International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2013, May 29th.

 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to be observed at Headquarters, 29 May

 

  On this International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on 29 May, the world body honoured 111 peacekeeping personnel who died last year and paid tribute to the some 3,000 others who have fallen in the line of duty since the first peacekeepers deployed 65 years ago.

 

SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE FOR THE 2013 OBSERVANCE

This year’s International Day of Peacekeepers is an opportunity to raise awareness about new developments in the field while honouring those who lost their lives over the past year serving under the blue flag.
United Nations peacekeeping is increasingly called on to deploy multi-dimensional operations to help countries transition from conflict to peace, with a significant focus on protecting civilians, including the most vulnerable among them: women and children. 
To meet emerging threats and rise to new challenges, United Nations peacekeeping is adapting its policies to better fulfil its mandates to bring lasting peace to war-torn countries.
We see one example of a new approach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the Security Council has authorized the deployment of an “Intervention Brigade” as well as unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles to improve our ability to operate in this vast region.
Peacekeepers in Mali will operate under tough conditions marked by armed groups that threaten national and regional security. The mission will help stabilize the country, foster national reconciliation and protect civilians.
UN peacekeeping is also working to help reform national rule of law institutions. By strengthening the police, courts, and corrections, UN peacekeeping forges trust in local authorities. A fair and predictable rule of law system contributes, in turn, to stability and sustainable development long after our troops leave.
While we welcome these advances, we acknowledge that peacekeeping will always carry risks. Unidentified assailants have recently ambushed and killed peacekeepers in the DRC, Sudan and South Sudan, while blue helmets serving in the Middle East have been detained.
One hundred and eleven peacekeeping personnel died last year, and more than 3,100 have lost their lives during the UN’s 65-year history of peacekeeping.  We salute their bravery and mourn their passing.
On this International Day, let us pay solemn tribute to those who have fallen, support the more than 111,000 serving soldiers and police from 116 countries, and continue adapting our operations to better help civilians who need protection and support.

Ban Ki-moon

 

 

 

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE 67th SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers recognizes the selfless contribution made by men and women who have served across the world as Blue Helmets under the UN flag.
I join in solemn remembrance of the 101 peacekeepers who died in 2012. They made the ultimate sacrifice in the discharge of their duty. Collectively, we should celebrate the nobility, integrity and courage with which they dedicated their lives to the UN.
I would also like to pay tribute to the over 110,000 military, police and civilians who continue to serve in 15 peacekeeping operations in some of the world’s harshest environments. They are truly in the front-line of the UN’s global operations, never far from harms’ way.
The presence of the United Nations on the ground in troubled areas is an indispensable instrument of peace. For many decades, it has greatly contributed to reducing hostilities between belligerents, while helping create an atmosphere more conducive to the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.
The preamble of the UN Charter states that one of the aims of the organization is to “reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.”
Through their dedication and professionalism, the colleagues we are honoring today embody and personify the aims of our august gathering of nations. They have defended the aspirations of the United Nations towards peace and security, development, and human rights, values that we all hold so dearly.
The General Assembly is proud to have established the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers following a resolution adopted in 2002. As President, I remain committed to strengthening the role of UN peacekeeping.
I continue to engage with Member States on how we can more decisively support those who serve under the UN flag in conflict-ridden areas throughout the world.

Vuk Jeremić

United Nations Secretary-General's message on Africa Day 2013

New York, 25 May 2013 - Secretary-General's message on Africa Day

This year’s celebration of Africa Day has special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, the continent’s first regional organization and forerunner of the African Union.
As Africans pay tribute to the giants and visionaries of the 20th century who worked for Africa’s sovereignty and unity, we also look forward with hopes for an era of prosperity and peace.

The past decade saw unprecedented progress.  The launch of the AU’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development and Peer Review Mechanism has helped to advance economic, social, political and institutional reforms.  Similarly, the African Union is playing an increasingly more dynamic leadership role in preventing, managing, and resolving Africa’s conflicts through its revamped Peace and Security Architecture.  Many countries have also sought to energize the private sector.

As we celebrate Africa’s achievements, we know numerous and serious challenges remain -- including conflict, environmental degradation, and the need for strengthened infrastructure and institutions.  We must accelerate efforts towards the Millennium Development Goals, from maternal health to HIV/AIDS, and keep Africa’s needs and aspirations front and centre in discussions on the post-2015 development agenda.
As Africans write a new narrative for the next 50 years and beyond, the United Nations will proudly continue to work in partnership with the African Union and the peoples of Africa to help build a continent of opportunity and hope for all.

