International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024; November 29th.

FORUM:"Let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and to building a future of peace." International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024.The International Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 to highlight the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination and independence. Observed annually on November 29th, this date was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the UN's adoption of Resolution 181 in 1947, which proposed the partition of Palestine into two states—one Arab and one Jewish. While this resolution led to the creation of the State of Israel, the establishment of a Palestinian state has yet to be realized, highlighting the continued challenges faced by Palestinians. By dedicating this day to solidarity, the United Nations aims to draw international attention to the rights of the Palestinian people and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The day serves as a reminder to the global community of its responsibility to support efforts towards achieving a just and lasting peace. 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024; November 29th.

Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people. This year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been.

Nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. This is appalling and inexcusable.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, settler violence and threats of annexation are inflicting further pain and injustice.

It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

As a matter of urgency, I appeal for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people – in particular through the work of UNRWA, which represents an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.

The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.

United Nations Secretary-General.

EVENTS: Various events are organized worldwide, including meetings, cultural performances, and educational forums, to promote dialogue and understanding, fostering international support for the Palestinian cause.

Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024.

On Friday; November 29th, the UN Geneva will host an event to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the Palais des Nations, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 32/40B of 2 December 1977.


Order of Speakers:

1. Introduction by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

2. Statement for the Day by Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

read out by the Secretary-General's representative, Director-General Ms. Tatiana Valovaya

3. Representative of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People

H.E. Ms. Julia Imene-Chanduru, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

4. Representative of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories H.E. Ms. Himalee Subhashini Arunatilaka, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

5. Representative of the League of Arab States H.E. Mr. Hichem Bayoudh, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

6. Representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Mr. Bader Al-Mutairi, Deputy Permanent Observer, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

7. Representative of the Non-Aligned Movement H.E. Mr. Marcel Robert Tibaleka, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

8. Representative of the African Union H.E. Mr. Amr Abdellatif Aboualatta, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

9. Representative of the Non-Governmental Organizations accredited to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People – Ms. Yvonne Schupbach, World YWCA Board Member

10. Representative of the State of Palestine H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Khraishi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

11. Messages: Announcement of messages or statements for the Day received from Heads of State or Government

Watch the Livestream!

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024; November 25th.

FORUM: "Towards Beijing+30: UNiTE to end violence against women and girls." International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024. This year’s theme calls on all duty bearers, especially Member States and the private sector, to act upon the priorities of the review of the thirty years of implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and Political Declaration—recommitting to preventing and ending VAWG, demonstrating accountability, and providing resourcing. This action includes implementing comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of society strategies, in partnership with women’s rights organizations. It involves allocating adequate budgets, implementing laws and policies to prevent VAWG, including eliminating discriminatory legislation, and urgently addressing femicide and ending impunity. It focuses on prioritizing survivor-centred holistic support for survivors, including developing gender-responsive legal and institutional frameworks, strengthening the health sector, and providing psycho-social support for survivors’ recovery. It also comprises strengthening law enforcement and justice sector responses, including increasing women’s access to justice and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. The good news is that we have more knowledge than ever before about what works to prevent VAWG. We need to focus on evidence-based interventions, including those that promote positive gender norms, attitudes, and beliefs that are captured in the RESPECT Framework on preventing VAWG. The presence of a strong and autonomous feminist movement is a critical factor in driving policy change to end VAWG. We must adequately resource women’s organizations, especially at the local level, through flexible funding, including for survivor-led organizations and for those in decision-making spaces, so they can demand accountability for ending VAWG. The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 is a unique opportunity for the international community to reflect upon its promise that every woman and girl should enjoy a life free from discrimination, exclusion, and violence. The clock is ticking towards 2030 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including eliminating VAWG. We urgently need action at all levels to prevent VAWG, hold perpetrators accountable, and invest in solutions to protect women and girls everywhere. UN Women will be calling to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers. This year we mark the 25th anniversary of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will highlight best practices of investment to prevent violence against women, gaps and challenges, and the way forward. This year’s campaign theme is also aligned to the 2024 priority theme of the Commission on the Status of Women, focused on Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. The campaign and the Commemoration event will also be an activation moment for the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the Action Coalition on Economic Justice and Rights (EJR) to build on the momentum of the Generation Equality midpoint moment, and the SDG midpoint summit, held in September 2023 to amplify commitments and investments to prevent gender based violence against women and girls. Please refer to the UNITE Campaign Concept Note which provides further information. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Noexcuse, #25November, #orangetheworld, #16daysofactivism, #DomesticViolence and #GenerationEquality.

