Looking ahead at key events for development in 2014 As 2013 came full circle, DESA News got an exclusive interview with the department’s Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Wu Hongbo, who shared some of the past year’s gains as well as some highlights for an eventful and action-packed new 2014. “We will discharge our mandates […] and do whatever we can to make our work a success next year,” said Mr. Wu. During an intense and activity-filled 2013, UN DESA has worked in many … [Read more...]
Voices of Our Future 2013 Program is coming to an end!
December 7, 2013 by
The 2013 Voices of Our Future Program has come to a close, but our journey together to empower and lift one another's voices continues. Over the past six months, 31 courageous grassroots women have made the journey of a lifetime to become empowered leaders and loudspeakers for their communities. They have been emboldened by the powerful connections they have made with one another and with our amazing Editorial and Vision Mentors. The commitment and dedication that we have witnessed is a … [Read more...]
Millennium Development Goals, for people of all ‘abilities’
December 2, 2013 by
Opening the door for people of all abilities The global community took a giant step forward during the High-level Meeting on Disability and Development in September to break down barriers for the more than 1 billion persons living with some form of disability. With a historic outcome document adopted, this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to kick-off an action-filled course towards an inclusive society, embracing all human beings. 'About 15 … [Read more...]
Gender inequalities and HIV
December 1, 2013 by
According to the latest (2008) WHO and UNAIDS global estimates, women comprise 50% of people living with HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, women constitute 60% of people living with HIV. In other regions, men having sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDU), sex workers and their clients are among those most-at-risk for HIV, but the proportion of women living with HIV has been increasing in the last 10 years. This includes married or regular partners of clients of commercial sex, IDU and … [Read more...]
‘One Life – One Heart’, International Volunteer Day (Dec 5)
November 30, 2013 by
International Volunteer Day (IVD)- (December 5) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The International Volunteer Day is marked by many non-governmental organizations, including Red Cross, scouts and others. It is also marked and … [Read more...]
A new era of discussions on migration and development
October 2, 2013 by
For the second time in history, the General Assembly will convene a high-level event on 3-4 October, devoted to international migration and development at the United Nations. This meeting provides an opportunity for the international community to review progress since the first High-level Dialogue in 2006 and promote and advance the debate and cooperation in the field of migration and development. Governments are increasingly recognizing that partnership and cooperation are needed to leverage … [Read more...]
Ted Turner – MAN of ACTION™
July 18, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ is honored to Celebrate the Life of one of our world's most prolific leaders among men through our Celebration Tribute. This powerhouse has lead the way in many areas of business with a focus on media his entire life. We celebrate him here today for his magnificent generosity, actions that have changed the world of philanthropy forever, blazing a new path in our world. Globally recognized as a mogul of industry, this man of courage started his work in the … [Read more...]
The Arctic is Melting and you must Take Action NOW!
July 1, 2013 by
Wow, this is looking like the largest fundraiser in Avaaz history!! Scientists have found that vast areas of Arctic sea ice are disappearing, accelerating the destruction of our planet -- it is a climate tipping point and we CAN stop it, if we act very fast, and all together. We have 30 months until the biggest climate summit ever. To win it, we need to blast out of the starting gate. Click below to pledge a donation to help us get there: This may be the most important email I've … [Read more...]
Mary D. Moore is Taking Action for World Peace!
June 22, 2013 by
Throughout human history, war and violence defined whether territorial boundaries would expand or constrict. The Rule of Law seldom became the standard of societal life; too often, it was might over right. But evolution and the refinement of human morals and ethics have moved mankind, from the mid-20th century, to rise above the pattern of war and violence towards the higher invitation of sustainable peace and the rule of law. For that purpose, the United Nations was … [Read more...]
European Union and UN Women to fund initiatives for gender equality in Chile
June 14, 2013 by
Joint fund will support civil society projects to eliminate violence against women, foster women’s economic empowerment and promote women’s political participation and leadership Santiago, 14 June 2013 - The European Union and UN Women signed an agreement today establishing a joint fund to support projects from civil society organizations that promote gender equality in Chile. These projects will focus on three strategic areas: eliminating violence against women, women’s economic empowerment … [Read more...]
