World Tourism Day 2013, September 27

Message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

With unsustainable consumption and climate change threatening global water resources, this year’s World Tourism Day highlights the responsibility of the tourism industry to safeguard and intelligently manage water.  In this International Year of Water Cooperation, I urge tourism establishments to cut consumption and improve waste management and I call on individuals to play their part by making environmentally conscious choices when they travel.  By making water saving a priority we can all help to build the future we want.

Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General
United Nations

Join the Forum : September 27 is World Tourism Day 

•  Tourism Stories – How tourism enriched my life
• Sustainable Tourism Governance and Management in Coastal Areas of Africa
•  Cambio demográfico y turismo
• Défis et opportunités de l’expansion du tourisme dans les petits États insulaires en développement 
• Faits saillants OMT du tourisme, édition 2013 
•  Panorama OMT del turismo internacional, Edición 2013

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2013, August 9th.

UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, 9 August 2013.

On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we highlight the importance of honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between States, their citizens and indigenous peoples. Such consensual arrangements enable better understanding of their views and values and are essential for protecting and promoting rights and establishing the political vision and necessary frameworks for different cultures to coexist in harmony.

Indigenous peoples represent remarkable diversity – more than 5,000 distinct groups in some 90 countries. They make up more than 5 per cent of the world’s population, some 370 million people. It is important that we strive to strengthen partnerships that will help preserve cultural vigour while facilitating poverty reduction, social inclusion and sustainable development.We must ensure the participation of indigenous peoples – women and men –in decision-making at all levels. This includes discussions on accelerating action towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and defining the post-2015 development agenda. Indigenous peoples have made clear that they want development that takes into account culture and identity and the right to define their own priorities.

The post-2015 development agenda needs therefore to incorporate the rights, perspectives and needs of indigenous peoples.Next year’s World Conference on Indigenous Peoples offers an opportunity to advance the cause of indigenous peoples everywhere. I urge Member States to take concrete steps to address the challenges facing indigenous peoples, especially their marginalization and exclusion, by honouring all commitments and examining what more can be done. Let us work together to strengthen indigenous peoples’ rights and support their aspirations. Let us create a world that values the wealth of human diversity and nurtures the potential it offers.

Ban Ki-moon.

 News and Media

>>>Press Release : Treaties with Indigenous Peoples in Focus on International Day

 This year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (9 August) aims to highlight the importance of honouring agreements between States, their citizens and indigenous peoples, emphasizing the principles of friendship, cooperation and peace.“Indigenous peoples represent remarkable diversity – over 5,000 distinct groups comprising more than 5 per cent of the world’s population,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki3moon. “We must work to strengthen partnerships and ensure that policies and actions res pect the views and reflect the values of indigenous peoples.”Under the theme of “Indigenous peoples building alliances: honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements", a special event at United Nations Headquarters in New York will feature remarks by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Assistant Secretary-General Shamshad Akhtar, and Mr. Paul Kanyinke Sena, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, followed by an interactive dialogue with Ambassador Mary Morgan Moss, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations, Ivan Šimonović, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, and Chief Oren Lyons from the Onondaga Nation.

Also on 9 August, more than 200 indigenous and non-indigenous paddlers are scheduled to arrive at Pier 96 at West 57th Street in Manhattan at 10:00 a.m., after having collectively travelled hundreds of miles on rivers and horseback to honour the first treaty – the Two Row Wampum – concluded between Dutch immigrants and the Haudenosaunee (a confederacy of six nations, with its seat in the Onondaga nation in New York State) in 1613. “Our ancestors made this great agreement on our behalf 400 years ago,” noted Hickory Edwards, the lead paddler for the Onondaga Nation. “Now is the time for us to think about the people living in the next 400 years.” “The Two Row is the oldest and is the grandfather of all subsequent treaties,” said Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation’s Turtle Clan who has represented the Haudenosaunee at the United Nations and elsewhere. “It set a relationship of equity and peace. This campaign is to remind people of the importance of the agreements.”

There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in some 90 countries around the world .Practice in unique traditions, they retain social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, recognizes indigenous peoples’ right to self determination and their right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and develop past, present and future manifestations of their culture in various forms.

About the International Day:

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is commemorated annually on 9 August, in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, held in Geneva in 1982. The I nternational Day was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994.

