Message from
Ms Irina Bokova,
Director-General of UNESCO,
on the occasion of International Day for the
Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
23 August 2011
The transatlantic slave trade is one of the most extreme violations of human rights
in history. The duration, extent and magnitude of this dehumanizing enterprise have
led to its universal condemnation. The International Day for the Remembrance of
the Slave Trade and its Abolition is an opportunity to reflect once again on this
tragedy and to pay tribute to those who struggled for its abolition in the light of the
universal recognition of human rights.
The commemoration carries special importance this year. 2011 marks the 10th
anniversary of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination,
Xenophobia and Related Intolerance that was held in Durban, where the slave
trade was acknowledged as a crime against humanity.
2011, is also International Year for People of African Descent. This is a chance to
examine the effects of the slave trade, whose ignominious practice has in part
shaped the face of modern society, across all regions of the world. This history can
also nourish our thinking about our multicultural and multiethnic societies today.
The history of the slave trade provides unique insight also to nearly four centuries of
linkages and exchanges among peoples and cultures. Each of us must be
empowered to learn about this past and to reclaim it, as a necessary step in
building new common ground. Managing cultural diversity and fighting prejudice
and racial discrimination raise high stakes in globalizing world. Ten years after the
adoption of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, our collective
responsibility is greater than ever before.
UNESCO plays a leading role in fostering understanding and recognition of this
history. Since the establishment of the Slave Route project in 1994, UNESCO has
worked to break the silence on the slave trade and slavery. UNESCO helps States
in supporting research, in enriching their own national history and in facilitating the
sharing of memories.
On this day of remembrance, UNESCO will launch the international competition on
the permanent memorial to the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade
that will be built at United Nations Headquarters in New York. UNESCO is proud to
participate in this initiative launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
The memorial will symbolise universal recognition of the tragedy as one that befell
not only Africans and people of African descent but humanity as a whole.
On this day, call on all UNESCO partners -- national authorities, international
agencies, civil society, artists and historians -- to carry this message forward and to
join us at the official site of the competition United Nations slavery memorial
Irina Bokova
Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition 23 August 2011
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Friday, 12 August 2011
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY 19 August 2011
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
--
MESSAGE ON WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY
19 August 2011
There is never a year without humanitarian crises. And wherever there are people in need, there are people who help them – men and women coming together to ease suffering and bring hope. From Japan to Sudan, from Pakistan to the Horn of Africa, aid workers help people who have lost their homes, loved ones and sources of income.
These humanitarians often brave great danger, far from home. They work long hours, in the most difficult conditions. Their efforts save lives in conflict and natural disaster. They also draw the world closer together by reminding us that we are one family, sharing the same dreams for a peaceful planet, where all people can live in safety, and with dignity.
On World Humanitarian Day, we honour these aid workers and thank them for their dedication. And we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice – in Afghanistan, Haiti and beyond. Too many have died, or suffered their own loss, in the course of duty. We pledge to do all we can to ensure the world’s humanitarians are kept safe to do their essential work.
This is also a day to examine our own lives and consider what more we can do to help -- to reach out to people enduring conflict, disaster and hardship. Let those we honour today inspire us to start our own journey to make the world a better place and bring our human family more closely together.
World Humanitarian Day Key Messages (PDF): English Download
--
MESSAGE ON WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY
19 August 2011
There is never a year without humanitarian crises. And wherever there are people in need, there are people who help them – men and women coming together to ease suffering and bring hope. From Japan to Sudan, from Pakistan to the Horn of Africa, aid workers help people who have lost their homes, loved ones and sources of income.
These humanitarians often brave great danger, far from home. They work long hours, in the most difficult conditions. Their efforts save lives in conflict and natural disaster. They also draw the world closer together by reminding us that we are one family, sharing the same dreams for a peaceful planet, where all people can live in safety, and with dignity.
On World Humanitarian Day, we honour these aid workers and thank them for their dedication. And we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice – in Afghanistan, Haiti and beyond. Too many have died, or suffered their own loss, in the course of duty. We pledge to do all we can to ensure the world’s humanitarians are kept safe to do their essential work.
This is also a day to examine our own lives and consider what more we can do to help -- to reach out to people enduring conflict, disaster and hardship. Let those we honour today inspire us to start our own journey to make the world a better place and bring our human family more closely together.
