude for the present.




FORUM :  20 March is International Day of Happiness

 NEW REPORT : SUSTAINABLE HAPPINESS

Why sustainable behaviour leads to an increase in quality of life?

The tools of happiness research have the potential to recast the debate between economic growth and environmental protection. This report from the Happiness Research Institute explores the links between happiness and environmental sustainability. Happiness Institute Research


Happiness & Its Causes 2015 - the world's leading happiness forum.

Happiness is important. It's important for your own life satisfaction and enjoyment. And it is equally important for your family, the people in your care and the people you work with.
Over the past 10 years, Happiness & Its Causes has been a forum for exploring the many and varied causes for a happy and fulfilling life. We present the world's brightest minds in psychology, science, education, business, religion and the arts and package it into an unforgettable two days.

Join us in 2015 for an incredible exploration of human potential!
‪
Sustainable Happiness



Resources : 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

International Women’s Day 2015, March 8

Theme 2015: Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!




   




Twenty years ago, when the world convened a landmark conference on women’s human rights, the devastating conflict in the former Yugoslavia prompted deserved attention to rape and other war crimes there against civilians. Two decades later, with girls as young as seven not only targeted but used as weapons by violent extremists, it would be easy to lose heart about the value of international gatherings. But while we have a long way to go to achieve full equality – with ending gender-based violence a central goal – progress over the past two decades has proven the enduring value of the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women.
Since the adoption of its Declaration and Platform for Action, more girls have attained more access to more education than ever before. The number of women dying in childbirth has been almost halved. More women are leading businesses, governments and global organizations.  I welcome these advances. At the same time, on this International Women’s Day, we must acknowledge that the gains have been too slow and uneven, and that we must do far more to accelerate progress everywhere. 
The world must come together in response to the targeting of women and girls by violent extremists.  From Nigeria and Somalia to Syria and Iraq, the bodies of women have been transformed into battlegrounds for warriors carrying out specific and systematic strategies, often on the basis of ethnicity or religion.  Women have been attacked for trying to exercise their right to education and basic services; they have been raped and turned into sex slaves; they have been given as prizes to fighters, or traded among extremist groups in trafficking networks. Doctors, nurses and others have been assassinated for trying to operate in their professional capacity. The women human rights defenders brave enough to challenge such atrocities risk – and sometimes lose – their lives for the cause.
We must take a clear global stance against this total assault on women’s human rights. The international community needs to translate its outrage into meaningful action, including humanitarian aid, psycho-social services, support for livelihoods, and efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.  With women and girls often the first targets of attack, their rights must be at the centre of our strategy to address this staggering and growing challenge.  Empowered women and girls are the best hope for sustainable development following conflict. They are the best drivers of growth, the best hope for reconciliation, and the best buffer against radicalization of youth and the repetition of cycles of violence.
Even in societies at peace, too many girls and women are still targets of domestic abuse, female genital mutilation and other forms of violence that traumatize individuals and damage whole societies.  Discrimination remains a thick barrier that must be shattered. We need to expand opportunities in politics, business and beyond.  We need to change mind-sets, especially among men, and engage men in becoming active change-agents themselves.  And we must back up our resolve with resources based on the sure understanding that investments in gender equality generate economic progress, social and political inclusion and other benefits that, in turn, foster stability and human dignity.
This is a vital year for advancing the cause of women’s human rights.  The international community is hard at work on establishing a new sustainable development agenda that will build on the Millennium Development Goals and shape policies and social investments for the next generation.  To be truly transformative, the post-2015 development agenda must prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.  The world will never realize 100 per cent of its goals if 50 per cent of its people cannot realize their full potential.  When we unleash the power of women, we can secure the future for all.
Ban Ki-moon



