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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240206T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240206T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240131T195727Z
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SUMMARY:International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
DESCRIPTION:Ending Female Genital Mutilation by 2030\nFemale genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights\, the health and the integrity of girls and women. \nGirls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications such as severe pain\, shock\, excessive bleeding\, infections\, and difficulty in passing urine\, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health. \nAlthough primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East\, female genital mutilation is a universal issue and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America. Female genital mutilation continues to persist amongst immigrant populations living in Western Europe\, North America\, Australia and New Zealand. \nOver the last three decades\, the prevalence of FGM has declined globally. Today\, a girl is one-third less likely to undergo FGM than 30 years ago. However\, sustaining these achievements in the face of humanitarian crises such as disease outbreaks\, climate change\, armed conflict and more could cause a rollback of progress toward achieving gender equality and the elimination of FGM by 2030. \nMore than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. This year\, nearly 4.4 million girls will be at risk of this harmful practice. This equates to more than 12\,000 cases every day. \nWith seven years remaining in this decade of action\, our collective actions must be centered around creating environments where girls and women can exercise their power and choice\, enjoying full rights to health\, education\, and safety. And this is possible through investments in initiatives led by survivors of female genital mutilation who are challenging harmful gender and social norms. Their voices and actions can transform deeply rooted social and gender norms\, allowing girls and women to realize their rights and potential in terms of health\, education\, income\, and equality. \nTo promote the elimination of female genital mutilation\, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed\, and they must engage whole communities and focus on human rights\, gender equality\, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences. \n\n2024 Theme: Her Voice. Her Future\nInvesting in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation\nIn 2012\, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation\, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice. \nFor more than a decade\, the Joint Programme has supported survivors of FGM\, prioritizing investments in survivor-led initiatives\, centered around empowerment\, agency and access to essential services. \nThere is an urgent need for even more targeted\, coordinated and sustained and concerted efforts if we are to achieve our common goal of ending female genital mutilation by 2030. Every survivor’s voice is a call to action\, and every choice they make in reclaiming their lives contributes to the global movement to end this harmful practice. \nJoin us on 6 February 2024 in our call to action. Share with the world how you support #HerVoiceMatters in leading the #EndFGM movement. \nUN Action\nAlthough the practice has been around for more than a thousand years\, ending female genital mutilation within this generation is still possible if we accelerate our progress 10 time faster. That is why the United Nations strives for its full elimination by 2030\, following the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 5. \nSince 2008\, UNFPA\, jointly with UNICEF\, leads the largest global programme to accelerate the elimination of female genital mutilation. The Joint Programme currently focuses on 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East and also supports regional and global initiatives. \nOver the years\, this partnership has seen significant achievements. As of last year\, the Joint Programme supported more than 11\,000 organizations\, of which 83 per cent were grassroots organizations partnering with coalitions and survivor-led movements\, advocating for changes in policies and laws\, and championing changes to social and gender norms. [source: 2022 Annual Report on FGM). \n#EndFGM \n\n\nDid You Know?\n\n\n\nThere are over 200 million girls and women alive today who are survivors of FGM.\nGirls are today one third less likely to be subjected to FGM compared to 30 years ago; however\, progress needs to be at least 10 times faster to meet the global target of FGM elimination by 2030.\nIn 2024\, nearly 4.4 million girls – or more than 12\,000 each day – are at risk of female genital mutilation around the world.\n1 in 4 survivors underwent female genital mutilation by a health worker.\nDaughters of FGM survivors are at significant higher risk to undergo FGM compared to daughters of women who have not undergone FGM.\nThe financial cost of health care for FGM survivors is USD 1.4 billion every year.\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-zero-tolerance-for-female-genital-mutilation/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,Social Responsibility,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240210T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240210T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240131T200715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182857Z
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SUMMARY:World Pulses Day
DESCRIPTION:What are pulses?\nPulses\, also known as legumes\, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food. Dried beans\, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses. \nStaples dishes and cuisines from across the world feature pulses\, from hummus in the Mediterranean (chick peas)\, to a traditional full English breakfast (baked navy beans) to Indian dal (peas or lentils). \nPulses do not include crops that are harvested green (e.g. green peas\, green beans)—these are classified as vegetable crops. Also excluded are those crops used mainly for oil extraction (e.g. soybean and groundnuts) and leguminous crops that are used exclusively for sowing purposes (e.g. seeds of clover and alfalfa). \n\nOrigin\n#WorldPulsesDay #LovePulses \nRecognizing their value\, on 20 December 2013\, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231) proclaiming 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The celebration of the year\, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)\, increased the public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production. \nBuilding on the success of the International Year of Pulses and recognizing their potential to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development\, with particular relevance to Sustainable Development Goals 1\, 2\, 3\, 5\, 8\, 12\, 13 and 15\, Burkina Faso proposed the observance of World Pulses Day. \nIn 2019\, the General Assembly proclaimed 10 February as the World Pulses Day (resolution A/RES/73/251). \n\n\n\n\nWhy are pulses important crops?\nNutritional value\nThey are packed with nutrients and have a high protein content\, making them an ideal source of protein particularly in regions where meat and dairy are not physically or economically accessible. Pulses are low in fat and rich in soluble fiber\, which can lower cholesterol and help in the control of blood sugar. Because of these qualities they are recommended by health organizations for the management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Pulses have also been shown to help combat obesity. \nFood security\nFor farmers\, pulses are an important crop because they can both sell them and consume them\, which helps farmers maintain household food security and creates economic stability. \nEnvironmental benefits\nThe nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility\, which increases and extends the productivity of the farmland. By using pulses for intercropping and cover crops\, farmers can also promote farm biodiversity and soil biodiversity\, while keeping harmful pests and diseases at bay. \nFurthermore\, pulses can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing dependence on the synthetic fertilizers used to introduce nitrogen artificially into the soil. Greenhouse gases are released during the manufacturing and application of these fertilizers\, and their overuse can be detrimental to the environment. \n\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-pulses-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240211T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240211T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T171731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182823Z
UID:10001142-1707609600-1707695999@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day of Women and Girls in Science
DESCRIPTION:Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain.\n( I.D.E.A.S.)\nBringing Everyone Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development\nThis year\, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science  (IDWGIS) will focus on the role of Women and Girls and Science as relates to the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) in review at the forthcoming High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)\, namely SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation)\, SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy)\, SDG 9 (industry\, innovation\, and infrastructure)\, SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG17 (means of implementation)\, while following up on discussions on water held during from the “Water Unites Us” 7th IDWGIS\, the 2nd High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028\, held in Dushanbe\, and the 2nd UN Ocean Conference and its High-Level Symposium on Water held in Lisbon\, as a contribution for the 2023 UN Water Conference\, and other UN Fora. \nIn doing so the IDWGIS aims to connect the International Community to Women and Girls in Science\, strengthening the ties between science\, policy\, and society for strategies oriented towards the future. The IDWGIS will thus showcase best practices\, strategies\, applied solutions in addressing SDGs challenges and opportunities. It will also include for the first time a science workshop for Blind Girls and a session from the BLIND fellow SCIENTISTS on “Science in Braille: Making Science Accessible”. \n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\nWomen are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and\, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers\, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.\nIn cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence\, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.\nDespite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution\, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.\nFemale researchers tend to have shorter\, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals and they are often passed over for promotion.\n\n\n\nBackground\nA significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science\, technology\, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education\, they are still under-represented in these fields. \nGender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world\, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development\, as well. \nOn 14 March 2011\, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report at its fifty-fifth session\, with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education\, training and science and technology\, and for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. On 20 December 2013\, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science\, technology and innovation for development\, in which it recognized that full and equal access to and participation in science\, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240211T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240221T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T225404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182727Z
UID:10001145-1707663600-1708534800@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Mother Language Day
