CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-06-17 19:56:51 (21 comments, 16 reshares, 96 +1s)

Do you use WeChat? Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently launched the UN's account: "lianheguo." Thousands of people have already sent him questions and he'll answer some of them this week in China.

Ask him questions there now: http://j.mp/13QScka

2013-06-17 20:08:33 (1 comments, 8 reshares, 42 +1s)

Last October, people across the globe united to send thoughts of hope and love to a brave young girl fighting for her life in Pakistan. Now that girl, Malala, has recorded a special Vine video calling for the rights of girls and boys!

Support the cause here: http://j.mp/13U2rEg

Stay tuned for more updates between now and July on MalalaDay!

2013-06-17 14:14:32 (11 comments, 30 reshares, 117 +1s)

We are all responsible for water and land conservation and sustainable use.

Take action to promote preparedness and resilience to water scarcity, desertification and drought.

More from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification: http://j.mp/1a4T2if

2013-06-16 14:18:36 (22 comments, 25 reshares, 185 +1s)

Last year May, pictured here, was forced to leave behind one of her most important possessions when she fled her home in Damascus.

Get the full story of how a doll made its way from Thailand to Iraq simply to make a wish come true for this Syrian refugee girl: http://rfg.ee/lXMQs

Photo & story credit: UNHCR

2013-06-15 12:52:38 (27 comments, 49 reshares, 263 +1s)

Saturday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: http://j.mp/13DwT5u

Spread the word -- enhance the dignity and human rights of older persons everywhere.

2013-06-14 21:54:45 (34 comments, 81 reshares, 391 +1s)

What do children you know dream about for their future?

A new report out this week from the International Labour Organization (ILO) says that an estimated 10.5 million children worldwide – most under age – are working as domestic workers in people’s homes: http://ow.ly/lXOe0

Photo Credit: Marcel Crozet/ILO

2013-06-14 13:30:49 (13 comments, 19 reshares, 124 +1s)

A single unit of donated blood can save up to 3 lives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has more details: http://goo.gl/vNvTE

Friday is World Blood Donor Day.

Have you given the gift of life and donated blood? Let us know in the comments.

2013-06-13 16:42:44 (21 comments, 40 reshares, 207 +1s)

On Thursday the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the 100-day countdown to this year's International Day of Peace with the following message:

"It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies."

More details are here: http://bit.ly/17Hd9Uh

2013-06-12 22:11:57 (22 comments, 19 reshares, 124 +1s)

Last year, 50,000 people from across the globe gathered in Rio de Janeiro for Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the largest UN Conference that has ever taken place. Are you curious to know what actions have been taken since then to realize commitments made for a more sustainable future?

Then join key representatives from the UN and civil society in a Google+ Hangout on Thursday, 13 June at 11 am EDT (3 pm GMT) to find out! Watch the live event here and get more event details: http://bit.ly/13xHkJr

2013-06-12 21:05:38 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 43 +1s)

Last year, 50,000 people from across the globe gathered in Rio de Janeiro for Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the largest UN Conference that has ever taken place. Are you curious to know what actions have been taken since then to realize commitments made for a more sustainable future?

Then join key representatives from the UN and civil society in a Google+ Hangout on Thursday, 13 June at 11 am EDT (3 pm GMT) to find out! Watch the live event here and get more event details: http://bit.ly/13xHkJr

Be sure to also tweet your questions to the panellists using #SDinAction

2013-06-12 14:57:22 (31 comments, 17 reshares, 108 +1s)

Many United Nations staff members are deployed in duty stations deemed difficult or hazardous, but the current situation in violence-torn Syria presents the furthest extreme in work conditions – all-out open combat.

Find out more what it's like in this United Nations News Centre profile of staff working for UNRWA: http://j.mp/ZIgY6W

2013-06-12 00:46:28 (42 comments, 61 reshares, 224 +1s)

Millions of children – many of them girls – face profound, hidden exploitation in domestic work. They endure long, irregular hours of work, arduous working conditions, are deprived of schooling and are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Wednesday is the World Day Against Child Labour, but you can do your part all year long -- say no to child labour.

Details from the International Labour Organization (ILO): http://j.mp/18Goin9

2013-06-11 13:31:36 (39 comments, 16 reshares, 110 +1s)

We get a lot of questions about how new UN Peacekeeping operations are formed.

The answer: the Security Council determines the deployment of a new UN Peacekeeping operation, but a number of steps have to happen before that decision is reached. They are outlined here: http://ow.ly/k0kjn

Photo: AU - UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)/Albert Gonzalez Farran

2013-06-10 17:03:20 (11 comments, 38 reshares, 132 +1s)

Reductions in aid jeopardize schooling for millions of children.

