call for nominations for l'oreal-unesco women in science awards
The National Commission is currently calling for applications for the 2013 L’OREAL- UNESCO Awards for Women in Science which this year is dedicated to the physical sciences.
The L’OREAL-UNESCO awards, each worth $US 100,000, are awarded each year to distinguished eminent women scientists at the height of their career, one from each of UNESCO’s five regions. New Zealand scientists are eligible for the Asia and Pacific award.
Further information on the initiative may be found here.
To be considered by the National Commission for forwarding to UNESCO Headquarters, applications on the official nomination forms must be received at the National Commission’s office by Friday 18 May 2012.
For further information and application forms please contact the Secretary General, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, c/- Ministry of Education, P O Box 1666, Wellington (
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).
World Press Freedom Day
UNESCO to celebrate World Press Freedom Day in Lao PDR and Myanmar
Bangkok, 30 April 2012: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2012, UNESCO Bangkok emphasizes the freedom of expression and the right to information in Asia and the Pacific.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right stated by UNESCO and a right which all people in the world should treasure,” said Susanne Ornager, Adviser for Communication and Information Programme in Asia, UNESCO Bangkok.
“When you have freedom of expression, you have a dialogue with all members of society. Without freedom of expression you exclude some part of society from voicing their concerns. And if you are not allowed to express your views, then you starve intellectually,” she said.
Every year on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day serves as an occasion to remind people to respect the fundamental principles of freedom of expression; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. Media freedom faces significant pressures across the world. Last year, UNESCO condemned the killing of 62 journalists who died in performing or in direct relation to their work. The World Press Freedom Day was jointly established in 1991 by UNESCO and the United Nations Department of Public Information.
“Journalists can be involved in decision making by making the decisions visible to civil society. And it’s extremely important that journalists report what is happening in society. Also the right to free speech and press freedom are deeply interconnected with the right to access information, so it is a priority to bridge the digital divide both between and within countries,” said Ms Ornager.
This year, UNESCO Bangkok is jointly organizing World Press Freedom Day events in Lao PDR and in Myanmar on 3 May 2012, focusing on ‘New Voices: Media Freedom Helping to Transform Societies’.
The event in Lao PDR, held in Vientiane, will consist of a panel discussion under the title of “The Media Landscape in Lao PDR”, where participants will discuss topics, such as media law, current media practice, access to information for media and the public, and opportunities related to media development. It is organized jointly by the United Nations Communications Group and UNESCO Bangkok in close collaboration with the Lao Journalist Association.
In Yangon, the Ministry of Information of Myanmar and UNESCO Bangkok are organizing a ceremony of ‘World Press Freedom Day 2012: Challenges to Media in a New Environment’ with opening remarks by Union Minister for Information and for Culture H.E. U Kyaw Hsan.
World Press Freedom Day
UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2012
To mark UNESCO World Press Freedom Day, Pacific Media Centre will hold a seminar on Media freedom in the Pacific: the rhetoric and the reality on Thursday, 3 May 2012 from 7-8.30pm at WT1004, AUT Tower, AUT University.
Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, 23 April 2012
Our relationship with books determines, to a large extent, our relationship with culture. On 23 April, for World Book and Copyright Day, UNESCO invites everyone to rally around books and support those who make their living from them and those who make them live.
From scrolls to codices, manuscripts to printed matter and tablet computers, books have changed in appearance many times over the centuries. In all formats, books embody ideas and values considered by men and women to be worth passing on. They are valuable tools for knowledge-sharing, mutual understanding and openness to others and to the world.
UNESCO wishes to provide everyone with the means to access this tremendous potential. The effort begins at school, through a determined fight against illiteracy among children and adults, and continues in the strengthening of cultural policies. Without quality education, the pages of a book are silent. Books rarely work alone: they prompt us to read other books, which reveal other treasures. Without equitable access to the content and resources of physical or virtual libraries, the power of books wanes and their diversity diminishes. The book chain is based on fragile balances and requires active vigilance and instruments to support it. The implementation of UNESCO conventions such as the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is one example. Copyright protection is a cardinal principle of this action and a compass in the ever-changing cultural landscape.
