International Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Met in Egypt: UNESCO-CI:
"Drawing its inspiration from the Ancient Library of Alexandria, the most famous library of antiquity, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern public research institution serving scholars, researchers and the public at large. UNESCO has been associated with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina since its inception in the mid-1980s, thereby helping to endow the City of Alexandria and the Mediterranean Region with an important educational, scientific and cultural centre for the transmission and sharing of knowledge."
This blog seeks to spotlight noteworthy UNESCO science and communications programs; it emphasizes links between the United States and UNESCO.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2004
UNESCO -- Communication, Information and HIV/AIDS:
Communication, Information and HIV/AIDS: UNESCO-CI:
UNESCO participates strongly in the battle against HIV/AIDS and the devastating impact of the plague.
"UNESCO's focus on preventive education represents an important niche in the worldwide campaign to arrest and reverse this scourge. Communication and information can help to fight HIV/AIDS by changing young people's behaviour through preventive education schemes. UNESCO has undertaken a number of activities with the aim to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention among young people based on the new possibilities offered by ICT. An access to comprehensive and reliable youth-friendly information in quest of behavioral changes has been promoted."
UNESCO participates strongly in the battle against HIV/AIDS and the devastating impact of the plague.
"UNESCO's focus on preventive education represents an important niche in the worldwide campaign to arrest and reverse this scourge. Communication and information can help to fight HIV/AIDS by changing young people's behaviour through preventive education schemes. UNESCO has undertaken a number of activities with the aim to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention among young people based on the new possibilities offered by ICT. An access to comprehensive and reliable youth-friendly information in quest of behavioral changes has been promoted."
UNESCO Launches the Communication and Information Policy Framework for Kenya
UNESCO Launches the Communication and Information Policy Framework for Kenya:
"UNESCO, in cooperation with the government of Kenya and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launches the Communication and Information Policy Framework for Kenya. This project has been planned for the duration of five years by UNDP within its UNDAF objective of Enhanced capacities of key national and local institutions for improved governance. "
"UNESCO, in cooperation with the government of Kenya and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launches the Communication and Information Policy Framework for Kenya. This project has been planned for the duration of five years by UNDP within its UNDAF objective of Enhanced capacities of key national and local institutions for improved governance. "
UNESCO Online Book: The Interaction between democracy and development:
The Interaction between democracy and development:
"While democracy and development had long been concepts largely foreign to each other, there is now widespread agreement that a close relationship exists between them. In particular, the Panel recognized that the sustainability of equitable development is closely bound up with democracy. It maintained that genuine democracy, characterized by the rule of law, respect for human rights and recognition of the intrinsic dignity of all human beings, cannot be maintained unless people enjoy a minimum standard of living, which in turn requires a minimum level of development."
"While democracy and development had long been concepts largely foreign to each other, there is now widespread agreement that a close relationship exists between them. In particular, the Panel recognized that the sustainability of equitable development is closely bound up with democracy. It maintained that genuine democracy, characterized by the rule of law, respect for human rights and recognition of the intrinsic dignity of all human beings, cannot be maintained unless people enjoy a minimum standard of living, which in turn requires a minimum level of development."
Monday, November 29, 2004
The Art Newspaper: Impact of Wal-Mart Store Near Teotihuacan
The Art Newspaper -- Impact of Wal-Mart Store Near Teotihuacan:
"A new branch of Bodega Aurrera, the Mexican supermarket chain owned by the US-based corporation Wal-Mart, has opened only 1,500 metres from the palace of the ancient rulers of Teotihuacan, the largest and grandest American pre-Columbian city that flourished between the first and seventh centuries AD, before it was destroyed by fire."
"How will Unesco assess the impact the supermarket will have on Teotihuacan?"
"This is an alarming development. I immediately decided to send a task group to Teotihuacan. This party will be made up of architects and archaeologists and they will first set out to establish whether the Mexican government has honoured its duties regarding the preservation of the site. Furthermore, the archaeological, architectural and urban consequences of building the supermarket will be examined. We are dealing with one of the most important archaeological sites in the world."
Francesco Bandarin, director of the Unesco World Heritage Centre
"A new branch of Bodega Aurrera, the Mexican supermarket chain owned by the US-based corporation Wal-Mart, has opened only 1,500 metres from the palace of the ancient rulers of Teotihuacan, the largest and grandest American pre-Columbian city that flourished between the first and seventh centuries AD, before it was destroyed by fire."
