#nation capacity building

[themyscirah]

Obsessing abt the Amazonian embassy and embassy day & tours and the details of all that while at the same time being BONE tired from all my schoolwork.

Like I am lying here with aches all over and the remnants of stress pains and also my energy drink (not to be confused w my coffee from earlier) leaking out of my system and all I can think about is color symbolism and what the flags would look like for the different Amazon tribes

[fightagainstorganizedcrimeday]

High-level Event to mark the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime.

The High-level Event will be held pursuant to General Assembly resolution 78/267 entitled "International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime" unanimously adopted on 21 March 2024, in which the Assembly invites all Member States, the organizations of the United Nations system and other global and regional organizations, within existing resources, as well as other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, academia and the media, to

Objective of the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against all Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2024 event.

The event aims at discussing how organized crime represents a risk to international peace, security and sustainable development on a global scale, and in highlighting both regional and inter-national initiatives to address the threat and mitigate its impact. The event will analyze transnational organized crime's harmful impacts on social cohesion, trust in national institutions, rule of law, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The High-Level event will focus on the analysis of national, regional, and international experiences that demonstrate how the effective countering of organized crime has led to significant progress in achieving peace, security, development and social cohesion. Space will also be devoted to examining areas that are still severely affected by transnational organized crime, and to reflecting on actions that the United Nations and the international community can take to counter this trend, including victims of TOC. The event will also be an opportunity to highlight the continuing relevance of the #PalermoConvention, the most effective international #legalinstrument in this fight, which celebrated its twentieth anniversary last year.

Watch The High Level Event to observe the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime!

[worldecologyday]

Focusing on wildfire prevention and management.

In light of this growing crisis, we are organizing a side event on November 1st, World Ecology Day, focusing on wildfire prevention and management under this year’s theme of environmental protection and sustainability. Recent studies and events, including the UN’s Department Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Policy Brief #111, highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that integrate scientific, traditional, and policy-driven approaches to wildfire management. Get the flyer!

[disarmamentawarenessday]

Building Capacity to Eliminate the Supply of Weapons to Terrorists in Africa and Central Asia - High-Level Briefing.

The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) will hold the High-Level Briefing on Building Capacity to Eliminate the Supply of Weapons to Terrorists in Africa and Central Asia, on the margins of the General Assembly First Committee – Disarmament and International Security. 

Watch Building Capacity to Eliminate the Supply of Weapons to Terrorists in Africa and Central Asia - High-Level Briefing!

[corporateintel]

Getting Your Shot

This month Kamala Harris got a step closer to one of the most coveted jobs in the world. It was anything but a predictable path. The preceding weeks were filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Through it all she remained fiercely loyal to her boss and the inside circle that provided her with the opportunity to someday be considered for the gig in the spotlight. Without much trumpeting, the door…

[southsouthcooperationday]

Multi-stakeholder round table 8: Science, technology, innovation and capacity-building.

7th Plenary meeting (continued) - Round table at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22-26 July 2024. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (Addis Agenda) recognizes science, technology, innovation (STI), an...

Watch the Multi-stakeholder round table 8: Science, technology, innovation and capacity-building!

[communistkenobi]

I don’t really want to wade into discourse too much today because I know everyone is extremely miserable online rn but I think if you want to give people genuine advice on what to do politically, “join a union/get involved in your current union/organise your workplace” or “join ACORN/a tenant union/etc” is much more actionable advice than like “build community.”

the problem with “community” is that it doesn’t have the same formal infrastructure / resources / political connections / organising capacity that allows your hard work to have reach far beyond your immediate circle (which is what a union has), and also because like, “community” is an extremely vague and abstract concept that can mean anything from a local restaurant run by your neighbour to a church to your dnd friend group. Reaching out and helping your neighbours is a good thing, lots of people are having a really tough time and helping people around you pay rent or take care of their family or etc is a good thing and you should feel good doing that, but in response to the complete institutional and political failure of electoral liberalism I think the next best option is to turn towards already existing national infrastructure that can mobilise people without requiring you to individually maintain dedicated personal relationships with everyone around you. In my experience + the experience of many long-time activists that I know, relying on interpersonal connections to organise and get things done leads to highly sectarian, disorganised, toxic, and unpleasant organising conditions. The cold impersonal bureaucracy of union membership is legitimately a good solution to this problem.

