World Health Day 2014, April 7th.

"April 7 is World Health Day "World Health Organization (WHO).






The theme World Health DAY - 7 April, 2014 is ‘Vector-borne diseases – small bite, big threat’ and one of the most common vector-borne diseases is dengue fever.

  

The United Nations Secretary-General, in Message for World Health Day, Urges States, Development Partners to Accord Vector-borne Diseases Priority.

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

Every year more than 1 million people die from diseases carried by mosquitoes, flies, ticks and other insects, such as triatomine bugs.  These vector-borne diseases — which include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis — cause chronic illness and immense suffering for hundreds of millions more.

Climate change, altered habitats and increased international trade and travel are exposing more people to the vectors that transmit these diseases.  They present a risk in all regions, including countries where the threat had formerly been eradicated, but the most affected are the world’s poorest people, especially those who live in remote rural communities far from health services or in urban shanty towns.  By profoundly affecting people’s health, vector-borne diseases are a serious impediment to poverty reduction and sustainable development.

As we work to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and define a post-2015 development agenda, let us recognize that investing in vector control and disease prevention is a wise and necessary investment.  We have the scientific knowledge and have developed proven interventions to tackle these diseases.  In Africa, for example, more than 700 million insecticide-treated bed nets have already helped to cut malaria rates dramatically, particularly among children and pregnant women.

Sustained political commitment can save millions of lives and yield substantial social and economic returns.  But it is important to recognize that vector control goes beyond the health sector.  Poorly planned development initiatives such as forest clearance, dam construction or irrigation to boost food production may increase the disease burden.  Addressing this issue demands an integrated, coherent and united effort across many sectors, including environment, agriculture, water and sanitation, urban planning and education.

Everyone has a role to play in the fight against vector-borne diseases — international organizations, Governments, the private sector, civil society, community groups and individuals.  On this World Health Day, I urge countries and development partners to make vector control a priority.  Let us work together to tackle this serious but eminently preventable threat to human health and development. 

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

 Climate change and vector-borne diseases: a regional analysis.

On World Health Day 2014, WHO is calling for a renewed focus on vector control and better provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene – key strategies outlined in WHO’s 2011 Roadmap for the control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases, which sets targets for the period 2012–2020.  

Everyone has a role to play. We urge…

Governments to

- Ensure political commitment and public funding for vector-control programs based on an integrated approach.
- Invest in water and sanitation, waste collection, and urban drainage, especially in areas that are currently underserved.
- Share proven strategies and lessons learned through country-to-country cooperation initiatives.

Health authorities to

- Improve surveillance and monitoring of vector-borne diseases.
- Integrate prevention and control of vector-borne diseases with programs to control other diseases.
- Strengthen monitoring of insecticide and drug resistance, and ensure an effective response.
- Collaborate with other government agencies and sectors, especially the environment, tourism, and education, to strengthen action for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.
- Work with local authorities to implement vector-control and elimination measures, including safe water supply, sanitation and drainage, control of breeding sites, healthy housing, and garbage collection.

Individuals and families to

- Clean up around their homes and offices to eliminate vegetation, rubbish, and standing water that can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes and other vectors.
- Protect oneself by wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying insect repellent, and using window screens or bed nets as appropriate.
- Work with governments to improve social and environmental conditions, especially sanitation, waste management, and protection of water sources.

International partners and donors to

- Support the strengthening and sustainability of programs for control and elimination of vector-borne diseases.
- Where needed, provide donations or subsidies of medicines for the control of vector-borne diseases.
- Provide incentives for research and development of new, safer, and more environmentally adapted insecticides; next-generation vector-control tools; and innovative medicines and diagnostics.

 WORLD HEALTH DAY 2014 - Noon Briefing and guest: Dr. Jacob Kumaresan, Executive Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in New York. UN Web TV.

  

A global brief on Vector-borne diseases. Dr Margaret Chan Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from
animals to humans.
Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects that ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later inject them into a new host during their next blood meal. Mosquitoes are the best known disease vector. Others include certain species of ticks, flies, sandflies, fleas, bugs and freshwater snails .

A global brief on Vector-borne diseases. Dr Margaret Chan Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda - April 7, 2014.

