In 2001, the World Toilet Organization declared its founding day, 19 November, as World Toilet Day. Since then, 19 November has been observed globally by its member organizations.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Facts about Water and Sanitation
The impacts of the global water and sanitation crisis are far-reaching. Beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood, those impacted are often confined to lifecycles of disadvantage and poverty. Access to clean water and sanitation helps sustain communities, build livelihoods and save lives.
* World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Report 2003
* WHO/UNICEF Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2010 Update
* World Bank, All About: Water and Health, CNN, December 18, 2007
* WHO/UNICEF 2008 Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation: Special Focus on Sanitation
* Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) A Guide to Investigating One of the Biggest Scandals of the Last 50 Years
* WHO Safe Water, Better Health: Costs, benefits and sustainability of interventions to protect and promote health
Facts about Water
884 million people lack access to an improved water supply
- A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.
- At any given time, half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water-related disease.
- The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.
- While basic needs vary, the minimum threshold of water use is 20 litres per day. Factoring in bathing and laundry needs would increase this to 50 litres per day.
- Most of the nearly 1 billion people lacking access to clean water live on about 5 litres of water a day. That’s about one tenth of the amount needed to flush a standard toilet.
- A five minute shower using a standard showerhead uses approximately 100 litres of water. Installing a low-flow version would help reduce water usage to 35 litres for the same five minute shower.
| Improved Drinking-Water | Unimproved Drinking-Water |
Use of the following sources:
| Use of the following sources:
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*Bottled water is considered to be improved only when the household uses drinking water from an improved source for cooking and personal hygiene; where this information is not available, bottled water is classified on a case-by-case basis.
Facts about Sanitation
2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation
- 1.1 billion people still defecate in the open.
- The majority of the illness in the world is caused by fecal matter.
- Lack of sanitation is the world’s leading cause of infection.
- 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation – defined as a sanitation facility that ensures the hygienic separation of human excreta from human contact.
- 88 per cent of all diseases are caused by unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and insufficient hygiene.
| Improved Sanitation | Unimproved Sanitation |
Use of the following facilities:
| Use of the following facilities:
|
Facts about Women and Children
Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.
- 1.4 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation.
- For children under five, water-related diseases are the leading cause of death.
- Parasitic infection transmitted through unclean water and poor sanitation hinders learning potential for more than 150 million children.
- Access to clean water and sanitation can reduce the risk of a child dying by as much as 50 per cent.
- Inadequate sanitation is experienced by millions of women as a loss of dignity and source of insecurity.
- Women shoulder the largest burden in collecting drinking water.
- Girls under the age of 15 are twice as likely as boys of the same age to carry the responsibility of collecting water.
Facts about Productivity
Almost two-thirds of people lacking access to clean water live on less than $2 a day.
- 443 million school days are lost each year due to water-related diseases.
- Millions of women and children spend several hours a day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources.
- Every $1 spend on water and sanitation creates on average another $8 in costs averted and productivity gained.
- Lack of clean water and sanitation creates lifecycles of disadvantage – with illness and lost educational opportunities in childhood leading to poverty in adulthood.
References
* 2006 United Nations Human Development Report* World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Report 2003
* WHO/UNICEF Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2010 Update
* World Bank, All About: Water and Health, CNN, December 18, 2007
* WHO/UNICEF 2008 Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation: Special Focus on Sanitation
* Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) A Guide to Investigating One of the Biggest Scandals of the Last 50 Years
* WHO Safe Water, Better Health: Costs, benefits and sustainability of interventions to protect and promote health
World Philosophy Day 2011 - Activities to celebrate the day in Member States
World Philosophy Day
Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan., United States, Tanzania, Thailand, Russia, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Senegal, Portugal , Phillipines, Panama, Nigeria, Netherlands, Namibia, Morocco, Mexico, Malaysia, Lebanon, Jamaica, Italy, Iraq, Indonesia, Germany, France, Finland , Czech Republic, Cap Verde, Canada , Cambodia, Australia, Argentina, Albania
World Philosophy Day 2011/ Activities to celebrate the Day in Member States
1. ALBANIA
Albanian New Philosophers Network, University of Tirana
The Network will publish the first issue of its journal. Other activities are also planned.
2. ARGENTINA
Centre of Philosophy and Social Studies; International Network of Women Philosophers; Group of epistemological analysis of the Faculty of Arts of the Mar del Plata University
The celebration will take place from 17 to 19 November 2011 in Mar del Plata. Several activities will be organized, including symposia and roundtable discussions on the history of philosophy, philosophy of language, political philosophy, philosophy of science and ethics.
3. AUSTRALIA
The University of Queensland
World Philosophy Day will be celebrated by the University of Queensland through the organization of different activities.
4. CAMBODIA
Philosophical Association of Cambodia (PAC)
The Association has been preparing a number of activities for the celebration of the 2011 edition.
5. CANADA
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The autumn 2011 edition of the Journal Philosopher, usually distributed to nearly 900 teachers of philosophy in the province of Quebec, will dedicate a number of articles to the activities related to the celebration of World Philosophy Day.
UNESCO Chair in Studies of Philosophic Foundations of Justice and Democratic Society at University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM); Philosophy department and the Faculty of Humanities of UQAM; and UPop Montreal
Based on information received from partners.
For this edition, a round table on the theme “Welcome, Ladies?” will be organized, to reflect on the role of women in philosophy. Several questions will be asked during the discussions: What is the situation in 2011 and how has it evolved (or not)? Why are women a minority in philosophy? What impact does this minority status have on their studies, career, their person?
Cégep of Jonquière, Québec
On 17 November 2011, the Cégep of Jonquière will organize several activities.
6. CAPE VERDE
Philosophy Department, Cape Verde University
The Department will organize a Forum entitled “The value of philosophy for human emancipation” and an exhibition about philosophers on 17 November 2011, in Praia.
7. CZECH REPUBLIC
Philosophy Department, University of Pardubice; Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Several activities will be organized.