there are many little positions of power available in these organisation that become open to you for as low a cost as showing up to zoom meetings. I have personally been elected to positions in various unions/orgs literally because I was someone who showed up to meetings! Nobody goes to committee meetings! You get annual budgets! You get to pass votes, organise events, spend money on organising materials! You get to buy food for people! Organising is so much easier in these spaces.

And of course, you are going to face the same ideological resistance, apathy, ignorance, incompetence, and bigotry that you would at your local queer meet-up or community neighbourhood council, and I have no illusions about the institutional limits of unions (which can also be reactionary, bigoted, highly disorganised, incompetent, toxic, and so on), but if you want to avoid completely exhausting yourself and resenting everyone around you, you don’t need to build “community” from the ground up, there are already structures out there where you can do good work. For all the resistance there is to unions and union activity, you will face that same level of resistance with local organising but have none of the power, resources, or institutional legitimacy already secured by unions

[coopsday]

47th Regular Meeting of the United Nations Task Force on the Social and Solidarity Economy.

Led by the Co-Chairs of the UNTFSSE, Simel Esim from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Chantal Line Carpentier from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the virtual gathering brought together representatives from Members (UN Entities and the OECD) and Observer organizations to share international and regional updates to spur further collaboration on the SSE.

The call began with a welcome to the representatives of new Members, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) as an Observer.

Heidi Christ, lead of Made51 at UNHCR, expressed recommitment towards the task force, noting that, “Livelihoods for refugees is of primary concern to UNHCR, especially as the the refugee crisis deepens and longer-term solutions are needed. We are looking at the solidarity economy as way to offer solutions to refugees in a more protective environment”.

Leida Rijnhout, Chief Executive, WFTO, was appreciative of the positive response received from Members and Observers regarding their joining the task force. She highlighted the link between the SSE and the Fair Trade movement, sharing that “At the WFTO, we certify enterprises based on the fair trade principles. We are also a movement of entrepreneurial activists that promote people and planet over profit.”

Following introductions and general updates, the Co-Chairs presented the new UNTFSSE Action Plan, which details priorities and responsibilities for advancing the SSE agenda and implementing the UNGA Resolution A/RES/77/281. This plan, designed to foster policy coherence, drive capacity building, improve statistics, and increase access to finance, underscores the task force's strategic approach to mobilizing collective expertise and resources.

Further discussions focused on institutionalizing UNTFSSE governance through a newly drafted Terms of Reference and preparation of the Secretary General’s report for the UNGA 79th session. The Secretariat is currently collecting inputs from UN Entities, Member States, and Financial Institutions.

Technical Working Groups are currently being established on SSE Statistics and Financing. These groups will be composed of technical experts who will establish work plans and present updates to the task force at regular meetings. Highlights of recent and upcoming initiatives were shared by task force Members and Observers, including:

ILO’s Regional Conference on the Social and Solidarity Economy for Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia on May 14-15, 2024.

OECD’s Global Action on Mapping of Social Economy Ecosystems.

UNRISD’s four podcast episodes, interviewing authors from the SSE Encyclopedia.

Social Economy Europe’s EU Large Scale partnership for Skills of SE and Proximity Ecosystem.

DIESIS event on the Social Economy in the Western Balkans under the MESMER+ project.

CIRIEC Call for papers for a Special Issue of APCE on “Gender approaches of Social Economy and State-Owned Enterprises”.

EUCLID’s Women in Social Enterprise initiative.