DESCRIPTION:Background\nInternational Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational\, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002. \nOn 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/61/266 called upon Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”. By the same resolution\, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages\, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding\, through multilingualism and multiculturalism and named the United Nations Educational\, Scientific and Cultural Organization to serve as the lead agency for the Year. \nToday there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development\, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue\, but also in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all\, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage\, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development. \n\nMultilingual education – a necessity to transform education\nGlobally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. But progress is being made in multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance\, particularly in early schooling\, and more commitment to its development in public life. \nInternational Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion\, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. UNESCO encourages and promotes multilingual education based on mother tongue or first language. It is a type of education that begins in the language that the learner masters most and then gradually introduces other languages. This approach enables learners whose mother tongue is different from the language of instruction to bridge the gap between home and school\, to discover the school environment in a familiar language\, and thus\, learn better. \nMultilingualism contributes to the development of inclusive societies that allow multiple cultures\, worldviews and knowledge systems to coexist and cross-fertilize. \nThe theme of the 2023 International Mother Language Day\, “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education” aligns with recommendations made during the Transforming Education Summit\, where an emphasis was also placed on Indigenous people’s education and languages. \nMultilingual education based on mother-tongue facilitates access to and inclusion in learning for population groups that speak non-dominant languages\, languages of minority groups and indigenous languages. \n\nSafeguarding Linguistic Diversity\nLanguages\, with their complex implications for identity\, communication\, social integration\, education and development\, are of strategic importance for people and planet. Yet\, due to globalization processes\, they are increasingly under threat\, or disappearing altogether. When languages fade\, so does the world’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities\, traditions\, memory\, unique modes of thinking and expression — valuable resources for ensuring a better future — are also lost. \nEvery two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain\, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world. \nMultilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages\, which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way. \nInternational Mother Language Day is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-mother-language-day/
LOCATION:UN Headquarters\, 405 E 45th St\, New York\, NY\, 10017\, United States
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240212T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240212T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240131T202016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182656Z
UID:10001217-1707696000-1707782399@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism
DESCRIPTION:Violent extremism is an affront to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. It undermines peace and security\, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune from its impacts. \nViolent extremism is a diverse phenomenon\, without clear definition. It is neither new nor exclusive to any region\, nationality or system of belief. Nevertheless\, in recent years\, terrorist groups such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)\, Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have shaped our image of violent extremism and the debate on how to address this threat. These groups’ message of intolerance — religious\, cultural\, social — has had drastic consequences for many regions of the world. Holding territory and using social media for real-time communication of their atrocious crimes\, they seek to challenge our shared values of peace\, justice and human dignity. \nThe spread of violent extremism has further aggravated an already unprecedented humanitarian crisis which surpasses the boundaries of any one region. Millions of people have fled the territory controlled by terrorist and violent extremist groups. Migratory flows have increased both away\, from\, and towards the conflict zones – involving those seeking safety and those lured into the conflict as foreign terrorist fighters\, further destabilizing the regions concerned. \nNothing can justify violent extremism but we must also acknowledge that it does not arise in a vacuum. Narratives of grievance\, actual or perceived injustice\, promised empowerment and sweeping change become attractive where human rights are being violated\, good governance is being ignored and aspirations are being crushed. \n\nInternational Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism\nIn its resolution 77/243\, the General Assembly decided to declare 12 February the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism\, in order to raise awareness of the threats linked to violent extremism\, as and when conducive to terrorism\, and to enhance international cooperation in this regard. \nThe General Assembly emphasized in this context the primary responsibility of Member States and their respective national institutions in countering terrorism\, and underlined the important role of intergovernmental organizations\, civil society\, academia\, religious leaders and the media in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism. \nThe resolution reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion\, nationality\, civilization or ethnic group. \nThe General Assembly invited the Office of Counter-Terrorism\, in collaboration with other relevant entities of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact\, to facilitate the observance of the International Day. \n\nPlan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism\nOn 15 January 2016 the Secretary-General presented a Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism to the General Assembly. On 12 February 2016\, the General Assembly adopted a resolution welcoming the initiative by the Secretary-General\, and taking note of his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. \nThe Plan of Action calls for a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalize and join violent extremist groups. \nThe Plan is an appeal for concerted action by the international community. It provides more than 70 recommendations to Member States and the United Nations System to prevent the further spread of violent extremism. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-for-the-prevention-of-violent-extremism-as-and-when-conducive-to-terrorism/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240217T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240217T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T221611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182607Z
UID:10001143-1708128000-1708214399@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:Global Tourism Resilience Day
DESCRIPTION:Resilient tourism\nFor many developing countries\, including the least developed countries\, small island developing states\, countries in Africa and middle-income countries\, tourism is a major source of income\, foreign currency earnings\, tax revenue and employment. Because tourism connects people with nature\, sustainable tourism has the unique ability to spur environmental responsibility and conservation. \nSustainable tourism\, including ecotourism\, is a cross-cutting activity that can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering economic growth\, alleviating poverty\, creating full and productive employment and decent work for all. \nIt can also play a role in accelerating the change to more sustainable consumption and production patterns and promoting the sustainable use of oceans\, seas and marine resources\, promoting local culture\, improving the quality of life and the economic empowerment of women and young people\, indigenous peoples and local communities and promoting rural development and better living conditions for rural populations\, including small-holder and family farmers. \nThe use of sustainable and resilient tourism as a tool to foster sustained and inclusive economic growth\, social development and financial inclusion\, enables the formalization of the informal sector\, the promotion of domestic resource mobilization and environmental protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger\, including the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources and the promotion of investment and entrepreneurship in sustainable tourism. \nGlobal Tourism Resilience Day (17 February)\, proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/77/269\, aims to emphasize the need to foster resilient tourism development to deal with shocks\, taking into account the vulnerability of the tourism sector to emergencies. It is also a call for action for Member States to develop national strategies for rehabilitation after disruptions\, including through private-public cooperation and the diversification of activities and products. \n\n\n\nTourism Data Dashboard\n\nThe UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard – provides statistics and insights on key indicators for inbound and outbound tourism at the global\, regional and national levels. Data covers tourist arrivals\, tourism share of exports and contribution to GDP\, source markets\, seasonality and accommodation (data on number of rooms\, guest and nights). \n\nDASHBOARD\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\nTourism supports millions of direct and indirect jobs all over the world\, in particular for women and young people.\nFor some small island states and developing countries\, tourism accounts for over 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).\nThe economic contribution of tourism (tourism direct GDP) was estimated at $1.9 trillion in 2021\, higher than the $1.6 trillion recorded for 2020\, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion.\n\n\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/global-tourism-resilience-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240220T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240220T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T223834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182539Z
UID:10001144-1708387200-1708473599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Day of Social Justice
DESCRIPTION:2023 Theme: Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice\nThis year’s theme focuses on the recommendations of Our Common Agenda to strengthen global solidarity and to re-build trust in government by “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”. Therefore\, the 2023 World Day of Social Justice provides an opportunity to foster dialogue with Member States\, youth\, social partners\, civil society\, UN organisations and other stakeholders on actions needed to strengthen the social contract that has been fractured by rising inequalities\, conflicts and weakened institutions that are meant to protect the rights of workers. Despite these multiple crises\, there are many opportunities to build a coalition for social justice and to unleash greater investments in decent jobs\, with a particular focus on the green\, digital and care economy\, and on young people. [Concept note] \n\n\nBackground\nThe International Labour Organization (ILO) unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008. This is the third major statement of principles and policies adopted by the International Labour Conference since the ILO’s Constitution of 1919. It builds on the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944 and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998. The 2008 Declaration expresses the contemporary vision of the ILO’s mandate in the era of globalization. \nThis landmark Declaration is a powerful reaffirmation of ILO values. It is the outcome of tripartite consultations that started in the wake of the Report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization. By adopting this text\, the representatives of governments\, employers’ and workers’ organizations from 182 member States emphasize the key role of our tripartite Organization in helping to achieve progress and social justice in the context of globalization. Together\, they commit to enhance the ILO’s capacity to advance these goals\, through the Decent