Global Handwashing Day is to acknowledge the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. It is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. Handwashing with soap contributes to better health, nutrition, […]
Over 2 billion people do not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. An estimated 770 to 820 million people are hungry. The impact of malnutrition in all its forms (under-nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies) and of obesity on the global economy is estimated at $US 3.5 trillion per year. There is a clear need […]
The statistics on poverty are shameful. The World Bank estimates that 9.2% of the world, or 689 million people, live in extreme poverty on $1.90 or less a day. Children and youth account for two-thirds of the world’s poor, and women represent a majority in most regions.Extreme poverty is increasingly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, and […]
United Nation Day marks the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter and the coming into being of United Nations (UN). Then 50 states and now made up of 193 Member States, the UN undertakes the following: Maintains International Peace and Security by working to prevent conflict; helping parties in conflict make peace; […]
World Development Information Day is to propagate information and mobilise the public to cooperate internationally to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals -- #GlobalGoals: No poverty Zero hunger Good health and well-being Quality education Gender equality Clean water and sanitation Affordable and clean energy Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation, and infrastructure Reduced inequalities […]
Audiovisual archives represent a priceless heritage that affirms our collective memory and reflects the cultural, social and linguistic diversity of our communities. Conserving this heritage and ensuring that these materials remain accessible to the public, increases our understanding of where we have all come from and what we can do for the future. World Day […]
Cities occupy 2% of the world's total landmass, but contribute to 70% of the world's economy (GDP), 60% of its energy consumption, 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions, and 70% of the world's waste. Urbanization provides the promise -- oft not fulfilled -- of social inclusion, access to services and new opportunities. However, inequality and […]
From 2006 to 2019, near 1,200 journalists have been killed (one every four days) for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. The killers largely (9 of 10 cases) go unpunished with this impunity leading to more killings, worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems. Many other journalists suffer from […]
Tsunamis are giant ocean waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. As the waves travel inland (sometimes at the speed of a jet plane), they get higher and higher as the depth of the ocean decreases. Though rare, tsunamis can be extremely deadly. The Indian Ocean tsunami (December 2004), for example, caused […]
Damage to the environment through war includes the pollution of water wells, the torching of crops, deforestation, soil poisoning and the killing of animals. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that over the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources ( […]