Ms. Esim proposed to hold an online event to mark the occasion of the first year anniversary of the UN General Assembly resolution “Promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy for Sustainable Development” on April 18, 2024. She suggested this would be an occasion to highlight progress that has been made in the one year since the adoption of the resolution at the international and regional levels. Her proposal was well received by Members and Observers of the Task Force. It was agreed that the webinar would take place on April 18, 2024 from 1:30 – 2:45 pm CEST with presentations followed by a brief discussion. The ILO offered to make simultaneous translation available for the event in English, French and Spanish. The UNTFSSE Members and observers agreed to share the announcement and the Zoom link for the event widely.

Led by the Co-Chairs of the UNTFSSE, Simel Esim from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Chantal Line Carpentier from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the virtual gathering brought together representatives from Members (UN Entities and the OECD) and Observer organizations to share international and regional updates to spur further collaboration on the SSE.

The call began with a welcome to the representatives of new Members, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) as an Observer.

Heidi Christ, lead of Made51 at UNHCR, expressed recommitment towards the task force, noting that, “Livelihoods for refugees is of primary concern to UNHCR, especially as the the refugee crisis deepens and longer-term solutions are needed. We are looking at the solidarity economy as way to offer solutions to refugees in a more protective environment”.

Leida Rijnhout, Chief Executive, WFTO, was appreciative of the positive response received from Members and Observers regarding their joining the task force. She highlighted the link between the SSE and the Fair Trade movement, sharing that “At the WFTO, we certify enterprises based on the fair trade principles. We are also a movement of entrepreneurial activists that promote people and planet over profit.”

Following introductions and general updates, the Co-Chairs presented the new UNTFSSE Action Plan, which details priorities and responsibilities for advancing the SSE agenda and implementing the UNGA Resolution A/RES/77/281. This plan, designed to foster policy coherence, drive capacity building, improve statistics, and increase access to finance, underscores the task force's strategic approach to mobilizing collective expertise and resources.

Further discussions focused on institutionalizing UNTFSSE governance through a newly drafted Terms of Reference and preparation of the Secretary General’s report for the UNGA 79th session. The Secretariat is currently collecting inputs from UN Entities, Member States, and Financial Institutions.

Technical Working Groups are currently being established on SSE Statistics and Financing. These groups will be composed of technical experts who will establish work plans and present updates to the task force at regular meetings. Highlights of recent and upcoming initiatives were shared by task force Members and Observers, including:

ILO’s Regional Conference on the Social and Solidarity Economy for Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia on May 14-15, 2024.

OECD’s Global Action on Mapping of Social Economy Ecosystems.

UNRISD’s four podcast episodes, interviewing authors from the SSE Encyclopedia.

Social Economy Europe’s EU Large Scale partnership for Skills of SE and Proximity Ecosystem.

DIESIS event on the Social Economy in the Western Balkans under the MESMER+ project.

CIRIEC Call for papers for a Special Issue of APCE on “Gender approaches of Social Economy and State-Owned Enterprises”.

EUCLID’s Women in Social Enterprise initiative.

Ms. Esim proposed to hold an online event to mark the occasion of the first year anniversary of the UN General Assembly resolution “Promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy for Sustainable Development” on April 18, 2024. She suggested this would be an occasion to highlight progress that has been made in the one year since the adoption of the resolution at the international and regional levels. Her proposal was well received by Members and Observers of the Task Force. It was agreed that the webinar would take place on April 18, 2024 from 1:30 – 2:45 pm CEST with presentations followed by a brief discussion. The ILO offered to make simultaneous translation available for the event in English, French and Spanish. The UNTFSSE Members and observers agreed to share the announcement and the Zoom link for the event widely.

