April 21, 2024
UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize 2024 is Open for Applications
— UPDATED —
The International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (ICM), under the auspices of UNESCO, has announced the opening of the call for the 2024 UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize.
Applications are Open from March 20 to May 20, 2024 (Korea Standard Time). Individuals, groups, or organizations significantly contributing to martial arts education and social development, including youth and women’s empowerment, may apply for the prize.
The prize aims to acknowledge and support exceptional martial arts education initiatives globally.
Applications from India should be delivered to the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU), Government of India, Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, no later than April 30, 2024, for further consideration and onward transmission to UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.
Sources: UGC; Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU), Government of India, Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education.
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:05 AM | View the original post
April 20, 2024
Views from the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings 2024, Washington, DC
Photo: A panel of esteemed figures in global finance and Economics, including CNBC anchor Karen Tso, Bank of England External Member Catherine Mann, Central Bank of Brazil Governor Roberto Campos Neto, First Deputy Managing Director of IMF Gita Gopinath, South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago, and University of Maryland Professor of Economics Sebnem Kalemli-Ozcan, engage in a thought-provoking seminar on ‘Capital Flows and Growth: Where is the Money Going?’ This event occurred during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington on April 19, 2024. IMF Photo/Tom Brenner. IMF Photo/ Tom Brenner. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: World Bank President Ajay Banga addresses the assembly at the G24 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, a crucial gathering of global financial leaders, at the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2024. IMF Photo / Joshua Roberts. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: The Chair of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, speaks at the IMFC (International Monetary and Financial Committee) Plenary Session during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2024. IMF Photo / James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: The People’s Bank of China Governor, Pan Gongsheng, speaks at the IMFC (International Monetary and Financial Committee) Plenary Session during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2024. IMF Photo / James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Shaktikanta Das, speaks at the IMFC (International Monetary and Financial Committee) Plenary Session during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2024. IMF Photo/James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at the G20 Event “Taxing the super-rich: New Challenges in International Taxation” during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2024. IMF Photo / Tom Brenner. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: Gulnara Khaydarshina, director of the Department of Cooperation with International Organizations of the Bank of Russia, addresses the other delegates at the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Deputies’ Meeting during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2024. IMF Photo / Sarah Silbiger. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, delivers remarks at the 1st IMF-IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) Conference during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2024. IMF Photo / Tom Brenner. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Source: IMF
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— The editor holds an IMF Washington, DC academic certification.
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April 16, 2024
The Olympic Flame for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 lit in a Symbolic Ceremony in Ancient Olympia.
Photos: The Olympic flame for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 lit in a symbolic ceremony in Ancient Olympia. Images provided by & copyright © International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Olympic flame was lit on April 16, 2024, with 100 days remaining until the start of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The flame was ignited in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Olympic flame symbolizes peace and hope, and will now embark on a journey across Greece before making its way to France. The flame will arrive in Marseille on May 8 and travel throughout the country, including some French overseas territories, before finally reaching Paris for the Opening Ceremony on July 26.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach underscored Paris 2024’s commitment to upholding Olympic values and promoting global unity. He highlighted that the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the world together in peaceful competition. In their fierce yet peaceful competition, the athletes convey a powerful message that it is possible to compete against each other while living peacefully under one roof. He remarked that the athletes would showcase their excellence, determination, and resilience, demonstrating the greatness of human potential.
Source: International Olympic Committee (IOC)
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:43 PM | View the original post
IMF presents World Economic Outlook April 2024
Photo: First Deputy Managing Director of IMF, Gita Gopinath, holds a bilateral meeting with Changneng Xuan, deputy governor of the National Bank of China, during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2024. IMF Photo / Lewis Joly. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: Director of the Research Department at IMF, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, poses with the April 2024 World Economic Outlook during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, April 16, 2024. IMF Photo / Sarah Silbiger. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Washington, DC, April 16, 2024 — On Tuesday, the IMF released its World Economic Outlook for April 2024, with some positive news to report. The global economy is projected to continue growing steadily at a rate of 3.2% in 2024 and 2025, which aligns with 2023’s growth rate. While this is slightly below the historical average of 3.8%, it’s still a positive sign of continued economic activity. Additionally, global headline inflation is expected to decrease from an average of 6.8% in 2023 to 5.9% in 2024 and then further to 4.5% in 2025.
