June 5, United Nations World Environment Day

United Nations World Environment Day 

The 2013 theme for World Environment Day is Think.Eat.Save. "Think.Eat.Save is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign encouraging you to reduce your foodprint. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 die daily from hunger. 

Given this enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant devastating effects on the environment, this year’s theme – Think.Eat.Save – encourages you to become more aware of the environmental impact of the food choices you make and empowers you to make informed decisions."

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

World Environment Day (WED) is a day that stimulates awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and public action. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. World Environment Day is hosted every year by a different city with a different theme.

Mission: To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity: Water and Biodiversity

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). The 2013 theme is Water and Biodiversity; chosen to coincide with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. In addition, the period 2005-2015 is the International Decade for Action 'WATER FOR LIFE'.

UN Secretary-General message
"International Year of Water Cooperation 2013"

The United Nations has prepared materials on Natural Solutions For Water Security. This is a segment on "The Elements of Good Practices in the Drinking Water Sector".

Finalists of 2013 edition of UN-Water 

´Water for Life´ Best Practices Award

Clean water, free of pollution, bacteria and other contaminants, is the bedrock upon which sustainable, thriving and equitable human societies are built. Good governance of the ecosystems providing us with quality drinking water is an essential pre-requisite involving the cooperation of private sector enterprises, all levels of government, public agencies, indigenous and local communities, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders.

Water is a deeply local issue in terms of availability, economic and environmental setting, climate and conflicting interests. 

Good policy approaches for drinking water require holistic strategic approaches involving full consideration of:
* Water quality and availability
* Managing drinking water for both present and future needs
* Maintaining ecosystem integrity and functions
* The role of biodiversity
* Realistic approaches

December 10, Human Rights Day Providing Nourishment is a Human Right

Human Rights Day presents an opportunity, every year, to celebrate human rights, highlight a specific issue, and advocate for the full enjoyment of all human rights by everyone everywhere.

This year, the spotlight is on the rights of all people — women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, the poor and marginalized — to make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decision-making.

Imagine - Human Rights

Universal Declaration of 

Human Rights, Article 25 

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. 

(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

  

December 5, International Volunteer Day Diversity in Online Volunteering

The United Nations (UN) annually observes the International Volunteer Day (IVD) for Economic and Social Development on 5 December. The day, gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. This is the 11th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. 

The event offers an opportunity to join a global effort to revive the spirit of volunteerism. Many communities from all over the world have planned  events throughout the year to showcase the diversity and depth of volunteering worldwide and to mobilize many more volunteers.

International Volunteer Day 

How does Peace Corps help 

Volunteers develop professionally?

Celebrate International Volunteer Day

Learn more about

Diversity in Online Volunteering

August 19, 2012 - World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day 2012 Theme: 

"I Was Here" 

World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. The day was designated by the General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 UN staff. 

Natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies threaten the lives and health of millions of people every year. In the middle of such crises, thousands of dedicated humanitarian workers strive to care for those who have been affected and support local authorities to deliver assistance. On World Humanitarian Day, WHO and other international bodies are highlighting the roles performed by humanitarian workers, and remembering aid workers who have been killed or injured while performing their vital roles. 

World Humanitarian Day offers the chance:

· for the public to learn more about the humanitarian community, what aid workers do and the challenges they face;

· for nongovernmental and international bodies and UN agencies, to demonstrate their humanitarian activities;

· to pay respect to those who have died or been injured in the course of their humanitarian work.

This year’s campaign "I Was Here" is about making your mark by doing something good, somewhere, for someone else.

To show your support for World Humanitarian Day visit www.whd-iwashere.org

August 12, 2012: International Youth Day

2012 International Youth Day Theme is "Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth" - a global call to action to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth. 

Young people today face pressing global challenges such as high levels of unemployment, vulnerable working conditions and marginalization from decision making processes. Partnerships - with the United Nations, governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and philanthropists - can help increase opportunities for success by leveraging comparative advantages, resources and shared interests.

