Africa Day 2014, May 25th.

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

On Africa Day, More Must Be Done to Unleash Continent’s Agricultural Potential, Says Secretary-General, Pledging Continued United Nations Support.

 

The United Nations Secretary-General's Message on Africa Day 2014.
 

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

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

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

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


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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Ending Conflicts ... sustaining Peace

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


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

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

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

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

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

Join the Forum Africa Day - 25 May

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UN agency calls for concrete measures to end hunger in Africa by 2025

International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2014.

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias (left), Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, speaks at special event on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May), on the theme "Water and Biodiversity". UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz

“We plan to keep up the momentum generated by the [spotlight cast on] islands and oceans at the 2012 Rio+20 conference,” said Mr. Dias, referring to the culmination of a series of landmark UN meetings on sustainable development. Rio+20 was preceded in 2002 by the Johannesburg World Summit, which itself was preceded by the historic 1992 Earth Summit, where nations agreed on what have become known as the “Rio conventions:” the UN Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC); the Convention on Desertification; and the CBD itself.

Sunset in Havana. UN Photo/Milton Grant

Noting the inextricable link between the fate of island biodiversity and islands themselves, under pressure as they are from many of the same threats, he said: “Islands are isolated and they have precious biodiversity that is unique to them; if we lose this biodiversity…it its gone forever,” he said, explaining why it is so vitally important to keep the issue at the top of the development agenda.
“[They] are fragile ecosystems, facing threats from desertification, as well as unsustainable fishing, forestry and agriculture. Increasingly, with the onset of climate change, they are also being threatened by sea-level rise and ocean acidification,” he added.
Major drivers of biodiversity loss are invasive alien species – both animals and plants ¬– that colonize an island, out-compete the native fauna and flora and destroy them. For a species to become invasive it must “arrive, survive and thrive,” according to the CBD.

Mangroves Cut in Hera, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret

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

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

Fishing off Atauro Island, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret

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

Marine Wildlife off Atauro Island, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret

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

Aerial views of the approach to Dili, Baucau. UN Photo/Martine Perret

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

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

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

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

“We need to disseminate these lessons learned and encourage countries and civil society organizations to make better use of them,” said Mr. Dias. “We hope all countries will be able to make good use of this information and develop initiatives to highlight the relevance of biodiversity for their sustainable development.”


 UNESCO and Island Biodiversity,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ban praises small islands’ commitment to address climate change

The eleventh UN Day of Vesak, May 13.

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

On Vesak Day, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, the United Nations joins millions of people -- Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike -- in reflecting on his life and teachings.
The Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and love for all living beings tells us to open our hearts and embrace all members of our human family, especially those in need. These timeless teachings can help guide governments and the international community.
They can inspire our efforts to address many of the broader challenges confronting our world -- in peace and security, in development and in the protection of our environment. In each of these areas, we have to rise above narrow self-interest, and think and act as members of one global community.
On this Day of Vesak, let us pledge to work together for the common good, and for the betterment of all humankind. In that spirit, I offer my best wishes for a memorable and joyous Vesak Day.

The eleventh UN Day of Vesak is held at Bai Dinh temple, Ninh Binh province, from 8th to 11th May 2014. The expectation of celebration is 1000 international delegates and about 10,000 national delegates, including Patriarchs, President of Buddhist Congregations. Main theme of this celebration is “Buddhist Contribution towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals”. 

Symposiums for workshops includes below

1) Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change.
2) Buddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection.
3) Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living.
4) Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery.
5) Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum.


"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions, which also wish to be consulted.

Meaning of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2014

1. Spiritual Meaning
It is the spiritual relational establishment and study Dharma working experience of over 800 International Buddhist Delegations come from 90-100 countries. It is simultaneously practical rituals of various Buddhist traditions, Buddhist sects over the world in order to constitute effectively large belief on good value of Buddhism and bring a peaceful and friendly to society.

2. Buddhist Sangha Meaning
This is an interconnection between Vietnamese Buddhism and International Buddhism and is also precious opportunity for Buddhist Sangha over the world gathered together to buid friendship and peace for human being. After successful hosting the UN Day of Vesak 2008, this is also a second precious opportunity for National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha who shows role of Buddhism in new period. After that, it confirms to the world on spirit of religious unity and ethnic solidarity in Vietnam.


