Statement by the Secretary-General on the International Migrants Day, 18 December 2007 18 December 2007
Today marks the eighth International Migrants Day, an occasion that grows more meaningful with each passing year. Globalization and the growing disparities in living conditions within and among States are combining to increase the scale of cross–border migration worldwide.
Post-Communist Transition Takes Toll on Women 12 December 2007 | UNDP
Bratislava, Slovak Republic, 12 December 2007 – The post-communist transition in Central and Southeast Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States has seen reductions in women’s wages and employment rates relative to men’s, as well as declines in political representation and well-being, according to the December issue of Development and Transition, which is being released today.
Statement by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on the Algiers attack 12 December 2007
Words cannot express my sense of shock and outrage. This was a despicable strike against individuals serving humanity's highest ideals under the UN banner. One Head of Government speaking today in Bali said it well: those serving the UN serve us all ? and so this was an attack on all of us. We are still counting the dead, tending to the wounded, and looking for the missing not only from our own UN staff, but also innocent Algerians. My heart goes out to the victims.
Secretary-General Ban Ki moon message on Human Rights Day, 10 December 07 December 2007
On this Human Rights Day, we launch a year–long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The entire UN family will take part in a campaign to promote the Declaration's ideals and principles of justice and equality for everyone.
Secretary-General message on the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December 2007 03 December 2007
This year’s International Day of Disabled Persons focuses on the goal of decent work for persons with disabilities, and reminds us that every person deserves opportunities for productive employment inconditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
International Day of Disabled Persons. ILO calls for new efforts to support people with disabilities in the world of work 03 December 2007 | ILO
Despite significant progress in recent years in improving their livelihoods, new efforts are needed to break down barriers that still prevent millions of people with disabilities from working and contributing to the economic growth of their societies, according to a new ILO report released for the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December.
Secretary-General message on World AIDS Day, 1 December 2007 29 November 2007
AIDS is a disease unlike any other. It is a social issue, a human rights issue, an economic issue. It targets young adults just as they should be contributing to economic development, intellectual growth, and bringing up young children. It is taking a disproportionate toll on women. It has made millions of children orphans. It does to society what HIV does to the human body — reduces resilience and weakens capacity, hampers development and threatens stability.
Climate Change and Development: The central challenge of our time 28 November 2007
Imagine that a huge asteroid is hurtling towards Earth. Scientists tell us that there is a ten percent chance of a collision in 10 years and the consequences of its impact will be catastrophic. Your government advises you not to panic and reminds you that there is a 90 percent chance that the asteroid will miss the Earth. Do you decide not to worry, or do you demand that your government mobilizes all of the resources at its disposal to eliminate the risk?
UN proclaims “decade of sustainable development” for Chernobyl 19 November 2007
New York, 19 November 2007—The United Nations General Assembly is today expected to adopt a resolution proclaiming the period to 2016 as a “decade of recovery and sustainable development” for territories in Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine that were affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. The goal of the decade is “a return to normal life” for affected communities. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been tasked with drafting a unified UN action plan and coordinating UN work on the decade.
The Secretary-General message on International Day for Tolerance, 16 November 2007 16 November 2007
In 1995, when UNESCO proclaimed 16 November the annual International Day for Tolerance, it listed no fewer than 16 covenants, declarations, conventions and recommendations, all of them relating to the need for tolerance. All of them remain relevant today, and all of them have yet to be fully respected.
The Secretary-General Message on United Nations Day, 24 October 2007 23 October 2007
The world is changing in the United Nations’ favour – as more people and Governments understand that multilateralism is the only path in our interdependent and globalizing world. Global problems demand global solutions – and going it alone is not a viable option. Whether we are speaking of peace and security, development, or human rights, demands on our Organization are growing every day.
Message by Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator, on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 17 October 2007 16 October 2007 | UNDP
Seven years ago the world came together and committed to tackle poverty in all its forms and work to build a better world for everyone. This vision was encapsulated in the Millennium Declaration and the eight Millennium Development Goals that emerged from it, which include halving the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger by the year 2015; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; reducing child and maternal mortality; combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases and ensuring environmental sustainability.
