The post The Best Photos of 2013 appeared first on Good News!.

We know you receive many requests for contributions at this time of year, and we promise we won’t fill your inbox with any more appeals for donations. We just ask that you take one last look at the letter below and consider making a contribution to SeniorNet.

The post Last Call for 2013! – SeniorNet Giving appeared first on Good News!.

AAI Friends and Supporters,

We have launched our 2013 CrowdRise Holiday Challenge to support Human Trafficking Awareness - It's as easy as 1-2-3

1.  Join our team 
2. Share on Social Media - Tell the World!
3. Your action could Save a Life

Your tax-deductible donations directly support our campaign to take this to the global airline industry, teaching staff how to Recognize and Report suspected human trafficking.

The post 2013 CrowdRise Holiday Challenge appeared first on Good News!.

Dear Friends and Supporters of The Giving Back Foundation,First, we are delighted to tell you that the first Inaugural Gala of the Giving Back Foundation will take place in New York City at the Pierre Hotel on March 19, 2014.  The event is listed on our Website at www.TheGivingBackFoundation.net, and we will be updating you in a separate communication with all of the details very shortly!This is the last newsletter of 2013. We want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful Holiday season as we give thanks for all of you who are involved in the journey of Giving Back. God Bless you all from Meera Gandhi and The entire Giving Back Foundation Team! The Foundation is thankful for the continued support of our partners and affiliates. An update of The Foundation’s global humanitarian efforts during the past few weeks:   November 8, 2013: NEW DELHI and LONDON: SKYPE EXCHANGE Between GBF Affiliate Schools in London and New Delhi The Giving Back Foundation coordinated and sponsored the first International Skype Exchange between two of our partner schools for youngsters, St. Michael’s in New Delhi and St. George’s in London. The first Skype meeting was held between students at the two schools to promote international cultural understanding at the grammar school level, and to offer an interesting exchange to the young pupils on the merits of philanthropy and “Giving Back.” The children even sang a song to each other over Skype, in Hindi and in English. One of the children from St Michael’s India said “We can’t wait for next week to Skype again, this was so interesting and fun.” Special thanks to: Rev Timothy Shaw, Sunita Rana, Erin Medjoubi and Alan Berry for making this happen.   October 25th 2013: PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY: HOPE 2013 The Giving Back Foundation’s CEO and Founder Meera Gandhi delivered the keynote speech at Hope 2013, a philanthropic event in Princeton, New Jersey on October 25, 2013. Kabir Gandhi also accompanied his mum to the evening. Two extraordinary teenagers, Rachel and Matthew Asir, hosted a special fundraising dinner for over 250 guests that included sitar music and dance performances by Matthew and Rachel, to raise “funds for justice” for young immigrants in the United States. The funds are used to secure legal help for very young people, who, through no fault of their own, are often without any legal representation.   October 13th 2013: NEW YORK CITY: CHILDREN’S HOPE INDIA For the second year, The Giving Back Foundation was delighted to participate in Children’s Hope India in New York City on October 13, 2013, by bestowing grants to South Asian immigrant students attending Bernard Baruch University in Manhattan.   October 12th 2013: LONDON The Giving Back Foundation participated in and congratulates The Clinton Foundation for a very successful panel discussion and Q and A in London on Oct 12th with President Bill Clinton, Mrs Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. Many global humanitarian issues were discussed.   October 17th 2013: MIAMI The Giving Back Foundation is pleased to announce its new partnership with “Give to Colombia.” On Oct 12th, Angela Tafur Barco and her husband held an extraordinary gathering of like minded people in the Latin Community in Miami to support this cause. Angela Maria Tafur’s Give To Colombia (G2C) initiative, a US-based non-profit that creates and promotes alliances between international donors and colombian grassroots organizations; G2C delivers world-class expertise and services to colombian philanthropic activities.   October 12th 2013: LONDON Again, The Giving back Foundation and Meera Gandhi wish to thank and congratulate Mrs. Cherie Blair and her foundation for an excellent women’s event—bringing together women from all over the world in the English countryside to discuss global issues over tea. The evening concluded with a cookery demonstration where Mrs. Blair did mention that she herself enjoyed preparing meals for her family whenever she could. Bravo, to dear Cherie from all of us at the Giving Back Foundation.

The post The Giving Back Foundation Newsletter – Early Winter 2013 appeared first on Good News!.

See Some of the Hottest Custom Concept and
Performance Cars That Will Be On Display at the Show

Plus James Bell from GM Talks about Rubbing Elbows With NASCAR Royalty Jeff Gordon, Ron Fellows and Ricky Carmichael at the Star Studded Chevy Party

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is undoubtedly one of the coolest, hippest and cutting edge events of the auto industry. Filled with the hottest accessories and latest automotive innovations, this is the place to get the info on what will be hot on the highway next year. SEMA also draws the industry’s brightest minds – some of the racing industry’s most popular drivers to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center, where they certainly have a roaring good time!

In interviews on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, James Bell will be giving everyone a sneak peak at some of the items being unveiled and fill us in on the details from the big party at the Palazzo Hotel the night before where racecars drivers like Jeff Gordon, Ron Fellows, Ricky Carmichael and others celebrities were on hand to kick off the auto industry’s fashion week.

In this case, what happens in Vegas, doesn’t stay in Vegas – it’s bound for every street and highway in the US and beyond. More information is available at media.gm.com

Suggested Questions:
• Why is SEMA such an exciting show?
• What goes on there behind the scenes?
• Who did you see at last night’s party?
• What’s hot for the coming year?

About the Talent:

James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs, General Motors

With over 16 years of experience, James Bell is a nationally recognized and authoritative resource within the automotive industry. During his tenure, James has diligently analyzed and effectively communicated automotive data and research to multiple constituencies, including the national and international media, automotive manufacturers, dealers, and the every-day car shopper. His multifaceted experience has led to a unique perspective on the industry that easily crosses over the boundaries between the general consumer and passionate enthusiast. Prior to joining GM, James was Vice President of Corporate Communications and Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book. In this role, he was charged with promoting the KBB.com brand and driving traffic to its award-winning Web site. Bell also oversaw the company’s consumer communication efforts through social media and viral marketing platforms. In addition, he served as the company’s chief spokesperson with the media and has been featured on national television news shows on CNN, Fox News, CBS, NBC, national and local talk radio, as well as within the pages of both respected newspapers and automotive trade publications. James also served on the board of directors for the Motor Press Guild in Los Angeles and was President of this revered organization, the largest of its kind in the U.S., in 2010 and 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications and Political Science from California State University.

The post James Bell Brings us the Bling from the 2013 SEMA Convention appeared first on Good News!.

Good News Agency

A culture of peace is emerging in all fields of human endeavour 

Good News Agency carries positive and constructive news from all over the world relating to voluntary work, the work of the United Nations, non governmental organizations and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life – news that doesn’t “burn out” in the space of a day. It is distributed free of charge through Internet to 10,000 media and editorial journalists in 54 countries and to 3,000 NGOs and 1,500 high schools, colleges and universities.

It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, an educational charity associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information. It is a supporter of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace. In the final report of the Decade for a Culture of Peace project (2001-2010) provided to the UN Secretary-General for presentation to the UN General Assembly, Good News Agency is included among the three NGOs that have been playing an active role in the field of Information through Internet.

Contents

International legislation – Human rights – Economy and development – Solidarity

Peace and security – Health – Energy and Safety – Environment and wildlife

Religion and spirituality – Culture and education

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Unesco Chair on Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace

International legislation

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Côte d’Ivoire takes big step to end statelessness by acceding to conventions

October 4 – Côte d’Ivoire acceded to the international conventions on statelessness. This is one of the key measures the Ivorian government is taking to reduce the number of stateless people in the country. For decades, proof of Ivoirian citizenship has been a controversial socio-political issue. The government is now working to clarify thousands of cases of individuals of undetermined nationality. It recently approved a reform of the nationality law which will allow stateless people and others born in the country to apply for citizenship if they have resided there for decades. Côte d’Ivoire is the 20th state to accede to one or both UN stateless conventions since 2011, when UNHCR formally began a global campaign to promote these legal instruments.

http://www.unhcr.org/524eb1a76.html

Ban welcomes signing of Arms Trade Treaty by majority of UN members, including US

New York, September 25 – With 19 countries, including the United States, signing onto a new treaty regulating international trade in conventional arms today on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly high-level debate, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the total number of signatories now exceeded half of all United Nations Member States.

“Today, a number of countries signed the Arms Trade Treaty, pushing the total number of signatures to more than half of all Member States,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a <http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=7130> statement, noting that the Secretary-General, as depository of a treaty he deems important, welcomes every signature.  “It is of particular significance that the largest arms exporting country in the world, the United States, is now also among those countries who have committed themselves to a global regulation of the arms trade,” the spokesperson stressed. 

Among other provisions, the new treaty – which will enter into force once it receives 50 ratifications – includes a prohibition on the transfer of arms which would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity and certain war crimes.

The treaty was adopted by a vote in the 193-member General Assembly in April after the final UN Conference dedicated to the issue failed to garner consensus on a text. The signatures received so far today push the number of signatories to 107, with two more expected this afternoon.

The treaty regulates all conventional arms within the categories of battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers and small arms and light weapons. – For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

Saint Kitts and Nevis joins global Cluster Bomb Ban

September 14 – Saint Kitts and Nevis has become the latest country to join the Convention on Cluster Munitions, after depositing its instrument of accession on 13 September – the final day of the week long Fourth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention in Lusaka, Zambia.

This latest accession takes the total number of countries onboard this lifesaving humanitarian treaty to 113 and Saint Kitts and Nevis will become the 84th State Party to the ban when its accession enters into force on 1 March 2014.

Saint Kitts and Nevis participated in the Oslo Process that created the Convention, and has been present at the Fourth Meeting of States Parties hosted by Zambia. At the Lusaka meeting this week the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia, in his capacity as President of the Convention in the coming year, has committed to championing universalization of the Convention to ensure more countries join this life saving ban.

http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/news/?id=4425

Human rights

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Palestinian refugee children return to school in Lebanon, aided by UN and EU

October 4 – With their numbers swelled by the flow of refugees from Syria, tens of thousands of Palestinian children in Lebanon returned to school for the 2013/14 school year today with new learning and other materials provided by the United Nations and the European Union (EU). Some 40,000 students from 69 UNRWA schools across Lebanon, including 7,000 refugees displaced by the civil war raging inSyria, will receive the kits. UNRWA set up in 1949 after the foundation of Israel, provides education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance to 5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since 2005, the EU had provided 23.9 million Euros ($32.5 million) in support of UNRWA’s education programme.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46188&Cr=palestin&Cr1=#.UlAP9zNH7IU

‘Ark of Return’: Telling the stories of 15 million slaves in a UN permanent memorial

September 23 – A Manhattan-based architect of Haitian descent was today announced as the winner of an international competition to design a memorial that will be permanently on display at United Nations Headquarters in New York to honour victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.

Unveiling Rodney Leon’s ‘Ark of Return’, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the memorial “will serve as a reminder of the bravery of those slaves, abolitionists and unsung heroes who managed to rise up against an oppressive system, fight for their freedom and end the practice.”

The piece by Mr. Leon, a designer and architect of the African Burial Ground National Monument in lower Manhattan, features a “symbolic spiritual space and object where one can interact and pass through for acknowledgement, contemplation, meditation, reflection, healing, education and transformation,” according to its creator. Mr. Leon’s work was selected from among 310 design proposals from 83 countries in a competition launched two years ago by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with support from the UN Department of Public Information’s Remember Slavery Programme, and Member States from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45947&Cr=slavery&Cr1=#.UlA2tdIWUl_

Economy and development

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US$ 51 million IFAD loan to India for empowerment of tribal communities

October 4, Rome – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will provide a loan of US$51 million to the Republic of India to finance the Jharkhand Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Project. The project, with a total cost of US$115 million, will aim to improve the living conditions of tribal communities, especially the ‘particularly vulnerable tribal groups’ (PVTGs), across Jharkhand.

Jharkhand has a population of 33 million and is the 5°poorest state in the country. Close to 51.6% of rural people live below the poverty line. The key poverty drivers are the low productivity of subsistence farming, forest degradation and the lack of non-farm activities and opportunities.

The IFAD-supported project aims to enable 136,000 tribal households, including 10,000 PVTG households in 14 districts of the state. The project will foster community-based institutions to empower village communities, especially women; introduce sustainable natural resource management systems; and enhance food security and income by introducing improved farming practices and proven production technologies.

http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2013/46.htm

From obligation to desire: 2.5 billion aspirational consumers mark shift in sustainable consumption

New York, October 3 – A new global consumer study by BBMG, GlobeScan and SustainAbility confirms the rise of nearly 2.5 billion consumers globally who are uniting style, social status and sustainability values to redefine consumption. According to the report, The 2013 Aspirational Consumer Index, more than one-third of consumers globally (36.4%) identify as Aspirationals, defined by their love of shopping (78%), desire for responsible consumption (92%) and their trust in brands to act in the best interest of society (58%). The study draws from a telephone and in-person survey of 21,492 consumers across 21 international markets conducted in April 2013.

“Driven by young, optimistic consumers in emerging markets and amplified by technology and social media’s influence, Aspirationals represent a powerful shift in sustainable consumption from obligation to desire,” said Raphael Bemporad, co-founder and chief strategy officer at brand innovation consultancy BBMG.

“Aspirationals are materialists who define themselves in part through brands and yet they believe they have a responsibility to purchase products that are good for the environment and society,” said Eric Whan, Sustainability Director at GlobeScan. “By engaging Aspirational consumers, brands can further the shift toward more sustainable consumption and influence behavior change at scale.”

http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/36215-From-Obligation-To-Desire-2-5-Billion-Aspirational-Consumers-Mark-Shift-in-Sustainable-Consumption

FEED II project awarded in Ethiopia

Largest livestock population in Africa targeted

September 30 – ACD/VOCA’s successful work with Ethiopian smallholder livestock producers will continue thanks to a cooperative agreement worth almost $14 million awarded on Sept. 12 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The FEED II (FEED stands for Feed Enhancement for Ethiopian Development) project will increase livestock and poultry productivity by continuing to develop the animal feed sector.