Celebrating the 20th Commemoration of the Rwanda Genocide. The start date of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, 7 April, has been designated by the UN General Assembly as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. On or around that date, the UN organizing or participating in commemorative events in many countries this year, including in Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Congo, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The memorial ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York will take place on 16 April, at 6:15 p.m. It will be webcast live at webtv.un.org. The memorial ceremony will be followed by the opening of an exhibit organized by the Government of Rwanda in the UN Visitors Centre. Kwibuka 20 - Commemoration ceremony at the Amahoro National Stadium (Kigali, Rwanda). 7 Apr 2014 - Kwibuka 20 - Commemoration ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide at the Kigali’s National Stadium Amahoro (“peace”) where, in 1994, thousands of Rwandans found refuge.   Rwanda commemorates genocide anniversary

President Kagame to light flame in memory of victims of 1994 massacres amid fresh diplomatic row with France.

A torch commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide in which 800,000 died is to be lighted in the capital Kigali, amid renewed claims of France being complicit in the killings.
A flame of remembrance touring the small nation from village to village will arrive at the national genocide memorial on Monday.

President Paul Kagame will light the torch that will burn for 100 days, the length of time it took government soldiers and Hutu militia to kill hundreds of thousands of people, largely Tutsis, in 1994.

People everywhere should place themselves in the shoes of the vulnerable, and ask themselves what more they can do to build a world of human rights and dignity for all. Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General

Custodians of the memorial said it contains the bones of a quarter of a million people killed in massacres of brutal intensity, now carefully stored in vast concrete tombs.

Wreathes will also be laid, before ceremonies in Kigali's football stadium, where UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and several African leaders are due to attend.

But the commemorations have been overshadowed by a furious diplomatic row with France, which is now sending its ambassador in Kigali to attend the ceremonies, instead of a top level delegation.
The French government initially announced that it was pulling out of the events after Kagame again accused France, an ally of the Hutu nationalist government prior to the 1994 killings, of aiding the murder of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis.

Speaking to the weekly Jeune Afrique, Kagame denounced the "direct role of Belgium and France in the political preparation for the genocide", and said French soldiers were both accomplices and "actors" in the bloodbath.
Paris has repeatedly denied the accusations and insisted that French forces had striven to protect civilians.
Former colonial power Belgium, which unlike France has apologised to Rwanda for failing to prevent the genocide, has sent a senior delegation for the commemorations.

Ban Ki-moon, Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide (Kigali, Rwanda)

7 Apr 2014 - Remarks by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the commemoration ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide (Kwibuka 20), Kigali, Rwanda

Remarks

10,000 killed everyday

The UN chief has said the commemorations were a chance to remind the world to do all it can to ensure such crimes never happen again. The UN was heavily criticised in 1994 for not doing more to stop the killings.
"The scale of the brutality in Rwanda still shocks: an average of 10,000 deaths per day, day after day, for three months," Ban said in a statement ahead of commemorations.

He said the impact of the massacres are still being felt across an "arc of uncertainty in Africa's Great Lakes region - and in the collective conscience of the international community".
"People everywhere should place themselves in the shoes of the vulnerable, from Syria to the Central African Republic, and ask themselves what more they can do to build a world of human rights and dignity for all," Ban added.

US President Barack Obama also paid tribute to the victims, saying that the genocide was "neither an accident nor unavoidable".

"It was a deliberate and systematic effort by human beings to destroy other human beings," Obama said in a statement.
Many in Rwanda are remembering the victims in their own deeply personal and reflective way.
Rwanda's Red Cross has boosted its support staff for those hit hard by the memory of trauma.
The official "Kwibuka" mourning - meaning "remember" in Kinyarwanda - ends on July 4, Rwanda's liberation day.

7 billion Others - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide (07 April).

'They said that the Tutsis were bad, this is why we killed them'. Let’s commit to remember the more than 800,000 innocent people so brutally murdered, as we pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of the survivors.

Video portraits from Rwanda to celebrate the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide 2014. On selected days the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, in partnership with the Good Planet Foundation, posts video clips from the 7 billion Others project to communicate the fears, dreams, ordeals and hopes of citizens from all over world.

 Outreach Programme on the Rwanda Genocideand the United Nations

Rwanda, 20 Years Later.

 April 7, 1994 marked the beginning of the Rwandan genocide. This massacre took place over the course of 100 days, killing almost 20% of the population. 20 years on from this brutal tragedy, Rwanda has transformed itself into a thriving nation with significant development gains. With the support of the UN, Rwanda is on track to achieving nearly all the Millennium Development Goals. Over a million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. Economic growth has averaged 8% a year. Infant mortality is down 61%, while three quarters of the population now have access to drinking water. Following parliamentary elections last year, women make up 64% of MPs, the highest proportion in the world. So, while we must never forget and continue to honor the lives lost and the bravery of so many survivors. We can also use this commemoration to be inspired. A country, once consumed with violence, has shown the world that it can rebuild and reunite. (Photos: UNDP, UNICEF)

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2014, April 6

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2014.