3. Cultural Meaning
The UN Day of Vesak Celebration is the international day on religion and culture which constitutes exchanges, learns precious cultural value from countries, it simultaneously appeals maintaining consciousness and promoting value of world cultural heritages which includes international and national Buddhist cultural heritages.


4. Ethics Meaning
In current era, economy, science and technology development have been expressly growth to meet the increasing demands of society, the individual mental life have been heavily pressured physical proliferation. Therefore, human being has demand to look for standard values of national traditional ethics. In this context, Buddhist ethics is a meaningful significance to foster the healthy spiritual life for human being.


5. Academic Meaning
Relationship to the United Nations principles and organizing national concern, themes on International Buddhist workshop and Hanoi declaration is Buddhist contribution to treasury of humanity knowledge and simultaneously contribution solutions for global society life problems.


6. Diplomatic Meaning
Through the UN Day of Vesak 2014, Vietnamese country and people will constitute a peace-loving, friendly, united, harmonious and developmental relation with fellows over the world. Therefore, Vietnam will be elevated position of Vietnam in the world and strongly developed handover and friendship establishment with all countries in the regions and around the world. However, Vietnam also simultaneously shows its role towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The extensive international integration of Vietnam aims to build world peace in the world and the region.

7. Economic Meaning
Once again, the UN Day of Vesak 2014 will actively contribute for tourist development and economic investment in Vietnam in order to Vietnam becomes a famous place for international tourists from a beautiful picture of thoughtful organization for the UN Day of Vesak 2014 in Vietnam.


Events Vesak Day 2014.

° Spiritual Tour
° Arts and Cultural Exhibitions
° Newly-Born Buddha Bathing and Dharma Talk
° Cultural Performance
° Candle-lit Procession for World Peace
° Colorful decorated parage

•  Joint Communique World Buddhist Leaders Conference On International Recognition of the Day of Vesak
•  Charter of the International Organizing Committee of the United Nations Day of Vesak.
• Join the Forum : Vesak Day, May 13

World Press Freedom 2014, May 3.

Joint Message by the UN Secretary-General and the UNESCO Director-General for the World Press Freedom 2014 Observance.

Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the Post-2015 Development Agenda

This year, the international community has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prepare a long-term agenda for sustainable development to succeed the Millennium Development Goals when they end in 2015. Successfully implementing that agenda will require that all populations enjoy the fundamental rights of freedom of opinion and expression. These rights are essential to democracy, transparency, accountability and the rule of law. They are vital for human dignity, social progress and inclusive development.

World Press Freedom Day highlights the importance of independent, free and pluralistic media to protecting and promoting these rights. Journalism provides a platform for informed discussion across a wide range of development issues – from environmental challenges and scientific progress to gender equality, youth engagement and peacebuilding. Only when journalists are at liberty to monitor, investigate and criticize policies and actions can good governance exist.

Even as we look beyond 2015, we must confront current grave threats to press freedom around the world. In many countries journalists and other media workers face systematic obstacles to reporting the truth, ranging from censorship, arrest and imprisonment to intimidation, attacks and even assassination. These outrageous abuses show that press freedom and the human rights it underpins are extremely fragile and must be actively defended.

The United Nations General Assembly has unequivocally condemned all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. Governments and all those with influence must now act on this condemnation by protecting journalists and other media workers. The United Nations stands ready to do its part. UN bodies are already working together and with other partners under the leadership of UNESCO to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers around the world.

On this World Press Freedom Day, we call on all States, societies and individuals to actively defend freedom of expression and press freedom as fundamental rights and as critical contributions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and advancing the post-2015 development agenda.

Ban Ki-moon and Irina Bokova

2014 Theme: Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to:

• celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
• assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
• defend the media from attacks on their independence; 
• pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

 

Media Freedom for a Better Future:
Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda

The focus this year is on three inter-related themes: the media’s importance in development; the safety of journalists and the rule of law; and the sustainability and integrity of journalism. An international conference will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 5-6 May.
The annual UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize ceremony will take place on 2 May 2014 at UNESCO Headquarters.