New data out on Monday from EFA Report UNESCO shows there's still 57 million children out of school and aid to education has fallen by 7 percent.

Find out more: http://bit.ly/14rw6XO

2013-06-10 13:31:42 (54 comments, 22 reshares, 218 +1s)

"Should we keep a school open, or not?"

"Should the health centre shut its doors, or not?"

These are just some of the questions the dedicated staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have to answer on a daily basis as they carry out their work due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Find out more in this United Nations News Centre feature story: http://j.mp/18XE0Jx

These girls are some of the thousands of Palestinian refugee children displaced along with their families. Photo credit: UNRWA

2013-06-09 13:08:58 (14 comments, 19 reshares, 239 +1s)

Thanks to UNICEF for posting this exciting update from the Nutrition for Growth event that took place in London on Saturday:

More than $4 billion has been pledged to reduce stunting - a preventable condition which holds back the physical and mental development of 1 in 4 children - and to improve the nutrition of millions worldwide.

Find out more: http://uni.cf/13lpl7h

2013-06-08 13:08:42 (46 comments, 153 reshares, 557 +1s)

Together we have the power to protect the ocean!

Saturday is World Oceans Day.

Let us know what you think of these United Nations stamps celebrating oceans, Dr.Seuss and everyone's personal connection to the sea: http://j.mp/13dGjVf

2013-06-13 14:32:02 (9 comments, 17 reshares, 41 +1s)

Are we on track to the Future We Want?

Join us in a hangout to mark the one-year anniversary of Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, on 13 June at 11am EDT (3 pm GMT) on the UN Google+ page: plus.google.com/+UnitedNations

Find out what actions have been taken since Rio+20 in this event hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and its Division for Sustainable Development.

A high-level panel of participants will discuss the sustainable development goals currently being developed by the General Assembly’s Open Working Group, the High Level Political Forum, the engagement of civil society in the follow up processes of Rio+20, and the voluntary commitments registered on the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.  

PARTICIPANTS:
Mr. Nikhil Seth, Director of DESA’s Division for SustainableDeve... more »

2013-06-07 18:35:59 (37 comments, 48 reshares, 173 +1s)

Interested in a UN career? One way to start out is by taking part in the Young Professionals Programme. At the moment, applications are being accepted for the fields of Legal Affairs, Public Information and Statistics. The deadline is 2 August.

Eligibility details are outlined here: http://careers.un.org/.

Get answers to applications questions on Facebook here: http://j.mp/13iawCD

2013-06-07 13:33:24 (11 comments, 26 reshares, 145 +1s)

It was reported this week that malnutrition contributes to almost half of deaths of children under 5. This is more than previously thought.

This is why the United Nations, campaigns like the Zero Hunger Challenge, and partners have been calling for investments in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

Find out more here: http://j.mp/13eXWE2

In this photo, a child's arm is being measured to assess his nutritional state at a feeding centre in Bangladesh.
Credit: World Food Programme/S. Noorani

2013-06-06 17:57:17 (14 comments, 10 reshares, 114 +1s)

Our moderator Gary Fowlie and the team at UN DESA are making the final preparations for our “Innovate Your Future: Empower young women through technology” Google+ Hangout with Geena Davis, starting in less than 5 minutes!

Tweet your questions using #InnovateYourFuture and watch the Hangout live here!

2013-06-06 13:40:53 (15 comments, 34 reshares, 171 +1s)

Are you interested in green jobs, ending poverty and the role of women in the workplace? If so, follow what's happening as the 102nd Session of the International Labour Conference takes place from now through 20 June in Geneva.

Get a recap from the first day here: http://j.mp/18XqiJp

More information is available online here from the International Labour Organization (ILO): http://j.mp/19I0nnQ

2013-06-05 20:01:32 (23 comments, 59 reshares, 154 +1s)

How does technology help empower women and girls across the globe? Find out by tuning in to our live hangout here tomorrow at 2pm EDT (6pm GMT) with Ms. Geena Davis, Academy Award winning Actor and ITU Special Envoy for Women and Girls in ICT.
 
In this event, focusing on the theme “Innovate Your Future: Empower Young Women through Technology,” Ms. Davis will be joined by a renowned panel featuring Ahmad Alhendawi, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth; Doreen Bogdan, Chief Strategic Planning and Membership, ITU; Stacy Martinet, Chief Marketing Officer, Mashable; and Blair Christie, Senior Vice-President, Government Affairs & Global Corporate Communications of Cisco.

The discussion will be moderated by Gary Fowlie, Head of the liaison office of ITU in New York.
 
Get all the event details here http://bit.ly/13ZxGjq and be sure to tune in tomorrow!