[onlinenotebank]

Role and impact of NGOs in capacity building of a Nation

Model Answer : An Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) is a group, organisation, non-profit establishment of individuals, activists, voluntary and social persons who are working or associated for social welfare and social development. As NGOs are expected to contribute to democracy in developing countries and build democratic aid structures, their presence is considered as a sign of…

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #24

June 21-28 2024

The US Surgeon General declared for the first time ever, firearm violence a public health crisis. The nation's top doctor recommended the banning of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, the introduce universal background checks for purchasing guns, regulate the industry, pass laws that would restrict their use in public spaces and penalize people who fail to safely store their weapons. President Trump dismissed Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in 2017 in part for his criticism of guns before his time in government, he was renominated for his post by President Biden in 2021. While the Surgeon General's reconstructions aren't binding a similar report on the risks of smoking in 1964 was the start of a national shift toward regulation of tobacco.

Vice-President Harris announced the first grants to be awarded through a ground breaking program to remove barriers to building more housing. Under President Biden more housing units are under construction than at any time in the last 50 years. Vice President Harris was announcing 85 million dollars in grants giving to communities in 21 states through the  Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO) program. The administration plans another 100 million in PRO grants at the end of the summer and has requested 100 million more for next year. The Treasury also announced it'll moved 100 million of left over Covid funds toward housing. All of this is part of plans to build 2 million affordable housing units and invest $258 billion in housing overall.

President Biden pardoned all former US service members convicted under the US Military's ban on gay sex. The pardon is believed to cover 2,000 veterans convicted of "consensual sodomy". Consensual sodomy was banned and a felony offense under the Uniform Code of Justice from 1951 till 2013. The Pardon will wipe clean those felony records and allow veterans to apply to change their discharge status.

The Department of Transportation announced $1.8 Billion in new infrastructure building across all 50 states, 4 territories and Washington DC. The program focuses on smaller, often community-oriented projects that span jurisdictions. This award saw a number of projects focused on climate and energy, like $25 million to help repair damage caused by permafrost melting amid higher temperatures in Alaska, or $23 million to help electrify the Downeast bus fleet in Maine.

The Department of Energy announced $2.7 billion to support domestic sources of nuclear fuel. The Biden administration hopes to build up America's domestic nuclear fuel to allow for greater stability and lower costs. Currently Russia is the world's top exporter of enriched uranium, supplying 24% of US nuclear fuel.

The Department of Interior awarded $127 million to 6 states to help clean up legacy pollution from orphaned oil and gas wells. The funding will help cap 600 wells in Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, New York and Ohio. So far thanks to administration efforts over 7,000 orphaned wells across the country have been capped, reduced approximately 11,530 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions

HUD announced $469 million to help remove dangerous lead from older homes. This program will focus on helping homeowners particularly low income ones remove lead paint and replace lead pipes in homes built before 1978. This represents one of the largest investments by the federal government to help private homeowners deal with a health and safety hazard.

Bonus: President Biden's efforts to forgive more student debt through his administration's SAVE plan hit a snag this week when federal courts in Kansas and Missouri blocked elements the Administration also suffered a set back at the Supreme Court as its efforts to regular smog causing pollution was rejected by the conservative majority in a 5-4 ruling that saw Amy Coney Barrett join the 3 liberals against the conservatives. This week's legal setbacks underline the importance of courts and the ability to nominate judges and Justices over the next 4 years.

[greenthestral]

Unleashing the Power of Partnerships: Goal 17 and the Path to Global Transformation

In today's interconnected world, achieving sustainable development requires a collaborative and inclusive approach. Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations, Goal 17 stands out as a catalyst for progress. "Partnerships to achieve the Goal" is not just a goal in itself; it is the driving force behind the successful implementation of the other 16 goals. This article delves into the significance of Goal 17 and explores the transformative potential of partnerships in addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

The Foundation of Goal 17: Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Goal 17 stands as a powerful reminder that the challenges we face in the pursuit of sustainable development are multifaceted and interconnected. No single organization or entity possesses all the resources, expertise, or perspectives needed to tackle these complex issues alone. The recognition of this reality is the cornerstone of Goal 17, which underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Partnerships for sustainable development bring together governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and individuals in a collaborative effort to address the world's most pressing problems. These partnerships are characterized by their inclusivity and the diversity of stakeholders involved. Each stakeholder brings unique perspectives, knowledge, skills, and resources to the table, creating a synergistic environment where collective action can thrive.

