International Day for Biological Diversity

Did you know?

 

Current negative trends in biodiversity and ecosystems will undermine progress towards 80% of the assessed targets of 8 Sustainable Development Goals.

Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions.

1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.

Free Course! Communicating the value of biodiversity

 

The Convention on Biological diversity and UNDP offer a free course about how to communicate the value of biodiversity.

We are part of the solution!!!

 

As the global community is called to re-examine our relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all our technological advances we are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few.

 

This year 2021 the theme is “We’re part of the solution”. The slogan was chosen to be a continuation of the momentum generated last year under the over-arching theme, “Our solutions are in nature”, which served as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges.

 

From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.

That is the main message from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), key international instrument for sustainable development.

 

You can find in its website promotional materials for your own campaign!

 

#INTERNATIONAL_DAY

#HWPL

#PEACE

#DPCW_1038

#HEALTH

#COVID_19

#UN

DPCW_1038 : Covid-19 cannot stop HWPL efforts for Peace: We are One!

Covid-19 cannot stop

HWPL

efforts for Peace:

We are One!

The year of 2020 has ended! It left us with self-reflection and took us to the unknown state of 2021 as Covid-19 is still raging on.

As of February 2021, the whole world is still down on its knees, the global economy is still in a financial depression, the global community is still in a semi lock-down, our lifestyles are still under extreme abnormality, and we all are still bewildered… No religion, no ethnic background, no skin color, no woman nor man is invincible to its effects. The state of all religions during the pandemic is in lock-down as there are no mass gatherings, no major religious festivals, and no spiritual celebrations…

It seems as if it is Mother Earth’s way of telling us that She needs a break for Her physical healing and is asking us to change our attitude toward life as there is too much noise, too many controversies, too much hatred, too many criticisms, and an over population.

She wants all of us to stay home for self-reflections. She wants us to be quieter as She reorganizes the order of the world. She tells us that all of us are equal, that She loves us all, but we should stop “taking Her for granted,” that we must cherish what we have, and learn more about life’s deep-dive. She seems to tell us that there will be more chaos and the only way to win this invisible challenge is for us to show compassion and collaboration. She wants us to share the love and care for one another and ultimately together, to create the Culture of Peace.

Amid the global pandemic, the economic chaos, the racial inequalities, and the challenges of political astray toward democracy in the United States, HWPL WARP Offices embraces the impacts and continues its amazing effort for the work of peace in the United States and in North and South America. In April 2020, more than 315 HWPL Peace Messengers delivered heartfelt handwritten letters to the Family of Peace calling for Hope, Strength, Prayers, and Love for the continuous effort of building the Foundation of Peace. Their calling worked. As I read their heartfelt letters, I cried with joy and I let my tears go unrestrained. I know many others felt the same… This is one of the moments in my life that I did not want to swim out of the river of tears… the tears of joy… The spirit in their letters is the spirit of Life, from the spirit of Nature that whispers to all of us that the future generations deserve Peace. That whisper is so loud and clear that it eliminated all other noises from the outside world and also the ones trapped in our inner minds…

Wonderfully, the challenges of Covid-19 cannot stop HWPL’s effort of collaboration and coordination. Since mid-2020, HWPL started to re-organize WARP Office meetings on Zoom, gathering religious communities across different religions in North and South-Central America through online prayer conferences and monthly Zoom meetings for religious scripture sharing to promote respect, searching for the truth, and learning scriptures of various religions. Several meaningful topics were presented within the context of the different religious scriptures of different religions.

Some examples of topics are Religious Persecution, The Differences between Laws of the World and Laws of Heaven, The Origin and Standard of Justice, The Test of Faith, The Origin of Righteousness, The Origin and Purpose of Religious Festival, The Appearance of a New Era, and etc… The prayer conference with the interfaith community involved religious leaders across America that crossed national boundaries.

We all gathered online to pray for the California wildfires that had greatly impacted the welfare of the people of the California and Oregon regions that have left over four million acres of scorched devastation and have left many people and animals without homes. And HWPL gathered people across North and South America together online for the End-of-Year Prayer, United for Hopes and Prayers for a Brighter 2021.

HWPL volunteers, the Messengers of Peace of the 21st Century!

I want to say, “Thank You!” I refer to you as the Messengers of Peace of the 21st Century as you truly are. More than ever in human history, the world recognizes HWPL leaders around the globe like you, who will lead the world into a better place for future generations. We need the Seeds of Peace, and each of you are one of the Seeds.