Work Agenda. The Declaration institutionalizes the Decent Work concept developed by the ILO since 1999\, placing it at the core of the Organization’s policies to reach its constitutional objectives. \nThe Declaration comes at a crucial political moment\, reflecting the wide consensus on the need for a strong social dimension to globalization in achieving improved and fair outcomes for all. It constitutes a compass for the promotion of a fair globalization based on decent work\, as well as a practical tool to accelerate progress in the implementation of the Decent Work Agenda at the country level. It also reflects a productive outlook by highlighting the importance of sustainable enterprises in creating greater employment and income opportunities for all. \nThe General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that\, in turn\, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security\, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. \nIt further recognizes that globalization and interdependence are opening new opportunities through trade\, investment and capital flows and advances in technology\, including information technology\, for the growth of the world economy and the development and improvement of living standards around the world\, while at the same time there remain serious challenges\, including serious financial crises\, insecurity\, poverty\, exclusion and inequality within and among societies\, and considerable obstacles to further integration and full participation in the global economy for developing countries\, as well as some countries with economies in transition. \nOn 26 November 2007\, the General Assembly declared that\, starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly\, 20 February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice. \n\n\n\n\nA Global Coalition for Social Justice\nPoverty and inequalities within and among countries are on the rise in many parts of the world. The economic and social crises of recent years have been exacerbated by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic\, natural disasters due to accelerating climate change\, geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts. Beyond the human tragedies associated with them and their impact on the world of work\, these crises have highlighted the interlinkages and dependencies of economies and societies around the world and shown the crucial need for concerted action to respond to them\, at global\, regional and national levels. \nThis has happened against the background of important changes such as\, inter alia\, growing disruptions in economies linked to globalization and technology\, significant demographic transformations\, increasing migration flows and protracted situations of fragility. The world of work has not been spared by these upheavals. The perceived lack of satisfactory responses to these multiple challenges and changes has led in many countries to growing discontent and mistrust vis-à-vis established institutions and actors of public life. \nConfronted with this complex situation\, the multilateral system has also struggled to adapt to a changing environment and to provide concrete and coordinated responses to many of the world’s most pressing challenges. The growing gap between international commitments and concrete achievements has fragilized multilateral action and its credibility\, resulting in open criticism and disengagement. More than ever\, it is urgent for the multilateral system to deliver and to contribute to bringing solutions to people’s daily problems\, and to do so in a more efficient and coherent manner. \nThis sense of urgency has been shared by many\, including the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General who\, in his report “Our Common Agenda“\, has warned against today’s growing divide and called for a more inclusive and networked multilateralism\, re-embracing global solidarity and renewing the social contract between governments and their people and within societies\, anchored in a comprehensive approach to human rights. \nSocial justice makes societies and economies function better and reduces poverty\, inequalities and social tensions. It plays an important role in attaining more inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development paths and is key for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda)\, especially at a time when the achievement of those goals remains faraway. \nIt is more important than ever that the multilateral system coalesce around a set of shared values and goals and identify the means to respond to peoples’ aspirations and needs. Social justice has therefore to become one of the cornerstones of the renewed multilateralism that is required; a rallying objective but also a significant instrument for a more efficient multilateral system\, ensuring coherence across a range of policy areas. \n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-day-of-social-justice/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T230413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182438Z
UID:10001146-1709251200-1709337599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Seagrass Day
DESCRIPTION:Healthy seagrass\, healthy planet\nIn May 2022\, the General Assembly adopted A/RES/76/265 proclaiming 1 March as World Seagrass Day. The resolution highlights the urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for the conservation of seagrasses in order to contribute to their health and development\, bearing in mind that enhancing ecosystem services and functions is important for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. \n\nWhy seagrass matters\nSeagrasses are marine flowering plants that are found in shallow waters in many parts of the world\, from the tropics to the Arctic circle. They form extensive underwater meadows\, creating complex\, highly productive and biologically rich habitats. \nCovering only 0.1% of the ocean floor\, these seagrass meadows provide food and shelter to thousands of species of fish\, seahorses\, turtles\, etc. and sustain some of the world’s largest fisheries. They improve water quality by filtering\, cycling and storing nutrients and pollutants\, reducing contamination in seafood. Highly efficient carbon sinks\, they can store up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon\, making them a powerful nature-based solutions to tackle climate change impacts. Because they buffer ocean acidification\, they contribute to the resilience of the most vulnerable ecosystems and species\, such as coral reefs. And to the coastal populations\, they act as the first line of defense along coasts by reducing wave energy\, protecting people from the increasing risk of floods and storms. \n\nA resource in danger\nDespite its important contribution to sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation\, this core component of marine biodiversity is in danger and only about a quarter of all meadows fall within marine protected areas. \nSeagrasses have been declining globally since the 1930s\, with the most recent census estimating that 7% of this key marine habitat is being lost worldwide per year. It was recently noted that 21% of seagrass species are categorized as Near Threatened\, Vulnerable and Endangered Species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. \nThe combined pressures of coastal development\, pollution\, including land-based run-off\, climate change\, dredging and unregulated fishing and boating activities are key drivers of the degradation of seagrasses and their associated ecosystems. \n\nProtection works\nDespite a general global trend of seagrass loss\, some areas have shown abating declines or substantial recovery of seagrasses. These recoveries can often be attributed to human interventions reducing the effect of human-caused stressors. \nSeagrasses are critical for life underwater\, but also provide wide-ranging benefits to people on land. Raising awareness about their importance for community well-being\, whether through food security from fish production\, improved quality of water filtered by seagrasses\, protection of coasts from erosion\, storms and floods\, or carbon sequestration and storage will drive efforts around the world to conserve\, better manage and restore these ecosystems. \nUltimately\, the protection and restoration of seagrass meadows will help countries achieve multiple economic\, societal and nutritional objectives\, aligning with and supported by policies implemented at the national\, regional or global levels. For example: \n\nThe benefits from conserving and restoring seagrass meadows can also help countries achieve 26 targets and indicators associated with ten Sustainable Development Goals.\nGiven the carbon storage and sequestration capacity of seagrass ecosystems\, including them in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) can help nations achieve their targets under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).\nInclusion of seagrass ecosystems in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is also critical for protecting the integrity of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.\nRestoration of seagrasses also provides countries with opportunities to achieve commitments to be made to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.\n\nInclusion of seagrass management\, conservation and restoration should be a critical component of sustainable blue economy strategies in the future. Projects are already underway in various countries\, and a few have even been selected as World Restoration Flagships initiatives. Chosen as best examples of large-scale and long-term ecosystem restoration\, these projects embody the 10 restoration principles of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. \n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\nSeagrass meadows exist in 159 countries on six continents\, covering over 300\,000 km2\, making them one of the most widespread coastal habitats on Earth.\nAlmost 30% of global seagrass area has been lost since the late nineteenth century and at least 22 of the world’s 72 seagrass species are in decline.\nSeagrasses\, as a part of the marine ecosystem\, store up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon.\nConserving and restoring seagrass meadows can also help countries achieve 26 targets and indicators associated with ten Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-seagrass-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/seagrass-day-benjamin-l-jones.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T231245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182218Z
UID:10001147-1709251200-1709337599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:Zero Discrimination Day
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT ZERO DISCRIMINATION DAY\nOn Zero Discrimination Day\, 1 March\, we celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity. Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion\, compassion\, peace and\, above all\, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination. \nOn Zero Discrimination Day this year\, under the theme “Save lives: Decriminalise”\, UNAIDS is highlighting how the decriminalisation of key populations and people living with HIV saves lives and helps advance the end of the AIDS pandemic. \n\nCriminal laws targeting key populations and people living with HIV violate people’s human rights\, exacerbate the stigma people face and put people in danger by creating barriers to the support and services they need to protect their health. \nIn 2021\, the world set ambitious law reform targets to remove criminal laws that are undermining the HIV response and leaving key populations behind. Recognising decriminalization as a critical element in the response\, countries made a commitment that by 2025 less than 10% of countries would have punitive legal and policy environments that affect the HIV response. \nHowever\, despite some encouraging reforms\, the world is far from achieving the target. In fact\, today there are 134 countries explicitly criminalising or otherwise prosecuting HIV exposure\, non-disclosure or transmission; 20 countries criminalise and/or prosecute transgender persons; 153 countries criminalise at least one aspect of sex work; and 67 countries now criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity\, according to UNAIDS. In addition\, 48 countries still place restrictions on entry into their territory for people living with HIV\, while 53 countries report that they require mandatory HIV testing\, for example for marriage certificates or for performing certain professions. 106 countries report requiring parental consent for adolescents to access HIV testing. \nCriminalisation drives discrimination and structural inequalities. It robs people of the prospect of healthy and fulfilling lives. And it holds back the end of AIDS. \nWe must end criminalisation to save lives. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/zero-discrimination-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/zero-discrimination-day.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240303T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240303T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240114T001907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182147Z