Since October 2023, the global economic landscape has seen a reduction in risks, leading to a more balanced distribution of potential outcomes around the baseline projection for international growth. However, it’s important to note the potential upsides that could further boost the economy. These include fiscal policy proving to be more expansionary than expected or advancements in artificial intelligence boosting productivity, offering a glimmer of hope for a more prosperous future.
Overall, the IMF’s chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, underscored the need for smooth inflation convergence to target levels and rebuilding fiscal buffers to guard against future shocks. Additionally, intensifying supply-enhancing reforms would facilitate inflation and debt reduction while allowing economies to increase growth toward higher pre-pandemic averages. However, the most pressing call is for world leaders to strengthen multilateral cooperation. It is not just a suggestion but a necessity to make progress on common goals such as climate change and mitigate the costs of geoeconomic fragmentation.
Source: IMF
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:19 PM | View the original post
Nobel Prize-winning Economist Joseph Stiglitz will present the findings of a new UNESCO study at the National Press Club Headliners event on April 17.
WASHINGTON, DC, April 15, 2024 — Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz will release the findings of a new study on the relationship between press freedom and advancing democratic values and economic development at a National Press Club Headliners Coffee and Conversation at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17 in the First Amendment Lounge.
Stiglitz’s remarks will be followed by a panel discussion of the report with esteemed experts in the field, Arturo Herrera Gutierrez, global director for Governance Global Practice in the Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions Practice Group at the World Bank, and Eliot Minchenberg, Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations in New York. The study is part of UNESCO’s “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development” series.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with coffee provided.
Registration is a prerequisite to attending this event, so please register to confirm your attendance.
Source: National Press Club
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— The editor is a National Press Club member.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:55 AM | View the original post
April 15, 2024
IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings 2024 Calendar
Photo: Promotional signage goes up ahead of the 2024 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, DC., April 5, 2024. IMF Photo / James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: Preparation for the Spring Meetings at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., April 11, 2024. IMF Photo/Joshua Roberts. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank President Ajay Banga, UK MP and Chair of Business and Trade Liam Byrne, and Jamaican MP and Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Forte at the Global Parliamentary Forum during the 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, April 15, 2024. IMF Photo / James Mertz. Image provided by & copyright © IMF.
Photo: International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) Spring Meetings 2024 Calendar provided by the IMF.
The upcoming IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, a significant event in the global financial calendar, will take place next week in Washington, DC. Financial leaders worldwide will convene to discuss various critical issues that directly impact people’s lives. These issues include inflation, the economic ramifications of the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and the effects of artificial intelligence on the global economy.
It’s important to note that the G20 Finance meetings, led by Brazil this year, will also be held concurrently with the Spring Meetings.
The Spring Meetings, a platform for diverse perspectives, are an annual event that brings together central bankers, development and finance ministers, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organizations, and academics. They gather to discuss global issues such as economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. The event will feature seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and other activities focused on the world’s financial system, international development, and the global economy. The central ministerial meetings and events will occur from April 17-19, with other events and activities taking place throughout the week from April 15-20.
Source: IMF
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— The editor is an IMF-certified Financial Market Analyst.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:33 PM | View the original post
April 10, 2024
UNCTAD rebrands to "UN Trade and Development"; Convenes a Global Leaders Forum.
UNCTAD has rebranded as “UN Trade and Development” and will host a Global Leaders Forum in June 2024. The Forum will feature the UN Secretary-General, Heads of State, leading economists, and Nobel Laureates.
UN Trade and Development’s Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, emphasized the organization’s transformative approach and commitment to supporting developing countries in an increasingly polarized world.
Photo: UNCTAD rebrands to “UN Trade and Development” with a new logo. Image provided by & copyright © “UN Trade and Development.”
Photo: UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks on April 9, 2024, at a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, announcing the organization’s landmark rebranding as “UN Trade and Development,” commemorating its 60th anniversary. Image provided by and copyright © UNCTAD “UN Trade and Development.”
Geneva, Switzerland. April 9, 2024 — The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has announced its rebranding as “UN Trade and Development” on its 60th anniversary this year. This strategic move highlights the organization’s commitment to making a more significant impact. The new, more precise visual identity will better reflect its work and values and amplify its global voice advocating for developing countries.
• Charting a New Course
UNCTAD, under the leadership of Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, has been working on adapting to the rapidly changing global trade landscape. The organization has been implementing initiatives that enhance its capacity to analyze new challenges quickly and support developing nations’ efforts.