Тема Всемирного дня свободы печати 2014 года «Свобода СМИ во имя лучшего будущего: формируя повестку развития после 2015 года»

Всемирный день свободы печати был провозглашен Генеральной Ассамблеей ООН в декабре 1993 года. С тех пор ежегодно 3 мая, в годовщину принятия Виндхукской декларации, во всем мире проводятся мероприятия, посвященные Всемирному дню свободы печати. Это предоставляет возможность:

• подтвердить нашу приверженность основополагающим принципам свободы печати;
• оценить состояние свободы прессы во всем мире;
• защитить СМИ от посягательств на их независимость;



Тема Всемирного дня свободы печати 2014 года «Свобода СМИ во имя лучшего будущего: формируя повестку развития после 2015 года»

• отдать долг памяти журналистам, погибшим при исполнении служебных обязанностей.

В центре внимания в этом году три взаимосвязанные темы: роль СМИ в развитии; безопасность журналистов и верховенство права; и последовательность и профессионализм журналистики. Международная конференция будет проходить в штаб-квартире ЮНЕСКО в Париже 5–6 мая.
Ежегодная церемония вручения Всемирной премии ЮНЕСКО/Гильермо Кано за вклад в дело свободы печати состоится 2 мая 2014 года в штаб-квартире ЮНЕСКО.

La libertad de prensa para un futuro mejor: la importancia de su inclusión en el programa de desarrollo para después de 2015

El Día Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa es una oportunidad para:

• Celebrar los principios fundamentales de la libertad de prensa;
• Evaluar la situación de la libertad de prensa en el mundo;
• Defender los medios de comunicación de los atentados contra su independencia y
• Rendir homenaje a los periodistas que han perdido la vidas en el cumplimiento de su deber.

La libertad de prensa para un futuro mejor: la importancia de su inclusión en el programa de desarrollo para después de 2015

En 2014, el Día Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa se centra en tres temas interrelacionados: la importancia de los medios de comunicación en el desarrollo; la seguridad de los periodistas y el estado de derecho; y la sostenibilidad e integridad del periodismo. Para debatir sobre estas cuestiones, se celebrará una conferencia internacional en la sede de la UNESCO en París los días 5 y 6 de mayo.
En esta misma sede, tendrá lugar la ceremonia anual de entrega del Premio Mundial de Libertad de Prensa UNESCO/Guillermo Cano el 2 de mayo.
El 3 de mayo fue proclamado como el Día Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa en 1993, por la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, siguiendo la recomendación de la Conferencia General de la UNESCO. La fecha se eligió para que coincidiera con el aniversario de la Declaración de Windhoek, en la cual los representantes de medios de comunicación africanos que participaban en un seminario organizado por la UNESCO en la capital de Namibia, elaboraron un documento donde se recogían los principios de la libertad de prensa.

2014年主题：媒体自由促进更美好的未来：塑造2015年后发展议程

根据教科文组织大会通过的建议，联合国大会于1993年12月宣布将《温得和克宣言》通过的日子——5月3日设为世界新闻自由日。该国际日为我们提供机会来：

• 庆祝新闻自由的基本原则；
• 在全球范围探讨新闻的自由度；
• 捍卫媒体的独立性；
• 对在工作中献出了生命的记者们表示敬意。

2014年主题：媒体自由促进更美好的未来：塑造2015年后发展议程

　　更多信息和背景材料，请点击查询。

موضوع عام 2014: حرية وسائل الإعلام من أجل مستقبل أفضل: تشكيل جدول أعمال التنمية لما بعد 2015

اختير الثالث من أيار/ مايو لإحياء ذكرى اعتماد إعلان ويندهوك  التاريخي خلال اجتماع للصحفيين الأفريقيين نظّمته اليونسكو وعُقِد في ناميبيا في 3 أيار/ مايو 1991. وينص الإعلان على أنّه لا يمكن تحقيق حرية الصجافة إلا من خلال ضمان بيئة إعلامية حرّة ومستقلّة وقائمة على التعدّدية. وهذا شرط مسبق لضمان أمن الصحفيين أثناء تأدية مهامهم، ولكفالة التحقيق في الجرائم ضد حرية الصحافة تحقيقا سريعا ودقيقا.
ويمثل هذا اليوم فرصة لـ:

• الاحتفاء بالمبادئ الأساسية لحرية الصحافة؛
• تقييم حال حرية الصحافة في كل أنحاء العالم؛
• الدفاع عن وسائط الإعلام أمام الهجمات التي تشن على حريتها؛
• الإشادة بالصحافيين الذين فقدوا أرواحهم أثناء أداء واجبهم.