In 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, world leaders committed to a future where women are equal.
One hundred and eighty nine countries and 4,000 civil society organizations, attended the conference.
Women left Beijing with high hopes, with a well-defined path towards equality, and firm commitments at the highest level. Their hope was that we would see this by 2005.
Today, not one single country has achieved equality. It is more urgent than ever that we define – and stick to – a time frame.
There has been some progress in the last 20 years – although it has been slow and uneven.
Countries have narrowed the gender gap in education and some have even reached gender parity in school enrolment.
They have reduced the toll of maternal mortality and morbidity. Many more women survive pregnancy and childbirth than in 1995.
Many countries have created institutions that address gender inequality. Many have passed laws against gender-based discrimination. Many have made domestic violence a crime.
This is all good news.
And yet we are still a long way from achieving equality between men and women, boys and girls.
Implementation of good policies has been patchy. Allocation of the resources needed for effective implementation has been insufficient to fund women’s ministries, gender commissions, gender focal points, and gender-responsive budgeting.
For too many women, especially in the least-developed countries, not enough has changed.
In Africa, 70 per cent of crop production depends on women yet women still own only 2 per cent of the land.
Violence against women continues to blight lives in all countries of the world.
And no country has achieved gender equality.
Women need change and humanity needs change. This we can do together; women and girls, men and boys, young and old, rich and poor.
The evidence is overwhelming of the benefits that equality can bring. Economies grow, poverty is alleviated, health status climbs, and communities are more stable and resilient to environmental or humanitarian crises.
Women want their leaders to renew the promises made to them. They want leaders to recommit to the Beijing Declaration, to the Platform for Action, and to accelerated and bolder implementation.
They want more of their leaders to be women. And they want those women, together with men, to dare to change the economic and political paradigms. Gender parity must be reached before 2030, so that we avert the sluggish trajectory of progress that condemns a child born today to wait 80 years before they see an equal world.
Today, on International Women’s Day, we call on our countries to “step it up” for gender equality, with substantive progress by 2020. Our aim is to reach ‘Planet 50:50’ before 2030.
The world needs full equality in order for humanity to prosper.
Empower women, empower humanity. I am sure you can picture an equal world!
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

High-level Conference in the framework of International Women's Day 2015



beijing20logoen.jpg


Beijing 20 Logo
© UNESCO
When, local time: 
Wednesday, 4 March 2015 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: 
France, Paris
Type of Event: 
Special event
Contact: 
mp.blanco@unesco.org - m.elissalt@unesco.org
Against the background of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action adopted twenty years ago in Beijing at the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Education For All (EFA) objectives, both set in 2000 for 2015, and the preparations for the Post-2015 agenda, 2015 is a pivotal year to understand the positive feedback loops that can be found between gender equality, development and peace; to take stock of the challenges ahead; and most importantly, to explore the need for and the parameters of a new vision to accelerate the pace to achieve gender equality.
The theme "Re-thinking Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality in 2015 and beyond”.
By invitation, limited seating available :
m.elissalt@unesco.org
Links: 
Programme
Website - International Womens Day 2015
- See more at: http://en.unesco.org/events/high-level-conference-framework-international-women-s-day-2015#sthash.hUSsN2VN.dpuf

 Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of International Women’s Day “Empower Women, Empower Humanity-Picture it!” 8 March, 2015.


2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women that culminated in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

In 1995, States and civil society representatives signed a commitment for gender equality, guided by the conviction that “ women's empowerment and their full participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society, including participation
in the decision-making process and access to power, are fundamental for theachievement of equality, development and peace."
I was among the 17,000 delegates from across the world, who gathered in Beijing in 1995, and I remember leaving Beijing with hope and a sense of accomplishment.
As we celebrate the anniversary of this historical event,it is clear that,despite significant advances and much hard work,inequalities still exist in countries across the world. 2015 is the year to review achievements and look to the challenges that remain, as well as to untapped potential and opportunities. This is especially important as States shape a new global sustainable development agenda.

In moving forward, we must support women’s empowerment as a transformational force for human rights, for economic growth, for sustainability–and place gender equality at the heart of all development efforts.

These goals guide all of UNESCO’s work to take forward its Global Priority Gender Equality through all of its fields of competence--to ensure girls’ and women's equal access to quality education and skills development, science and technology, information and communication. These objectives underpin UNESCO’s Global Partnership for Girls and Women’s Education, as well as the activities supported by the Malala Fund for Girls' Right to Education.

Our work is one of partnership, across the United Nations system, working ever more closely with UN Women, as well as with the private sector, reflected in the longstanding L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women
in Science programme,to support girls and women into scientific careers. 2015 is a decisive year. Twenty years after Beijing, as the world decides on a new agenda, we must craft a new vision that builds on lessons learned and outlines new actions to tackle new and remaining challenges.