8. FINLAND
AIIPh Baltic Sea Net; Finnish UNESCO ASPnet; Finnish Association for Teachers of Philosophy and Philosophy of Life; and Societas Philosophica Fennica
These networks jointly organize a philosophical essay event for secondary school students in countries around the Baltic Sea. In Finland, this event also prepares for the selection of candidates for the Philosophy Olympiad in 2012. The winners will receive publications related to the subjects of the competition, philosophy and world heritage. Their names will be announced on 17 November, and the best essays will be published on internet at the following address: www.feto.fi.
University of Helsinki
A symposium will be organized by the University of Helsinki.
9. FRANCE
Philosophy Circle of La Reunion
In Reunion the celebration of the 2011 edition of World Philosophy Day 2011 will take place though a series of events organized by the Philosophy Circle of La Reunion.
10. GERMANY
German Commission for UNESCO; German Association for Philosophy
On this occasion, numerous activities will take place throughout the country.
11. INDONESIA
Faculty of Philosophy of Gadjah Mada University
The Faculty of Philosophy of Gadjah Mada University organises a seminar entitled “Philosophy and Local Wisdom for Human Character Building”. The seminar will take place in Yogyakarta on 23 and 24 November and will bring together speakers from South-East Asia, South Asia and the United States America. The objective of this seminar is to promote the importance of philosophy in local wisdom, and of philosophical thinking in general.
12. IRAQ
Philosophy Department, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad
The Department will organize a conference, with the participation of Iraqi philosophers. Coinciding with the eighth centenary of the death of the philosopher Al-Ghazali, the conference will focus on his school of thought.
13. ITALY
Philosophy Research Center - Network of the Research Centre for the Didactics of Philosophy of the Province of Liguria; Chiabrera-Martini High School of Savona
The Center [www.portalefilosofico.com] will dedicate its 2011 celebration to the theme "Philosophy as educational experience". The activities, on 18 November, will be inaugurated by Professor Alfonso Gargano, Headmaster of the Chiabrera-Martini High School of Savona. This will be followed by a video conference with the President of the International Association of Philosophy Professors (AIPPh), Dr. Werner Busch, on “The Political Philosophy of Hannah Arendt”. The day will conclude with a lecture entitled “Forming Man. The Proposal of Edith Stein” by Professor Letterio Mauro, President of the Degree Course in Philosophical Methodologies at the University of Genoa.
14. JAMAICA
University of the West Indies
Several events are organized at the University.
15. LEBANON
Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO
On 17 November 2011, a seminar will be organized on the subject “Freedom from a Philosophical Perspective and Freedom in Practice”, with the participation of politicians, academicians, philosophers, researchers and specialized NGOs.
16. MALAYSIA
The University of Malaya
A conference will be organized on 17 November.
17. MEXICO
Ministry of Public Education of Mexico
An International Forum on “The role of philosophical competencies in Higher Secondary Education” will take place from 14 to 16 November 2011 at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Its purpose will be to promote dialogue between education authorities, experts and specialized agencies, in order to strengthen democratic citizenship among high school students through the study of philosophy. In the framework of this event many conferences and round-table discussions will be organized on the following topics: "The present and the future of Latin America. Philosophical reflection”, “The teaching of philosophy and its contribution to knowledge", "The relations between philosophy and natural sciences”, etc. Among the participants are: Fernando Savater (Spain), Philippe Perrenoud (Switzerland), Michael Löwy (Brazil / France), Gianni Vattimo (Italy), Evandro Agazzi (Italy). A book fair will also take place.
Philosophical Observatory of Morelos, Philosophical Observatory of Mexico
To celebrate World Philosophy Day, the Philosophical Observatory of Morelos will organize, jointly with its partner the Philosophical Observatory of Mexico, the following two events:
• A conference to take place on 23 November in Cuernavaca, Morelos, near Mexico City on which occasion a number of issues will be addressed, including: The state of philosophy in Mexico; The development of philosophy and the contribution of Adolfo Sanchez Vazquez; Tribute to Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel; The anthropological contribution to philosophy of Edith Stein, etc.
• A conference organized on the occasion of the launch of the Spanish version of the UNESCO study Philosophy, school of freedom to be held on 28 October in Toluca as part of the XVI International Congress of Philosophy.
Center for Classical Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Department of Philosophy at the University of Guadalajara, El Cuerpo Académico: Cibernética, Erótica, Filosofía y Teología
From 3 to 5 November 2011 in the public library of the State of Jalisco in Guadalajara will take place the National Meeting of Researchers of Novohispano Thought. The meeting will touch upon the following topics: Philosophy of slavery in New Spain; The sources of Novohispano thought; Philosophy and economic, political and social thought; Science and education; History, art and literature; Social thought; Philosophy and arts; Philosophy and science; and History of social thought.
University Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at the Department of Philosophy of the University of Guadalajara,
From 7 to 10 November 2011 a student philosophy symposium will be organized as part of the celebration of the World Philosophy Day. The following topics will be discussed: ethics, bioethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of religion, philosophical anthropology.
International Book Fair in Guadalajara
On 3 December, in the framework of the International Book Fair in Guadalajara, will take place the VII Philosophical Symposium (VII Banquete de FIL - o – Sofía) on the theme "Recognition and critical thinking", conceived as a dialogue between the Mexican and German philosophers. Another symposium will be held on 1 and 2 December on the theme “Politics, violence and democracy between the global and the local”, which will address such topics as: The changing faces of violence; Conflicts and opportunities of globalization; Perspectives of transculturality; Politics and ethics against violence; Violence and justice, etc.
18. MOROCCO
UNESCO Offices in Rabat and Bangkok
The Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, initiated by UNESCO, will this year take place in the framework of World Philosophy Day from 15 to 17 November 2011, in Manila.
Philosophical Association of Tetouan
The Association will organize from 26 to 30 November the following activities:
• Discussion on the theme "The Existential Situation of the Arab Spring" with the participation of many thinkers and scholars from Morocco;
• A conference on "The artistic approach of the Arab Spring" followed by a presentation of books;
• A Plastic Art Exhibition on "Which Arab spring?”