This year we celebrate the first-ever International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
We at the United Nations know that sport is a universal language, uniting groups and nations across divides.
Sport empowers youth, promotes good health and deepens UN values such as equality, mutual respect and fair play.
Sport helps us in spreading messages of peace, driving social change and meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
This International Day will highlight the potential of sport to advance human rights, eliminate barriers and promote global solidarity.
To reach our goals, we need all players on the field:  governments, international organizations, the sport sector, civil society, and many others.
I urge all global citizens to join this growing movement and become part of our  team to harness the power of sport to build a better world for all.

Ban Ki-moon

Join the Forum :  International Day of Sport for Development and Peace , April 6th.

Sport for Development and Peace - From Practices to Policy.

 EVENTS : Expert High-level Panel Discussion and Symbolic Run/Walk at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

On 4 April 2014, UNOSDP together with the UN Office at Geneva and the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace is hosting a high-level panel discussion, inviting key stakeholders to share their views about the value and use of sport for social change. The roundtable discussion will be followed by a symbolic run/walk around the Palais des Nations, where all participants are encouraged to join the panellists in raising awareness of this celebratory day.

 Five key messages will be promoted for the occasion of the International Day celebrations at the Palais des Nations.

 Statement by Dr Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee.

 
Sports and Disciplines

Shooting

Handball

Gymnastics Artistic

Weightlifting

Ice Hockey

Basketball

Rowing, Canoe Slalom, Sailing, Canoe Sprint

Volleyball

 Trampoline, Athletics

Water Polo, Diving

Gymnastics Rhythmic

Football

Fencing

Swimming, Synchronized swimming

Beach Volleyball

Golf

Alpine Ski, Biathlon, Bobsleigh ,Cross Country Skiing ,Curling ,Figure skating ,Freestyle Skiing ,Ice Hockey ,Luge,Nordic Combined ,Short Track Speed Skating , Skeleton ,Ski Jumping ,Snowboard ,Speed skating

Archery

Tennis, Badminton

Thiathlon , Cycling BMX, Cycling Mountain Bike, Cycling road, Cycling Track

Boxing

Judo, Wrestling freestyle, Wrestling Greco-Roman

Baseball

Rugby

10 Golden Rules for Building a Sustainable Sporting Event.

Staging a sustainable sporting event means managing social, economic, and environmental factors to minimise impact, and leaving a positive legacy that continues to enrich host cities and countries long after the event. These simple rules can help to create a much more sustainable event and successful legacy

 I - ENERGY :
Find ways to minimise energy usage to reduce emissions and costs. Design facilities and infrastructure for low-energy usage, and maximise the use of renewable energy.

II - WATER :
Try to avoid using drinking water for irrigation, cooling, and sanitary purposes, and minimise all water use through sustainable design. Provide drinking water from the best local source, and avoid bottled water, which is carbon-intensive and creates waste.

III - WASTE :
Avoid waste throughout all phases of planning, construction, and staging. Use or upgrade existing infrastructure, if possible. Design for legacy occupancy to avoid costly conversion and waste, using sustainable temporary structures as appropriate. During the event, minimise waste through recyclable packaging,facilitating recycling and reuse, and implementing take-back options.

IV - MATERIALS :
Use renewable materials that have low environmental impact, are produced locally, have no harmful content, and are from sustainable sources.

V - BIODIVERSITY :
Assess site biodiversity to ensure that in legacy, site biodiversity is maintained or improved. Ensure that planting and landscaping are appropriate to the local conditions and heritage.

VI - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT :
Minimise noise, dust, and vibration disturbance during construction and the event itself. Minimise long term impacts of materials through sustainable procurement.

VII - INCLUSION :
Ensure that the event is accessible to all ages, abilities, genders, and cultures without discrimination throughout its life cycle. Foster local community ownership and build pride in the event and its legacy. Provide training and education to enhance inclusion.

VIII - HEALTHY LIVING :
Inspire sport, health, and wellbeing in the community. Promote local, sustainable fair trade produce.

IX - PROCUREMENT :
Develop the supply chain for sustainability, transparency, and fair and ethical procurement practices. To avoid waste, standardise where possible, and rent or hire rather than buy. Ensure fair and timely payment for suppliers, particularly small and medium enterprises.

