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Issue No. 98 – November 2009
In this issue:
Topic people are talking about: Climate Change
 Former Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Irina Bokova, will become the first woman to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
 The UN Secretary-General appointed Ad Melkert of the Netherlands as his Special Representativefor Iraq.
 Judy Cheng-Hopkins of Malaysia was appointed as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.
 Hany Abdel-Aziz
of Egypt has been appointed Special Representative for Western Sahara and the Head of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.
 The Dominican Republic's First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, French fashion designer Pierre Cardin, United States athlete Carl Lewis, Indonesian singer and songwriter Anggun and Colombian singer Fanny Lu were awarded the title of UN Goodwill Ambassadors.
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Committee against Torture
2 - 20 November, Geneva
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, forty-third session
2 - 20 November, Geneva
Universal Children’s Day
20 November
Fourth High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development
23- 24 November, New York
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
25 November
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
29 November
Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
30 November - 4 December, The Hague
UN Climate Change Conference – COP15
7 - 18 December , Copenhagen, Denmark
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 Summary of First Committee Negotiations
The final edition of the First Committee Monitor, the weekly publication from the NGO Working Group on the First Committee, coordinated by the Reaching Critical Will project of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is available online. It provides a useful summary of the outcomes of the meetings of the Committee on Disarmament and International Security, and a collection of NGO perspectives and analysis.
 UN Democracy Fund Invites Civil Society to Apply for Funding
The United Nations Democracy Fund invites civil society organizations to apply for funding for projects to advance and support democracy. Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 16 November 2009 and 31 December 2009 at www.un.org/democracyfund, where applicants can also find guidelines, FAQs and lessons learned from previous rounds.
 Copenhagen Coming-up
As the final negotiation sessions have concluded in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Conference(COP-15) taking place in Copenhagen from 7-18 December 2009, the UN NGO Liaison Service has published several articles and other resources about COP-15 preparations. Read them here>>
 Volunteer for the Earth with UNV!
People around the world are volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours to tackle climate change and send a message to world leaders that everyone is part of the solution. A new website www.VolunteeringForOurPlanet.org has drawn thousands of visitors to register the time they spend as environmental volunteers. The website is the United Nations Volunteers program’s contribution to the UN campaign to Seal the Deal, to promote a successful outcome at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, which opens on 7 December. Since the website started one week ago, people have registered more than 300,000 hours of volunteer effort.
 Preparing for Beijing +15
In March 2010, the Commission on the Status of Women will undertake a fifteen-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly. In the lead up to this review, called Beijing +15, various regional initiatives are being undertaken to evaluate and monitor national and regional achievements in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. As such, the UN Economic Commission for Europe held a two day review meeting on 2-3 November in Geneva, in which various stakeholders participated, including civil society. More information on the outcomes of the meeting is available on the NGLS website.
 Civil Society Input for Next Session of HR Council
In anticipation of the 13th session of the Human Rights Council many Special Rapporteurs are welcoming input from civil society through questionnaires. The annual report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education to be presented to the Human Rights Council in 2010 and will focus on the right to education of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. Complete the questionnaire! The Special Rapporteur on the situation for human rights defenders will be accepting questionnaires in light of her upcoming report to the Human Rights Council on the topic of the security and protection of human rights defenders, until 23 November 2009. Complete the questionnaire!
 Calling all youth with a video camera!
Human Rights Watch has opened up a call for video submissions for Youth Producing Change and their International Film Festival! The campaign provides a platform for youth to share their perspectives on human rights issues worldwide. Read more about how to enter before the 10 December 2009 deadline!
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On Monday 9 November 2009, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with a delegation from WFUNA including President Park Soo-gil, Secretary-General Bonian Golmohammadi, Executive Committee Chair Kathryn White, Director of the Board of the Friends of WFUNA John C. Whitehead and Vice-President of UNA-Republic of Korea Amb. Chang-beom Cho,. During the meeting in the Secretary-General's office, followed by a working lunch, the participants discussed a variety of topics relating to the relationship between UN leadership and WFUNA, as well as current global issues. Two points that were raised by WFUNA were: strengthening the role of the United Nations in the G20, and developing a funding scheme for UN climate change projects for implementation after the UN Climate Change Summit in December 2009. The Secretary-General agreed that both issues were very relevant, and welcomed the proposal of WFUNA to continue advocating for these goals in the future. WFUNA presented its new climate change project, Go Beyond, which is being developed in the context of the Global Citizen Campaign. Mr. Ban Ki-moon gave positive feedback on the initiative and agreed to consider an official endorsement. .
