Archives
International Day for Tolerance (16 November 2009)
In his message for the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon notes that "Tolerance does not mean indifference or a grudging acceptance of others. It is a way of life based on mutual understanding and respect for others, and on the belief that global diversity is to be embraced, not feared. The United Nations promotes tolerance on many fronts. It is part of our work for peace, conflict prevention, democratization and human rights."
UN Secretary-General's Campaign to End Violence Against Women (UNiTE)
Launched in 2008, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign is a multi-year effort aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. UNiTE calls on governments, civil society, women’s organizations, young people, the private sector, the media and the entire UN system to join forces in addressing the global pandemic of violence against women and girls.
The United Nations and Road Safety
Road traffic injuries remain a major public health problem and a leading cause of death, injury and disability around the world. Each year, nearly 1.3 million people die and between 20 million and 50 million more are injured as a result of road crashes. The First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety will be held in Moscow, 19-20 November 2009.
Say NO - UNiTE (End Violence Against Women)
The UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) has launched a Global Action Platform to End Violence against Women which will stimulate, count and showcase actions on ending violence against women. The innovative platform, which is in support of the Secretary-General's Campaign to End Violence Against Women, will spotlight global efforts and demonstrate the groundswell of support and actions on the issue.
Enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and all relevant partners,
in particular the private sector (Report of the Secretary-General)
Taking stock of current, system-wide efforts to enhance private-sector cooperation, the report concludes that the UN is “well-positioned to bring private sector engagement to the next level and significantly enhance its contribution to the goals of the Organization". The report issues a strong call for the continued caretaking of the UN-business relationship by the Global Compact Office.
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the
Environment in War and Armed Conflict (6 November 2009)
In his message for the day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states "Because the environment and natural resources are crucial for building and consolidating peace, it is urgent that their protection in times of armed conflict be strengthened. There can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods are damaged or destroyed."
Presidency of the Security Council
The Presidency of the Security Council during the month of November is held by Austria. The Presidency rotates monthly based on the list of Member States of the Security Council, in the English alphabetical order of their names.
World Survey on the Role of Women in Development 2009
The World Survey on the Role of Women in Development is the flagship publication of the UN Division for the Advancement of Women. It is presented to the Second Committee of the General Assembly at five-yearly intervals. The theme for the World Survey in 2009 is “Women’s control over economic resources and access to financial resources, including microfinance".
World Development Information Day (24 October 2009)
The UN General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day in 1972 to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. The Assembly felt improving the dissemination of information and the mobilization of public opinion, particularly among young people, would lead to greater awareness of the problems of development.
State of Food Insecurity in the World
The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2009 is FAO’s tenth progress report on world hunger since the 1996 World Food Summit (WFS). This report highlights the fact that, even before the food crisis and the economic crisis, the number of hungry people had been increasing slowly but steadily. With the onset of these crises, however, the number of hungry people in the world increased sharply.
United Nations Day (24 October 2009)
On 24 October 1945, the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body. This made 24 October the birthday of the United Nations. In 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States. Traditionally, it has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the goals and achievements of the Organization.
International Day of Rural Women (15 October 2009)
Rural women play a critical role in the rural economies of both developed and developing countries. In most parts of the developing world they participate in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families, and engage in off-farm activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October 2009)
In his message for the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states "We are at a critical juncture in the fight against poverty. Now is the time to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and ensure that the world follows up on its pledges. With the right investments and concrete action, we can build upon the gains, fulfill our commitments, and ensure that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to make the most of their potential."
International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction (14 October 2009)
In his message for the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls on "Governments and all decision-makers, including town planners, to review hospital safety. Health facilities must be better prepared to respond to local hazards. They must be designed, built and maintained so they can better protect health workers and patients alike when disaster hits. The cost of making hospitals safe from disasters is relatively small. The most expensive hospital is the one that fails."
Human Development Report 2009
This year's Human Development Report, "Overcoming barriers: Human mobility and development", argues that migrants boost economic output, at little or no cost to locals. And there may be broader positive effects, for instance when the availability of migrants for childcare allows resident mothers to work outside the home. The report states that as migrants acquire the language and other skills needed to move up the income ladder, many integrate quite naturally.
World Habitat Day (5 October 2009)
The United Nations chose the theme "Planning Our Urban Future" for World Habitat Day 2009, in order to raise awareness of the need to improve urban planning to deal with new major challenges of the 21st century. This is because urban settlements in all parts of the world are being influenced by new and powerful forces. In both developed and developing countries, cities and towns are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability.
International Day of Non-Violence (2 October 2009)
The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. In his message for the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states "Gandhi understood that a powerful idea could change the world. He knew that individuals, working alone and together, could realize what others might dismiss as impossible dreams. Inspired by Gandhi’s life of non-violence, the United Nations today works to end violence."
Presidency of the Security Council
The Presidency of the Security Council during the month of October is held by Viet Nam. The Presidency rotates monthly based on the list of Member States of the Security Council, in the English alphabetical order of their names.
International Day of Older Persons (1 October 2009)
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons. In his message for the day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states "We must put an end to age discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence against older persons. I urge States to put the necessary legal protections in place, and I urge all partners to help countries develop the capacity and institutions to achieve this objective."