EVENTS: On Monday, November 25th from 10:00 - 18:30 pm at General Assembly Hall UNHQ a High-level meeting to mark the 25th edition of the Day and the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024 was held. The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action in 2025, coupled with the fast-approaching five-year deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, presents a critical opportunity to rally all stakeholders to take decisive and urgent action for women’s rights and gender equality. This includes ending impunity and preventing all forms of violence against women and girls.

 

10:00 to 10:45: Opening segment:Keynote statements.
10:45 to 13:00: Plenary segment.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024; November 25th.

The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity.

Every day, on average, 140 women and girls are killed by someone in their own family. . Around one in three women still experience physical or sexual violence. No country or community is unaffected. And the situation is getting worse.

Crises of conflict, climate, and hunger have inflamed inequalities. Horrendous sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war. And women and girls face a torrent of online misogyny. The situation is compounded by a growing backlash against women and girls’ rights. Too often, legal protections are being rolled back, human rights are being trampled, and women’s human rights defenders are being threatened, harassed and killed for speaking out.

The United Nations Spotlight Initiative and the UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative call on all of us to join forces to end the scourge of violence against women and girls everywhere. The world must heed this call. We need urgent action for justice and accountability, and support for advocacy.

Almost thirty years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action promised to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls – it’s beyond time to deliver.




United Nations Secretary-General.

Other Statements:

Joint statement and call to action on the occasion of the official commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024 at UN headquarters.

Speech delivered by the UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the high-level meeting to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024 at UN Headquarters on November 25th.

Today, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this high-level meeting and I also thank the Dominican Republic for its organization.

Twenty-five years ago, in this very hall, Member States adopted a landmark resolution designating November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women [A/RES/54/134]. The date was chosen to honour the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa—whose bravery in resisting oppression stands as a symbol of the fight for women’s rights and justice.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivers remarks at the high-level meeting to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UN Headquarters, 25 November 2024. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown.


Next year, we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. The basic concept of a life lived in safety, free from violence, and for every woman and girl, is the foundation upon which that Declaration stands.

Today, let me sound an alarm, one you will have heard before, but which we must sound ever louder.

Based on new data released today by UN Women and UNODC, we know that one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by an intimate partner or a family member. Six will be killed as we are meeting here today.

Precisely where they should be most safe, they are least safe, with some 60 per cent of intentional killings of women and girls taking place in the home.

Across their lifetime, 1 in 3 women, around three-quarters of a billion, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or by a non-partner during their lives. It is unacceptable that this figure is largely unchanged over the past decade.

Globally, child, early, and forced marriage has decreased from 25 per cent in 1997 to 19 per cent in 2022, but still, at current trajectory, will continue to exist almost until the end of this century.

Violence is often most unrestrained where conflict rages. In 2023, as the number of civilians killed in conflict rose by 72 per cent in just one year, the proportion of women killed doubled.

I recently met with women in the Asia-Pacific region who spoke of the silencing of women in Afghanistan, of violence exacerbated by crisis and climate disasters, and of the violence faced by women human rights defenders in Myanmar.

This reality is not unique to Asia and the Pacific. It is the reality for women and girls caught in conflicts and violence across the world. In Haiti, where women face gang violence, including pervasive sexual violence. In Sudan, where reports of mass rape have become the norm. In Ukraine, where women are increasingly first responders, yet receive minimal funding. And the list continues.

It is also the reality for women and girls in the Middle East, in Lebanon, in the occupied Palestinian territories—in Gaza where women and girls are being bombarded, killed, and living on the brink of famine, where women are still being held hostage in Gaza. For them, the war and the killing must end, the hostages must be released, and aid must reach those who need it. Peace must prevail now.

And for all of those caught in conflict, there is no alternative but the end of war, the end of violence. And for peace, for justice, and for hope to prevail.

We see new pervasive forms of violence emerging though technology and new media. Our data points to the scale of the problem, with studies showing that the prevalence of violence against women in digital contexts ranges from 16 to 58 per cent, with younger women especially affected—most report their first such experience between 14 and 16 years of age. Women in politics also experience disproportionately high levels of online violence and abuse, particularly around election cycles.

Violence is the essential thread running through the pushback against gender equality that we increasingly see from the international to the community levels. It is the great enabler of the growing, organized, financed, and virulent efforts against women’s rights. The consequences of which are exacted on women’s safety and on their bodies.

While I am here to sound an alarm today, I do not intend only to bemoan our collective circumstances. Much has been done, and, most importantly, much more can be done.

Based on initial reporting under the Beijing+30 process, we know that in the last five years, 79 per cent of reporting Member States have introduced, updated, or expanded national action plans on ending violence against women and girls. Ninety percent have introduced or strengthened legislation. Eighty-eight per cent have introduced or strengthened services for survivors of violence.

I appreciate and applaud every action this represents. This is making a difference.