UID:10001163-1709460000-1709467200@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Wildlife Day
DESCRIPTION:Online Event accessed through CITES YouTube Channel\n\nThe incalculable value of wildlife\nBillions of people\, in developed and developing nations\, benefit daily from the use of wild species for food\, energy\, materials\, medicine\, recreation\, inspiration and many other vital contributions to human well-being. \nThe accelerating global biodiversity crisis\, with a million species of plants and animals facing extinction\, threatens these contributions to people. \nWorld Wildlife Day (WWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to people. At the same time\, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species\, which have wide-ranging economic\, environmental and social impacts. Given these various negative effects\, Sustainable Development Goal 15 focuses on halting biodiversity loss. \n\nFifty years promoting partnerships in favor of wildlife conservation\nWorld Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2023 under the theme “Partnerships for wildlife conservation“\, honoring the people who are making a difference. \nPartnerships operate on a large scale or involve a few children or a school. For some\, it could be organizing a school sale to benefit a conservation group\, for others it could be posting photographs online to raise awareness of endangered species. All of them are equally valid. \nThis upcoming year\, the UN celebrates a special partnership: the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). \nThis Convention is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. Today\, it grants varying degrees of protection to more than 37\,000 species of animals and plants. \nThrough the past 50 years\, partnerships have been at the heart of CITES\, and WWD will celebrate the bridge that CITES has been for these partnerships to form\, making a significant contribution to sustainability\, wildlife and biodiversity conservation. \nIn accordance with this convention\, UN agencies\, private sector organizations\, philanthropies and non-governmental organizations must keep working for conservation\, the sustainable use of wildlife and in the fight against illegal trade and the depletion of wildlife. \nSustaining existing partnerships and building new ones is critical for the future of life on earth. \nWe need to change our relationship with nature and we need to work together. \n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\n50\,000 Wild Species Meet Needs of Billions Worldwide.\n1 in 5 people around the world rely on wild species for income and food\, while 2.4 billion people depend on wood fuel for cooking.\nIt seems surprising\, but cacti\, seaweeds\, giraffes\, parrots\, and oak trees are groups of species endangered. Currently there are one million species under threat.\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-wildlife-day-2/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gorilla_portrait.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240303T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240303T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T233257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182118Z
UID:10001148-1709460000-1709485200@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Wildlife Day
DESCRIPTION:The incalculable value of wildlife\nBillions of people\, in developed and developing nations\, benefit daily from the use of wild species for food\, energy\, materials\, medicine\, recreation\, inspiration and many other vital contributions to human well-being. \nThe accelerating global biodiversity crisis\, with a million species of plants and animals facing extinction\, threatens these contributions to people. \nWorld Wildlife Day (WWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to people. At the same time\, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species\, which have wide-ranging economic\, environmental and social impacts. Given these various negative effects\, Sustainable Development Goal 15 focuses on halting biodiversity loss. \n\nFifty years promoting partnerships in favor of wildlife conservation\nWorld Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2023 under the theme “Partnerships for wildlife conservation“\, honoring the people who are making a difference. \nPartnerships operate on a large scale or involve a few children or a school. For some\, it could be organizing a school sale to benefit a conservation group\, for others it could be posting photographs online to raise awareness of endangered species. All of them are equally valid. \nThis upcoming year\, the UN celebrates a special partnership: the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). \nThis Convention is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. Today\, it grants varying degrees of protection to more than 37\,000 species of animals and plants. \nThrough the past 50 years\, partnerships have been at the heart of CITES\, and WWD will celebrate the bridge that CITES has been for these partnerships to form\, making a significant contribution to sustainability\, wildlife and biodiversity conservation. \nIn accordance with this convention\, UN agencies\, private sector organizations\, philanthropies and non-governmental organizations must keep working for conservation\, the sustainable use of wildlife and in the fight against illegal trade and the depletion of wildlife. \nSustaining existing partnerships and building new ones is critical for the future of life on earth. \nWe need to change our relationship with nature and we need to work together. \n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\n50\,000 Wild Species Meet Needs of Billions Worldwide.\n1 in 5 people around the world rely on wild species for income and food\, while 2.4 billion people depend on wood fuel for cooking.\nIt seems surprising\, but cacti\, seaweeds\, giraffes\, parrots\, and oak trees are groups of species endangered. Currently there are one million species under threat.\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-wildlife-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gorilla_portrait.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240303T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240303T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240227T182027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T182027Z
UID:10001162-1709460000-1709485200@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Wildlife Day
DESCRIPTION:The incalculable value of wildlife\nBillions of people\, in developed and developing nations\, benefit daily from the use of wild species for food\, energy\, materials\, medicine\, recreation\, inspiration and many other vital contributions to human well-being. \nThe accelerating global biodiversity crisis\, with a million species of plants and animals facing extinction\, threatens these contributions to people. \nWorld Wildlife Day (WWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to people. At the same time\, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species\, which have wide-ranging economic\, environmental and social impacts. Given these various negative effects\, Sustainable Development Goal 15 focuses on halting biodiversity loss. \n\nFifty years promoting partnerships in favor of wildlife conservation\nWorld Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2023 under the theme “Partnerships for wildlife conservation“\, honoring the people who are making a difference. \nPartnerships operate on a large scale or involve a few children or a school. For some\, it could be organizing a school sale to benefit a conservation group\, for others it could be posting photographs online to raise awareness of endangered species. All of them are equally valid. \nThis upcoming year\, the UN celebrates a special partnership: the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). \nThis Convention is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. Today\, it grants varying degrees of protection to more than 37\,000 species of animals and plants. \nThrough the past 50 years\, partnerships have been at the heart of CITES\, and WWD will celebrate the bridge that CITES has been for these partnerships to form\, making a significant contribution to sustainability\, wildlife and biodiversity conservation. \nIn accordance with this convention\, UN agencies\, private sector organizations\, philanthropies and non-governmental organizations must keep working for conservation\, the sustainable use of wildlife and in the fight against illegal trade and the depletion of wildlife. \nSustaining existing partnerships and building new ones is critical for the future of life on earth. \nWe need to change our relationship with nature and we need to work together. \n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\n50\,000 Wild Species Meet Needs of Billions Worldwide.\n1 in 5 people around the world rely on wild species for income and food\, while 2.4 billion people depend on wood fuel for cooking.\nIt seems surprising\, but cacti\, seaweeds\, giraffes\, parrots\, and oak trees are groups of species endangered. Currently there are one million species under threat.\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-wildlife-day-3/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gorilla_portrait.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240305T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240305T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240131T232009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181850Z
UID:10001218-1709596800-1709683199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
DESCRIPTION:The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness seeks to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public\, especially young people. \nSince the founding of the United Nations\, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to the Organization’s efforts to maintain international peace and security. \nWeapons of mass destruction\, in particular nuclear weapons\, continue to be of primary concern\, owing to their destructive power and the threat that they pose to humanity. The excessive accumulation in conventional weapons and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons jeopardizes international peace and security and sustainable development\, while the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is seriously endangering civilians. New and emerging weapon technologies\, such as autonomous weapons\, pose a challenge to global security and have received increased attention from the international community in recent years. \nObserved on 5 March\, the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness plays a role in deepening the global public’s understanding about how disarmament efforts contribute to enhancing peace and security\, preventing and ending armed conflicts\, and curbing human suffering caused by weapons. \nThrough resolution A/RES/77/51\, the General Assembly invites all Member States\, the organizations of the United Nations system\, civil society\, academia\, the media and individuals to commemorate the International Day\, including through all means of educational and public awareness-raising activities. \n\nDid you know?\nDid you know that in 2021\, global military spending reached $2.1 trillion? 12\,700 nuclear weapons remain an existential threat to humanity today. 26\,000 people can be treated for malaria for the price of 1 battle tank. Here are some outreach materials. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-for-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-awareness/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/disarnment.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240308T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240308T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240112T234524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181744Z
UID:10001149-1709856000-1709942399@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Women's Day