World Humanitarian Day Key Messages (PDF): English Download
| World Humanitarian Day Posters (PDF): Arabic (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) Chinese (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) Creole (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) English (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) French (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) Russian (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) Spanish (A4 size 1.8Mb | A0 size low res 2.8Mb | A0 size high res 25Mb) More posters to come. |  |
| World Humanitarian Day Logos (JPG): Arabic (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) Chinese (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) Creole (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) English (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) French (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) Russian (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) Spanish (white background: small - large | black background: small - large) |
Thursday, 11 August 2011
International Day of the World's Indigenous People - 9 August
Kalimantan's Craft: Harmony of Culture and Nature
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
9 August
This Craft Kalimantan film highlights indigenous weaving
traditions used in the production of high quality art products. The products are the work of artisan groups, made up of 90 per cent women, who live in and around the forests in Kalimantan, Indonesia. These groups continue to struggle in defence of their culture and tradition through the art of weaving crafts.
Produced by: Ghekko Studio
For more information: http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
9 August
This Craft Kalimantan film highlights indigenous weaving
traditions used in the production of high quality art products. The products are the work of artisan groups, made up of 90 per cent women, who live in and around the forests in Kalimantan, Indonesia. These groups continue to struggle in defence of their culture and tradition through the art of weaving crafts.
Produced by: Ghekko Studio
For more information: http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
IYD 2011 - Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO
Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO
On this International Youth Day 2011, I wish to acknowledge the contribution of young women and men across the world to the fight for human dignity and fundamental freedoms.The “youth quakes” that have struck across the Arab world have shown the ability of young people to drive change. The struggle for democratic participation has shaken regimes seemingly impervious to pressure. These movements have shown the power of aspirations for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Young people are one billion strong in the world. They carry a billion hopes for a better future and a billion ideas to change the world. They embody also one billion lives to nurture and support. Young women and men are growing up at the sharp end of change. The capabilities of every young person must be developed, so that their energy works for innovation, for civic participation, for resolving global challenges. Young people are already changing the world and reinventing culture. They must have the skills and tools to do so in ways that strengthen the ties between cultures and that protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In times of change and uncertainty, we must rely on all sources of dynamism to face rising global challenges. Every young woman and man must be given the chance to take part in the decision-making that shapes our societies and that will define their futures.
UNESCO works to leverage education, the sciences, culture, communication and information to empower young people as active stakeholders in the world’s society. Quality education is the starting point for their full and positive engagement. We must provide young people with everything they need to share their ideas and act on them -- to fight unemployment and poverty, to overcome gender inequality and all forms of discrimination, to tackle diseases and marginalization.
This International Youth Day marks the end of the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. On this occasion, I call on all Governments, youth organizations and the international community to reflect on the historic changes underway this year and to consider the next steps we must take together.
This is the goal of the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum, which will be held in Paris from 17 to 20 October 2011. Under the theme of youth driving change, the Youth Forum will provide a platform for young people from all Member states and societies across the world to share experiences, to express views and to forge new ideas together.
Young women and men across the world are already shaping the contours of the present. We must do everything to encourage their development and to protect their dignity and rights. Everyone’s future depends on it.
International Youth Day - August 12
International Youth Day
The United Nations has long recognized that the imagination, ideals and energies of young women and men are vital for the continuing development of the societies in which they live. In 1985 the UN General Assembly observed the International Youth Year: : Participation, Development and Peace. It drew international attention to the important role young people play in the world, and, in particular, their potential contribution to development and the goals of the United Nations Charter.
Every year after that, the International Youth Day has been celebrated to:
1. Enhance awareness of the global situation of youth and increase recognition of the rights and aspirations of youth
2. Promote national youth policies, national youth coordinating mechanisms and national youth programs of action as integral parts of social and economic development, in cooperation with both governmental and non-governmental organizations
3. Strengthen the participation of youth in decision-making processes at all levels in order to increase their impact on national development and international cooperation.