"How will Unesco assess the impact the supermarket will have on Teotihuacan?"
"This is an alarming development. I immediately decided to send a task group to Teotihuacan. This party will be made up of architects and archaeologists and they will first set out to establish whether the Mexican government has honoured its duties regarding the preservation of the site. Furthermore, the archaeological, architectural and urban consequences of building the supermarket will be examined. We are dealing with one of the most important archaeological sites in the world."
Francesco Bandarin, director of the Unesco World Heritage Centre
East Africa's First Animation Project Takes Off!: UNESCO-CI
East Africa's First Animation Project Takes Off!: UNESCO-CI:
"Young talents from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania successfully completed a series of cartoon productions, a first in the East Africa Region, under the patronage of the UNESCO led initiative Africa Animated! The trainees followed an introduction to animation, drawing techniques, scriptwriting for animation and storyboarding. "
"Young talents from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania successfully completed a series of cartoon productions, a first in the East Africa Region, under the patronage of the UNESCO led initiative Africa Animated! The trainees followed an introduction to animation, drawing techniques, scriptwriting for animation and storyboarding. "
Learning Alliances - IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre
Learning Alliances - IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre:
Symposium on Learning Alliances (29 Nov 04)
Delft, the Netherlands, 6-10 June 2005
Learning Alliances for scaling up innovative approaches in the Water and Sanitation sector
Delft, the Netherlands, 6-10 June 2005
Organized by IRC International Water and Sanitation and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education
Symposium on Learning Alliances (29 Nov 04)
Delft, the Netherlands, 6-10 June 2005
Learning Alliances for scaling up innovative approaches in the Water and Sanitation sector
Delft, the Netherlands, 6-10 June 2005
Organized by IRC International Water and Sanitation and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education
Sunday, November 28, 2004
UNESCO Education Today newsletter: Science education in danger?
UNESCO Education Today newsletter: Science education in danger?
"In a world making unprecedented progress in science and technology and increasingly aware of the Earth’s limited resources, students are turning away from science subjects. Too dull and theoretical, they say."
"In a world making unprecedented progress in science and technology and increasingly aware of the Earth’s limited resources, students are turning away from science subjects. Too dull and theoretical, they say."
Project helps public broadcaster move toward independence
International Journalists Network Nov 27, 2004 Article: Project helps public broadcaster move toward independence:
UNESCO's "International Program for the Development of Communication (IPDC) has launched a new project to help Mongolia?s major public broadcaster become independent after 70 years of government control. The project will provide technical and professional expertise to the Mongolian National Radio and Television Service (MNRTV), which is making the transition toward editorial independence. UNESCO and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcast Development (AIBD) are implementing the project."
UNESCO's "International Program for the Development of Communication (IPDC) has launched a new project to help Mongolia?s major public broadcaster become independent after 70 years of government control. The project will provide technical and professional expertise to the Mongolian National Radio and Television Service (MNRTV), which is making the transition toward editorial independence. UNESCO and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcast Development (AIBD) are implementing the project."
Saturday, November 27, 2004
RIMS admitted to UNESCO bioethics network :: KanglaOnline
RIMS admitted to UNESCO bioethics network :: KanglaOnline :
"The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, a prestigious medical institute in the north eastern region has achieved yet another landmark. The institute has been admitted as a member of the UNESCO chair in bioethics world network."
"The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, a prestigious medical institute in the north eastern region has achieved yet another landmark. The institute has been admitted as a member of the UNESCO chair in bioethics world network."
UN alliance aims to promote IT in poor countries
IDG.com.sg - UN alliance aims to promote IT in poor countries:
"Participants at a United Nations (U.N.) meeting in Berlin this week proposed creating a global alliance that would spur investment in communications technology in the world's poorest countries as a follow-up to next year's World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
"At the meeting, representatives from the public and private sectors and other nongovernmental organizations agreed to submit a proposal for the new alliance to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in the hope of having the initiative adopted by delegates at the WSIS gathering in Tunis, Tunisia, in November 2005, according to Sarbuland Khan, a director with the U.N. ICT Task Force."
The proposal to set up a new international mechanism, drawing financing primarily from the rich countries, to finance ICT development in poor nations was one of the most controversial at the first meeting of WSIS. It seems likely to be equally controversial at the second meeting next year. John Blau's IDG News Service article describes a meeting held in Germany to advance that idea. WSIS is of course, cosponsored by UNESCO.