DESCRIPTION:Invest in women: Accelerate progress\nAchieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However\, we are facing a key challenge: the alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030. \nJoin us on March 8\, 2024\, for International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress”\, and take a stand with us using the hashtag #InvestInWomen. \nHere are five key areas needing joint action: \n\nInvesting in women\, a human rights issue: Time is running out. Gender equality is the greatest human rights challenge\, benefiting everyone.\nEnding poverty: Due to the COVID pandemic and conflicts\, 75 million more people have fallen into severe poverty since 2020. Immediate action is crucial to prevent over 342 million women and girls living in poverty by 2030.\nImplementing gender-responsive financing: Conflicts and rising prices may lead 75% of countries to cut public spending by 2025\, negatively impacting women and their essential services.\nShifting to a green economy and care society: The current economic system disproportionately affects women. Advocates propose a shift to a green economy and care society to amplify women’s voices.\nSupporting feminist change-makers: Despite leading efforts\, feminist organizations receive only 0.13% of official development assistance.\n\nThis International Women’s Day\, let’s unite to transform challenges into opportunities and shape a better future for all! \n\n\n\n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\nIn 1984\, Australia introduced the world’s first Women’s Budget Statement\, paving the way for many others to follow suit.\nThere is an alarming lack of financing with a staggering USD 360 billion annual deficit in spending on gender-equality measures.\nJust 5% of government aid is focused on tackling violence against women and girls\, and less than 0.2% is directed to its prevention.\n\n\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-womens-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/international-womens-day.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240308T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240308T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240227T181643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181643Z
UID:10001152-1709856000-1709942399@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Women's Day
DESCRIPTION:Invest in women: Accelerate progress\nAchieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However\, we are facing a key challenge: the alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030. \nJoin us on March 8\, 2024\, for International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress”\, and take a stand with us using the hashtag #InvestInWomen. \nHere are five key areas needing joint action: \n\nInvesting in women\, a human rights issue: Time is running out. Gender equality is the greatest human rights challenge\, benefiting everyone.\nEnding poverty: Due to the COVID pandemic and conflicts\, 75 million more people have fallen into severe poverty since 2020. Immediate action is crucial to prevent over 342 million women and girls living in poverty by 2030.\nImplementing gender-responsive financing: Conflicts and rising prices may lead 75% of countries to cut public spending by 2025\, negatively impacting women and their essential services.\nShifting to a green economy and care society: The current economic system disproportionately affects women. Advocates propose a shift to a green economy and care society to amplify women’s voices.\nSupporting feminist change-makers: Despite leading efforts\, feminist organizations receive only 0.13% of official development assistance.\n\nThis International Women’s Day\, let’s unite to transform challenges into opportunities and shape a better future for all! \n\n\n\n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\nIn 1984\, Australia introduced the world’s first Women’s Budget Statement\, paving the way for many others to follow suit.\nThere is an alarming lack of financing with a staggering USD 360 billion annual deficit in spending on gender-equality measures.\nJust 5% of government aid is focused on tackling violence against women and girls\, and less than 0.2% is directed to its prevention.\n\n\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-womens-day-2/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/international-womens-day.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240310T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240310T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240113T235120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181458Z
UID:10001154-1710028800-1710115199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day of Women Judges
DESCRIPTION:Background\nWhile equality in the judiciary has been historically uneven\, steps are being taken to remedy this as evidenced by the declaration by the United Nations General Assembly of 10 March as the International Day of Women Judges. The General Assembly resolution\, drafted by the State of Qatar\, is tangible proof of an positive shift. \nRedressing gender inequalities is also at the core of UNODC’s Strategy for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women\, and is a goal shared by the Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration\, as it works to promote a culture of lawfulness around the world\, providing education and training and supporting the full participation of women in every professional sphere. \n\nTo achieve justice\, we need more women in justice\nDespite women’s increased engagement in public life\, they remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions. In fact\, a relatively small number of women have been\, or are part of\, the judiciary\, particularly at senior judicial leadership positions. \nWomen’s representation in the judiciary is key to ensuring that courts represent their citizens\, address their concerns and hand down sound judgments. By their mere presence\, women judges enhance the legitimacy of courts\, sending a powerful signal that they are open and accessible to those who seek recourse to justice. \nThe entry of women judges into spaces from which they had historically been excluded has been a positive step in the direction of judiciaries being perceived as being more transparent\, inclusive\, and representative of the people whose lives they affect. \nBy marking the day\, we will reaffirm our commitment to develop and implement appropriate and effective national strategies and plans for the advancement of women in judicial justice systems and institutions at the leadership\, managerial and other levels. \nJoin us in celebrating this International Day of Women Judges with the campaign “Women in Justice\, women for justice” to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary\, to celebrate the progress that has been made and raise awareness about the challenges ahead! \n\nWomen judges and the achievement of gender equality\nThe representation of women in the judiciary is significant for many reasons. In addition to ensuring that the legal system is developed with all of society in mind\, it also inspires the next generation of female judges and motivates them to achieve their goals. \nWomen in the criminal justice system can act as agents of change and contribute to greater accountability. Women judges bring different perspectives and experiences\, strengthening judicial systems. Women in leadership roles help disrupt networks of collusion\, striking a blow against corruption. \nWomen’s representation in law enforcement and judicial institutions has been linked to more effective\, victim-centered responses to crime. \nBy investing in women’s advancement and women justice leaders\, we can help ensure that justice is better served and that women and all members of our societies are met with fairness and equality before the law\, for the benefit of all. \nOnly through the active participation of women\, on equal terms with men\, at all levels of decision-making\, we’ll be able to achieve sustainable development\, peace and democracy. \n\n\n\nGlobal Judicial Integrity Network\nThe Global Judicial Integrity Network of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) brings together female judges to learn from each other’s lived experiences and provide a source of solidarity. Find out more about the Networks’ work. \n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-women-judges-2/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/women-judges.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240315T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240315T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T003047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181251Z
UID:10001219-1710460800-1710547199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day to Combat Islamophobia
DESCRIPTION:What is Islamophobia?\nIslamophobia is a fear\, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation\, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening\, harassment\, abuse\, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims\, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional\, ideological\, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism\, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim. \nThis definition emphasises the link between institutional levels of Islamophobia and manifestations of such attitudes\, triggered by the visibility of the victim’s perceived Muslim identity. This approach also interprets Islamophobia as a form of racism\, whereby Islamic religion\, tradition and culture are seen as a ‘threat’ to the Western values. \nSome experts prefer the label ‘anti-Muslim hatred\,’ fearing that the term ‘Islamophobia’ risks condemning all critiques of Islam and\, therefore\, could stifle freedom of expression. But international human rights law protects individuals\, not religions. And Islamophobia may also affect non-Muslims\, based on perceptions of nationality\, racial or ethnic background. \n\nAn epidemic of hatred\nA recent report  by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief found that suspicion\, discrimination and outright hatred towards Muslims has risen to ‘epidemic proportions.’ \nFollowing the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and other horrific acts of terrorism purportedly carried out in the name of Islam\, institutional suspicion of Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim has escalated to epidemic proportions. Numerous states\, as well as regional and international bodies\, have responded to security threats by adopting measures that disproportionately target Muslims and define Muslims as high-risk and at risk of radicalization. At the same time\, widespread negative representations of Islam\, and harmful stereotypes that depict Muslims and their beliefs and culture as a threat have served to perpetuate\, validate and normalize discrimination\, hostility and violence towards Muslim individuals and communities. \nIn states where they are in the minority\, Muslims often experience discrimination in accessing goods and services\, in finding employment and in education. In some states they are denied citizenship or legal immigration status due to xenophobic perceptions that Muslims represent national security and terrorism threats. Muslim women are disproportionately targeted in Islamophobic hate crimes. \nStudies show that the number of Islamophobic hate crimes frequently increases following events beyond the control of most Muslims\, including terrorist attacks and anniversaries of such attacks. These trigger events illustrate how Islamophobia may attribute collective responsibility to all Muslims for the actions of a very select few\, or feed upon inflammatory rhetoric. \n\nCombating Islamophobia\nMany Governments have taken steps to combat Islamophobia by establishing anti-hate-crime legislation and measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes and by conducting public awareness campaigns about Muslims and Islam designed to dispel negative myths and misconceptions. \nThe United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 Member-States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)\, which designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The document stresses that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion\, nationality\, civilization\, or ethnic group. It calls for a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace\, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief. \nMarking the first International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2021\, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that anti-Muslim bigotry is part of a larger trend of a resurgence in ethno-nationalism\, neo-Nazism\, stigma and hate speech targeting vulnerable populations including Muslims\, Jews\, some minority Christian communities\, as well as others. “As the Holy Quran reminds us:  nations and tribes were created to know one another. Diversity is a richness\, not a threat\,” he added. \nIn response to the alarming trend of rising hate speech around the world\, Secretary-General António Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-to-combat-islamophobia/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/islam.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240320T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240320T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T004142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181138Z
