UN praises human rights progress on 20th anniversary of Vienna Declaration Today is International Human Rights Day, which celebrates the signing of 1993's Vienna Declaration calling for protecting the human rights of all people, including the right to education. "It was an event that really moved human rights to the forefront of the global agenda," said United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović. To help curb human rights abuses in emerging conflicts, the UN is rolling out a preventative action plan called Rights Up Front, Šimonović said. Voice of America (12/10), Al Jazeera (12/10) | | | "There is enough wealth in our world to support the caloric requirements of people displaced by conflict. It's our collective shame that we are not mustering the meagre resources to do so." UN Dispatch (12/9) | | Rising rate of urbanization creates challenges, UN Habitat chief says Urbanization is accelerating around the world, which will make it more difficult for national and local governments to provide services, says Joan Clos, executive director of United Nations Habitat. With world urban population projected to almost double in the next 30 years, it's critical that cities grow "in a planned and designed manner, in order to provide some basic services at affordable costs for the citizen," Clos says. The Associated Press (12/9) | Why post-2015 goals must benefit least developed countries Lesser developed countries are making progress on Millennium Development Goals, but will face challenges after 2015, says Gyan Chandra Acharya, United Nations undersecretary-general for least developing countries. Post-2015 goals must ensure these countries have the necessary leadership, strategy, institutions and resources, Acharya says. The InterDependent (12/9) Better risk planning can help countries cope with natural disasters Countries prone to natural disasters would benefit from planning, relief officials say. "It is vital that finance ministers and policymakers understand the simple truth that investing in reducing disaster risk, protecting critical infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and transport systems, pays rich dividends," says Margareta Wahlstrom, the special representative of the United Nations secretary-general for disaster risk reduction. IRINNews.org (12/9) | African countries work toward agreement on Nile dam Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are meeting this week in Khartoum to discuss Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam and its impact on Nile River water resources, writes Elizabeth Arrott. Sudan had supported Egypt's claim that water losses threaten its security, but Sudan now supports Ethiopia's right to build the dam. Voice of America (12/9) | | Peacekeeping and Security | | | UN Foundation Better World Campaign | mHealth Alliance plans for 2014 move to South Africa The mHealth Alliance outlined plans to transition its base of operations in 2014 from the United Nations Foundation in Washington, D.C., to South Africa. This move reflects the Alliance's natural evolution to engage in projects and initiatives that focus on specific countries or regions, while still maintaining the powerful global voice it has cultivated through its relationship with the UN Foundation. Read more. | UN chief pays last respect to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela UN Radio (12/10) | UN Wire is a free service sponsored by the United Nations Foundation which is dedicated to supporting the United Nations' efforts to address the most pressing humanitarian, socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing the world today. | | | Contact the UN Foundation | Caleb Tiller Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs United Nations Foundation 1800 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 887-9040 www.unfoundation.org | | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
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