وبات يوم 3 أيار/ مايو من كل عام موعد الاحتفال بالمبادئ الأساسية لحرية الصحافة، وتقييم حرية الصحافة حول العالم، والدفاع عن وسائل الإعلام ضد ما يهدد استقلالها، والتعبير عن الإجلال للصحافيين الذين فقدوا حياتهم أثناء ممارسة عملهم.

موضوع عام 2014: حرية وسائل الإعلام من أجل مستقبل أفضل: تشكيل جدول أعمال التنمية لما بعد 2015

يركز اليوم العالمي لحرية الصحافة في عام 2014 على ثلاثة مواضيع مترابطة: أهمية وسائل الإعلام في التنمية، سلامة الصحافيين وسيادة القانون، استدامة ونزاهة الصحافة. وسيعقد مؤتمر دولي بمقر اليونسكو في باريس يومي 05-06 أيار/مايو.
تقام مراسم حفل جائزة اليونسكو/ غييرمو كانو العالمية لحرية الصحافة السنوية في 2 أيار/مايو 2014 في مقر اليونسكو.

 

 

Thème 2014 : La liberté des médias pour un avenir meilleur : contribuer à l’agenda de développement post-2015

La Journé mondiale de la liberté de la presse est l'occasion de :

• célébrer les principes fondamentaux de la liberté de la presse;
• évaluer la liberté de la presse;
• défendre les médias des attaques contre leur indépendance; et
• se souvenir des journalistes tués parce qu'ils faisaient leur devoir.

Thème 2014 : La liberté des médias pour un avenir meilleur : contribuer à l’agenda de développement post-2015

Pour la célébration 2014, l'accent est mis sur :

• des médias libres, facteurs de bonne gouvernance, d’autonomisation et d’éradication de la pauvreté;
• l’état de droit, indispensable pour assurer la sécurité des journalistes et combattre l’impunité; et
• un journalisme viable et professionnel, partie intégrante du développement.

Le 20 décembre 1993, l'Assemblée générale a proclamé le 3 mai Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse (décision 48/432). Depuis lors, le jour de l'anniversaire de la Déclaration de Windhoek est célébré dans le monde entier comme étant la Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse.

Join the Forum : World Press Freedom Day, May 3rd.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2014, April 28.

Theme 2014: “Safety and health in the use of chemicals at work“

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
28 April has also for long been associated with the world's trade union movement's commemoration of the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.
As every year, the ILO Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment prepared a report to serve as a background to the theme, a poster and other promotional material for the occasion. This report for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work outlines the current situation concerning occupational diseases and presents proposals for addressing this serious Decent Work deficit.

Why are chemicals important in the workplace and beyond?

Chemicals are key to healthy living and modern convenience. They range from pesticides that improve the extent and quality of food production, to pharmaceuticals that cure illnesses, and cleaning products that help establish hygienic living conditions. Chemicals are also critical in many industrial processes for developing products important to global standards of living. However, governments, employers and workers continue to struggle to address controlling exposure to these chemicals in the workplace, as well as limiting emissions to the environment.

What is a chemical?

• According to the ILO Convention on safety in the use of chemicals at work, 1990 (No. 170), the term “chemical” refers to chemical elements and compounds and their mixtures, whether natural or synthetic, such as those obtained through production processes.
• Hazardous chemicals are classified according to the type and degree of their inherent health and physical hazards. The hazardous properties of mixtures composed of two or more chemicals are determined by assessments based on the inherent hazards of their component chemicals.

On World Day, UN labour agency urges greater control of harmful chemicals in the work place

Wold Day for the Safty and Health at Work 2014

 

While chemicals can be useful, necessary steps should be taken to prevent and control potential risks for workers, workplaces, communities and the environment, the United Nations labour agency reported, marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

“Chemicals are essential to life, and their benefits are widespread and well-recognized… What create the dilemma are the risks associated with exposure to these chemicals,” the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) said in its report for the occasion.

Chemicals pose a broad range of potential adverse effects, from health hazards such as cancers and physical hazards like flammability, to environmental hazards such as widespread contamination and toxicity to aquatic life, according to the report. Many fires, explosions, and other disasters result from inadequate control of chemicals’ physical hazards.