"UN's global report on youth spotlights
rising concerns over lack of job prospects"

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General's Message for 2012

"Today’s generation of youth — the largest the world has ever known, and the vast majority of whom live in developing countries — has unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family. Yet too many young people, including those who are highly educated, suffer from low-wage, dead-end work and record levels of unemployment. The global economic crisis has hit youth the hardest, and many are understandably discouraged by rising inequalities. A large number have no immediate prospects and are disenfranchised from the political, social and development processes in their countries. Without urgent measures, we risk creating a “lost generation” of squandered talent and dreams.

Working with and for young people is one of my top priorities. Youth are a transformative force; they are creative, resourceful and enthusiastic agents of change, be it in public squares or cyberspace. From their pivotal role in efforts to achieve freedom, democracy and equality, to their global mobilization in support of the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, youth have energetically demonstrated yet again their capacity and desire to turn the tide of history and tackle global challenges.

Young men and women are not passive beneficiaries, but equal and effective partners. Their aspirations extend far beyond jobs; youth also want a seat at the table — a real voice in shaping the policies that shape their lives. We need to listen to and engage with young people. We need to establish more and stronger mechanisms for youth participation. The time has come to integrate youth voices more meaningfully into decision-making processes at all levels.

Around the world, there is growing recognition of the need to strengthen policies and investments involving young people. On International Youth Day, I call on Governments, the private sector, civil society and academia to open doors for young people and strengthen partnerships with youth-led organizations. Youth can determine whether this era moves toward greater peril or more positive change. Let us support the young people of our world so they grow into adults who raise yet more generations of productive and powerful leaders."

The girl who silenced the
world for 5 minutes. 
The video has circled the globe numerous times, but it is
worth repeating on International Youth Day.

Together We Can Change the World

In 1995 the UN General Assemply adopted ten priority areas for the world's youth:

Education

Employment

Hunger and poverty

Health

Environment

Drug abuse

Juvenile delinquency

Leisure-time activities

Girls and young women

Participation

In 2007 five additional issues were adopted by the General Assembly:

Globalization

Information and Communication Technologies

HIV/AIDS

Youth and Conflict

Intergenerational Relations

International Youth Day event is a celebration of young peoples’ energy, imagination and initiatives and recognizes their crucial contributions to enhancing peace and development. The event is an opportunity for the international community and the UN system to demonstrate their commitment to young people.

May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity Marine Biodiversity

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The 2012 theme is Marine Biodiversity. 

For many coastal communities, the survival of marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity is essential to their nutritional, spiritual, societal and religious well-being. But even for the many millions of people who may not think that they have any strong reliance on the ocean, marine ecosystems and wildlife provide all kinds of benefits. Many coastal environments provide protection for those farther inland from the ravages of the sea. Coral reefs buffer land from waves and storms and prevent beach erosion. Dune systems on beaches stabilize shorelines from erosion and encroachment. Mangroves, mudflats and deltas trap sediment, preventing the land behind it from sliding ever-seaward.

The ocean world is in all our daily lives. For example, sponges from the Mediterranean have been used for painting, cooking, cleaning and even contraception for at least 5,000 years. Substances derived from seaweeds stabilize and thicken creams, sauces, and pastes, are mixed into paint and used to make paper and even in skin lotion and toothpaste.

Many marine plants and animals also contain a multitude of substances already being used, or identified as being of potential use, in medicines. Each of the 700 known species of cone snail produces a unique cocktail of 100 to 200 toxins, some of which have already been developed into pain killers: one, which has been on the market since 2004, is more than 100 times more powerful than morphine. A 2010 study predicted the existence of between 250,000 and close to 600,000 chemicals in the marine environment, approximately 92 percent of which remained undiscovered; those chemicals, the study’s authors estimated, might yield up to 214 new anti-cancer drugs, worth anywhere from US $563 billion to $5.69 trillion.

Most importantly of all, tiny marine plants called phytoplankton produce energy, like plants on land, through photosynthesis. As a result of that photosynthesis, they release oxygen. In fact, phytoplankton release half of all oxygen in the atmosphere.

Under the Sea

Video Message from Mr. Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias
International Day for Biological Diversity

Resources.