Public-private partnerships are a vital component of sustainable development partnerships. By forging alliances between the public and private sectors, these partnerships harness the resources and expertise of both to drive positive change. Governments provide regulatory frameworks, policy support, and funding, while businesses contribute innovative solutions, technological advancements, and financial resources. Together, they can implement sustainable practices, create sustainable business models, and promote responsible investment.

International cooperation is another crucial aspect of Goal 17 partnerships. Global challenges require global solutions, and cross-border collaborations are essential to address issues that transcend national boundaries. International partnerships foster knowledge exchange, shared learning, and joint action to tackle common problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty. These partnerships enable countries to work together, pool resources, and align their efforts to achieve sustainable development on a global scale.

Knowledge-sharing networks play a pivotal role in partnerships for sustainable development. These networks facilitate the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices across different sectors and regions. By sharing knowledge and lessons learned, partners can avoid duplication of efforts, accelerate progress, and implement evidence-based solutions. Knowledge-sharing networks also promote innovation and foster a culture of continuous learning, driving the development and adoption of sustainable technologies, practices, and policies.

Capacity-building initiatives are integral to partnerships for sustainable development. They aim to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of individuals, organizations, and communities to contribute effectively to sustainable development efforts. Capacity-building initiatives encompass training programs, workshops, mentorship, and skill-sharing activities. By investing in capacity building, partnerships empower stakeholders to take ownership of sustainable development initiatives, driving long-term impact and sustainability.

One of the significant advantages of partnerships for sustainable development is their ability to foster innovation. When diverse stakeholders collaborate, they bring together different perspectives, experiences, and expertise. This diversity sparks creativity and innovation, leading to the development of novel approaches, solutions, and technologies. Innovation, in turn, drives progress and propels sustainable development forward by addressing complex challenges in new and transformative ways.

Partnerships also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable development efforts. By pooling resources, sharing costs, and leveraging expertise, partnerships optimize the use of available resources. This efficiency translates into a greater impact on the ground, as projects and initiatives benefit from shared knowledge, experience, and funding. Partnerships allow for economies of scale, enabling the replication and scaling up of successful models and interventions.

Moreover, partnerships for sustainable development generate meaningful impact at multiple levels. They operate at the local, national, and global levels, ensuring that no community or region is left behind. At the local level, partnerships address specific challenges faced by communities, tailoring interventions to their unique context and needs. Nationally, partnerships enable governments to align policies and strategies with sustainable development objectives, leveraging the resources and expertise of diverse stakeholders. Globally, partnerships contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals as a collective effort, promoting global solidarity and collaboration.

In conclusion, Goal 17 recognizes the essential role of partnerships in achieving sustainable development. These partnerships bring together governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and individuals in a collaborative endeavor to address complex global challenges. By leveraging collective knowledge, resources, and expertise, partnerships foster innovation, enhance efficiency, and generate meaningful impact at local, national, and global levels. Through public-private partnerships, international cooperation, knowledge-sharing networks, and capacity-building initiatives, partnerships for sustainable development are driving positive change and paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Enhancing Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Goal 17 serves as a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to join forces and collaborate effectively. Through collaboration, the barriers to achieving the other goals can be overcome. Here are some key aspects of collaboration under Goal 17:

Government Partnerships: Governments play a crucial role in fostering partnerships by creating an enabling policy environment, promoting transparency, and mobilizing resources. They can establish regulatory frameworks, incentivize private sector engagement, and prioritize sustainable development in national agendas.

Business Engagement: Businesses are key players in advancing sustainable development. Through corporate social responsibility initiatives, ethical practices, and responsible investment, businesses can align their objectives with the SDGs. By partnering with governments and civil society organizations, businesses can leverage their expertise, technology, and resources to drive sustainable solutions.