The Secretary-General message on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2007 09 October 2007
Culture and diversity influence many aspects of mental health. First, culture determines what is seen as “normal” and “abnormal” within a given society. Culture also affects how individuals manifest and communicate symptoms, styles of coping, family and community support and willingness to seek treatment. Likewise, the cultures of clinicians and service provision influence the nature of health system services.
The Secretary-General message on the occasion of World Habitat Day, 1 October 2007 01 October 2007
We are at the dawn of a new urban era. Half of humanity now live in towns and cities. It is estimated that by 2030, two–thirds of the world’s people will be urban dwellers. At this turning point in human history, surveys show that crime in urban areas is on the rise everywhere. And fear of crime is one of the most influential factors shaping our daily lives. In too many cities around the world, it dictates where we choose to live, shop, work and play.
The Secretary-General message on the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2007 01 October 2007
The theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons focuses our attention on the challenges and opportunities of ageing. Population ageing brings significant economic and social challenges, for developed and developing countries alike. Sobering statistics show that some 80 per cent of the world’s population are not covered by social protection in old age.
International Day of Non-violence, 2 october 2007 01 October 2007
The first International Day of Non–Violence will be marked on 2 October 2007, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non–violence. According to General Assembly resolution A/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non–violence, including through education and public awareness”.
“Environment for Europe” Sixth Ministerial Conference to be held in Belgrad, Serbia (10-12 October) 25 September 2007
Environment ministers throughout the UNECE region are gearing up for the Sixth “Environment for Europe” Conference, scheduled to take place at the SAVA Centre in the Serbian capital of Belgrade from 10 to 12 October. In Belgrade, they will take stock of progress made in improving the region’s environment since their previous meeting in Kiev four years ago, and decide on priorities for future cooperation.
Message of the UN Secretary-General for the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2007 20 September 2007
"Peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs. It is also the UN’s highest calling. It defines our mission. It drives our discourse. And it draws together all of our world wide work, from peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy to promoting human rights and development. This work for peace is vital. But it is not easy. Indeed, in countless communities across the world, peace remains an elusive goal."
Ad Melkert, UN Under-Secretary General and Associate Administrator for UNDP: “The Montreal Protocol: A model of global cooperation for the greater environmental good” 14 September 2007
Today we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol, a groundbreaking international agreement that curbed and eventually reversed the thinning of the ozone layer, and ushered in a new era of environmental responsibility. By any measure, the Protocol has been a resounding success. Its 191 signatories have together phased out more than 95% of ozone-depleting substances, and we expect the Earth’s protective ozone layer to return to its pre-1980 levels no later than 2075.
The Secretary-General Message on International Literacy Day, 8 September 2007 07 September 2007
"The theme of this year’s International Literacy Day – health and literacy – highlights the crucial role of literacy in promoting better health conditions worldwide. There are many important links between literacy and health. Literacy skills and practices are powerful instruments enabling women and men to develop the necessary capacities and self–confidence for improved health."
Message by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for International Youth Day, 12 August 2007 10 August 2007
International Youth Day is an annual opportunity to recognize the world’s 1.2 billion young people, to celebrate their achievements, and to push for their participation in all areas of society. This year’s commemoration – Be Seen, Be Heard: Youth Participation for Development – focuses on the enormous contributions young women and men everywhere can and do make towards national uplift.
Marking Hiroshima anniversary, Ban Ki-moon calls for elimination of nuclear weapons 06 August 2007
On the 62nd anniversary of the world’s first–ever atomic bomb attack, which devastated the Japanese city of Hiroshima, Secretary–General Ban Ki–moon said the occasion serves as a “powerful reminder” of the efforts necessary to halt nuclear proliferation.
UN agencies urge breastfeeding right after birth to reduce infant deaths 01 August 2007
Two United Nations agencies have kicked off World Breastfeeding Week today with a call for enabling new mothers to nurse their babies immediately after birth to prevent a significant number of neonatal deaths in developing countries.