The International Day for Biological Diversity 
Ocean Conservancy

The Ocean Foundation

Save the Sea

June 17th World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

"The management, conservation and sustainable development of dry forests are central to combating desertification. The ongoing greening of the Sahel and other success stories around the world show that degraded lands can be reclaimed by agroforestry and other sustainable practices. We need to scale up these interventions and disseminate their results widely."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonMessage on World Day to Combat Desertification17 June 2011



This year is the International Year of Forests and forests of the drylands cover 18% of the land in arid zones. Forests are critical to the eradication of poverty in the drylands and they are also the first step towards healing the drylands and protecting them from desertification and drought. Dryland forests are important biodiversity sanctuaries and provide ecosystem goods such as food, fuel, wood for construction, medicines and herbs. Dry forests are a buffer against drought and desertification and a safety net for the poor.


In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification.

UN launches decade-long drive
against desertification

Resource
United Nations, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Forest Biodiversity, Earth's Living Treasure May 22, 2011

2011 is the International Year of Forests and forest biodiversity is the theme for this year's International Day of Biodiversity (IDB).

From GoodPlanet.org.  Forests cover a third of the Earth’s surface. They are home to over half of terrestrial species and hundreds of millions of human beings. For 7 billion people the forests are resources for the food they eat, the air they breathe and the medicines they consume.

The United Nations recognition of forest biodiversity is an opportunity to discover, rediscover, celebrate, cherish, describe, protect and use these ecosystems more sustainably. 

Forest destruction is not inevitable: throughout the world, people are fighting to save them. Citizens, scientists, politicians and businesspeople warn us about the threats forests face and suggest alternatives to protect them. This year is an opportunity to celebrate their initiatives and their efforts.

Of Forests and Men

Yann Arthus-Bertrand was appointed by the United Nations
to produce the official film for the International Year of Forests.
Narration by Edward Norton. www.goodplanet.org/forets

International Year of Forests 2011 (PSA)

International Day of Families May 15, 2011

The United Nations International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.

2011 Theme: "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion"




"On this International Day of Families, let us resolve to support families as they nurture the young, care for the old and foster strong communities built on tolerance and dignity for all."

- Ban Ki-moon

Secretary-General's Message for 2011

The Family Meal

The Family Meal is a Tradition Celebrated All Over the World. Sharing family meals symbolizes love and communication. Eating dinner together keeps the doors of communication open. It's a perfect time to show your children they are your priority. Studies have shown children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and/or illegal drugs and more likely to develop good eating habits.

 

Foods For Health:
Building Healthy Kids and Families

"Guyatitian" David Grotto offers healthy eating and physical
activity tips for building healthy kids and families.
Part of the International Food Information Council Foundation's

Foods For Health series

It's A Small World
A childhood favorite reminding me how special all Families are.
by Disney 

International Volunteer Day December 5th

The United Nations (UN) annually observes the International Volunteer Day (IVD) for Economic and Social Development on December 5th. The day, gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. This is the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. 

The event offers an opportunity to join a global effort to revive the spirit of volunteerism. Many communities from all over the world, are already planning events throughout 2011 to showcase the diversity and depth of volunteering worldwide and to mobilize many more volunteers.

One of the missions of IVD is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has made volunteering for one or more of the MDGs its theme for IVD 2010, reminding people around the world of the difference that they can make.

Meeting the MDGs will require the engagement of millions of people through volunteer action. Through an online community, (www.facebook.com/unvolunteers), Share the Story is inviting you to join the global discussion about how volunteerism can tip the balance towards meeting the MDGs. The deadline for meeting the Goals is 2015.

Already, volunteers are contributing their expertise; communities are taking action to improve their lives; and decision makers are increasingly realizing the value of volunteerism. These stories don’t make the news, but they are changing the world. For more information on UNV's IVD campaign, please visit Share the Story.

Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development and working to achieve the MDGs.

Share the Story: Volunteering for the MDGs
'We can meet the Millennium Development Goals, but it will require the engagement of millions of people through volunteer action.' That's the message behind the online film festival to celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD) in 2010.
  What's your volunteering story? 

Volunteer International Day
Share your volunteering picture, and let's show to the world the meaning of
Being Volunteer. http://www.voluntarioglobal.org/

 

2010 International Volunteer Day
Francisco "Tachi" Cazal, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs
 greets all AFS Volunteers around the world for the
2010 International Volunteer Day.

Celebrate International Volunteer Day 2010.