>>>Webcast of the Secretary-General making remarks on the occasion of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
>>>Webcast of the observance at UN Headquarters

Panelists:
Mary Morgan Moss, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of Panama to the UN Ivan Šimonović, ASG (OHCHR) (TBC), Chief Oren Lyons (Onondaga, USA)


Messages of the Day
Message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations
AR - EN - ES- FR  - RU - ZH
Remarks by the Secretary-General of the United Nations 
Remarks by the Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs
Remarks by the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights
Message from the Chairperson of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Message from UNESCO
Message from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights
Message from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Message from UN Women
Message from UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Message from WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)
Message from Stop TB Partnership
Message from IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)
Message from ILO (International Labour Organization)
Message from the International Land Coalition
Message from PAHO (Pan American Health Organization)

 

 The theme aims to highlight the importance of honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements, between States, its citizens and indigenous peoples. Both indigenous and non-indigenous peoples have a pivotal role in making treaties “living documents” in their own communities, by establishing new ways to live together, respecting one another and cooperating in the pursuit of common goals. This contributes to building societies that guarantee the security of their communities, while preserving the environment in recognition of the unique spiritual, cultural and historic relationship between indigenous peoples and their lands and natural resources.

The theme is inspired by the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign, an educational advocacy campaign organized by the Haudenosaunee people (a confederacy of six nations living in New York State), to honour their first treaty concluded with Dutch immigrants in 1613. (For more information, visit http://honorthetworow.org). 

For media queries, including interviews with UN officials and indigenous representatives, please contact Martina Donlon, tel: +1 212 963 6816 or email: donlon@un.org – UN Department of Public Information.To contact the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, please contact Nilla Bernardi, tel: +1 212-963-8379 or email: bernardi@un.org – UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs For more information on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples,  please see www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday or follow #IndigenousDay on Twitter

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2013 theme is: "The Prevention of Occupational Diseases. "

 Health and safety at work: Facts and figures

• 2.02 million people die each year from work-related diseases.
• 321,000 people die each year from occupational accidents.
• 160 million non-fatal work-related diseases per year.
• 317 million non –fatal occupational accidents per year.

This means that:

• Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease.
• Every 15 seconds, 151 workers have a work-related accident.

Deaths and injuries take a particularly heavy toll in developing countries, where a large part of the population is engaged in hazardous activities, such as agriculture, construction, fishing and mining.

ILO Director-General's statement on World Day for Safety and Health at Work

 Worldwide, occupational diseases continue to be the leading cause of work-related deaths. According to ILO estimates, out of 2.34 million occupational fatalities every year, only 321,000 are due to accidents. The remaining 2.02 million deaths are caused by various types of work-related diseases, which correspond to a daily average of more than 5,500 deaths. This is an unacceptable Decent Work deficit.

The inadequate prevention of occupational diseases has profound negative effects not only on workers and their families but also on society at large due to the tremendous costs that it generates; particularly, in terms of loss of productivity and burdening of social security systems.

As every year, the ILO Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment has prepared a report which calls on governments, employers, workers and their organizations to collaborate in the development and implementation of national policies and strategies aimed at preventing occupational and work-related diseases.

 Prevention is more effective and less costly than treatment and rehabilitation. All countries can take concrete steps now to improve their capacity for preventing occupational diseases.

Sources : 

International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS)

Partners :

• The Cochrane Library
• European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH)
• International Workers' Memorial Day
• International Social Security Association (ISSA)

 Newsletter :

°African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety
°Asian-Pacific Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety

°Barents Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety 

- Poster for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work - 28 April 2013 

 - Presentation for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work - 28 April 2013 

 - Questions and Answers on the prevention of occupational diseases

International Day of Human Space Flight 2013

载人空间飞行国际日- 4月12日
 International Day of Human Space Flight- 12 April
 Journée internationale du vol spatial habité  - 12 avril
 Международный день полета человека в космос- 12 апреля
Día Internacional de los Vuelos Espaciales Tripulados - 12 de abril

 اليوم الدولي للرحلة البشرية إلى الفضاء

The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/65/271 of 7 April 2011, declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight “to celebrate each year at the international level the beginning of the space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.”

12 April 1961 was the date of the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen. This historic event opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all humanity.
The General Assembly expressed its deep conviction of the common interest of mankind in promoting and expanding the exploration and use of outer space, as the province of all mankind, for peaceful purposes and in continuing efforts to extend to all States the benefits derived there from.