 What are his plans for WFUNA? Read an interview with recently elected Secretary-General Bonian Golmohammadi in the UNA-UK’s New World magazine: www.una.org.uk (the interview is on p.21, and there is a feature on the WFUNA Plenary Assembly on pages 19-20).
 On 24 October 2009, UNAs around the world celebrated United Nations Day. For example, the UNA-Canada Edmonton Chapter organized a spectacular release of doves and ceremonial salute of the flag by Canadian UN Peacekeeping veterans, UNA-Bulgaria held a student event at the National Archeological museum, UNA-Cyprus celebrated with high-level speakers and a concert at the Presidential Palace, UNA-Denmark held a public meeting at a café about the upcoming UN climate change conference, UNA-Sri Lanka invited hundred’s of student’s to its public observance in Colombo, and UNA-Uganda created a display of income generating and environmental management project ideas. For photos and descriptions of UN Day events around the world go to: www.wfuna.org/UNDay2009.
Other News
UNA-Italy (SIOI) is organizing a free training course for teachers on “Teaching Human Rights” in Assisi from 16-20 November. The course aims to spread the culture of human rights teaching and learning by providing teachers with skills to develop action-oriented curriculum on human rights, increasing their knowledge on the main instruments for the protection and promotion of human rights with a special focus on the UN, and providing space for an exchange of views and best-practices. www.sioi.org
 On November 2 the UNA-Russia, together with the UNESCO department of the Moscow State Institute for International Relations, organized a lecture with UN Foundation Chairman and American businessman and philanthropist Ted Turner. Over a hundred students gathered to pose their questions to a man, who not only made his “American dream”, come true, but also managed to stay socially responsible. And fun! “Call me Ted” – he kindly asked the audience right at the beginning to ease into the discussion.
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 WFUNA-youth launched a brand new website (www.wfuna-youth.org) earlier this month. It is interactive, user-friendly and available in two languages – English & Spanish. It gives users detailed information, latest updates, a calendar of events and allows viewers to access and download various handbooks and other useful resources produced by members of WFUNA-youth.
Under the leadership of Chair Alex Rafalowicz, the Coordinating Committee is off to a running start and has four leadership workshops lined up for the coming year.
 Stand UP 2009
In October, 173,045,325 citizens gathered at over 3,000 events in more than 120 countries demanding that their governments eradicate extreme poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The 2009 "Stand UP Against Poverty" campaign was certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest mobilization of human beings in recorded history. Numerous UNYA members contributed to this colossal number by organizing and participating in events all around the world. One of the top countries in terms of numbers mobilized this year was Bangladesh. To contribute to their country’s participation, the UN Youth and Student Association of Bangladesh together with the local United Nations Information Centre jointly organized Stand UP events in all six divisions of Bangladesh. Some examples included a human chain followed by a signature campaign in Dhaka, and a photography exhibition and idea generation contest on the topic of 'Poverty Eradication' at three Universities in the country.
 Youth Delegates to the UN – Report from UN Headquarters
By Divya Mansukhani, WFUNA Youth Program Coordinator
“We dream that in all decision-making processes we will be celebrated, not tolerated; mentored, not ridiculed; included, not excluded; inspired, not disappointed.”
The United Nations saw an unprecedented number of youth delegates this year with 40 young people representing over 25 nations at the General Assembly. The main focus of these young diplomats was to strengthen the resolution on Youth. This year’s resolution on youth was co-sponsored by Moldova, Portugal & Senegal. Among the concerns of the delegates, there was a strong appeal to ensure climate justice and to prepare for the social consequences, keeping vulnerable groups like children and young people in mind. This was showcased at the side event “It’s getting hot in here – Youth Delegates demand Climate Justice” where H.E Ms. Moses the Ambassador of Nauru spoke on behalf of the Small Pacific Island Developing States. She shed light on the devastating consequences of climate change for the population of those states who are faced with the prospect of their country disappearing or being completely destroyed by the natural disasters owing to the crisis. Dr. Pachauri, the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sent a video message to the Youth Delegates inspiring the next generation to stand up and take action today.
Another important issue addressed by the delegates was the need to increase and achieve a balanced regional youth representation at the UN. Investing in the capacity-building of the young generation is one of the best strategic decisions for the future. By harnessing their powerful potential in the working process, the world can benefit enormously from a new wave of participation and intellectual creativity. In order to help youth advocate for official representation, we are currently working on a guide that would assist young individuals in the process - including regional case studies, lobbying tips and relevant contact information.