UID:10001220-1710892800-1710979199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day of Happiness
DESCRIPTION:What is the International Day of Happiness?\nIt’s a day to be happy\, of course! Since 2013\, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. \nHappiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for “a more inclusive\, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.” \nIn 2015\, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals\, which seek to end poverty\, reduce inequality\, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness. \nThe United Nations invites each person of any age\, plus every classroom\, business and government to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness. \n\n\nBackground\nThe General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness\, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives. It also recognized the need for a more inclusive\, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development\, poverty eradication\, happiness and the well-being of all peoples. \nThe resolution was initiated by Bhutan\, a country which recognized the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product. It also hosted a High Level Meeting on “Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. \n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-happiness/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/happy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240320T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240320T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T004855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181113Z
UID:10001221-1710892800-1710979199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:French Language Day
DESCRIPTION:On March 20\, the UN celebrates French Language Day\nLanguage Days at the United Nations were introduced in 2010  to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. \nThe UN celebrates six “Language Days” each year\, dedicated to the six official languages ​​of the United Nations\, which are Arabic\, Chinese\, English\, French\, Russian and Spanish.   \nThese days are an opportunity to raise awareness among the international community of the history\, culture and use of each of these languages. \nThe date of French Language Day was chosen symbolically in reference to March 20\, 1970\, which marks the creation of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT)\, which became the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) . \nMultilingualism\, more fundamental than ever\nTo emerge from the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and build back better\, we will need to continue to adopt an approach mobilizing all components of societies\, all public authorities and the entire world in a spirit of compassion and solidarity. . An essential factor in harmonious communication between peoples\, multilingualism is more than ever of particular importance for the UN because it promotes tolerance and ensures the effective participation of all in the Organization’s work process. \n“The Francophonie of the future”\nThe date of March 20 is recognized by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) as International Francophonie Day. The United Nations regularly cooperates with the OIF and its Member States in the spirit of the provisions of the  resolutions on cooperation with the OIF  adopted periodically by the General Assembly. In 2023\, the OIF wishes to mark the celebrations of the International Day of La Francophonie under the theme “321 million French speakers\, billions of cultural content” . \n\n\nMultilingualism at the UN\n\nOn the occasion of French Language Day at the UN\, consult the latest issue of the “Dossiers Phares” series from the Dag Hammarksjöld Library of the United Nations. The publication\, dedicated to multilingualism at the UN\, provides a historical overview of the linguistic arrangements of the Organization and explains how multilingualism evolved from a founding principle to that of a fundamental value of the UN. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/french-language-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/french-language.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240114T000405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T181021Z
UID:10001155-1710979200-1711065599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
DESCRIPTION:Background\nThe International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville\, South Africa\, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. \nIn 1979\, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. On that occasion\, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination\, beginning on 21 March\, would be organized annually in all States. \nSince then\, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled. Racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries\, and we have built an international framework for fighting racism\, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Convention is now nearing universal ratification\, yet still\, in all regions\, too many individuals\, communities and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. \n\n75th anniversary of the UDHR – an impetus to combat racism\nThe 2023 theme of the International Day focuses on the urgency of combatting racism and racial discrimination\, 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). \nSeventy-five years ago\, for the first time\, the international community agreed on a set of common values and acknowledged that rights are inherent to every single human being and not granted by the State. These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights\, a blueprint for international human rights norms. \nThe UDHR states that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms\, without distinction of any kind\, such as race and colour\, among others. However\, racism and racial discrimination continue to affect people all over the world. \nThe commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR should give States an impetus to take prompt and robust steps\, in law and in practice\, to advance equality and combat racism\, racial discrimination\, xenophobia and related intolerance. \nThe UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights\, Volker Türk\, has invited all States\, as part of the Human Rights 75 initiative\, to combat racial discrimination by committing to take specific and urgent actions. \n\nMajor UN meetings and events\nIn September 2021\, the United Nations General Assembly brought together world leaders for a one day meeting in New York to mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action under the theme of “Reparations\, racial justice and equality for People of African Descent.” \nIn 2001\, the World Conference against Racism produced the most authoritative and comprehensive programme for combating racism\, racial discrimination\, xenophobia and related intolerance: the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). In April 2009\, the Durban Review Conference examined global progress made in overcoming racism and concluded that much remained to be achieved. Undoubtedly\, the greatest accomplishment of the conference was the renewed international commitment to the anti-racism agenda. \nIn September 2011\, the United Nations General Assembly held a one day high-level meeting in New York to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. There\, world leaders adopted by consensus a political declaration proclaiming their “strong determination to make the fight against racism\, racial discrimination\, xenophobia and related intolerance\, and the protection of the victims thereof\, a high priority for [their] countries.” \nComing as it did during the 2011 International Year for People of African Descent\, the 10th anniversary was a chance to strengthen political commitment in fighting racism and racial discrimination. \nOn 23 December 2013\, the General Assembly proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent commencing 1 January 2015 and ending on 31 December 2024\, with the theme “People of African descent: recognition\, justice and development.” \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-racial-discrimination/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/siblings-cameroon.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240114T001256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180948Z
UID:10001156-1710979200-1711065599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Down Syndrome Day
DESCRIPTION:Background\nThe estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1\,000 to 1 in 1\,100 live births worldwide. Each year\, approximately 3\,000 to 5\,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder. \nThe quality of life of people with Down syndrome can be improved by meeting their health care needs\, including regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor mental and physical condition and to provide timely intervention be it physiotherapy\, occupational therapy\, speech therapy\, counselling or special education. Individuals with Down syndrome can achieve optimal quality of life through parental care and support\, medical guidance\, and community based support systems such as inclusive education at all levels. This facilitates their participation in mainstream society and the fulfillment of their personal potential. \n\nDown Syndrome\nDown syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs\, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles\, physical characteristics and health. \nAdequate access to health care\, to early intervention programmes\, and to inclusive education\, as well as appropriate research\, are vital to the growth and development of the individual. \nIn December 2011\, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided\, with effect from 2012\, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year. In order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome\, the General Assembly invites all Member States\, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations\, as well as civil society\, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector\, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner. \n\nWith Us Not For Us\nThe message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability. \nWe are committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability\, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity\, deserving of pity and relying on others for support. \nA human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else\, working WITH others to improve their lives. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-down-syndrome-day/
LOCATION:UN Headquarters\, 405 E 45th St\, New York\, NY\, 10017\, United States
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/down-syndrome-index.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240114T002703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180924Z
UID:10001164-1710979200-1711065599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day of Forests
DESCRIPTION:Background\nThe United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local\, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees\, such as tree planting campaigns. \nThe organizers are the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)\, in collaboration with Governments\, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field. \n\nHealthy forest for healthy people\nWhen we drink a glass of water\, write in a notebook\, take medicine for a fever or build a house\, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet\, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another. \nForest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change\, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all these priceless ecological\, economic\, social and health benefits\, forests are endangered by fires\, pests\, droughts\, and unprecedented deforestation. \nThe theme for 2023 is “Forests and health.” \nForests give us so much to our health. They purify the water\, clean the air\, capture carbon to fight climate change\, provide food and life-saving medicines\, and improve our well-being. \nIt’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources. \nThis 2023 calls for giving\, not just taking\, because healthy forests will bring healthy people. \n\n\nDid you know?\n\n\n\nA study from 43 000 households across 27 countries in Africa found that the dietary diversity of children exposed to forests was at least 25% higher than that of children who were not.\nThe total number of plant species used for medicinal purposes could be as high as 50 000.\nSeveral studies proved that a visit to a forest environment lowers blood pressure and pulse rate\, and reduces cortisol levels.\nThe world is losing 10 million hectares of forest each year due to deforestation – about the size of Iceland- and insects damage around 35 million hectares of forest annually.\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-forests/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/forest-day.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T010212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180850Z