The Secretary-General message on World Population Day, 11 July 2007 11 July 2007
The theme of this year’s World Population Day – men as partners for maternal health – focuses attention on the fundamental role of men in supporting women’s rights, including their right to sexual and reproductive health. ...Partnering with men is an important strategy for advancing reproductive health and rights. And gender equality, another Millennium Development Goal, is most likely to be achieved when men recognize that the lives of men and women are interdependent and that the empowerment of women benefits everyone.
IAEA Chief Awarded "Atoms for Peace" Prize 05 July 2007
IAEA Director General, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, will be awarded the inaugural "Atoms for Peace" prize on 7 August in Tokyo, Japan, by the Institute for Sustainable Peace and the World Council of Nuclear Workers (WONUC). The ceremony is the day after the anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing of 6 August 1945.
Dr. ElBaradei was awarded the "Atoms for Peace" prize for his work and contribution to "the development of peaceful applications of nuclear energy".
Belgian companies do business and help development in Eastern Europe 27 June 2007 | UNDP
Brussels, 26 June 2007 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the Federation of Enterprises and AGORIA held a seminar on “Public Private Partnerships in Southeast Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States” today. The event responded to a call from Belgian businessmen interested in investing responsibly in emerging markets.
World Bank Warns Of Hidden Dangers From Aging Population In Eastern Europe And Former Soviet Union 20 June 2007
By 2025, many countries in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union will have populations that are among the oldest in the world, posing a threat to the region’s recent economic success if pension and health care reforms are not adequately tackled and policies are not put in place to promote productivity growth.
The Secretary-General message on World Refugee Day, 20 June 2007 19 June 2007
As humankind enjoys unprecedented mobility, with more people than ever before changing countries and even continents in pursuit of better opportunities, let us remember that not everyone who leaves home does so by choice. Refugees do not leave their homes and villages willingly. They are forced to do so by conflict or persecution.
Op-Ed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Darfur 18 June 2007 (This article first published in the Washington Post)
A little more than a week ago, leaders of the world’s industrialized nations met for their annual summit in Heiligendamm, Germany. Our modest goal: to win a breakthrough on climate change. And we got it – an agreement to cut greenhouse gases by 50 percent before 2050. Especially gratifying, for me, is that the ways and means will be negotiated via the United Nations, the better to ensure that our efforts will be mutually reinforcing.
Pioneering UN atlas of oceans turns five 07 June 2007 Expert-run website the definitive source for information on world oceans FAO and a group of 14 partner organizations are celebrating World Ocean day by marking the fifth anniversary of the UN Atlas of the Oceans. The atlas is a pioneering online encyclopaedia containing a wealth of information on the world's oceans that is maintained collaboratively by an international network of expert editors.
Hear the first victims of climate change 06 June 2007
By UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (This article first appeared in the International Herald Tribune)
So, the lines are drawn. As the industrialized nations of the Group of Eight gather in Heiligendamm, the forces mustered to fight global warming have divided into competing camps. Germany and Britain seek urgent talks on a new climate change treaty, to go into effect when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Wealthy countries must continue showing leadership on AIDS – UN agency 06 June 2007
The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) “urges the G8 leaders to translate their previous commitments on AIDS into tangible action and to ensure that additional pledges on AIDS reinforce and build on existing,” according to a press statement released ahead of the meeting of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States in Heiligendamm.
Statement by Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator, on the occasion of World Environment Day 05 June 2007
World Environment Day is an opportunity to take stock of the condition of the natural world, and a reminder of its singular importance in the lives and livelihoods of all people, at every stage of development. Protecting the environment, our common resource and responsibility, is one of the United Nations’ most important concerns.
The Secretary-General Message on World Environment Day, 5 June 2007 01 June 2007
Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are causing our world to get warmer. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are higher than at any time for the past 600,000 years, and the rate of increase is accelerating. The most dramatic evidence of climate change is found in the polar regions. The theme for World Environment Day 2007 – “Melting Ice: A Hot Topic!” – reflects the impact that climate change is having in all regions.
UN agency honours children for artwork on climate change 31 May 2007
Raising awareness of the dangers posed by climate change, the United Nations environment agency has recognized three children for their artistic depictions of the phenomenon. Eleven-year old Charlotte Sullivan of the United Kingdom took first prize in the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Children’s Painting Competition for her rendering of the world as an umbrella turned inside out by a powerful storm.