X - TRANSPORT :
Design facilities to minimise the need for transportation of materials (e.g. through prefabricated construction), and to minimise the travel to, from, and between facilities when construction is complete. Focus on public transport, and use low-carbon vehicles with high occupancy. Minimise air travel.

Playing for a Greener Future

Sport has historically played an important role in all societies, be it in the form of competitive sport, physical activity or play. But one may wonder: what does sport have to do with the United Nations? In fact, sport presents a natural partnership for the United Nations (UN) system: sport and play are human rights that must be respected and enforced worldwide; sport has been increasingly recognized and used as a low-cost and high-impact tool in humanitarian, development and peace-building efforts, not only by the UN system but also by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, development agencies, sports federations, armed forces and the media. Sport can no longer be considered a luxury within any society but is rather an important investment in the present and future, particularly in developing countries.

Definition of "Sport"

In a development context the definition of sport usually includes a broad and inclusive spectrum of activities suitable to people of all ages and abilities, with an emphasis on the positive values of sport. In 2003, the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace defined sport, for the purposes of development, as “all forms of physical activity that contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction, such as play, recreation, organized or competitive sport, and indigenous sports and games.” This definition has since then been accepted by many proponents of Sport for Development and Peace.

Sport as a fundamental right

The right of access to and participation in sport and play has long been recognised in a number of international conventions. In 1978, UNESCO described sport and physical education as a “fundamental right for all”. But until today, the right to play and sport has too often been ignored or disrespected.

Sport as a Powerful Tool

Sport has a unique power to attract, mobilize and inspire. By its very nature, sport is about participation. It is about inclusion and citizenship. It stands for human values such as respect for the opponent, acceptance of binding rules, teamwork and fairness, all of which are principles which are also contained in the Charter of the United Nations.

The UN system draws on the unique convening power of sport as a cross-cutting tool for:

• Fundraising, advocacy, mobilization and raising public awareness: in particular by appointing celebrity athletes as ‘Ambassadors’ or ‘Spokespersons’ and leveraging the potential of sports events as outreach platforms. The mobilizing power of sport is often used as a “door-opener” to convey crucial messages about HIV/AIDS, child’s rights, the environment, education, etc.
• Development and peace promotion: in grassroots projects  sport is used in an extremely wide range of situations – whether as an integrated tool in short-term emergency humanitarian aid activities, or in long-term development cooperation projects, on a local, regional or global scale.

Sport plays a significant role as a promoter of social integration and economic development in different geographical, cultural and political contexts. Sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks, and to promote ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance and justice. According to the Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group, sport is seen to have the most benefits in:

• Individual development
• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Promotion of gender equality
• Social integration and the development of social capital
• Peace building and conflict prevention/resolution
• Post-disaster/trauma relief and normalisation of life
• Economic development
• Communication and social mobilisation.

From a development perspective, the focus is always on mass sport and not elite sport. Sport is used to reach out to those most in need including refugees, child soldiers, victims of conflict and natural catastrophes, the impoverished, persons with disabilities, victims of racism, stigmatization and discrimination, persons living with HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

Path to Success

Sport is not a cure-all for development problems. As a cultural phenomenon, it is a mirror of society and is just as complex and contradictory.

As such, sport can also have negative side effects such as violence, corruption, discrimination, hooliganism, nationalism, doping and fraud. To enable sport to unleash its full positive potential, emphasis must be placed on effective monitoring and guiding of sports activities.

The positive potential of sport does not develop automatically. It requires a professional and socially responsible intervention which is tailored to the respective social and cultural context. Successful Sport for Development and Peace programmes work to realize the right of all members of society to participate in sport and leisure activities. Effective programmes intentionally give priority to development objectives and are carefully designed to be inclusive.

Effective Sport for Development and Peace programmes combine sport and play with other non-sport components to enhance their effectiveness. Such programmes embody the best values of sport while upholding the quality and integrity of the sport experience. They are delivered in an integrated manner with other local, regional and national development and peace initiatives so that they are mutually reinforcing. Programmes seek to empower participants and communities by engaging them in the design and delivery of activities, building local capacity, adhering to generally accepted principles of transparency and accountability, and pursuing sustainability through collaboration, partnerships and coordinated action.

Peace and Sport

International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance 2014, April 4

Unitd Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance 2014.