God creates religious traditions, and through the learning process, humans create religious contradictions. God creates sciences, and through research and study, humans gradually discover it, but then misuse it for the gain of secular power. God creates all things in the universe then allows humans the capacity not only to observe the physical beings, but also to sense the spiritual natures. Nevertheless, modern humans have known that under the microscope of science, we all are 99% generically similar, we all share 99.9% similar DNA… and under the great scheme of life in the universe, We Are One, and under God, We Are His Beloved Children.

HWPL peace messengers, you have done a great work and I encourage you to continue your effort of building the Culture of Peace regardless of the challenges you might have faced. No great thing on Earth can be achieved without challenges, but challenges may bring you strength, opportunities to learn, and aims for greater achievements. May God bless you and HWPL with the needed Love, Wisdom, and Courage to fulfill the tasks that you are destined to accomplish!

Rev. Tuy Nguyen
Dignitary of Cao Dai Temple of Houston Texas

#HWPL #WISDOM #GOD #RELIGION #WARP_OFFICE

WWW.HWPL.KR

 

International Day of Families 15 May

Past Events

 

2020: “Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing+25”

2019: “Families and Climate Action: Focus on SDG13”

2018: “Families and inclusive societies”

2017: “Families, education and well-being”

2016: “Families, healthy lives and sustainable future”

2015: ”Men in charge? Gender equality and children’s rights in contemporary families”

 

Family trends

 

Families around the world are changing, many becoming smaller, as the number of single-parent households grows. Currently, 65% of all families are made up of either couples living with children of any age, or couples living with both children and extended family members, such as grandparents. The diminishing number of extended families and the increasing number of single-parent families put into sharp focus the issue of social protection.

2021 Theme: Families and New Technologies

 

Following up on the theme of the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development: “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all” the 2021 observance of the International Day of Families focuses on the impacts of new technologies on the well-being of families.

 

Megatrends, including new technologies, demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, and migration trends, as well as climate change, have been dramatically shaping our world.

 

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of digital technologies for work, education and communication. The pandemic has accelerated technological changes that had already been under way both in society and at work, including the expanded use of digital platforms and related technological innovations like cloud computing and the use of big data and algorithms.

 

In preparation for the Thirtieth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024 (IYF+30) the United Nations aims to raise awareness of megatrends noted above and responsive family-oriented policies to tackle their effects.

 

 

#family #children #UN #HWPL #PEACE

 

WWW.UN.ORG

 

DPCW_1038: IPYG Germany Shines the Light of Hope Through Volunteer Activity “Hope to Children With Cancer”

To commemorate HWPL’s 5th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), the Germany branch of the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) conducted three volunteer activities — “Hope to Children With Cancer” — over the course of March. Through this volunteer activity, which was attended by about 25 children and guardians, spreading culture of peace was practiced as described in the 10th Article of the DPCW, and the role of the public in a democratic society was taught and encouraged for the people of Germany.

 

Every day is precious and special to these children who fight cancer. However, these children lost their opportunity to meet with others, play outdoor, as well as having a place to learn due to COVID-19.

In response to this, a German child cancer volunteer group was hoping to host volunteer activities to help these children and families, but there were no volunteers. After learning this, the IPYG branch in Germany reached out to the child cancer volunteer group. With a heart-warming interaction between the two organizations, the event of spreading the light of hope to the children was made possible.

One child, who participated in all three volunteer activities, shared photos of the bracelet and dreamcatcher made during the meetings and expressed their gratitude towards the IPYG for hosting crafting activities done online.

Another guardian shared that the voluntary work was the highlight of the week and that her child had enjoyed making her own craft.

In particular, the third meeting was during Easter, a national holiday.

On this day, children made cards to celebrate Easter and gave their cards to those whom they appreciate.

The IPYG demonstrated that they will not stop spreading the culture of peace in spite of COVID-19, and that they will overcome any hardship to shine the light of peace to children with cancer, as the children need our attention, care, and love more than anyone else.

We look forward to a day when this culture of peace is spread to every corner of the world.

WWW.HWPL.KR

#PEACE #COVID_19 #IWPG #IPYG #HWPL #DPCW #GERMANY

INTERNATIONAL DAY : Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War, 8-9 May

The historic event that established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations

By resolution 59/26 of 22 November 2004, the UN General Assembly declared 8–9 May as a time of remembrance and reconciliation and, while recognizing that Member States may have individual days of victory, liberation and commemoration, invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations System, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe annually either one or both of these days in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.