In 2012, World Book and Copyright Day is concerned with the theme of translation. We are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Index Translationum, the world bibliography of translations, managed by UNESCO. This unique instrument is a formidable tool for the dissemination and monitoring of global cultural flows. Faced with increasing numbers of publications, Member States must join forces to build a more comprehensive, efficient and open instrument. Translation is the first step towards the rapprochement of peoples, and is also a decentralizing experience, teaching diversity and dialogue. Translation is one of the driving principles of our creative diversity, which enriches each language through contact with all the others.
Our world needs to understand the diversity of cultures and to develop much stronger intercultural skills in the minds of every man and woman. We need these skills in order to live together in heterogeneous societies. We need them in order to address our common challenges together. On 23 April, UNESCO launches the celebrations of World Book and Copyright Day in Yerevan, in Armenia, World Book Capital for 2012. On this day I call upon all of UNESCO’s partners, in universities, Chairs and Associated Schools to remember that books are a force and an opportunity to be placed in the hands of all.
Rio + 20 Youth Consultations
Wednesday, 04 April 2012 15:36
New zealand rio + 20 Youth consultations
The NZ National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to partner with UNICEF NZ and youth-led NGOs such as 350, Generation Zero, Global Poverty Project, NZYD, P3 and UN Youth to organise a series of youth consultations on the Rio + 20 Conference on Sustainable Development.
There are consultations planned in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with more to be added soon.
If you are interested in participating, you can register here.
For more information, contact Vicki Soanes at
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Professor Sir Paul Callaghan
“The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO joins organisations throughout New Zealand and globally in expressing its sense of sadness and loss at the passing of Professor Sir Paul Callaghan , widely acknowledged as one of our country’s finest scientists.
The National Commission has itself benefitted from Sir Paul’s exceptional ability as a science communicator when it invited him to join us as keynote speaker at one of our joint Sub-commission meetings. On that occasion his exceptional presentation inspired our deliberations as it has so many others in recent years. His leadership and energy will be sorely missed.
We join with others in expressing our condolences to Sir Paul’s family and friends and to his colleagues in the science community.”
Neil Walter
Chairperson
New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
WORLD WATER DAY - 22 March
world water day 2012 highlights link between water and food security
Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the World Water Day “Water and Food security”, 22 March 2012
Water is vital for agriculture, rural development and food industry. Food security is unthinkable without it. On this World Water Day, we must all recognize this inextricable link between water and food security and make it a central component of our work for sustainable development.
Today, one billion people are undernourished. Every year, six million children die of hunger. Lack of access to clean drinking water exacerbates the burdens carried by the poor and the undernourished, and it increases mortality rates. Global food production and supply do not today match up with demand. And the world will need to feed two billion more people over the coming decades.
Food security depends highly on water -- in terms of quality and quantity. Water of acceptable quality and in adequate quantity is needed to meet food production demands. At the same time, food production and supply have a negative impact on the sustainability and quality of water resources.
Agriculture is the biggest water user, with 70 percent of the global water withdrawal coming in irrigation. Agriculture is also the biggest water polluter, with millions of tons of agro-chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides discharged into rivers and seeping into soil and groundwater. In the face of climate change, food production is also becoming uncertain, because of increasingly variable rainfall patterns and more frequent and prolonged droughts. At the same time, with increasing demand for food, competition for water is rising.
We must come together now to face up to water and food challenges. UNESCO is working to enhance national capacities to use and manage water sustainably. Our vision of green growth in agriculture is clear. We must increase water productivity and wastewater reuse in agriculture to produce ‘more food per drop’. We must put in place more efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems and we must integrate our management of water and land, including also women’s voices.
UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme leads global efforts to promote sustainable rural and urban water management. It works to protect water quality for sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction and it builds capacity in order to enhance water management. It is supported by a network of over 20 UNESCO water Centres and University Chairs that train water professionals across the world.
This World Water Day is a call to action. We must join together today to secure clean water and food for every citizen of the world, now and in the future.
International Women's Day March 8, 2012
the rights of women must be protected
Too often marginalised, women living in rural settings face steep challenges to the exercise of their human rights, their personal development and the pursuit of their aspirations. Across the world, this is weakening societies and holding back their development. Tackling this problem is the goal of the 2012 International Women’s Day.
The rights of rural women must be protected, and their aspirations must be supported. International Women’s Day is a chance for all to take a stand against this form of discrimination and marginalisation that weakens all of our societies.
Click here to read about UNESCO's efforts to support women's rights, and to read the full message from UNESCO Director General Mme Irina Bokova on International Women's Day 2012.