19. NAMIBIA
Namibia National Commission for UNESCO; Socrates Society at the University of Namibia
The Socrates Society at the University of Namibia and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO will organize activities in which eminent personalities will take part.
20. NETHERLANDS
Utrecht University
A round table focusing on philosophy teaching will be organized by the Philosophy Department of the University.
Teylingen College Leeuwenhorst in Noordwijkerhout
On the occasion of the Day, the College will organize a “Philosophy and Singer/songwriting: creative expressions of the human mind” masterclass with the participation of the school’s students. The main topics will be primarily freedom of expression and aesthetics.
21. NIGERIA
Department of Philosophy of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria; Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, United States of America
The Department of Philosophy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka, Nigeria), in collaboration with the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (Washington, D.C., United States of America), will organize a conference on "Philosophical Perspectives on Africa and the Global Change”. The following topics will be discussed: the conceptualization of global change; philosophy, democracy and global change; and intercultural philosophy and dialogue of cultures.
22. PANAMA
University of Panama; Ministry of Education of Panama
On 15 November 2011, a conference will be organized by the University of Panama and the Ministry of Education.
23. PHILIPPINES
UNESCO Offices in Bangkok and Rabat
The Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, initiated by UNESCO, will this year take place in the framework of World Philosophy Day from 15 to 17 November 2011, in Manila.
24. PORTUGAL
High School of Art Anthony Arroyo, Lisbon
Several activities are planned.
Project « filocriatiVIDAde »
To celebrate World Philosophy Day the project « filocriatiVIDAde » will organise a Philosophical Banquet entitled « Philosophy: Love and other things that make us sigh, think and create!”
In addition, "filocriatiVIDAde" will conduct, on 17 and 18 November, philosophical workshops for children in some schools in the region of Lisbon.
Finally, the project will undertake activities in applied philosophy of creativity among the Taekwondo athletes Rodafits from Caneças. This project, entitled PhiloTKD and initiated in 2008, emphasizes the philosophy perspective of Taekwondo, and is adapted to both children and adults.
25. SENEGAL
Philosophical Society of Senegal
The Philosophical society of Senegal plans to celebrate the Day with events on diversity and dialogue of cultures.
26. SLOVENIA
To celebrate the Day, a discussion will be organized on the theme “New Humanism – vision or illusion?”
27. SPAIN
Illa de Rodes Institut, Province of Girona
The celebration of World Philosophy Day 2011 will take place on 16 December 2011 in Figueres with the participation of 200 students.
Group of high school philosophy teachers (GDF); Centre de Recursos per a l'Ensenyament, Aprenentatge i Innovació de la Filosofia (CREAIF) ; Catalan Philosophical Society ; Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona
On 16 November 2011, the prizes of the Mostra de Fotofilosofia 2011 will be awarded to their winners at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona. On this occasion, the best “fotofilosofies” will be exhibited and discussed through philosophical practices. This is a cooperative project involving 50 Catalan high schools. The students of each high school create blogs called “fotofilosofies”. A “fotofilosofia” is a philosophical question illustrated with a photo. Using creativity and critical thought, through a dialectic between image and word, it emphasizes questioning and leads to reflection. http://blocs.xtec.cat/filoconvocatoria/
28. SWITZERLAND
French gymnasium of Bienne, Swiss Commission for UNESCO
The 2011 edition will take place in Bienne, a bilingual Swiss town. A bilingual philosophical debate will be organized from 18 to 20 November. Professors from Universities of France, Switzerland and Germany will discuss the theme of evaluation and control, inviting the City to break out from the unique thought and to rethink social links. Philosophy in the City for the building of peace, universal philosophy at the heart of the City and within everyone’s reach, such are the objectives of this celebration.
29. ROMANIA
The Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
A round table and an essay contest will be organized at the University.
30. RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Saint-Petersburg Philosophical Society; Faculty of Philosophy of Saint-Petersburg State University
The Philosophical Society and the Faculty of Philosophy of St. Petersburg State University will organize the Days of Saint Petersburg Philosophy, on the theme “Worlds of values of modern humankind”, from 17 to 19 November 2011.
31. THAILAND
The country will be associated with the Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, to take place in Manila (Philippines) from 15 to 17 November 2011.
32. UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
Philosophy Association of Tanzania (PHATA) of the Philosophy Unit, University of Dar es Salaam; Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi; and Department of Philosophy, Makerere University, Kampala
A conference on “Peace and People Centred Development”, coordinated by the Association of Philosophy of Tanzania in cooperation with the University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University Makerere in Uganda, will bring together professionals, researchers in political science, history and economics, NGOs as well as other interested parties, in Dar es Salaam, from 17 to 19 November 2011.
33. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This year’s theme in the United States, “Philosophy and the Arts: Human Rights, Democracy and Youth”, will involve the exploration of questions about the nature of art, beauty, and human rights in four academic communities around the country. University undergraduates and high school students
8.11.2011
will examine issues involving art, identity, democracy, and human rights, through dialogues that seek to build critical reflection and mutual understanding.
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
On 17 November 2011, Dr. Mitchell Green’s Philosophy of Art class will participate in the dialogue “Philosophy in Images: A Collaboration between College and High school Students”, focused on democracy, human rights and youth as part of Drs. Jennifer Merritt and Loren Intolubbe-Chmil of The UVa Women’s Center, and Aimee Hunt, Education Curator for the UVa Art Museum Women's Center Philosophers’ Club project. Dr. Merritt will also share student products connecting themes of philosophy, human rights and gender from her service learning course for UVa Women’s Center interns entitled “Women Peace and Justice”.
University of Washington and Nova Alternative High School, Seattle,Washington
Dr. Jana Mohr Lone and Professor David Shapiro, from the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Philosophy for Children, and Nova Alternative High School teacher Terrance McKittrick, will facilitate a dialogue between undergraduates in the University of Washington’s “Philosophy for Children” class and Nova High School students enrolled in the philosophy class “The Beauty of Dysfunction.” The dialogue, to take place on 17 November, will explore the nature of beauty based on a project completed by both the undergraduates and the high school students.