It tells us that violence against women and girls is preventable. Yet, the reality is that it still remains pervasive and devastating. No country has yet eliminated the scourge of violence against women and girls. Ending it requires bold and transformative action.

We need greater investment, greater innovation, and greater political will to close the very real gaps that remain in women’s empowerment and leadership, in legislation, in services, and in systems that ensure justice, and accountability, and an end to impunity.

We need to include men and boys in all our efforts.

As the UN we relentlessly seek to do our part.

The Spotlight Initiative is on course to prevent violence for more than 21 million women and girls by 2025, to save the lives of at least 1,800 women across 26 countries every year. That is saving two women a day.

The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women currently supports the work of civil society organizations in 74 countries and territories across five regions, with grants totalling USD 87.5 million.

These are just part of what the United Nations does across its entities, to eliminate violence against women and to build their agency and resilience. While we seek to do ever more, we take pride in what we have done and do together with you, our partners.

Despite the efforts of all of us here, we still fail to live up to the ambitions of Beijing, of CEDAW, and of the human rights standards that should guarantee safety for every woman and girl.

We must in no way denigrate very real progress, but we must also be honest with ourselves that it is too slow, and it is threatened by emerging challenges from the political to the technological. Today is when we again make this case, as we must do tirelessly.

Change is coming. Because our will for change is strong. Because we are united. Because we are determined. And because solutions are there to be taken. And because women are determined and resilient.

The reality of violence against women and girls diminishes us all. But the movement to end it inspires us all. We should not doubt for a moment that we will see a world free of violence for women and girls, for our children and theirs. And we will not stop until we have delivered the change women and girls demand, expect, and deserve.

I thank you.

UN Women executive Director.

STATEMENTS: Read the  Letter from PGA (23rd October) and the  Letter from PGA (15th November).

LIVESTREAM: High-level meeting to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - General Assembly, 79th session.

⁃ 15:00 to 18:00: Plenary segment (continuation)

TAKE ACTION: Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women; Join the 16 Days of Activism to demand accountability, invest in prevention, and build a future free from violence against women and girls.Take action!

World Television Day 2024; November 21st.

FORUM: “TV supports Democracy.” World Television Day 2024. In the 21st century, what is the purpose of a TV? It's not just a one-way channel for broadcast and cable content anymore. Modern televisions offer a wide range of multimedia and interactive content, such as streaming videos, music, and internet browsing. The interaction between emerging and traditional forms of broadcast creates a great opportunity to raise awareness about the important issues facing our communities and our planet. This year’s edition of the TV clip showcases how TV is an essential element supporting democracy. Television delivers a unique combination of 4 elements:

1. TV plays an important civic role in informing citizens about the world around them. It provides the population with vital sources of information, essential for democratic participation in society. TV reinforces media plurality representing a wide range of views and perspectives.
2. TV is a trusted and reliable source of information and is held to high editorial standards (a particularly important element in the current context of increasing misinformation, fake news and lack of transparency).
3. TV is a mass-reach medium offering an easy and democratic access to content and information to the wide population – across all platforms and devices, whoever and wherever audiences
4. The above-mentioned elements are enhanced by TV’s unique nature as an audio-visual medium, i.e. it’s power to create collective viewing experiences, key cultural moments and cross-societal conversations (across all social groups and generations) through compelling storytelling that resonates with wide audiences.

TV’s role as an essential element supporting democracy is largely made possible by advertising as a source of funding. Advertising allows media to remain independent and free of political influence. The egta, ACT and The Global TV Group release a special TV spot to illustrate the strengths of TV - the medium that is watched and loved by billions of people around the world. Watch the TV spot and follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Television, #Tvbroadcasting, #WorldTVDay, #21November, #qualityContent, #PayTV , #OTT, #IPTV, #broadband, #androidtv.

EVENTS: On November 21st, from UNHQ in New York will be held a virtual event will be held to mark the World Television Day 2024. The celebration will highlight TV’s essential role in supporting democracy. This year, our 30-second video clip is a powerful reminder of how multiplatform TV delivers verified information, shapes public opinion, and drives social change. Participants will discover the many ways how TV supports Democracy. The ACT (Association of Commercial Television), the egta (Association of TV and radio sales houses), the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) and the Global TV Group join forces to promote the power of TV widely across the globe. Celebrate the World Television Day with us, Join the celebration!

Get the latest online event and discover interviews with CEOs of TV companies from around the world in which they highlight the many strengths of this ever-evolving medium!