"Participants at a United Nations (U.N.) meeting in Berlin this week proposed creating a global alliance that would spur investment in communications technology in the world's poorest countries as a follow-up to next year's World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
"At the meeting, representatives from the public and private sectors and other nongovernmental organizations agreed to submit a proposal for the new alliance to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in the hope of having the initiative adopted by delegates at the WSIS gathering in Tunis, Tunisia, in November 2005, according to Sarbuland Khan, a director with the U.N. ICT Task Force."
The proposal to set up a new international mechanism, drawing financing primarily from the rich countries, to finance ICT development in poor nations was one of the most controversial at the first meeting of WSIS. It seems likely to be equally controversial at the second meeting next year. John Blau's IDG News Service article describes a meeting held in Germany to advance that idea. WSIS is of course, cosponsored by UNESCO.
How to Do Community Radio: UNESCO-CI
How to Do Community Radio: UNESCO-CI
"Community Radio has a special place in UNESCO’s programs. The aim of UNESCO’s community radio program is to address crucial social issues at a community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and development efforts."
"Community Radio has a special place in UNESCO’s programs. The aim of UNESCO’s community radio program is to address crucial social issues at a community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and development efforts."
New UNESCO Science and Technology Policy Program
New UNESCO Science and Technology Policy Program
In July 1994, an advisory panel convened by the Director-General recommended that "steps be taken as soon as possible to launch a Programme on science and society-including the allocation of resources and the establishment of an appropriate supporting structure, so that its can be fully operational in the next medium - term plan 1996-2001".
According to this document, "any future programme should take into consideration the following factors:
--Shift in emphasis in the role of governments to become partners to businesses, academic institutions, other governments and voluntary organizations will stimulate increased S&T activity.
--Better governance of the S&T efforts. At the highest level, this means strengthening the role of parliaments. It also requires participatory policy reviews resulting in a common set of principles and guidelines to further improve the management of S&T effort in government departments and agencies.
--Genuine partnerships and collaborations of the partners in the innovation system to make sure that the overall S&T effort matches the domestic and global challenges.....
"The main role of UNESCO will be that of an initiator of new thinking on policy development, a major instigator of reforms and innovations and a promoter of international co-operation. UNESCO should therefore, stimulate innovative co-operative programmes at regional and international levels, develop analytical work in co-operation with other institutions namely OECD and the UNU, and support regional S&T Policy networks. UNESCO should also serve as a clearing-house, thus facilitating exchange of experiences."
In July 1994, an advisory panel convened by the Director-General recommended that "steps be taken as soon as possible to launch a Programme on science and society-including the allocation of resources and the establishment of an appropriate supporting structure, so that its can be fully operational in the next medium - term plan 1996-2001".
According to this document, "any future programme should take into consideration the following factors:
--Shift in emphasis in the role of governments to become partners to businesses, academic institutions, other governments and voluntary organizations will stimulate increased S&T activity.
--Better governance of the S&T efforts. At the highest level, this means strengthening the role of parliaments. It also requires participatory policy reviews resulting in a common set of principles and guidelines to further improve the management of S&T effort in government departments and agencies.
--Genuine partnerships and collaborations of the partners in the innovation system to make sure that the overall S&T effort matches the domestic and global challenges.....
"The main role of UNESCO will be that of an initiator of new thinking on policy development, a major instigator of reforms and innovations and a promoter of international co-operation. UNESCO should therefore, stimulate innovative co-operative programmes at regional and international levels, develop analytical work in co-operation with other institutions namely OECD and the UNU, and support regional S&T Policy networks. UNESCO should also serve as a clearing-house, thus facilitating exchange of experiences."
Friday, November 26, 2004
OneWorld South Asia Home / News / News:Today's Headlines - Open Knowledge Network launched in north India
OneWorld South Asia Home / News / News:Today's Headlines - Open Knowledge Network launched in north India:
"The Open Knowledge Network enhances communication opportunities for the people at the grassroots and facilitates social and economic empowerment of poor communities. It brings communities closer to researchers, agricultural scientists, health professionals, government authorities and markets.
OKN, which is operational in Pondicherry and is empowering villagers through information, has now been launched in north India. The unique initiative had been launched by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan in Geneva in December 2003.
OneWorld South Asia (OWSA), which is an international non-profit network that uses ICT tools for poverty alleviation, partners with Datamation Foundation, Development Alternatives, Drishtee and TERI for implementing the programme. UNESCO and National Informatics Centre (NIC) are the other two important partners in the venture."