The Assembly stressed that this historic event established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations, designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and called upon the Member States of the United Nations to unite their efforts in dealing with new challenges and threats, with the United Nations playing a central role, and to make every effort to settle all disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered.

 

◈Background

On 2 March 2010, by resolution 64/257, the General Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe 8-9 May in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War. A special solemn meeting of the General Assembly in commemoration of all victims of the war was held in the second week of May 2010, marking the sixty-fifth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

 

During the commemoration, the Secretary-General called the Second World War “one of the most epic struggles for freedom and liberation in history,” adding that “its cost was beyond calculation, beyond comprehension: 40 million civilians dead; 20 million soldiers, nearly half of those in the Soviet Union alone.”

#WORLD_WAR

In resolution 69/267, the General Assembly recalled that the Second World War “brought untold sorrow to humankind, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world.” It underlined “the progress made since the end of the Second World War in overcoming its legacy and promoting reconciliation, international and regional cooperation and democratic values, human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular through the United Nations, and the establishment of regional and subregional organizations and other appropriate frameworks.”

#UN

A special solemn meeting, marking seventieth anniversary of the Second World War, was held on 5 May 2015.

 

#HWPL #INTERNATIONAL_DAY #SECOND_WORLD_WAR #DPCW_1038

https://www.un.org/en

DPCW_1038 : 2021 Egypt Webinar: Overcoming Human Rights Violations during Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 Egypt Webinar: Overcoming Human Rights Violations during Covid-19 Pandemic

As the world is suffering from the pandemic due to COVID-19, a webinar titled

“

2021 Egypt Webinar: Overcoming Human Rights Violations during Covid-19 Pandemic

was held in Egypt on March 6.

 

This event was held to discuss measures to protect human rights affected due to social conflicts intensified by the COVID-19 and ways to achieve peace in Egypt.

Hon. Dr. Adly Hussein, President of the Court of Appeal of Cairo, stressed the importance of protecting human rights and said that he agrees with Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nation, who said that the coronavirus pandemic is not only public health emergency but also an economic, social, and humanitarian crisis. He also said that the pandemic should not be an excuse to violate the basic principles of society or people’s freedom and human rights.

✓

Mr. Tharwat Gaid Salama Gaballa, Chairman of Horus Foundation for Development and Training said,

“

In 2021 and all the future to come, we hope all physical and emotional obstacles posed by Covid-19 are resolved and we can do practical activities to stabilize society. It is also important to work in the civil society level with or without having government measures.

In the future, I sincerely hope that HWPL's webinars in Middle East will continue and address human rights issues regularly.

”

He showed examples of activities that can be done in the civil society level during Covid-19 even if not directed by the government and said he hopes HWPL would regularly address human rights cases within the Middle East through webinars.

 

Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed, International Law Professor at American University of Egypt said,

“

From these crimes, we learned that human rights violations are not something that can be hidden, but they are a serious social problem that destroys the peace of mankind by destroying personal peace and the order in the world of mankind.

”

He also said, “I also would like to work with HWPL to become an educator who cultivates a person's personality in the right way and creates a citizen of peace through continuous peace education, rather than doing a one-time campaign on human rights in this era of crisis.”

He also asked the attendees to pay attention to Egypt so that it could become an advanced country of peace.

 

Journalists who attended this event said that it was impressive to see HWPL continue with their peace activities even during a pandemic period and said they would work hard to inform on the news of peace.

 

The hatred and discrimination inherent in the social turmoil due to COVID-19 are leading to human rights violations and hate crimes against minorities.

HWPL will shed new light on cases of human rights violations through regular webinars and help them overcome the pandemic situation through social protection and support.

 

#HWPL #EGYPT #PANDEMIC #COVID_19

 

WWW.HWPL.KR

   

INTERNATIONAL DAY : World Portuguese language day 5 MAY

The date of 5 May was officially established in 2009 by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) - an intergovernmental organization that has been in official partnership with UNESCO since 2000, and which brings together peoples with the Portuguese language as one of the foundations of their specific identity - to celebrate the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures.

 In 2019, the 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference decided to proclaim 5 May of each year as

 "World Portuguese Language Day".

The Portuguese language is not only one of the most widespread languages in the world, with more than 265 million speakers spread through all continents, but it is also the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere.

Portuguese remains, today, a major language of international communication and a language with a strong geographical projection, destined to increase

#UN #UNESCO #HWPL #PORTUGUESE #LANGUAGE #INTERNATIONAL_DAY