 In this spirit, I call on UNESCO Member States and all partners to join forces to place the transformational power of gender equality at the heart of the post-2015 global sustainable development agenda.

Irina Bokova
Related Link :


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

International Day for Ear and Hearing 2015 - March 3

 International Day for Ear and Hearing, March 3
Theme 2015 : Make Listening Safe.




WHO highlights serious threat posed by exposure to recreational noise


27 FEBRUARY 2015 ¦ GENEVA– Some 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices,including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars and sporting events, according to the World Health Organization. Hearing loss has potentially devastating consequences for physical and mental health, education and employment.

Data from studies in middle-and high-income countries analysed by WHO indicate that among teenagers and young adults aged 12-35 years, nearly 50% are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices and a round 40% are exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues.

Unsafe levels of sounds can be, for example, exposure to in excess of 85 decibels(dB) for eight hours or 100 dB for 15 minutes.“As they go about their daily lives doing what they enjoy, more and more young people are placing themselves at risk of hearing loss,” notes Dr Etienne Krug, WorldHealth Organization (WHO) Director for the Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention. “ They should be aware that once you lose your hearing, it won’t come back.
Taking simple preventive actions will allow people to continue to enjoy themselves without putting their hearing at risk. ”Safe listening depends on the intensity or loudness of sound, and the duration and frequency of listening.

Exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss or tinnitus which is a ringing sensation in the ear. When the exposure is particularly loud, regular or prolonged, it can lead to permanent damage of the ear’s sensory cells,resulting in irreversible hearing loss. WHO recommends that the highest permissible level of noise exposure in the workplace is 85 dB up to a maximum of eight hours per day. Many patrons of nightclubs, bars and sporting events are often exposed to even higher levels of sound, and should therefore considerably reduce the duration of exposure. For example, exposure to noise levels of 100 dB, which is typical in such venues, is safe for no more than 15 minutes. Teenagers and young people can better protect their hearing by keeping the volume down on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy venues, and using carefully fitted, and,if possible, noise-cancelling earphones/headphones. They can also limit the time spent engaged in noisy activities by taking short listening breaks and restricting the daily use of personal audio devices to less than one hour. With the help of smartphone apps, they can monitor safe listening levels. In addition they should heed the warning signs of hearing loss and get regular hearing check-ups.

Governments also have a role to play by developing and enforcing strict legislation on recreational noise, and by raising awareness of the risks of hearing loss through public information campaigns. Parents, teachers and physicians can educate young people about safe listening, while managers of entertainment venues can respect the safe noise levels set by their respective venues, use sound limiters, and offer earplugs and “chill out” rooms to patrons.

Manufacturers can design personal audio devices with safety features and display information about safe listening on products and packaging.

To mark International Ear Care Day,celebrated each year on March 3rd, WHO is launching the “Make Listening Safe” initiative to draw attention to the dangers of unsafe listening and promote safer practices. In collaboration with partners worldwide, WHO will alert young people and their families about the risks of noise-induced hearing loss and advocate towards governments for greater attention to this issue as part of their broader efforts to prevent hearing loss generally. Worldwide, 360 million people today have moderate to profound hearing loss due to various causes, such as noise, genetic conditions,complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs,and ageing. It is estimated that half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable.

To address this issue, WHO collates data and information on hearing loss to demonstrate its prevalence, causes and impact as well as opportunities for prevention and management; assists countries to develop and implement programmes for hearing care that are integrated into the primary healthcare system; and provides technical resources for training health workers.


RELATED LINKS:
Sound advice from WHO as 1.1 billion people face deafness threat - United Nations Radio
“Make Listening Safe” web site, with brochure, flyer, posters, infographic
WHO fact sheet on deafness and hearing loss
 The First World Congress on Ear and Hearing Care, 12-14 February 2015.

FORUM : International Day for Ear and Hearing - March 3





For more information please contact:

World Health Organization
Laura Sminkey
Communications Officer WHO Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention
Telephone: +41 22 791 4547
Mobile: +41 79 249 3520
Email: sminkeyl@who.int
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , , ,

Saturday, 28 February 2015

World Wildlife Day 2015, March 3

Theme 2015 : Wildlife crime : Let's End it Now! 