St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York
Drs. Timothy Madigan, David White and Robert Zack will host Dr. Rosemarie Tong, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who will lecture on 16 November on the theme “Global and Local Perspective on Long-term Care for Elderly People”. All day 17 November will be devoted to teaching, learning and discussion through Roundtable Discussions focusing on the themes: Arts across the curriculum; Philosophy and art in a high school setting; Aesthetics appreciation; Metaphysics and the Twilight Zone; Artists at work; Art & Education; and Wither the Arts. The discussions will be available on-line as of 20 November 2011 at http://www.sjfc.edu/academics/arts-science/departments/philosophy/.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Dr. Leonard Harris will host Lucius T. Outlaw, Jr., Professor of Philosophy & African American and Diaspora Studies, Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education Vanderbilt University, who will lecture on “Necessity to Philosophize Africana Philosophy and Black Folk”, using SKYPE. The simulcast address is leonard.harrris4. His address will ask and answer “What it is to engage in philosophy and why it is so important to do so?”, emphasizing philosophy’s importance to victims of stereotypes using the critical theory tradition. A graduate student Roundtable Discussion will follow the lecture discussing “The Significance of Graduate Education and Resources.” Dr. Outlaws’ address and roundtable discussion can be found as a podcast www.purdue.edu/cla/unesco on 20 November 20 2011.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
On 21 November, Dr. M. Ashraf Adeel will host Dr. Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor and Professor of Linguistics (Emeritus), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who will lecture on the topic "The United States and the United Nations". His lecture will address issues pertaining to global understanding and is expected to critique the current state of affairs and suggest ways for improving global relations. Podcast of this discussion will be available on 30 November 2011 by Kutztown.
34. UZBEKISTAN
National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, Oliy Majlis (National parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, MOST National Committee, Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Higher and Specialized Education, Ministry of Public Education, National Society of Philosophers of Uzbekistan, “Olima” Women-Scholars Association of Uzbekistan and Independent Institute for Monitoring of Construction of Civil Society
A National Conference on “Women Philosophers Network in Uzbekistan: Role of Philosophy Teaching in development of Democratic Institutions and Construction of Civil Society” will be organized by these institutions in Tashkent, on 17 and 18 November 2011. The main purposes of the conference are to develop the national scientific network of women philosophers and to highlight the role of social and human sciences in the promotion of quality education for active citizenship. The different conferences and round tables will focus on: “Philosophy and science”, “Teachers’ training: philosophical approaches”, “Skills development of teachers”, “Philosophy knowledge in assessment of students’ competence”, etc.
35. ZIMBABWE
Different activities to celebrate the World Philosophy Day will be organized throughout the country.
Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan., United States, Tanzania, Thailand, Russia, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Senegal, Portugal , Phillipines, Panama, Nigeria, Netherlands, Namibia, Morocco, Mexico, Malaysia, Lebanon, Jamaica, Italy, Iraq, Indonesia, Germany, France, Finland , Czech Republic, Cap Verde, Canada , Cambodia, Australia, Argentina, Albania
World Philosophy Day 2011/ Activities to celebrate the Day in Member States
1. ALBANIA
Albanian New Philosophers Network, University of Tirana
The Network will publish the first issue of its journal. Other activities are also planned.
2. ARGENTINA
Centre of Philosophy and Social Studies; International Network of Women Philosophers; Group of epistemological analysis of the Faculty of Arts of the Mar del Plata University
The celebration will take place from 17 to 19 November 2011 in Mar del Plata. Several activities will be organized, including symposia and roundtable discussions on the history of philosophy, philosophy of language, political philosophy, philosophy of science and ethics.
3. AUSTRALIA
The University of Queensland
World Philosophy Day will be celebrated by the University of Queensland through the organization of different activities.
4. CAMBODIA
Philosophical Association of Cambodia (PAC)
The Association has been preparing a number of activities for the celebration of the 2011 edition.
5. CANADA
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The autumn 2011 edition of the Journal Philosopher, usually distributed to nearly 900 teachers of philosophy in the province of Quebec, will dedicate a number of articles to the activities related to the celebration of World Philosophy Day.
UNESCO Chair in Studies of Philosophic Foundations of Justice and Democratic Society at University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM); Philosophy department and the Faculty of Humanities of UQAM; and UPop Montreal
Based on information received from partners.
For this edition, a round table on the theme “Welcome, Ladies?” will be organized, to reflect on the role of women in philosophy. Several questions will be asked during the discussions: What is the situation in 2011 and how has it evolved (or not)? Why are women a minority in philosophy? What impact does this minority status have on their studies, career, their person?
Cégep of Jonquière, Québec
On 17 November 2011, the Cégep of Jonquière will organize several activities.
6. CAPE VERDE
Philosophy Department, Cape Verde University
The Department will organize a Forum entitled “The value of philosophy for human emancipation” and an exhibition about philosophers on 17 November 2011, in Praia.
7. CZECH REPUBLIC
Philosophy Department, University of Pardubice; Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Several activities will be organized.
8. FINLAND
AIIPh Baltic Sea Net; Finnish UNESCO ASPnet; Finnish Association for Teachers of Philosophy and Philosophy of Life; and Societas Philosophica Fennica
These networks jointly organize a philosophical essay event for secondary school students in countries around the Baltic Sea. In Finland, this event also prepares for the selection of candidates for the Philosophy Olympiad in 2012. The winners will receive publications related to the subjects of the competition, philosophy and world heritage. Their names will be announced on 17 November, and the best essays will be published on internet at the following address: www.feto.fi.
University of Helsinki
A symposium will be organized by the University of Helsinki.
9. FRANCE
Philosophy Circle of La Reunion
In Reunion the celebration of the 2011 edition of World Philosophy Day 2011 will take place though a series of events organized by the Philosophy Circle of La Reunion.
10. GERMANY
German Commission for UNESCO; German Association for Philosophy
On this occasion, numerous activities will take place throughout the country.