It is often said that women hold up half the sky. This year on the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance, we focus on the important role of women in safeguarding the earth.
Women worldwide are vital to our drive to clear landmines and protect against their indiscriminate effects, teaching people how to live safely in contaminated areas, assisting victims, clearing landmines and disposing of explosive ordnance.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by landmines. They have different needs when it comes to education about risks. And they may face greater challenges when a family member is killed or injured. That is why the United Nations endeavours to listen to the views of women in our mine action work, incorporate their ideas and empower them to contribute even more to our global campaign.
Women can drive progress towards the central goals of mine action, which aims to increase security, rebuild communities, reclaim land and end the looming fear caused by explosive remnants of war. Women can also amplify the benefits of this work as children return to school, economic activity revives and lives and livelihoods are saved through mine action work.
I call for greater measures to involve more women at higher levels in mine action. Governments should do more to address gender in their mine action programmes and through their implementation of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention.
Fifteen years after it entered into force, I am encouraged that 161 States are now bound by this Convention and I call on all others to follow suit. In this effort, we can take inspiration from the rapid pace of new States that are joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and other international instruments aimed at the elimination of threats caused by explosive remnants of war.
The United Nations has a proud record of helping millions of people in mine-affected countries. On this International Day, let us resolve to mobilize the resources, partners and resolve we need to further advance our vision of a planet free from mines.

 Ban Ki-moon.

 Join the Forum : International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance, April 4rd.

 

The Strategies of the united nations on mine action 2013-2018

Event : On April 4, 2014. New York City becomes a digital minefield

United Nations Mine Action Service and Critical Mass observe International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action with a one-day interactive exhibit at New Museum 

New York, NY - April 4, 2014 – For most New Yorkers, landmines are a distant danger they will never know or experience. But for millions, landmines are a daily and crippling threat. On April 4th, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) observes the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action by sharing an interactive exhibit to help New Yorkers understand just a hint of that fear.
The exhibit, entitled “Sweeper,” is a multi-sensory experience that combines visual, audio, physical, mobile and interactive installation elements. To experience the Sweeper exhibit, visitors need to download the Sweeper mobile app available at www.getsweeper.com. Using Apple's iBeacon technology, Sweeper provides an audio tour guide and beacons to simulate the experience of walking through a minefield. The exhibit also features poignant portraits of mine victims by renowned photographer Marco Grob, as well as educational and donation resources from UNMAS. Together, this experience is designed to bring awareness to the urgent need for landmine assistance.
On April 4, an invitation-only reception will kick off the one-day only exhibition with remarks from UNMAS Director Agnès Marcaillou, UN Japanese Ambassador Kazuyoski Umemoto, and Critical Mass CEO Dianne Wilkins, followed by guided tours through the exhibit. From 11am to 3pm that day, Sweeper will be open to guests by registration.
Dianne Wilkins, CEO of Critical Mass said, “At Critical Mass, we believe that technology should be used to make lives better – not worse -- around the world. We created Sweeper for UNMAS to raise awareness for efforts to rid the world of technologies that exist solely to cause destruction. We are anxious to see how people react to the experience and come together for #NoMoreMines.”
About Critical Mass
Critical Mass (www.criticalmass.com) is a global digital agency that helps clients deliver a cumulative customer experience across messages, devices, touch points, and time. Founded in 1996, Critical Mass has 8 full-service offices, operating across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Critical Mass is a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.

Additional information
Learn more: www.unmas.org
Experience: Download Sweeper from www.getsweeper.com and visit New Museum on April 4 only from 11-3pm.
Support: Donate $5 to UNMAS by texting DEMINE to 27722 and then reply YES to the confirmation text.
Share: #NoMoreMines

Media Contacts:
UNMAS
Lee Woodyear, Public Affairs Officer
woodyear@un.org
+1 917 367 0200
Mobile: + 1 646 416 1418
Critical Mass:
Katy Zack, Director of Communications
katyz@criticalmass.com
+1 212 801 8306
Mobile: +1 646 895 3288

World Autism Awareness Day 2014, April 2

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for World Autism Awareness Day 2014.

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day is a chance to celebrate the creative minds of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and to renew our pledge to help them realize their great potential.
I treasure my meetings with individuals affected by autism – parents, children, teachers and friends. Their strength is inspiring. They deserve all possible opportunities for education, employment and integration.
To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.
Education and employment are key. Schools connect children to their communities. Jobs connect adults to their societies. Persons with autism deserve to walk the same path.  By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect.  By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society.
At this time of economic constraint, governments should continue to invest in services that benefit persons with autism. When we empower them, we benefit current and future generations.
Tragically, in many parts of the world, these individuals are denied their fundamental human rights. They battle discrimination and exclusion. Even in places where their rights are secured, too often they still have to fight for basic services.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides a strong framework for action to create a better world for all.
World Autism Awareness Day is about more than generating understanding; it is a call to action. I urge all concerned to take part in fostering progress by supporting education programmes, employment opportunities and other measures that help realize our shared vision of a more inclusive world.