Raising livestock is a major livelihood activity and source of income in Ethiopia. The country’s livestock population is the largest on the African continent, with an estimated 80 million cattle, sheep, goats and camels, and 32 million poultry. They account for 12-16 percent and 30-35 percent of total and agricultural GDP, respectively. Ninety percent of crop production is dependent on animal draft power. Livestock contribute to the livelihoods of 60-70 percent of Ethiopia’s population. The overall goal of FEED II is to increase the incomes of Ethiopian smallholder livestock producers by improving access to, and use of, consistent, affordable, high-quality animal feed that can support greater livestock and poultry productivity and efficiency.

http://www.acdivoca.org/site/ID/news-FEED-II-Project-Awarded-Ethiopia

Value chain project increases Egyptian farmer yields, income and trust

Public-private partnership strengthens Egypt’s tomato value chain

September 25 – A public-private collaboration of USAID, Heinz International, ACDI/VOCA and 13 Egyptian tomato-processing companies has more than doubled Egypt’s process tomato-growing season, made the country a net exporter of tomato paste and established strong business relationships between the country’s producers and processors.

The Agribusiness Linkages Global Development Alliance (GDA), a USAID-funded public-private partnership designed to strengthen process tomato production and value-added horticulture in Egypt, ended in July, having surpassed nearly all its original program goals, despite a program redesign, the invasion of a new and devastating tomato pest, and ongoing political turmoil.

Implemented by ACDI/VOCA, the project improved the capacity of smallholder producers to provide a large, consistent quantity of process tomatoes (tomatoes grown for processing) to Heinz International and 13 domestic processors who became buyers and signatories to forward contracts with tomato growers.

http://www.acdivoca.org/site/ID/news-Public-Private-Partnership-Strengthens-Egypt-Tomato-Value-Chain

Poverty declines as inequality deepens

By Thalif Deen

United Nations, September 25 (IPS) – As world leaders from 193 countries evaluate the successes and failures of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) during high-level meetings and special events here, the United Nations claims that extreme poverty worldwide has been cut in half.

The number of people living on less than 1.25 dollars a day fell from 47 percent in 1990 to 22 percent in 2010, five years ahead of the targeted 2015 deadline, according to the latest figures released Wednesday by the world body.  But much of the reduction in poverty – amounting to about 700 million people leaving the ranks of the indigent – has taken place in countries such as India, China and Brazil, which have huge populations. There are still 1.2 billion people still living in extreme poverty in most of the world’s poorer nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. But poverty alleviation has also resulted in the rise of a new middle class.

On the negative side, this has triggered mass social protests in Brazil, China, India, Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia. And this may be an unintended consequence of poverty eradication. Perhaps more importantly, poverty alleviation even in these countries may hit a dead end soon because of the widespread financial crisis worldwide – as currencies collapse and exports shrink. (…)

Sameer Dossani, advocacy coordinator, Reshaping Global Power at ActionAid, told IPS the United Nations, first and foremost, needs to move beyond the 1.25 dollars-a-day definition of poverty. “The roots of global crisis are the incredible concentrations of wealth and the failure of that money to trickle down,” he said. (…)

http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/09/poverty-declines-as-inequality-deepens/

Norway invests $23.7 million in crop diversity to help farmers face climate change

September 24, Muscat, Oman – The government of Norway has pledged $23.7 million to conserve and sustainably manage the world’s most important food crops, citing the critical need for crop diversity at a time when populations are soaring and climate change is threatening staples like rice and maize. “In just ten years we will have a billion more people at the global dinner table, but during that same time we could see climate change diminish rice production by 10% with a one degree increase in temperature,” said Marie Haga, Executive Director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, which will play a key role in distributing the funds.

The Norwegian investment is intended to facilitate greater collaboration internationally in the collection, conservation and utilization of seeds and plants. It adds to recent contributions from Italy and the European Union to help carry out the Treaty’s mission and another from the United States to help fulfill the Crop Trust’s endowment. The Treaty, which is hosted at FAO, is intended to help ensure farmers and researchers have access to a large diversity of seeds and other plant genetic material to address a variety of risks, including those caused by extreme weather and plant pests and diseases.

http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/197662/icode/

Cargill and CARE renew effort to fight hunger, improve incomes among smallholder farmers

New partnership extends multi-year, multi-country program that has helped more than 100,000 people improve their livelihoods

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, September 24 – Cargill and CARE today announced the renewal of a global partnership that is helping farmers and their families in developing countries increase their productivity and incomes, improve food security in their communities and better educate their children. The new three-year, $7.5-million partnership builds on the success of the Rural Development Initiative, a five-year, $10-million initiative begun in 2008 that has benefited the livelihoods of more than 100,000 people in India, Ghana, Cote d’IVoire, Egypt, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Brazil. 

In its first five years, the Rural Development Initiative has helped more than 42,000 children complete primary school, improved the health and nutrition of 30,000 children, trained more than 6,000 teachers and enabled more than 57,000 parents to better nourish and educate their children. In addition, technical assistance and training provided to farmers through the Rural Development Initiative has helped increase incomes for some 27,000 farmers and their families.

The next phase of the collaboration between CARE and Cargill will focus on projects in seven countries: India, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Egypt. The projects will continue the partnership’s focus on reducing chronic hunger, improving nutrition and empowering rural communities to address issues such as child labor and access to education.

http://www.care.org/newsroom/articles/2013/09/Cargill-and-CARE-renew-effort-to-fight-hunger-20130924.asp

Animals and low-tech gear give needy farmers a boost in Central Mozambique

September 17, Maputo – Farm animals and low-tech equipment are to be delivered to smallholder farmers in Manica and Tete Provinces by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The purchase of the machinery has been made possible by a donation of some US$54,000 from USAID. More than 200 special bicycles, adapted for use in rural areas, will be given to women farmers at a subsidized price so they can more easily reach local markets. With the assistance of Banco Opportunidade, a revolving fund will be established using the money paid for the bicycles to support other initiatives.

The donation has been made in support of WFP’s Purchase for Progress (P4P) programme, which aims to create markets for more than 21,000 farmers in Manica, Tete, Nampula, Zambézia and Sofala provinces. P4P is designed to build the capacity of farmers’ associations and smallholder farmers, enabling them to become more competitive and more productive.

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/animals-and-low-tech-gear-give-needy-farmers-boost-central-mozambique

Solidarity

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South Africa contributes to the fight against hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo

October 2, Kinshasa – The Republic of South Africa has announced a contribution of US$ 290,000 to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to assist displaced people facing food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).These funds will enable WFP to provide food assistance to 12,000 displaced families, or 60,000 people, for one month. Some 2.6 million people are currently displaced in DRC, mostly in the east of the country.

South Africa supports several humanitarian projects in DRC, notably those undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Health for the acquisition of diagnostic equipment for tuberculosis and the upgrading of key units of the country’s leading hospitals.

WFP plans to give some US$ 458 million worth of food assistance to 4.2 million vulnerable people in DRC between June 2013 and December 2015. WFP is currently facing a six-month shortfall of US$ 57 million for its operations in DRC.

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/south-africa-contributesto-fight-against-hunger-democratic-republic-congo

Mali: aid for half a million people in north of country

October 2 – With violence growing in intensity in the north, the ICRC and the Mali Red Cross are carrying out a vast programme of food aid for half a million displaced people and residents in the Kidal, Gao,Timbuktu and Mopti areas.

“The humanitarian consequences of the armed violence in the north of the country, combined with difficult weather conditions, are hitting civilians hard,” said Christophe Luedi, head of the ICRC delegation in Mali.  To help people meet their most urgent food needs and also regain some measure of self-reliance, the ICRC, working in cooperation with the Mali Red Cross and with the support of community leaders, continues to bring aid to the people hardest hit in the Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal areas.

These activities are being carried out in coordination with the other humanitarian organizations in the area, and with the technical support of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/update/2013/10-02-mali-update-distributions.htm

Telecom for Charity announces new design, website, video and commitment to effective socially responsible business

Telecom for Charity is poised to grow, announcing a new website and feature video out this week

New York, October 2 – Telecom for Charity (T4C) is an initiative that helps clients save on business telecommunications solutions while helping support nonprofit organizations: T4C donates 5% of clients’ monthly telecom expenditures to any charity of the client’s choosing. T4C seeks to increase charitable giving by introducing its unique embedded philanthropy model into the telecommunications procurement vertical.

The new website and video will help T4C share its message with potential clients and not-for-profit partners. The video, to be released this week on the Telecom for Charity website (www.telecomforcharity.org), is an animated short produced by Ecodeo Group, a digital media firm focused on environmental sustainability.

http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/36207-Telecom-for-Charity-Announces-New-Design-Website-Video-and-Commitment-to-Effective-Socially-Responsible-Business

Save the Children and IKEA Foundation collaborate on 24-hour emergency response initiative

Westport, Conn., USA, September 27 – In conjunction with this month’s UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, Save the Children and the IKEA Foundation have announced that they have signed a $1.75 million (1.3 million euros) global humanitarian partnership agreement for 24-hour emergency response, focusing on the most vulnerable children affected by a humanitarian crisis.

Through this innovative program, the IKEA Foundation ensures a speedy 24-hour approval of humanitarian response funding to Save the Children at the very onset of an emergency. This enables rapid deployment of humanitarian experts to the field, whereby Save the Children can enhance and strengthen its capacity to respond when disaster strikes.

At the onset of an emergency, the IKEA Foundation guarantees a decision 24 hours after receiving a funding application from Save the Children, whereby Save the Children can immediately allocate the funds to the response.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=8rKLIXMGIpI4E&b=8486805&ct=13333697&notoc=1

Brazil donates rice to WFP Refugee Operation in Ethiopia

September 24, Addis Abeba – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today received 1,513 metric tons of rice, valued at US$718,000, from the Government of Brazil to assist refugees living in various camps in Ethiopia.

“WFP is grateful for Brazil’s noteworthy contribution and keen interest in helping refugees who are unable to support themselves,” said Abdou Dieng, WFP Representative and Country Director in Ethiopia. “We also appreciate the support given by the Norwegian and Swiss governments for the transportation and delivery of the food to refugees”

Brazil has significantly increased its contributions to WFP in recent years, from US$1 million in 2007 to nearly US$83 million in 2012. Brazil has so far provided more than 23,000 metric tons of food, valued at $11.4 million to WFP’s operations in Ethiopia.

WFP Ethiopia is assisting 370,000 refugees who fled from Somalia, South Sudan and Eritrea. The organization aims to meet the basic nutritional needs of these families until conditions are ripe for them to return to their countries of origin.

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/brazil-donates-rice-wfp-refugee-operation-ethiopia

USA – Save the Children partners with Red Cross after flood

Organizations work together to meet the emotional needs of children recovering from disaster

Denver, Colo, USA, September 22 – The American Red Cross and national partner Save the Children have teamed up to help ease the trauma and impact of the recent floods on local children. In the initial days following the Colorado floods, the Red Cross worked with Save the Children to provide the “Child-Friendly Spaces” program in evacuation shelters to make the shelters more welcoming for child evacuees and families.

The program includes pre-packaged kits that contain equipment to mark off a special area for children, activity supplies (such as art materials, books, games and toys), and other materials to help ensure children’s safety and protection in shelters. These safe play areas allow children to play, socialize, and begin to recover from emotional distress and offer hundreds of children the chance to be kids again. The kid-friendly activities create a safe and supportive place for children to play with their peers and caring adults in the midst of the turmoil that surrounds them.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=8rKLIXMGIpI4E&b=8486803&ct=13317371

Japan helps support hunger relief in Zimbabwe

September 12, Harare – The Government of Japan has announced a contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) of more than US$4.2 million to boost food and nutrition security among some of the poorest families in Zimbabwe.

Japan’s support comes at a time of looming food crisis in the southern African country.  Some 2.2 million people will need food assistance between January and March 2014, according to a recent study undertaken by the Government of Zimbabwe in partnership with the United Nations and other organizations. The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) Rural Livelihoods Report estimates that one in four of the rural population could face hunger during the coming lean season. WFP and partners are preparing to assist some 1.8 million vulnerable people through food distributions and cash transfers beginning in October.

Japan’s contribution will help fund various WFP initiatives including programmes to assist vulnerable rural households until the next harvest and malnourished HIV/TB patients, women and children.

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/japan-helps-support-hunger-relief-zimbabwe

Peace and security

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Keeping fleeing Syrians safe from mines and UXO

October 2 – Around 59,000 Syrians have fled to northern Iraq over the past month in one of the biggest waves of refugees since the conflict began. As thousands flock into areas potentially riddled with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), MAG is helping to keep men, woman and children safe. The recent exodus has pushed the number of Syrian refugees in Iraq close to 200,000, creating desperate conditions. Following decades of conflict, northern Iraq is an area scattered with mines and other explosive weapons. Around 13 camps and centres are currently under construction in Iraq’s Kurdistanregion, many on the sites of former military bases and fortresses where potentially deadly items litter the ground.

So far, MAG has cleared land equivalent to almost 300 Wembley-sized football pitches to help provide shelter, water and basic amenities to Syrian refugees. By clearing more land so that camps can be built and expanded, MAG’s work is helping to ease the immense pressure on overcrowded facilities. Plans to extend the camp are under way. But with the whole area located on the plot of an old, sprawling military camp, the surrounding countryside also poses a threat.