The organization has undergone a rebranding, which marks a pivotal moment. It was the first-ever comprehensive review of UNCTAD’s global communication footprint. Additionally, it is a bold, forward-looking strategy to effectively communicate the organization’s work and values.
The organization will rebrand with a new name and logo in the six official languages of the UN. It marks the first rebranding in sixty years.
• 60th Anniversary Celebration: Global Leaders Forum
The Forum on Trade and Development, led by Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, will feature participation from Heads of State and Government, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and some of the world’s foremost economists. The Forum will highlight the organization’s comprehensive approach to trade and development under the theme “Charting a New Development Course in a Changing World.” The event will focus on the needs of developing countries, addressing topics such as finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development. The Forum will allow policymakers and thought leaders to discuss innovative approaches and solutions.
Source: UNCTAD (UN Trade and Development)
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:06 AM | View the original post
April 9, 2024
Call for Nominations: UNESCO World Book Capital 2026
Every year, the Advisory Committee for World Book Capital recommends to the Director-General of UNESCO the Name of the City that deserves to be designated as World Book Capital for one year, starting from April 23, celebrated as World Book and Copyright Day.
The Advisory Committee includes prominent organizations such as the International Authors Forum, the European and International Booksellers Federation, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, and the International Publishers Association, alongside UNESCO.
Recently, Strasbourg, France, was designated the World Book Capital for 2024, while Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will hold the title in 2025.
A city designated as UNESCO World Book Capital must promote books and reading across national borders and organize activities for all ages and groups.
• World Book Capitals
- Madrid (2001)
- Alexandria (2002)
- New Delhi (2003)
- Antwerp (2004)
- Montreal (2005)
- Turin (2006)
- Bogota (2007)
- Amsterdam (2008)
- Beirut (2009)
- Ljubljana (2010)
- Buenos Aires (2011)
- Erevan (2012)
- Bangkok (2013)
- Port Harcourt (2014)
- Incheon (2015)
- Wroclaw (2016)
- Conakry (2017)
- Athens (2018)
- Sharjah, (2019)
- Kuala Lumpur (2020)
- Tbilisi (2021)
- Guadalajara (2022)
- Accra (2023)
- Strasbourg (2024)
UNESCO has now opened nominations for the World Book Capital 2026, inviting City Administrations and Municipal Corporations worldwide to submit their applications.
To ensure your nomination gets considered, please submit all applications in English or French by May 10, 2024.
In India, the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced UNESCO’s Call for nominations for the 2026 World Book Capital.
The Commission recommends that the City Administrations or Municipal Corporations send their applications to the National Book Trust, New Delhi, by April 15, 2024.
The National Book Trust will examine the applications and forward them to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, for consideration.
Sources: UNESCO; Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:59 PM | View the original post
April 6, 2024
Audrey Azoulay meets with Antony Blinken at UNESCO.
Photos: Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s director-general, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris. During his visit, Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ enduring support for UNESCO’s fundamental mission, notably safeguarding culture and education. Images provided by UNESCO; copyright © UNESCO/Christelle ALIX.
Paris, France, April 06, 2024 — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first official visit to UNESCO headquarters since the United States re-joined the Organization in July 2023. In a meeting with Audrey Azoulay, he reaffirmed the United States’ total commitment to supporting UNESCO’s mandate for education, sciences, culture, and information.
The Director-General praised the United States’ commitment to the Organization’s multisector priorities, including gender equality, improving access to quality education for all, and globally implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which UNESCO’s Member States unanimously adopted in November 2021.
Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that UNESCO implements in crisis and conflict environments, notably Iraq, Gaza, and Ukraine.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is comprised of 194 Member States and has its headquarters in Paris. It leads international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO oversees over 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. Additionally, it manages networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive, and Sustainable Cities. Further, it operates over 13,000 associated schools, university chairs, training academies, and research institutions.
Source: UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:52 AM | View the original post
March 31, 2024
The UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women's Education is now Open for 2024 Nominations.
Photo: A group of participants at a meet on Education for Women. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. March 7, 2024. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Marie ETCHEGOYEN.
Paris, France, March 30, 2024 — On International Women’s Day, UNESCO launched the Call for Nominations for the 2024 UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women’s Education. The Prize awards US$50,000 annually to two laureates who make outstanding efforts toward girls’ and women’s education.
At the Transforming Education Summit in 2022, countries called for actions that put gender equality at the heart of education plans, budgets, and policies as part of their commitment to transforming education for the world we live in today.