Call for Nominations for ICT Prize
Call for Nominations for UNESCO Prize in Use of ICT in Education
We have received a call for nominations for the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education. The prize was established in 2005 and the two awardees share US$50,000.
New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO invites nominations of appropriate initiatives by 30 March 2012. Please submit nominations and requests for more information to:
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.
Voices of children to screen at nz film archives
Press Release
VOICES OF CHILDREN– to screen at NZ Film Archive on the anniversary of February 22nd earthquake
Voices of Children is a 20 minute film in which Christchurch children tell earthquake stories.
When Christchurch suffered a succession of devastating earthquakes, AC Productions director and producer Anna Cottrell, a former Cantabrian, experienced the horror and sadness from afar.
“I saw my hometown with its broken heart and felt helpless. But when I heard or read children’s accounts I saw their optimism and wanted to record those stories on film.”
Voices of Children is an edited version of many hours of children’s stories. Anna Cottrell did not want to film children who were grieving or whose families were grieving over lost loved ones but to focus on children whose optimism and humour gave glimpses of a brighter future.
With funds from the Families Commission and the National Commission for UNESCO New Zealand, Anna made three trips to Christchurch to record children’s accounts - initially for the archives and the web.
“I decided to edit a short film because through it all, children’s optimism, resilience and quirky humour shine through. At this time of profound sadness for many people Voices of Children – children’s stories give us all hope,” she says.
For more information:
Anna Cottrell AC Productions Ltd P 04 475 3147 M 0274 575 695
Nelson Mandela once said that “if you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language,that goes to his heart”. The language of our thoughts and our emotions is our most valuable asset. Multilingualism is our ally in ensuring quality education for all, in promoting inclusion and in combating discrimination. Building genuine dialogue is premised on respect for languages. Each representation of a better life, each development goal is expressed in a language, with specific words to bring it to life and communicate it.
Languages are who we are; by protecting them, we protect ourselves.
Click here to read the full article and information about International Mother Language Day.
World Radio Day
World radio day, 13 february 2012
Joint Message of the Director-General of UNESCO and Secretary-General of International Telecommunication Union on the occasion of World Radio Day established by the UNESCO General Conference, 13 February 2012
Writing a century ago, the American poet, Josephine Preston Peabody described the ability of radio to “fly a thought across a stretch of sky” as a “marvel of the universe.”
The world has changed since then. New technologies have emerged and communication has deepened. And yet, as we move into the 21st century, the power of radio remains as remarkable as ever. Established by the UNESCO General Conference, this first World Radio Day is an opportunity to recognize the transformational power of radio and make the most of it for the benefit of all. February 13 marks also the day when the United Nations Radio was launched in 1946.
The latest Education Gazette magazine features our successful Beyond Disaster UNESCO International Youth Forum held in Christchurch in December 2011. Already action plans created at the forum are being worked on across the Asia Pacific region and future Beyond Disaster forums are to be held in other countries.
Asia Pacific youth create international disaster response network
In a world first, 100 young leaders from around the Asia Pacific region who have experienced natural disasters in their homelands met in Christchurch this week. They created the beginnings of a global youth network and strategy for disaster response and recovery: the first of its kind in the world.
Young Asia Pacific people looking beyond disaster and into the future
This weekend more than eighty young people from throughout Asia and the Pacific who have experienced natural disasters in their homelands will meet in Christchurch to develop a plan for the future of our region.
“ ‘Looking Beyond Disaster: UNESCO International Youth Forum’ will create an international network of young people across Asia and the the Pacific who will share experiences and exchange ideas about disaster and community,” said Elizabeth Rose, Secretary General of the NZ National Commission for UNESCO.
“There are some amazing young people taking part who have suffered and survived disaster and who are now committed to looking beyond disaster and into the future. Their stories and hopes are an inspiration to us all.”
Christchurch’s own Student Army Volunteers helped organise the forum that will see survivors and response workers share stories from throughout the Asia Pacific region that include the: 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; 2011 Queensland floods; 2009 Chilean earthquake as well as this year’s earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.
UNESCO is indebted to the support of Ngai Tahu, who will be hosting a powhiri welcome for participants on Friday 9th December, at Rehua Marae from 9am. The southern tribe has also been at the forefront of the response to the Christchurch earthquake said Ms Rose.
A message from UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova
Tolerance is an ancient idea, at the same time as being an idea that is always new and in need of continual reinvention. Much more importantly, tolerance is a behaviour, a way of being that evolves with the history of our societies.
