#AskUNWomen Twitter chat with Deputy Executive Director John Hendra on austerity
UN Women – 21 May 2013
What impact does austerity have on women and girls worldwide?
Why are they particularly affected?
How can gains in gender equality and women’s empowerment be protected in hard economic times?
Nominations Open for the ESCAP-Sasakawa Award for Disability-Inclusive Business in Asia-Pacific
UN ESCAP – 21 May 2013
Businesses that recognize the added value of diversity are now eligible for the pioneering ESCAP-Sasakawa Award for Disability-Inclusive Business in Asia and the Pacific. The Award, developed in partnership by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Nippon Foundation (TNF), and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), recognizes the leadership of companies that provide enabling working environments, deliver inclusive products and services, and are innovative in their disability-inclusive approach.
Malaysia: Water Cooperation at Work Across South East Asia and the Pacific
UNESCO – 21 May 2013
At the UNESCO-Humid Tropics Center in Kuala Lumpur, integrated water management begins at home: green roof, porous pavement, rainwater harvesting and a constructed wetland are among the features of this institution that Director-General, Irina Bokova, visited in Kuala Lumpur on 21 May, the first day of her official visit to Malaysia.
Statement on the Recent Development in the Syrian Conflict
WFUNA – 20 May 2013
The Executive Committee of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), elected by non-partisan civil society organizations in over 100 countries, continues to be gravely concerned over the recent developments in the Syrian conflict and expresses deep solidarity with the people of Syria who are confronting serious atrocities.
High fees, limited financial services reduce impact of almost US$260 billion in Asia remittances
IFAD – 20 May 2013
Rural poor gain little from US$100 billion flowing each year into their communities
APCICT fosters regional capacity building in social media for development
UN ESCAP – 20 May 2013
As part of its programme to maximize the ability of government officials in the Asia-Pacific region to utilize social media in national development contexts, APCICT will welcome 30 participants from 19 countries around Asia and the Pacific to the Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on Social Media for Development from 20 to 23 May. The workshop will be held in Incheon, Republic of Korea and will utilize Module 11, ‘Social Media for Development’, the latest installment of APCICT’s flagship programme, the “Academy of ICT Essentials for Governments Leaders”.
Ban concerned about provocations after latest DPR Korea missile test
UN News Centre – 19 May 2013
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his concern about provocations and tensions on the Korean Peninsula following reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched short-range guided missiles into the sea on Saturday.
General Assembly adds French Polynesia to UN decolonization list
UN News Centre – 18 May 2013
The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to place French Polynesia back on the UN list of territories that should be decolonized and requested the French Government to “facilitate rapid progress […] towards a self-determination process.”
Number of Syrian refugees tops 1.5 million mark with many more expected
UNHCR – 17 May 2013
The UN refugee agency announced on Friday that the number of Syrian civilians who have fled their country to escape conflict has passed the 1.5 million mark. "The Syrian conflict continues to have a devastating impact on the lives of those who are forced to flee," added UNHCR spokesman Dan McNorton in Geneva.
The Hangzhou Declaration: Heralding the next era of human development - See more at: http://www.unes
UNESCO – 17 May 2013
Calling for a new approach toward sustainable development, the "Hangzhou Declaration" advocates for placing culture at the heart of public policy. The Declaration urges governments, civil society and the private sector to harness the power of culture in addressing the world’s most pressing developmental challenges, such as environmental sustainability, poverty, and social inclusion. - See more at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/resources/the-hangzhou-declaration-heralding-the-next-era-of-human-development/#sthash.RwClQ693.dpuf
Putting a stop to homophobic bullying: a year of action
UNESCO – 17 May 2013
“My grades fell dramatically. I started skipping school. I often stayed in bed and cried.” This testimony is typical of the experience of many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students around the world. These young people are often denied their right to education because of discrimination and violence based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
At UN debate, experts weigh clean energy, water strategies to halt ‘runaway’ climate change
UN News Centre – 16 May 2013
With dire warnings likely to match or exceed the worst fears about the effects of global warming, environment and development experts gathered today at United Nations Headquarters to debate the twin challenge of curbing climate change while sustaining economic growth.
Yemen’s humanitarian crisis could threaten political gains, warns UN relief official
UN News Centre – 16 May 2013
Yemen is facing a worsening humanitarian situation which could destabilize the country’s gains on the political front, a senior United Nations relief official warned today, noting that half of the country’s 24 million people are in need of assistance.
UN economic and social body urges stronger global governance to achieve anti-poverty goals
UN News Centre – 16 May 2013
A more effective and inclusive global governance system will be necessary to ensure that the international community achieves the Millennium Development Goals and establishes an actionable post-2015 agenda, the head of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) today said, while urging a review of the UN body to meet new demands.
UN officials call for harnessing power of information technology to reduce road fatalities
UN News Centre – 16 May 2013
South Sudan: UN reinforces peacekeeping presence in Pibor town amid violence
UN News Centre – 16 May 2013
Additional United Nations peacekeepers are on alert to protect civilians in the town of Pibor in South Sudan’s Jonglei state where the situation remains tense amid recent violence, looting and displacement, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson today said.
Marking ‘Day of Families,’ Ban stresses growing importance of intergenerational solidarity
UN News Centre – 15 May 2013
Supportive relationships between family members from different generations are more important now than ever before to face unemployment and other current social and economic challenges, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, marking the International Day of Families.
Private sector must engage in disaster risk reduction to avoid economic losses – UN
UN News Centre – 15 May 2013
The United Nations today warned that economic losses from disasters have spun out of control and called on the world’s business community to incorporate disaster risk management to their investment strategies to avoid further losses.
UN agency and Slow Food group partner to boost livelihoods of small farmers
UN News Centre – 15 May 2013
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the international non-profit organization Slow Food today agreed to promote traditional cooking and locally produced food as part of a project to boost incomes for small farmers and rural communities.http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44912&Cr=food+security&Cr1=#.UZV0X7U3Cuo
Tetanus eliminated in over 30 countries at high risk – UN and partners
UN News Centre – 15 May 2013
The United Nations and its partners today announced that tetanus – one of the most deadly diseases a mother and her newborn can face – has been eliminated in more than 30 countries with previously had high rates of the illness.