2013-06-05 13:35:36 (44 comments, 117 reshares, 291 +1s)

Join us in celebrating World Environment Day on Wednesday.

Think before you eat and help save the environment! Details: http://j.mp/lzz21z

While the planet is struggling to sustain its 7 billion people (growing to 9 billion by 2050), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that a third of global food production is either wasted or lost. Food waste is an enormous drain on natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts.

See more images from UNEP here: http://j.mp/19FVgnT

2013-06-04 13:57:23 (19 comments, 32 reshares, 158 +1s)

Tuesday is the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, acknowledging the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

Find out more about the UN’s work to protect children.
http://j.mp/12PaF03

2013-06-03 11:10:42 (13 comments, 25 reshares, 145 +1s)

A forum for the voice of youth:

A new International Labour Organization (ILO) interactive on-line platform aims to engage young people and find solutions to the youth employment crisis.

Check it out! http://www.decentwork4youth.org/

2013-06-02 15:59:47 (18 comments, 24 reshares, 179 +1s)

Ahead of this week's World Environment Day celebrations, UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors Gisele Bündchen and Don Cheadle call on all of us to "Think Eat Save: Reduce your Foodprint" in this new video.

2013-06-01 14:44:23 (38 comments, 69 reshares, 389 +1s)

Saturday is the Global Day of Parents which acknowledges all parents for their selfless commitment to children. Take the opportunity to show your appreciation to all the parents you know!


More info here: http://j.mp/12U1uLV

2013-06-07 02:10:33 (27 comments, 79 reshares, 139 +1s)

Watch the live Google+ Hangout event "Innovate Your Future: Empower Young Women through Technology", featuring Ms. Geena Davis, Academy Award winning Actor and ITU Special Envoy for Women and Girls in ICT.

The event is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighting the potential of information and communication technologies in advancing gender equality and in contributing to bridging the digital divide between women and men.

The event can be watched live here on http://gplus.to/UnitedNations

GET INVOLVED! Ask your questions ahead or during the event on Facebook at http://bit.ly/InnovateYourFuture or via Twitter using #InnovateYourFuture

Participants

Ms. Geena Davis, Academy Award winning Actor and ITU Special Envoy for Women and Girls in the field of... more »

2013-05-31 16:33:11 (16 comments, 18 reshares, 80 +1s)

A new report submitted to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday calls for a post-2015 UN development agenda focused on achieving sustainable development, peace and prosperity for everyone, everywhere through major changes in our economies and societies.

Take a look at the bold and historic recommendations of the Secretary-General's High-level Panel. http://j.mp/12OQob1

2013-05-31 13:26:38 (71 comments, 65 reshares, 244 +1s)

Friday is World No Tobacco Day.

Only 19 countries, representing 6% of the world's population, have comprehensive national bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship even though tobacco kills nearly six million people every year, of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

Find out more from the World Health Organization (WHO) here: http://j.mp/19cseMF

Related video: http://j.mp/19cqz9J

2013-05-30 14:48:45 (45 comments, 63 reshares, 302 +1s)

"See the child - before the disability"

On Thursday UNICEF launched The State Of The World's Children report which this year focuses on Children with Disabilities.

According to the report, children with disabilities and their communities benefit if society focuses more on what those children can achieve, rather than what they cannot.

Find more info here: http://j.mp/11CNute

2013-05-29 13:59:11 (32 comments, 47 reshares, 173 +1s)

Wednesday is the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Share these photos (or others that have been posted on the UN Peacekeeping Facebook page) to show your support for all our courageous peacekeepers.  

More information: http://ow.ly/lkdSk

In 2012 111 UN peacekeepers lost their lives in the cause of peace. Today -- and always -- we remember them.

2013-05-28 19:00:28 (25 comments, 28 reshares, 134 +1s)

Are you interested in using the power of technology and new media to make the world a better place? The Plus Social Good community has now been launched. Join in!

http://www.plussocialgood.org/

2013-05-28 12:38:13 (13 comments, 18 reshares, 104 +1s)

Here are two recent important updates on the Syria crisis:

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply concerned by the acknowledged increased participation in the fighting in Syria by Hizbollah, as well as by the risk of spillover in Lebanon, which has witnessed growing tension over the past week. Read more: http://j.mp/13ZiHCR

The United Nations Human Rights chief Navi Pillay urged the international community to stop the escalating bloodshed and suffering in Syria, stressing it has become “an intolerable affront to the human conscience.” Read more: http://j.mp/12J7mHD

In this photo, Syrian refugees wait to be registered by UNHCR staff in Lebanon.

Credit: UNHCR/M. Abu Asaker

2013-05-27 14:32:59 (35 comments, 37 reshares, 216 +1s)

Women Deliver 2013 is happening this week in Kuala Lumpur!