In a world that is more connected than ever, intolerance is not an option, and “passive tolerance” or mere peaceful coexistence is not enough. The mixing of different identities and the rapprochement of diverse cultures, between States but also within societies, calls for us to devise models of citizenship and social participation where individuals manage to live together truly, rather than just “side by side”. Please click here to read the rest of Mde Bokova's message
Adult Learner's Week - He Tangata Matauranga
31 October - 6 November 2011
Adult Learners' Week/He Tangata Mātauranga is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) initiative supported by the Tertiary Education Commission, adult and community education providers at a local level and the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. The Week also incorporates International Literacy Day on September 8 each year.
Aims of Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga
Celebrate the efforts, achievements and contributions of adult learners, educators and providers at both regional and national events
Strengthen adult and community education and raise public awareness of the rich variety of learning opportunities for adults
Widen access to learning opportunities and encourage more people to seek advice and guidance about returning to learn
Foster collaborative and cooperative networks and pathways among those who share an interest in adult learning
Nelson marine biologist Zoe Hilton has won a prestigious science award that honours outstanding, young women scientists from around the world.
“Dr Hilton has been awarded a UNESCO-L’OREAL International Fellowship for Young Women in Life Sciences, one of fifteen awarded worldwide,” said NZ National Commission for UNESCO secretary general, Elizabeth Rose.
“Her exceptional research to date has focused upon aquaculture which is an area of growing importance for New Zealand in terms of long-term sustainability of the world’s oceans and resources.”
A research scientist at the not-for-profit Cawthron Institute in Nelson, Dr Hilton’s academic career has combined studies in marine and environmental science with Spanish. Next year she will undertake research work at the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, a public corporation of the Catalan government in Spain. Dr Hilton’s research brings together two world leading shellfish research institutes.
“Over fishing, pollution, disease and climate change have severely depleted native flat oyster stocks all over the world. Dr Hilton’s pioneering research focuses upon the brooding cycles of flat oysters in a bid to restore wild oyster stocks and also initiate successful farming methods,” said Ms Rose.
“Dr Hilton is an extraordinary New Zealander and an inspiration to other young women aspiring to a career in science. She is someone whose work is already helping to tackle global issues facing global communities.”
Sponsored by L’Oreal and administered by UNESCO the fellowships are awarded to 15 outstanding young female scientists from around the world to enable them to undertake research projects outside of their home countries in some of the world’s most prestigious laboratories. Dr Hilton won one of three fellowships awarded to young women in the Asia Pacific region. The award comes four years after New Zealander, Professor Margaret Brimble of Auckland University won the L’OREAL-UNESCO Laureate for Women in Science for the Asia Pacific region.
lOOKING BEYOND DISASTER:
UNESCO YOUTH FORUM
9th - 12th December 2011
Christchurch
New Zealand
Young people who have experienced natural disasters in the Asia Pacific region will meet in Christchurch for the "Looking Beyond Disaster: UNESCO Youth Forum".
They will share disaster experiences and develop realistic action plans to rebuild communities that meet the needs and aspirations of young people.
An initiative of the NZ National Commission for UNESCO in partnership with the Bangkok UNESCO Office and the UNESCO Office of the Pacific in Apia, "Looking Beyond Disaster's" planning committee is chaired by the Student Volunteer Army’s Sam Johnson and includes core members from Christchurch youth as well as other community and UNESCO stakeholders.
Venue: College House, 100 Waimairi Road, Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
For more information please contact:
Media contact: Christine Robertson, 027 506 3370 or
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Vicki Soanes (UNESCO)Email:
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or Telephone: 64 4 463 8626
Lorraine Mckeown (Student Volunteer Army)Email:
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Date: Friday 9th December -12th December 2011
International Literacy Day 2011
Thursday, 08 September 2011 12:37
The theme of this year’s International Literacy Day, celebrated world-wide on 8 September, is ‘Literacy for peace.’ Research conducted by UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics shows that 793 million adults – mainly girls and women – are unable to read or write. A further 67 million primary school aged children do not attend school and 72 million of secondary school age are unable to fulfill their right to an education. UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova has issued a message on the importance of literacy, noting that ‘Lasting peace is founded on respect for human rights and social justice. Literacy, the foundation of all education and lifelong learning, is one of these rights.’