"The Open Knowledge Network enhances communication opportunities for the people at the grassroots and facilitates social and economic empowerment of poor communities. It brings communities closer to researchers, agricultural scientists, health professionals, government authorities and markets.
OKN, which is operational in Pondicherry and is empowering villagers through information, has now been launched in north India. The unique initiative had been launched by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan in Geneva in December 2003.
OneWorld South Asia (OWSA), which is an international non-profit network that uses ICT tools for poverty alleviation, partners with Datamation Foundation, Development Alternatives, Drishtee and TERI for implementing the programme. UNESCO and National Informatics Centre (NIC) are the other two important partners in the venture."
EUROPA - Research - Headlines - UN expo tackles the demonisation of mathematics
EUROPA - Research - Headlines - UN expo tackles the demonisation of mathematics:
"A team of mathematicians from universities, research institutions and science centres, led by UNESCO, the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organisation, has designed a travelling exhibition called 'Experiencing Mathematics'. The expo targets young people between the ages of ten and 18, but also their parents and teachers."
"A team of mathematicians from universities, research institutions and science centres, led by UNESCO, the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organisation, has designed a travelling exhibition called 'Experiencing Mathematics'. The expo targets young people between the ages of ten and 18, but also their parents and teachers."
UNESCO-Microsoft Partnership: ICT Training for Overseas Workers
UNESCO-Microsoft Partnership: ICT Training for Overseas Workers
Microsoft is providing training in the Philippines to both departing and arriving overseas Philippine workers. The program is in line with a memorandum of understanding signed in Paris by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and Director General Koichiro Matsuura of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to help increase access to ICT and ICT skills training in underserved communities.
The Philippines, like many developing nations, sends many of its citizens to work abroad. The process is hard on families, but the remittances of the overseas workers help families to survive economically. Access to the Internet is helping those international families to communicate, lessening the isolation of the overseas workers. And indeed, the opportunity to develop information technology enabled services may help the Philippines find a way to keep these folk home yet let them earn decent wages selling their services in international markets. The Microsoft-UNESCO training should help in both efforts.
Article by Ana Marie Pamintuan, NewsFlash.org/Star, SINGAPORE, November 19, 2004.
Microsoft is providing training in the Philippines to both departing and arriving overseas Philippine workers. The program is in line with a memorandum of understanding signed in Paris by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and Director General Koichiro Matsuura of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to help increase access to ICT and ICT skills training in underserved communities.
The Philippines, like many developing nations, sends many of its citizens to work abroad. The process is hard on families, but the remittances of the overseas workers help families to survive economically. Access to the Internet is helping those international families to communicate, lessening the isolation of the overseas workers. And indeed, the opportunity to develop information technology enabled services may help the Philippines find a way to keep these folk home yet let them earn decent wages selling their services in international markets. The Microsoft-UNESCO training should help in both efforts.
Article by Ana Marie Pamintuan, NewsFlash.org/Star, SINGAPORE, November 19, 2004.
Lahore's Shalimar Gardens to get Rs.20 mln facelift
Lahore's Shalimar Gardens to get Rs.20 mln facelift:
"The Shalimar Gardens built by the Mughal Emperors on the outskirts of Lahore is to get a Rs. 20 million facelift soon.
"According to the Daily Times, a team of experts has activated a restoration plan that is in line with United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) guidelines."
"The Shalimar Gardens built by the Mughal Emperors on the outskirts of Lahore is to get a Rs. 20 million facelift soon.
"According to the Daily Times, a team of experts has activated a restoration plan that is in line with United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) guidelines."
Al-Ahram Weekly | Heritage | The St Catherine's Bedouin project
Al-Ahram Weekly | Heritage | The St Catherine's Bedouin project:
"There are more than 500 historical sites and buildings in Sinai, dating from the round stone nawamis built about 4,000 BC to structures from the Bronze Age and Nabatean, Byzantine and Islamic periods. There are abundant foundations of tombs, houses, storehouses, animal traps, and evidence of copper smelting. The sites have yielded Bronze Age jewellery and amulets and tools and pottery from all ages. In 2002 UNESCO declared St Catherine's a World Heritage Site."
This article describes the integrated program that Egypt is developing around the UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect cultural and environmental wonders, while providing economic development for the very poor inhabitants of the region.