AWARDS: The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) presented the inaugural “Excellence in Production Technology” Emmy® Award to The Santa Clauses Season Two film. The award was presented as part of the 75th Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards at the Prince George Ballroom in New York, hosted by David Pogue, Emmy award-winning correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning. William Wang, VIZIO Founder & CEO, received Life,me Achievement Honors for his contributions to the television manufacturing industry by bringing premium-quality, innova,ve TVs, and soundbars into millions of American homes at affordable prices. Watch The 75th Tech & Engineering Emmy Awards>> DOWNLOAD THE DIGITAL PROGRAM!

2024 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award Honorees

• Pioneering Development of Inexpensive Video Technology for Animation: Lyon Lamb (Bruce Lyon and John Lamb).
• Large Scale Deployment of Smart TV Operating Systems: Samsung - LG - Sony - Vizio - Panasonic.
• Creation and Implementation of HDR Static LUT, Single-Stream Live Production: BBC and NBC.
• Pioneering Technologies Enabling High Performance Communications Over Cable TV Systems: Broadcom - General Instrument (CommScope) - LANcity (CommScope) - 3COM (HP).
• Pioneering Development of Manifest-based Playout for FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television): Amagi - Pluto TV - Turner.
• Targeted Ad Messages Delivered Across Paused Media: DirecTV.
• Pioneering Development of IP Address Geolocation Technologies to Protect Content Rights: MLB - Quova.
• Development of Stream Switching Technology between Satellite Broadcast and Internet to Improve Signal Reliability: DirecTV.
• Design and Deployment of Efficient Hardware Video Accelerators for Cloud: Netint - AMD - Google - Meta -
• Spectrum Auction Design: FCC -Auctionomics.
• TV Pioneers – Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT): Karl Ferdinand Braun - Boris Lvovich Rosing - Alan Archibald Campbell Swinton.
• TV Pioneers – Development of lighting, ventilation, and lens-coating technologies: Hertha Ayrton - Katharine Burr Blodgett.

STATEMENTS: Read the TV leaders on how TV drives Brands.


AV LIBRARY: The United Nations Audio-Visual Library has a treasure trove of archival video and audio, marking iconic and historic moments from the last 76 years.

World Philosophy Day 2024; November 21st.

FORUM: “Philosophy: bridging social gaps.” World Philosophy Day 2024. Philosophy brings us together, offering essential tools to address some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. In the context of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST)programme, UNESCO’s work on philosophy aims to promote humanist thinking as a response to social transformations and to encourage its use for impact on political dialogue. Philosophy allows to think collectively about the future of humanity - and to design a better world. Thursday’s World Philosophy Day is an opportunity to focus on the importance of reflection and critical thinking in building fairer, more equal, and inclusive societies—especially in times of crisis. On this Day of collective exercise in free, reasoned and informed thinking on the major challenges of our time, all of UNESCO’s partners are encouraged to organize various types of activities - philosophical dialogues, debates, conferences, workshops, cultural events and presentations around the general theme of the Day, with the participation of philosophers and scientists from all branches of natural and social sciences, educators, teachers, students, press journalists and other mass media representatives, and the general public. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldPhilosophyDay, #philosophy, #21November, #Philosophicaldebates, #PhilosophyDay.

EVENTS: On November 20th, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm GMT at UNESCO Paris Conference Room I. The UNESCO will organize a panel discussion entitled " Philosophy: bridging social gaps" to mark the World Philosophy Day 2024 with the French National Commission for UNESCO. The round-tables will highlight philosophy's vital role in mending the social fabric and fostering a more cohesive society. The Opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, followed by the Opening Speech by Mrs. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO will open the session. A Keynote lecture entitled "Why we need a concept of social energy?" will be made by Mrs. Hartmut Rosa. A High-level plenary session entitled " Philosophy supporting Youth inclusion" with Mrs. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, Mrs. Charlotte Casiraghi, Founder of Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, Mrs. Hartmut Rosa, philosopher and sociologist, Edwige Chirouter, philosopher and Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair Philosophy with children will be organized. A Youth introduction by the secondary students of the Maison de la Philosophie (Romainville) and the high schoolers from Quebec's Philo-Jeunes network; A Video message from Mrs Daniel Innerarity, titled " Philosophy helping to navigate the social divides created by AI" will be presented. Panel discussion entitled " Philosophy and Poverty: repairing social cohesion" with: Mr. Mario Pezzini, Senior consultant and special advisor for the MOST Programme (moderator), Mr. François Jomini from ATD Fourth World, Mrs. Amina Zakhnouf, co-founder of “Je m'engage pour l'Afrique” and investment Officer at the Fonds d'innovation pour le développement (Esther Duflo's fund) and Mrs. Júlia Casamasso Mattoso, brazilian philosopher, collaborator of ATD Quart Monde, councillor for the city of Petrópolis, Brazil. The panel is organized in partnership with the ATD Fourth World Association and will show how philosophy can contribute to the fight against poverty. The entire event will be interpreted in both French and English. Register to participate!