11. INDONESIA
Faculty of Philosophy of Gadjah Mada University
The Faculty of Philosophy of Gadjah Mada University organises a seminar entitled “Philosophy and Local Wisdom for Human Character Building”. The seminar will take place in Yogyakarta on 23 and 24 November and will bring together speakers from South-East Asia, South Asia and the United States America. The objective of this seminar is to promote the importance of philosophy in local wisdom, and of philosophical thinking in general.
12. IRAQ
Philosophy Department, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad
The Department will organize a conference, with the participation of Iraqi philosophers. Coinciding with the eighth centenary of the death of the philosopher Al-Ghazali, the conference will focus on his school of thought.
13. ITALY
Philosophy Research Center - Network of the Research Centre for the Didactics of Philosophy of the Province of Liguria; Chiabrera-Martini High School of Savona
The Center [www.portalefilosofico.com] will dedicate its 2011 celebration to the theme "Philosophy as educational experience". The activities, on 18 November, will be inaugurated by Professor Alfonso Gargano, Headmaster of the Chiabrera-Martini High School of Savona. This will be followed by a video conference with the President of the International Association of Philosophy Professors (AIPPh), Dr. Werner Busch, on “The Political Philosophy of Hannah Arendt”. The day will conclude with a lecture entitled “Forming Man. The Proposal of Edith Stein” by Professor Letterio Mauro, President of the Degree Course in Philosophical Methodologies at the University of Genoa.
14. JAMAICA
University of the West Indies
Several events are organized at the University.
15. LEBANON
Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO
On 17 November 2011, a seminar will be organized on the subject “Freedom from a Philosophical Perspective and Freedom in Practice”, with the participation of politicians, academicians, philosophers, researchers and specialized NGOs.
16. MALAYSIA
The University of Malaya
A conference will be organized on 17 November.
17. MEXICO
Ministry of Public Education of Mexico
An International Forum on “The role of philosophical competencies in Higher Secondary Education” will take place from 14 to 16 November 2011 at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Its purpose will be to promote dialogue between education authorities, experts and specialized agencies, in order to strengthen democratic citizenship among high school students through the study of philosophy. In the framework of this event many conferences and round-table discussions will be organized on the following topics: "The present and the future of Latin America. Philosophical reflection”, “The teaching of philosophy and its contribution to knowledge", "The relations between philosophy and natural sciences”, etc. Among the participants are: Fernando Savater (Spain), Philippe Perrenoud (Switzerland), Michael Löwy (Brazil / France), Gianni Vattimo (Italy), Evandro Agazzi (Italy). A book fair will also take place.
Philosophical Observatory of Morelos, Philosophical Observatory of Mexico
To celebrate World Philosophy Day, the Philosophical Observatory of Morelos will organize, jointly with its partner the Philosophical Observatory of Mexico, the following two events:
• A conference to take place on 23 November in Cuernavaca, Morelos, near Mexico City on which occasion a number of issues will be addressed, including: The state of philosophy in Mexico; The development of philosophy and the contribution of Adolfo Sanchez Vazquez; Tribute to Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel; The anthropological contribution to philosophy of Edith Stein, etc.
• A conference organized on the occasion of the launch of the Spanish version of the UNESCO study Philosophy, school of freedom to be held on 28 October in Toluca as part of the XVI International Congress of Philosophy.
Center for Classical Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Department of Philosophy at the University of Guadalajara, El Cuerpo Académico: Cibernética, Erótica, Filosofía y Teología
From 3 to 5 November 2011 in the public library of the State of Jalisco in Guadalajara will take place the National Meeting of Researchers of Novohispano Thought. The meeting will touch upon the following topics: Philosophy of slavery in New Spain; The sources of Novohispano thought; Philosophy and economic, political and social thought; Science and education; History, art and literature; Social thought; Philosophy and arts; Philosophy and science; and History of social thought.
University Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at the Department of Philosophy of the University of Guadalajara,
From 7 to 10 November 2011 a student philosophy symposium will be organized as part of the celebration of the World Philosophy Day. The following topics will be discussed: ethics, bioethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of religion, philosophical anthropology.
International Book Fair in Guadalajara
On 3 December, in the framework of the International Book Fair in Guadalajara, will take place the VII Philosophical Symposium (VII Banquete de FIL - o – Sofía) on the theme "Recognition and critical thinking", conceived as a dialogue between the Mexican and German philosophers. Another symposium will be held on 1 and 2 December on the theme “Politics, violence and democracy between the global and the local”, which will address such topics as: The changing faces of violence; Conflicts and opportunities of globalization; Perspectives of transculturality; Politics and ethics against violence; Violence and justice, etc.
18. MOROCCO
UNESCO Offices in Rabat and Bangkok
The Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, initiated by UNESCO, will this year take place in the framework of World Philosophy Day from 15 to 17 November 2011, in Manila.
Philosophical Association of Tetouan
The Association will organize from 26 to 30 November the following activities:
• Discussion on the theme "The Existential Situation of the Arab Spring" with the participation of many thinkers and scholars from Morocco;
• A conference on "The artistic approach of the Arab Spring" followed by a presentation of books;
• A Plastic Art Exhibition on "Which Arab spring?”
19. NAMIBIA
Namibia National Commission for UNESCO; Socrates Society at the University of Namibia
The Socrates Society at the University of Namibia and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO will organize activities in which eminent personalities will take part.
20. NETHERLANDS
Utrecht University
A round table focusing on philosophy teaching will be organized by the Philosophy Department of the University.
Teylingen College Leeuwenhorst in Noordwijkerhout
On the occasion of the Day, the College will organize a “Philosophy and Singer/songwriting: creative expressions of the human mind” masterclass with the participation of the school’s students. The main topics will be primarily freedom of expression and aesthetics.
21. NIGERIA
Department of Philosophy of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria; Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, United States of America
The Department of Philosophy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka, Nigeria), in collaboration with the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (Washington, D.C., United States of America), will organize a conference on "Philosophical Perspectives on Africa and the Global Change”. The following topics will be discussed: the conceptualization of global change; philosophy, democracy and global change; and intercultural philosophy and dialogue of cultures.