As well as clearing land, MAG is helping to educate families in the camp about the risks.

http://www.maginternational.org/our-impact/news/keeping-fleeing-syrians-safe-from-landmines-and-uxo-/#.UlA5XNIWUl8

UN Convenes High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament

The overwhelming majority of countries condemned the continued existence of nuclear weapons and called for their banning and elimination at the first ever UN high-level meeting on nuclear disarmament on 26 September 2013. While some of the nuclear-armed states spoke disparagingly about the meeting’s importance, the rest of the international community demanded immediate action to remove the scourge of these weapons of terror once and for all.

The majority of participating states clearly voiced their frustration with the perpetual lack of progress and expressed their sense of urgency at achieving concrete goals. “Our collective efforts to move away from the nuclear abyss have remained too modest in ambition and brought only limited success,” warned the President of Austria. “Nuclear weapons should be stigmatized, banned and eliminated before they abolish us.”

In an attempt to counter this rising wave of states free of nuclear weapons asserting their agency over the nuclear disarmament question, the nuclear-armed states complained about “distractions” from “existing processes.” The nuclear-armed states, and some of their allies that still believe they “benefit” from nuclear weapons, argued that the step-by-step approach to disarmament is the “only” way forward.

Ray Acheson and Beatrice Fihn, “High-Level Meeting Issues Resounding Call for Banning and Eliminating Nuclear Weapons,” Reaching Critical Will, September 26, 2013

Source: Sunflower, October, http://www.wagingpeace.org/sunflower.php?issue=195

UNMAS Director inaugurates new Mine Action Projects in South Sudan

September 23 – This week, the Director of UNMAS, Ms. Agnes Marcaillou, visited South Sudan to meet with senior officials, tour recently launched mine action initiatives and inaugurate an armory newly refurbished. During the three-day visit, Ms. Marcaillou visited the Rajaf Police Training Center, where an UNMAS-led team of Irish military trainers, with the support of UN Police, is teaching South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers to safely dispose of conventional munitions.  The course, a first of its kind, will be taught to an additional six batches of students over the next 12 months.

Graduates of the intensive eight-week course will be able to respond to unexploded ordnance threats, forming a sustainable and readily deployable mine action capacity within the SSNPS.

http://www.mineaction.org/news/unmas-director-south-sudan

The German Federal Foreign Office supports landmine victims in Myanmar through donation to DanChurchAid

September 18 – Through the donation of EUR 150,000 the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) supports DanChurchAid (DCA) victim assistance efforts in Myanmar. Victim Assistance efforts enable victims of armed conflict and violence to be reintegrated into society. In Myanmar, DCA offers direct support to victims – e.g. prosthetic legs – and encourage duty bearers to support and assist victims. The donation from GFFO will contribute to this work by ensuring the continued operation of DCA’s mobile prosthetic limb clinic, which assists victims of landmines who have little to no access to similar services offered elsewhere in the country.

http://www.danchurchaid.org/news/news/the-german-federal-foreign-office-supports-landmine-victims-in-myanmar-through-donation-to-danchurchaid

Health

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Italian Red Cross provides psychosocial support after boat tragedy in Lampedusa

October 4 – On Wednesday morning, a boat carrying 500 migrants sank off the Italian island of Lampedusa. More than 110 are confirmed dead, but hundreds more people are missing from the boat. The Italian Red Cross has been providing assistance and psychosocial support to the 155 survivors and those affected. Alessandra Diodati, a worker for the Italian Red Cross who is responsible for the social aspects of the Praesidium project on Lampedusa, said psychosocial support was a vital aspect of the society’s operations at times like this.

On the island of Lampedusa, the Praesidium project monitors the arrival of immigrants. “We are always there for landings,” said Diodati. “These days, we have decided to increase our provision of psychosocial support, together with other organizations operating here on Lampedusa. From now on, a psychologist will be available at the reception centre, both for the survivors as well as any of those working here who need psychosocial support following the tragedy.

“People experience a variety of states, from disbelief to feelings of guilt for having made it while not being able to help others,” Diodati said. Managing these feelings becomes all the more difficult when you arrive in a country where people speak a different language. The Italian Red Cross will provide an Eritrean interpreter to help overcome the language barrier.

http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/news-stories/europe-central-asia/italy/italian-red-cross-provides-psychosocial-support-after-boat-tragedy-in-lampedusa-63479/

Syria: MSF provides emergency care to families fleeing to Iraq

October 2 – Every day, thousands of people continue to flee the violence in Syria. Since the conflict began, over two million Syrians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been working in northern Iraq to respond to this situation since May 2012. Some 60,000 refugees from Syria have crossed the border into the Kurdish region of Iraq since it reopened on 15 August after being closed for three months. On the day it reopened, 7,000 people crossed the border; in the month since then, some 800 Syrians were crossing each day.

Since mid September, the border has again been closed for two weeks before opening again. MSF is preparing its teams at the border and in the surrounding camps to respond to any large influx of people.

Most of the Syrian refugees arrive at the border on foot after a long journey through a desert valley in intense heat, having left everything behind: family members, homes and belongings. Teams from MSF have set up health posts on both sides of the border, providing medical consultations and distributing water to refugees waiting to be transferred to a number of transit camps which are currently being set up in Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniya governorates.

http://www.msf.org/article/syria-msf-provides-emergency-care-families-fleeing-iraq

Senegal provides free access to health services for 2.5 million under-five children

On 1 October 2013, Senegal launched its initiative providing free of charge access to health services to children under five. As many as 2.5 million Senegalese children will benefit from this measure that aims at accelerating reduction in child mortality by 2015, particularly for the poorest. During the first phase, started October 1st, parents of children aged zero to five will no longer pay for consultations, vaccination and hospitalization at health centers and hospitals. A significant service package will be offered free of charge, including treatment of malaria, pneumonia, diarrheal diseases (with ORS and zinc), severe acute malnutrition and pediatric HIV, in addition to vaccination services.

http://www.unicef.org/media/media_70562.html

Oversight Board reaffirms unflagging commitment

Statement by heads of agencies of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative

On 26 September, the Polio Oversight Board (POB) – made up of the heads of Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and senior leadership of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation— met for the first time with donors such as Norway, the US, Canada, Japan and the Islamic Development Bank, and other key stakeholders such as the Nigerian and Pakistani governments and the GAVI Alliance, to review progress against the GPEI’s Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018, launched earlier this year.

The POB’s mandate is to provide strong, active leadership of the global polio eradication program and to maintain the highest levels of accountability and transparency among the GPEI’s core agencies.

Last September, during the UN General Assembly, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joined heads of state from Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, as well as donor government officials and donors from the public and private sectors, to commit the political leadership needed to stamp out polio forever. Earlier this year, the World Health Assembly unanimously approved a six-year Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan to achieve a polio-free world by 2018. World leaders had previously met in Abu Dhabi to pledge US$4 billion in support of the plan, more than three-quarters of its projected cost.

http://www.polioeradication.org/MediaRoom/Newsstories.aspx

Indian philanthropist boosts Rotary’s push to end polio with new US$ 1 million gift

September 19 – Indian philanthropist and businesswoman Rajashree Birla has announced a new gift of US$1 million to Rotary to help eradicate polio. The gift brings her total contributions to the Rotary effort to more than $7.2 million.

What’s more, this gift will be matched two-for-one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, resulting in $3 million in new funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Rotary is a leading partner in the GPEI, especially in advocating government and donor support, fundraising, and building public awareness. Through the End Polio Now: Make History Today fundraising campaign, the Gates Foundation is matching two-for-one every new dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication, up to $35 million per year, from 2013 through 2018.

Birla’s gift underscores India’s commitment to remain polio free. India — which some experts believed would be the last nation to beat polio — hasn’t recorded a case of the disease since January 2011.

https://www.rotary.org/en/indian-philanthropist-boosts-rotary%E2%80%99s-push-end-polio-new-us1-million-gift 

Atfaluna is unique center of support for deaf, Gaza

September 9 – ANERA began its long partnership with Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Gaza in 1993 through scholarship and training programs, which provided a whole range of vital services for deaf children and adults – from classroom to office.

Twenty years later, the ANERA-Atfaluna partnership is thriving.

ANERA recently constructed an additional floor for Atfaluna’s building and added a science lab. The audiology and speech therapy clinics were renovated and expanded. Two additional rooms for audiology tests and speech therapy were added to the audiology center, which now meets international standards.

http://www.anera.org/stories/atfaluna-is-unique-center-of-support-for-deaf-in-gaza/

Malawi: Boosting infants’ health through improved complementary feeding practices and recipes from locally available foods

In Malawi, official statistics for malnutrition are alarmingly high with most statistics showing very little improvement over the last 30 years. FAO, with funding from the Government of Flanders through the Flanders International Cooperation Agency (FICA),  is collaborating with the government of Malawi in a project entitled Improving Food Security and Nutrition Policies and Programme Outreach (IFSN). One component encapsulates a comprehensive nutritional education programme targeting families with infants between 6-24 months to prevent malnutrition. The nutritional education programme has a specific component focusing on the development of improved complementary feeding practices and recipes using locally available foods.

The project aims to reach out to 15,000 food insecure households and provide educational and training support to 31,500 households and 10,500 school children in all impact areas by the end of its life span.

http://www.fao.org/in-action/malawi-boosting-infants-health/en/

Energy and safety

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1st U.S. Impact & Sustainable Trade Mission attracts over 100 European Limited Partners

London, October 4 – Watershed Capital Group along with the United States Department of Commerce concluded the first U.S./European Impact & Sustainable Private Equity Certified Trade Mission. Over 100 European Limited Partners met with the first-of-its-kind trade delegation of 10 US-based fund managers operating in the impact and sustainable sectors including clean energy, green consumer products, base of the pyramid, organic farmland, sustainable timber, and gender and financial inclusion investment strategies.

Based on the success of this trade mission, Watershed Capital Group is planning future trade missions. The U.S. delegation traveled to Zurich, Amsterdam, and London. The U.S. Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, and the G8 each have established initiatives around Impact Investing and recognize Impact Investing as an emerging investment strategy that seeks to generate positive environmental and social benefits along with financial return.

http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/36209-1st-U-S-Impact-Sustainable-Trade-Mission-Attracts-Over-100-European-Limited-Partners-

Industry drives new eco-rating scheme for mobile devices

Geneva, 27 September – Experts attending last week’s ITU Green Standards Week have called for a new, globally aligned eco-rating scheme for mobile devices. The proposed eco-rating scheme would extend across networks, manufacturers and national boundaries and empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on a standardized assessment of a mobile phone’s environmental impact. Organizations working with ITU’s Standardization Sector on the new scheme include device makers Alcatel-Lucent, Apple, BlackBerry, Fujitsu, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung, operators AT&T, Orange, KPN, Telefónica and Vodafone, and industry partners including the GSMA.

For industry, the new scheme will mark a simplification of the process of gathering and processing eco-efficiency information. For consumers, it will provide an easy-to-understand, credible rating that allows them to choose mobile devices with a lower environmental impact.

http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2013/40.aspx#.UlJ2BVxH5Ms

USA – “Fukushima…Diablo, Now What?” – October 24, Santa Barbara University Club

The UNA,Santa Barbara and Tri-Counties Chapter, is inviting non-profits, media, and concerned businesses to collaborate in developing strategies for understanding and responding appropriately to the unfolding catastrophe at Fukushima. Town meeting 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

100 invited guests from the media, non-profit organizations, business leaders, civic organizers and international scholars will collaborate and explore the ongoing crisis of Fukushima which has already had international dimensions. Piloting Through Chaos author, Julian Gresser will present the methodologies for anticipating catastrophe and dealing with risk and contingency, for these challenges of our times. Attorney, Douglas Gillies will facilitate the discussion. 

http://unasb.org/

Environment and wildlife

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Cod, coral and seabirds protected from the threat of oil

Norway, October – The new government of Norway has committed to protecting valuable areas of the ocean from being impacted by petroleum activities, putting the value of nature in front of the need for oil. “This is not just a victory for all of us who have spent countless hours and years fighting for it. It is first and foremost a great victory for nature, including cod, seabirds, the world’s largest coldwater coral reef, and for renewable jobs and the transition to a 100% renewable society,” said Nina Jensen, CEO of WWF-Norway. 

During 2013 WWF-Norway ran a campaign to keep the coasts of Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja free from oil and gas exploration. Oil and gas activity in this area would threaten the world’s largest cod stock, the world’s largest cold water coral reef and mainland Europe’s biggest seabird colony. Uncertainty grew during the Norwegian election campaign on whether a new government would open up areas of Lofoten, temporary protected since 2001, for oil drilling as a reaction to pressure from the industry.  But minority parties fought hard to ensure a permanent ban was in place to prevent any oil drilling and ensure these areas remain oil-free.

http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?211092/Cod-coral-and-sea-birds-protected-from-the-threat-of-oil

Building islands in seas for the sea’s oxygen

Idea Dream – Robert Muller’s Ideas ~ Idea 3215   

3 October (Good Morning World) – Someday humans will build islands in the middle of the seas and oceans for people to settle there and survive on the oxygen produced by the seas and oceans (three quarters of all oxygen of this planet).  Builders are bound to rush into the empty spaces of the seas and oceans.  I am surprised that they have not yet done so.

http://robertmuller.org/ideas/

U.S. Forest Service to revaluate Big Thorne timber sale due to effects on wolves and deer

October 1, Juneau, AK – The U.S. Forest Service has announced that it will require a more critical review on the “Big Thorne” timber project before the agency can move forward. Big Thorne is the largest timber sale in the Tongass National Forest since the pulp mill days. The decision on the appeal requires the Forest Service to reexamine the impacts of such large-scale logging on Prince of Wales Island on the deer and Alexander Archipelago wolf populations. Southeast Alaskans hailed the decision while calling on the Forest Service to drop the project permanently and refocus priorities away from large-scale old-growth logging.

