15 September - The International Day of Democracy.

 Theme 2012 "Democracy Education"
Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. Activities carried out by the United Nations in support of efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the UN Charter, and only at the specific request of the Member States concerned.

The UN General Assembly, in resolution A/62/7 (2007) encouraged Governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15 September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy. The subject of this year's theme -- democracy education -- is essential for the long-term success of democracy. All citizens in all nations need to fully understand their rights and responsibilities, especially in countries that have recently transitioned to more democratic societies.

Questions such as, “Why should I vote?”, “How can I influence my leaders?” “What can I reasonably expect from my elected officials?” or “What are my constitutional rights?” need to be addressed through civic institutions, in the free press and in classrooms. It is only with educated citizens that a sustainable culture of democracy can emerge.

International Day for the Preservation of The Ozone Layer 2012

Short documentary: Alternatives to HCFCs: Taking on the challenge

This short documentary video (15mins) seeks out answers from the technical experts closest to the issue and showcases some inspiring conversion projects. Indeed, with financial assistance and technology transfer facilitated by the Protocol's Multilateral Fund, developing countries are already taking on the challenge, thus paving the way for the adoption of ozone and climate friendly alternatives to HCFCs.

Montreal Protocol @25 Video

This video will be produced to capture worldwide celebrations on the successes of the Montreal Protocol and the future challenges to come.
For further information on the guidelines for this video please click here.


25th Anniversary Information Kit

 This kit produced by the Ozone Secretariat contains the following useful information:

 Brief premier on the Montreal Protocol
 Continuing and future challenges facing the ozone layer protection effort 
Key achievements of the Montreal Protocol to date
 Map of the Regional Networks 
 Paperless Conferencing System 
 Some ideas for stories on Montreal Protocol related matters
 The MP on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer - 2012: A success in the making 
 Twenty questions and answers about the ozone layer: 2010 update 
The MP on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer - Achievements in Stratospheric Ozone Protection

Protecting our Atmosphere for Generations to Come

Letter from the Executive Secretary, Ozone Secretariat on preparations to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and the 2012 International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer " Protecting our Atmosphere for Generations to Come "Ozone Day 2012


Montreal Protocol e-Learning Module 

This interactive online training module, developed by UNEP and the World Customs Organization is based on UNEP's Training Manual for Customs Officers and presents the latest information on the international policy governing the control and monitoring of Ozone Depleting Substances, particularly HCFCs, as well as an overview of the technical issues including new information on chemicals and products traded and how these may be smuggled. The module is periodically updated to take into account the developments in international trade and provides new material to reflect the changes in the Montreal Protocol, the Harmonised Systems codes, licensing systems and other relevant information. To register, Ozone officers should contact the Regional OzonAction CAP team. Customs officers should contact WCO’s national coordinator: http://e-learning.wcoomd.org/hosting/Learning/Coordinators.pdf

The Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened for signature on September 16, 1987, and entered into force on January 1, 1989, followed by a first meeting in Helsinki, May 1989. Since then, it has undergone seven revisions, in 1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 (Copenhagen), 1993 (Bangkok), 1995 (Vienna), 1997 (Montreal), and 1999 (Beijing). It is believed that if the international agreement is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050. Due to its widespread adoption and implementation it has been hailed as an example of exceptional international co-operation, with Kofi Annan quoted as saying that "perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date has been the Montreal Protocol". The two ozone treaties have been ratified by 197 states and the European Union making them the most widely ratified treaties in United Nations history. Terms and purposes The treaty is structured around several groups of halogenated hydrocarbons that have been shown to play a role in ozone depletion. All of these ozone depleting substances contain either chlorine or bromine (substances containing only fluorine do not harm the ozone layer).  The Montreal Protocol on Substaces That Deplete the Ozone Layer

Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer

 

2010 Ozone Assessment 
Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer cover
Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2010---World Meteorological Organization 
 Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project - Report No. 52

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- United Nations Environment Programme
- World Meteorological Organization
- European Commission

 Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer - 2010 Update
Twenty Questions Poster - The Science of Ozone Depletion

The importance of literacy in accelerating peace and development

On International Literacy Day, UN flags key role of reading and writing in global peace

 

 

Photo: UNESCO

7 September 2012 – United Nations officials have stressed the importance of literacy in accelerating peace and development, calling for greater efforts to enable children, youth and adults to read, write and transform their lives.