Learn more about the UN Youth Delegate Program here >>
Model UN News
6-8 November
UNA-China in cooperation with the Beijing Normal University organized the 2009 China National Model UN conference that will be held in Beijing.
24-27 November
The Youth section of UNA-Cuba is organizing the first Santiago de Cuba Model UN. www.acnu.org.cu
1-4 December
The Youth section of UNA-Cuba is organizing the second Pinar del Río Model United Nations (ONUPINAR 2009). www.acnu.org.cu
11 December
The UNA-Armenia is hosting the 3rd Annual Armenia Republic Model UN. The Conference will be a simulation of the UN Economic and Social Council, featuring the theme: “From Kyoto to Copenhagen”.
10-17 January
NMUN Latin America will be taking place in Quito, Ecuador.
www.nmun.org/nmun_latinamerica.html
Please send information about your UNAs upcoming Model UN conferences for inclusion in our calendar to mansukhani@wfuna.org
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 UNA-Croatia is a young non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the values, goals and work of the United Nations among Croatian citizens. Its aim is to raise awareness about the significance of international cooperation, based on the values enshrined in the UN Charter, as a means to achieving long-lasting worldwide peace, security, and respect of human rights.
To read the article click here >>
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By Jacob Standerfer, Sustainable Development Associate
 All life depends on the delicate balance of the planet’s ecosystem. However, the unprecedented growth and industrialization of the last 200 years has upset this stability, threatening the very health of our planet’s atmosphere and oceans. Geologists are defining the current era as the Anthropocene age—the period in history where the earth is significantly affected by the actions of humanity. Since we have mastered the uses of energy and exploited its profound capabilities, we have altered the very face of nature—we now move more of the earth than rivers do. In short, humanity has produced what is arguably the most significant challenge in our existence: the problem of climate change.
To read the overview click here >>
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 During what is probably one of the busiest times in his career, Janos Pasztor, who is currently the Director of the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Change Support Team, sat down with UN Connections to talk about the upcoming conference in Copenhagen. A national of Hungary (and later also of Switzerland), Mr. Pasztor received his MS and BS degrees at MIT. During the last 25 years, he has worked for various United Nations as well as non-governmental organizations on issues of energy and environment, and over time increasingly on climate change. His assignments included work with the World Council of Churches, the World Commission on Environment and Development, the UN Environment Programme, the Stockholm Environment Institute, the United Conference on Environment and Development, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Before joining the office of the UN Secretary-General, he was director of the UN’s Environment Management Group in Geneva.
Read the interview here >>
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 UN Connections talked about climate change and the road to the UN climate conference in Copenhagen with Kaveh Zahedi, the Climate Change Coordinator at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He shared his thoughts about some of the anticipations, obstacles, and hopes for Copenhagen, as well as UNEP’s role in addressing climate challenge.
Read the interview with Kaveh Zahedi here >>
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 UNA-Germany established a website called ‘Combating Climate Change’, which raises awareness about climate change, discusses what the international community is doing in response to the problem, and highlights UNA-Germany’s activities. An event was hosted in Bonn on 23 October entitled ‘The Challenge of Climate Change: What Do We Do Now? Renowned meteorologist and climate researcher, Professor Dr. Mojib Latif, served as guest speaker. On 30 November, UNA-Germany will host a symposium in Berlin called ‘Migration in Focus: Human Development, Climate Change, and Women’.
 UNA-Tanzania promotes sustainable development with a special emphasis on climate change. Their work is to build partnership and dialogue between the countries in the north and south. UNA-Tanzania is part of the Citizens Global Platform (CGP), which is an initiative that promotes marginalized voices in international climate change policy processes. UNA-Finland is one of the leading NGOs in CGP. CGP has produced a video that illustrates the negative effects of climate change on the marginalized people in Brazil, India and Tanzania. Watch the videos here:
Part one: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSTiHA1fzS8
Part two: www.youtube.com/watch?v=faon6Ndkksc
 UNA-Canada launched The Ripple Effect, which is a group of projects that engages Canadians and fosters a generation of young leaders equipped with skills to address issues of water scarcity, conservation, sanitation and to promote water as an international human right. One of these projects, Youth4Water, is a public engagement initiative that brings together youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds around the issue of the Right to Water as a basic human right and necessity. Through experiential learning techniques and diverse participatory research modules, youth from all backgrounds will make local connections to the global realities of the water and sanitation crisis.
