Tag: UNESCO

5 Fascinating Things India is Famous For

Learn more about India’s rich culture, Indian cuisine, the most significant spice production, iconic monuments and the most popular sport, cricket. This article lists the 5 fascinating things India is famous for.

India, one of the largest countries in the world, has many assets that make it a great country. Let’s detail the elements that make India a well-known country. Don’t get us wrong, India has many things that make it a famous country, but here are five things that make India very renowned.

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The Ultimate Guide to Fake News

Fake news has existed for a long time and is nothing new. The advent of social networking sites has aggravated the concern over fake news, spreading more quickly and widely. This article gives you the ultimate guide to fake news.

Fake news is a genuinely global issue and has grown to play a significant role in any discussion about media. Being a terrible outcome of the digital era, bogus news has existed much longer than accurate news and has caused great harm.

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10 Best Places to Visit in India as a Tourist

India is a vast country rich in culture, traditions, and colours. It is a destination loved for its history and culture and where you can learn a lot. This article lists the 10 best places in India as a tourist.

In India, there are many beautiful places to see, such as the Taj Mahal, the beaches, the forests, the monuments, the temples, the rivers, the wilderness, and the lively cities. There is something for everyone.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Mauritius

Mauritius Island is known to be a relatively stable and healthy country. However, its unique characteristics and assets make it a dream destination. This article lists the 5 things you should know before visiting Mauritius.

Mauritius owes much of its image as a wonderful destination to the beautiful beaches, the wild nature, the multicultural population, the local products, and the unique places on the island.

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The Most Popular Places to Visit in Mauritius Today

Mauritius is full of fabulous places to discover and explore, from beaches and wilderness to waterfalls and lively towns. There are many locations, all equally worth visiting, but here is a list of the top 10 places to visit in Mauritius.

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Journalism Under Digital Siege: World Press Freedom Day 2022

World Press Freedom Day is annually celebrated worldwide on 3 May. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed it in December 1993.

The main objective of World Press Freedom Day, according to UNESCO, is to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and to remind the governments of all nations that their responsibility is to respect the right to freedom of expression. There is also a special prize awarded during this day. People pay tribute and acknowledge the media professionals who risked their lives while pursuing a story.

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How Far NGOs Have Been Affected by COVID-19 Globally

COVID-19 has upturned billions of lives around the globe. Lives and jobs have been lost, economies have fallen into crisis, and societies have fallen into disarray. During these challenging times, the non-profit sector has been the most active. NGOs play critical roles in multiple areas, namely humanitarian aid, diplomacy, advocacy, and global governance. The world has come to understand the roles and importance of NGOs in society once faced with the pandemic’s unprecedented challenge. But one thing that the world has overlooked is how NGOs have been affected by the pandemic.

COVID-19 brought to light the flaws and frailty of health systems worldwide, forcing NGOs to step in to assist. When the second wave of COVID-19 hit and people met with their healthcare system’s alarming inability to provide life-saving medical services and supplies, NGOs across the world—Save The Children, SaveLIFE Foundation and Action Aid, amongst several others—played a significant role in reinforcing the health infrastructure. Whether it was supplying medical equipment or installing oxygen plants, NGOs stepped up in all ways possible to help the country combat the pandemic and save its citizens.

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11 February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

Every year, numerous events occur on February 11 to commemorate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Each possibility is distinct, as diverse, and inventive as the individuals and organisations engaged. The 7th International Assembly of Women and Girls in Science will be conducted virtually this year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. But what are the importance and history of this day?

Gender equality has long been a priority for the United Nations. Along with science and the empowerment of women and girls, they are all critical to global economic development and progress toward achieving internationally agreed-upon development goals, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the last 15 years, the international community has worked hard to inspire and engage women and girls in science. Nonetheless, they continue to face challenges that prevent them from actively engaging in science.

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International Day of Friendship 2021: Sharing the Human Spirit Through Friendship

The International Day of Friendship is celebrated annually on July 30. The International Day of Friendship is a United Nations (UN) hosted day about “promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity.”

First observed in 2011, the International Day of Friendship builds upon a 1997 UN resolution defining the Culture of Peace.

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21 April: World Creativity and Innovation Day

In its resolution A/RES/71/284, the General Assembly called for international recognition of April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day; a day to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in problem-solving and by extension, in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. More than 80 countries joined in support of the resolution. Continue reading “21 April: World Creativity and Innovation Day”

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of Holocaust

The theme for the Holocaust remembrance and education activities in 2016, including the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, is “The Holocaust and Human Dignity”. 