For more information, visit http://www.hrea.org
The Youth of the World
International Youth Day is a day to stand out and be counted as passionate and energetic youth that are creating a better world for all. It’s an opportunity to remind key decision-makers and influential persons of the key role young global citizens play in affecting global change. International Youth Day is a day for the youth of the world to approach and rally support from governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and other young people to strengthen your ability to tackle poverty together. IYD is a day to take practical action to further encourage the empowerment of youth in their communities.
Some of the issues that the youth of today faces and needs to address are:
• Education
• Employment
• Hunger and Poverty
• Health
• Environment
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug use
All these and more are a constant growing concern for the youth of the world and is what NGOs the world over are trying to improve on.
For more information, visit http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
Taking Part
Celebrating International Youth Day is an opportunity to tackle issues and bring into light the problems our youth faces in today’s world. The world over students and NGOs plan some sort of activity which focuses on various aspects of this crisis which in turn leads to better decision. Some of the ways in which you can celebrate International Youth Day are:
• Team up! It is a great opportunity to rally support and get key actors involved - Governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and young people - to focus on what has been done to further the cause
• Organize! Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of young people focusing on youth issues and how they can be addressed.
• Celebrate! Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate – the fact that youth contribute to the societies in which they live. Convene exchanges and dialogues focusing on the rich and varied skills, interests and aspirations of young people.
• Take action! A major focus of the Day is practical action to further encourage the empowerment and participation of youth in the processes and decisions that affect their lives.
• Media! The media especially has an important role to play in support of the observance of the Day to promote public awareness of youth issues and to run programs that reflect on them.
For more information, visit http://www.un.org
International Youth Day in Pakistan
In a third world country where avenues are available less and less, and inadequate facilities do not nurture or groom the youth of today, many adverse effects on the society are visible. The main concern about the youth population is their inclination towards activities which do not help in building their character. Since the youth has been deprived of opportunities and lack awareness, they tend to shift away from their aims and objectives. In Pakistan however International Youth Day is celebrated but on a rather mute note.
Youth day is an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention toward youth issues worldwide. Concerts, workshops, cultural events and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations would take place around the world.
Other activities include seminars promoting the world's youth, as well as various sporting events, parades and mobile exhibitions that showcase young people's achievements. IYD is aimed to recognize efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society and promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. The UN defines the worlds' youth as the age group between 15 and 24 years old, making up one-sixth of the human population.
The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the UN's World Youth Forum. The forum recommended that an International Youth Day be declared, especially for fundraising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.
The other activities to be carried out on this special day include tree plantation and an exhibition to recognize youth participation in sustainable development of the country.
For more information, visit http://www.nation.com.pk for more news
Situation in Pakistan
It is a great tragedy that the vast amounts of youth energies have never been put to proper use. They have not been given any participation in any sphere of life. They have never made partners in the development of the country. Young people are experiencing isolation, vulnerability, powerlessness and idleness.
Their disadvantages derive them from lack of access to interrelated dimensions, such as:
• Economic (assets leading to income generation).
• Social (access to information, social capital, free-time activities, cultural expression, educational opportunities, care and mentoring in youth friendly venues).
• Participation in decision making (empowerment, governance).
On this basis, it appears that youth inclusion policies would be more effective if these different dimensions are combined, rather than having fragmented sectoral interventions. Institutional neglect and cultural biases constitute major barriers that prevent youth access to the above-indicated assets.
The youth of Pakistan are caught in a multitude of problems like unemployment, poverty, remorselessness, social taboos, drugs, guns and politics. It is unfortunate that the youth are trapped in a culture marked by guns, violence and drugs. All this has resulted in an unstable economy, a shattered confidence of foreign investors, lawlessness and a break-up of the social fabric.
The costs of neglecting youth can be measured in terms of increasing incidences of crimes, terrorist activities and depletion of human and social capital. There is a loss of economic growth possibilities, which will only increase as this large cohort ages and is without experience in the work force.
For more information, visit http://www.pnys.com
Lack of engagement and lack of connection makes it less likely that young people will contribute and become self-sufficient adults. This is threatening our progress. Therefore in order to ensure a good future in Pakistan, it is absolutely vital that the role of the youth population be enhanced and they should be given more opportunities which will help them to grow as great individuals who support the country rather than hinder its growth.