UID:10001223-1710979200-1711065599@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Nowruz Day
DESCRIPTION:What is Nowruz and why do we celebrate it?\nThe word Nowruz (Novruz\, Navruz\, Nooruz\, Nevruz\, Nauryz)\, means new day; its spelling and pronunciation may vary by country. \nNowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox\, which usually occurs on 21 March. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3\,000 years in the Balkans\, the Black Sea Basin\, the Caucasus\, Central Asia\, the Middle East and other regions. \nInscribed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a cultural tradition observed by numerous peoples\, Nowruz is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness\, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities. \nNowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of the East and West\, which influenced those civilizations through the interchange of human values. \nCelebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in harmony with nature\, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labour and natural cycles of renewal and a solicitous and respectful attitude towards natural sources of life. \n\n\nBackground\nInternational Nowruz Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly\, in its resolution A/RES/64/253 of 2010\, at the initiative of several countries that share this holiday. Under the agenda item of “culture of peace”\, the member states of Afghanistan\, Azerbaijan\, Albania\, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia\, Iran (Islamic Republic of)\, India\, Kazakhstan\, Kyrgyzstan\, Tajikistan\, Turkey and Turkmenistan prepared and introduced a draft resolution (A/64/L.30) entitled “International Day of Nowruz” to the ongoing 64th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations for its consideration and adoption. \nIn the 71st plenary meeting on 23 February 2010\, The General Assembly welcomed the inclusion of Nowruz in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational\, Scientific and Cultural Organization on 30 September 2009. \nIt also recognized 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz\, and invited interested Member States\, the United Nations\, in particular its relevant specialized agencies\, funds and programmes\, and mainly the United Nations Educational\, Scientific and Cultural Organization\, and interested international and regional organizations\, as well as non-governmental organizations\, to participate in events organized by States where Nowruz is celebrated. \n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-nowruz-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/nowruzday.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240322T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240322T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240114T003505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180831Z
UID:10001165-1711065600-1711151999@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Water Day
DESCRIPTION:Key messages for World Water Day 2024\n\nWater can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted\, or when people struggle for access\, tensions can rise. By cooperating on water\, we can balance everyone’s water needs and help stabilize the world.\nProsperity and peace rely on water. As nations manage climate change\, mass migration and political unrest\, they must put water cooperation at the heart of their plans.\nWater can lead us out of crisis. We can foster harmony between communities and countries by uniting around the fair and sustainable use of water – from United Nations conventions at the international level\, to actions at the local level.\n\nWater for peace\nWater can create peace or spark conflict. \nWhen water is scarce or polluted\, or when people have unequal\, or no access\, tensions can rise between communities and countries. \nMore than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet\, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water. \nAs climate change impacts increase\, and populations grow\, there is an urgent need\, within and between countries\, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource. \nPublic health and prosperity\, food and energy systems\, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle. \n\nCreating a positive ripple effect\nThe theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’. \nWhen we cooperate on water\, we create a positive ripple effect – fostering harmony\, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges. \nWe must act upon the realization that water is not only a resource to be used and competed over – it is a human right\, intrinsic to every aspect of life. \nThis World Water Day\, we all need to unite around water and use water for peace\, laying the foundations of a more stable and prosperous tomorrow. \n\n\n\n\nPlay your part!\n\nBe part of the global campaign on ‘Water for Peace’. We need everyone – from individuals and families to companies and governments – to do what they can to cooperate on water and pave the way for a more harmonious society. Download resources to get involved this World Water Day and find out more about the connection between water and peace. \n\n\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-water-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/world-water-day.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240324T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240324T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T011017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180716Z
UID:10001224-1711238400-1711324799@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
DESCRIPTION:The Right to the Truth\nThe right to the truth is often invoked in the context of gross violations of human rights and grave breaches of humanitarian law. The relatives of victims of summary executions\, enforced disappearance\, missing persons\, abducted children\, torture\, require to know what happened to them. The right to the truth implies knowing the full and complete truth as to the events that transpired\, their specific circumstances\, and who participated in them\, including knowing the circumstances in which the violations took place\, as well as the reasons for them. \nInternational Day\nEach year\, on 24 March\, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed. \nThis annual observance pays tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero\, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. Monsignor Romero was actively engaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador. \n\n\nPurpose\nThe purpose of the Day is to: \n\nHonour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;\nPay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to\, and lost their lives in\, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;\nRecognize\, in particular\, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero\, of El Salvador\, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980\, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives\, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.\n\nBackground\nOn 21 December 2010\, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 March as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. \nThe date was chosen because on 24 March 1980\, Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador was assassinated\, after denouncing violations of human rights. \nIn a study conducted in 2006 the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded that the right to the truth about gross human rights violations and serious violations of human rights law is an inalienable and autonomous right\, linked to the duty and obligation of the State to protect and guarantee human rights\, to conduct effective investigations and to guarantee effective remedy and reparations. \nThe study affirms that the right to the truth implies knowing the full and complete truth as to the events that transpired\, their specific circumstances\, and who participated in them\, including knowing the circumstances in which the violations took place\, as well as the reasons for them. \nIn a 2009 report on the Right to the Truth\, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights identified best practices for the effective implementation of this right\, in particular practices relating to archives and records concerning gross violations of human rights\, and programmes on the protection of witnesses and other persons involved in trials connected with such violations. \nThe Commission on the Truth for El Salvador was established in accordance with the Mexico Agreements of 27 April 1991 to investigate serious acts of violence that had occurred since 1980 and whose impact on society was deemed to require an urgent public knowledge of the truth.  In its report of 15 March 1993\, the Commission documented the facts of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero by pro-government forces\, the so-called “death squads”.  He was shot dead by an assassin as he celebrated mass on 24 March 1980. \n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-for-the-right-to-the-truth-concerning-gross-human-rights-violations-and-for-the-dignity-of-victims/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/right-to-the-truth.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240325T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240325T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T011733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180653Z
UID:10001225-1711324800-1711411199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
DESCRIPTION:2024 Remembrance Programme\n   “Creating Global Freedom: Countering Racism with Justice in Societies and Among Nations”\n  \nThe transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans represents one of the most horrific and traumatizing eras in human history. \nThis racialized system of enslavement abducted\, trafficked\, and brutally dehumanized Africans and their descendants over centuries leaving a pernicious legacy of racism grounded in the false narrative of white supremacy. \nA critical antidote to countering racism with justice is to acknowledge the fundamental dignity\, equality\, and rights of people of African descent within communities\, institutions\, policies\, laws\, and governing bodies. \nRecognizing the egregious history and legacies of enslavement the United Nations will step up efforts to address racism\, intolerance\, bigotry and hatred to advance the cause of global freedom. \n\n25 March 2024\nGeneral Assembly Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade\nThe United Nations General Assembly will hold a meeting to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade reflecting of this year’s theme “Creating Global Freedom: Countering Racism with Justice in Societies and Among Nations”. Speakers will include the President of the General Assembly\, the Secretary-General\, Member States\, a keynote and a youth speaker. (more to come)\nWatch on UNWebTV: https://webtv.un.org/en \n\nThe Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery was established in 2007 with the adoption of General Assembly resolution 62/122. The Programme raises awareness of the history of the transatlantic slave trade\, its impact on the modern world\, and its legacies\, including racism and prejudice. Over the years\, the Programme has established a global network of partners\, including from educational institutions and civil society\, and developed resources and initiatives to educate the public about this dark chapter of history and promote action against racism. \n  \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/the-international-day-of-remembrance-of-the-victims-of-slavery-and-the-transatlantic-slave-trade/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/slave-trade-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240325T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240325T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240201T012525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180625Z
