The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security has released the October 2013 version of our Monthly Action Points (MAP) on Women, Peace and Security for the UN Security Council. For October, in which Azerbaijan has the Security Council presidency, the MAP provides recommendations on the situations in Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Haiti, Mali, and Somalia. We will soon be releasing our annual report monitoring and analyzing the work of the UN Security Council on women, … [Read more...]
NGOWG MAP – October 2013
MDGs and Post 2015 Development Agenda – Sept 25
Building the future of the MDGs Ahead of the High-level event on Millennium Development Goals and post-2015 Development Agenda, on 25 September, it’s time to look back to 13 years of actions and efforts, during which UN DESA’s work has been central. To better understand the issues to be discussed this month, let’s watch our interview of Ms Shamshad Akhtar, Assistant Secretary-General of DESA. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development … [Read more...]
Knowledge Gateway for Women’s Economic Empowerment
We are pleased to announce that the Knowledge Gateway for Women's Economic Empowerment will be officially launched Monday 23 September 2013 at 11 am -12.30 pm EDT, at a high-level event co-hosted by UN Women and Canada during the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The platform will provide an opportunity to create an open and collaborative environment for you to lead and engage in online conversations that are aimed at making a positive change in women's economic … [Read more...]
Thailand to Scrap Luxury-Goods Tax to Lure China Travelers
Thailand to Scrap Luxury-Goods Tax to Lure China Travelers Thailand’s government said it will scrap import duties on luxury watches, clothes and cosmetics to help the country compete with Hong Kong and Singapore for wealthy travelers from markets including China. The duty on some luxury goods will be cut to zero from 30 percent by the end of the year, Permanent Secretary for Finance Areepong Bhoocha-Oom told reporters in Chonburi province. Thailand’s SET Index jumped 3.6 percent, as Minor … [Read more...]
KidZania, ‘get ready for a better world’
KidZania, the brainchild of Xavier López Ancona, a Mexican entrepreneur Kidzania is a family entertainment centre where children play adult roles in a child-sized replica of an actual city. KidZania is the brainchild of Xavier López Ancona, a Mexican entrepreneur who has always harbored a passion for entertaining and educating children. KidZania, Inc., headquartered in Mexico, is privately held. This award-winning concept is recognized globally for its unique blend of entertainment … [Read more...]
“Literacies for the 21st century”, Sept 10 (UK) Award Celebration
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2013 Literacy for all remains an elusive goal, new UNESCO data shows Over 84 percent of the world’s adults are now literate, according to the latest data from UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics (UIS). This represents an eight percentage point increase since 1990, but it still leaves some 774 million adults who cannot read or write. The new data released for International Literacy Day on 8 September, show that most of the world’s illiterate adults … [Read more...]
The International Children’s Peace Prize 2013
The International Children’s Peace Prize is awarded annually to a child who has made a significant contribution to advocating children's rights and improving the situation of vulnerable children such as orphans, child labourers and children with HIV/AIDS. The prize is an initiative of the KidsRights Foundation, an international children's aid and advocacy organisation based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. KidsRights should not be confused with the group which grants the Nobel Peace … [Read more...]
Brazil’s Next Generation of Wealth, Lorre White
As Brazil enters the global spotlight with the World Cup and Olympics on the horizon, an increasing number of luxury brands are looking at opportunities within the market. Brazil is the largest economy in South America and the eighth biggest economy globally. Following the 2009 recession, consumer and investor confidence revived and GDP growth reached 7.5% in 2010 – the highest growth rate in the past 25 years. The country has a tightly regulated, domestically focused, cash-rich economy, … [Read more...]
International Day of Charity, celebrated Sept. 5
UN marks first annual International Day of Charity #CharityDay Charity contributes to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding among people. Poverty persists in all countries of the world, regardless of their economic, social and cultural situation, particularly in developing countries. In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations … [Read more...]
Shakti Samuha, Nepal
We celebrate Shakti Samuha from Nepal 2013 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees. (Left to right) Laxmi Puri and Sunita Danuwar representing Shakti Samuha (Nepal), Gov. Habiba Sarabi (Afghanistan), Lahpai Seng Raw (Myanmar), Adnan Pandu Praja and Abraham Samad representing Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (Indonesia), and Dr. Ernesto Domingo (Philippines). Three individuals and two organizations who share the virtue of selflessness in working for their people’s welfare will receive the 2013 … [Read more...]
VDAY ‘Takes Action’ on Syria!
V-Day Statement Against Possible U.S. Military Intervention in Syria The situation in Syria is dire with 100,000 dead, over 2 million having fled the country (half of them children), and 4.25 million internally displaced. V-Day calls on you, our community, to rise and make our voices heard against military intervention, as such an action would simply bring about more violence and suffering. Today, we call on the U.S. to uphold the unconditional right of the Syrian people to … [Read more...]
JP Morgon’s ‘hiring nepotism in China’ under scutiny by SEC
Federal authorities have opened a bribery investigation into whether JPMorgan Chase hired the children of powerful Chinese officials to help the bank win lucrative business in the booming nation, according to a confidential United States government document. In one instance, the bank hired the son of a former Chinese banking regulator who is now the chairman of the China Everbright Group, a state-controlled financial conglomerate, according to the document, which was reviewed by The New York … [Read more...]
Unity in Diversity is the essence of Incredible India!
Nature, Culture and tradition - Unity in Diversity is the essence of India! Diversity is the very essence of India. Diversity of people and beliefs, region and religion, custom and tradition, flora and fauna, trades and occupations. Nowhere in the world can you find a country better known for its unity of all its diversities than India- a land of diversities and an amalgamation of cultural and traditional heritage. To quote Mark Twain what he said about India: “The land of … [Read more...]
AYI JIHU’S FEARCHASER™ FILM THE NEXT BIG THING?
IS AYI JIHU’S FEARCHASER™ FILM THE NEXT BIG THING? Ever since Fearchaser hit the scene in 2009/2010 it sparked a lot of interest worldwide. So much so it was turned into an online game on Adventure Quest Worlds http://www.AQW.com and 25 million out of 100 million subcribers worldwide played and enjoyed the game. The idea of a superhero who can see and fight your fears is unique indeed and seems to have captured the imagination of many around the world. Now it has spawned into a full … [Read more...]