The United Nations has long recognized that the imagination, ideals and energies of young women and men are vital for the continuing development of the societies in which they live. In 1985 the UN General Assembly observed the International Youth Year: : Participation, Development and Peace. It drew international attention to the important role young people play in the world, and, in particular, their potential contribution to development and the goals of the United Nations Charter.
Every year after that, the International Youth Day has been celebrated to:
1. Enhance awareness of the global situation of youth and increase recognition of the rights and aspirations of youth
2. Promote national youth policies, national youth coordinating mechanisms and national youth programs of action as integral parts of social and economic development, in cooperation with both governmental and non-governmental organizations
3. Strengthen the participation of youth in decision-making processes at all levels in order to increase their impact on national development and international cooperation.
For more information, visit http://www.hrea.org
The Youth of the World
International Youth Day is a day to stand out and be counted as passionate and energetic youth that are creating a better world for all. It’s an opportunity to remind key decision-makers and influential persons of the key role young global citizens play in affecting global change. International Youth Day is a day for the youth of the world to approach and rally support from governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and other young people to strengthen your ability to tackle poverty together. IYD is a day to take practical action to further encourage the empowerment of youth in their communities.
Some of the issues that the youth of today faces and needs to address are:
• Education
• Employment
• Hunger and Poverty
• Health
• Environment
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug use
All these and more are a constant growing concern for the youth of the world and is what NGOs the world over are trying to improve on.
For more information, visit http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
Taking Part
Celebrating International Youth Day is an opportunity to tackle issues and bring into light the problems our youth faces in today’s world. The world over students and NGOs plan some sort of activity which focuses on various aspects of this crisis which in turn leads to better decision. Some of the ways in which you can celebrate International Youth Day are:
• Team up! It is a great opportunity to rally support and get key actors involved - Governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and young people - to focus on what has been done to further the cause
• Organize! Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of young people focusing on youth issues and how they can be addressed.
• Celebrate! Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate – the fact that youth contribute to the societies in which they live. Convene exchanges and dialogues focusing on the rich and varied skills, interests and aspirations of young people.
• Take action! A major focus of the Day is practical action to further encourage the empowerment and participation of youth in the processes and decisions that affect their lives.
• Media! The media especially has an important role to play in support of the observance of the Day to promote public awareness of youth issues and to run programs that reflect on them.
For more information, visit http://www.un.org
International Youth Day in Pakistan
In a third world country where avenues are available less and less, and inadequate facilities do not nurture or groom the youth of today, many adverse effects on the society are visible. The main concern about the youth population is their inclination towards activities which do not help in building their character. Since the youth has been deprived of opportunities and lack awareness, they tend to shift away from their aims and objectives. In Pakistan however International Youth Day is celebrated but on a rather mute note.
Youth day is an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention toward youth issues worldwide. Concerts, workshops, cultural events and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations would take place around the world.
Other activities include seminars promoting the world's youth, as well as various sporting events, parades and mobile exhibitions that showcase young people's achievements. IYD is aimed to recognize efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society and promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. The UN defines the worlds' youth as the age group between 15 and 24 years old, making up one-sixth of the human population.
The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the UN's World Youth Forum. The forum recommended that an International Youth Day be declared, especially for fundraising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.
The other activities to be carried out on this special day include tree plantation and an exhibition to recognize youth participation in sustainable development of the country.
For more information, visit http://www.nation.com.pk for more news
Situation in Pakistan
It is a great tragedy that the vast amounts of youth energies have never been put to proper use. They have not been given any participation in any sphere of life. They have never made partners in the development of the country. Young people are experiencing isolation, vulnerability, powerlessness and idleness.
Their disadvantages derive them from lack of access to interrelated dimensions, such as:
• Economic (assets leading to income generation).
• Social (access to information, social capital, free-time activities, cultural expression, educational opportunities, care and mentoring in youth friendly venues).
• Participation in decision making (empowerment, governance).
On this basis, it appears that youth inclusion policies would be more effective if these different dimensions are combined, rather than having fragmented sectoral interventions. Institutional neglect and cultural biases constitute major barriers that prevent youth access to the above-indicated assets.
The youth of Pakistan are caught in a multitude of problems like unemployment, poverty, remorselessness, social taboos, drugs, guns and politics. It is unfortunate that the youth are trapped in a culture marked by guns, violence and drugs. All this has resulted in an unstable economy, a shattered confidence of foreign investors, lawlessness and a break-up of the social fabric.