UID:10001226-1711324800-1711411199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
DESCRIPTION:Protecting UN staff\nSince the founding of the United Nations in 1945\, hundreds of brave men and women have lost their lives in its service. During the 1990s\, the growing number and scale of UN peacekeeping missions put many more at risk. More lives were lost during the 1990s than in the previous four decades combined. \nAt that time\, an awareness began to develop among Member States and staff\, that the more active the UN became in the future\, the more it was going to be targeted. \nThe first resolution on staff security was adopted by the UN Security Council in September 1993. \nComplex negotiations subsequently took place in the Sixth (Legal) Committee of the General Assembly on an international legal convention to protect UN personnel. \nThe result of those negotiations was the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel\, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1994. \n\nOrigin\nThe International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is marked each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett\, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985.  His body was finally found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009. \nThe International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members has taken on even greater importance in recent years\, as attacks against the United Nations intensify.  This is a day to mobilize action\, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers\, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. \nPurpose\nThis is a day to mobilize action\, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers\, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-solidarity-with-detained-and-missing-staff-members/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240330T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240330T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240116T194348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180606Z
UID:10001169-1711756800-1711843199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day of Zero Waste
DESCRIPTION:International Day of Zero Waste\nThe International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns\, support the societal shift towards circularity and raise awareness about how zero-waste initiatives contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. \nThe waste sector contributes significantly to the triple planetary crisis of climate change\, biodiversity and nature loss\, and pollution. Humanity generates an estimated 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually\, of which only 55 per cent is managed in controlled facilities. Every year\, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems. \nZero-waste initiatives can foster sound waste management and minimize and prevent waste\, helping to address the triple planetary crisis\, protect the environment\, enhance food security and improve human health and well-being. \n\nAdopting zero waste\nA zero-waste approach entails responsible production\, consumption and disposal of products in a closed\, circular system. This means that resources are reused or recovered as much as possible and that we minimize the pollution to air\, land or water. \nAchieving zero waste requires action at all levels. \nProducts should be designed to be durable and require fewer and low-impact materials. By opting for less resource-intensive production and transport methods\, manufacturers can further limit pollution and waste. Advertising and closely managing demand can further enable zero waste throughout products’ life cycles. \nConsumers can also play a pivotal role in enabling zero waste by changing habits and reusing and repairing products as much as possible before properly disposing of them. \nWith governments\, communities\, industries and other stakeholders increasingly recognizing the potential of zero-waste initiatives\, bolstering waste management and improving recovery systems through finance and policymaking. The Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production can guide this transition. Established by the United Nations General Assembly\, Member States and stakeholders\, the strategy calls for the adoption of sustainable consumption and production objectives across all sectors by 2030. \n\n\n\nBackground\nOn 14 December 2022\, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution at its seventy-seventh session to proclaim 30 March as International Day of Zero Waste\, to be observed annually. Türkiye\, with 105 other countries\, put forward the resolution. It follows other resolutions focused on waste\, including “End plastic pollution: towards an internationally legally binding instrument”\, adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly on 2 March 2022. \nDuring International Day of Zero Waste\, Member States\, organizations of the United Nations system\, civil society\, the private sector\, academia\, youth and other stakeholders are invited to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness of national\, subnational\, regional and local zero-waste initiatives and their contribution to achieving sustainable development. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) jointly facilitate the observance of International Day of Zero Waste. \nPromoting zero-waste initiatives through this international day can help advance all the goals and targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development\, including Sustainable Development Goal 11 and Sustainable Development Goal 12. These goals address all forms of waste\, including food loss and waste\, natural resource extraction and electronic waste. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet involved\n\nJoin the conversation on social media using #ZeroWasteDay and #BeatWastePollution. \nYou can reduce your carbon footprint and also cut down on waste. Start with these ten impactful actions. \n\n\n\n\n\nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-of-zero-waste/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,SDGs,United Nations
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240402T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240402T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240116T195639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180541Z
UID:10001170-1712016000-1712102399@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:World Autism Awareness Day
DESCRIPTION:Background\nThroughout its history\, the United Nations family has celebrated diversity and promoted the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities\, including learning differences and developmental disabilities. In 2008\, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force\, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. Its purpose is to promote\, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities\, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. It is a vital tool to foster an inclusive and caring society for all and to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives. \nThe United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. \nAutism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood\, irrespective of gender\, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support\, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity\, and full and effective participation in society. \nAutism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions\, non-standard ways of learning\, keen interests in specific subjects\, inclination to routines\, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information. \nThe rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals\, their families and communities. \nThe stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies\, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations\, as well as donor countries. \n\n  \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/world-autism-awareness-day/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240404T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240404T235959
DTSTAMP:20260408T123713
CREATED:20240116T223219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T180513Z
UID:10001171-1712188800-1712275199@esgnews.com
SUMMARY:International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
DESCRIPTION:Background\nOn 8 December 2005\, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. \nIt called for continued efforts by States\, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organizations\, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety\, health and lives of the civilian population\, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels. \nFor over 20 years\, the work of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been driven by the needs of affected people and tailored to the threat of explosive hazards faced by civilians\, peacekeepers and humanitarians. \nUNMAS works to save lives\, to facilitate deployment of UN missions and the delivery of humanitarian assistance\, to protect civilians\, to support the voluntary return of the internally displaced and refugees\, to enable humanitarian and recovery activities and to advocate for international humanitarian and human rights law. \n\nHistory\nThe United Nations advocates for the universalization of existing legal frameworks and encourages Member States to expand those regimes and develop new international instruments to protect civilians from the scourges of landmines and explosive remnants of war. It undertakes this work in collaboration with interested states\, civil society\, mine action and international organizations. \nSince the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use\, Stockpiling\, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction\, commonly known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention opened for signature in 1997\, 164 countries have ratified or acceded to it. \nIn addition to anti-personnel mines\, challenges remain with respect to all other explosive remnants of war. On 12 November 2006\, the Secretary-General welcomed the entry into force of Protocol V on explosive remnants of war from the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and reiterated his call for its universalization and implementation. In December 2008\, the Secretary-General welcomed the opening for signature of the Convention on Cluster Munitions\, which was joined by 108 states. \nGuided by its inter-agency policy\, the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA)\, consisting of 12 departments\, agencies\, funds and programmes\, and with observer entities\, such as the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and World Bank continue to ensure system-wide coherence in all mine action pillars and activities. \nIn 2018 UNMAS convened\, coordinated and led the drafting of the United Nations Mine Action Strategy 2019-2023. Two of the most significant aspects of the Strategy are that it represents an accountability framework for the United Nations system and introduces a Theory of Change for the United Nations engagement in mine action. \n\n\nMine Action Cannot Wait\n\nIn 2023 the United Nations Mine Action Service will acknowledge the day under the campaign “Mine Action Cannot Wait”\, highlighting decades of contamination in Cambodia\, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam\, as well as draw attention to recent explosive ordnance contamination. \nThe over-arching goal will be to bring attention to areas of the world that remain contaminated after many years\, and where generations have changed their lives to avoid the threat. \nExplosive ordnance contamination threatens lives\, curtails freedom of movement\, limits access to arable land\, disenfranchises communities and above all instills fear and insecurity. It spreads terror\, and longstanding contamination internalizes this terror. The most affected are the most vulnerable populations. \nThis campaign makes it clear that the eradication of all landmines cannot wait. Whether it is new contamination in Colombia\, Myanmar\, Ukraine or Yemen\, or old contamination\, in Cambodia\, Iraq or Viet Nam\, clearance must be completed by mine action actors and States Parties of the Mine Ban Convention. It is a human problem. \nShealyn Brannon
URL:https://esgnews.com/event/international-day-for-mine-awareness-and-assistance-in-mine-action/
CATEGORIES:ESG Awareness,United Nations
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