Ban Ki-moon

 Join the Forum  : World Autism Awareness Day, April 2nd.

Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, and all month long. 7 Continents, 101 countries, 1,300 cities, 8,400 landmarks and buidings.

 

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2014

Earth Hour 2014, March 29 -8:30 to 9:30 pm ( Local Time)

Use Your Power to make change a reality '' during Earth Hour 2014,
March 29 -8:30 to 9:30 pm ( Local Time);

 

1. What is Earth Hour?
   Earth Hour is a worldwide grassroots movement uniting people to protect the planet, and is organised by WWF. Engaging a massive mainstream community on a broad range of environmental issues, Earth Hour was famously started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and towns worldwide, and the one-hour event continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movement.
2. What is Earth Hour Blue?
   Earth Hour Blue is an all-new digital crowdfunding and crowdsourcing platform for the planet launched in 2014 to capture the power of the crowd and engage people around the world beyond the lights out event. The crowdfunding section of the platform allows participants to financially support and deliver positive, tangible changes to the environment and communities all over the world. Individuals can also use Earth Hour Blue’s crowdsourcing platform, which will call for people to add their voice to some of the biggest environmental campaigns across the world.
3. When does Earth Hour take place?
   Earth Hour 2014 will be held on Saturday 29 March between 8.30PM and 9.30PM in your local time zone. The event is held worldwide towards the end of March annually, encouraging individuals, communities households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol for their commitment to the planet. Earth Hour 2015 will take place on Saturday, 28 of March at 8:30PM to 9:30PM in your local timezone.
4. What does Earth Hour aim to achieve?
   Earth Hour aims to encourage an interconnected global community to share the opportunities and challenges of creating a sustainable world.
5. What does Earth Hour ask people to do?
   The first thing anyone can do to get involved is to turn off their lights on Saturday. But there’s much, much more. But our full ambition is for people to take action beyond the hour. Whether it’s supporting a crowdfunding or crowdsroucing campaign on www.earthhour.org or getting involved in Earth Hour campaigns in their own country, or starting the movement in their own community. The vision is always to do more, so make the light switch the beginning of your journey.
    
6. How long has Earth Hour been going for?
   The first Earth Hour event was on March 31 2007. WWF-Australia inspired Sydney-siders to show their support for climate change action. More than 2.2 million individuals and 2,000 businesses turned their lights out for one hour in the first Earth Hour event.
   Earth Hour 2014 will mark the eighth year of the campaign.
7. Is Earth Hour an annual event?
   Earth Hour is more than annual event – it is a movement that culminates in an hour of inspiration across the world held towards the end of March each year.
8. What exactly has Earth Hour achieved before launching Earth Hour Blue?
   • WWF Uganda started the world’s first Earth Hour Forest
   • More than 250,000 Russians voiced support for better protection of their country’s seas and forests
   • Argentina used its 2013 Earth Hour campaign to help pass a Senate bill for a 3.4 million hectare Marine Protected Area in the country
   • Thousands of wood-saving stoves were distributed to families in Madagascar
   • Solar-powered lights were installed in three villages without electricity in India
   • In Paraguay, WWF used the Earth Hour platform to build public support to gain an extension of the logging moratorium, helping to reduce deforestation
   • Education programs for schools were launched in Thailand and Taiwan
   • Hundreds of thousands of LED lights were installed by girl scouts in the USA
   • More than 2123 mitigation actions submitted by Earth Hour City Challenge 2014 participating cities