Africa Industrialization Day 2024; November 20th.

FORUM: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa's Structural Transformation”. Africa Industrialization Day 2024. The theme focuses on harnessing emerging technologies like AI and innovations in green manufacturing to accelerate Africa's industrialization in a sustainable manner. The event aims to build stronger policy advocacy; harness the power of AI in reviving Africa's industrial sectors; improve efficiency; boost productivity; and foster innovation in Africa's industrialization agenda. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #ArtificialIntelligence, #AccelerateafricasIndustrialization, #AIW2024, #integratedmarket, #AfricaIndustrializationDay, #Industrialization, #20november, #AfricaIndustrialization, #AfricaIndustrializationWeek, #IndustrializingAfrica.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General for Africa Industrialization Day 2024; November 20th.

On Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.

From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the Continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.

This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.

Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration.

I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth. The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.

António Guterres’ United Nations Secretary-General.

PUBLICATION: The crucial challenge facing policy makers in government and the multilateral agencies is that of framing a new industrial strategy for sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century. Whatever its limited success in other fields, structural adjustment has failed signally not just in reversing the recent trend towards de-industrialization but also in creating an appropriate policy environment for sustained industrial growth. … A fresh start—a new approach—is needed. Read the IMF report entitled ''10 Africa: Industrialization Strategy In the Context of Globalization''!

EVENTS: On November 20th; The observance of the Africa Industrialization Day 2024 is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.

 

This year, Africa Industrialization Week is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from the 25th to the 29th of November 2024, under the theme “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa's Structural Transformation”.

Consequently, the 3rd Edition of the African Women in Processing Summit (3rd AWIP) will be held on the margins of the Africa Industrialization Week. This summit will focus on empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa's processing industries.

Overall objectives

The overall objective emphasizes building synergies between policy, investments, innovation, and capacity building across sectors to effectively leverage AI and green solutions for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Africa, as underlined below. Specifically;

• To build stronger policy advocacy around leveraging AI and green industrialization for Africa's sustainable development.
• To highlight strategies and best practices for harnessing the power of AI to boost productivity and efficiency across industrial sectors in Africa.
• To promote investments in AI solutions that can help revive and transform key industries in Africa.
• To facilitate experience and knowledge sharing between policymakers, industries, academia, civil society and development partners on integrating AI in production systems.
• To explore collaborative initiatives between public and private sector for increased funding in AI research and development for industrial applications.
• To enhance technical skills and capabilities in AI and green technologies critical to Africa's industrial growth and global competitiveness, in line with the existing Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA7 2016-2025), SDG 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063 which aims to transform and revitalize education in Africa.
• To showcase innovative use cases of AI and green industrialization by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa.
• To formulate policy recommendations and actionable strategies for mainstreaming AI and green industry in Africa's industrialization planning and development agenda.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger policy frameworks and advocacy plans formulated to integrate AI and green industrialization in Africa's development policies and strategies at national, regional and continental levels.
• Increased awareness and knowledge on the applications of AI in enhancing productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa's industrial sectors.
• New partnerships and investment commitments established to fund AI and green technology R&D and scale up deployment in Africa's industries.
• Enhanced collaboration between policymakers, industries, academia and other stakeholders to develop sector-specific AI adoption roadmaps.
• Increased skills, capabilities and technical expertise in AI and green industrial technologies across industrial workforce and institutions in Africa.
• New databases and knowledge exchange platforms developed to showcase AI and green technology innovations by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa.
• Valuable case studies and best practices documented on the implementation of AI and green industry solutions in Africa.
• Comprehensive policy recommendations and action plans developed for mainstreaming AI and green industrialization in Africa's development policies and strategies.
• Commitments from stakeholders to implement strategies and actions for harnessing AI and green industry to advance Africa's industrialization.

World Children's Day 2024; November 20th.

FORUM: “Listen to the future. Stand up for children’s rights.” World Children’s Day 2024. Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable and universal. But in too many places today children’s rights are being misunderstood, disregarded or even denied and attacked. By listening to children we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today. Upholding children’s rights is the compass to a better world – today, tomorrow and into the future. A better future For Every Child is possible, and children are leading the way. By championing their right to be heard, we can better fulfill the rights of every child, everywhere. If you are ready to follow their lead, join the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldChildrensDay, #Foreverychild, #20November, #EveryRight.

EVENTS: On November 20th from the UNHQ; The United Nations children’s Fund and its Regional offices worldwide will held a webinar and will help coordinate ongoing activities and initiatives to mark the World Children’s Day 2024.

Kids take over.