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2013/u-s-forest-service-to-reevaluate-big-thorne-timber-sale-due-to-effects-on-wolves-and-deer

Major reductions of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock within reach – UN agency

September 26 – Wider use of available best practices and technologies could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector by as much as 30 per cent, according to a new study released today by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The report, “Tackling climate change through livestock: A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities,” represents the most comprehensive estimate to date of livestock’s contribution to global warming, as well as the sector’s potential to help tackle the problem. According to the agency, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with livestock supply chains add up to 7.1 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) per year – or 14.5 per cent of all human-caused GHG releases. The main sources of emissions are: feed production and processing (45 per cent of the total), outputs of GHG during digestion by cows (39 per cent), and manure decomposition (10 per cent). The remainder is attributable to the processing and transportation of animal products, the agency stated in a news release.

ECOWAS ministers adopt Forest Convergence Plan for West Africa

Ministers in-charge of forests and wildlife from member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have adopted the Convergence Plan for the Sustainable Management and Utilization of Forest Ecosystems in West Africa and the Sub Regional Action Programme for Combating Desertification in West Africa at a meeting held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on 12 September. According to FAO’s statistical data, forests in West Africa are receding at an alarming rate of 19% over the last ten years, a loss of about 870,000 hectares per year between 2000 and 2010. The main factors causing deforestation in the sub-region are not limited to uncontrolled logging, bushfires, extensive farming, land use conflict but also political, legal, institutional, technical and economic challenges.

Sub-regional institutions in the forestry and wildlife sectors, with the support of international intergovernmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations, initiated the West Africa Forest Dialogue process leading to the development of the Convergence Plan. The process was an answer to the need in the sub-region regarding the poor cooperation between West African countries in the area of forest and wildlife management. FAO provided technical support to the process through a Technical Cooperation Project which was implemented in collaboration with the ECOWAS.

http://www.fao.org/highlights/from-the-field/detail/en/c/196908/

Religion and spirituality

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Nuclear abolition guide for religious communities

The Basel Peace Office has developed a resource guide for Religions for Peace, a global coalition of representatives of the world’s major religions. The guide outlines the nuclear threat and describes the important contributions that religious communities can make to the movement to abolish nuclear weapons.To download a copy of the full guide, click here.

http://www.wagingpeace.org/sunflower.php?issue=195

Saluting Swami Vivekananda – Chicago celebrates birth of interfaith – November 16

The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions is thrilled to welcome Chicago-area Vivekananda Vedanta Society’s Swami Varadananda, one of three co-founding trustees of CPWR, to our Living Out The Vision anniversary program and benefit dinner on November 16 in Chicago. Varadananda will honor Vivekananda, the Hindu saint and historical luminary whose conviction about harmony among the world’s religions was first heard by the west at 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions.

Initially inspired by Vivekananda, the formation of the modern CPWR is credited to the dream of three monks of Vivekananda’s order, the Vedanta society. Their decision to expand the 100-year commemoration of Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 speech Hindu celebration to an interfaith Parliament mobilized several Chicago religious communities which would become the CPWR’s Chicago champions.

http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/

Culture and education

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OPCW “great choice” for Nobel Peace Prize

Stockholm, 11 October – The Norwegian Nobel Committee just announced that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) receives this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The news comes two weeks after Paul Walker, an expert for chemical weapons and their global elimination was named a recipient of the 2013 Right Livelihood Award “for working tirelessly to rid the world of chemical weapons”.

Walker has been cooperating closely with the OPCW since its inception. He has engaged government leaders, NGOs, think tanks and citizens’ groups around the world to work towards full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and for a world free from the dangers of chemical weapons. Walker also led the effort to establish the CWC Coalition, an international NGO network to support the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW.

Contact: Right Livelihood Award Foundation, Birgit Jaeckel, birgit@rightlivelihood.org

http://www.rightlivelihood.org/news.html

Palestinian refugee children return to school in Lebanon, aided by UN

October 4 – With their numbers swelled by the flow of refugees from Syria, tens of thousands of Palestinian children in Lebanon returned to school for the 2013/14 school year today with new learning and other materials provided by the United Nations and the European Union (EU).

Some 40,000 students from 69 UNRWA schools across Lebanon, including 7,000 refugees displaced by the civil war raging in Syria, will receive the kits. UNRWA set up in 1949 after the foundation of Israel, provides education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance to 5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since 2005, the EU had provided 23.9 million Euros ($32.5 million) in support of UNRWA’s education programme. As one of the largest UNRWA partners in education and health for children, UNICEF has provided $1.03 million since 2011 for learning support activities, including the back-to-school kits. Education, protection and health assistance has totalled nearly $1.2 million in 2013 alone.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46188&Cr=palestin&Cr1=#.UlJpeVxH5Ms

2013 Right Livelihood Laureates secure fundamentals of human life

The Awards will be presented at a ceremony in the Swedish Parliament on December 2

Stockholm 26 September – The 2013 Right Livelihood Awards go to four recipients. The Laureates will equally share the cash award of SEK 2 million (ca. EUR 230,000). The Jury awards:

– Paul Walker (USA) “for working tirelessly to rid the world of chemical weapons”.

– Raji Sourani (Palestine) “for his unwavering dedication to the rule of law and human rights under exceptionally difficult circumstances”.

– Denis Mukwege (Democratic Republic of Congo) “for his courageous work healing women survivors of war-time sexual violence and speaking up about its root causes”.

– Hans R. Herren/Biovision Foundation (Switzerland) “for his expertise and pioneering work in promoting a safe, secure and sustainable global food supply”.

The 2013 Right Livelihood Awards were announced today at a press conference in Stockholm by Ole von Uexkull, Executive Director, Dr. Juliane Kronen (Germany) and Marianne Andersson (Sweden), board members of the Right Livelihood Award Foundation.

The Awards will be presented at a ceremony in the Swedish Parliament on December 2, 2013, at 4 pm, hosted by the Society for the Right Livelihood Award in the Swedish Parliament.

www.rightlivelihood.org

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When Good News Agency has a tangible evidence that civil society, NGOs, enlightened institutions are making the difference, than we have An Outstanding Story  to share with our readers. This fine piece of writing by Professor Emer. Dimitra Papadopoulou substantiates her vision for a culture of peace.

ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI

UNESCO CHAIR ON EDUCATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS,  DEMOCRACY AND PEACE

UNESCO/UNITWIN Award 2002 

by Professor Emer. Dimitra Papadopoulou,

UNESCO Chairholder – September 2013

The UNESCO Chair on Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (henceforth A.U.Th.) was established in the beginning of 1997, by a bilateral Agreement between UNESCO and A.U.Th. The “Chair” is attached to the A.U.Th., which is the largest University of Southeast Europe with 11 Faculties, 41 Schools, 2.300 Faculty Members and about 75.000 students.

The purpose of the UNESCO Chair is, according to Article 2 of the Agreement, “to promote an integrated system of research, training, information and documentation activities in the field of human rights, peace and democracy at local, sub-regional and regional level”.  The “Chair” aims at promoting the values of a Culture of human rights, peace and non violence within the University, as well as to the other two educational levels (primary and secondary education) in order to increase the awareness and sensitivity of academics, students and public opinion to them.

This “Chair” is the product of the development and institutionalization of two earlier initiatives:  a) the Peace and Human Rights Education Programme which was introduced by Professor Dimitra Papadopoulou in the School of Psychology/A.U.Th. in 1986, and expanded in 1993-94 to an interfaculty interdisciplinary programme, and b) the educational activities of the Institute of Education for Peace, a greek NGO, founded by Prof. D. Papadopoulou in 1986.

Main Activities

The UNESCO Chair of the A.U.Th. maintains a profile of academic-educational as well as community-oriented activities. Academic activities entail an undergraduate and a graduate course, whereas community oriented ones involve specific actions ranging from training courses, conferences and seminars to cultural events (art exhibitions, concerts, theatre etc.).

Since 1997, the UNESCO Chair has focused its activities on introducing and promoting in the University, as well as in primary and secondary education curricula, the concepts of human rights and peace, as well as the values of the Culture of Peace. The aim of these activities is to sensitise various target groups or the public at large on issues of human rights, peace, non-violence, democratisation, etc.

1. The academic activities of the UNESCO Chair constitute an essential part of its presence and work at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In the context of its academic work, the UNESCO Chair runs two Academic Programmes on Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace:

At the undergraduate level, the UNESCO Chair organizes and runs an interfaculty interdisciplinary programme on Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace entitled: “Contemporary world problems and the scientist’s responsibility:  an interdisciplinary approach“, which is offered to students of almost all Schools of the Aristotle University. The Programme is based on invited lecturers from various University Schools who contribute on a voluntary basis.  Until now (1994-2013) more than 120 academics have taught in this Programme, coming from about 37 Schools of A.U.Th (Schools of Psychology, Philosophy, Pedagogy, Law, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Biology etc.) as well as from other Universities of Greece (University of Thessaly, University of Ioannina, University of Aegean, etc.).

The Programme is designed and directed by the UNESCO Chairholder Professor Dimitra Papadopoulou.   

Over 5000 students have already taken this course, attending lectures on more than 100 different subjects, such as: · various aspects of global environmental problems, · issues related to natural resourcesand their distribution, · international organizations and their contribution to the solution of international problems, · international efforts for the protection of human rights, · positive and negative uses of nuclear power, · chemical and biological warfare, · AIDS, · drugs, · child neglect and abuse, · illiteracy, · social exclusion, · a culture of peace and non-violence, · homeless children, · racism andxenophobia, · refugees, · the UNESCO programmes towards a culture of human rights and peace, · intercultural dialogue, etc.

At the postgraduate level, the UNESCO Chair participates since 1998 in the European Master Programme on Human Rights and Democratization, which is co-organized by 41 Universities from all Member-States of the European Union. The UNESCO Chair of the Aristotle University is one of the founding Universities of this M.A. Programme and serves as the coordinating University for Greece.

The lectures given in the UNESCO Chair/A.U.TH. focus on the following three thematic areas:

a. Issues of Peace and Human Rights Education. Towards a Culture of Peace

b.  Contemporary World Problems and the Scientist’s Responsibility

c.   Human Rights, Issues of International Law and International Relations

Within the framework of this M.A. Programme, a wide exchange of graduate students takes place at a pan-European level. Thirty one (31) Μaster Theses have been elaborated so far by the “Chair” foreign M.A students, many of which have won distinctions on a pan-European level.

Some of the Theses’ topics elaborated in the UNESCO Chair are the following:

·      “Musical declarations of Human Rights: An investigation into how music can be used as a tool for Human Rights awareness raising”, 2006

·      “Diversity and norm evolution: At the crossroads of human rights and democracy“, 2010

·      “Non-violent Conflict Resolution Methods and Education as a Contribution Towards a Culture of Peace in Schools Situated in Greece”, 2012

·      “Writing the history of violence anew: transitional justice and reconciliation through children’s narrative”, 2013

During the period 1998-2013, the UNESCO Chair/A.U.Th. M.A. Programme has been attended by students from eighteen (18) countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Romania, Ireland, Turkey, China, Rwanda, Guatemala etc.

Forty-one (41) professors from 12 Schools of A.U.Th. and other Greek Universities, as well as representatives of International Organisations (UNESCO, UNICEF), have taught and supervised students’ Theses in this postgraduate course offered every year by the UNESCO Chair/A.U.Th.

2. The “Chair” cooperates also with primary and secondary school teachers of all scientific fields throughout the country, with the aim of promoting and cultivating the values of a Culture of Peace in schools. For this purpose, the “Chair” has created the National Network of Schoolteachers for a Culture of Peace and Non Violence, which enjoys the active participation of a large number of teachers.

3. The UNESCO Chair has also been collaborating with the National Armed Forces. The collaboration consisted in the delivery of lectures and documents concerning issues of Education for Human Rightsand Peace, as well as the Culture of Peace, to Armed Forces personnel, soldiers and the public.

4. Since 1998, in order to disseminate the values of Human Rights and Peace and the Culture of Peace, the UNESCO Chair organizes Conferences (National and International) and Symposia on topics such as:

“50 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 – 1998”, May 14-17, 1998.

“Towards a Culture of Human Rights and Peace. The Role of the Universities”, International Interdisciplinary Conference, December 2-4, 1999.

“The Role of Teachers in the Culture of Human Rights and Peace”, National Interdisciplinary Conference, December 14-16, 2001.

“Children’s rights: violations and protection. International Conventions and actions in the field”, Symposium, April 4, 2008

“Immigrants in Greece: Realities and Perspectives”, National Conference, December 18, 2008

“2011–International Year of Volunteers: Inspiration, Action, Social Change”, National Conference, May 4, 2011

5. Recognizing the eminent role of art in the promotion of human rights and peace and the importance of NGOs for the dissemination of these concepts in society, the UNESCO Chair, in co-operation with theInstitute of Education for Peace, has organised, since 1998, a series of cultural events such as concerts, childrens’ painting exhibition, dance festival etc.

The UNESCO Chair links the University of Thessaloniki with International Intergovernmental Organisations (UNESCO, UNICEF etc.), with the Global Network of 772 UNESCO Chairs and 68 UNESCO/UNITWIN Networks (in 840 Universities and Institutions located in 132 countries), with the Network of 41 European Universities which co-organize the Master’s Programme on Human Rights andDemocratization, as well as with many International and Greek NGOs.

The numerous and multidimensional activities of the UNESCO Chair of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are based on a wide range of co-operations with various institutions, networks, Universitiesand individuals, such as academics, teachers, artists, students and citizens. It is a key principle of the UNESCO Chair to expand its activities in order to reach and sensitize as many Target Groups as possible to global problems and questions.

The activities of the UNESCO Chair have a very strong impact on the students of the A.U.Th. The fact that approximately 5000 students have attended the Chair’s interdisciplinary courses since 1997, illustrates its ability to draw their attention and interest to major global issues.