This year's International Literacy Day, observed annually on 8 September, has a special focus on the fundamental relationship between literacy and peace.
“We must not allow conflict to deprive children and adults of the crucial opportunity of literacy. Literacy is a fundamental human right, and the foundation of all education and lifelong learning,” the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova, said in her message for the Day, which the agency has been marking for more than four decades.

She added that literacy transforms the lives of people, allowing them to make informed choices and empowering them individuals to become agents of change.

“Lasting peace depends on the development of literate citizenship and access to education for all. Amidst political upheaval and escalating violence in many parts of the world, literacy must be a priority in the peace-building agenda of all nations,” she stated.

Peace and sustainable development are interdependent, and it is crucial for the two to develop and strengthen simultaneously, Ms. Bokova continued.

“Literacy is also a development accelerator, enabling societies to grow more inclusively and sustainably,” she noted. “Literacy programmes can become a key component of future development strategies, opening new opportunities and skills for all.”

This year marks the end of the UN Literacy Decade, proclaimed in 2002 to galvanize government action worldwide against illiteracy. Over the decade, and despite considerable effort and some major achievements, 775 million people are still considered non-literate, of whom 85 per cent live in 41 countries.
As part of the celebrations for the Day, UNESCO has brought together representatives from these 41 countries to examine the lessons learned over the decade and identify ways of accelerating progress to meet the Education for All (EFA) goals established by the world's governments in 2000 for a 50 per cent improvement in literacy levels worldwide by 2015.

The EFA goals are made up expanding early childhood care and education, providing free and compulsory primary education for all, promoting learning and life skills for young people and adults, increasing adult literacy, achieving gender parity and improving the quality of education.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his message for the Day, said the global movement for education needs a big push, and that is why he will be launching a new Education First initiative later this month.
The initiative focuses on three priorities: putting every child in school, improving the quality of learning and fostering global citizenship.

“I call on world leaders and all involved with education to join this initiative. The cost of leaving millions of children and young people on the margins of society is far greater than the funds required to reach the international goals for education,” he stated.

“Ask any parent what they want for their children, even in war zones and disaster areas where food, medicine and shelter might be considered the highest priorities, and the answer is the same: education for children. Ask any child what he or she wishes to be when they grow up, and the answer is rooted in education. Education is the gateway to fulfilling those aspirations.

“A literate world is a more peaceful world, and a more harmonious and healthy world,” Mr. Ban added. “On this observance of International Literacy Day, let us pledge to join together to move the literacy agenda forward.”

Other events taking place at UNESCO's Paris headquarters include the award ceremony for the 2012 UNESCO literacy prizes, and the nomination of singer and songwriter A'salfo as a Goodwill Ambassador to contribute to the agency's efforts to fight against exclusion, discrimination and injustice.


"Education First" - UN Secretary-General's video message

World Literacy Day 2012 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,

Illiteracy, Says Secretary-General in Message, Hobbles Efforts to Achieve Millennium Development Goals, Build Inclusive Knowledge Societies ---


Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for International Literacy Day, observed on 8 September: ---

 Literacy provides tools for men and women to better understand the world and shape it to meet their aspirations. It is a source of individual dignity and a motor for the healthy development of society. International Literacy Day is an opportunity to celebrate this transformative force and mobilize to make the most of it.

--- Great strides have been made during the United Nations Literacy Decade that closes this year. Across the world, individuals, communities and countries have reached out to children, youth and adults to enable them to read, write and transform their lives. As a result, some 90 million young men and women and adults have become literate. We must now go much further. An estimated 775 million young people and adults around the world still cannot read or write; 122 million children of primary and lower secondary school age remain out of school; and millions still graduate with inadequate literacy skills. Women account for two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population. The persistence of such numbers hobbles our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to build the inclusive knowledge societies we need for the twenty-first century.

---- We must move faster to reach the most marginalized and uphold this basic human right. The global movement for education needs a big push. That is why, later this month, I will be launching a new Education First initiative.

--- The initiative focuses on three priorities: putting every child in school; improving the quality of learning; and fostering global citizenship. I call on world leaders and all involved with education to join this initiative. The cost of leaving millions of children and young people on the margins of society is far greater than the funds required to reach the international goals for education.

--- Ask any parent what they want for their children, even in war zones and disaster areas where food, medicine and shelter might be considered the highest priorities, and the answer is the same: education for children. Ask any child what he or she wishes to be when they grow up, and the answer is rooted in education. Education is the gateway to fulfilling those aspirations.

--- A literate world is a more peaceful world, and a more harmonious and healthy world. On this observance of International Literacy Day, let us pledge to join together to move the literacy agenda forward.

---