22. PANAMA
University of Panama; Ministry of Education of Panama
On 15 November 2011, a conference will be organized by the University of Panama and the Ministry of Education.
23. PHILIPPINES
UNESCO Offices in Bangkok and Rabat
The Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, initiated by UNESCO, will this year take place in the framework of World Philosophy Day from 15 to 17 November 2011, in Manila.
24. PORTUGAL
High School of Art Anthony Arroyo, Lisbon
Several activities are planned.
Project « filocriatiVIDAde »
To celebrate World Philosophy Day the project « filocriatiVIDAde » will organise a Philosophical Banquet entitled « Philosophy: Love and other things that make us sigh, think and create!”
In addition, "filocriatiVIDAde" will conduct, on 17 and 18 November, philosophical workshops for children in some schools in the region of Lisbon.
Finally, the project will undertake activities in applied philosophy of creativity among the Taekwondo athletes Rodafits from Caneças. This project, entitled PhiloTKD and initiated in 2008, emphasizes the philosophy perspective of Taekwondo, and is adapted to both children and adults.
25. SENEGAL
Philosophical Society of Senegal
The Philosophical society of Senegal plans to celebrate the Day with events on diversity and dialogue of cultures.
26. SLOVENIA
To celebrate the Day, a discussion will be organized on the theme “New Humanism – vision or illusion?”
27. SPAIN
Illa de Rodes Institut, Province of Girona
The celebration of World Philosophy Day 2011 will take place on 16 December 2011 in Figueres with the participation of 200 students.
Group of high school philosophy teachers (GDF); Centre de Recursos per a l'Ensenyament, Aprenentatge i Innovació de la Filosofia (CREAIF) ; Catalan Philosophical Society ; Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona
On 16 November 2011, the prizes of the Mostra de Fotofilosofia 2011 will be awarded to their winners at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona. On this occasion, the best “fotofilosofies” will be exhibited and discussed through philosophical practices. This is a cooperative project involving 50 Catalan high schools. The students of each high school create blogs called “fotofilosofies”. A “fotofilosofia” is a philosophical question illustrated with a photo. Using creativity and critical thought, through a dialectic between image and word, it emphasizes questioning and leads to reflection. http://blocs.xtec.cat/filoconvocatoria/
28. SWITZERLAND
French gymnasium of Bienne, Swiss Commission for UNESCO
The 2011 edition will take place in Bienne, a bilingual Swiss town. A bilingual philosophical debate will be organized from 18 to 20 November. Professors from Universities of France, Switzerland and Germany will discuss the theme of evaluation and control, inviting the City to break out from the unique thought and to rethink social links. Philosophy in the City for the building of peace, universal philosophy at the heart of the City and within everyone’s reach, such are the objectives of this celebration.
29. ROMANIA
The Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
A round table and an essay contest will be organized at the University.
30. RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Saint-Petersburg Philosophical Society; Faculty of Philosophy of Saint-Petersburg State University
The Philosophical Society and the Faculty of Philosophy of St. Petersburg State University will organize the Days of Saint Petersburg Philosophy, on the theme “Worlds of values of modern humankind”, from 17 to 19 November 2011.
31. THAILAND
The country will be associated with the Interregional Philosophical Dialogue Asia-Arab world, to take place in Manila (Philippines) from 15 to 17 November 2011.
32. UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
Philosophy Association of Tanzania (PHATA) of the Philosophy Unit, University of Dar es Salaam; Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi; and Department of Philosophy, Makerere University, Kampala
A conference on “Peace and People Centred Development”, coordinated by the Association of Philosophy of Tanzania in cooperation with the University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University Makerere in Uganda, will bring together professionals, researchers in political science, history and economics, NGOs as well as other interested parties, in Dar es Salaam, from 17 to 19 November 2011.
33. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This year’s theme in the United States, “Philosophy and the Arts: Human Rights, Democracy and Youth”, will involve the exploration of questions about the nature of art, beauty, and human rights in four academic communities around the country. University undergraduates and high school students
8.11.2011
will examine issues involving art, identity, democracy, and human rights, through dialogues that seek to build critical reflection and mutual understanding.
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
On 17 November 2011, Dr. Mitchell Green’s Philosophy of Art class will participate in the dialogue “Philosophy in Images: A Collaboration between College and High school Students”, focused on democracy, human rights and youth as part of Drs. Jennifer Merritt and Loren Intolubbe-Chmil of The UVa Women’s Center, and Aimee Hunt, Education Curator for the UVa Art Museum Women's Center Philosophers’ Club project. Dr. Merritt will also share student products connecting themes of philosophy, human rights and gender from her service learning course for UVa Women’s Center interns entitled “Women Peace and Justice”.
University of Washington and Nova Alternative High School, Seattle,Washington
Dr. Jana Mohr Lone and Professor David Shapiro, from the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Philosophy for Children, and Nova Alternative High School teacher Terrance McKittrick, will facilitate a dialogue between undergraduates in the University of Washington’s “Philosophy for Children” class and Nova High School students enrolled in the philosophy class “The Beauty of Dysfunction.” The dialogue, to take place on 17 November, will explore the nature of beauty based on a project completed by both the undergraduates and the high school students.