   But this is just the start, there’s so many more Earth Hour stories out there we’re still discovering, and of course much more to do.
9. Back to the event. Isn't switching the lights off dangerous? What about public safety?
   Earth Hour only asks people to turn off the non-essential lights for one hour - not lights that affect public safety. Earth Hour is also a celebration of the planet so it’s important to enjoy the moment in a safe environment.
10. What lights can be safely switched off?
    That is a decision that has to be made individually but usually the overhead lights in rooms (whether it is your house or a business), outdoor lighting that does not impact safety, decorative lights, neon signs for advertising, televisions, desk lamps, the list goes on and on.
    There are a few lights we can say with certainty that should NOT be turned off, including safety lights in public spaces, lights for aviation guidance, traffic lights, security lights, just to name a few. We ask people to use common sense. Before you turn off any lights for public spaces, Earth Hour recommends you check with local officials or community centres.
    In your own home, use common sense with respect to safety. Keep small night lights on for basic safety especially in halls and on stairs. Make sure you have alternative light sources handy before Earth Hour starts, like torches or flashlights. That way if you need to see, you have a light source close at hand, and you can still respect the spirit of Earth Hour and keep yourself and your family safe.
11. What candles should I use for my Earth Hour event?
    If you plan on burning candles during Earth Hour, make sure you use 100% beeswax candles or soy candles, which are gentler on our planet - smoke free, non-toxic and non-allergenic. They are also made of natural products, not petroleum-based materials, so they are effectively carbon neutral (the CO2 they emit has already been taken from the atmosphere to produce the wax). Many communities are now replacing candles with LED lights for their event, as a way to promote energy efficient lighting - a key for any sustainable future. If you're using candles, though, make sure you take care. We suggest you carefully follow these tips:
    

    1. Candles should only be used under adult supervision
    2. Candles should never be left unattended
    3. Candles should be kept away from children and pets
    4. Extinguish candles before going to sleep
    5. Keep candles away from flammable liquids and gas-combustible materials
    6. Candles should be kept clear of any combustible materials such as paper, curtains and clothing
    7. Candles should not be placed in windows as they can be blown over. Blinds and curtains can also catch alight
    8. Candles should be placed on a stable, dry, heat-resistant surface away from drafts
12. What is Earth Hour’s position on technology?
    Earth Hour embraces technology to spread the message of positive environmental action across the world, and to replace more inefficient means of living our lives. Technology is key to a sustainable future that is aspirational. From LED lights, to hybrid vehicles, to developing replacements for unsustainable use of resources  - Earth Hour has thrived off the back of the development in digital technology.  
13. Will my city go completely black during the event?
    Earth Hour is not a black out. It is a voluntary action by its participants to show their commitment to an act of change that benefits the planet. For many businesses in city skyscrapers or for many government buildings, the lights are turned off at the end of the business day the Friday before Earth Hour. So Earth Hour is more of a fade-out in some ways than a black out. There is usually no instant dramatic difference, but rather a gradual dimming of lights starting the day prior. Many major icons and neon signs are switched off for the hour and they are extremely noticeable. You may be able to see dramatic changes in large business districts or at iconic landmarks and buildings around the world and in your city.
    
