Monthly Archives: August 2014

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message for the International Day against Nuclear Tests, 29 August 2014

On this day in 1991, Kazakhstan closed the nuclear test site near Semipalatinsk. On that same date in 1949, the Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear test, followed by another 455 nuclear tests over succeeding decades, with a terrible effect on the local population and environment.

These tests and the hundreds more that followed in other countries became hallmarks of a nuclear arms race, in which human survival depended on the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, known by its fitting acronym, MAD.

As Secretary-General, I have had many opportunities to meet with some of the courageous survivors of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Semipalatinsk. Their resolve and dedication should continue to guide our work for a world without nuclear weapons.  Continue reading →

Volunteers and Humanitarian stakeholders uphold the spirit of humanity: UNIC Dhaka, OCHA & ASA Univ. Celebrated World Humanitarian Day 2014

Dhaka, 19 August 2014: This year UN is focusing on Humanitarian Heroes, who are committed to make a difference. UN Secretary General has also stated in his message that we need to honour the brave humanitarians who risk their lives to save others. In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, UNIC Dhaka, UN OCHA and ASA University jointly organized a seminar and interactive session at the University auditorium on 19 August 2014. In their speeches, the speakers remembered those heroes who sacrificed their life for humanitarian causes at home and abroad.

Mr. Gerson Brandao, Senior Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, UNOCHA spoke on various aspects of humanitarian affairs as Chief Guest while Vice-Chancellor of ASA University Prof. Dr. Dalem Chandra Barman presided over the event. Officer-in-Charge of UNIC Dhaka M. Moniruzzaman delivered a speech focusing on the importance of the Day. He also read-out UN Secretary-General’s Message on the Day.

Secretary-General of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Mr. Mozharul Huq, Senior Staff Officer of Fire Service & Civil Defense Mr. Muhammad Mamun and Humanitarian Program Manager of OXFAM Mrs Murshida Akhter delivered their presentation focusing on humanitarian issues including their involvement during disaster and natural calamity. Two youth volunteers shared their practical working experience and contribution during the Rana
Plaza collapse. The participating students took part in the open discussion and raised different issues relating to the theme of the Day. They also have put a number of suggestions to respective authority to address man-made and natural disasters. Around 200 participants including UN staff members were present in the event.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2014

 

Untitled-1On World Humanitarian Day, we renew our commitment to life-saving relief efforts — and we remember all those who died serving this noble cause. Last year, more humanitarian workers were kidnapped, seriously injured or killed than ever before. This is an outrage.

In recent weeks, dozens of humanitarians — including members of the UN family — have lost their lives in South Sudan and Gaza. Too many people have died or suffered from deliberate attacks. Continue reading →

“500 Days of Action to Build a Better World”: UN Secretary-General’s Message on the mark to the Conclusion of MDGs

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18 August 2014: There are many fires raging around the world today — political turmoil, bloodshed, public health emergencies and human rights abuses. But there also burns a flame of hope – encouraging progress in the global drive to improve the lives of the world’s poorest through the Millennium Development Goals. Continue reading →

Mental Health Matters: Art Exhibition, Cultural show and Discussion Seminar – UN Agencies commemorated Int’l Youth Day

Dhaka, 12 August 2014: Mental Health issues always ignored in our society and a large proportion of young persons are experiencing mental health problems globally, especially countries like Bangladesh. Quoting a new UN publication the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated in his 2014 Int’l Youth Day (IYD) Message that ‘20 per cent of the world’s young people experience a mental health condition each year’. The theme of this year’s IYD is ‘Mental Health Matters’ and slogan is ‘Youth and Mental Health’. Highlighting the theme of IYD, UNIC Dhaka with the partnership of UNFPA, UNV and Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (BPF) organized an Art Exhibition, Discussion and Cultural events at BPF auditorium on 12 August 2014. UN Resident Coordinator a.i, UNFPA Representative and Chairperson of UN Adolescent and Youth Group Ms Argentina Matavel Piccin opened the art exhibition and spoke in the discussion seminar as chief guest. The Officer-in-Charge of UNIC Dhaka M. Moniruzzaman delivered introductory speech and read-out UN Secretary-General’s Message on the Day while Principal of Kalyani Inclusive School, BPF Anuja Begum presided over the session. A dance and music was arranged, participated by BPF autistic children. A social media campaign with the artwork of Emon – an autistic youth also began last week.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Youth Day, 12 August 2014

IYD 2014 bannerA new publication from the United Nations shows that 20 per cent of the world’s young people experience a mental health condition each year. The risks are especially great as they transition from childhood to adulthood. Stigma and shame often compound the problem, preventing them from seeking the support they need. For this year’s observance of International Youth Day, the United Nations wants to help lift the veil that keeps young people locked in a chamber of isolation and silence. Continue reading →

UN Secretary-General’s Message for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2014

This year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples comes at a critical moment as the world endeavours to meet the Millennium Development Goals, forge a new vision for sustainable development and prepare the groundwork for the adoption of a new legal climate agreement – all by 2015.

Indigenous peoples have a central interest in these objectives – and can act as powerful agents of progress. In order for them to contribute to our common future, we must secure their rights.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples establishes minimum standards for their survival, dignity, well-being and rights. But huge gaps remain between those ideals and the circumstances facing most of the world’s indigenous peoples. Continue reading →