St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York
Drs. Timothy Madigan, David White and Robert Zack will host Dr. Rosemarie Tong, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, who will lecture on 16 November on the theme “Global and Local Perspective on Long-term Care for Elderly People”. All day 17 November will be devoted to teaching, learning and discussion through Roundtable Discussions focusing on the themes: Arts across the curriculum; Philosophy and art in a high school setting; Aesthetics appreciation; Metaphysics and the Twilight Zone; Artists at work; Art & Education; and Wither the Arts. The discussions will be available on-line as of 20 November 2011 at http://www.sjfc.edu/academics/arts-science/departments/philosophy/.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Dr. Leonard Harris will host Lucius T. Outlaw, Jr., Professor of Philosophy & African American and Diaspora Studies, Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education Vanderbilt University, who will lecture on “Necessity to Philosophize Africana Philosophy and Black Folk”, using SKYPE. The simulcast address is leonard.harrris4. His address will ask and answer “What it is to engage in philosophy and why it is so important to do so?”, emphasizing philosophy’s importance to victims of stereotypes using the critical theory tradition. A graduate student Roundtable Discussion will follow the lecture discussing “The Significance of Graduate Education and Resources.” Dr. Outlaws’ address and roundtable discussion can be found as a podcast www.purdue.edu/cla/unesco on 20 November 20 2011.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
On 21 November, Dr. M. Ashraf Adeel will host Dr. Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor and Professor of Linguistics (Emeritus), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who will lecture on the topic "The United States and the United Nations". His lecture will address issues pertaining to global understanding and is expected to critique the current state of affairs and suggest ways for improving global relations. Podcast of this discussion will be available on 30 November 2011 by Kutztown.
34. UZBEKISTAN
National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, Oliy Majlis (National parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, MOST National Committee, Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Higher and Specialized Education, Ministry of Public Education, National Society of Philosophers of Uzbekistan, “Olima” Women-Scholars Association of Uzbekistan and Independent Institute for Monitoring of Construction of Civil Society
A National Conference on “Women Philosophers Network in Uzbekistan: Role of Philosophy Teaching in development of Democratic Institutions and Construction of Civil Society” will be organized by these institutions in Tashkent, on 17 and 18 November 2011. The main purposes of the conference are to develop the national scientific network of women philosophers and to highlight the role of social and human sciences in the promotion of quality education for active citizenship. The different conferences and round tables will focus on: “Philosophy and science”, “Teachers’ training: philosophical approaches”, “Skills development of teachers”, “Philosophy knowledge in assessment of students’ competence”, etc.
35. ZIMBABWE
Different activities to celebrate the World Philosophy Day will be organized throughout the country.
World Philosophy Day - 17 November
Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Philosophy Day, 17 November 2011
Background
Philosophy Day has been celebrated by UNESCO every year since 2002, on the third Thursday of November, both at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and other cities around the world. The General Conference of UNESCO established World Philosophy Day in 2005. UNESCO’s objective is to promote an international culture of philosophical debate that respects human dignity and diversity. The Day encourages academic exchange and highlights the contribution of philosophical knowledge in addressing global issues.
World Philosophy Day was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO to honour philosophical reflection in the entire world by opening up free and accessible spaces. Its objective is to encourage the peoples of the world to share their philosophical heritage and to open their minds to new ideas, as well as to inspire a public debate between intellectuals and civil society on the challenges confronting our society.
Why a Philosophy Day?
Many thinkers state that “astonishment” is the root of philosophy. Indeed, philosophy stems from humans’ natural tendency to be astonished by themselves and the world in which they live.
This field, which sees itself as a form of “wisdom”, teaches us to reflect on reflection itself, to continually question well-established truths, to verify hypotheses and to find conclusions.
For centuries, in every culture, philosophy has given birth to concepts, ideas and analyses, and, through this, has set down the basis for critical, independent and creative thought.
UNESCO’s Philosophy Day allowed this institution to celebrate, in particular, the importance of philosophical reflection, and to encourage people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage with each other.
For UNESCO, philosophy provides the conceptual bases of principles and values on which world peace depends: democracy, human rights, justice, and equality.
Philosophy helps consolidate these authentic foundations of peaceful coexistence.
Over seventy countries, including twenty-five in Africa, celebrated the first two Philosophy Days which offered everyone, regardless of their culture, the opportunity to think about different questions such as: “Who are we as individuals and as a world community?” It is up to us to reflect upon the state of the world and determine whether it corresponds to our ideals of justice and equality. It is up to us to ask ourselves whether our society is living according to the ethical and moral norms of our great Declarations.
This Philosophy Day thus provided us with the occasion to ask ourselves questions that are often forgotten: “What do we neglect to think about?” “Which intolerable realities do we get used to?”
Message of the Secretary-General on the occasion of World Philosophy Day, 18 November 2010
Background
Philosophy Day has been celebrated by UNESCO every year since 2002, on the third Thursday of November, both at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and other cities around the world. The General Conference of UNESCO established World Philosophy Day in 2005. UNESCO’s objective is to promote an international culture of philosophical debate that respects human dignity and diversity. The Day encourages academic exchange and highlights the contribution of philosophical knowledge in addressing global issues.
World Philosophy Day was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO to honour philosophical reflection in the entire world by opening up free and accessible spaces. Its objective is to encourage the peoples of the world to share their philosophical heritage and to open their minds to new ideas, as well as to inspire a public debate between intellectuals and civil society on the challenges confronting our society.
Why a Philosophy Day?
Many thinkers state that “astonishment” is the root of philosophy. Indeed, philosophy stems from humans’ natural tendency to be astonished by themselves and the world in which they live.
This field, which sees itself as a form of “wisdom”, teaches us to reflect on reflection itself, to continually question well-established truths, to verify hypotheses and to find conclusions.
For centuries, in every culture, philosophy has given birth to concepts, ideas and analyses, and, through this, has set down the basis for critical, independent and creative thought.
UNESCO’s Philosophy Day allowed this institution to celebrate, in particular, the importance of philosophical reflection, and to encourage people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage with each other.
For UNESCO, philosophy provides the conceptual bases of principles and values on which world peace depends: democracy, human rights, justice, and equality.
Philosophy helps consolidate these authentic foundations of peaceful coexistence.
Over seventy countries, including twenty-five in Africa, celebrated the first two Philosophy Days which offered everyone, regardless of their culture, the opportunity to think about different questions such as: “Who are we as individuals and as a world community?” It is up to us to reflect upon the state of the world and determine whether it corresponds to our ideals of justice and equality. It is up to us to ask ourselves whether our society is living according to the ethical and moral norms of our great Declarations.
This Philosophy Day thus provided us with the occasion to ask ourselves questions that are often forgotten: “What do we neglect to think about?” “Which intolerable realities do we get used to?”
