Monthly Archives: December 2014

Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development: A four-day long Dhaka University National Model UN (DUNMUN) Conference organized

UNRC, a.iA four-day long Dhaka University National Model UN (DUNMUN) Conference inaugurated at Dhaka University Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on 21 December 2014. The DUNMUN 2014 was organized by Dhaka University Model UN Association (DUMUNA) in cooperation with UNIC Dhaka, Action Aid and East Asia Study Center.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique inaugurated the conference as chief guest while Ms Argentina Matavel Piccin, UN Resident Coordinator, a.i and UNFPA Representative spoke as guest of honour. Among others, DUMUNA Moderator Prof Dr Delwar Hossain, Mr Chen Chuang, Counselor of Cultural Affairs of Chinese Embassy, DUNMUN Secretary-General M. J. Shohel, UNYSAB President Md. Mamun Mia and UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman spoke in the inaugural session. Mr Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Director (UN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the chief guest in the closing ceremony. Three were ten Committees in the model UN sessions. The main theme was ‘Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development’.

UN Library Network Workshop on Rural Information Service organized

02Dhaka, 21 December 2014: UNIC Dhaka and Department of Public Libraries/Ministry of Cultural Affairs jointly organized a day-long workshop titled Information Services in Rural Bangladesh – an a2i initiative at Public Library Conference Room on 21 December 2014. Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor MP, Hon. Minister, Ministry of Cultural Affairs inaugurated the workshop as chief guest while Director General (Additional Secretary) of Public Library Mr Md. Hafizur Rahman presided over. Mr. Nick Beresford, UNDP Country Director, a.i and Dr. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs spoke as special guests. The key-note paper was presented by Mr. Mustafizur Rahman, Director, Innovation, Access to Information (a2i) project. Around forty library and information professionals from public, private, NGOs, academic and international institutions took part in the workshop. The workshop was moderated by M. Moniruzzaman, Officer-in-Charge, UNIC Dhaka.

Human Rights Based Approach in Policy Formulation Underscores by UN Resident Coordinator, a.i – UNIC Dhaka Celebrates Human Rights Day 2014

1An integrated human rights based approach in policy formulation was underscored by Argentina Matavel Piccin, the UN Resident Coordinator, a.i. in Bangladesh at a seminar organized by United Nations Information Centre  (UNIC Dhaka) jointly with United International University (UIU) and United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh (UNYSAB). A Poetry Reading session by eminent poets of the country, followed by musical show, was also arranged in the event at UIU Auditorium in the city on 11 December 2014.

In poetry reading session, noted poets of the country – Asad Chowdhury, Ruby Rahman, Shihab Sarkar and Muhammad Samad – echoed the causes of global human rights in their poems.

In her speech, Ms Argentina highlighted the UN Secretary-General and UN Human Rights Commissioners statements for Human Rights Day 2014. She said youth voice needs to be heard and appropriate use of ICT and social media should be ensured. She asked the young participants to go through the Universal Declaration Human Rights. The Vice Chancellor of UIU Prof. Dr. Rezwan Khan presided over the session while UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman moderated the session. A ‘vote of thank’ is given by the UNYSAB president Mohammad Mamun Mia.

In celebrating the Day, the youngsters also performed a number of songs in the event. Faculties, media, academics, UN officials and youth groups took part in the event. Youtube: youtube

Make Change Happen, Volunteer! – International Volunteer Day 2014 celebrated in Bangladesh

Untitled-1Several organizations and volunteers in Bangladesh celebrated the International Volunteer Day 2014. The volunteers reiterated their commitment to shape a new world in line with the IVD theme “Make Change Happen, Volunteer!”  To mark the Day, apart from other significant event, UNIC Dhaka, Dhaka Bashi, Hope 87 and National Federation of Youth Organizations in Bangladesh (NFYOB) jointly organized a Rally and Discussion seminar at the Seminar Room of Public Library on 5 December 2014.The discussion session was chaired by President of Dhaka Bashi Md. Sukur Salek and UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman spoke on the occasion as special guest. In his speech, UNIC OIC highlights the role of volunteers especially in difficult situations and how they can they contribute for the wellbeing of community and society. Among others, Dulal Biswas, President of NFYOB, Rezaul Karim Babu, Bangladesh Branch Manager of Hope 87, Suza Mahmud of Betar Bangla and TV artist Dilara Zaman spoke on the occasion. Continue reading →

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Volunteer Day 2014

logo_eng_circles2013An ambulance rushes a wounded child to a hospital. A hungry family receives a warm meal. A battered woman finds free shelter. In scenes of human suffering around the world, hope comes thanks to volunteers who give their time, skills and resources to others in need.

International Volunteer Day is a chance to thank the many individuals who act with this spirit of giving, and to encourage others to follow their example. When an earthquake destroys homes, volunteers prove that human solidarity is shatterproof. When looters aim for cultural property, volunteers safeguard community treasures. When development is lagging, volunteers help enable people to lift themselves out of poverty. Continue reading →