---

Statements on 25 May 2013

• Addis Ababa, 25 May 2013 - Secretary-General's remarks at ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity / African Union [as prepared for delivery]

Vesak 2013

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the Day of Vesak 2013

Vesak Day is a celebration for Buddhists worldwide and an opportunity for all members of the international community to benefit from their rich traditions.
This year’s observance, falling at a time of widespread strife and misery, is an occasion to examine how Buddhist teachings can inform our response to prevailing challenges.
Confronting the troubling problems facing our world is consonant with Buddhism. The Buddha himself, as a young prince, left the safety of his palace to discover the four sufferings of birth, sickness, old age and death.
While such painful realities cannot be avoided, Buddhism offers insights into how to cope with them. Its history is replete with inspiring examples of the transformative power of Buddhist philosophy.
The legendary King Ashoka, a conqueror who presided over a brutal reign in India some three centuries after the Buddha’s passing, ultimately converted to Buddhism, renounced violence and embraced peace.
The values that King Ashoka espoused, including human rights, democratic governance and respect for the dignity of life, are common to all great religions. The fact that he was able to embrace them after years of brutal war offers proof that the goodwill of individuals can end widespread suffering.
Now more than ever, we need the spirit of non-violence to help inspire peace and quell conflict.
I offer my best wishes to believers celebrating Vesak Day, and my sincerest hopes that we may all draw on spiritual ideals to strengthen our resolve to improve our world.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2013, May 17

 

The purpose of  World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

17 May 2013 - ICT Discovery, First anniversary celebrations

 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

Ressources :
More about the Day
 WTISD 2013: Webcast and Captioning

Circular letter from ITU Secretary-General

Fifth World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum

International Day of Family 2013, May 15

	THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
	MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES
	"ADVANCING SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY"
	Families hold societies together, and intergenerational relationships extend this legacy over time. This year's International Day of Families is an occasion to celebrate connections among all members of the constellation that makes up a family. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how they are affected by social and economic trends – and what we can do to strengthen families in response. Unemployment is forcing many young people, often eager for independence, to rely on their parents longer than they would have hoped. The lack of affordable and quality childcare is complicating efforts by parents in dual-earner families to combine their work and home obligations. Inadequate pensions and care for older persons demands more attention as we succeed in our goal of extending lives. These challenges make family support more important than ever – for the young person seeking a job while living with their parents, for the grandparent who relies on their children for shelter and care, and for the many members of extended families who take on childcare responsibilities. Around the world, family members are doing their part. They deserve support from policy-makers and decision-makers, from public institutions and private businesses. There is a growing recognition around the world that we need to strengthen policies promoting intergenerational solidarity and support intergenerational programmes and initiatives. Evidence shows that adequate pensions and caregiver support help not only older persons but whole families. Intergenerational programmes promoting volunteering among the young and old benefit all generations. Opportunities for people of all ages to bond revitalize whole communities. Intergenerational initiatives also address global development priorities. They counteract inequality and exclusion, encourage active citizenship and even improve public infrastructure through community-based projects. On this International Day of Families, I call on governments, civil society, families and individuals to support initiatives that bring people together across generations toward building a healthier world for all.
	Click below for the message in all the UN Official Languages
	| English | French | Spanish | Chinese | Arabic | Russian |

Boeing Company and the Environment

 Designed for the Environment : Planning-in  Aircraft Recycling !

Boeing is designing jetliners with the environmental impact of their life span in mind. From the fuselage to the carpet, Boeing Director of Environmental Performance Jeanne Yu explains why Boeing considers how entire airplanes will be recycled before they're ever built.

• Explore Boeing's commitment to recycling airplanes
• Read and/or download Boeing's 2012 Environment Report 
• New 787 factory looks to the sun for renewable energy (Video)

 

Boeing's new 787 facility in South Carolina is adding one of the largest solar installations in the U.S., part of a plan to use 100% renewable energy at the manufacturing site. 

Boeing's new 787 facility in South Carolina is adding one of the largest solar installations in the U.S., part of a plan to use 100% renewable energy at the manufacturing site.

At Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner factory under construction in coastal South Carolina, they’re dreaming green. Like the ultra-efficient airplane soon to be built there, the 1.1 million square-foot (102,193 square meters) final assembly building is about to set a new standard for environmental performance. Boeing announced a partnership with South Carolina Electric & Gas that will enable Boeing South Carolina to operate as a 100 percent renewable energy site.