Message of the Secretary-General on the occasion of World Philosophy Day, 18 November 2010
Thursday, 17 November 2011
2012 International Summit of Cooperatives - The amazing power of cooperatives
To mark the International Year of Cooperatives proclaimed by the United Nations (UN), decision makers and influencers in the cooperative and mutualist from all continents will meet up in Quebec (Canada) to attend the 2012 International Summit of cooperatives.
Entitled "The amazing power of cooperatives", the Summit aims to identify key business issues unique to cooperative and mutual enterprises and provide solutions to promote their development and performance to propel the influence the cooperative business model in the world.
The 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives has a unique, focused on economic and financial issues facing leaders and managers of cooperatives and mutuals.
Program, more than 125 internationally renowned speakers, panel discussions and workshops as well as sectoral premiere unveiling of the results of six unpublished studies on global trends and prospects for innovation.
The 2012 International Summit of cooperatives is a key event must for leaders of today and tomorrow keen to strengthen the influence of the cooperative movement on the board and mutual economic and political world.
This is an appointment not to be missed, the 8 to 11 October 2012 in Quebec, World Heritage City!
Entitled "The amazing power of cooperatives", the Summit aims to identify key business issues unique to cooperative and mutual enterprises and provide solutions to promote their development and performance to propel the influence the cooperative business model in the world.
The 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives has a unique, focused on economic and financial issues facing leaders and managers of cooperatives and mutuals.
Program, more than 125 internationally renowned speakers, panel discussions and workshops as well as sectoral premiere unveiling of the results of six unpublished studies on global trends and prospects for innovation.
The 2012 International Summit of cooperatives is a key event must for leaders of today and tomorrow keen to strengthen the influence of the cooperative movement on the board and mutual economic and political world.
This is an appointment not to be missed, the 8 to 11 October 2012 in Quebec, World Heritage City!
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Prof. Noam Chomsky to Lecture at KU for UNESCO World Philosophy Day
THEME : "The United States and the United Nations"
UNESCO World Philosophy Day
Chomsky Lecture FlyerProfessor Noam Chomsky, a leading philosopher, linguist, and political activist of the past 50 years, is coming to the Philosophy Department at Kutztown University on November 21st to help inaugurate a yearly Lecture Series
Professor Chomsky will speak on “The United States and the United Nations.” His lecture will address issues pertaining to global understanding and is expected to critique the current state of affairs and suggest ways for improving global relations.
Prof. Chomsky’s lecture will be delivered at 6:30 P.M. on November 21st, in Schaeffer Auditorium on the campus of Kutztown University. To learn more about the event, or for more information on how to obtain tickets , please click here
Prof. Noam Chomsky to Lecture at KU for UNESCO World Philosophy Day
UNESCO World Philosophy Day
Chomsky Lecture FlyerProfessor Noam Chomsky, a leading philosopher, linguist, and political activist of the past 50 years, is coming to the Philosophy Department at Kutztown University on November 21st to help inaugurate a yearly Lecture Series
Professor Chomsky will speak on “The United States and the United Nations.” His lecture will address issues pertaining to global understanding and is expected to critique the current state of affairs and suggest ways for improving global relations.
Prof. Chomsky’s lecture will be delivered at 6:30 P.M. on November 21st, in Schaeffer Auditorium on the campus of Kutztown University. To learn more about the event, or for more information on how to obtain tickets , please click here
Prof. Noam Chomsky to Lecture at KU for UNESCO World Philosophy Day
Secretary-General's message on World Diabetes Day
New York, 14 November 2011 - Secretary-General's message on World Diabetes Day
This year's World Diabetes Day comes at a time of unprecedented international action to confront this and other non-communicable diseases.
Just two months ago, the United Nations General Assembly held its first-ever High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, producing a strong Political Declaration with time-bound commitments. Among these was a pledge to make it possible for more people to get quality medicines for diagnosing and treating diabetes by the year 2013.
The Political Declaration also called on the private sector to do its part, building on Millennium Development Goal 8, which calls for partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries.
We have seen meaningful progress in this direction. One company has introduced a differential pricing scheme to supply generic insulin to the least developed countries, benefitting three dozen States to date. But this facility cannot respond alone. We must bring in other partners. And we must address inefficient distribution systems, and the lack of sufficient public funding for medicines.
World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and to show people living with diabetes that the international community stands with them in their struggle. This is especially important for the 277 million people with diabetes who live in developing countries. Too often, the disease hits the poorest especially hard, leading to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, limb amputations, kidney failure and premature death.
I call on governments and pharmaceutical companies to give real meaning to our commemorations by developing joint strategies to make essential medicines more available and affordable in developing countries, especially for the poorest people who need them.
Let us all use World Diabetes Day to work so that people with diabetes everywhere get the care and treatment they deserve.
This year's World Diabetes Day comes at a time of unprecedented international action to confront this and other non-communicable diseases.
Just two months ago, the United Nations General Assembly held its first-ever High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, producing a strong Political Declaration with time-bound commitments. Among these was a pledge to make it possible for more people to get quality medicines for diagnosing and treating diabetes by the year 2013.
The Political Declaration also called on the private sector to do its part, building on Millennium Development Goal 8, which calls for partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries.
We have seen meaningful progress in this direction. One company has introduced a differential pricing scheme to supply generic insulin to the least developed countries, benefitting three dozen States to date. But this facility cannot respond alone. We must bring in other partners. And we must address inefficient distribution systems, and the lack of sufficient public funding for medicines.
World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and to show people living with diabetes that the international community stands with them in their struggle. This is especially important for the 277 million people with diabetes who live in developing countries. Too often, the disease hits the poorest especially hard, leading to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, limb amputations, kidney failure and premature death.
I call on governments and pharmaceutical companies to give real meaning to our commemorations by developing joint strategies to make essential medicines more available and affordable in developing countries, especially for the poorest people who need them.
Let us all use World Diabetes Day to work so that people with diabetes everywhere get the care and treatment they deserve.
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