The theme links Holocaust remembrance with the founding principles of the United Nations and reaffirms faith in the dignity and worth of every person that is highlighted in the United Nations Charter, as well as the right to live free from discrimination and with equal protection under the law that is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Holocaust, which resulted in the destruction of nearly two thirds of European Jewry, remains one of the most painful reminders of the international community’s failure to protect them.

The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme seeks to remind the world of the lessons to be learnt from the Holocaust in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide.

The Outreach Programme was created at the request of the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 60/7, adopted on 1 November 2005. The United Nations Department of Public Information (UN DPI) has taken the lead in creating a broad initiative, designed to encourage the development by United Nations Member States of educational curricula on the subject of the Holocaust, and to mobilize civil society for education and awareness.

The “Holocaust Remembrance” resolution also designates 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust – observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at UN offices around the world. The 2006 ceremony in the General Assembly Hall drew over 2200 people, and was viewed by countless others globally via webcast and live television broadcast.

Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations General Assembly reaffirms that ‘the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of one-third of the Jewish people along with countless members of other minorities, will forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice”.

In addition, resolution 60/7 rejects any denial of the Holocaust as an historical event, either in full or in part, and commends those states which have actively engaged in the preservation of sites which served as Nazi death camps, concentration camps, forced labour camps and prisons during the Holocaust.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 61/255 adopted on 26 January 2007 also condemns any denial of the Holocaust and urges all Member States unreservedly to reject any denial of the Holocaust.

UNDPI has embarked on a number of activities, including special events, film screenings, discussion papers from leading academics, information materials, partnerships with intergovernmental organisations and other initiatives, to encourage awareness and remind the world of the threat posed to us all when genocide and crimes against humanity are allowed to occur.

About UNESCO and Holocaust Remembrance

At its 34th session of the General Conference in Paris in 2007, UNESCO adopted by consensus 34c/61 resolution on Holocaust Remembrance. The resolution requests the Director General to consult with the United Nations Secretary-General on the programme of outreach on the subject of “the Holocaust and the United Nations”, with a view to exploring what role UNESCO could play in promoting awareness of Holocaust remembrance through education and in combating all forms of Holocaust denial. It also requests the Director-General to report the results of these consultations and his recommendations to the Executive Board at its 180th session.

The two programmes complement each other: while the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme aims to mobilize civil society for Holocaust and education in order to prevent future acts of genocide, UNESCO seeks to promote Holocaust remembrance through education.

10 November: World Science Day for Peace and Development

Established by UNESCO in 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated worldwide on 10 November each year. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate to the wider public why science is relevant to their daily lives and to engage them in debate on related issues.

By throwing bridges between science and society, the aim is to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science, while underscoring the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable. Recent themes have included ‘towards green societies’ (2011), science for the rapprochement of peoples and cultures (2010) and astronomy (2009).

Every year, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific research institutions, professional associations, universities, municipalities, the media, science teachers, schools and others are encouraged to organize their own celebration of World Science Day.

Since its inception, World Science Day has also generated concrete projects, programmes and funding for science around the world. Several ministries have announced an increase in spending on science, for instance, or the creation of a university or research body. The Day has also helped to foster cooperation between scientists living in regions marred by conflict, one example being the creation of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO), with UNESCO support.

World Science Day was instigated as follow-up to the World Conference on Science, organized jointly by UNESCO and the International Council for Science in Budapest (Hungary) in 1999. The Day offers an opportunity to reaffirm each year our commitment to attaining the goals proclaimed in one of the twin documents adopted by the World Conference on Science: the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge and to follow up the recommendations contained in the Conference’s Science Agenda: Framework for Action. The biennial World Science Forum is always held as close as possible to World Science Day.

World Science Day for Peace and Development 2015

This year’s theme is ‘Science for a Sustainable Future; celebrating the UNESCO Science report’

What Do People Do?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works with people, government agencies and organizations to promote the WSDPD each year. The WSDPD celebrations include:

  • Open days to highlight science’s important role in peace and development.
  • Classroom discussions to emphasize how science and technology affect daily life.
  • Distributing the WSDPD posters throughout tertiary institutions, school campuses, and public venues.
  • Arranged science museum visits to commemorate the day.
  • Visits to local schools on careers in science or scientific presentations.