It is worth noting that the UNESCO Chair’s activities are not limited inside the academic community, but extend to the rest of the society as well. Through its various Conferences, Round Tables, educational interventions etc, the UNESCO Chair manages to attract a variety of audiences and raise public awareness about the above mentioned issues.

All the activities of the UNESCO Chair, as well as its administration, are carried out by volunteers (University professors, teachers of primary and secondary education, students, members of NGOs, etc.) who offer their time and knowledge for free.

In 2002, UNESCO awarded the UNESCO Chair/A.U.Th. the UNESCO/UNITWIN International Award for its educational / academic work because, in the wording of the Awarding Decision, “…the UNESCO Chair at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, illustrates the great potential of Higher Education to contribute to attaining the constitutional mission of UNESCO: “to construct peace in the minds of men and women”.

Information:

UNESCO Chair on Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace
Director: Dr. Dimitra Papadopoulou, Professor Emeritus,

School of Psychology/A.U.Th.

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Next issue: 15 November 2013

Good News Agency is published monthly (except August) in English, Italian and Portuguese. Past issues are available at www.goodnewsagency.org . Rome Law-court registration no. 265 dated 20 June 2000.Managing Editor: Sergio Tripi (sergio.tripi@goodnewsagency.org). Editorial research by Fabio Gatti (fabio.gatti@goodnewsagency.org), Chiara Bartoletti, Elisa Minelli, Elisabetta Pacifici, Isabella Strippoli. Webmaster and media and NGO coverage: Simone Frassanito (simone.frassanito@goodnewsagency.org) 

Good News Agency is distributed free of charge through Internet to 10,000 media and editorial journalists of the daily newspapers and periodical magazines and of the radio and television stations in 54 countries,  to 3,000 NGOs, 1,500 high schools, colleges and universities, as well as over 24,000 Rotarians in the world.

It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, a registered, not-for-profit educational charity chartered in Italy in 1979 The Association operates for the development of consciousness and promotes a culture of peace in the ‘global village’ perspective based on unity in diversity and on sharing. It is based in Via Antagora 10, 00124 Rome, Italy. The Association is a member of the World Association of Non Governmental Organizations and of the Union of International Associations.

The post Good News Agency – year 14th, no. 217 – 11 October 2013 appeared first on Good News!.

Acclaimed director Mira Nair receives the Third Annual Giving Back Award from CEO Meera Gandhi

Meera Gandhi, CEO and Founder of The Giving Back Foundation, presented the 3rd Annual Meera Gandhi Giving Back Award to acclaimed film director Mira Nair at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 5, 2013. In the presentation during the Maverick Awards gala evening in Woodstock, New York, Meera Gandhi said that that the Giving Back spirit must be kindled in all walks of life.

Meera Gandhi presented the Giving Back award and $5000 Cash honorarium to Ms. Nair. The award is given each year to the director, producer or actor who best delivers a message of social change and a strong compassion for philanthropy.
Mira Nair, one of the icons of filmmaking, is best known for her directorial brilliance with such legendary films as Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay, Vanity Fair, The Namesake, and her most recent film, the Reluctant Fundamentalist. The Broadway stage production of Monsoon Wedding will open in 2014. A dedicated humanitarian, she has helped over 5000 street kids in India and established 17 centers for them. She works with young filmmakers in Uganda, where she operates film schools for the African continent’s best and brightest young filmmakers.

Past recipients of the Meera Gandhi Giving Back award for philanthropy were actor Mark Ruffalo in 2011 and actor, director and screenwriter Tim Blake Nelson in 2012. Mark is involved with the environment and Tim Blake with creating theater opportunity for youth in NYC.

This award is in keeping with the Giving Back Foundation philosophy: “We are to the universe only as much as we give back to it“ —Meera Gandhi

Children’s Hope India/The Giving Back Foundation Grant to NY Students

The Giving Back Foundation has provided substantial grants to four South Asian students attending Baruch University in New York City, through a Children’s Hope India/The Giving Back Foundation partnership in New York. In 2012-2013, the scholarships changed lives around for the four Baruch University students, who were able accomplish much more because of the funding. The students are: Saveendra Wijebandara, who writes, ” The Giving Back Foundation scholarship has inspired me to one day help students like you do. I take this to be another incentive for me to try hard in school to achieve my goals.” Saveeendra, who is from Sri Lanka, said that he is the first person in his family to ever attend college, so he thanked the Foundation for making his family’s dreams and aspirations possible.

The second awardee is Yahya Khan, who hopes to become a CPA and was able to get an audit internship with Deloitte this past summer. Radha Ramnauth is the third awardee, who used the funding for a study abroad experience, something she could never have done on her own. She said, “I decided to take an art history course in the very place that started the Renaissance, Florence, Italy! I was able to live on my own for the first time, pick up some Italian linguistics and meet life-long friends who shared the experience with me.”

The fourth student who received the scholarship is Rishika Singh, who said, “I want The Giving Back Foundation to know how much I appreciate this generous grant and your investment in the future of Baruch students like myself.” Besides academics, she is involved in many of the business clubs in Baruch, and takes part in volunteer opportunities such as American Red Cross Club.
Besides funding these Baruch scholarships, the donation by The Giving Back Foundation also went toward college scholarships to children of very modest means, who have been identified by the Guru Harkishan Society. Many of these students have lost their fathers who were the main bread-winners, so the scholarships to college are an enormous help to them.

The Giving Back Foundation sponsors People to People trip to Ireland

As part of its mission to uplift and empower young people globally, this past summer The Giving Back Foundation was pleased to sponsor part of the trip of young McCall Redden of Washington State to Ireland, as part of the People to People annual summer program. McCall and other young people assisted patients in a hospital in the village of Cahirciveen, County Kerry, Ireland, doing such chores as painting bright and colorful pictures on the wall facing the patients’ windows, assisting patients and knitting and singing with them. In the nearby peat bogs of Ireland, the students worked cutting and stacking the peat that they then gave to the elderly to burn fires in the winter. McCall Redden, 13, is on the right in the yellow vest in the group photo; Emma Durbin of Washington State is seated, in the other yellow vest. McCall Redden is shown alone in the second photo, painting flowers and trees on the hospital wall. The young ladies in white are hospital volunteers from Ireland. Said McCall Redden, “I am so grateful to The Giving Back Foundation for its generous sponsorship of such a life-enriching experience in Ireland this past summer. It was a real lesson in giving back.”

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The post The Giving Back Foundation Newsletter – Fall 2013 appeared first on Good News!.

Good News Agency

A culture of peace is emerging in all fields of human endeavour 

Good News Agency carries positive and constructive news from all over the world relating to voluntary work, the work of the United Nations, non governmental organizations and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life – news that doesn’t “burn out” in the space of a day. It is distributed free of charge through Internet to 10,000 media and editorial journalists in 54 countries and to 3,000 NGOs and 1,500 high schools, colleges and universities.

It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, an educational charity associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information It is a supporter of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace. In the final report of the Decade for a Culture of Peace project (2001-2010) provided to the UN Secretary-General for presentation to the UN General Assembly, Good News Agency is included among the three NGOs that have been playing an active role in the field of Information through Internet.*

Contents

International legislation – Human rights – Economy and development – Solidarity

Peace and security – Health – Energy and Safety – Environment and wildlife

Religion and spirituality – Culture and education

United Nations High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace

International legislation

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IOM welcomes signing of anti-trafficking bill into law in South Africa

6 August – IOM South Africa has welcomed the signing into law of the long-awaited Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill by President Jacob Zuma. The new legislation clearly makes trafficking in persons a criminal offence. In addition, it has also created offences such as debt bondage; the possession, destruction, concealment of and tampering with travel documents; and using the services of victims of trafficking, among others. In addition to creating very specific offences that have a bearing on trafficking in persons, the legislation also focuses on the plight of the victims, providing them with protection and assistance to overcome their traumatic and often life threatening experiences.

http://africagoodnews.com/content/iom-welcomes-signing-of-anti-trafficking-bill-into-law-in-south-africa-press-release

 Human rights

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Amid the violence in Colombia, an indigenous people struggle for their identity

Jozef Merkx

La Guaña, Ecuador, 14 August – The Awa are an indigenous people who straddle the Ecuador-Colombia border but do not feel part of the modern societies on either side. That has not saved them suffering the consequences of the armed conflict that has battered Colombia for years. (…)

For the more than 4,000 Awa in Ecuador and some 40,000 in Colombia the border is non-existent. The ´Grand Awa Family´ is considered one territory, irrespective of internationally recognized borders. Unfortunately for the Awa people they live in one of the areas most affected by conflict. (…) Their traditional way of life, existing in harmony with the natural environment, can only survive with basic outside support and respect for their territory. Even their language, Awa-pit, is only spoken by part of the Awa family, mostly the elderly.

Together with the Ecuadorian Federation of Awa Centres, the Refugee Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local authorities and World Food Programme, UNHCR has worked with the Awa people on contingency planning for possible further cross-border displacements. (…)The Awa people do not have an interest in receiving ´refugee´ status and the associated documentation: their interest is solely recognition of their distinct identity. They want respect for their territory, communication equipment, support to strengthen their community, livelihood projects and relief items in difficult times.

http://www.unhcr.org/520b85db9.html

ECPAT International wins $1.5 million Hilton Humanitarian Prize

Hilton Prize – World’s Largest Humanitarian Prize – Awarded to ECPAT, Global NGO Leading Fight to Stop Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Prize spotlights atrocities of the child sex exploitation industry around the globe

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, August 1 – ECPAT, the leading global network of organizations dedicated to stopping the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), has been selected to receive the 2013 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million, the world’s largest humanitarian prize. This is the 18th year for the Hilton Prize given by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to an organization that is significantly alleviating human suffering.

Founded 20 years ago to halt child sex tourism in Asia, ECPAT today leads a global social movement dedicated to ending child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. Its international secretariat based in Thailand provides technical support and information, forms partnerships with key actors such as law enforcement and the tourism industry, and is an international voice for children who are being exploited sexually for commercial gain. Its 81 member organizations in 74 countries implement local initiatives to protect children from sexual exploitation and help child survivors return to health and well-being.

http://www.hiltonfoundation.org/2013-hilton-humanitarian-prize-recipient-announced

Economy and development

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Global food prices continue to drop

September 5, Rome – The FAO Food Price Index, which measures the monthly change in the international prices of a basket of food commodities, dropped for the fourth month in a row in August reaching its lowest level since June 2012. Last month’s decline was mainly driven by continued falls in the international prices of cereals and oils. Dairy, meat and sugar prices rose slightly. The steep decline reflects expectations for a strong growth in world cereal production this year and, especially, a sharp recovery in maize supplies. Together with the Food Price Index, FAO released a new forecast of world cereal production in 2013; this is expected to rise to 2 492 million tonnes: at the latest forecast level, global cereal production would be 179 million tonnes (7.7 percent) higher than in 2012 and a new record.

http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/195887/icode/

Liberia farmer-to-farmer program boosts farmers’ knowledge and income

September 4 – In a Farmer-to-Farmer capstone event in Liberia on August 30, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Deborah R. Malac and Liberian Vice President Joseph N. Boakai praised the program, which strengthens the country’s horticulture and livestock sectors by bringing expert U.S. volunteers to Liberia to provide technical assistance.

Farmer-to-Farmer in Liberia is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by international development nonprofit ACDI/VOCA. The program connects technical volunteers with farmers, farm groups and agribusinesses in developing and transitional countries. Farmers Play Crucial Role in Liberia’s Post-Civil-War Economy.

http://www.acdivoca.org/site/ID/news-acdivoca-liberia-farmer-to-farmer-program-boosts-farmers-knowledge-and-income

New Zealand announces US$1.2 million to IFAD for rural development

August 20, Rome – New Zealand announced a contribution of US$1.2 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the Ninth Replenishment of the Fund’s resources (IFAD9). The injection of new funds from New Zealand is a confirmation of IFAD’s role in international development architecture as an effective organization that delivers results in the area of food and income security, especially for poor rural people.

The central focus of New Zealand’s aid programme is sustainable development to reduce poverty and contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous world. This includes carefully targeting development funds towards activities that bring about tangible differences to the quality of people’s lives. New Zealand’s announcement comes at a time when the Fund has recently undergone an independent external evaluation of its programmes. As a result of the evaluation, IFAD is implementing a plan to increase the sustainable impact of every dollar it invests in rural development.

http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2013/39.htm

Africa to benefit from Brazil-FAO school meals experience

August 16, Brasilia/Rome – The Brazilian experience of strengthening school meal programs and their relationship with family farming will be brought to Africa. This is just one of the 17 South-South Cooperation projects that the government of Brazil and FAO are implementing together, with a total investment surpasssing $36 million. The $2 million project that will share experiences and promote technical cooperation related to school feeding programs and how their linkages with family farming can boost local economic development.

This initiative will source school meal programs to local family farms, creating synergies that strengthen food security, child nutrition and the livlihoods of small farmers and their communities. Projects similar to those that will be implemented in Africa are already being successfully undertaken in Latin America and theCaribbean. 

http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/194837/icode/ 

IFAD President launches Fund’s first project in conflict areas in Colombia

August 7, Rome – From land restitution and reparation to victims of conflict, to creating the conditions for displaced people to return safely to their homes in rural areas, the Republic of Colombia faces many challenges on the road to lasting peace. But those challenges should be viewed as opportunities. This was the message delivered by Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), speaking during the launch of the “Building Rural Entrepreneurial Capacities – Trust and Opportunities Programme” (TOP) in Bogota. Nwanze highlighted the programme’s focus on helping reconstruct the socio-economic fabric and respond to the needs of those who are returning home. It will create jobs and support micro enterprises and economic initiatives, he said.

Co-financed by IFAD and the Republic of Colombia, the US$69,4 million programme is aligned with Colombia’s national development plan, “Prosperity for all 2010 – 2014” and will target 50,000 of the poorest rural households across 17 departments in the country: TOP specifically aims to promote local economic initiatives and food security in post-conflict areas.