"There are more than 500 historical sites and buildings in Sinai, dating from the round stone nawamis built about 4,000 BC to structures from the Bronze Age and Nabatean, Byzantine and Islamic periods. There are abundant foundations of tombs, houses, storehouses, animal traps, and evidence of copper smelting. The sites have yielded Bronze Age jewellery and amulets and tools and pottery from all ages. In 2002 UNESCO declared St Catherine's a World Heritage Site."
This article describes the integrated program that Egypt is developing around the UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect cultural and environmental wonders, while providing economic development for the very poor inhabitants of the region.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Get-together Meeting. UNESCO-HEWLETT PACKARD Partnership.: UNESCO
Get-together Meeting. UNESCO-HEWLETT PACKARD Partnership.: UNESCO:
"Get-together Meeting. UNESCO-HEWLETT PACKARD Partnership.
within the framework of the project: Piloting Solutions for Alleviating Brain Drain in South East Europe.
"Following the success of the implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia and Montenegro the project Piloting Solutions for Alleviating Brain Drain in South East Europe was extended to include two new institutions, namely the Polytechnic University of Tirana, in Albania and the University of Skopje, in the FYR of Macedonia. "
"Get-together Meeting. UNESCO-HEWLETT PACKARD Partnership.
within the framework of the project: Piloting Solutions for Alleviating Brain Drain in South East Europe.
"Following the success of the implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia and Montenegro the project Piloting Solutions for Alleviating Brain Drain in South East Europe was extended to include two new institutions, namely the Polytechnic University of Tirana, in Albania and the University of Skopje, in the FYR of Macedonia. "
The UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Program
The UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Program:
"The UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Programme (UCEP) is an international initiative to promote interdisciplinary education, research and policy-making in the field of the environment and development. It is a joint effort of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and The Cousteau Society."
UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Chairs have been created in universities in a number of countries, including Argentina and India. Regional networks, coordinated by the Ecotechnie Chairs, are open to all interested institutions active in Ecotechnie related approaches.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, established the UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Chair in Global Coastal Assessment at the University of Rhode Island on September 30, 2004. Ms Louise V. Oliver, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the United States of America to UNESCO and Dr Robert Carothers, President of the University of Rhode Island, participated in the ceremony in Paris.
"The UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Programme (UCEP) is an international initiative to promote interdisciplinary education, research and policy-making in the field of the environment and development. It is a joint effort of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and The Cousteau Society."
UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Chairs have been created in universities in a number of countries, including Argentina and India. Regional networks, coordinated by the Ecotechnie Chairs, are open to all interested institutions active in Ecotechnie related approaches.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, established the UNESCO-Cousteau Ecotechnie Chair in Global Coastal Assessment at the University of Rhode Island on September 30, 2004. Ms Louise V. Oliver, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the United States of America to UNESCO and Dr Robert Carothers, President of the University of Rhode Island, participated in the ceremony in Paris.
Chemistry International: Strengthening International Science for the Benefit of Society: An Overview of the International Council for Science
Chemistry International: Strengthening International Science for the Benefit of Society: An Overview of the International Council for Science:
"Founded in 1931, the International Council for Science (ICSU) is a nongovernmental organization representing a global membership that includes both national scientific bodies (101 members) and international scientific unions (27 members). Chemistry has played an important role in ICSU from the outset, with IUPAC being one of its original members. "
"Founded in 1931, the International Council for Science (ICSU) is a nongovernmental organization representing a global membership that includes both national scientific bodies (101 members) and international scientific unions (27 members). Chemistry has played an important role in ICSU from the outset, with IUPAC being one of its original members. "
UNESCO | Colloquium on Research and Higher Education Policy
UNESCO | Colloquium on Research and Higher Education Policy:
"The Colloquium on Research and Higher Education Policy is another biennial event organized by UNESCO. The first one will take place in Paris in 1-3 December, 2004.
"This major event will include researchers, experts and policy-makers and will consist of plenary sessions and thematic workshops presenting studies on general and crosscutting themes for discussion and debate.
"Books, papers, newsletters and brochures will also be widely disseminated during this gathering."
"The Colloquium on Research and Higher Education Policy is another biennial event organized by UNESCO. The first one will take place in Paris in 1-3 December, 2004.
"This major event will include researchers, experts and policy-makers and will consist of plenary sessions and thematic workshops presenting studies on general and crosscutting themes for discussion and debate.
"Books, papers, newsletters and brochures will also be widely disseminated during this gathering."