Some governments have, in the past, used World Science Day to publicly affirm their commitment to increased support for scientific initiatives that help society, as well as launch new science policy programs together with scientific institutions, civil society, universities and schools.

Public Life

The WSDPD is a global observance and not a public holiday.

Background

It was recommended at the World Conference on Science in Budapest in 1999 recognition was required for the need for a new compact between science and society. It was discussed at the conference that a World Science Day would help strengthen commitments to attain the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge’s goals and to pursue the Science Agenda: Framework for Action’s recommendations.

Following the World Conference on Science, UNESCO established the WSDPD through a proclamation at a general conference in 2001. The WSDPD was to be served a reminder of the organization’s mandate and commitment to science. The day was first celebrated on November 10, 2002 and has been held annually on November 10 since then.

Symbols

Various images promoting science and technology are seen in World Science Day posters. The UNESCO logo is also seen on promotional material associated with the day. The logo features the words “UNESCO” pictured as part of a temple building or structure. The words “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization” are presented underneath this image.

(Source: UNESCO)

27 October: World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

“We have 10 to 15 years left to transfer available audiovisual recordings to digital media and prevent their loss. We need to join forces to change the situation – for it is of the utmost importance that this recent history be understood and shared not only for issues of identity and affiliation but also for a clearer grasp of relationships and challenges in contemporary societies.”

Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

Audiovisual documents, such as films, radio and television programmes, are our common heritage and contain the primary records of the 20th and 21st centuries. They help to maintain the cultural identity of a people; but countless documentary treasures have disappeared since the invention of image and sound technologies that permit the peoples of the world to better share their experiences, creativity and knowledge.

All of the world’s audiovisual heritage is endangered. Nowhere can it be said to be preserved, but through initiatives such as the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage and the Memory of the World Programme, the precious work of preservation professionals is given impetus to manage a range of technical, political, social, financial and other factors that threaten the safeguarding of our heritage.

It was in this context, that the General Conference in 2005 approved the commemoration of a World Day for Audiovisual Heritage as a mechanism to raise general awareness of the need for urgent measures to be taken and to acknowledge the importance of audiovisual documents as an integral part of national identity.

Background

Sound recordings and moving images are extremely vulnerable as they can be quickly and deliberately destroyed. Essentially emblematic of the 20th century, our audiovisual heritage can be irretrievably lost as a result of neglect, natural decay and technological obsolescence. Public consciousness of the importance of preservation of these recordings must be engaged and the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is intended to be the platform for building global awareness.

The 33rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference adopted 33 C/Resolution 53 to proclaim 27 October as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, in commemoration of the adoption, in 1980 by the 21st session of the General Conference, of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images.

While the Recommendation has helped to raise awareness of the importance of our audiovisual heritage and has been instrumental in ensuring the preservation of this often unique testimony to economic, political and social development for future generations, more efforts are needed as audiovisual recordings are particularly vulnerable and require special attention for their long-term security. The anniversary of the adoption of the Recommendation is considered a timely opportunity to launch a movement in recognition of the benefits of the preservation of audiovisual heritage.

Activities and events that take place during the day include:

  • Competitions, such as a logo contest, to promote the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage;
  • Local programs organised as a joint effort between national film archives, audiovisual societies, television or radio stations, and governments;
  • Panel discussions, conferences, and public talks on the importance of preserving important audiovisual documents;
  • Special film screenings.

Source: United Nations

30 July: International Day of Friendship

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places particular emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

The Day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).

To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organisations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Background

The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO and taken up by the UN General Assembly in 1997 (A/RES/52/13), which defined the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems.

In its resolution of 1998, proclaiming the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001–2010) (A/RES/53/25), the General Assembly recognised that enormous harm and suffering are caused to children through different forms of violence. It emphasized that the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence should be instilled in children through education. If children learn to live together in peace and harmony that will contribute to the strengthening of international peace and cooperation.

The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (A/RES/53/243) adopted in 1999 set 8 areas of action for nations, organizations and individuals to undertake in order for a culture of peace to prevail:

  • foster a culture of peace through education;
  • promote sustainable economic and social development;
  • promote respect for all human rights;
  • ensure equality between women and men;
  • foster democratic participation;
  • advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
  • support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
  • promote international peace and security.

The International Day of Friendship is also based on the recognition of the relevance and importance of friendship as a noble and valuable sentiment in the lives of human beings around the world.