Monthly Archives: April 2016

ESCAP Economic and Social Survey 2016 launches in Dhaka

Launching of ESCAP Economic and Social Survey 2016 in Dhaka. Photo/UNIC DhakaDhaka, 28 April 2016: The UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Dhaka and UNRC Office, with support of UNESCAP, launched the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2016 with an event held on 28 April 2016 at IDB Bhaban Conference Room, Dhaka.

With the theme of ‘Nurturing Productivity for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable development’ the launch featured a presentation by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) highlighting the global and domestic scenario of economic and social situation. Dr Shuvojit Banerjee, Economic Affairs Officer of ESCAP Bangkok presented the salient feature of the survey report in the regional perspectives. Robert D. Watkins, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh presided over the launch event and delivered a statement on the survey. Continue reading

International Mother Earth Day, 22 April 2016

UN Bangladesh   22 April is International Mother Earth Day. This year, Earth Day coincides with the signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which will take place at UN Headquarters in New York. The Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at COP21 in Paris on 12 December 2015. 2016 Earth Day Theme: Trees for the Earth. The General Assembly, recognizing that Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit, and noting that Earth Day is observed each year in many countries, decided to designate 22 April as International Mother Earth Day in 2009. Details of UN System Bangladesh: Mother Earth Day

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Mother Earth Day, 22 April 2016

featured-image-sgmessage       International Mother Earth Day is an opportunity to highlight the interdependence between people and the astonishing variety of species with which we share this planet. This year’s observance brings hope of a better future for all.

On this day, representatives of more than 170 countries are gathering at UN Headquarters in New York to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This landmark pact, in conjunction with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, holds the power to transform our world.  The momentum achieved by so many signatures on one day sends a clear signal of solidarity and resolve.  Now we must unleash the full force of human ingenuity and ensure low-emission growth and improved climate resilience. Continue reading

Record Number of Signatures Expected for Climate Change Agreement on 22 April New York, 7 April

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A record number of countries are expected to sign the historic climate agreement adopted last December in Paris at a signing ceremony hosted by United
Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 22 April.

More than 130 countries have confirmed that they will sign the Paris Agreement on 22 April, the first day that the agreement will be open for signature. This would surpass the previous record of 119 signatures for an opening day signing for an international agreement, set by the Law of the Sea in Montego Bay in 1982. In addition, more countries have informally indicated that they will sign the agreement, with the numbers increasing rapidly each week.

Over 60 Heads of State and Government will attend the ceremony, including French President François Hollande, demonstrating the continued high level of engagement by world leaders to accept and implement the Paris Agreement.

The signing ceremony will mark the first step toward ensuring that the Paris Agreement enters into force as early as possible. The agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification or acceptance with the Secretary-General.

A number of countries have also indicated that they will deposit their instruments of ratification immediately after signing the agreement on 22 April.

The 22 April signing ceremony will also bring together leaders from civil society and the private sector to discuss efforts to boost financing for climate action and sustainable development, and to increase actions that would achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting average global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

“Paris was historic,” the Secretary-General said. “But it’s only the beginning. We must urgently accelerate our efforts to tackle climate change. I encourage all countries to sign the Paris Agreement on 22 April so we can turn aspirations into action. …Details

UNIC Dhaka Commemorates Rwanda Genocide Day: Candle lighting, Play, Poetry Recitation and Seminar

Guests are seen at Rwanda Genocide Day event. Photo: UNIC DhakaDhaka, 7 April 2016: UNIC Dhaka jointly with Daffodil International University (DIU) commemorated the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda on 7 April at DIU auditorium. In expressing solidarity to the victims of Rwanda genocide, the programme began with candle lighting. The observance also included seminar, poetry recitation and a short play. The speakers called the societies to raise voice against the act of genocide. They cited the history of liberation war of Bangladesh and paid tribute to the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for motherland.  Prof. Dr. Md. Golam Rahman, Chief Information Commissioner, Bangladesh spoke on the occasion as chief guest while VC of DIU Prof. Dr. Yusuf M. Islam presided over. Mahmud Hassan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, GoB and M. Moniruzzaman, OIC, UNIC Dhaka spoke as Continue reading

Commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day 2016: Seminar and Cultural Performance

An autistic student is seen taking part in dance

Dhaka, Saturday, 2 April 2016: In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, UNIC Dhaka jointly with Ananda Niketon European School (ANES) organized a Seminar and Cultural event at school meeting room on 2 April 2016. The key-note paper was presented by autistic expert and psychologist Ms Narsis Rahman while Chairperson of ANES Dr Mahmudul Hasan delivered introductory speech. They focused on various issues of autism disorders and have put emphasis on awareness programme. In his speech, M. Moniruzzaman, UNIC Officer-in-Charge urged the policy makers, voluntary organizations and business community to come forward to the process of mainstreaming autistic people. Ms Momtaz Begum of UNIC read-out UN Secretary-General Message on the Day while Ms Romela Murshed, Coordinator of ANES delivered vote of thanks. The autistic children of ANES inclusive school took part in dance and musical show. Students, parents, teachers and guests took part in the event.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2016

Participants at the UN General Assembly special event on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day: ‘Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity.’ UN Photo/Rick BajornasThe international community is now embarking on the challenge of realizing the ambitious and universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The equal participation and active involvement of persons with autism will be essential for achieving the inclusive societies envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects millions of people worldwide.  It is not well-understood in many countries, and too many societies shun people with autism.

This is a violation of human rights and a waste of human potential. I have seen the dynamism and commitment of persons with autism. Earlier this year, I was honoured to engage in a dialogue with one such young man at United Nations Headquarters in New York. I was especially impressed by his innovative approach to the issue of how we can reach the SDGs. Continue reading