UNAOC Alumni Urge Dialogue in Troubled Times

The Alumni of the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Fellowship Programme said in a Declaration adopted last week that ïn troubled times of renewed violence and manifestations of  anger between Western, Middle East and North African countries, “we believe in the extraordinary power of dialogue to change perceptions and avoid outdated radicalism and sensationalism.

Niger Delta Struggles Finally Shown On Big Screen

While heads of state are addressing the most pressing global issues during the 67th session of General Assembly this week, with growing conflict in Syria and Iranian nuclear facilities at the forefront, a new film draws major attention to the Niger Delta region.

Al-Nasser of Qatar Named High Representative for Alliance of Civilizations

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week  designated Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, President of the 66^th session of the United Nations General Assembly, as High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, replacing Jorge Sampaio.

CEO of Masdar Advocates Energy Mix

At a conference held at the International Peace Institute (IPI) last week, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, highlighted the important future of renewable energy.

France Calling For Death To Death Penalty

At an event at the U.N. on Thursday, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius urged all states to abolish capital punishment.

UN launches new initiative to Empower Rural Women & Girls

The United Nations Thursday launched a programme aimed at empowering poor rural women through economic integration and food security initiatives.

OP-ED: Small Justice for a Small State

Rule of law is the foundation of governance. Societies, from their inception, have had their own set of rules, norms and boundaries, to govern their lives for themselves and their relationship with others. Applied by the governors unto the governed, this universal tenet applies to all of us in the family of humanity. The fundamental application of laws creates societies and paves the way for civilisation, making it the litmus test between barbarism and civilisation.

Awards for Best Policies to End Ocean’s Degradation

The Republic of Palau was declared  winner of the Future Policy Award 2012 “for the world’s most inspiring, innovative and influential policy on the protection of oceans and coasts”, while the Philippines and Namibia received two Silver Awards. The awards were given at a ceremony here last week.

Three-Quarters of World’s Population Without Freedom of Religion

Freedom of religion is the right to believe – but also the right not to believe, the right not to be recruited by force into a religion, and the right to change faith if desired.

Global Fund-Supported Programmes Prevent & Treat Diseases

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria says there is a dramatic increase in the number of insecticide-treated nets distributed to protect families from malaria.

For Palestinian Workers, the Enemy Is the Hope

Hassan Hader’s application for a permit to work in Israel has been rejected four times. Now waiting to hear back from the Israeli authorities on his latest attempt, the 52-year-old father of five said he has no choice but to keep applying.

Exports Worth Their Salt in Crisis-Struck Portugal

A promising alternative in Portugal’s profoundly depressed domestic market are incentives for traditional exports which, due to their high quality or uniqueness, do not face fierce foreign competition. “Flor de sal”, the country’s premium hand-harvested sea salt, is one of these products.

CAPMATCH – New Tool in the Peace-building Process

While the theme of peace-building remains at the core of the United Nations mandate, the sharing of experiences and best practices between post-conflict States has now become more available on the web.

A Generation Born Free of HIV

“No child should be born with HIV; no child should be an orphan because of HIV; and no child should die due to lack of access to treatment,” said Ebube Sylvia Taylor, a 11-year-old Nigerian born-free of HIV from affected parents, to world leaders gathered in New York back in 2010 in the context of the U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targeted for 2015.

E-Governance & Sustainable Tourism Crucial for MDGs

Under the umbrella of South-South cooperation, developing countries are celebrating their success in advancing sustainable development and innovative technologies in the global South.

Mexico, Also a Haven for Illegal Fishing

The authorities in Mexico seem to have thrown in the towel in the fight against illegal fishing, which is hurting fisheries, the environment, and incomes.

Human Rights Education Shows Its Potential

The impact of human rights education, a rising star, is highlighted in a short documentary sponsored by United Nations experts and civil society.

Developing Countries On Track to Guarantee Sustainable Energy for All

In times of growing humanitarian and environmental challenges, exacerbated by the changing weather patterns, the world can still learn something from South-South development experience.

Deeper CO2 Cuts Needed to Save Corals

Limiting climate change to two degrees C won’t save most coral reefs, according to new, state-of-the-art research.

Smart-Phone App a New Weapon Against Use of Child Soldiers

Child soldiers are being released in Sudan, while the situation remains pressing in Syria. Both positive and negative news were being brought up at the Security Council meeting on children and armed conflict on Wednesday – which was followed by the launch of a new smart-phone application, providing users with the most current information on global child protection issues.

Taking Justice to the Neighbourhoods in Argentina

The Argentine government has opened legal aid centres in slum neighbourhoods, to provide a range of services, from assistance for immigrants and victims of domestic violence to dental care services.