While Colombia has seen strong economic growth over the past decade, instability as a result of conflict deeply affected the country’s people and its development. Poverty and inequality continue, particularly in rural areas.

http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2013/37.ht

FAO – Cereal banks, a weapon in the fight against food scarcity in Uganda

Vulnerable agro pastoral communities in the semi arid region of Karamoja in Uganda have resorted to cereal banking as a coping mechanism to their food security threats. The idea of introducing cereal banking emerged as part of a Community Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan development process within the framework of  a regional drought risk reduction initiative supported by the European Commission, Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO). The initiative generates action plans  that aim at increasing the resilience of the pastoral and agro pastoral communities.

With funds from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), FAO supported the group to construct four big granaries in which they stocked over 6,000 kilos of sorghum (over 1,500 kilos in each). For members of Natapaali APFS, cereal banks were identified as a solution to hunger, volatile food prices and scarcity during the dry season. Despite the drawbacks of the dry spell experienced between May and July, there are good prospects that the anticipated harvest will boost the seed stocks which will in turn boost the operation of the cereal banks as FAO plans to support more farmer groups to adopt this system. A cereal bank buys grain at its lowest price. It is then stocked and sold throughout the year with a small profit cushion to provide funds to restock the following year. At the same time, families that borrow food from the cereal bank can pay back in kind. Once the initial investment is made, the banks become self supporting.

http://www.fao.org/highlights/from-the-field/detail/en/c/194464/

 Solidarity

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New Feeding America campaign takes aim at childhood hunger

6 September – National antihunger charity Feeding America launched a new public-service campaign Thursday aimed at encouraging giving and volunteerism to tackle childhood hunger, writes The New York Times. New television, radio, print, digital, and outdoor advertisements center on attracting “food angels” to help supply and distribute goods via the charity’s network of food banks and pantries. The TV spots depict volunteers with drawn-on wings.

The ad launch came a day after the Department of Agriculture reported that more than one in five U.S. children face hunger. Some academic experts on hunger criticized the campaign, saying the focus on charity and volunteerism downplays the role of poverty in causing hunger and the role of government programs such as food stamps in alleviating it.

http://philanthropy.com/blogs/philanthropytoday/new-feeding-america-campaign-takes-aim-at-childhood-hunger/74363

First ever International Day of Charity – 5 September 2013

The UN General Assembly,  in its sixty-seventh session, 12 December 2012:

1. Decides to designate 5 September as the International Day of Charity;

 2. Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to commemorate the International Day of Charity in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, including through education and public awareness-raising activities;

 3. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States and organizations of the United Nations system. (View theresolution.)

The Permanent Mission of Hungary to the United Nations, with the support of the United Nations Department of Public Information, holds on September 5 a panel discussions to mark The First International Day Of Charity – The Role of Charity in Promoting Access to Clean Water and Sanitation and Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Eradication – the Role of Charity.

For more information: kpap@mfa.gov.hu  or evaschafer@mfa.gov.hu

Red Cross Red Crescent youth make their voices heard on migration

by Kevin Xia, IFRC

30 August  – Focusing on the crucial issue of migrants and Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian action, young people from 28 Asia Pacific National Societies gathered near the South Korean capital in August for a ‘Model’ IFRC General Assembly (MIGA), hosted by the Republic of Korea National Red Cross.

The focus of this year’s MIGA was on ‘Migrants and humanitarian action of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’ with two sub-agendas: ‘Humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants and their social inclusion’ and ‘Access to and social inclusion of youth migrants’.

The delegates, representing 50 National Societies worldwide, discussed and exchanged ideas, exploring what Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies can and should do to address the issue and they developed a ‘decision’ as an actual IFRC General Assembly does.

The final document calls upon National Societies to confirm their commitment to aid vulnerable migrants to support their integration, strongly supporting partnerships among National Societies and other organizations to advocate education and awareness raising to alleviate discrimination.

http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/news-stories/asia-pacific/korea-republic-of/red-cross-red-crescent-youth-make-their-voices-heard-on-migration-63078/

Korean support to WFP builds disaster resilience in Bangladesh

August 27, Dhaka – In a visit to communities in Patharghata Upazila of Barguna District, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh H.E. Mr Lee Yun-young witnessed how people in Bangladesh’s poorest district improved their resilience to natural disasters and the effects of climate change with support from the Korean company LG Electronics and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). He added that the Korean Government, through the KOICA Bangladesh Office, has commenced the “KOICA-WFP Food for New Village Project (FFNV)” for 2013-2015 with a budget of US$3 million.

In 2011 and 2012, some 2,000 villagers – 70 percent of them women – participated in a variety of activities supported by WFP and LG Electronics to protect their homes and fields from flooding. They also received training on disaster preparedness and resilience building, and on ways to improve their health and hygiene and to increase and diversify their families’ income.

This year, participating women are learning how to develop their own businesses, as another way to boost household income, food security and nutrition

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/korean-support-wfp-builds-disaster-resilience-bangladeshb

WFP receives a U.S. food shipment in support of Yemen’s poorest households

August 25, Sana’a – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed the arrival of a consignment of wheat from the government of the United States of America that WFP will distribute to 3.9 million food-insecure people in 15 governorates.

WFP will also receive over the coming two months two more US food consignments totalling 42,000 metric tons. The US is a key donor to WFP activities in Yemen. Last year, it provided WFP with more than 46,000 metric tons of food, valued at almost US$40 million, enough food to feed more than two million hungry Yemenis for six months. This year, the US is granting US$50 million to WFP’s operations in Yemen.

Globally, the United States remains WFP’s largest single donor. This year, the US has already contributed more than US$900 million. In 2012, the US provided US$1.4 billion in support of WFP operations worldwide.

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-receives-us-food

Caritas aiding Philippine flood victims

21 August – Monsoon rains have caused deadly flooding in Manila in the Philippines and in other areas, affecting over a million people. The torrential down pour has cause widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

Over 130,000 people have sought safety in evacuation centres, while tens of thousands more others are staying with friends or family. Landslides and debris have made some roads impassable, making it difficult to reach some of the hardest hit areas.

Diocesan Caritas say the immediate needs are water, blanket, sleeping mats, clothing, and ready-to-eat foods. They have already been able to provide some emergency packs, including rice, canned goods, noodles and water.

Caritas Philippines staff are working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS is a US Caritas member) to assess the damage and put together a humanitarian response. Their plan is to provide food to 14,600 families in Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna.

http://www.caritas.org/newsroom/press_releases/PressRelease21_8_13.html

Peace and security

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“Nesting Peace: Creating Infrastructures to Sustain Diversity”

Sixth GAMIP Summit – September 16-20 Geneva, Switzerland

The Summit will: increase awareness and understanding about infrastructures for peace and their essential role in sustainable strategies of peace promotion; provide practical tools for the development of infrastructures for peace; give visibility to current infrastructures for peace, as well as peace infrastructure campaigns and projects around the world; strengthen the engagement of the international community working on infrastructures for peace and launch a Multi-Stakeholder Platform on Infrastructures for Peace; serve as a bridge among participants and potential partners to further infrastructures for peace at the local level in various countries; plant the seeds of initiatives to create infrastructures for peace at the local, cantonal and federal level in Switzerland.

The diversity of participants and the conference’s creative formats will highlight the transformative nature of infrastructures for peace, helping to launch the next stage of development of this significant, organized approach to peacebuilding.

http://www.gamip.org/summits/switzerland-2013-nesting-peace/

Syria agrees to plan to yield chemical weapons

10 September, UN Wire – Syria is accepting Russia’s proposal to hand over its chemical-weapons stocks to prevent a military airstrike by the U.S. “Let’s see if we can come up with language that avoids a strike but accomplishes our key goals to make sure that these chemical weapons are not used,” said U.S. President Barack Obama, while the U.S. Senate is preparing revised legislation.

Reuters (9/10), USA Today (9/10), The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (9/10), Reuters (9/9), Reuters (9/10) – (UN Wire is a free service sponsored by the United Nations Foundation which is dedicated to supporting the United Nations’ efforts to address the most pressing humanitarian, socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing the world today.)

11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways to Change the World, 2013

From empowering students and teachers in Zambia to interfaith dialogues in San Francisco, thousands of organizations around the world have taken part in the annual 11 Days of Global Unity September 11-21. Launched by We, The World and global partners in 2004, 11 Days is a worldwide convergence of festivals, concerts, forums, rallies and other programs promoting peace, justice, sustainability and transformation that annually includes as many as 700 associated events in over 60 countries around the world. It culminates on September 21st, the U.N. International Day of Peace.

11 Days of Global Unity provides a platform for change agents worldwide to raise awareness and take action collectively utilizing the 11 Global Unity Campaign Themes which together form a blueprint for a world that works for all.Activities around the 11 Campaigns take place all year long with a special global focus starting September 11th and culminating on September 21st, the UN International Day of Peace.

http://we.net/11days

Record-breaking progress as states race to eliminate the scourge of cluster bombs

Syria’s use of the banned weapon strongly condemned

Geneva, 4 September – Governments are making record-breaking progress as they race to fulfill the 2008 treaty banning cluster munitions, while Syria’s use of this banned weapon has been widely condemned, according to Cluster Munition Monitor 2013, a global report released today in Geneva. During 2012, the Netherlands finished the total destruction of its once-massive stockpile of cluster munitions and together with Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and others, destroyed a total of 173,973 cluster munitions and 27 million submunitions—the most in a year since the convention’s adoption and far exceeding 2011 totals, when states destroyed a total of 107,000 cluster munitions and 17.6 million submunitions.

Under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, States Parties have a maximum period of eight years to destroy their stockpiled cluster munitions, but most are completing their destruction in half that time. Denmark and the United Kingdom, for example, announced plans to finish destruction by the end of this year, and Cote d’Ivoire finished destruction in early 2013.

http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/news/?id=4381

Serbia and Kosovo making positive steps towards normal relations, UN envoy says

29 August  – Positive steps taken by leaders in Belgrade and Pristina in recent months have led to historic agreements and fundamental progress towards normalizing relations, the top United Nations official for Kosovo said, but cautioned that implementation of agreements in northern Kosovo remains a key challenge. Presenting Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s latest report, his special representative for Kosovo, Farid Zarif, told the Security Council via videoconference that implementation of the historic 19 April Agreement and each of its elements is a “delicate process that demands sustained efforts and focus”.

Among the provisions in the Agreement, brokered in Brussels by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, is an agreement to hold local elections this year in municipalities of northern Kosovo with the facilitation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Scheduled for 3 November, the elections need to bring to power viable local authorities that could properly represent and defend local community interests, Mr. Zarif said.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45733&&Cr=kosovo&&Cr1=#.Uisgq9IWUl8

South Sudan – Helping teachers to keep their students safe

9 August – By training teachers how to pass on important safety messages to their students, DCA is protecting more South Sudanese children from mine and ERW accidents. When DCA Risk Education (RE) teams work in local communities, they always visit primary schools and provide the children with child-friendly RE and safety messages to try and protect them from harm. In order to ensure children hear safety messages about mines and ERW on a regular basis, DCA trained 48 teachers in the greater Kapoeta area to be RE providers in their respective schools.

The training was an intensive 3-day residential course. Teachers attended from 28 different schools, most of them primary schools. Each teacher was provided with a training manual and corresponding poster pack, specially designed by the Ministry of Education, National Mine Action Authority, UNICEF and United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

http://www.danchurchaid.org/news/news/helping-teachers-to-keep-their-students-safe

Coca crop cultivation declines for second straight year in Bolivia – UN report

5 August – Coca crop cultivation continued to decline in Bolivia for a second straight year in 2012, according to a new survey presented today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government. In 2012, the cultivation of coca bush decreased by around 7 per cent in Bolivia, with around 25,300 hectares. This is down from the previous year’s figure of some 27,200 hectares, which was also a decline of 12 per cent from 2010. UNODC attributes the decline in coca cultivation to a combination of Government-led eradication efforts, as well as dialogue with farmers and social incentives. In 2012, the Government eradicated some 11,000 hectares of coca crop, up 5 per cent over the 2011 figure of 10,500 hectares.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45561&Cr=drugs&Cr1=#.UizXrDNH7IU

Health

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Chad: Alarming increase in malaria, MSF launches response

3 September – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has launched an emergency intervention in southeast Chad to respond to an alarming escalation in malaria cases. Since the beginning of August, MSF has seen a drastic jump in malaria at its long-term project in Am Timan, Salamat region, where malaria has accounted for more than 80 per cent of consultations. Many of the severest cases are being seen in children under the age of five.

MSF has sent an emergency medical team to respond to the situation. The team is supporting local health centres with malaria diagnostic tests and treatment supplies, training Ministry of Health staff and strengthening epidemiological surveillance. Since the emergency intervention began the number of malaria cases MSF staff have seen has jumped ten-fold. At the end of the first week of August teams reported 1, 228 new malaria cases and by end of the month MSF teams were reporting more than 14,021 new cases of malaria in August alone.

http://www.msf.org/article/chad-alarming-increase-malaria-msf-launches-response

“That is why I got polio”

Nigerian polio survivors share their stories with reluctant parents

2 September – Karima Usman, a 38-year-old Nigerian mother of three, is on a mission to convince every parent she meets to vaccinate their children against polio.

“No one used to go house to house giving OPV [oral polio vaccine] when I was small,” she explains. “That is why I got polio. Now, OPV is available – but some parents are not letting children take it.”

While operational issues remain by far the biggest reason for children missing out on the polio vaccine, a sizeable number of parents continue to refuse to let their children be vaccinated, despite the fact that OPV has prevented more than 10 million cases of polio globally.