This year’s theme for the Day, “Safety and health in the use of chemicals at work”, is meant to highlight the benefits achieved through the production and use of chemicals while minimizing workers’ exposure as well as the emission of chemicals into the environment through national and international action.

Nearly 5 million deaths and 86 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were attributable to environmental exposure and management of selected chemicals in 2004, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO). These figures include both occupational and non-occupational exposures, such as indoor smoke from solid fuel use, outdoor air pollution and second-hand smoke.

Given these challenges, “a coherent global response is necessary to coordinate the continuous scientific and technological progress, the growth in chemicals production and changes in the organization of work,” ILO reported.
Among its recommendations, it urged new tools to provide readily available information about chemical hazards and risk, and associated preventive and protective measures.

The agency also highlighted the need for more effective record keeping on effects resulting from exposure to chemicals. For example, efforts to establish a connection between an exposure to chemicals 20 years ago and a case of cancer today have been hampered by lack of information about the effects of chemical exposures.

It also noted that governments and organizations focus on individual chemicals instead of risks from mixtures, which are more common.

Tema 2014: «La seguridad y la salud en el uso de productos químicos en el trabajo».

Día Mundial de la Seguridad y la Salud en el Trabajo, 28 de abril 2014. Organización Internacional del Trabajo

La celebración del Día Mundial de la Seguridad y la Salud en el Trabajo consiste en una campaña anual internacional para promover el trabajo seguro, saludable y digno. El 28 de abril es, asimismo, la fecha elegida por el movimiento sindical mundial para rendir homenaje a las víctimas de los accidentes de trabajo y las enfermedades profesionales. Este año se centra en los riesgos para los trabajadores y para el medio ambiente derivados de la producción y el uso de sustancias químicas.
Los productos químicos son esenciales para la vida moderna: fármacos que curan enfermedades, productos de limpieza que mantienen la higiene, los abonos y pesticidas que aumentan y mejoran la producción de alimentos,…. Sin embargo, estas sustancias presentan un amplio rango de efectos potencialmente adversos: riesgos para la salud, como la carcinogenicidad; físicos, como la inflamabilidad; y ambientales, como la contaminación generalizada de acuíferos.
Coordinando los esfuerzos de los gobiernos, empleadores, trabajadores y organizaciones sindicales, se puede lograr una gestión racional de los productos químicos para alcanzar un equilibrio adecuado entre los beneficios de su uso y las medidas de prevención y control de sus posibles efectos adversos para los trabajadores y el medio ambiente.
La Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) ha elaborado un informe en el que examina la situación actual en esta área y hace un llamamiento a todas las partes implicadas a colaborar en el desarrollo e implementación de políticas y estrategias nacionales destinadas a la seguridad y la salud en la producción y el uso de productos químicos en los centros de trabajo. El informe también presenta los elementos claves para el establecimiento de programas a nivel nacional y empresarial que contribuyan a garantizar una gestión racional.
El Día Mundial de la Seguridad y la Salud en el Trabajo, establecido por la OIT, se celebra cada 28 de abril desde 2003.

¿Qué es un producto químico?

• De acuerdo con el Convenio de la OIT sobre la seguridad en la utilización de los productos químicos en el trabajo de 1990 (núm.170), la expresión «productos químicos» designa a los elementos y compuestos químicos, y a sus mezclas, ya sean naturales o sintéticos, tales como los obtenidos a través de los procesos de producción.
• Los productos químicos peligrosos se clasifican en función del tipo y el grado de los riesgos físicos y los peligros para la salud que entrañan. Las propiedades peligrosas de las mezclas formadas por dos o más productos químicos podrán determinarse evaluando los riesgos que entrañan los productos químicos que las componen. 

Тема 2014 года — «Охрана труда при использовании химических веществ на рабочих местах»

Международная организация труда (МОТ) отмечает 28 апреля Всемирный день охраны труда в целях содействия предотвращению несчастных случаев и заболеваний на рабочих местах во всем мире. Эта информационно-разъяснительная кампания призвана привлечь внимание общественности к проблемам в области охраны труда и к росту числа травм, заболеваний и смертельных случаев, связанных с трудовой деятельностью. Во всех регионах мира правительства, профсоюзные организации, организации работодателей и специалисты-практики в области охраны труда организуют мероприятия к Всемирному дню. Приглашаем вас отметить этот день вместе с нами и поделиться информацией о проведенных мероприятиях.