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 The Climate Action Network (CAN) is a worldwide network of over 450 NGOs working to promote government and individual action to limit human-induced climate change to ecologically sustainable levels. CAN members work to achieve this goal through information exchange and the coordinated development of NGO strategy on international, regional, and national climate issues. Climate Action Network's vision is to protect the atmosphere while allowing for sustainable and equitable development worldwide. www.climatenetwork.org
 Worldwatch Institute delivers the insights and ideas that empower decision makers to create an environmentally sustainable society that meets human needs. Worldwatch focuses on the 21st-century challenges of climate change, resource degradation, population growth, and poverty by developing and disseminating solid data and innovative strategies for achieving a sustainable society. www.worldwatch.org
 Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by: catalysing an energy revolution, defending our oceans, protecting the world’s ancient forests and the animals, plants and people that depend on them, working for disarmament and peace, creating a toxic free future with safer alternatives, and campaigning for sustainable agriculture. www.greenpeace.org
 Climate Ark is a climate change and global warming portal, search engine and news feed that promotes public policy that addresses global climate change through reductions in carbon dioxide and other emissions, renewable energy, energy conservation and efficiency, and ending deforestation. www.climateark.org
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 Climate in Peril: A Popular Guide to the Latest IPCC Reports
UNEP, 2009
This Report presents the substance of the Climate Change 2007 Synthesis Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in simplified language and structure. The guide, intended for general interest readers, is a joint publication of GRID-Arendal and SMI Books, with the generous support of the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
www.grida.no/_res/site/file/publications/ClimateInPeril.pdf
 The Change in the Weather: People, Weather, and the Science of Climate
by William K. Stevens William K. Stevens, Bantam Dell Publishing Group, 1999
This book is a good place to begin learning about the science of climate change and the major players that you'll be reading about in the coming years. Stevens, a science writer for the New York Times thoroughly covers the science of climate and the politics of the debate about what -if anything- could be done to counter human activities that affect the climate. The book's selective bibliography will be invaluable to anyone who wants to look deeper into any aspect of climate science and politics.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Change-in-the-Weather/William-K-Stevens/e/9780385320078
 Security & Environmental Change: 2009
by Simon Dalby. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated, 2009
In this book Simon Dalby provides an accessible and engaging account of the challenges we face in responding to security and environmental change. He traces the historical roots of the current thinking about security and climate change to show the origins of the contemporary concern and goes on to outline modern thinking about securitization which uses the politics of invoking threats as a central part of the analysis. He argues that to understand climate change and the dislocations of global ecology, it is necessary to look back at how ecological change is tied to the expansion of the world economic system over the last few centuries. As the global urban system changes on a local and global scale, the world's population becomes vulnerable in new ways. In a clear and careful analysis, Dalby shows that theories of human security now require a much more nuanced geopolitical imagination if they are to grapple with these new vulnerabilities and influence how we build more resilient societies to cope with the coming disruptions.
www.polity.co.uk/book.asp?ref=9780745642918
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 No Impact Man
Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein, Oscilloscope Laboratories, 2009
A guilty New York liberal decides to practice what he preaches for one year. He turns off the electricity, stops making garbage, gives up TV, taxis and takeout, and becomes a walking, bicycling, compositing, tree hugging, polar bear saving, local food-eating citizen, all while taking his baby daughter and caffeine loving, retail-obsessed, television-addicted wife along with him.
www.noimpactdoc.com/index_m.php
 Home
Yann Arthus-Bertrand, 2009, 93 minutes
With aerial footage from 54 countries, Home is a depiction of how the Earth's problems are all interlinked, but with only one responsible: the human. It starts with the creation and the evolution of the animal species on Earth, on up to the human, who begins by living peacefully with nature. But the accelerated growth of population in the last 60 years and the discovery of oil changed that peaceful coexistence.
www.home-2009.com/us/index.html
 An Inconvenient Truth
Al Gore & Davis Guggenheim, USA, 2006, 96 minutes
Humanity is sitting on a ticking time bomb. If the vast majority of the world's scientists are right, we have just ten years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet into a tail-spin of epic destruction involving extreme weather, floods, droughts, epidemics and killer heat waves beyond anything we have ever experienced. Even if you have seen it before, watch Al Gore’s groundbreaking film once more, as you think about or prepare for the Climate Chnage Conference in Copenhagen. www.climatecrisis.net
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