World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) | Home
World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) | Home:
"This UN-wide programme seeks to develop the tools and skills needed to achieve a better understanding of those basic processes, management practices and policies that will help improve the supply and quality of global freshwater resources."
UNESCO is a participant in the program, and hosts a WWAP website on its Internet server.
"This UN-wide programme seeks to develop the tools and skills needed to achieve a better understanding of those basic processes, management practices and policies that will help improve the supply and quality of global freshwater resources."
UNESCO is a participant in the program, and hosts a WWAP website on its Internet server.
UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education
UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education
"The mandate given by UNESCO to IHE is to:
-strengthen and mobilise the global educational and knowledge base for integrated water resources management; and
-contribute to meeting the water-related capacity building needs of the developing countries and countries in transition.
Within this mandate the mission is defined as follows:
The mission of the Institute is to contribute to the education and training of professionals and to build the capacity of sector organisations, knowledge centres and other institutions active in the fields of water, the environment and infrastructure, in developing countries and countries in transition."
"The mandate given by UNESCO to IHE is to:
-strengthen and mobilise the global educational and knowledge base for integrated water resources management; and
-contribute to meeting the water-related capacity building needs of the developing countries and countries in transition.
Within this mandate the mission is defined as follows:
The mission of the Institute is to contribute to the education and training of professionals and to build the capacity of sector organisations, knowledge centres and other institutions active in the fields of water, the environment and infrastructure, in developing countries and countries in transition."
UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society
UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society: UNESCO-CI
"The World Summit on the Information Society is held in two phases. The first phase of WSIS took place in Geneva hosted by the Government of Switzerland from 10 to 12 December 2003. It addressed the broad range of themes concerning the Information Society and adopted a Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action. The second phase will take place in Tunis hosted by the Government of Tunisia, from 16 to 18 November 2005.
"UNESCO with its unique mandate to promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge plays a key role in the WSIS preparation. UNESCO’s contribution incorporates the ethical, legal and sociocultural dimensions of the Information Society and helps to grasp the opportunities offered by the ICTs by placing the individual at its centre."
The link above is to UNESCO's WSIS website.
"The World Summit on the Information Society is held in two phases. The first phase of WSIS took place in Geneva hosted by the Government of Switzerland from 10 to 12 December 2003. It addressed the broad range of themes concerning the Information Society and adopted a Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action. The second phase will take place in Tunis hosted by the Government of Tunisia, from 16 to 18 November 2005.
"UNESCO with its unique mandate to promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge plays a key role in the WSIS preparation. UNESCO’s contribution incorporates the ethical, legal and sociocultural dimensions of the Information Society and helps to grasp the opportunities offered by the ICTs by placing the individual at its centre."
The link above is to UNESCO's WSIS website.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
UNESCO Water, Portal
UNESCO Water Portal
The UNESCO Water Portal is intended to enhance access to information related to freshwater available on the World Wide Web. The site provides links to the current UNESCO and UNESCO-led programmes on freshwater and will serve as an interactive point for sharing, browsing and searching websites of water-related organizations, government bodies and NGOs, including a range of categories such as water links, water events, learning modules and other on-line resources.
The UNESCO Water Portal is intended to enhance access to information related to freshwater available on the World Wide Web. The site provides links to the current UNESCO and UNESCO-led programmes on freshwater and will serve as an interactive point for sharing, browsing and searching websites of water-related organizations, government bodies and NGOs, including a range of categories such as water links, water events, learning modules and other on-line resources.
Biosphere Reserves in Central America
Biosphere Reserves in Central America
One of the successes of UNESCO's Man in the Biosphere Program.
One of the successes of UNESCO's Man in the Biosphere Program.
Statement of the American Sociological Association on the U.S. Government Vetting of Scientists to Serve on International Advisory Bodies
Statement of the American Sociological Association on the U.S. Government Vetting of Scientists to Serve on International Advisory Bodies:
"The American Sociological Association (ASA), an organization of nearly 14,000 scientists, has grave concerns about reports from a number of affected individual scientists as well as in the press about the U.S. government's vetting of eminent scientists who have been asked by international bodies such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contribute their scientific expertise on matters vital to health and related concerns in communities in the United States and around the world."
"The American Sociological Association (ASA), an organization of nearly 14,000 scientists, has grave concerns about reports from a number of affected individual scientists as well as in the press about the U.S. government's vetting of eminent scientists who have been asked by international bodies such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contribute their scientific expertise on matters vital to health and related concerns in communities in the United States and around the world."