Children will ‘take over’ high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport and entertainment normally held by adults to shine a spotlight on issues that matter to them.

Turn the world blue.

Landmark buildings around the world will light up blue on the day to show support for child rights. Wear something blue, change your profile picture online and help raise awareness.


Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Children’s Day 2024; November 20th.

On World Children’s Day, we celebrate the youngest members of our human family.


But today is also a moment to recognize the enormous challenges children face in our deeply divided, tumultuous and often violent world.

It is shocking that, in the 21st century, any child still goes hungry, uneducated, or without even the most basic health care.

It is a stain on humanity’s conscience when children’s lives are caught in the grinding wheels of poverty, or upended by disasters or violent conflicts that are killing and maiming children.

One hundred years ago, the League of Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Child — the foundation of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

This year’s theme reminds us that we must listen to children as they fight for their rights — and for humanity’s future.

The recently adopted Pact for the Future includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. All three texts contained strong commitments to protect and support children, invest in their rights, and expand opportunities to actively participate in the decisions affecting them.

Every child has the right to live in peace, health and safety.

Today and every day, let’s protect and support children as they meaningfully contribute to making our world a better, brighter, more peaceful place for all people.

António Guterres.

PODCASTS: Teens and their parents talk about the future.

Take action!

This World Children’s Day, join us and listen to the future. Discover what’s happening and take part of activities

Explore ways you can join us this World Childrens Day:Young people: Join the U-Report community
Parents: Help nurture children’s voices
Teachers: Access resources on child rights
Business: Become a partner and host a kids’ takeover
Government: Take action for child rights

Learn about child rights.

Do all children have rights? Are children’s rights the same as human rights? Learning about child rights is the first step in becoming a child rights defender.Read the child-friendly version of The Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Explore resources for parents and teachers on child rights.
Watch “We All Have Rights” a video explaining child rights to children aged 3 to 6.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about UNICEF

Start a conversation.

Ask children about their ideas, priorities and dreams for the future. To help hold supportive conversations, check out articles from our Parenting Hub:Talking to your child about climate change
How to talk to your child about conflict and war
Talking to your kids about racism
10 ways to create healthy digital habits at home
11 tips for communicating with your teen
How to communicate effectively with your young children

World Children’s Day (WCD), marked on November 20th is UNICEF’s global day for children, by children. It marks the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and serves as a call to action for schools, communities, institutions, sports and businesses to engage with children and support their rights. 

Why Engagement from the Private Sector is Key on World Children’s Day? 

• Businesses have the power and influence to make a positive impact through advocating for children’s rights. 
• Corporations can support children’s futures through sustainable business practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the workplace.
•  By listening to children’s ideas about the future and embedding children’s rights into their strategies, businesses can help address today’s global challenges while engaging their employees, customers and fans around topics that resonate with children and society. 

How Today’s Challenges Impact Children?

• Children’s lives are at a crossroads due to the global challenges of conflict, climate change, and disruptive technology and many other challenges. 

o Conflict threatens children’s safety, access to education, and overall well-being. 

o Climate change is risking their future by destroying ecosystems, displacing communities, and causing health risks. 

o Disruptive technology can either widen inequalities or create new opportunities for children, depending on how it is managed. 

 These will be the areas of focus for World Children’s Day, but businesses are free to approach children’s rights more broadly, or to relate to any specific children thematic that is close to their heart. Corporates as Key Players in Solving Global Issues.

• Businesses have the capacity to contribute to solutions by aligning their strategies with children’s rights and sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

• Businesses truly have a role in upholding children’s rights. Corporate leaders have influence and could leverage children’s voices, making sure children are heard and included in decisions that will shape their future. 

Why Marking WCD? 

• Be perceived as a company that feels concerned about children’s rights. 
• Reach the new generation and be perceived as a CSR actor by them. o Enhance employee engagement by fostering a sense of purpose and making room for discussions around children’s matters. 
• Inspire other businesses to celebrate WCD.
• Raise awareness on children’s rights at the workplace and through the company’s network (employees, fans, customers…). 

How Can Businesses Mark World Children’s Day? 

1. Internal Employee Engagement • Workshops and Dialogues: Host internal workshops or lunch & learn sessions to discuss the global challenges impacting children today. Encourage employees and their children to share their thoughts on how the company can contribute to addressing these issues. Possibly tackle family-friendly initiatives at the workplace. • Employee Participation in Social Responsibility: Encourage employees (and their children) to participate in community or volunteer initiatives focused on children’s rights. • Have a day where children can come to work with their parents and take over key roles, assets, boards, channels (e.g. company newsletter) and digital platforms (e.g. company's website) to add their print. The red thread of the takeover will be to help children express their views, concerns and reimagine the future. • Have activities around children’s rights. See here the Convention on the Rights of the Child in a child-friendly format and multiple languages, as well as some other resources for possible activities. • Be creative around the `blue´ thematic and turn some of the company assets to blue. 