In New Zealand, Hagley Adult Literacy Centre in Christchurch are marking International Literacy Day by presenting their learners with dictionaries, kindly donated by the Hamilton Altrusa Club. You can read more on their website.
APCEIU Asia-Pacific Youth Caravan
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO invites nominations for participation in the APCEIU Asia-Pacific Youth Caravan.
Recognizing the critical importance of empowering future leaders for the
promotion of Culture of Peace, the Asia Pacific Centre of Education for
International Understanding (APCEIU) presents a visiting programme for
tertiary students in the Asia-Pacific region. APCEIU will hold its 1st Asia-Pacific
Youth Caravan to integrate major themes of EIU including intercultural
understanding and diversity awareness into a nine-day visiting programme
exclusively for undergraduate and graduate students. It features a study visit
to UNESCO World Heritage site in Seoul and other places of interest such as
the DMZ. The programme is designed to amplify participants’ motivation,
confidence and competence so as to enable them to learn from one another
and to make best use of opportunities that arise through the newly-built
networks they will establish with fellow youth in the region.
Participants must be under the age of 28, fluent in English and
currently enrolled in a tertiary institution.
To be considered, please submit your completed application form to the New
Zealand National Commission for UNESCO before Wednesday the 27th of
July. Please note that only in-country expenses will be covered by APCEIU.
As Samoan Language Week events are celebrated by Samoan communities living around the planet, this year’s Samoan Language Champions demonstrate that Samoans are a global family or aiga, says Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.
Samoan Language Champions 2011 are:
Manu Samoa – National Samoan Rugby union team
Nigel Vagana – retired rugby league legend and current Education and Welfare Officer for Australian Rugby League (ARL)
David Tua – professional heavyweight boxer
Troy Polamalu – Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety, United States National Football League (NFL)
This year’s theme is Samoa Active: Samoa Ola with a focus on sport, healthy living and language.Samoan Language week partners for 2011 are FAGASA, the Human Rights Commission, the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
The announcement was made at a special event hosted by Rotorua’s Samoan community on Saturday 4 June. Organisers wanted to hold the event in Rotorua to recognise Samoan communities living outside the main centres, but also recognise that Manu Samoa are based in the Bay of Plenty city during the Rugby World Cup later this year.
The organisers of Samoan Language Week have witnessed that fa’asamoa, (the Samoan way) is a strong cultural force that is celebrated wherever Samoan communities reside whether that be in Pittsburgh, Sydney, Rotorua or of course, Samoa.
“Each of our language champions are outstanding role models on the sports field and off,” says Mr de Bres.
“They are a crucial way to encourage young people to be proud of their heritage and to keep speaking their language.”
Manu Samoa were named for their extraordinary sporting prowess as well as their promotion of the language and culture of their homeland.
“Manu Samoa are ranked the 12th best rugby team in the world, an incredible achievement considering Samoa is ranked 179th in the world in terms of population,” says Mr de Bres.
“The team’s use of the language and culture on and off the field are why we have chosen to honour them today.”
Speaking from Apia, Samoan Rugby Union chief executive Su’a Peter Schuster says he, the team and union were humbled by the announcement.
“Keeping close links to your roots, your heritage is important and for Samoans this is founded on family, culture/language and God.We are honoured to be recognised as role models.”
Retired professional rugby league player, Nigel Vagana has consistently promoted Samoan language throughout his career and now through his role with the AFL.
Mr Vagana said he was honoured to be associated with Samoan Language Week.
“Through our NRL Education and Welfare Programs, understanding and preserving our cultural identity is something we have worked hard on,” says Mr Vagana.
“The Samoan National Anthem says "..Oi Samoa e, u'u mau lau pule ia fa'avavau. " which means " Oh Samoa, hold fast your freedom forever ".I encourage Samoans worldwide to embrace your Heritage and Culture and support this great initiative.”
Throughout his career, professional boxer David Tua has proudly promoted Samoan language and culture.Choosing to pay tribute to his family and God and supporters in Samoan –and often Maori – before and after every bout.
“Known for his humble demeanour, and Samoan language outside the ring and devastating talents inside the ring, Mr Tua is an inspirational role model,” says Mr de Bres.
Meanwhile NFL legend, US-born Troy Polamalu may have grown up in Oregon but his ties to home remain strong.Each year he holds football training camps in American Samoa for local youngsters and provides equipment and educational scholarships.