Civil Society Engagement: Civil society organizations are essential in driving social change and holding governments and businesses accountable. Their active participation in partnerships ensures that decisions are inclusive, responsive to community needs, and promote social justice. Civil society organizations can bring grassroots knowledge, advocacy skills, and community engagement to the table.

Unlocking the Transformative Potential

Goal 17 serves as a powerful enabler of change, unlocking the transformative potential of partnerships in several ways:

Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices. They provide opportunities for capacity building, technology transfer, and learning from successful models. This exchange enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions, avoiding duplication of efforts and accelerating progress.

Resource Mobilization: Achieving the SDGs requires significant financial resources. Partnerships enable resource mobilization by leveraging public and private investments, philanthropic contributions, and innovative financing mechanisms. By pooling resources and aligning priorities, partnerships can address financing gaps and scale up impactful projects.

Innovation and Technology Transfer: Partnerships foster innovation by bringing together different sectors and disciplines. Collaborations between academia, research institutions, and businesses drive technological advancements, research breakthroughs, and sustainable solutions. Technology transfer from developed to developing countries through partnerships promotes inclusive growth and bridges the digital divide.

Successful Examples of Goal 17 Partnerships

Numerous partnerships have emerged in recent years, exemplifying the transformative power of Goal 17. Some notable examples include:

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria: This public-private partnership has mobilized billions of dollars to combat the three diseases. It brings together governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to support prevention, treatment, and advocacy efforts worldwide.

The Sustainable Energy for All Initiative: Led by the United Nations, this partnership aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy. It catalyzes commitments from governments, businesses, and civil society organizations, driving investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure.

The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator: In response to the global pandemic, this partnership was formed to accelerate the development, production, and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. It brings together governments, international organizations, and private sector actors, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in addressing health crises.

The Road Ahead: Amplifying Partnerships for Global Transformation

As we look toward the future, the significance of Goal 17 becomes even more apparent. Strengthening partnerships is essential to accelerate progress across all the SDGs and overcome complex challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflict.

To amplify the impact of partnerships, several steps can be taken:

Policy Coherence and Alignment: Governments should align their policies, strategies, and funding mechanisms with the SDGs. This coherence ensures that national and international efforts are mutually reinforcing, enabling effective collaboration and resource mobilization.

Scaling Up Successful Models: Identifying and replicating successful partnership models can drive widespread change. Lessons learned from existing partnerships can inform the design and implementation of new collaborations, avoiding reinvention and optimizing impact.

Promoting Inclusive Partnerships: Partnerships must prioritize inclusivity and diversity. By involving marginalized communities, women, youth, and indigenous groups, partnerships can address systemic inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind in the journey towards sustainable development.

Conclusion

Goal 17, "Partnerships to achieve the Goal," acts as a linchpin for global transformation. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization, partnerships unlock the potential to address the world's most pressing challenges. Governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals must come together to harness the power of partnerships and drive sustainable development forward. As we embark on this collective journey, Goal 17 reminds us that our shared future depends on the strength and effectiveness of our collaborations. Together, we can build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable world for all.

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Cambodia will have more experts in the conservation of ancient temples by mid-2024

via Khmer Times, 20 July 2023: The GIZ of Germany is conducting a two-year training program to train 20 Cambodians from the APSARA National Authority in the conservation of ancient stones at the Angkor site.

via Khmer Times, 20 July 2023: The GIZ of Germany is conducting a two-year training program to train 20 Cambodians from the APSARA National Authority in the conservation of ancient stones at the Angkor site and it is expected to produce a new generation of stone conservationists by mid-2024. Ms. Helen Jacobsen, a German teacher, said during a field trip that she was teaching Cambodian interns on…

[fightagainstorganizedcrimeday]

Conference of the Parties to UNTOC, 12th session [10th meeting].

