" Promote awareness of linguistic, cultural diversity and multilingualism."

International Mother Language Day 2012

International Mother Language Day is an observance held annually on 21 February worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

The (M)Other Tongue: Broadcasts on bilingual education today

Speaking one’s mother language is a right that not everyone can take for granted, especially in places where local, mother tongues are threatened by more dominant languages. Today, bilingual education programmes worldwide illustrate how discussions about “mother languages” must include the “other languages”. SOAS Radio, UNESCO’s partner from the University of London’s School of Oriental & African Studies provides global perspectives on the debate. 

Listen in  : Arabic  | English|   Mandarin | Portuguese | Russian

“ A Society for All”

World Day of Social Justice 2012

FEBRUARY 20 - World Day of Social Justice To achieve “a society for all” governments made a commitment to the creation of a framework for action to promote social justice at national, regional and international levels. They also pledged to promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access to resources through equity and equality and opportunity for all. The governments recognized as well that economic growth should promote equity and social justice and that “a society for all” must be based on social justice and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

World Day of Social Justice - 20 February

Secretary-General's Message for 2012

Over the past year, the winds of change have swept across the globe.  Citizens by the millions have voiced their discontent around similar themes: inequality, corruption, repression and the absence of decent work.  At the heart of this mass mobilization lies a call for social justice. 
Achieving social justice for all is integrally linked to realizing the agreed development goals articulated at the Copenhagen Social Summit, the Millennium Summit and elsewhere.  
As we look to the upcoming Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, we have a chance to rethink development strategies and business practices so that they point us toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Sustainability depends on building markets that do a better job of spreading the benefits of development.  It means meeting growing consumer demand for greener products and services.  And it means laying the foundations for dignity, stability and opportunity for all.  As we strive to make this transformation, we must integrate social inclusion into our policies and other efforts.
Let us work together to balance the global economy and build a new social contract for the 21st century.  Let us chart a development path that leads to greater social justice and the future we want. .

Ban Ki-moon

Previous Messages

• Message for 2011
• Message for 2010
• Message for 2009

The General Assembly... "Proclaims the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs."

General Assembly resolution A/RES/65/5, adopted 20 October 2010

 
 General Assembly (UN Photo/ Eskinder Debebe)
 
World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event to be observed during the first week of February starting in 2011.


World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5 adopted on 20 October 2010. In the resolution, the General Assembly, points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith
Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to support during that week the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions

World Interfaith Harmony Week
1 - 7 February 2012

News and Events | IYC 2012 Australia

Spread the word – promote and publicise your events in 2012 on the nationally endorsed IYC 2012 calendar. Make sure you include your event or activity by submitting it online.

News and Events | IYC 2012 Australia


Stories.coop is a global, digital campaign which aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of the cooperative form of business.

Read Stories.coop news here. For the latest news on cooperative businesses, visit The Global News Hub.

In first-ever observance, UN spotlights radio's role in education, information and debate

In first-ever observance, UN spotlights radio's role in education, information and debate

10 February 2012

UN Radio Promo:

Listen to UN radio from the United Nations Headquarters in New York.


Daily news and special reports from all over the world are available in 13 languages.

UN radio, a world of news.
Visit us at www.radio.un.org

UN invites countries to tune in for first World Radio Day

“In a world changing quickly, we must make the most of radio’s ability to connect people and societies, to share knowledge and information and to strengthen understanding,” said UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova in her message marking the Day.

UN invites countries to tune in for first World Radio Day