Drafted into the NFL before graduating like many players, Mr Polamalu recently returned to college and graduated from the University of Southern California a few weeks ago.On his website he explained why he returned to tertiary study:
“I truly love football and it’s such an immense blessing and privilege as an athlete to be given the rare opportunity to use those talents at the highest professional level, but it’s certainly not a replacement for an education.”
“So I decided to finish what I started and walked that stage today not only because it was very important to me personally, but because I want to emphasize the importance of education, and that nothing should supersede it.”
Samoan Language Week has brought together thousands of Samoans living around the world with many connecting via the ever popular, Samoan Language Week Facebook Page.
“From flash mobs of students performing siva Samoa in Auckland University’s quad to NFL football stars recording shout outs of support from the Chicago Bears changing rooms, picnics in Australia and today’s cultural celebration here in Rotorua: the celebrations of Samoan language and culture are taking place all over the world,” says Mr de Bres.
“We are proud to honour and recognise some outstanding Samoan sporting champions who are also people who promote their Samoan language and heritage wherever they live around the world.”
Media please contact: Christine Robertson (UNESCO Public Relations) on 64 027 506 3370
Samoan Language Week 2011
Samoan students carrying on a proud tradition
“O fanau a tagata e fafaga i upu, a o fanau a manu e fafaga i fugalaau”
The young of birds are fed with the blossoms of trees whereas the young of humans are fed with words
Samoan Language Week kicks off at Wellington East Girls College on Tuesday 31 May with students from around the Wellington region celebrating the language of Samoa in song, oratory and performance.
Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres says they carry on a proud tradition.
“The first Samoan scholarship students arrived to board in New Zealand schools more than 55 years ago. Carrying the hopes of their families and villages many went on to help build the constitution and government of Samoa: the first Pacific nation to gain its independence,” said Mr de Bres.
“Those students who left home in 1945 came to New Zealand with a thirst for knowledge as well as a deep commitment to faasamoa, their culture and language.”
“They have left an impressive legacy of academic and cultural strength.”
Samoan Language Week starts on Wednesday 1 June, Samoan Independence Day. Hundreds of events are taking place in schools and communities throughout New Zealand, Australia and the United States. This year the theme for Samoan Language Week is Samoa Ola: Samoa Active, focusing upon language, sport and healthy living.
"As the eyes of the world turn to New Zealand and the Rugby World Cup this year, Samoan Language Week also celebrates Samoan sporting icons who are Samoan language and culture role models."
Samoan is one of New Zealand’s most widely spoken languages and the aim of the week is to celebrate gagana Samoa (Samoan language) in homes, schools, workplaces, government agencies, the media, arts, churches, sports clubs and communities.
Thousands of supporters of the week from around the world are connecting through the Facebook Page set up last year by the Human Rights Commission and the NZ National Commission for UNESCO.
Principal partners for the week are FAGASA (Samoan language teachers association), the Human Rights Commission, UNESCO and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. This Saturday 4 June, Rotorua's Samoan community will host a special event at which Samoan Language Week's 2011 Champions will be announced.
Samoan Language Week was first promoted by Radio Niu FM as part of a series of Pacific language weeks leading up to Māori Language Week. Since 2007 it has been promoted in schools by the Association for the Teaching of Samoa in Aotearoa, FAGASA Inc , Faalapotopotonga mo le Aoaoina o le Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa. In 2009 FAGASA and the Human Rights Commission partnered with other organisations to extend the week to the wider New Zealand community.
The aims of Samoan Language Week 2011 are to:
• Celebrate the Samoan language and culture in New Zealand and globally
• Promote the teaching and learning of the Samoan language
• raise awareness of the Samoan language as one of the most widely spoken languages in New Zealand
• Promote the use of the Samoan language in association with Manu Samoa’s participation in the Rugby World Cup 2011
• promote initiatives to maintain and grow the recognition, learning and use of the Samoan language in the home, in education, at work, in government, in the media, in sport, in the arts, in the church and in the community.
There are over 130,000 Samoan New Zealanders. The Samoan community is the fourth largest ethnic community after NZ Europeans (2,381,000), Māori (565,000), and Chinese (147,000). The Samoan language is the third most commonly spoken language in New Zealand after English and Māori.
Samoan Language Week is an opportunity to celebrate the Samoan language in New Zealand, to recognise the language and culture of Samoan New Zealanders, to build bridges between cultures and to ensure that the language continues to be used widely in New Zealand in the future.
