World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100 The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a new United Nations report launched on 21 June. With roughly 83 million people being added to the world’s population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline. The World … [Read more...]
“Empowering Local Radios with ICTs”, UNESCO seeks evaluators
UNESCO invites external independent evaluators to assess the implementation of the project “Empowering Local Radios with ICTs” and to produce a mid-term external evaluation report. The report should evaluate the relevance of objectives and progress made to achieve them. It will be used by UNESCO to assess the implementation of activities gearing to results and consider adjustments. UNESCO, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is executing a … [Read more...]
WFP Helping Burundi’s Fight Against Malnutrition
Burundi (pronounced /bəˈɹʊndɨ/), officially the Republic of Burundi (Kirundi: Republika y'Uburundi, [buˈɾundi]; French: République du Burundi, [byˈʁyndi]), is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura. Although the country is landlocked, much of the southwestern border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika. The Twa, Tutsi and … [Read more...]
Mary Robinson marks a historic first as UN Special Envoy
UN WOMEN - Michelle Bachelet welcomes the appointment of Mary Robinson, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region of Africa As Ireland’s first woman President and the first female UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson’s passionate commitment to gender equality and human dignity led to major breakthroughs for women’s lives worldwide. I have no doubt that as the 'first woman' to be appointed as a UN Special Envoy, Ms. Robinson will continue to make … [Read more...]
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Patrick Maigua
An investigation carried out by the United Nations has revealed wide-ranging human rights violations committed by Congolese army soldiers and the fighters belonging to the M23 rebel group in the aftermath of the clashes for the control of Goma town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The atrocities are reported to have been carried out between 20th and 30th November in the town of Minova in South Kivu province. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says at least 126 women, including … [Read more...]
Women help lead the way in Rwanda’s transformation
Women help lead the way in Rwanda’s transformation Rwandans have been working tirelessly to rebuild their country since the 1994 genocide. Since then, the country has become one of the fastest growing economies on the African continent. Furthermore, women have now come to the forefront of national politics, making Rwanda the world's leader in the number of women parliamentarians. The advancement of women in Rwandan society is told in a documentary-style video launched by the UN … [Read more...]
‘Women, Peace and Security’ ~ Michelle Bachelet speaks in Norway
Women, Peace and Security Remarks of Michelle Bachelet United Nations Under-Secretary-General Executive Director of UN Women at panel discussion on 'Women, Peace and Security'. Litteraturhuset Oslo, Norway, 14 October 2011. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded last week to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, her compatriot Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman of Yemen: three women who courageously and tirelessly promote peace and democracy. The Nobel … [Read more...]
Democratic Republic of the Congo – Preventing HIV Infection
Democratic Republic of the Congo Preventing HIV Infection This week I am traveling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country that, while facing many challenges, is home to families who are seeking to build a better future. Health is an important part of a better future for the DRC, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a key example of a health care service that can strengthen families and communities. PMTCT provides a triple benefit: in addition … [Read more...]
Lancet Series: 2.6 million babies stillborn
2.6 million babies stillborn in 2009 New global and country estimates published in Lancet Series 14 April 2011 | Geneva -Some 2.6 million stillbirths occurred worldwide in 2009, according to the first comprehensive set of estimates published today in a special series of The Lancet medical journal. LANCET: http://www.thelancetglobalhealthnetwork.com / Every day more than 7200 babies are stillborn − a death just when parents expect to welcome a new life − and 98% of them occur in … [Read more...]