World Wildlife Day, March 3.





The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 3 March – the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – as World Wildlife Day.  On this second observance of the Day, the UN system, its Member States and a wide range of partners from around the world are highlighting the simple yet firm message that “It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime”.
Illegal trade in wildlife has become a sophisticated transnational form of crime, comparable to other pernicious examples, such as trafficking of drugs, humans, counterfeit items and oil.  It is driven by rising demand, and is often facilitated by corruption and weak governance.  There is strong evidence of the increased involvement of organized crime networks and non-State armed groups.
Illegal wildlife trade undermines the rule of law and threatens national security; it degrades ecosystems and is a major obstacle to the efforts of rural communities and indigenous peoples striving to sustainably manage their natural resources.  Combatting this crime is not only essential for conservation efforts and sustainable development, it will contribute to achieving peace and security in troubled regions where conflicts are fuelled by these illegal activities.
Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories.  Law enforcement efforts must be supported by the wider community.  Businesses and the general public in all countries can play a major role by, for example, refusing to buy or auction illegal ivory and rhinoceros horn, and insisting that products from the world’s oceans and tropical forests have been legally obtained and sustainably sourced. 
On this World Wildlife Day, I urge all consumers, suppliers and governments to treat crimes against wildlife as a threat to our sustainable future.  It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime.

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General.


This World Wildlife Day, let the world know it's time to get #SeriousAboutWildlifecrime


  Secretary-General of CITES , Mr John E. Scanlon Message for the World Wildlife Day 2015


Wildlife is now firmly fixed on the United Nations calendar thanks to its own special day.
On the 3rd of March 2014 the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led the global celebrations of the first World Wildlife Day and called for us to work for a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony.
This year, countries, United Nations and international organizations, as well as citizen’s groups from across the globe, have rallied around the theme ‘It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime’.
Illegal wildlife trade is threatening the survival of some of our most charismatic species, as well as some plants and animals you may have never heard of.  And it threatens people, their livelihoods, their safety and security.
The situation is serious. We must tackle the poaching, transport and consumption of illegally traded wildlife and in so doing use the same sorts of enforcement tools, techniques and penalties used to combat other serious crimes, such as trafficking in drugs or persons.
As we celebrate the beauty and variety of our wildlife let’s do whatever we can – as citizens and as consumers – to bring this illegal trade to an end and secure a sustainable future for wild animals and plants, as well as for ourselves.
We know what needs to be done – and by working together we will succeed.
Let’s all mark this special World Wildlife Day by getting serious about wildlife crime!

John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES



 UNEP Executive Secretary Mr  Achim Steiner message for the World Wildlife Day 2015



 Forum :  World Wildlife Day, March 3
 join the social media campaign!


 Google+ Hanghout "World WildLife Day 2015 " Scheduled for 3 Mar 2015 by the  U.S. Department Of State

Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that poses a serious and urgent threat to conservation and national security. The increasing involvement of organized crime in poaching and wildlife trafficking promotes corruption, threatens the peace and security of fragile regions, strengthens illicit trade routes, and destabilizes economies and communities that depend on wildlife for their livelihoods.

To celebrate World Wildlife Day, Under Secretary Catherine Novelli will host a Google+ Hangout - moderated by Peter Knights, Executive Director at WildAid - on wildlife trafficking around the world.

Hangout Participants:
•Catherine A. Novelli, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State
•Mr. Peter Knights, Executive Director at WildAid
•Ms. Paula Kahumbu, Executive Director of Wildlife Direct
•Ms. Hong Hoang, Executive Director for CHANGE
•Ms. Grace Ge Gabriel, Asia Regional Director for International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Do you have questions for the participants? Ask now and tune in on Tuesday, March 3 at 9:00AM ET.

For more information on wildlife trafficking, please visit http://goo.gl/PMAfba and follow the conversation online by using #WorldWildlifeDay.

World Wildlife Day Tweets

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Zero Discrimination Day 2015, March 1

Zero discrimination day, March 1st
Theme 2015 : "Open Up, Reach up "

Día para la Cero Discriminación, 1 de Marzo.