"This solar installation will be the sixth largest on a building in the United States."

“Our 787 Dreamliner is manufactured using fewer hazardous materials and designed to consume less fuel, and produce fewer emissions. It only makes sense that our business operations in South Carolina reflect the environmental progressiveness of the airplane we’ll build here,” said Jim Albaugh, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The Boeing 787 is setting a new standard in environmental performance. An increased use of composites, more-electric systems architecture, advanced aerodynamics and efficient new engines will allow the Dreamliner to use 20 percent less fuel and produce 20 percent fewer emissions compared to today's similarly-sized airplanes. 

Renewable energy will be generated in part with thin-film solar laminate panels installed on the new 787 final assembly building roof. This solar installation will provide up to 2.6 megawatts of electrical power, enough to power about 250 homes. The installation will be the largest in southeastern United States by production capacity, and the sixth largest on a building in the country. “All of the energy generated on this solar roof top will be used on site by Boeing,” said Bob Long, general manager for resources planning at South Carolina Electric & Gas.  “We’re actually going to be installing the generator on the customer side of the meter.”

"Our customers expect that Boeing's products and services be environmentally progressive." Mary Armstrong, Boeing Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety.

Construction on the new facility is on schedule, with airplane production due to begin in July 2011. At full production rate, Boeing will assemble and deliver three 787s per month from South Carolina. Boeing’s manufacturing site in Everett, Wash., also produces 787s.

Boeing Construction crews are putting the final touches inside the new 787 final assembly building in North Charleston, South Carolina. Airplane production is set to begin in July, 2011. 

While the solar setup will provide 20% of the power needed for the South Carolina site, the rest will come from other sustainable sources.
“The renewable energy that we’re going to buy here comes from a biomass facility, where they basically take shrub waste, tree waste from construction and process it to generate energy with very low emissions into the atmosphere,” said Rick Muttart, site services director for Boeing South Carolina.
Recycling is an important part of Boeing’s commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen in South Carolina’s Low country. The site, which broke ground in November 2009, will send neither waste nor byproducts to a landfill, instead recycling, reusing or otherwise repurposing.
“Our customers expect that Boeing’s products and services be environmentally progressive, and our communities expect that we take credible actions to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Mary Armstrong, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety for Boeing. “This partnership demonstrates that we share those priorities, and shows that it is possible to commit to renewable energy on a large scale.”

2013 Moscow Victory Day Parade

The Kremlin & Red Square, Moscow, Russia holds Victory Day Parade on May 9,2013 to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany in 1945.

 

The Moscow Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square will be held on 9 May 2013 to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany in 1945. The parade will mark the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War on the very day on the signing of the German act of capitulation to the Allies in Berlin, on the very midnight of May 9, 1945 (Russian time). The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, will deliver his second holiday address, and it will be the first parade for both the Minister of Defense General of the Army Sergey Shoigu (parade inspector) and Russian Ground Forces commander Col. Gen. Vladimir Chirkin (parade commander) as well as the first in four years for the Suvorov Military School and the Nakhimov Naval School and the first appearance from a Cossack cadet corps unit, joining the more than 11,000 service personnel that will be marching on Red Square this year, and the return of the full air fly over after two years. The BTR82A IFV will make its parade debut this year as part of the mobile column. Sevastopol in the Ukraine, where the Black Sea Fleet is based, and 22 other Russian cities will also hold parades on this day. As per tradition Kharkiv in Ukraine also holds a full parade on this day as well.

Preparation 

Since November 2012, preparations for the parade have been well attended at the unit level. Individual and unit practices were held in the various military installations for all the participant units.
In March of 2013, the full rehearsal started at the training center at Alabino, Moscow Oblast. The parade preparations started on April 11-12 for all the units as the mobile column of more than a hundred military vehicles finished up their practice runs on the field. Also undertaking practice runs are the massed military bands that will take part in the parade led by no less than Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov in his 11th Victory Day Parade appearance and the squadron of Mil Mi-8 helicopters from the Army Aviation Training Center for the fly past segment later on, which will feature various other military aircraft. In all 68 aircraft are taking part after a 2 year absence.
Moscow practice runs for the parade proper commenced on April 24-26, 2013 on Red Square itself, and the practice runs ended on May 3 and 4 with two general practice runs. One final practice was scheduled for May 7, two days before the parade itself with Defense Minister Shoigu inspecting as a full final rehearsal run, starting at 10 AM Moscow Time, the time in which the parade two days later will commence. Col. Gen. Chirkin led the marchers on that day's practice run on the Red Square grounds.