Thousands of participants from around the world, including government leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, NGO representatives, corporate leaders, and global media outlets are taking part in what is expected to be one of the largest global events of the decade to focus on the health and empowerment of girls and women.

More information: http://wd2013.org/

2013-05-26 14:28:50 (20 comments, 31 reshares, 206 +1s)

"You and every young person who’s listening to me have a great responsibility towards making the earth a better place to live in for future generations," says Wael Ghonim, the 31-year-old who used social media to fight for justice in his home country Egypt.

Listen to his message for youth worldwide here! http://bit.ly/14xMzZ6
Let's Innovate Your Future!

2013-05-25 13:04:28 (49 comments, 48 reshares, 249 +1s)

Join us in celebrating Africa Day on Saturday which this year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, the continent’s first regional organization and forerunner of the African Union.

As Africans pay tribute to the giants and visionaries of the twentieth century who worked for Africa’s sovereignty and unity, the United Nations also looks forward with hopes for an era of prosperity and peace.

Read the full message from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon here: http://bit.ly/11jk82S

2013-05-24 14:25:32 (10 comments, 10 reshares, 70 +1s)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, on an unprecedented joint tour of the Great Lakes region of Africa, outlined development goals after visiting survivors of rape and torture at a hospital.
 
Hear what they said in this World Bank video.

2013-05-23 17:44:30 (36 comments, 41 reshares, 163 +1s)

Next week on 29 May we will celebrate the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

See how we are using Peacekeepers Day this year to focus on how UN Peacekeeping is ‘Adapting to new challenges’. 

More details here: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/

2013-05-23 13:48:54 (16 comments, 21 reshares, 137 +1s)

End the Shame. End the Isolation. End Fistula.

Thursday is the first-ever International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

More information here: http://bit.ly/14fwC9J

Performer Natalie Imbruglia is joining our UNFPA colleagues to raise awareness about this devastating, but preventable, childbirth injury caused by prolonged obstructed labor. Watch the video here: http://j.mp/192b18A

Follow Campaign to End Fistula for updates all year long on Facebook. http://j.mp/197mNhM.

2013-05-22 20:05:06 (18 comments, 28 reshares, 183 +1s)

What do kids near you dream of for the future? See what students in Mozambique told Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during a visit in Maputo this week.

Find out more about his trip here: http://j.mp/12TJvFx

2013-05-22 13:56:39 (11 comments, 37 reshares, 161 +1s)

Although seemingly abundant, only a tiny amount of the water on our planet is easily available as freshwater. We live in an increasingly water insecure world where demand often outstrips supply and where water quality often fails to meet minimum
standards. Under current trends, future demands for water will not be met.

Wednesday is International Day for Biological Diversity which this year celebrates water and biodiversity.

More: http://j.mp/kbGWWZ

2013-05-21 20:22:35 (21 comments, 16 reshares, 106 +1s)

"Africa's Great Lakes region today has the chance to achieve something that has eluded its war-weary people for several decades. It can silence the guns, boost trust and trade between neighbors, educate millions of out-of-school children, empower women, and create economic opportunities that will help the countries forge a path to prosperity, good governance, and lasting stability."

See what else Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank Group President Jim Kim say as they embark on a historic joint trip to the region this week: http://j.mp/12PQC1I

2013-05-21 13:24:54 (42 comments, 61 reshares, 210 +1s)

Tuesday is the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development which encourages everyone to Do One Thing For Diversity and Inclusion today and every day all year long.

Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development. Details here: http://j.mp/12gOLCE

Tell us what one thing you're doing on Tuesday.  Leave a comment here.

2013-05-20 21:16:19 (66 comments, 28 reshares, 206 +1s)

Every week we feature photos of peace and security work taking place around this world. Here, a team of soldiers from Burundi and Uganda working with Amisom dispose of unexploded ordinances captured from militants in order to ensure the safety and security of civilians.

More recent highlights of the UN in action, including visits to UN offices by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Goodwill Ambassador and actress Mira Sorvino, are online here: http://j.mp/18VGOI8

2013-05-20 14:23:39 (35 comments, 25 reshares, 104 +1s)

This week in New York City: delegates from all over the world will take part in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Find out about the issues to be discussed and events taking place here: http://j.mp/12gMqYc.

At the same time, an online campaign asks indigenous peoples to post their photos, videos and stories online. More details are available on the Proud To Be Indigenous Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/13dPGms

2013-05-19 15:21:42 (6 comments, 21 reshares, 117 +1s)

How do you #ThinkEatSave? Share it on Instagram and your picture could be featured on the UNEP World Environment Day website!

Details: http://bit.ly/ytgbPC