Journée Zéro Discrimination, 1er Mars.
Them 2015 : "Ouvrez-vous, tendez la main "

1 марта 2015 года - День «Ноль дискриминации»








 Zero Discrimination Day is a chance to celebrate diversity and to reject discrimination. By joining our voices together, we can be part of a resounding call for compassion, tolerance and peace.

 Press release : Zero Discrimination Day to be celebrated around the world

GENEVA, 26 February 2015—Discrimination continues to affect the lives of millions of people around the world. On 1 March, Zero Discrimination Day, people from all corners of the world will unite under the theme of Open Up, Reach Out in order to celebrate diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms.
The support garnered for Zero Discrimination Day has created a global movement of solidarity to end discrimination, which remains widespread. Millions of women and girls in every region of the world experience violence and abuse and are unable to exercise their rights or gain access to health-care services, education or employment. Discrimination at work, school and health-care and other settings reduces people’s ability to participate fully and meaningfully in societies and provide and care for themselves and their families. Globally, there are almost 80 countries that still have laws criminalizing same-sex sexual relations. Some 38 countries, territories and areas impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV. Furthermore, legal and social environments are still failing to address stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and those most vulnerable to HIV infection.   
“Discrimination is a violation of human rights and must not go unchallenged,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “Everyone has the right to live with respect and dignity.”
For this year’s Zero Discrimination Day people have been invited to Open Up, Reach Out, using social media channels to tell the world what zero discrimination means to them. People have shared songs, poems, thoughts and activities inspired by the butterfly, the transformative symbol of the campaign. People are also calling on their governments to make greater efforts to realize and protect human rights and eliminate discrimination.
“Some of the world’s most challenging problems can be solved simply by eliminating stigma and discrimination,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “As we collectively strive for a fairer world we can be encouraged by the enthusiasm for achieving zero discrimination.”
Among celebrities supporting the campaign are UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador David Luiz, who posted a special message on standing up to racism, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Toumani Diabaté and his son, Sidiki Diabaté, as well as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Ambassador and Sri Lankan cricketing star, Kumar Sangakkara, whose message is being played on screens at venues hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. Governments, lawmakers and business leaders have also pledged their support to the campaign.
Events to mark Zero Discrimination Day include photo exhibitions in China, dancing in Gabon, concerts in Madagascar, a storytelling event for children in Mongolia and special film screenings in Nepal. Seminars and workshops to discuss issues relating to stigma and discrimination will take place in more than 20 countries worldwide, from Colombia to Uzbekistan.
Zero Discrimination Day was first celebrated on 1 March 2014.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2015, February 6









United Nations Secretary-General Message on the International Day of Tolerance Zero for Female Genital Mutilation 2015. 


On this International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation, I join my United Nations colleagues in calling upon health workers around the world to eliminate this deeply harmful practice.
The medical community’s active support for the rights of girls and women to be protected from FGM has been critical in achieving the renewed commitments of Member States as reflected in the recent United Nations General Assembly Resolution on this issue.

Health systems and health professionals are essential to the wellbeing of societies. They provide credible, scientific and unbiased information that can help people protect themselves from violations of their rights.
I am truly inspired by actions already being taken by health professionals, such as the Mauritanian Association of Midwives, which refuses to practice female genital mutilation and actively promotes the abandonment of the practice as the result of support from the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme on female genital mutilation/cutting.

We must also ensure that parents do not seek to bypass health workers in finding alternative methods of subjecting their daughters to FGM.

If everyone is mobilized, women, men and young people, it is possible, in this generation, to end a practice that currently affects some 130 million girls and women in the 29 countries where we have data.
Change is coming from within the communities. Breaking the silence and disproving the myths around FGM are the first steps along the way to eliminating it altogether.

On this International Day, I call for all people and partners to end FGM and create the future we want where every girl can grow up free of violence and discrimination, with full dignity, human rights and equality.

Ban Ki-moon

 
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - Where does it happen?





Resources

 
 
A recent review article states that “key knowledge gaps remain for both the prevention of FGM and evidence-based care to optimise health outcomes for girls and women with genital mutilation”. - See more at: http://www.physiospot.com/2015/02/06/international-day-of-zero-tolerance-to-female-genital-mutilation/#sthash.beXd5kN1.dpuf
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)