Karima Usman is just one of hundreds of members of the Polio Survivor Group who have been recruited to share their experiences with reluctant parents. With 43 confirmed cases of polio so far in 2013, a drop of 25 per cent from the same period last year, Nigeria is the only remaining polio-endemic country in Africa.

http://www.polioeradication.org/tabid/488/iid/319/Default.aspx

Rotary approves $500,000 emergency grant for Somalia

29 August – Rotary has approved a $500,000 Rapid Response grant to the World Health Organization (WHO) to address a recent polio outbreak in Somalia. The outbreak occurred in the Banadir region of Somalia, where a large number of children had not been vaccinated against polio due to inaccessibility.

As of 14 August, 110 cases of wild poliovirus have been reported in the Horn of Africa—100 cases in Somalia and 10 in Kenya. This is the first outbreak in Somaliasince 2007 and in Kenya since 2011. The Rotary grant will cover operational costs, including human resources, training, and transportation of health workers, aimed at immunizing children under 10 in all accessible areas of Somalia in August. To date, five vaccination campaigns have been held in Somalia, three in Kenya, two each in Ethiopia and Yemen, and one in Djibouti.  Additional campaigns are planned through the end of the year. Drawing on lessons learned from previous polio outbreaks, the first vaccination campaign was carried out within a week after the first case was confirmed.

Rotary’s emergency funding for responses to polio outbreaks in Somalia and other countries has been critical to ensuring that immunization activities proceed without interruption, thereby minimizing the risk of the disease’s further international spread.

In addition, the governments of the United Kingdom and Japan recently announced financial commitments of $15.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, to fund similar emergency vaccination campaigns in the Horn of Africa.

http://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-approves-500000-emergency-grant-somalia

Uganda: MSF increases assistance to refugees fleeing violence in DRC

27 August – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is providing urgently needed medical care and water and sanitation in western Uganda, following an influx of tens of thousands of refugees fleeing insecurity in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, in mid-July.

Around 22,000 refugees are now living in the Bubukwanga transit camp, 18 kilometres from the DRC border, in a space designed for only 12,500 people. MSF is providing medical care including maternity healthcare, vaccinations and nutrition treatment, as well as working to improve a potentially dangerous water and sanitation situation. Medical care is provided both to refugees and locals, reaching a total catchment population of 50,000 people.

http://www.msf.org/article/uganda-msf-increases-assistance-refugees-fleeing-violence-drc

Michelle Obama behind Hip Hop album

by Karen Bliss  |  www.samaritanmag.com

August 14 – Michelle Obama isn’t rapping or singing, but the First Lady does appear and talk in the video for “Everybody,” featuring Jordin Sparks, Doug E Fresh, Dr. Oz, Ryan Beatty, Artie Green and The Hip Hop Doc. The song, available for free download, is from an album called Songs For A Healthier America, produced by Hip Hop Public Health and the Partnership for a Healthier America.  Titles include “We Like Vegetables,” “Veggie Luv,” “Hip Hop L.E.A.N. (Learning Exercise and Nutrition in Schools)” and “U R What You Eat.”  “We hope these songs get your whole family moving to the beat!” it says on the web site. Michelle Obama will appear in 10 videos that will be distributed to schools.  In additon to Sparks and Fresh, the 19-track album — for which teaser versions can be heard and eventual full downloaded versions will be posted — includes contributions from Ashanti, Matisyahu, blink-182’s Travis Barker, DMC (of Run DMC), Nils Lofgren (of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band), Monifah, Ariana Grande, Ryan Beatty, and many others. (…)

http://www.samaritanmag.com/1608/michelle-obama-behind-hip-hop-album

Energy and safety

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USA – Teens Turning Green launches Project Green Challenge 2013

September 9, San Francisco – Youth led non-profit Teens Turning Green (TTG) is mobilizing high school and college students in the US and worldwide to green lifestyles, schools, and communities through Project Green Challenge 2013. Now in its third year, PGC is a 30-day eco lifestyle challenge from October 1 – 30. Participants will take on a challenge a day, each focused on a unique theme aimed at building a powerful, diverse and far-reaching movement of change makers. The goal is to inspire youth to transition from conventional to conscious living by taking small steps that will help to sustain a healthy, just and thriving planet.

http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/36073-Teens-Turning-Green-Launches-Project-Green-Challenge-2013

New wind supply chain projects announced for booming Brazil

David Appleyard, Senior Editor, Renewable Energy World

September 5, Sao Paulo, Brazil — Two new Brazilian wind turbine supply chain deals have been announced, further enhancing the country’s reputation as a major growth market and its local manufacturing content incentives.

In one deal, Alstom has signed a contract worth around €25 million with Enerplan, a power company from the Brazilian group Oleoplan, to supply wind turbines to the Pontal wind project in the south of the country, supporting a new tower manufacturing facility.

A new wind farm located in Viamão, city of Rio Grande do Sul State, will be the final destination for the 10 ECO 122 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 2.7 MW. Commissioning of Pontal is scheduled at the end of 2015. Alstom will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the wind turbines for five years.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/09/new-wind-supply-chain-projects-announced-for-booming-brazil

US Energy Department awards $45 million to deploy advanced transportation technologies

September 4, Washington – Building on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to build a 21st century transportation sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Energy Department announced today more than $45 million for thirty-eight new projects that accelerate the research and development of vehicle technologies to improve fuel efficiency, lower transportation costs and protect the environment in communities nationwide.

The Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to improve the fuel efficiency of American vehicles, establishing the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump — or more than $8,000 in costs over the lifetime of each vehicle – and eliminate six billion metric tons of carbon pollution. Innovative technologies and manufacturing are helping U.S. automakers achieve the goals of this historic agreement, and the investment announced today will help provide new technologies and innovations to enable automakers to continue to improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

http://energy.gov/articles/energy-department-awards-45-million-deploy-advanced-transportation-technologies

Addressing a most basic need: water

Rotary clubs of Guatemala Sur, Guatemala, and Illinois, USA

The residents of Sumpango in rural Guatemala draw their water from several municipal pools fed by unfiltered mountain water. These public pools are used for everything—children fill water bottles, women do laundry, and farmers bring livestock to drink. Not surprisingly, residents get sick from the water, which is why Rotary members from Guatemala and the U.S. stepped in to provide schoolchildren with clean water.

Six schools in Sumpango were outfitted with ceramic water filters, toilets, septic tanks, and hand washing stations using Rotary grant funding. Improvements to three more schools are in the works. Besides providing the equipment, club members are making sure students learn good hygiene habits.

“We started with water because everything starts with water,” says Rotary member Jorge Aufranc. Providing access to clean water is one of Rotary’s primary causes, and it’s the first step in improving conditions for people in areas like Sumpango. “We are working with the government to give the same to the community as we did with the schools,” Aufranc says.

http://www.rotary.org/en/front-slide-sets

Environment and wildlife

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More countries join public movement away from coal

September 5, Gland, Switzerland – The announcement today that five Nordic countries will stand with the US in ending public finance for new coal-fired power plants overseas, except in rare circumstances, is significant and builds on the growing movement away from coal, the most polluting energy source, says WWF.

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have joined the US in adopting this public position, further strengthening a growing trend among major financiers and donors to switching investments from fossil fuels via a transition to clean, renewable energy.

Samantha Smith, WWF’s Global Climate & Energy Initiative leader, says with the leadership seen from these countries, the World Bank and more recently the European Investment Bank, it is time for other major institutions to follow their lead. “The need to act is great and the time to act is now. We are calling on financial institutions – both public and private – to commit US$40 billion in new investments into renewable energy by June 2014, and to phase out investments in fossil fuels through a just transition,” said Smith.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is also currently considering its policy position on investments in all energy types, including coal.

http://wwf.panda.org/?210314/More-countries-join-public-movement-away-from-coal

Paraguay extends Zero Deforestation Law to 2018

September 3, Asunción, Paraguay – The Paraguayan government has extended the “Zero Deforestation Law” for a further five years, resulting in an important conservation win for this highly threatened eco-region. The Land Conversion Moratorium for the Atlantic Forest of Paraguay, also known as the “Zero Deforestation Law” was enacted in 2004 and dramatically slowed the country’s deforestation rate by prohibiting the transformation and conversion of forested areas in Paraguay’s eastern region.

The Atlantic Forest, located in Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, is one of the world’s most endangered tropical rainforests, with just 7 percent of its original surface coverage remaining. Despite the massive deforestation, fragmentation, habitat destruction and degradation of rivers, it contains nearly 7 percent of the world’s plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and threatened with extinction.

The law, set to expire in December 2013, has now been extended thanks to Paraguay honoring the commitments made in support of WWF’s Zero Net Deforestation by 2020 goal at the Convention of Biological Diversity Conference of Parties in Bonn, Germany, as well as the World Congress of IUCN in Barcelona, Spain.

http://wwf.panda.org/?210224/Paraguay-extends-Zero-Deforestation-Law-to-2018

USA –  Water releases to protect salmon in California move forward

August 22, Fresno, CA – A federal court today ruled that water releases planned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to protect the migration of Chinook salmon into the Klamath/Trinity rivers in Northern California should move forward. After a two day hearing in Fresno, CA, the court rejected demands by agricultural interests inCalifornia’s Central Valley led by the Westlands Water District, to block the releases, which were supposed to have started August 13.  After hearing from half a dozen fisheries experts who all agreed that the water release program was supported by the science, the Court ruled for the water release program to move forward.

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2013/court-water-releases-to-protect-salmon-in-california-move-forward

Lockheed Martin recognized for responsible e-recycling

Leading global security and aerospace company earns e-stewards enterprise designation

Seattle, WA., USA, August 14 – The environmental non-profit group Basel Action Network (BAN) announced today that it has recognized global security, aerospace and information technology supplier Lockheed Martin Corporation for responsible electronic waste management. 

In doing so, BAN awards Lockheed Martin the designation of e-Stewards® Enterprise. e-Stewards Enterprises pledge to do their part to prevent hazardous materials in improperly managed end-of-life electronics from having adverse impacts on people and the environment, an especially serious issue in developing countries. As an e-Stewards Enterprise, Lockheed Martin commits to using, when possible, e-Stewards Certified electronics recyclers, which undergo an independent audit each year to guarantee they will not export hazardous electronic waste to developing countries, dump such waste into municipal landfills, or use prison labor for managing such waste.

 Seattle-based BAN developed the e-Stewards Standard and certification program. In 2002 and 2005, BAN documented the horrors of electronic wastes being scrapped in dangerous and highly polluting operations in China and Africa. For more information contact Mike Enberg, Basel Action Network, e-Stewards Enterprise Director.

menberg@ban.org  

Religion and spirituality

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International Day of Peace, September 21

UN Peace Day has come to be widely observed around the world with citizens undertaking a huge variety of local actions for peace including interfaith prayers, meditations and minutes of silence. At UN Headquarters, an annual ceremony is held during which the Secretary General ceremonially rings the Peace Bell and calls on the people of the world to observe a minute of silence at 12 noon.

Meditation Vigils and inter faith events are being organized around the world for Peace Day. A network of groups including the Gaiafield Project (linking subtle activists for collective healing and social change), Pathways to Peace, Peace OneDay, HeartMath, Center for Visionary Leadership and Summer for Peace is coordinating Be the Peace, a global synchronized meditation and prayer for peace at 12 AM, 12 noon and 12 midnight GMT. Last year meditations were held in 248 cities around the world – this year the goal is 500 cities.

A global 24 hour Vigil will again be organized by Intuition in Service, using the Great Invocation or another world prayer every 15 minutes. To find out more and register for the Vigil visit: www.meditationvigil.org

Belief and leadership: students connect on inter-cultural programme

September 5 – This week 45 students of different faiths and non-religious beliefs began 3FF’s (Three Faiths Forum) year-long ParliaMentors leadership programme. The programme, now in its 7th year, develops the next generation of leaders by providing them with skills, experiences and networks to advance their careers.

Winner of the UN Award for Intercultural Innovation, ParliaMentors also creates an opportunity for the students to learn from each other and build strong and lasting relations between people from different communities. The students will work in diverse trios to create and deliver social action projects and will also be mentored by MPs and Peers across eight cities.

ParliaMentors, which attracted over 300 applications this year, was launched by 3FF in 2007. It now has over 250 alumni, many whom go on to work in politics, media and for NGO’s.

3FF, the Three Faiths Forum, works to create understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs. It builds positive relations between communities and individuals at many levels of society: with teachers and students, artists and professionals, political leaders in parliament and upcoming leaders still at university.

http://www.3ff.org.uk/latest-news/belief-and-leadership–students-connect-on-inter-cultural-programme.php

Culture and education

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International Day of Peace – Education for Peace – 21 September 2013

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282PDF document, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/

“Education for Peace” is the theme chosen by the United Nations for the 2013 International Day of Peace, September 21.  Peace Day will be observed at UN headquarters on 18 September with the Secretary-General ringing the Peace Bell at 9 am EST.

www.un.org  

School contest “Ensuring environmental sustainability” launched in Italy by Rotary District 2032 (Liguria and South Piedmont) in synergy with Good News Agency

After the success of last year’s school contest for secondary schools promoted by six Rotary Clubs of Genoa in synergy with Good News Agency, four of these six Genoese Rotary Clubs (R.C. Genoa North West, Genoa South West, Genoa West and Genoa Historic Centre) have adopted the Project and it is thought that by September they will be joined by the other two. Moreover, the number of schools which have already declared their readiness to participate has increased by the addition of two Genoese high schools, M.L. King High School and G. Mazzini High School, and the Rotary Clubs are working to involve others.

The seventh Millennium Development Goal has been keenly felt by the young in recent years and links up well with the district project “Environment and Renewable Forms of Energy”. This year, on the impulse of the Project’s launching by the district, the contest is being extended also outside Genoa: the San Remo and La Spezia Rotary Clubs, which are promoting the contest in the secondary schools of their territories, have already adopted the Project.