Russian Space Program (factsheet via ModernRussia.com) by ModernRussia

50th Anniversary of the First Human Space Flight
108 Minutes That Shook the World

          52 years ago, on April 12, traveled around the world TASS, beginning with the words: "April 12, 1961 the Soviet Union launched into Earth orbit by the world's first satellite spacecraft" Vostok "with a man on board. Pilot-astronaut spacecraft-satellite "East" is a citizen of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the pilot, Major Yuri Gagarin. "

          Here's what he wrote about Yuri Gagarin Commission August 23, 1960, to certify future astronauts: "Entitled infinite composure. Coaching moves easily, is working efficiently. Developed a very harmonious. Candor ... Intellectual development is high. Excellent memory. Stands out among his colleagues a broad measure of active attention, intelligence, quick reactions. Diligent. Well prepared for classes and training. Confidently manipulating formulas of celestial mechanics and higher mathematics. Do not hesitate to defend a point of view which considers correct. It seems that he knows life is more than some of his friends. "

          The materials Tass on the preparation for the flight said that "the first space flight could take only a man who, conscious of the great responsibility entrusted to him the task, knowingly and voluntarily agreed to give up all his strength and knowledge, and can be, and life for the commission of that outstanding feat. "

          108 minutes lasted first space flight. In these days when space expeditions are made many months, he seems to be very short. But each of these opening minutes was unknown. Yuri Gagarin's flight proved that man can live and work in space.

          Eminent scientist, designer, spacecraft Academician Sergei Korolev, whose name is associated development of mankind space era, said: "Gagarin proved what a person - on the biggest. He opened the way for the people of Earth into an unknown world. But is it? I think, Gagarin did more - he gave people confidence in their own strength, their capabilities, gave impetus to walk confidently, boldly ... This - Promethean act. "

          According to the American astronaut Neil Armstrong, Yuri Gagarin "called us all into space."

          April 9, 1962 in commemoration of the world's first manned space flight signed a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the celebration of the Day of Cosmonautics.

          Later, according to the protocol of the 61st General Conference of the International Aeronautical Federation, held in November 1968 and the decision of the International Aeronautical Federation, adopted by the thirtieth April 1969, on the proposal of the Federation of Sports aviation festival gained international importance and became known - the World Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics .

          A half-century later, April 7, 2011 at a special plenary session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution officially proclaimed April 12 the International Day of Human Space Flight. Co-authors of the resolution were more than 60 states.

          Today, in many cities of the Russian Federation, as well as in several countries, the celebrations will be dedicated to this event. In the rocket and space industry Russia's Baikonur cosmodrome and the International Space Station today will remember the events of more than half a century ago, to remember the people, the dream of those who paved the way for humanity in space.
 

Source: federalspace.ru via Christina on Pinterest

Secretary-General's message on World Oceans Day 2012

New York, 8 June 2012 - Secretary-General's message on World Oceans Day This year’s World Oceans Day falls as the international community marks an important milestone: the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. When the Convention opened for signature on 10 December 1982, it was rightly characterized as a “constitution for the oceans.” Forged through a process of negotiation among more than 150 States, the treaty is a living monument to international cooperation. When it was adopted, the Convention on the Law of the Sea made treaty history. With 320 articles and 9 Annexes covering every aspect of the oceans and marine environment, the Convention sets out a delicate balance of rights and duties. The protection of the world’s oceans and coasts is among the key goals of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which will open in Rio de Janeiro in just 12 days. The Convention is contributing to this goal through its provisions, including on the preservation of the marine environment, marine scientific research and the transfer of marine technology. We must do more for our world’s oceans, which are threatened by pollution, depleted fishery resources, the impacts of climate change and the deterioration of the marine environment. Rio+20 must mobilize the United Nations, governments and other partners to improve the management and conservation of oceans through initiatives to curb overfishing, improve protection of the marine environment and reduce ocean pollution and the impact of climate change. There could be no more fitting way to commemorate World Oceans Day than for all countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Convention on the Law of the Sea. Let us make 2012 another milestone year for the world’s oceans, so that we can set sail toward the future we want.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - November 25th

Secretary-General SG/SM/13955 OBV/1052 WOM/1885

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Violence – Often, Mere Threat of It – One of Most Significant Barriers To Women’s 

Full Equality, Says Secretary-General in Message for International Day

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November:

Violence against women and girls takes many forms and is widespread throughout the globe.
It includes rape, domestic violence, harassment at work, abuse in school, female genital mutilation and sexual violence in armed conflicts.  It is predominantly inflicted by men.  Whether in developing or developed countries, the pervasiveness of this violence should shock us all.  Violence — and in many cases the mere threat of it — is one of the most significant barriers to women’s full equality.

