Human Rights Day Statement by UNDP Administrator, 10 December 2008 10 December 2008 | UNDP
Today we commemorate the 60th anniversary, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Seldom has a document exerted such a moral, political and legal influence, well beyond the aspirations of its original drafters. Adopted by UN Member States as a consensual and global normative framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, Member States aptly proclaimed it as the “common standard of achievement for all people and all nations.”
The Secretary-General message on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2008 09 December 2008
On this Human Rights Day, we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drafted amid utter destruction and destitution following the Second World War, the Declaration reflects humanity’s aspirations for a future of prosperity, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
Message of the Secretary-General on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 03 December 2008
This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls just a week before the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations is commemorating both under the theme, “Dignity and justice for all of us”.
Message of the Secretary-General on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Woman 24 November 2008
Across the world, in countries rich and poor, women are being beaten, trafficked, raped and killed. These human rights violations do more than harm individuals; they undermine the development, peace and security of entire societies. Women everywhere are at risk, but those living in societies experiencing armed conflict face even graver danger. As conflicts have become more complex, the pattern of sexual violence has evolved. Women are no longer in jeopardy only during periods of actual fighting; they are just as likely to be assaulted when there is calm, by armies, militias, rebels, criminal gangs or even police.
Secretary-General's message on World Diabetes Day 14 November 2008
This year, we focus on the challenge of diabetes among children and adolescents. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can strike children at any age. The disease is often diagnosed late or misdiagnosed as something else, such as the flu. We must do more to inform children and adults about the warning signs of the disease, particularly in the developing world.
The Match Against Poverty 2008, Fes, Morocco 12 November 2008 | UNDP Junhinho, Tymoschuck and Sun Jihai among 40 international players who will join UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors Ronaldo and Zidane for the sixth edition of the Match Against Poverty
UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors Ronaldo and Zidane announced that at least 40 friends and colleagues will be joining them on the pitch for the Match Against Poverty at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, at 18:00 local time, on November 17 in Fes Morocco.
Secretary-General message on United Nations Day, 24 October 2008 22 October 2008
On this 63rd anniversary of our Organization, I join you in celebrating UN Day. This is a crucial year in the life of our United Nations. We have just passed the midpoint in the struggle to reach the Millennium Development goals — our common vision for building a better world in the 21st century. We can see more clearly than ever that the threats of the 21st century spare no one. Climate change, the spread of disease and deadly weapons, and the scourge of terrorism all cross borders. If we want to advance the global common good, we must secure global public goods.
Message by Kemal Dervis, Administrator of UNDP on the Occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 16 October 2008 | UNDP
This year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty comes at a particularly challenging time for the world’s poor. While we are yet to see the full impact of the global financial crisis on developing countries, it’s clear that together with high and volatile food and fuel prices, current global economic conditions threaten the gains that have been made to reduce poverty and advance development for large numbers of people.
Message of the Secretary-General on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 14 October 2008
The theme of this year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – “Human Rights and Dignity of People Living in Poverty” – recalls the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60 years ago. The Declaration affirms that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well–being of himself and of his family”.
World Habitat Day 06 October 2008
The theme of this year’s World Habitat Day is “harmonious cities”. Our rapidly urbanizing world cannot claim to be harmonious if slum–dwellers do not enjoy opportunities to find jobs and improve their living conditions. Nor will it be harmonious if the growth and expansion of urban areas comes at the expense of the natural environment.
Vulnerability Exposed: Social Dimensions of Climate Change 25 August 2008
World Bank’s Social Development Department announced the launch of a world–wide documentary competition that will highlight the social aspects of climate change as experienced and/or observed by the film–maker(s). The contest is open to anyone who wishes to have their voice heard. The submitted films should innovatively illustrate the consequences of climate change through one of the following theme categories: conflict, migration, the urban space, rural institutions, drylands, social policy, indigenous peoples, gender, governance, forests, and/or human rights.
Successful trade talks can boost global economy and livelihoods, says UN official 21 August 2008 | UNDP
A successful outcome to global trade talks is vital to strengthening the world economy and improving the livelihoods of millions of poor and vulnerable people, the head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said today, following the recent collapse of the Doha round of trade liberalization negotiations.
Message of the Secretary-General for International Youth Day, 12 August 2008 05 August 2008
Though the science of climate change is complex, the facts are simple: our world is heading towards trouble. I saw this last year when I visited the Antarctic, where age–old ice is melting much faster than we originally thought it would. Left unaddressed, climate change could cause an unravelling of the progress that has been made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and could also have serious implications for peace and security.
ILO to emphasize workplace role in HIV prevention at international AIDS Conference in Mexico 01 August 2008 | ILO
GENEVA– The International Labour Organization (ILO) is to host a series of events at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, which opens this Sunday, designed to illustrate the growing importance of the workplace in responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
International Drawing Competition 22 July 2008
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), are delighted to extend a special invitation to participate in the International Drawing Competition “Our World, Our Climate, Our Food”.