2. Shine a Light on UNICEF work • For existing UNICEF partners - Choose this date to illustrate how your partnership has contributed to advancing the rights of children or amplify a partnership launch, announce a new campaign, promote a cause-related marketing. For this, as well as for any co-creation initiative, make sure you liaise with your UNICEF focal point that will be happy to support you. • If you are not a UNICEF partner - Feel free to follow us and amplify UNICEF key messages through resharing, reposting UNICEF WCD-related messages on your channels. They will be available on the day on unicef.org, Facebook, X, LinkedIn. You are encouraged to also check UNICEF national channels. 

3. Partnerships with Schools and NGOs • School and Community Partnerships: Corporates can collaborate with schools or educational institutions to create activities that encourage children to share their vision for the future on WCD. This could involve: o Essay and Art Contests: Invite students to express their ideas about the future through creative writing, drawings, or video projects. Offer rewards like scholarships, prizes, or donations to their schools or centers. o Kids Takeovers: Have kids take over key roles in the company, talk about their future, discuss global issues, and how the company can help.

 4. Outreach and Social Media Activations • Community Outreach: Spread the World Children’s Day message to customers, fans and other relevant stakeholders. Encouraging them to participate in events, share their visions for the future, or contribute to causes that support children’s rights. • Social Media Engagement: Use the company’s social media platforms to amplify children’s voices and ideas about the future. Engage in the campaign by using #WorldChildrensDay, and encourage followers to: 

• Share their ideas on how corporates can positively impact children’s futures.
• Highlight children’s contributions through their artwork and essays.
• Messages using #WorldChildrensDay on X might be added to UNICEF’s World Children’s Day page o UNICEF WCD-related messages will be published on the day on unicef.org, Facebook, X, LinkedIn. You are encouraged to also check UNICEF national channels.

5. Employee-Led Volunteering and Fundraising Initiatives • Volunteer Days: Encourage employees to participate in volunteer days where they engage directly with children, such as mentorship opportunities, or environmental cleanup initiatives. • Fundraising Events for Children’s Rights: Organize fundraising events where employees and the community can raise funds for UNICEF or other initiatives.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS

LIVESTREAM: Special event entitled "The Right to Identity from Birth: Challenges and Perspectives for Francophone Countries", on the occasion of the celebration of the International Children's Rights Day from UNHQ.

World Toilet Day 2024; November 19th.

FORUM: "Sanitation for Peace." World Toilet Day 2024. This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect. ‘Safe toilets for all by 2030’ is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – but the world is seriously off track. 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation, including 419 million who practise open defecation. Faster action to improve and protect people’s access to sanitation is critical to building a fairer, more peaceful world. Conflict, extreme weather events and disasters can destroy, damage or disrupt sanitation services, these elements put Toilets under threat. When toilet systems don’t work – or don’t exist – untreated human waste spreads in the environment, unleashing deadly diseases such as cholera. Governments must ensure that sanitation and water services are resilient, effective, accessible to everyone and shielded from harm.

EVENTS: On November 19th; UN-Water — the UN’s coordination mechanism on water and sanitation will held a webinar under the theme is ‘Sanitation for peace’.  to mark the World Toilet Day 2024.

Statement of the UN-Water Chair on  World Toilet Day 2024; November 19th.

Toilets and sanitation protect us – and drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

But 3.5 billion people still live without their human right to safe sanitation, with profound impacts on public health, education, economies and ecosystems.

Safely managed sanitation is a human right, essential to a healthy and stable society. Yet many of the people being left behind without these services live in fragile contexts.

For them, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and institutional neglect.

Attacks are destroying sanitation infrastructure and disrupting services.

Drought is impacting water-based sanitation systems and waste treatment processes.

Flooding, earthquakes and sea surges are damaging toilets, buildings and pipes, spreading human waste into soils and water sources.

No matter where people live or what is happening, they must have affordable and completely reliable access to a safe toilet.

But institutional neglect of sanitation has meant progress is too slow, too fragmented and too under-funded – and the Sustainable Development Goal 6 target of safe toilets for all by 2030 is seriously off track.

This World Toilet Day, if we are to build a fairer and safer future for everyone, we must accelerate much faster towards fulfilling this promise.

Alvaro Lario.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Toilet Day 2024; November 19th.

Toilets are fundamental to promoting human health, spurring development, and helping all people, especially women and girls, live their lives in dignity.

But too many members of the human family live without this basic human right. At the current rate, 3 billion people will still live without safely managed sanitation by 2030.

