UNA Coventry News August 2017

We are preparing the launch of two exciting new projects in the autumn:

• a peace database for schools and

• Cine UNACov, the first film of which will focus on reconciliation.

To support these events, we have been exploring the issue of how the UN supports peacebuilding. Details below, as well as links to our forthcoming events and recent UN News articles.

Philip Brown
Secretary, UNA Coventry Branch
philip@unacov.uk

Peacebuilding

In February 2001, the Security Council recognized that peacebuilding is aimed at preventing the outbreak, the recurrence or the continuation of armed conflict and therefore encompasses a wide range of political, development, humanitarian and human rights programmes and mechanisms. This requires short and long-term actions tailored to address the particular needs of societies sliding into conflict or emerging from it. …

Forthcoming Events

Launch of Educational Resources Database

On International Day of Peace 21 September the Schools Peace & Justice Forum will launch the educational resources that they have developed to help schools introduce these topics to their pupils. Find out about the database of over 50 resources, including both primary and secondary schools. Programme 14:30 Registration and light refreshments 14:45 Introduction to the Schools Peace & …

UN Intern Q&A

During this online event on 21 October, UN Interns and ex-Interns will share their experience with students who are considering applying to become interns. What are the benefits? What are the problems? This online event will be broadcast on YouTube where you will be able to watch the interns and ask questions via an interactive panel or via social media. You can also …

Beyond Forgiving: Cine UNACov

In a world of conflict and discord, we launch Cine UNACov in Coventry University on 3 November during Coventry Peace Festival with the moving and hope-giving film "Beyond Forgiving". This documentary depicts the journey of two South Africans to bring healing and reconciliation to South Africa. The film will be followed by a discussion with Howard Grace, the executive producer of …

UN News this month

US cuts $600 million from UN peacekeeping budget

On June 30 the U.N. General Assembly voted to cut $600 million from the organization's nearly $8 billion annual peacekeeping budget. The move comes amid pressure from the Trump administration, which contributes more than a quarter of the department's annual budget. But UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who took office Jan. 1, has also called for major UN reforms, including in peacekeeping. …

ReliefWeb

ReliefWeb is the leading humanitarian information source on global crises and disasters. It is a specialized digital service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). We provide reliable and timely information, enabling humanitarian workers to make informed decisions and to plan effective response. We collect and deliver key information, including the latest reports, maps and infographics and videos from trusted sources. ReliefWeb is …

Secretary-General on Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace

Secretary-General, in First Address to Security Council Since Taking Office, Sets Restoring Trust, Preventing Crises as United Nations Priorities 10 January 2017 https://youtu.be/uoDM8nFnGTU Summary of Secretary-General's speech and reactions of council members The international community could avoid conflicts by restoring trust between Governments and their citizens on the one hand, and amongst Member States on the other, Secretary-General António Guterres said today …

Looking ahead: Global Trends

Remarks by Ursula Mueller Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Delivered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Washington DC 26 June 2017 It is an honour and a pleasure to be here with you today to discuss two important topics: the critical issues that impact the lives of so …

Walk Together Campaign

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvVo6z5mG08&feature=youtu.be Walk Together Campaign Amidst growing intolerance and polarisation, The Elders mark their 10th anniversary by launching "Walk Together", a year-long global campaign to help bridge the deepening global fault lines of division, hate and xenophobia that are leading to inward-facing populism. Focusing on the freedoms and principles their founder Nelson Mandela devoted his life to achieving -- peace, health, …

UN Population Fund (UNFPA)

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA supports: 1. Reproductive health care for women and youth in more than 150 countries – home to more than 80 per cent of the world’s population 2. The health of pregnant women, especially …

UN Peacekeeping budget: big savings, but at what cost?

Based on an article originally published 26 July 2017 by UNA-UK The United Nations General Assembly has agreed a budget for UN Peacekeeping for the following year. The budget will save the UN member states up to a billion dollars, but could place civilians at risk, particularly in Darfur, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South …

UNACov Ambassadors

UNACov Ambassadors are volunteers who go into schools, work places, societies and other places to talk about the issues upon which the United Nations is built: Peace and Security Justice and Human Rights Sustainable Development and the Environment UNACov provides training, support and liaison with schools and groups who want to receive a UNACov Ambassador. To request a UNACov …

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