Message of the Secretary-General on World Population Day, 11 July 2008 08 July 2008
Forty years ago, world leaders proclaimed that individuals have a basic right to determine freely and responsibly the number and timing of their children. Millennium Development Goal 5, improving maternal health, affirms this right and yet shows the least progress to date. On World Population Day, let us focus on the critical importance of family planning if we are to successfully achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
2008 United Nations Human Rights Prize 02 July 2008
Nominations for the 2008 United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights are open until 15 July 2008. The prize will be awarded at the meeting of the General Assembly on 10 December 2008, as part of the annual commemoration of Human Rights Day which this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
New Report Unveils Business Strategies for Engaging the Poor 01 July 2008 | UNDP Creating Value for All: Strategies for Doing Business with the Poor, a new and groundbreaking report released today by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) offers strategies and tools for companies to expand beyond traditional business practices and bring in the world’s poor as partners in growth and wealth creation.
The Secretary-General message for World Refugee Day 18 June 2008
Intolerance, political breakdown and war have long, pernicious histories. Yet the fragility of political systems, the devolution of societies into catastrophic violence have also provoked a humane reply, the protection of those forced to flee their countries in escape from persecution.
World Day Against Child Labour 2008 12 June 2008 | ILO
GENEVA (ILO News) – Citing data indicating that many of the estimated 75 million children lacking primary schooling start working at an early age, the International Labour Office (ILO) said today that education was critical to breaking the cycle of child labour and poverty as well as eradicating child labour in its worst forms by 2016.
The Secretary-General message on the 60-th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, 29 May 2008 20 May 2008
This year, the annual International Day of UN Peacekeepers also marks the 60th anniversary of UN peacekeeping. Six decades ago today, the Security Council established our first peacekeeping mission. Most of the peacekeepers came from a handful of European and American countries and they were mostly unarmed military men observing and monitoring cease–fire lines.
The Secretary-General message on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2008 02 May 2008
From the education of the youngest members of society to the full public engagement of citizens with their political leadership, access to information empowers each one of us to transform our lives and our communities. Just as water is essential for life to grow, knowledge sustains our capacity to imagine and to change. When information flows freely, people are equipped with tools to take control of their lives. When the flow of information is hindered -- whether for political or technological reasons -- our capacity to function is stunted.
UN Action Plan Prepared for Chernobyl Decade 25 April 2008 | UNDP
At a high-level meeting of UN agencies convened today to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident on 26 April 1986, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented a draft “action plan” covering UN work on Chernobyl until 2016. Preparation of the plan was mandated by a 2007 General Assembly resolution, which proclaimed 2006-2016 the Decade of Recovery and Sustainable Development of areas affected by Chernobyl.
Statement by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan on World Health Day, 7 April 2008 07 April 2008 | WHO
Last year marked a turning point in the debate on climate change. The scientific evidence continues to mount. The climate is changing, the effects are already being felt, and human activities are a principal cause.In selecting climate change as the theme for this year’s World Health Day, WHO aims to turn the attention of policy–makers to some compelling evidence from the health sector. While the reality of climate change can no longer be doubted, the magnitude of consequences, and — most especially for health — can still be reduced.
The Secretary-General Message on World Health Day, 7 April 2008 04 April 2008
Climate change is sometimes debated as if it affected only the planet, and not the people living on it. This year’s World Health Day is an opportunity to broaden this view by spotlighting the major health threats we face as a result of global warming.
Maria Sharapova and LeBron James team up against poverty 02 April 2008 | UNDP
London - Maria Sharapova, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador, has invited National Basketball Association star LeBron James to "Team Up Against Poverty" on a new UNDP advertisement to garner support for achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). World-renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier photographed both stars for this new series of UNDP pro bono advertisements.
The humble toilet can dramatically cut child deaths and generate economic growth, says the UN 25 March 2008 | UNDP
Access to a clean and safe toilet and hygiene education could cut child deaths from diarrhoea by two thirds and could generate US$66 billion-worth of economic benefits, said the United Nations today ahead of World Water Day on 22 March, as it called for increased commitment to tackling the global sanitation crisis.
The Secretary General message on World Water Day 21 March 2008
This year, World Water Day coincides with the International Year of Sanitation, challenging us to spur action on a crisis affecting more than one out of three people on the planet. Every 20 seconds, a child dies as a result of the abysmal sanitation conditions endured by some 2.6 billion people globally. That adds up to an unconscionable 1.5 million young lives cut short by a cause we know well how to prevent.
The Secretary-General message on International Women's Day 07 March 2008
At the 2005 World Summit, Governments of all nations agreed that “progress for women is progress for all”. Yet the 10–year review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action revealed a serious gap between policy and practice in many countries. A lack of political will is reflected in the most telling way of all: lack of resources and insufficient budgetary allocations. That is why the theme of this International Women’s Day is “Investing in Women and Girls”.
United Nations Secretary-General's Campaign to End Violence Against Women 25 February 2008
Secretary–General Ban Ki–moon today kicked off a multi–year global campaign bringing together the United Nations, governments and civil society to try to end violence against women, calling it an issue that “cannot wait.” “At least one out of every three women is likely to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Through the practice of prenatal sex selection, countless others are denied the right even to exist,” Mr. Ban said in his address at the opening in New York of the latest session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
ILO projects global economic turbulence could generate 5 million more unemployed in 2008 24 January 2008 | ILO
Economic turbulence largely due to credit market turmoil and rising oil prices could spur an increase in global unemployment by an estimated 5 million persons in 2008, the International Labour Office (ILO) said in its annual Global Employment Trends report (GET).