Pursuant to article 32 of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, a Conference of the Parties to the Convention was established to improve the capacity of States Parties to combat transnational organized crime and to promote and review the implementation of this Convention. The twelfth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime will be held from 14 to 18 October 2024 in Vienna, Austria.

Watch the Conference of the Parties to UNTOC, 12th session [10th meeting]!

[worldecologyday]

Principle 6 - Ecosystem restoration incorporates all types of knowledge and promotes their exchange and integration throughout the process.

Ecosystem restoration should strive to integrate all types of knowledge – including, but not limited to, Indigenous, traditional, local and scientific ways of knowing – and practices in order to achieve greater kinship with nature, cooperation and effectiveness. Such integration will foster inclusive and consensual decision-making throughout the process, while enabling full participation of local stakeholders and right-holders. Likewise, capacity-development efforts should be focused on promoting mutual learning, as well as knowledge-sharing among stakeholders and communities of practice at local, national and global levels. In particular, knowledge about effective practices and innovative approaches should be systematically captured and shared to develop, adapt and replicate successful experiences, and to avoid repeating mistakes. This will also allow for the identification of knowledge gaps and strategic research and capacity-development priorities. The incorporation of Indigenous, local and traditional knowledge should comply with the principles of free, prior and informed consent. To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information, platforms and networks for documenting, integrating and sharing that knowledge and information should be developed and made widely available through regularly updated, easily accessible, understandable and culturally appropriate communication and dissemination channels (taking into account languages and literacy levels).

[heritageposts]

Google-translated, posted October 8th

This piece Manoel wrote in 2020 should also be mandatory reading for all Western "leftists," especially now as the Western illusion of military invincibility is being shattered

[...] Another factor that is very common in the western left is to treat suffering and extreme poverty as elements of superiority. It is very common in Western leftist culture to support martyrs and suffering. Everyone today likes Salvador Allende. Why? Salvador Allende is a victim, a martyr. He was assassinated in Pinochet’s coup d’ etat.

And, on Western leftists support of Palestine (pre Al-Aqsa Flood — Manoel, writing in 2020, was clearly underestimating the military capabilities of the Gazan resistance)

Palestinians are a people who are deeply oppressed, in a situation of extreme poverty, that don’t have a national economy because they don’t have a national state. They don’t have an army or military or economic power. Therefore, Palestine is the total incarnation of the metaphor of David vs Goliath, except that this David doesn’t have a chance of beating Goliath in political and military conflict. Therefore, almost everyone in the international left likes Palestine. People become ecstatic looking at those images -- which I don’t think are very fantastic – of a child or teenager using a sling to launch a rock at a tank. Look, this is a clear example of heroism but it is also a symbol of barbarism. This is a people who do not have the capacity to defend themselves facing an imperialist colonial power that is armed to the teeth. They do not have an equal capacity of resistance, but this is romanticized. Western leftists like this situation of oppression, suffering and martyrdom.

If you're a Westerner, I think it's worth investigating to what extent this image Palestinians as 'defenseless' or 'defeated' (I've seen some of you talk about Palestine in the past tense) factors into your support of Palestine as it is now, under occupation.

Because there will be an after.

Everyone supported Viet Nam when it was under attack, being destroyed and bombed for over 30 years. Viet Nam beat Japan in WW2, then had to fight France, and then had to fight the United States. It passed 30 straight years without being able to build a damn school or hospital because a bomb would drop, first from France and then the United States, and destroy it. When the country was finally able to beat all of the colonial and neocolonial powers and have the opportunity to start planning, to build highways, electrical systems, schools and universities without having bombs land on them the next day and destroy everything that was being done, the country was abandoned by the majority of the left. It lost its charm, it lost its enchantment. There is a fetish for defeat in the western left. It is an idea that defeat is something majestic.

[hlfppt1]

According to the HMIS reports with the Ministry of Health and Family Whelfare, the performance in IUCD insertions increased.