Why the World Has Changed in the U.N.'s Favor 30 May 2007
By Ban Ki-moon (This article first appeared in Newsweek International)
My experience, each morning, may not be unlike yours. We pick up our newspapers or turn on the TV – in New York, Lagos or Jakarta – and peruse a daily digest of human suffering. Lebanon. Darfur. Somalia. Of course, as Secretary General of the United Nations, I at least am in a position to try to do something about these tragedies. And I do, every day.
The Secretary-General message on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, 29 May 2007 28 May 2007
Today, members of the UN family around the world join together to commemorate our colleagues who gave their lives in the cause of peace last year. In 2006, for the fourth year in a row, more than 100 peacekeepers lost their lives. This brings home to us the risks that our colleagues in peacekeeping undertake on behalf of the international community to provide peace, security and hope to hundreds of millions of people.
The Secretary-General message on the International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2007 21 May 2007
"Biodiversity is the foundation of life on earth and one of the pillars of sustainable development. The richness and variety of life on earth makes possible the ecosystem services on which we depend: clean water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Environments rich in biodiversity are resilient when stricken by natural disaster. All of this is of particularly importance for the poorest citizens of our world. Those who live on only a few dollars a day need biodiversity to meet their basic needs. Without the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, we will not achieve the Millennium Development Goals."
Message by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on World Telecommunication & Information Society Day, 17 May 2007 16 May 2007
"The theme of this year’s observance is “connecting the young”. Young people are among the most prolific and knowledgeable users of ICT. I therefore urge policy-makers and industry leaders to put their minds together, and to work cooperatively with children and youth to produce suitable technologies, applications and services to facilitate access to information and communications technologies."
Message of the UN Secretary-General for the International Day of Families, 15 May 2007 15 May 2007
The theme for this year’s International Day of Families is “Families and Persons with Disabilities”.
In December 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first human rights treaty of the 21st century. In its preamble, the Convention reconfirms that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society, and is entitled to protection by society and the State. It also states that persons with disabilities and their family members should receive protection and assistance so that families can contribute towards the full and equal enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities.
New ILO Global Report on equality at work 2007 10 May 2007 | ILO
Despite major advances in fighting discrimination at work, mounting inequalities in income and opportunities and significant and persistent forms of workplace discrimination are causing growing concern, according to a new report by the International Labour Office (ILO) published today.
Workplace discrimination still rampant and taking on new forms, UN says 10 May 2007
Although progress has been made at combating discrimination in the workplace, rising gender disparities in income and other forms of discrimination – including age, sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS status – are cause for growing concern, the United Nations Labour Organization (ILO) said in a new report released today.
Vienna Symposium to Discuss Practical Measures to Implement United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy 09 May 2007
Making progress on implementing the action points contained in the United Nations global counter-terrorism strategy will be the focus of a two-day Symposium to be held in Vienna on 17-18 May. The Symposium, convened jointly by the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General, the Vienna-based United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Government of Austria, will bring together representatives of UN Member States, UN system entities, regional organizations and counter-terrorism experts to discuss how they can best work together on concrete measures required by the global strategy.
Message of the UN Secretary-General for World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2007 02 May 2007
"In our time, more and more people are gaining the means to reach, and reach out to, a wider audience. But too often, they face attempts to restrict, deny or block the flow of information and ideas. In the face of such threats, it is the job of the United Nations to be an unflinching defender of press freedom, and of the women and men whose talent and dedication bring it to life."
Quality of service: awards for Belarus, Germany and Hungary 01 May 2007
The postal operators of Belarus, Germany and Hungary were today awarded the highest level of certification for their quality of service management results. These three countries now join the six that have already won awards (Ukraine, Jordan, Tunisia, Denmark, Eritrea and Switzerland)
UN Secretary-General, tennis star Maria Sharapova mark Chernobyl 21st anniversary 26 April 2007 | UNDP
In a statement issued on the 21st anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, a spokesman for United Nations Secretary–General Ban Ki–Moon called on the world to remember the pain and loss caused by the disaster, but at the same time spoke optimistically about the prospects for a return to normalcy in the affected regions.
