World Water Day (part 2 of 2)

In 1992 the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22nd of each year as World Water Day. Countries are invited to devote the day to the conservation and development of water resources. As a result, conferences, round tables, seminars and exhibitions are held worldwide to promote public awareness of this global issue. In 2007, a grassroots initiative called the Tap Project was created, which helps UNICEF provide clean water to children around the world. Initially launched in New York City, the program will become a national event this year. And, in years to follow, the Tap Project will be an international resource of donations for UNICEF and World Water Day. In 2008, the UN World Water Day theme is the “Year of Sanitation”, with an overall goal of fostering economic and social development by accelerating progress of sanitation facilities. 38th ANNUAL UN PEACE BELL CEREMONY ON EARTH DAY ON THE EQUINOX THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008 1:48AM EDT (Equinox) CEREMONY BEGINS AT 1:15AM EDT Opening song, Let There Be Peace on Earth: by singer/songwriter Shije Sollid of Los Alamos, New Mexico (English/Spanish). Opening remarks by Kevin Sanders, Master of Ceremonies, including a Salute To ?Women for Peace?, a United Nations Delegates Women Club Project, and the women who stand up for peace, justice and the care of earth Welcoming remarks by Helen Garland, Chair, Earth Society Foundation, with comments on bell ringing at the Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand. Excerpts on the UN International Year of Planet Earth (2007-2009), a UNESCO initiative by Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, Director- General of UNESCO on the occasion ceremony for International Year of Planet Earth 12 February 2008.. Read by Kevin Sanders. Song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters? by German singer, songwriter, and human rights activist, Wolfgang Baron Von Hildebrandt. Message from John McConnell, the founder of Earth Day on the Equinox (March 20-21) and co-founder of the Earth Society Foundation, supported by the world renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead. Read by Kevin Sanders. Statement by Thomas C. Dowd, President of the Earth Society Foundation. Statement by Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury (Bangladesh) on the ?Culture of Peace.? Remarks by Aye Aye Thant, daughter, UN Secretary-General U Thant. Read by Kevin Sanders. Aye Aye Thant, President of the U Thant Institute is planning a series of events during the year 2009 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of her father, U Thant. Note: Cultural performers, including the Tarumi Violinists, will gather around the UN Peace Bell just before the bell ringing. The bell will ring three times followed by a Minute for Peace.? This is a moment for silent prayer, meditation, or reflection. Simultaneously, bells will ring around the world. Tap Project Mission Statement It’s our single most bountiful resource. Yet, water is a daily privilege millions take for granted. The little known truth is that lack of clean and accessible drinking water is the second largest worldwide killer of children under five. To address this situation, a nationwide effort is launching during World Water Week called the Tap Project, a campaign that celebrates the clean and accessible tap water available as an every day privilege to millions, while helping UNICEF provide safe drinking water to children around the world. The Tap Project. Beginning Sunday, March 16 through Saturday, March 22, restaurants will invite their customers to donate a minimum of $1 for the tap water they would normally get for free. For every dollar raised, a child will have clean drinking water for 40 days. As the world’s leading children’s organization, UNICEF understands the critical role water plays in a child’s survival. Currently, UNICEF provides access to safe water and sanitation facilities while promoting safe hygiene practices in more than 90 countries. By 2015, UNICEF’s goal is to reduce the number of people without safe water and basic sanitation by 50 percent. Tap Water Facts The Situation ? More than 5,000 children are dying every day as a result of water-borne diseases ? For each dollar spent on water and sanitation projects, the projected return on investment is from $3 to $34 How UNICEF Helps ? UNICEF works to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, while promoting safe hygiene practices in more than 90 countries around the world ? More than 1.2 billion people gained access to improved drinking water between 1990 and 2004 through UNICEF’s efforts, and about 1.2 billion gained access to improved sanitation facilities ? UNICEF’s goal is to cut the number of people without sustainable access to safe water and basic sanitation in half by 2015 World Water Rescue Foundation Good News Broadcast & “The Water Hour” present Pete Seeger says: “Water Not Weapons” 8:00 – 8:10 – Introduction by Joel Landy 8:10 – 8:20 – CECILIA St. King -> “Water Not Weapons” 8:20 – 8:30 – NYC “Raging Grannies” – 3 SUPER songs 8:30 – 8:40 – Emma Graves – 1 song -> “Thirsty” 8:40 – 8:50 – Jay Byrd & Peter Pasco – 1 song: “Cool, Clear Water” 8:50 – 9:00 – Speaker: Ken Gale -> “Water For Gotham – Chapter 2” INTERMISSION – 10 minutes 9:10 – 9:20 – Chris Lang – 1 song: “Clearwater” 9:20 – 9:30 – Jenny Hurwitz & Talbot Katz – 1 song: “Gotta Drink The Water” 9:30 – 9:40 – Harvey Newman – 1 song: “Water Is For Sharing” 9:40 – 9:50 – Ellen Osuma – Poem: “What Else Does Water Know?” 9:50 – 10:00 – Ray Korona – 2 songs: “Water – The Song” & “Toys For Peace” 10:00 – 10:10 – Caitlin O’Heaney – 1 song: “Mother’s Water” === -> Premier of Pete Seeger’s new song !!! 10:15 – Speaker – Chris Miller – Keynote Announcement Grand Finale -> Cecilia -> “Water Not Weapons” EVERYBODY ==>> “This Land Is Your Land”