UN Update: Fall 2012
November 18th, 2012
POST-2015 AGENDA: THE WORLD WE WANT
In 2000 the United Nations agreed on eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to address the needs of the worlds poorest by 2015. While efforts to achieve the original MDGs continue, the UN has launched a global conversation to determine steps after 2015. An Inter-Governmental Working Group is preparing Sustainable Development Goals, and a High Level Panel of twenty-six members of government, civil society and the private sector is working on a Post-2015 Development Agenda. Beyond2015, a coalition of 400+ organizations, is also addressing this issue. UN Agencies are leading nine thematic consultations and more than fifty national discussions. Countries participating in consultations include Brazil, Peru, Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa; plans are in place to add more countries to the list. For an overview of the entire Post-2015 process, go to www.beyond2015.org (in English, French, and Spanish).
There is a good opportunity for participation in a collaborative effort between the United Nations and civil society: The World We Want Campaign invites people around the world to share their visions for the post-2015 world. Materials are accessible in multiple languages.
Go to www.worldwewant2015.org/ and click on your language.
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TAKING THE CONFLICT OUT OF CONFLICT MINERALS: HOPE FOR CONGO
A recent report by the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo indicates that legislation passed on the national level in various countries, including the United States, is helping to curb illegal activities in eastern Congo. Individuals are making a difference too. The Enough Project shares that “actor and activist Jeffrey Wright’s mining company, Taia Lion Resources, is helping take the conflict out of conflict minerals. His company’s approach in Sierra Leone has parallels for eastern Congo, where the fight to control the lucrative minerals trade is fueling the world’s deadliest war.” Watch Jeffrey Wright’s compelling 3-minute video > http://bit.ly/PCOfeB (in English)
YOUR ELECTRONICS: DO THEY USE CONFLICT-FREE MINERALS?
An updated report by the Enough Project ranks leading electronics companies on their use of conflict-free minerals. View a slide show to see how well the companies that produce your electronics are doing in this effort: http://bit.ly/P47tFv
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WIDEN THE CIRCLE: PARTICIPATE IN UN MEETINGS IN 2013
Through the OBLATES OF Mary Immaculate (OMI) NGO, you are able to participate in major UN meetings. There is no fee to attend these sessions, but participants are responsible for their own transportation and room and board while in New York City. Contact us through Fr. Daniel LeBlanc OMI representative at the UN in New York – dlkomifi@yahoo.com
February 6 – 15 51st Commission on Social Development
Theme: Promoting empowerment of people in achieving poverty eradication, social integration and full employment and decent work for all
social.un.org/index/CommissionforSocialDevelopment/Sessions/2013.aspx\
March 4 – 15 57th Commission on the Status of Women
Theme: Elimination/prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/57sess.htm
April 22 – 26 46th Commission on Population and Development
Theme: New trends in migration: demographic aspects www.un.org/esa/population/cpd/cpd2013/cpd46.htm
May 20 – 31 12th Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Theme: Review of indigenous health, education, and culture issues
social.un.org/index/IndigenousPeoples.aspx
May (dates not yet set) 20th Commission on Sustainable Development
Follow-up on Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development
http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/
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Information from:
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc OMI, OMI representative at the UN in New York
Contact information: dlkomifi@yahoo.com
For further information: vivatinternational.org
OMI is an associate member of VIVAT International
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Related keywords: commission on population and development, commission on social development, commission on sustainable development, commission on the status of women, conflict minerals, daniel leblanc omi, millennium development goals, un permanent forum on indigenous issues, United Nations