    
14. If everyone turns their lights back on at the same time will there be a power surge?
    People celebrate Earth Hour in a variety of ways for different lengths of time, with many continuing to keep their lights off well beyond the designated hour. After eight years, it’s clear everyone will not switch back on his or her lights simultaneously.
15. Why is Earth Hour the event held in late March?
    The second-to-last and last weekend of March is around the time of the Spring and Autumn equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, which allows for near coincidental sunset times in both hemispheres, thereby ensuring the greatest visual impact for a global ‘lights out’ event. Earth Hour 2014 will be held on Saturday 29 March between 8.30PM and 9.30PM in your local time zone.
16. How many cities/countries/landmarks took part in Earth Hour 2013?
    Earth Hour 2013 took place in more than 7001 cities and towns in 154 countries and territories across all seven continents. Hundreds of millions of people switched their lights off for an hour, and the campaign experienced its biggest growth since 2009. There were around 3395 landmarks that participated.
17. What does a commitment to Earth Hour mean?
    By registering for Earth Hour 2014, individuals, communities and businesses are making a commitment to turn their lights off for an hour at 8.30PM on Saturday 29 March in acknowledgement of an act they will undertake for the benefit of the planet. We hope that these individuals, communities and businesses will take action beyond the hour through Earth Hour Blue.
18. Who can participate?
    Earth Hour is a campaign for anyone and everyone who wants to share a commitment to make this planet better.
19. How can I do more for Earth Hour than just switching off my lights?
    You can fund a project or add your voice to support projects anywhere around the world on Earth Hour Blue.
20. What energy/carbon reductions have resulted from Earth Hour in previous years?
    Earth hour does not claim that the event is an energy or carbon reduction exercise - it is a symbolic action. Therefore, we do not engage in the measurement of energy or carbon reduction levels. Earth Hour is an initiative to encourage individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take accountability for their ecological footprint and engage in dialogue and resource exchange that provides real solutions to our environmental challenges. Participation in Earth Hour symbolises a commitment to change beyond the hour.
21. Aren't you using a lot of electricity and resources to promote this event?
    Earth Hour takes every effort to minimise our footprint, not just for the hour but also all year round. Earth Hour Global has a core team of just nine people based in Singapore and relies on a dispersed open-sourced model, meaning that the movement is run locally through WWF and communities all over the world.
    All of Earth Hour Global’s emissions are offset and the campaign embraces digital technology to minimise the usage of natural resources and to spread our message.
22. Earth Hour is advertised all over the world. Does Earth Hour pay for this advertising?
    Earth Hour Global secures millions of dollars of free advertising space with the help of partners such as Starcom, Discovery Networks International and many others. Earth Hour Global does not spend any money on paid advertising space. Earth Hour’s advice to teams around the world running local campaigns is to only seek either pro-bono or if absolutely necessary, low-bono advertising space.
23. Whose idea was Earth Hour?
    Earth Hour came from a think tank initiated by Earth Hour CEO and Co-Founder, Andy Ridley, resulting in the formation of a partnership between WWF Australia, Leo Burnett and Fairfax Media to address the climate change issue.
    In 2007, there was still a degree of scepticism and denial about the issue of climate change. Earth Hour came as the inspiration to rally people to the reality of climate change and start a dialogue about what we as individuals can do to help address the greatest problem facing our planet today. Leo Burnett partnered with WWF to promote the idea and help make the campaign a reality in Sydney, a campaign which has now gone beyond climate change to symbolise the growing global pursuit of a better, healthier world.
    Read more about Andy Ridley’s story.
24. What is Earth Hour’s relationship with WWF?
    Earth Hour is an initiative of WWF.  In 2007, WWF initiated Earth Hour a way of engaging a broad section of society in the environmental issues challenging citizens across the world. WWF embraced the idea of an open sourced campaign that would allow communities and organisations to become part of a global movement to protect out planet.
25. Do you have requirements or regulations about who can or cannot partner with Earth Hour?
    Any partner must uphold and support the aims and principles of Earth Hour. These include encouraging individual and community engagement on environmental issues. Encouraging conscious decisions to change the way we live in order to affect environmental reform, without the use of scare tactics or shaming. The specific decisions about whether or not to partner with a group or corporation are made at local level by Earth Hour country and city teams based on what suits their needs and community in achieving the goals of Earth Hour.
26. Does Earth Hour welcome the support of other NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) and NFP's (Not for Profits)?
    Absolutely. In fact, the success of Earth Hour would not be possible without the support of other NGOs and NFPs. Global organisations such as the World Organisation of the Scout Movement and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts have been pivotal in spreading the Earth Hour message, while in some countries where there is no WWF presence, Earth Hour campaigns are orchestrated entirely by other NGOs and NFPs.
27. What does the Earth Hour logo mean?
    The standard Earth Hour '60' logo represents the 60 minutes of Earth Hour where we focus on the impact we are having on our planet and take positive action to address the environmental issues we face. For Earth Hour 2011 the ‘60+’ logo was introduced representing a commitment to add to Earth Hour a positive act for the planet that goes beyond the hour. Take up the ‘plus’ and get involved with Earth Hour Blue.
    
    
28. Why is Spider-Man Earth Hour’s ambassador in 2014?
    Earth Hour and ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (TASM2), distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, are encouraging people across the world to become superheroes for the planet with a simple call to action: “Use Your Power at earthhour.org”.
    The partnership will allow us to reach an even broader section of society to spread the Earth Hour message, which is an approach that has allowed the movement to grow to the position it is in today.
    Key to the partnership is that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the most eco-friendly blockbuster produced by Sony Pictures.
    Sony Pictures will offset 4,000 tonnes of carbon through WWF-China’s Gold Standard Verified ‘Energy Efficient Stoves To Protect The Giant Panda” project; and these carbon offsets have rendered the entire physical production of the film, as well as well as the appearance and activities of the film’s cast, producers and director for Earth Hour events, completely carbon-neutral.
    The film’s stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and director Marc Webb are also each lending their support to a different crowdfunding project on Earth Hour Blue, as a way to engage individuals to act beyond the hour.
    Spider-Man is Earth Hour’s first superhero ambassador, epitomising the power of the individual and inspiring his fans to become superheroes for the planet.
    We want every fan of Spider-Man to walk away knowing they can do something to protect the planet. Earth Hour is a movement for people illustrate their support, and Earth Hour Blue is the place they can get involved.
    To see more about the eco-friendly practices for The Amazing Spider-Man 2