It means promoting gender equality in curricula and pedagogies, creating safe, inclusive, and transformative learning spaces, supporting collaboration across sectors and generations, and investing in the most marginalized.
The Governments of UNESCO Member States can make the nominations. They can nominate up to three individuals, institutions, or organizations who have made solid and innovative contributions to girls’ and women’s education.
Interested candidates should contact their country’s National Commission for UNESCO, Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or the Prize Secretariat for more information.
Nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria set by the Prize. Nominated projects must have been established and running for at least two years, showing potential for replicable and scalable growth.
An independent International Jury of five experts will assess nominations based on the project’s impact, innovation, and sustainability prospects.
Based on the jury’s recommendations, the Director-General of UNESCO will announce the 2024 laureates, who will receive the award on or around October 11, 2024, as part of the International Day of the Girl celebrations.
The submission deadline is May 24, 2024 (midnight, Paris time).
Photo: UNESCO Director-General’s letter to the Education Ministers of all Unesco Member Countries inviting Nominations for the UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women’s Education.
Photo: The University Grants Commission (UGC) India Public Notice announcing UNESCO’s Call for Nominations for the 2024 Girls and Women’s Education Prize. The UGC has advised all Higher Education Institutions to submit their nomination applications to the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) by April 30, 2024. INCCU will then screen and forward the recommended nominations to UNESCO.
(The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) is a part of the International Cooperation Cell within the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The Minister of Education serves as the President of the Commission. The Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, acts as the Secretary-General of the Commission and is responsible for overseeing the work of the Commission.)
Sources: UNESCO; Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
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— The Editor is a UNESCO-IIEP-Certified Education Planning Consultant.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:55 AM | View the original post
March 29, 2024
UNESCO delivers the Certificate for "Garba of Gujarat" to India.
Photos: UNESCO delivers the Certificate for “Garba of Gujarat” to India. March 22, 2024. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. Images provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Fabrice GENTILE.
Paris, France, March 29, 2024 — The Director-General of UNESCO delivered the “Garba of Gujarat” Certificate to India on March 22, 2024.
Recently, UNESCO declared the “Garba of Gujarat” as an intangible cultural heritage. This designation recognizes the role of Garba as a unifying force that fosters social and gender inclusivity. Garba is a dance form deeply rooted in ritualistic and devotional traditions that involve people from all walks of life.
The Evaluation Body of the 2003 Convention recognized India’s outstanding supporting material for the dossier. It acknowledged the importance of an element that champions unity in diversity and cultivates social equality among varied communities. UNESCO’s acknowledgment of inscribing an intangible cultural heritage element from Gujarat, Garba, will significantly elevate Garba’s global visibility and authentic essence.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed happiness on the inscription of the Garba of Gujarat on the Intangible Heritage List of UNESCO. He said, “Garba is a celebration of life, unity, and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases the beauty of Indian culture to the world. This honor inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats on this global acknowledgment.”
Source: UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:22 PM | View the original post
March 22, 2024
Tangier, Morocco, will be the Global Host City for International Jazz Day in 2024.
— Worldwide Celebration on April 30, 2024
Photos: International Jazz Day 2024 Posters from various countries.
PARIS and WASHINGTON, March 19, 2024 — More than 190 countries will celebrate the upcoming edition of International Jazz Day on April 30, 2024. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock announced that Tangier, Morocco, will be the Global Host of the event. The city will serve as the anchor for all International Jazz Day programs taking place around the world.
“Tangier’s designation marks the first time a city on the African continent will host International Jazz Day, the world’s largest and most significant celebration of jazz,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Morocco and the City of Tangier, a four-day celebration will take place from April 27-30, highlighting the city’s jazz heritage and promoting cultural and artistic ties between people in Morocco, Europe, and Africa. The celebration will include a series of education programs with events for students of all ages, a special presentation showcasing the significance of Morocco’s Gnawa music and its connection with jazz, and conversations about the history of jazz and its impact on Tangier. The event will culminate with an All-Star Global Concert at the Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier, broadcast worldwide on YouTube, Facebook, the United Nations, and UNESCO, reaching millions of viewers.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling event in Tangier featuring legendary figures of jazz, blues, and more. This event will also be broadcast worldwide. Led by the iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and Musical Director John Beasley from the USA, the All-Star Global Concert will showcase performances by an international lineup of artists from all corners of the globe, including the master Gnawa musician Abdellah El Gourd from Morocco. Other confirmed artists include Claudia Acuña from Chile, Ambrose Akinmusire from the USA, Lakecia Benjamin from the USA, Richard Bona from Cameroon, Dee Dee Bridgewater from the USA, Moreira Chonguiça from Mozambique, Shemekia Copeland from the USA, Kurt Elling from the USA, Antonio Faraò from Italy, Melody Gardot from the USA, Jazzmeia Horn from the USA, JK Kim from the Republic of Korea, Magnus Lindgren from Sweden, Romero Lubambo from Brazil, Marcus Miller from the USA, Yasushi Nakamura from Japan, Tarek Yamani from Lebanon, and many more artists to be announced soon.