15th Independent Commandant's Regiment's change of title

As the parade practices commenced on April 11, the 154th Independent Commandant's Regiment, the official honor guard regiment of the Russian Armed Forces, joined the rehearsals as always as permanent participants, this time as the 154th Independent Commandant's Preobrazhensky Regiment, the new title bestowed on it several days ago via a Presidential executive order by no less than Vladimir Putin himself in his constitutional duty as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. That very act was done on April 9 the same year. This entrustment of the honorary title is a continuation of the great military traditions of the Russian armed services ever since the raising of the first two regiments of the Imperial Russian Army by no less than Peter the Great himself. As always the First Honor Guard Company of the regiment's Honor Guard Battalion did well in the first rehearsal and is expected to perform better in this year's parade.

 

Parade Participants (full list)

Bold indicates first appearance, italic indicates multiple appearances, Bold and italic indicate returning appearance.

• General of the Army Sergey Shoigu, Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation (parade inspector)
• Colonel General Vladimir Chirkin, commanding general of the Russian Ground Forces (parade commander)

Military Bands 

• Massed Military Bands of the Armed Forces under the direction of the Senior Director of Music of the Military Bands Service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov
• Corps of Drums of the Moscow Military Music School

Ground Column 

• 154th Preobrazhensky Independent Commandant's Regiment Color Guard and Honor Guard Company of the 1st Honor Guard Battalion, 154th ICR
• Suvorov Military School (returning)
• Nakhimov Naval School (returning)
• Aksanskiy Cossack Cadet Corps (first appearance)
• Combined Arms Academy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
• Military University of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
• Military Academy of Materiel and Technical Security "General of the Army A. V. Khrulev" (first appearance)
• Zhukovsky – Gagarin Air Force Academy (returning)
• Peter the Great Naval Corps - St. Petersburg Naval Institute (First appearance)
• 336th Independent Naval Infantry Brigade
• Military Space Academy "Alexander Mozhaysky"
• Serpukhov Military Rocket Forces Institute (first appearance)
• Ryazan Airborne Senior Command Academy "Gen. of the Army Vasily Margelov" (returning)
• 98th Guards Airborne Division
• 29th and 38th Independent Railway Brigades of the Russian Railway Troops
• 1st NBC Coastal Brigade
• 9th Chemical Disposal Regiment
• OMSDON Ind. Motorized Internal Troops Division of the Ministry of Interal Affairs of the Russian Federation "Felix Dzerzhinsky"
• Civil Defense Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations
• Moscow Border Guards Institute of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation
• 27th Independent Sevastopol Guards Motor Rifle Brigade
• 5th Independent Tamanskaya Guards Motor Rifle Brigade "Mikhail Kalinin"
• 4th Independent Kantemirovkaya Guards Tank Brigade "Yuri Andropov"
• 6th Independent Chentokhovskaya Guards Tank Brigade (first appearance)
• 288th Independent Warsaw-Brandenburg Artillery Brigade
• Military Technical University of the Federal Agency of Special Construction
• Moscow Military Commanders Training School "Supreme Soviet of Russia"

Mobile Column 

• GAZ-2975
• Iveco LMV
• BTR82A (first appearance)
• T-90
• 2S19 Msta
• Buk missile system
• S-400 Triumf
• Pantsir-S1
• Iskander-M
• Topol-M

Air Column 

• Mil Mi-8 Colors Party
• Mil Mi-24 (returning)
• Mil Mi-28 (returning)
• Mil Mi-35 (returning)
• Kamov Ka-52 (first appearance)
• Mikoyan MiG-29 (returning)
• Sukhoi Su-24 (returning)
• Sukhoi Su-34 (returning)
• Sukhoi Su-27 (returning)
• Mikoyan MiG-31 (returning)
• Ilyushin Il-76 (returning)
• Ilyushin Il-78 (returning)
• Tupolev Tu-22M3 (returning)
• Tupolev Tu-95 (returning)
• Tupolev Tu-160 (returning)
• Beriev A-50 (returning)
• Sukhoi Su-25 (returning)
• Antonov An-124 (returning)
• Antonov An-22 (first appearance)
• Sukhoi Su-27 and Mikoyan MiG-29 of the Russian Knights and Strizhi (returning)