Christchurch's youngest leaders rebuilding the future
Youth Week 2011 will wrap up this weekend with an opportunity for some of Christchurch’s youngest leaders to discuss their vision for the future at the UNESCO Youth Voices Forum.
Some of the city’s adult leaders , including MPs and local body representatives, will participate in a round table discussion with the youth leaders says Vicki Soanes, from the NZ National Commission for UNESCO.
“The focus will be on how the earthquake has affected young people in Christchurch and how young people can help to rebuild their future,” said Ms Soanes.
“Not only do young people have the right to have a say after these kinds of events, they have a lot of energy and innovative ideas that will ensure a strong and resilient future. Over the recent challenging months, the young people of Christchurch have proven the value of seeking out youth voices, particularly relevant during the United Nations International Year of Youth.”
The Youth Voices Challenge is being held in conjunction with the WE SPEAK 2011, that is being run by the White Elephant Trust and Otautahi Youth Council.
Participants will outline their plans for involvement in the rebuild of Christchurch in a live stream at 2pm NZ time on Saturday 28 May 2011 at:
“We have found young people are articulate and environmentally savvy with visions for the future that includes all generations, all types of people and ethnicities,” says forum coordinator Tania Kurbatoff from Porcelain Ltd.
“This weekend we are opening the conversation between policy makers and young people.”
Ms Kurbatoff says young Christchurch people have a voice and they are prepared to use it.
“We saw that with the Student Volunteer Army, we are capable of having an opinion and putting that into action, getting our hands dirty and making positive changes in our community, we are thinking long term, for a sustainable future.”
“Young Christchurch people are looking beyond their own future to consider how disaster response and rebuild processes may act as a mode for communities suffering similar tragedies around the world.”
ENDS
UNESCO Christchurch Youth Voices Challenge
Date: Saturday 28 May 2011
Venue: CPIT Facilities in Madras St, Christchurch
Programme:
10am - Opens
Morning Sessions
12.30 – 1.30pm Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
2pm – Youth presentation
3pm - Roundtable discussion
4pm - Ends
Participants include:
Brendon Burns Labour MP
Ruth Dyson Labour MP
Lianne Dalziel Labour MP
Chrissie Williams CCC Councillor
Jim Anderton MP
Chris Mene DHB/ Community Board
Amy Adams National MP
Matthew Stephens Young Nationals
Emma McKenzie Young Nationals
Ben Dominikovich Young Nationals
Claire Waghorn Young Greens
Lynsey Talagi Young Greens
Youth Week 2011
Step Up, Take Responsibility, Be YOUth
Youth Week 2011 kicks off in Christchurch this week with a huge free concert.
“Youth Week 2011 isn’t just about young people stepping up and taking responsibility, it’s also about the rest of the community stepping up and realising all the great things young people do,” says Arataiohi spokeswoman, Andrea Leersnyder
“As most people now know, after the earthquakes the Student Army stepped up and took responsibility along with scores of others in the wake of devastation. Youth Week celebrates them and all other young people in our country who are simply awesome New Zealanders.”
This year the NZ National Commission for UNESCO is a major sponsor of Youth Week 2011.
Tomorrow’s concert is free and will be held in the “Big Top” outside the University of Canterbury Student Association at Ilam Road. Live performers include Bang, Bang Eche, Chartfest, Common Ground with DJs Annarchy, Chris Ellis, Arkotype and The Baker.
Guest speakers include Student Army leader Sam Johnson and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.
The Green Wave is a multi-year global campaign that enables children and youth to make a difference – one school, one tree, one step at a time. The Green Wavebrings together children and youth from around the world to raise awareness about biodiversity, and the need to reduce its loss. The Green Wave contributes to the Plant for the Planet Billion Tree Campaign.
Students from thousands of participating schools around the world will plant a native tree on the 22 May 2011. At 10am local time students will water their tree simultaneously: creating a global, symbolic, Green Wave
Joint message from Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General; Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General; and Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
World Press Freedom Day was born twenty years ago in the vision of a group of journalists gathered in Windhoek, Namibia. The Windhoek Declaration was a call to arms to protect the fundamental principles of the freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration Human Rights. It was also a bell ringing in change across the world.Twenty years on, the media landscape has changed beyond recognition, but our objective remains the same: to promote freedom of expression as the foundation for human dignity and the cornerstone of democracy.
Women in Science Award for New Zealander
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