Послание по случаю Международного дня полета человека в космос 12 апреля

 резолюцией A/RES/65/271 Генеральная Ассамблея

 

12 апреля 2012 года - Международный день полета человека в космос, новая памятная дата, провозглашенная Генеральной Ассамблеей Организации Объединенных Наций, проводится с целью отметить одно из величайших достижений человечества — выход людей в космическое пространство.

В этот день в 1961 году Юрий Гагарин стал первым посланцем человечества в космосе, открыв путь для его освоения, которое приносит значительные выгоды для сообщества людей.
На протяжении многих лет космическая наука и техника помогают нам решать вполне приземленные проблемы, обеспечивая нахождение решений, которые трансформируют наши подходы к задачам, связанным, в частности, с изменением климата, продовольственной безопасностью, глобальным здравоохранением и гуманитарной помощью.

Сегодня сделанные благодаря космической науке открытия и применение космической техники вносят незаменимый вклад в глобальные усилия по обеспечению устойчивого развития. В преддверии Конференции «Рио+20», до которой остается немногим более двух месяцев, развивающиеся благодаря космической науке исследования, представления и анализ будут продолжать играть одну из важнейших ролей.

На протяжении полувека Организация Объединенных Наций, действуя через Управление по вопросам космического пространства, стремится делать связанные с освоением космоса блага доступными всем жителям Земли, в том числе посредством усилий по обеспечению того, чтобы космическое пространство использовалось в мирных целях.

Освоение космического пространства, в котором участвует все большее число стран, стало сейчас поистине глобальным начинанием. Я уверен, что празднование Международного дня полета человека в космос напомнит нам об общности человечества и о необходимости работать сообща для успешного решения наших общих проблем. Я надеюсь, что оно также послужит особым стимулом для молодежи к тому, чтобы осуществить свои мечты и расширить границы знаний и взаимопонимания в мире.

Space science plays key role in achieving sustainable development – UN

“Through the years, space science and technology have helped us confront very down-to-earth problems, producing solutions that are transforming our approach to climate change, food security, global health, humanitarian assistance and more,”
 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message marking the International Day of Human Space Flight.


Stamps series issued by the UN Postal Administration (UNPA). UN Photo

12 April 2012 – United Nations officials today highlighted the contribution of human space science and technology in achieving sustainable development, and called on countries to work together in this area to foster international partnerships and innovations.


The Day, which is only in its second year of observance, commemorates the first human space flight on 12 April 1961, when Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go to space.

“With the involvement of a growing number of countries, the exploration of outer space is now a truly global undertaking,” Mr. Ban said, adding that discoveries made through space science can benefit all on Earth if they are used for peaceful purposes.

To commemorate the Day, astronauts, space scientists and creative writers met at UN Headquarters in New York and held a series of panels attended by young people to discuss ways in which space exploration can help address issues on Earth.

Speakers included NASA Administrator Charles Bolden; the head of the Cosmonaut Training Centre in Moscow, Russia, Sergey Krikalev; and senior astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, United States, Mario Livio.

“Space and technology are integral for advancing our sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being and quality of people’s lives,” the President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, said in his remarks to the panellists, delivered on his behalf by his Chief of Staff, Mutlaq Al-Qahtani.

He also stressed that the innovations and breakthroughs provided by space exploration can help promote understanding of climate variability, water, energy and carbon cycles, and ecosystems, among other issues.

The event, which was organized by the UN Academic Impact (UNAI), also featured a musical performance by Beth Nielsen Chapman, who played songs intended to familiarize students with the wonders of space research.

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

UN highlights everyday benefits from space science and technology

G+ Hangout

Ban Ki-moon talks with and answers questions from young people around the world in the United Nation's first ever G+ Hangout.

ICA Statement on Co-operative Identity

"By mutual confidence and mutual aid,
Great deeds are done, and great discoveries made;"
The Iliad, Homer 800 B.C.E. 

Co-operatives have a rich history of service in many forms throughout the world.

International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the international peak body of co-operative organisations, adopted a Statement on the Co-operative Identity at its 1995 congress. This statement includes a co-operation definition: “A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.”




Co-operatives can be found in almost every field of activity.

Examples of co-operatives currently providing services to members in Australia: antique collectors; artists; arts and crafts; barristers’ services; beef producers; bus and coaches; bush foods and products; bush land regeneration; cane growers; carriers’; coffee growers; community arts centres; community clubs; community food buying; community radio; community services; dairy; education and training; egg producers; employment services; energy; estate agents; family day care centres; fish producers; fruit producers; galleries; gold; golf clubs; gourmet meats; hairdresser buying; harvesting; herbs and spices; historical activities; housing tenants; kindergartens; libraries; liquor supply; marinas; marketing; meals-on-wheels; meat producers; media; medical services; music; native fish; native hardwood; newsagents; olives; packaging; permaculture; pet care; pre school; professional services; publishing; railways; recycling; rural education; sailing clubs; saw-millers; ski lodges; sugar milling; taxis; transport and haulage; water supply; wine consumers; winemakers; women’s refuges; wood-turners; labour supply; and youth theatre.

For every challenge there is a co-operative solution.

 

Definition

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

ICA Statement on Co-Operative Indentity

Values

Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Principles

The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote), and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6th Principle: Cooperation Among Cooperatives Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

7th Principle: Concern for Community Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

World Health Day 2012: Healthy ageing - adding life to years

World Health Day 2012: Healthy ageing - adding life to years

05 April 2012

For the first time in human history, the world will soon have more older people than children. The human race is ageing and we are unprepared. Unless we change the way we think and act about ageing, we will miss the opportunity to age in good health and to build a society where older people are respected and valued members of society. That is why this year the World Health Organization is dedicating it's birthday - on 7 April - World Health Day - to healthy ageing.