The right of women and girls to live free of violence is inalienable and fundamental.  It is enshrined in international human rights and humanitarian law.  And it lies at the heart of my “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign.  Since its launch in 2008, the campaign has galvanized Governments, civil society, the corporate sector, athletes, artists, women, men and young people around the world.  The social mobilization platform “Say NO — UNiTE” has recorded more than 2 million activities worldwide
— from protest marches to public awareness campaigns, from legislative advocacy to help for victims.

Many of these activities have received support from the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.  Since it was founded 15 years ago, the Fund has delivered grants worth $77 million to 339 initiatives in 126 countries and territories.  We would like the Fund to be able to do even more, but demand for support continues to outstrip resources.  This year alone, the Fund has received more than 2,500 applications requesting nearly $1.2 billion.  I appeal to all our partners to help us meet this vast unmet need.

Our challenge is to ensure that the message of “zero tolerance” is heard far and wide.  To do that, we must engage all of society — and especially young people.  In particular, young men and boys must be encouraged to become the advocates we need.  We need to promote healthy models of masculinity.  Too many young men still grow up surrounded by outmoded male stereotypes.  By talking to friends and peers about violence against women and girls, and by taking action to end it, they can help break the ingrained behaviour of generations.

On this International Day, I urge Governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence.  Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.

Top UN officials highlight youth leadership in ending violence against women

 

 

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks at event to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

23 November 2011 – Top United Nations officials today called for engaging all of society, and especially young people, to end violence against women, a scourge that spans the globe and takes many forms, including rape, domestic violence and harassment at work. “Whether in developing or developed countries, the pervasiveness of this unacceptable violence should shock us all,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at an event in New York to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
“Violence – and in many cases the mere threat of it – is one of the most significant barriers to women’s full equality,” he added.

This year’s Day, observed annually on 25 November, focuses on youth leadership in preventing and ending gender-based violence.
“Our challenge,” said Mr. Ban, “is to ensure that the message of ‘zero tolerance’ is heard far and wide. To do that, we must engage all of society – and especially young people – and in particular young men and boys.”
He highlighted the need to promote “healthy models of masculinity,” and in particular encourage young men and boys to become advocates for change.
“I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic. Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.”

In a separate message for the Day, Mr. Ban said the right of women and girls to live free of violence is “inalienable and fundamental” and enshrined in international human rights and humanitarian law.

It also lies at the heart of the “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign that the Secretary-General launched in 2008 that has galvanized governments, civil society, the corporate sector, athletes, artists, women, men and young people around the world to end the pandemic.
Mr. Ban also urged governments and the private sector to increase their support to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which is marking 15 years of giving grants to support innovative regional, local and national projects.

The fund has delivered grants worth $77 million to 339 initiatives in 126 countries and territories since it was established in 1997. However, demand for support continues to outstrip resources, the Secretary-General said, noting that this year alone, the fund has received more than 2,500 applications requesting nearly $1.2 billion. Mr. Ban said an additional $100 million in annual donations is needed.

The Executive Director of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet, for her part, called on world leaders to mobilize political will and investment to ensure that women can live a life without violence.
“Violence against women is not solely a women’s issue,” she stated in her message for the Day. “It diminishes each and every one of us. We need to come together to end it. By coming together, by standing up against violence against women, we will come closer to peace, justice and equality.”

According to UN Women, 125 countries have specific laws that penalize domestic violence, and equality between women and men is guaranteed in 139 countries and territories. But women continue to be subjected to violence, with estimates indicating that up to six in 10 women have suffered physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, a majority from their husbands or partners.

Ms. Bachelet outlined 16 concrete policy actions to end violence against women, including revising laws, providing universal access to emergency services for survivors, engaging men and boys, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

In a related development, the UN released a report today stating that Afghanistan has a long way to go before its women are fully protected from violence and their equality is properly upheld through the landmark Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW) law enacted two years ago.
The report, produced by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) and the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), makes 32 recommendations to the Government and its international partners to improve implementation of the law, including raising greater awareness of the law among Afghan women and men and within all levels of the Government.