The costs of neglecting youth can be measured in terms of increasing incidences of crimes, terrorist activities and depletion of human and social capital. There is a loss of economic growth possibilities, which will only increase as this large cohort ages and is without experience in the work force.
For more information, visit http://www.pnys.com
Lack of engagement and lack of connection makes it less likely that young people will contribute and become self-sufficient adults. This is threatening our progress. Therefore in order to ensure a good future in Pakistan, it is absolutely vital that the role of the youth population be enhanced and they should be given more opportunities which will help them to grow as great individuals who support the country rather than hinder its growth.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
World Hepatitis Day 2011 - Pan American Health Organization - Organización Panamericana de la Salud
World Hepatitis Day 2011 - Pan American Health Organization - Organización Panamericana de la Salud
In 2010 the 63rd World Health Assembly (WHA) of WHO, called for a comprehensive response to viral hepatitis
In 2010 the 63rd World Health Assembly (WHA) of WHO, called for a comprehensive response to viral hepatitis
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
International Day of Friendship - 30 July
Secretary-General’s Message for 2011
The idea of friendship permeates the work and ideals of the United Nations. The Charter proclaims that one of the purposes of the Organization is “to develop friendly relations among nations”. These same words appear in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UNESCO’s Constitution speaks of the need for peace based not just on the “political and economic arrangements of governments”, but on the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind”. And the UN Alliance of Civilizations initiative aims to improve cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples across cultures and religions, including to counter the forces that fuel extremism.
Friendship; harmony; tolerance; mutual respect and mutual concern: these concepts are part of the Organization’s very fibre. They inform our activities, from peacekeeping and defending human rights to our collective efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. And they are now the focus of the International Day of Friendship, a new observance established by the General Assembly in a resolution that highlights the potential of friendship to “build bridges” and “inspire peace efforts”.
Individual friendships bring us face to face with diversity and different points of view. They bring us joy and support, notwithstanding the tests that can encumber even the best of relationships. The same pillars that support sturdy personal friendships – trust, respect, mutually beneficial decision-making – also have an important place in the community of nations.
United States President Woodrow Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” On this first International Day of Friendship, let us pledge to work together to strengthen that cement and build a peaceful, more prosperous world so old friendships can flourish and new ones can be made.
International Day of Friendship - 30 July
The idea of friendship permeates the work and ideals of the United Nations. The Charter proclaims that one of the purposes of the Organization is “to develop friendly relations among nations”. These same words appear in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UNESCO’s Constitution speaks of the need for peace based not just on the “political and economic arrangements of governments”, but on the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind”. And the UN Alliance of Civilizations initiative aims to improve cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples across cultures and religions, including to counter the forces that fuel extremism.
Friendship; harmony; tolerance; mutual respect and mutual concern: these concepts are part of the Organization’s very fibre. They inform our activities, from peacekeeping and defending human rights to our collective efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. And they are now the focus of the International Day of Friendship, a new observance established by the General Assembly in a resolution that highlights the potential of friendship to “build bridges” and “inspire peace efforts”.
Individual friendships bring us face to face with diversity and different points of view. They bring us joy and support, notwithstanding the tests that can encumber even the best of relationships. The same pillars that support sturdy personal friendships – trust, respect, mutually beneficial decision-making – also have an important place in the community of nations.
United States President Woodrow Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” On this first International Day of Friendship, let us pledge to work together to strengthen that cement and build a peaceful, more prosperous world so old friendships can flourish and new ones can be made.
International Day of Friendship - 30 July
Documents
- UN General Assembly designates 30 July as the International Day of Friendship (2011)
- General Assembly resolution on a Culture of Peace (1998)
- Proclamation of the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace (1998)
- Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (1999)
- General Assembly declares 21 September as the International Day of Peace (2001)
- International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010
- Resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 1998 (A/RES/53/25)
- Resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 2001 (A/RES/55/47)
- Report of the Secretary-General (September 2000)(A/55/377)
- Report of the Secretary-General (September 2001) (A/56/349)
- Note by the Secretary-General (August 2009)(A/64/312)
- Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination
Based on Religion or Belief
Resources
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