Marking 21 years since Chernobyl, Ban Ki-moon says world cannot forget loss and pain 26 April 2007
On the 21st anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, United Nations Secretary–General Ban Ki–moon said that although the world should never forget the loss and pain caused by the tragic incident, it is imperative to move forward. Mr. Ban paid tribute to the hundreds of emergency workers who risked their lives to respond to the accident, the thousands who worked to build a shelter around the damaged reactor, the over 330,000 who were displaced from their homes, the 5,000 children stricken with cancer and the millions left traumatized and deeply worried about their health and livelihoods.
Message by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of the First UN Global Road Safety Week, 23-29 April 2007 20 April 2007
This First United Nations Global RoadSafety Week – dedicated to young road users – is a platform for improving safety for the hundreds of millions of young people who travel the world's roads every day. Since World Health Day 2004, and subsequent discussions in the United Nations General Assembly, Governments and their partners have paid increased attention to road safety. But there is still much progress to be made.
Ban Ki-moon urges States to act decisively to mitigate worst effects of climate change 06 April 2007
United Nations Secretary–General Ban Ki–moon, who has called climate change one of his top priorities, today hailed a new report on the subject, urging nations to make decisive efforts to alleviate the worst consequences brought on by global warming.
UN readies for its biggest-ever gathering on corporate citizenship 05 April 2007
More than 700 business leaders and hundreds of top representatives from government, labour and civil society are expected to attend the Global Compact Leaders Summit in Geneva in July, which will be the largest ever gathering convened by the United Nations on the issue of corporate citizenship.
Registering satellites launched into outer space, related UN treaties discussed at meeting 05 April 2007
Registering satellites and other objects launched into outer space, along with the status of the five United Nations treaties covering outer space, were among the main issues discussed during a 11–day meeting in Viennaunder the auspices of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) that ended today.
Message of the UN Secretary-General on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 04 April 2007
This Day is a reminder that millions of people in nearly 80 countries still live in fear of landmines and explosive remnants of war. These devices continue to claim 15,000 new victims each year. They take an unacceptable toll on lives and limbs. They wreak havoc on people’s livelihoods. They block access to land, roads, and basic services. But this Day is also an occasion to take stock of the progress in our common efforts to combat the scourge of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
WHO proposes global agenda on transplantation 30 March 2007 | WHO
This week,
at the second Global Consultation on Transplantation the World Health
Organization (WHO) presented countries and other stakeholders with a blueprint
for updated global guiding principles on cell, tissue and organ donation and
transplantation.
UN agency trains communications experts for rapid global disaster response 30 March 2007
For crises where minutes can make a difference between life and death, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has just graduated its first class of emergency telecommunications team leaders after an intensive two–week training course to ready them for rapid deployment to difficult and dangerous disaster zones.
UNICEF welcomes new global Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities 30 March 2007
UNICEF is urging governments to sign the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which opened for signing today. Once
ratified by 20 countries, the Convention will become international law. The
Disability Convention is the first treaty focusing exclusively on disability
rights to be adopted by the General Assembly, giving status and authority to
disability as a human rights issue.
UN and partners launch initiative to end ‘modern slavery’ of human trafficking 28 March 2007
The United Nations, Governments and non–governmental organizations (NGOs) jointly launched The Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, choosing the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to fight a modern scourge that may entrap up to 27 million people at any given time in a market valued at $32 billion.
Honouring missing UN staff, Ban Ki-moon calls for heightened security for personnel 23 March 2007
Increased security is crucial in allowing United Nations personnel – peacekeepers, civilian staff and others – to carry out their tasks without fear of harm, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members.
UN health agency adds 4 TB drugs to pre-qualified list, easing access to treatment 23 March 2007 | WHO
At a time when the tuberculosis virus is producing increasingly drug-resistant strains, the United Nations health agency today added four new medicines to its list of pre-qualified products, one of them the first to be included for strains of TB that are resistant to standard treatment.
UN pushes ahead with multinational enrichment plan to prevent nuclear proliferation 23 March 2007
Pushing ahead with efforts to set up a multinational framework for uranium enrichment to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and the possibility of their falling into the hands of terrorists, the United Nations atomic watchdog agency is exploring with Russia the possible establishment of an international enrichment centre in Siberia.