Почему химические вещества на рабочих местах играют такую важную роль?

Производство и использование химических веществ на рабочих местах во всем мире представляет одну из наиболее серьезных проблем в программах производственной защиты. Эти вещества стали неотъемлемой частью нашей жизни, и те преимущества, которые они дают, широко известны и неоспоримы. От пестицидов, позволяющих увеличивать масштабы и повышать качество производимых пищевых продуктов, до фармацевтические препаратов, излечивающих болезни, и чистящих средств, помогающих поддерживать надлежащий уровень гигиены в быту, химические вещества являются совершенно необходимым элементом здоровой жизни с современными удобствами. Кроме того, они играют важную роль во многих производственных процессах, в ходе которых создаются продукты, необходимые для поддержания глобальных стандартов жизни. Тем не менее, правительства, работодатели и работники продолжают биться над такой задачей, как контроль за воздействием химических веществ на работников и ограничение выбросов этих веществ в окружающую среду.

Что такое химические вещества?

В соответствии с Конвенцией МОТ 1990 года о безопасности при использовании химических веществ на производстве (№ 170) термин «химические вещества» означает химические элементы и соединения, а также смеси из них — как природные, так и искусственные (например, получаемые в ходе различных производственных процессов). Опасные химические вещества классифицируются по виду и степени представляемой ими опасности для здоровья и физической опасности. Опасные свойства смесей из двух или более химических веществ определяются посредством оценки опасностей, представляемых химическими веществами, входящими в смесь.

Thème 2014 : « La sécurité et la santé dans l’utilisation des produits chimiques au travail »

La Journée mondiale de la sécurité et de la santé au travail a lieu tous les ans, le 28 avril. C’est une campagne internationale destinée à promouvoir un travail sûr, salubre et décent. Cette Journée constitue un outil important pour sensibiliser l’opinion à la façon de rendre le travail sûr et salubre et à la nécessité de donner un plus grand poids politique à la prévention des risques professionnels.

Les produits chimiques sont essentiels à une vie saine et au confort moderne. Ainsi, les pesticides améliorent le volume et la qualité de la production alimentaire, les produits pharmaceutiques guérissent les maladies, et les produits d’entretien contribuent à l’hygiène des conditions de vie. Les produits chimiques sont aussi au cœur de nombreux procédés industriels pour la fabrication de produits importants pour le niveau de vie mondial.
Toutefois, les gouvernements, les employeurs et les travailleurs continuent de batailler pour régler les problèmes d’exposition aux produits chimiques sur les lieux de travail, ou pour limiter les émissions dans l’environnement.

Qu'est-ce qu'un produit chimique?

• Selon la convention (n° 170) de l’OIT concernant la sécurité dans l’utilisation des produits chimiques au travail, 1990, le terme de « produit chimique » fait référence à des éléments et des composés chimiques, à leurs mélanges, qu’ils soient naturels ou synthétiques, tels qu’obtenus par des procédés de production.
• Les produits chimiques dangereux sont classifiés selon le type et le degré de dangers physiques ou sanitaires intrinsèques. Les propriétés dangereuses des mélanges composés de deux produits chimiques ou plus sont définies par des évaluations fondées sur les dangers intrinsèques de leurs composants.

世界工作安全与健康日- 4月28日

2014年主题：作业场所使用化学品的安全与健康

世界工作安全与健康日的是一个旨在推广安全、健康和体面工作的国际年度活动。在每年的4月28日举行。
　　4月28日同时也是世界工会运动长期以来用与纪念在职业中因意外和职业病的受害者有关的日子。
　　在全球范围内，职业病仍然是与工作相关死亡的首要原因。据国际劳工组织估计， 每年234万件职业死亡案例，其中只有32.1万属于意外事故。其余202万人的死因 是由各类工作相关疾病造成，相当于由此平均每天死亡超过5500人。这种缺乏“体 面工作”的现状是不可接受的。

为何化学品在作业场所和其他地方如此重要？

化学品是健康生活和现代便利的关键。他们包括：提高粮食生产面积和质量的杀虫剂、治愈疾病的药物、帮助建立卫生居住环境的清洁产品。同时，化学品对许 多工业流程至关重要，而这些工业流程生产出的产品对全球生活标准又举足轻重。但是，政府、雇主和工人仍在努力控制作业场所中对化学品的接触，以及限制化学 品的排放。