UNESCO: Human Rights
UNESCO: Human Rights:
"UNESCO's work in the field of human rights extends the Organization's contribution in the ethical and standard-setting dimensions.
"It has three major aims:
--strengthen awareness;
--act as a catalyst for regional, national and international action in human rights;
--foster cooperation with all actors and networks."
"UNESCO's work in the field of human rights extends the Organization's contribution in the ethical and standard-setting dimensions.
"It has three major aims:
--strengthen awareness;
--act as a catalyst for regional, national and international action in human rights;
--foster cooperation with all actors and networks."
UNESCO: Ethics Program
UNESCO: Ethics Program:
"Since its creation immediately after the Second World War, UNESCO has been designated the conscience of the United Nations. In the 21st century our world is undergoing fundamental changes and UNESCO's ethical mission is more important than ever."
"Since its creation immediately after the Second World War, UNESCO has been designated the conscience of the United Nations. In the 21st century our world is undergoing fundamental changes and UNESCO's ethical mission is more important than ever."
The Shanghai Declaration on Engineering and the Sustainable Future
The Shanghai Declaration on Engineering and the Sustainable Future
"Three thousand engineers from 70 countries and regions came together for the World Engineers’ Convention on November 2-6, 2004. WEC2004 was sponsored by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and co-sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and Shanghai Municipal Government. The theme of WEC2004 was “Engineers Shape The Sustainable Future”. Many important issues related to this theme were addressed in the plenary and seven parallel sessions of the Convention and the virtual fora associated with WEC2004."
"Three thousand engineers from 70 countries and regions came together for the World Engineers’ Convention on November 2-6, 2004. WEC2004 was sponsored by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and co-sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and Shanghai Municipal Government. The theme of WEC2004 was “Engineers Shape The Sustainable Future”. Many important issues related to this theme were addressed in the plenary and seven parallel sessions of the Convention and the virtual fora associated with WEC2004."
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Science in the South
Science magazine: Science in the South
"The scientists who created ICTP (the International Center for Theoretical Physics), notably the Nobel Laureate
Abdus Salam of Pakistan, were motivated by a goal that is simple to proclaim but difficult to fulfill: to advance the level and role of science in the Southern world by overcoming the debilitating isolation of scientists who work there.
"This goal is more important now than ever before. No country today can survive and prosper in isolation, and economic prosperity is tied to scientific development. The building of scientific capacity needed everywhere is thus in our collective interest and is a shared responsibility. Forty years on, however, we still live in a world in which a majority of scientists, scientific discoveries, publications, and patents come from developed countries."
"The scientists who created ICTP (the International Center for Theoretical Physics), notably the Nobel Laureate
Abdus Salam of Pakistan, were motivated by a goal that is simple to proclaim but difficult to fulfill: to advance the level and role of science in the Southern world by overcoming the debilitating isolation of scientists who work there.
"This goal is more important now than ever before. No country today can survive and prosper in isolation, and economic prosperity is tied to scientific development. The building of scientific capacity needed everywhere is thus in our collective interest and is a shared responsibility. Forty years on, however, we still live in a world in which a majority of scientists, scientific discoveries, publications, and patents come from developed countries."
UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society: UNESCO-CI
UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society: UNESCO-CI:
"UNESCO with its unique mandate to promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge plays a key role in the WSIS preparation. UNESCO�s contribution incorporates the ethical, legal and sociocultural dimensions of the Information Society and helps to grasp the opportunities offered by the ICTs by placing the individual at its centre."
"UNESCO with its unique mandate to promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge plays a key role in the WSIS preparation. UNESCO�s contribution incorporates the ethical, legal and sociocultural dimensions of the Information Society and helps to grasp the opportunities offered by the ICTs by placing the individual at its centre."
UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society: UNESCO-CI
UNESCO and the World Summit on the Information Society: UNESCO-CI: "UNESCO with its unique mandate to promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge plays a key role in the WSIS preparation. UNESCO�s contribution incorporates the ethical, legal and sociocultural dimensions of the Information Society and helps to grasp the opportunities offered by the ICTs by placing the individual at its centre. "
ICT for Teacher Training Portal
ICT for Teacher Training Portal:
"This Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Portal for Teachers provides a gateway to Internet resources and websites to help teachers utilize ICT to enhance their teaching. "
"This Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Portal for Teachers provides a gateway to Internet resources and websites to help teachers utilize ICT to enhance their teaching. "
UNESCO - 19 new Biosphere Reserves added to UNECO�s Man and the Biosphere Network
UNESCO - New Biosphere Reserves added to UNECO's Man and the Biosphere Network:
Nineteen new sites in 13 countries were added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in October. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now consists of 459 sites in 97 countries. One extension and one change in the borders of an existing biosphere reserves have also been approved, illustrating the vitality of the network to continuously improve existing sites.