Statement by Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator, on the occasion of World Water Day 22 March 2007 | UNDP
As we stand at the mid–point toward achieving the Millennium Development
Goals, which include a specific target on halving the number of people without
sustainable access to safe water, the world still faces serious challenges in
water supply and sanitation. Today, over 900 million more people need to gain
access to an improved water source by 2015, and over 1.3 billion people need
access to improved sanitation, if the specific targets are to be met.
Successful international cooperation in ICT for development statistics 19 March 2007
The UN Statistical Commission, the highest decision-making body of the
global statistical system, endorsed the core list of ICT indicators developed by
the UNCTAD XI Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development, at its last session
in March 2007.
The match against poverty 2007 19 March 2007 | UNDP
UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors Ronaldo and Zidane announce that around 40
friends and colleagues will be joining them on the pitch for the Match Against
Poverty on March 19 at the Stade Velodrome at 8.30 pm in Marseille, France.
Ronaldo and Zidane will each captain an international side for this friendly
aimed at inviting the public to mobilize against poverty.
“Leadership”: theme for World AIDS Day 2007-2008 15 March 2007
"Leadership" has been chosen by the World AIDS Campaign as the theme for World AIDS Day 2007 and 2008. This theme will continue to be promoted with the slogan "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."— the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) emphasis from 2005-2010.
ILO study warns on the feminization of working poverty 12 March 2007 | ILO
More women then ever before are in work, but a persistent gap in status, job security, wages and education between women and men is contributing to the “feminization of working poverty”, according to a new report by the International Labour Office (ILO) issued for International Women’s Day.
Message of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of the International Women's Day, 8 March 2007 06 March 2007
"In
almost all countries, women continue to be under-represented in decision-making
positions. Women’s work continues to be undervalued, underpaid, or not paid at
all. Out of more than 100 million children who are not in school, the majority
are girls. Out of more than 800 million adults who cannot read, the majority are
women."
International Women’s Day Statement from the UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis, 8 March 2007 06 March 2007 | UNDP
"... we
can say that we have made some progress against the violence that women confront
on a daily basis. The clandestine trafficking industry - the buying and selling
primarily of women and girls for commercial sex; the use of rape as a weapon of
war and the role this plays in the spread and feminization of HIV; honour
killings, forced marriages and dowry-related violence including domestic
violence – each of these crises are being more clearly articulated than
before."
Nominees sought for children’s Advocate Awards 05 March 2007
UNICEF is calling for nominations on behalf of the 2007 World of
Children Awards, which honor people throughout the world who take extraordinary
steps to advance the rights and well-being of children. Given by the U.S.-based
organization World of Children, Inc., the awards aim to bring international
acclaim and attention to people and organizations making a difference for
children.
Ronaldo and Zidane announce next Match Against Poverty 22 February 2007 | UNDP
Football legends Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane are inviting
some of the world's top players to join them in an all-star line-up for the
fourth "Match Against Poverty: Ronaldo and friends vs. Zidane and friends,"
which takes place on 19 March 2007 at the Stade du Velodrome in Marseille,
France. As Goodwill Ambassadors for the UNDP, Ronaldo and Zidane will each
captain an international team for this friendly aimed at mobilising the public
in the fight against poverty.
Making every drop count. FAO heads UN water initiative 19 February 2007
Water
use has grown at more than twice the rate of population increase over the last
century, making sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water
resources a key challenge for the future, according to FAO's Pasquale Steduto,
current Chair of the United Nations coordination mechanism,
UN-Water.
New symbol launched to warn public about radiation dangers 19 February 2007
The new symbol was launched last week by the IAEA and the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) to help reduce needless deaths and
serious injuries from accidental exposure to large radioactive sources. It will
serve as a supplementary warning to the trefoil, which has no intuitive meaning
and little recognition beyond those educated in its significance.
Maria Sharapova is appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador 14 February 2007 | UNDP
At
a ceremony today at United Nations headquarters, the world’s top-ranked women’s
tennis player, Maria Sharapova, was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). At the same time, Sharapova
announced a donation of $100,000 to UNDP Chernobyl-recovery
projects.