Great enthusiasm for the Project has always been shown by those in charge of the Regional and Provincial Scholastic Offices of Liguria, but also of Piedmont, ever since Liguria and Piedmont have had the same Director, who very much appreciates Rotary’s service projects.

Info: changelives@rotary2032.it  

Creating Global University System

The Global University System (GUS) is a worldwide initiative to create satellite/wireless telecommunications infrastructure and educational programs for access to educational resources across national and cultural boundaries for global peace.  The GUS helps higher educational institutions in remote/rural areas of developing countries to deploy broadband Internet in order for them to close the digital divide and act as the knowledge center of their community for the eradication of poverty and isolation. 

The GUS has task forces working in the major regions of the globe with partnerships of higher education and healthcare institutions.  Learners in these regions will be able to take their courses, via advanced broadband Internet, from member institutions around the world to receive a GUS degree.  These learners and their professors from participating institutions will form a global forum for exchange of ideas and information and for conducting collaborative research and development.  The aim is to achieve “education and healthcare for all,” anywhere, anytime and at any pace. The ideas for GUS were conceived and originally developed by author Utsumi.  GUS  is currently headquartered at the Global E-learning Center at the University of Tampere in Finland.

http://tinyurl.com/sfgm7

Africa set to deploy digital television

September 5, Geneva – Frequency coordination negotiations have succeeded in setting up the mechanism to deploy digital television in 47 Sub-Saharan African countries. The consolidation of national plans to implement the digital switchover in the African region is in conformity with the deadlines of June 2015 (for UHF) and June 2020 (for VHF in 33 countries) set in 2006 by ITU’s Regional Radiocommunication Conference (RRC-06), which adopted the GE06 TV Plan.

This landmark also makes Africa the first region to be in a position in 2015 to allocate bandwidth freed up by the transition to digital television – the so-called ‘digital dividend’ – to the mobile service for both the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. Decisions of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (WRC-12) to facilitate availability of the digital dividend to the mobile service will be effective with some technical refinements immediately after the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15).

http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2013/32.aspx#.Ui2vxVxH7mQ

UN Assembly proclaims 6 April International Day of Sport for Development, Peace

23 August – The United Nations General Assembly today proclaimed 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, as the body’s President hailed the decision a “historic” step in recognizing the power of sport to erase cultural barriers and mobilize people around the world. Further, the decision would forge closer ties between the UN and the world of sport and build on the work carried out in the framework of the Secretary-General’s annual report on Sport for Development and Peace, which has helped identify areas were the UN, the IOC, non-governmental organizations and the private sector could strengthen collaboration.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45689&Cr=sport&Cr1=#.Ui2oY1xH7mQ

The UNESCO Chair of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki translates to Greek a selection of Good News Agency news items for their facebook page and an editorial on MDG

This Summer we learnt that the UNESCO Chair of this renowned Greek university posts some of Good News Agency’s news items, translated to Greek, on theirfacebook page. Professor emer. Dimitra Papadopoulou, director of the Unesco Chair, also sent Good News Agency a little printed booklet: the Greek translation of the editorial on the 8 Millennium Development Goals (GNA, Dec. 2, 2012); the text was translated to Greek by three young scientists–volunteers of theirs. These writing are being shared within their community. Further informations: info@goodnewsagency.org

The UNESCO Chair at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace has been founded in 1997, according to an Agreement signed between UNESCO and the Aristotle University. It is the development of:

a. A Peace and Human Rights Education Programme which started in the School of Psychology in 1986 and expanded in 1988 into a Postgraduate Course.

b. An Interfaculty Interdisciplinary Programme on Education for Human Rights and Peace, which has been in continuous functioning at the Aristotle University since 1993.

c. The educational activities of the Institute of Education for Peace, Greek NGO founded in 1986.

Professor Dimitra Papadopoulou initiated the above academic activities and she is directing them since 1986. Up until the end of 2012, more than 120 professors from 38 Schools of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and other Greek Universities have lectured at the Interdisciplinary Interfaculty Programme of the UNESCO Chair of the A.U.Th., which is one of the few on a European level and unique in the Mediterranean.

http://www.auth.gr/en/units/8187

At the United Nations, August has brought a spirited focus on the youth of the world

on August 5th, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon held a  “Global Interactive Dialogue on United Nations Youth Initiatives.” Youth were welcomed and told that for the first time ever, the UN system will put in place a common strategy for youth development, including a dedicated website which will serve as the “UN Online Platform for Youth.” Additionally, among many other activities, the UN Economic and Social Council will facilitate youth forums at the national, regional and global levels.

This event was followed by hundreds of young people from across the world gathering at the UN for the 12th International Youth Assembly, which sought to strengthen youth leadership and accelerate the achievement of the anti-poverty targets of the Millennium Development Goals. At this meeting on August 7th, these engaged youth heard the Secretary-General acclaim them as “the most powerful agent of social change in the world.”

This event was followed by the International Youth Day, observed yearly on August 12th, which was first declared on the eve of the new millennium on 17 December 1999. The theme of this year’s observation was “Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward.”

http://www.aquaac.org/un/elttrs/attach/UNNewsletterLeoII2013.pdf

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United Nations High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace

New York, 6 September 2013

by Lesley Vann,

Good News Agency’s Publisher Representative to the UNDPI

On Friday 6 September 2013, in the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the United Nations, New York, the long-awaited High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace took place. The event, the second High Level Forum of its kind, included speakers from around the globe, speaking also to an international audience, while broadcast live on UN TV, and now archived, with ongoing access. The Culture of Peace initiative, examined from diverse perspectives over the course of the day, underscored how vital global civil society has become, in shaping and working to implement a true Culture of Peace around the globe.

This event was convened by H.E. Vuk Jeremi, President of the General Assembly, presenting a call to action for the day, and citing the importance of the work undertaken. He quoted the visionary words of Dag Hammarskjöld, emphasizing the importance of involving youth and children in crafting a Culture of Peace, and its effects, a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. Mr. Jeremi then introduced H.E. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary‐General of the United Nations, who added to this theme of vision, the role of civil society in advancing peace, and the central role of children and youth.

Keynote addresses were then given by His Holiness, Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, Sayyid M. Syeed, National Director, Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances, Islamic Society of North America, Elie Abadie, M.D., Rabbi, The Edmond J. Safra Synagogue (via video message).

Following these Keynote addresses were High Level Segments, featuring H.E. Dipu Moni the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and H.E. Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Chair of the UN General Assembly’s drafting committee for the UN Declaration and Programme of Action on Culture of Peace (1998‐99) representing civil society & The Global Movement for The Culture of Peace.

In his subsequent interview with the Inter Press Service, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury of Bangladesh told IPS, “My own perception and experience will not let me say that the U.N.’s message on the culture of peace is failing to get across.” Civil society worldwide has been in the forefront of the global movement for the culture of peace, working diligently and patiently at the grassroots level, he said. The interdependence of today’s world, if not addressed with sanity, he said, can turn into a social, economic, nuclear or environmental catastrophe. “The magnitude of these problems requires all human beings to work together in finding new, workable, realistic solutions,” said the Ambassador.

And the values of non-violence, tolerance and democracy, which augment the flourishing of the culture of peace, will generate the mindset that is a prerequisite for the transition from force to reason, from conflict and violence to dialogue and peace, he continued. “This I have seen first hand as my work took me to the farthest corners of the world,” Ambassador Chowdhury noted. “What I have seen has outraged me but also has given me hope and encouragement that there are forces who are determined to turn our planet into a livable place for all and where human dignity has taken strong roots.”

Following these High Level Segments were Interactive Panel Discussions. The first of these was, “The Role of Interfaith Cooperation in Promoting a Global Culture of Peace.” This was moderated by Dr. John O. Voll, of Georgetown University. The panel members included Rev. Dr. Katherine R. Henderson, President, Auburn Seminary, Matthew Hodes, Director, United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General, Religions for Peace, Hüseyin Hurmalı, Chief Administrative Officer, Journalists and Writers Foundation.

The next interactive Panel discussion considered, “The Culture of Peace as the Agenda for a New Global Civilization: Where are we now?” Moderated by H.E. Joy Ogwu, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, this panel featured panelists from a broad range of disciplines and locations. These are H.E. Abul Kalam Azad, the Minister of Cultural Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Lakshmi Puri the Deputy Executive Director for Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships, UN Women; Azim Khamisa, Founder, The Tariq Khamisa Foundation, Tiffany Easthom, Country Director for South Sudan, Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), Grace Akallo, Founder and Executive Director, United Africans for Women and Children Rights (UAWCR).

A musical interlude followed, with Shinji Harada, Hiroshima Peace Culture Ambassador, allowing the notes of culture and the arts to permeate the meeting, and signify peace.

The third and final Interactive Panel Discussion addressed, “Strategy for Advancing the Implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Culture of Peace: What are Needed?” This Panel was moderated by H.E. Carlos Enrique García González, Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the UN, and included these panelists: H.E. Federico Mayor, President, Foundation Culture of Peace, Dr. Nancy Roof, Founder, Kosmos Journal: The Journal for World Citizens Creating the New Civilization, Mikiko Otani, International Human Rights Lawyer, Abigail E. Disney, Filmmaker, President, Fork Films, Patricia Smith Melton, Founder, Peace X Peace.

The culmination of this High Level Forum at UN Headquarters inaugurates the next turn of the spiral of work toward a Culture of Peace, with civil society organizations and actors at the pinnacle of transformative global social change. As Ambassador Chowdhury has stated, “We should not forget that when…people…are marginalized, there is little chance for an open and participatory society.” In his role as the leading UN Culture of Peace emissary, he said that peace efforts would continually fail until people embraced humanity’s oneness. Ambassador Chowdhury’s words, and the Culture of Peace work he has championed in tandem with broad global civil society and the United Nations, now challenge our world community to take constructive and bold visionary action to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

For more information, see also:

http://www.gmcop.org/ “The Global Movement for the Culture Of Peace” 

This website is dedicated to serving the global movement for a culture of peace in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the UN Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. It is to aspire to provide a creative, inspiring and mutually supportive meeting place for groups and individuals, where we can learn how to work together for the creation of a fairer, healthier, more peaceful global environment in which every human being and all life forms, can live, evolve and prosper.

www.un.org

Links to the webcast of the HLF:

Part 1: http://webtv.un.org/watch/part-1-high-level-forum-on-the-culture-of-peace-general-assembly/2654048297001/

Part 2: http://webtv.un.org/watch/part-2-high-level-forum-on-the-culture-of-peace-general-assembly/2654246996001/

Part 3: http://webtv.un.org/watch/part-3-high-level-forum-on-the-culture-of-peace-general-assembly/2654598620001/

Part 4: http://webtv.un.org/watch/part-4-high-level-forum-on-the-culture-of-peace-general-assembly/2654674147001/

http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/67/issues/pdf/Culture%20of%20Peace%20Draft%20Programme%20-%2030.08.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/UNDPINGOsPartners4Change

http://www.peacethroughunity.info/COPbriefingUN2012_Gita.html

http://www.peacethroughunity.info/culture_ofpeace.html

http://www.fundculturadepaz.org/spa/DOCUMENTOS/Report_on_the_Decade_for_a_Culture_of_Peace.pdf

http://www.wiser.org/article/1f03035cb484340d0270c919d1fe6cca

http://www.pathwaystopeace.org/documents/idp_essaycontest.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwarul_Karim_Chowdhury

www.goodnewsagency.org 

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Next issue: 11 October 2013.

Good News Agency is published monthly (except August) in English, Italian and Portuguese. Past issues are available at www.goodnewsagency.org . Rome Law-court registration no. 265 dated 20 June 2000.Managing Editor: Sergio Tripi (sergio.tripi@goodnewsagency.org). Editorial research by Fabio Gatti (fabio.gatti@goodnewsagency.org), Chiara Bartoletti, Elisa Minelli, Elisabetta Pacifici, Isabella Strippoli. Webmaster and media and NGO coverage: Simone Frassanito (simone.frassanito@goodnewsagency.org) 

Good News Agency is distributed free of charge through Internet to 10,000 media and editorial journalists of the daily newspapers and periodical magazines and of the radio and television stations in 54 countries,  to 3,000 NGOs, 1,500 high schools, colleges and universities, as well as 23,000 Rotarians in the world.

It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, a registered, not-for-profit educational charity chartered in Italy in 1979 The Association operates for the development of consciousness and promotes a culture of peace in the ‘global village’ perspective based on unity in diversity and on sharing. It is based in Via Antagora 10, 00124 Rome, Italy. The Association is a member of the World Association of Non Governmental Organizations.

The post Good News Agency – year 14th, no. 216 – 13 September 2013 appeared first on Good News!.

The couple, selected by America through a public vote in the first-ever national contest of its kind, in front of over 52 million television viewers and another 900,000 people at the Rose Parade® as the float glides down Colorado Boulevard. Nicole and Gerald captured the hearts of the American public and won their votes during the Farmers Insurance Dream Wedding Contest with their fated love story in which the former high school classmates reconnected later in life to find true love together.

As winners of the Dream Wedding contest, the happy couple received a trip to Pasadena, CA for themselves and six witnesses, who will watch them get married on the Farmers Insurance “Love Float.” The bride and groom have also been provided with a beautiful wedding gown from David’s Bridal, a tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse®, his and hers wedding rings, hair and make-up for the bride, and marriage license fees.

The newlyweds will celebrate their wedding day immediately by attending a celebratory parade after party, the 2013 Rose Bowl game, and will also have the opportunity to participate in a national advertisement featuring a wedding photo. Visit www.Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance or www.Farmers.com/LoveFloat to learn more about the Dream Wedding and check local broadcast listings to tune in and watch the live nuptials on “The Love Float.”

The post FARMERS INSURANCE HOSTS DREAM WEDDING FOR WINNING VIRGINIA COUPLE AT TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE® appeared first on Good News!.