60th Anniversary of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
On 8 December 2009, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will have its 60th anniversary. A week of events to commemorate the anniversary of UNRWA’s establishment by the General Assembly is taking place 18 – 25 September in New York
MDG Gap Task Force Report 2009
The second Report of the MDG Gap Task Force comes out at a critical time. The global economic crisis continues to threaten efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. In the Preface, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the report "demonstrates how to deal with existing and emerging gaps between commitment to and achievement of Millennium Development Goal 8, which is to develop a global partnership for development."
International Day of Democracy, 15 September 2009
The second International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to once again review the state of democracy in the world. In his message for the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon notes "Democratic principles are woven throughout the normative fabric of the United Nations. On this International Day, let us rededicate ourselves to those principles, and to promoting peace, development and human rights through the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law."
Summit on Climate Change, 22 September 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is convening a Summit on Climate Change at UN Headquarters, to focus Heads of State and Government on the need for urgent action, and to mobilize the highest level political will needed to reach a fair, effective, and scientifically ambitious global climate deal at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, which begins 7 December 2009.
Secretary-General's message for the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2009
In his message, the Secretary-General says he “draws hope from the renewed engagement of the international community on the issue of nuclear disarmament” and notes “That is why I have launched the 'WMD-We Must Disarm!' Campaign. As long as such weapons exist, no-one is safe.”
Presidency of the Security Council
The Presidency of the Security Council during the month of September is held by the United States. The Presidency rotates monthly based on the list of Member States of the Security Council, in the English alphabetical order of their names.
Ten Stories The World Should Hear More About
The UN tries to make sure that stories that do not necessarily grab the headlines are not forgotten. The Department of Public Information (DPI) has launched a list of stories that unfolded in the last year that the world may wish to hear more about. The stories seek to highlight issues that may not have made it to many people’s radar screens.
Secretary-General's message for International Literacy Day, 8 September 2009
With International Literacy Day approaching, the Secretary-General notes that literacy is not just about reading and writing; it is about respect, opportunity and development. In his message for the Day, he urges all partners to "strengthen their commitment to promoting global literacy and to back this support with the resources needed to achieve real progress".
30th Anniversary of the Vienna International Centre
The Vienna International Centre, one of four main UN Offices worldwide (along with New York, Geneva and Nairobi), is marking its 30th anniversary this year. Two special publications to commemorate the occasion are available: 30 Ways the United Nations in Vienna Makes a Difference and an information kit.
62nd Annual DPI/NGO Conference
For only the second time in its six-decade history, the Conference is being held outside UN Headquarters in New York. This year's Conference in Mexico City aims to highlight effective ways in which civil society can contribute to the advancement of disarmament, peace and development at the international, regional, national and local levels..
World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2009
The humanitarian community’s ability to respond rapidly, effectively and predictably to crises, natural or man made, has improved beyond all recognition in the last 20 years.This is due largely to the dedication of the many thousands of aid workers who have devoted their lives to humanitarian work, matching idealism with action, and principles with practice. Their selfless and non-political endeavours are vital for the necessary acceptance by all concerned that assistance to the needy should be provided impartially and neutrally, without reference to religion, gender, or race.
Secretary-General's message on International Youth Day
Hailing young people as key partners in sustainable development, the Secretary-General said "Young people often lead by example: practising green and healthy lifestyles, or promoting innovative uses of new technologies, such as mobile devices and online social networks. They deserve our full commitment - full access to education, adequate health care, employment opportunities, financial services and full participation in public life. On International Youth Day, let us renew our pledge to support young people in their development. Sustainability is the most promising path forward, and youth can lead the way. " .
UN Gender Equality Newsfeed
News on gender equality from around the UN system is now available at the UN Gender Equality Newsfeed, which automatically collects gender equality-related news from individual RSS news feeds in the UN system and displays a combined up-to-date news list on a single web page. Users can subscribe to the RSS feed.
Presidency of the Security Council
The Presidency of the Security Council during the month of August is held by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Presidency rotates monthly based on the list of Member States of the Security Council, in the English alphabetical order of their names.
International Day of the World's Indigenous People 2009
The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed each year on 9 August. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. This year, the observance of the Day takes place Monday, 10 August 2009, at UN Headquarters, with the theme "Indigenous Peoples and HIV/AIDS".
International Day of Peace 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has launched a multiplatform campaign under the slogan "WMD – We Must Disarm" to mark the 100-day countdown leading up to the International Day of Peace on 21 September 2009. During the 100 days of the campaign, the United Nations will raise awareness of the dangers and costs of nuclear weapons by issuing a reason a day on why nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are so crucial, via Twitter and the social networking sites Facebook and MySpace.
Secretary-General's message for World Population Day, 11 July 2009
On this year's World Population Day, the Secretary-General calls on decision makers to protect women’s ability to earn income, keep their daughters in school, and obtain reproductive health information and services, including voluntary family planning.
ECOSOC Innovation Fair
The ECOSOC Innovation Fair was held 6-9 July 2009, during the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council in Geneva. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the Fair, which is designed to showcase innovative projects and practices in the area of global public health by a wide range of stakeholders in support of successful global public health activities. The Fair was organized around three themes, ICT tools for health, innovative partnerships for health and development, and improved access to health for vulnerable populations.
Millennium Development Goals Report 2009
The Report finds that more than halfway to the 2015 deadline to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), major advances in the fight against poverty and hunger have begun to slow or even reverse as a result of the global economic and food crises, and warns that, despite many successes, overall progress has been too slow for most of the targets to be met by 2015.
Presidency of the Security Council
The Presidency of the Security Council during the month of July is held by Uganda. The Presidency rotates monthly based on the list of Member States of the Security Council, in the English alphabetical order of their names.