Every year, World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of concern for WHO.

World Health Day is a global campaign, inviting everyone – from global leaders to the public in all countries – to focus on a single health challenge with global impact. Focusing on new and emerging health issues, World Health Day provides an opportunity to start collective action to protect people's health and well-being.

Watch and share the official World Health Day 2012 video, and join the conversation on healthy ageing on Twitter #AddHealth2Life to be part of the change.

Running time: 00:01:19

Language(s) available:

• English
• French
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Russian
• Spanish

26 March 2012

Secretary-General SG/SM/14192 OBV/1086

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

Secretary-General, in Message for World Health Day, Says Governments Can Provide Practical, Affordable Solutions to Help Older Citizens Lead Active Lives

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World Health Day, to be observed on 7 April:

Each year on 7 April, we observe World Health Day to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948.  This year’s theme, “Good health adds life to years”, conveys an important message:  promoting good health throughout life improves one’s chances of remaining healthy and productive in one’s later years.

In the middle of the last century, there were just 14 million people in the world aged 80 years or older.  By 2050, there will be almost 400 million people in this age group, 100 million of them in China alone.  Soon, for the first time in history, the world will have more adults aged 65 or older than children under five.

This enormous shift in the age of the world’s population is closely linked to economic and social development.  Thanks primarily to global public health successes in improving childhood survival and adult health, people are living longer in most parts of the world.  Many high-income countries are already facing rapidly ageing populations.  In the coming decades, low- and middle-income countries will see equally dramatic increases.

Increased longevity is a cause for celebration and something to which we all aspire.  Older people make many valuable contributions to society — as family members, as active participants in the workforce, and as volunteers within communities.  The wisdom they have gained throughout their lives makes them a unique resource for society.

But more older people also means an increased demand on health-care and social security systems.  The greatest health threat for older people in all countries is now overwhelmingly from non-communicable diseases.  Heart disease and stroke are the biggest killers, and visual impairment and dementia the biggest causes of disability.  In low-income countries, the incidence of these diseases among older people is two to three times greater than in high-income countries.  This burden is carried not just by older people, but by their families and by society as a whole.

Many low- and middle-income countries have neither the infrastructure nor the resources to deal with existing needs, let alone to cope with the much greater demands expected in the future.  The good news is that there are many practical and affordable solutions that Governments can put in place to help their older citizens to lead healthy and active lives.  In addition, countries that invest in healthy ageing can expect a significant social and economic return for the whole community.

On this World Health Day, I urge Governments, civil society and the private sector to commit attention and resources to ensuring that people everywhere have the chance to grow older in good health.

On World Health Day, UN calls for adequate health policies for older citizens

Two chess players enjoying an outdoor game in New York City’s Central Park. UN Photo/Grunzweig

6 April 2012 – United Nations officials today stressed the importance of providing adequate health services to older citizens and called on countries to commit resources to help their ageing populations lead a healthy and active life.


“I urge governments, civil society and the private sector to commit attention and resources to ensuring that people everywhere have the chance to grow older in good health,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message to mark World Health Day, which is observed annually on 7 April.


The Day is observed on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and each year a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of concern for the UN's health agency. This year's theme, Good health adds life to years , focuses on promoting good health throughout individuals' lives to improve their chances of remaining health and productive in later years.

According to WHO, in the middle of the last century there were 14 million people in the world aged 80 years or older. However, by 2050, there will be almost 400 million people in this age group – with 100 million of them in China alone. Within the next five years, for the first time in history, the population of people aged 65 and older will outnumber children under the age of five.

In his message, Mr. Ban said that an increase in worldwide longevity is putting pressure on countries' health services.

“Older people make many valuable contributions to society – as family members, as active participants in the workforce, and as volunteers within communities. The wisdom they have gained throughout their lives makes them a unique resource for society,” he said. “But more older people also means an increased demand on healthcare and social security systems.”

The UN chief noted that the greatest health threat for older people in all countries is now overwhelmingly from non-communicable diseases, with heart disease and strokes the biggest killers, and visual impairment and dementia the biggest causes of disability. He underlined that in low-income countries in particular, the incidence of non-communicable diseases is two to three times greater than in high-income countries.

“This burden is carried not just by older people, but by their families and by society as a whole,” Mr. Ban said, adding that it is essential for these countries to count with the infrastructure and resources to deal with existing needs, and cope with the much greater demands expected in the future.

Earlier this week, WHO's Director-General, Margaret Chan, emphasized that measures to improve the quality of life of ageing populations need not be expensive, and encouraged governments to implement affordable and practical policies that can significantly help their citizens grow old in a healthy manner.

“We must not let money or lack of access to care decide who stays fit and who gets frail too soon,” Ms. Chan said in a roundtable discussion on the theme of the Day in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

“Simple interventions can have a huge impact. For example, hypertension control, using extremely affordable medicines, contributes greatly to increased longevity yet only around 10 per cent of older people in the developing world benefit from this treatment,” she said. “Regular moderate physical activity has a rejuvenating effect, working to turn back the clock. Ancient Chinese Tai Chi exercises can restore balance in older people and help prevent falls.”

Ms. Chan underscored that the incidence of non-communicable diseases in older people require a shift in focus from providing care for a single disease to providing good health in the face of multiple diseases.

To mark World Health Day, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is carrying out a series of events in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, highlighting the plight of ageing populations, which include medical activities such as blood screenings, but also theatrical performances on the theme of active ageing.

“In 2004, around 420,000 refugees registered with UNRWA were older than 60,” said the Director of UNRWA's health programme, Akihiro Seita. “In 2011, the number increased to around 630,000, which is 12 per cent of the entire refugee population.”