Nineteen new sites in 13 countries were added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in October. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now consists of 459 sites in 97 countries. One extension and one change in the borders of an existing biosphere reserves have also been approved, illustrating the vitality of the network to continuously improve existing sites.
UNESCO - INTEL, UNESCO to develop Guidelines for Worldwide Teacher Technology Training
UNESCO - INTEL-UNESCO to develop Guidelines for Worldwide Teacher Technology Training:
Intel Corporation and UNESCO have agreed to collaborate on the development of a model curriculum or syllabus to improve the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in classrooms worldwide.
Intel Corporation and UNESCO have agreed to collaborate on the development of a model curriculum or syllabus to improve the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in classrooms worldwide.
UNESCO - Launch of Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization
UNESCO - Launch of Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization:
On World Science Day for Peace and Development (November 15), a meeting was held for the launch of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO) at UNESCO Headquarters with the participation of several Nobel laureates. The aim of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization is to promote scientific cooperation for peace in the Middle East by bringing together the skills and expertise of Israeli and Palestinian scientists.
On World Science Day for Peace and Development (November 15), a meeting was held for the launch of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO) at UNESCO Headquarters with the participation of several Nobel laureates. The aim of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization is to promote scientific cooperation for peace in the Middle East by bringing together the skills and expertise of Israeli and Palestinian scientists.
UNESCO and Microsoft sign cooperation agreement to help bridge the digital divide
UNESCO - UNESCO and Microsoft sign cooperation agreement to help bridge the digital divide
Microsoft has joined the coalition of private sector partners supporting UNESCO's global strategy to draw on information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve education, social and economic development worldwide.
Microsoft has joined the coalition of private sector partners supporting UNESCO's global strategy to draw on information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve education, social and economic development worldwide.
UNESCO Headquarters Celebration of South-South Collaboration and G-77
AngolaPress - News: UNESCO Headquarters Celebration of South-South Collaboration and G-77:
"A roundtable on the theme 'South-South co-operation' held Wednesday at the UNESCO headquarters marked the beginning of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Group of 77 (G-77) formed by developing countries."
"Addressing the opening of the two-day celebration, Senegal`s ambassafor to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Mame Birame Diouf, commended the group for the achievements it had made since its creation......
"Other highlights of the anniversary include another roundtable devoted to "creative industries and sustainable development" and a lecture by an Italian diplomat, Claudio Morena on "South-South co-operation through the example of the Third World Academy of Science"."
"A roundtable on the theme 'South-South co-operation' held Wednesday at the UNESCO headquarters marked the beginning of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Group of 77 (G-77) formed by developing countries."
"Addressing the opening of the two-day celebration, Senegal`s ambassafor to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Mame Birame Diouf, commended the group for the achievements it had made since its creation......
"Other highlights of the anniversary include another roundtable devoted to "creative industries and sustainable development" and a lecture by an Italian diplomat, Claudio Morena on "South-South co-operation through the example of the Third World Academy of Science"."
SCOPE: UNESCO and Sony bring robotics to a remote Indian village
UNESCO and Sony bring robotics to a remote village in India
Two Sony employees introduced a robot and a digital camera to scores of underprivileged children recently at the Terakoya community learning center in a remote village in southern Indian state of Karnataka. For the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (NFUAJ), this was the beginning of direct corporate participation in their foreign aid program. And for the children, who had never seen a robot or a digital camera in real life before, it was their first brush with high-technology.
Yahoo News Asia/Kyodo, November 22, 2004.
Two Sony employees introduced a robot and a digital camera to scores of underprivileged children recently at the Terakoya community learning center in a remote village in southern Indian state of Karnataka. For the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (NFUAJ), this was the beginning of direct corporate participation in their foreign aid program. And for the children, who had never seen a robot or a digital camera in real life before, it was their first brush with high-technology.
Yahoo News Asia/Kyodo, November 22, 2004.