什么是化学品？

• 根据国际劳工组织1990年《作业场所安全使用化学品公约》（第170号公约），“化学品”指各类化学元素、化合物和混合物，无论其为天然的或人造的，例如通过生产获得的化学品。

根据化学品固有的安全和卫生方面的危险特性分类，以确定该化学品是否为危险品。包含两种或两种以上化学品的混合物，危害性根据其组成成分的固有危险来决定。

 

موضوع عام 2014: السلامة والصحة في استخدام المواد الكيميائية في العمل

اليوم العالمي للسلامة والصحة في مكان العمل  هو حملة دولية سنوية لتعزيز بيئة عمل لائقة وصحية وآمنة. وتدشن الحملة في 28 نيسان/أبريل من كل عام.
و 28 نيسان/أبريل هو اليوم الذي ربطتة الحركة النقابية في العالم بذكرى ضحايا الحوادث والأمراض المهنية.
وفي كل عام، يعد برنامج منظمة العمل الدولية للسلامة والصحة في مكان العمل والبيئة تقريا يقدم معلومات أساسية لموضوع العام، بالإضافة إلى ملصق ومواد دعائية  للمناسبة. ويبرز هذا التقرير الحالة الراهنة في ما يتعلق بالأمراض المهنية، كما يقدم اقتراحات لمعالجة هذا العجز الخطير في توفير العمل اللائق.

أهمية المواد الكيميائية في مكان العمل وغيره من الأماكن

المواد الكيميائية هي المفتاح لحياة صحية ولسهولة الحياة الحديثة. وتشتمل المواد الكيميائية على: المبيدات التي تعمل على تحسين مدى الإنتاج الغذائي ونوعيته، والأدوية، ومنتجات التنظيف التي تساعد على تهيئة الظروف المعيشية الصحية. والمواد الكيميائية ذات أهمية كبيرة لدخولها في كثير من العمليات الصناعية التي تخرج بمنتجات تسهم في تحسين المعايير العالمية للمعيشة. ولم تزل الحكومات وأصحاب العمل والعمال يجدون صعوبات في التعامل مع مخاطر التعرض لهذه المواد الكيميائية في أماكن العمل، و الحد من انبعاثاتها.

ما هي المادة الكيميائية؟

• وفقا اتفاقية منظمة العمل الدولية بشأن السلامة في استخدام المواد الكيميائية في العمل، 1990 (رقم 170)، يشير مصطلح "الكيميائية" إلى العناصر والمركبات الكيميائية والمخاليط، سواء الطبيعية أو الاصطناعية، مثل تلك التي تم الحصول عليها من خلال عمليات الإنتاج.
• تصنف المواد الكيميائية الخطرة وفقا لنوع ودرجة المخاطر الصحية والمادية الكامنة. وتحدد الخصائص الخطرة للمخاليط التي تتكون من اثنين أو أكثر من المواد الكيميائية بعد تقييم المخاطر المتأصلة في المواد الكيميائية المكونة لها.

International Mother Earth Day 2014, April 22

United Nations Secretary-General Message for the International Mother Earth Day 2014

Each year, on Mother Earth Day, we reflect on our relationship with the planet that supports us.  The air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that grows our food are part of a delicate global ecosystem that is increasingly under pressure from human activities. From tropical deforestation to depleted ocean fisheries, from growing freshwater shortages to the rapid decline of biodiversity and increasingly polluted skies and seas in many parts of the world, we see the heavy hand of humankind. 
As our population grows we have to recognize that our consumption of the planet’s resources is unsustainable.  We need a global transformation of attitude and practice. It is especially urgent to address how we generate the energy that drives our progress. Burning fossil fuels is the principal cause of climate change, which increasingly threatens prosperity and stability in all regions. That is why world leaders have pledged to reach a global legal climate agreement in 2015.
Action on climate change presents multiple opportunities to reset our relationship with Mother Earth and improve human well-being, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. Sustainable energy for all can increase health, wealth and opportunity for billions of people, as can climate-smart agriculture, more efficient cities and better managed and protected forests. 
To generate ambitious action on the ground and raise momentum for a new climate treaty in 2015, I am convening a Climate Summit in New York on 23 September this year. I am inviting Heads of State and Government along with private sector and civil society leaders to showcase initiatives and forge alliances that can help launch a sustainable future. But they need support and encouragement, for change is never easy.  So today, on International Mother Earth Day, I appeal to all people everywhere to raise their voices. Speak out on behalf of this planet, our only home. Let us care for Mother Earth so she can continue to care for us as she has done for millennia. 