ILO, UNDP join forces to promote growth to promote growth for decent jobs 12 February 2007 | ILO
The United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
have agreed to strengthen their collaboration and partnership in a major new
effort to bolster UN actions designed to reduce poverty and create more decent
work. ILO Director-General Juan Somavia and UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis
signed the joint agreement here today in a public ceremony.
Avian influenza in cats should be closely monitored 09 February 2007
Cats can
become infected with the highly lethal H5N1 avian influenza virus, but at
present there is no scientific evidence to suggest that there has been sustained
transmission of the virus in cats or from cats to humans, FAO said in a
statement.
UNICEF appeals for $635 million in humanitarian assistance 05 February 2007
UNICEF last week launched its Humanitarian Action Report (HAR) 2007,
calling on donors to provide $635 million to assist children and women in 33
humanitarian emergencies, ranging from Darfur to Haiti, Eritrea and the Central
African Republic. The HAR provides an annual overview of the agency’s emergency
assistance programmes within the context of UN-wide appeals.
Sound science a firm basis for action on climate change 05 February 2007
The science
of climate change has advanced dramatically since the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change published its first assessment report seventeen years ago. The
evidence available to researchers – from ice cores and other residue of ancient
climates to 21st century satellite measurements – has grown exponentially.
Dramatic upgrades in computer power combined with increasingly robust theory
have provided new insights into how the oceans and the atmosphere respond to
rising levels of greenhouse gases.
Kori Udovicki joins UNDP as Director of Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States 01 February 2007 | UNDP
Today, Kori Udovicki assumes her responsibilities as an Assistant
Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP and Director of the Regional
Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Udovicki has
held several senior management positions in the Government of the Republic of
Serbia.
Global unemployment remains at historic high despite strong economic growth 25 January 2007 | ILO
The
ILO’s “Global Employment Trends Brief 2007” reported that even though more
people are working globally than ever before, the number of unemployed remained
at an all time high of 195.2 million in 2006 or at a global rate of 6.3 per
cent. This rate was almost unchanged from the previous year.
UNECE experts promoting new ways to combat counterfeit goods 25 January 2007
The dual tasks of protecting intellectual property rights and combating counterfeit goods are among the most pressing issues facing governments in the UNECE Region. Counterfeit goods can be life-threatening – for example, adulterated or contaminated foods, hazardous toys, substandard electrical products and shoddy car or aircraft parts.
FAO urges food aid reform 24 January 2007
One third of aid resources never reach beneficiaries
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) proposed a series of major changes in the way international food aid is managed and delivered.
Montreal will host a Worldwide Symposium on Performance of the Air Navigation System 20 January 2007
This
global event is in follow-up to the Eleventh Air Navigation Conference
(AN-Conf/11) held in 2003. Substantial progress has been achieved since
AN-Conf/11 through the work of panels of experts working under the auspices of
ICAO as well as by individual States and international
organizations.
Microsoft launches "Click for Cause" initiative to support UNHCR web campaign 17 January 2007
UNHCR corporate
partner Microsoft launched an initiative to support an Internet-based campaign
aimed at raising funds and promoting sports and education for millions of
refugee children around the world. The computer software giant's "Click for
Cause" initiative will support UNHCR's global ninemillion.org
campaign.
EC, UNDP to promote responsible business in new and prospective EU members 11 January 2007 | UNDP
Under the US$1.36 million project, UNDP will work with enterprises and
other stakeholders in eight countries – EU members Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania,
Poland and Slovak Republic, as well as in candidate countries Croatia,
Macedonia, and Turkey. The project will assist the integration of social and
environmental concerns in business operations and in corporate interaction with
government, trade unions, business associations and communities on a voluntary
basis.
Avian flu 2007: virus continues to spread 10 January 2007
Avian flu may not be front-page news right now, but the disease is spreading and remains a threat to poultry and human health, say World Bank avian flu experts.
The virus has continued to spread since countries pledged some $1.9 billion last January to prevent and combat bird flu. Carried by wild birds and through poultry trade, it now has reached at least 55 nations around the world.
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