This year’s World Toilet Day shines a light on the threats to sanitation posed by conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect.

I urge all governments to support the United Nations Strategy for Water and Sanitation, prioritize clean water and sanitation across budgets, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that can protect these systems in the face of extreme weather.

Cooperating to safeguard water can power and sustain peace. Water stewardship can strengthen multilateralism and ties between communities, and build resilience to climate disasters. It can also drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – which are the foundation of peaceful societies – including by improving health, reducing poverty and inequality, and boosting food and water security.

We must work to expand assistance to developing countries — through both financing and technology — to build and maintain these life-sustaining systems.

And all parties to conflict must stop targeting sanitation and water infrastructure.

Let’s spare no effort to meet our commitment to water and sanitation for all, and ensure that every person in the world can realize this fundamental right.

António Guterres.

Get involved!

Be part of the global campaign called ‘Toilets – A Place for Peace’. You can help raise awareness and drive action to tackle the sanitation crisis. Download resources to get involved and find out more about the connection between toilets and peace.

Key messages

Toilets are a place for peace. This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect.

Toilets are a place for protection. By creating a barrier between us and our waste, sanitation services are essential for public and environmental health. But when toilet systems are inadequate, damaged or broken, pollution spreads and deadly diseases get unleashed.

Toilets are a place for progress. Sanitation is a human right. It protects everyone’s dignity, and especially transforms the lives of women and girls. More investment and better governance of sanitation are critical for a fairer, more peaceful world.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: 2024 World Toilet Day | Sanitation for peace,

ACTIVATION KIT in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
CERTIFICATE in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
FACTSHEET in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
POSTER in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
CAMPAIGN TRELLO with social media resources in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish, and editable files.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024; November 17th.

FORUM: "Homage to those lost on the world’s roads."World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024.

Road traffic crashes claim more than two lives every minute and are the leading cause of death among people aged 5-29. Over half of road traffic victims are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Sunday's World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to pay homage to those lost on the world’s roads, advocate for better support for victims and their families, and call for action to save lives. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #17November, #RememberSupportAct, #RoadwaySafety,#SafetyForAll, #WDoR2024.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024; November 17th.


On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, we honour the 1.19 million lives lost every year on the world’s roads. Each death represents a profound tragedy for families, communities, and societies.

Guided by the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, the United Nations is supporting countries in saving lives. Critical frameworks provided by United Nations Road Safety Conventions – supported by the advocacy of my Special Envoy for Road Safety and funding from the UN Road Safety Fund – help show that coordinated efforts can make a difference.

Recent data from the World Health Organization highlights progress in reducing road traffic fatalities, but our journey to reduce road traffic deaths by half by 2030 is far from over.

By improving infrastructure, enforcing safety laws, strengthening international partnerships and promoting responsible behaviour, we can prevent future deaths and make roads safer for everyone, everywhere.

Together, let us build a future where every journey ends safely.



United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement of the Regional Director of WHO Europe on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024; November 17th.

On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, WHO calls upon people to “Remember the 3300 fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues lost on the world’s roads every day; Support those who are bereaved and those who suffer long-lasting consequences from physical and psychological trauma; and Act to prevent such tragedies today and in the future.” In 2005, the United Nations endorsed the World Day of Remembrance as a global day to be observed every third Sunday in November each year.

EVENT: Safer streets are possible.The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024 global event will be held on the third Sunday in November to remember, support and act for those killed or injured by roadway crashes

International Day of Tolerance 2024; November 16th.

FORUM: "Towards a peaceful and tolerant societies." International Day for Tolerance 2024. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. Tolerance is much more than passively accepting the other. It brings obligations to act, and must be taught, nurtured and defended. Tolerance requires investment by States in people, and in the fulfilment of their full potential through education, inclusion and opportunities. This means building societies founded on respect for human rights, where fear, distrust and marginalization are supplanted by pluralism, participation and respect for differences. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #tolerance, #16November, #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay.

EVENTS: On November 16th; The UNESCO, the UNAOC, the UN ACADEMIC IMPACT and the OHCHR will organize a webinar to mark the International Tolerance Day 2023 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance and to teach the values of peace, responsible citizenship, equality, and tolerance in all circumstances.

PRIZE: UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. In 1995, to mark the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, UNESCO created a prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence: the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize. This Prize rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The creation of the Prize has been inspired by the ideals of UNESCO’s Constitution that proclaims that "peace, if it is not to fail, must be founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind".

CAMPAIGN: Diversity is a strength, not a threat.
On Saturday's Tolerance Day & every day, let’s embrace tolerance, respect for diversity, and understanding —values that unite us and make us stronger.