Ban Ki-moon

Statement attributable to the President of the General Assembly on the International Mother Earth Day 2014.

Each year on April 22, the global community comes together to celebrate the earth. This year on International Mother Earth Day, I call on the United Nations family to promote sustainable development and the use of renewable energy sources throughout our cities and communities.
As we look to promote the Post-2015 Development Agenda, I call on Member States, civil society and other stakeholders to answer the call put forth in the 2009 UN resolution by the General Assembly to invest more in sustainable technology and to promote our ecosystems through global environmental public policies.
In December 2013, the General Assembly made another positive step toward the achievement of this agenda and requested an interactive dialogue on the Harmony with Nature to be held on this day. I look forward to the discussions today and will encourage Member States to work toward promoting a new holistic paradigm, one that underscores the supreme importance of the natural world, while also acknowledging its limits.
As we confront the unique sustainable development challenges of our time; our understanding of the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations must be rooted in the most up to date scientific information. Our global strategy must promote sound environmental ethics, and continually emphasize humanity's interconnectedness with nature.

Earth Day 2014: Green Cities

Earth Day 2014 will focus on green cities, mobilizing a millions of people to create a sustainable, healthy environment by greening communities worldwide. Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. As the urban population grows and the effects of climate change worsen, our cities have to evolve.
It’s time for us to invest in efficiency and renewable energy, rebuild our cities and towns, and begin to solve the climate crisis. Over the next two years, with a focus on Earth Day 2014, the Green Cities campaign will mobilize a global movement to accelerate this transition. Join us in calling for a new era of green cities.
Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin.
Recognizing that Mother Earth reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit, the General Assembly declared 22 April as International Mother Earth Day (A/RES/63/278).

Green Cities Campaign

The Green Cities Campaign

The Green Cities Campaign helps cities and communities around the world accelerate their transition to a more sustainable future. More information.

Get involved with Earth Day!

Every year on April 22, over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day. From San Francisco to San Juan, Beijing to Brussels, Moscow to Marrakesh, people plant trees, clean up their communities, contact their elected officials, and more—all on behalf of the environment.
Like Earth Days of the past, Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever. Earth Day 2014 will seek to do just that through its global theme: Green Cities. With smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educated and active public, we can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.
As the global organizer behind Earth Day, Earth Day Network creates tools and resources for you to get involved with Earth Day in your community. Here’s how you can participate.



Join the Forum : International Mother Earth Day, April 22,  April 22nd is Earth Day. 

Improve Building Codes - Online Activism.

Ban New Coal Power Plants - Online Activism

Bring Bike Share to your city - Online Activism

Decouple Utility Profits - Online Activism

Demand Renewable Energy - Online Activism

Impove Emission Standards - Online Activism

Improve Solar Permitting Process - Online Activism

Increase MPG Standards - Online Activism

Support PACE Financing - Online Activism

Día de la Madre Tierra 2014: «Ciudades verdes»

 La campaña «Ciudades verdes» ayuda a las ciudades y las comunidades del mundo a acelerar su transición hacia un futuro más sostenible. 

Journée internationale de la Terre nourricière 2014 : Campagne « Des villes vertes »

 La campagne « Des villes vertes » aide les villes et les communautés à travers le monde à accélérer leur transition vers un avenir plus durable.

2014اليوم الدولي لأمنا الأرض

تساعد حملة المدن الخضراء المدن والمجتمعات المحلية في جميع أنحاء العالم على تسريع انتقالها إلى مستقبل أكثر استدامة.

国际地球母亲日, 4月22日 : 绿色城市倡议.

 2014年世界地球日关注绿色城市，动员百万人绿化世界各地的社区，创造健康、可持续的环境。

Международный день Матери-Земли - 22 апреля, 2014 году: Зеленые города.

 22 апреля жители всех стран мира проводят акции в поддержку Международного дня «Матери-Земли». В этом году в центре внимания — стремительная урбанизация планеты. По данным ООН, в ближайшие 20 лет 60% населения земного шара будут жить в городах. 

Earth Day 2014 T-Shirt