Tangier is a city located at the junction of Europe and Africa and is known for its diverse cultural expressions. Jazz has a long and rich history in Tangier, with many world-renowned jazz artists such as Josephine Baker, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Mann, and Archie Shepp having performed and spent time in the city. For many years, jazz master Randy Weston lived in Tangier, where he collaborated with Gnawa master Abdellah El Gourd to explore the roots of jazz and African music. Morocco’s traditional Gnawa music and jazz fusion, known as Gnawa-jazz, is widely appreciated across Morocco and beyond.
The International Jazz Day was established by UNESCO in 2011 and later recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. It is celebrated annually on April 30 and brings together countries and communities worldwide. The celebration highlights jazz’s power in promoting peace, facilitating dialogues among cultures, encouraging diversity, and respecting human dignity.
International Jazz Day has evolved into a worldwide movement that annually reaches over 2 billion people on all continents. The movement achieves this through education programs, performances, community outreach, radio, television, streaming services, and electronic, print, and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the primary nonprofit organization responsible for annually planning, promoting, and organizing International Jazz Day.
Source: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:19 AM | View the original post
March 10, 2024
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva comments after the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Brazil.
Photo: The Governor, Reserve Bank of India, addresses the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. Washington DC. April 12, 2023. (File Photo).
Photo: G20 Meeting in Brazil. G20 Social: Presentation of the priorities of the finance track to civil society. February 8, 2024. Image Credit: Audiovisual G20 Brasil.
Photo: G20 Meeting in Brazil. The first meeting of G20 foreign ministers. February 21, 2024. Image Credit: Audiovisual G20 Brasil.
Washington, DC, March 10, 2024 — After the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ first meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, examined the global economic outlook and highlighted some challenges policymakers face. She also mentioned the IMF’s focus on financial innovations and the importance of sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
Georgieva stated that the global economy’s near-term outlook is improving, which provides an opportunity for G20 policymakers to address medium-term economic challenges. However, there are risks to the downside, such as persistent inflation, financial sector risks, and supply disruptions.
She cautioned policymakers to be careful in 2024 when central banks must decide whether to cut inflation and when government authorities must pursue fiscal consolidation. Georgieva emphasized that structural reforms are necessary for productivity gains, growth improvements, and better living standards. The IMF staff has produced an AI preparedness index for countries that can help inform government efforts to deal with the digital transition.
Georgieva also discussed the IMF’s focus on financial innovations, particularly in three areas:
- Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) can potentially improve the accessibility, stability, and efficiency of domestic and international payments.
- Crypto assets require a comprehensive policy and regulatory response to mitigate the risks of criminal misuse. The IMF supports countries in implementing the G20-endorsed roadmap.
- Cross-border payments and financial market innovations, including tokenization of assets, are of great interest to the IMF. They aim to make existing payment systems work more efficiently and collaborate closely with the World Bank.
The IMF Managing Director stressed that the organization prioritizes sound macroeconomic fundamentals to promote growth and opportunities while acknowledging the detrimental effects of inequality. The IMF also focuses on strengthening individuals and communities by providing social safety nets, paying attention to labor markets and financial inclusion, and setting a minimum level of social spending to safeguard education and healthcare resources. Furthermore, the IMF recognizes the potential benefits of AI while remaining mindful of its potential risks.
Finally, Georgieva appreciated the focus on financing for development and highlighted the IMF’s collaboration with multilateral development banks to have a more significant impact. She also confirmed the IMF’s commitment to addressing debt vulnerabilities through the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.
Source: IMF
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:30 AM | View the original post
February 20, 2024
UNESCO Member States adopt a Global Framework to strengthen Culture and Arts Education.
Abu Dhabi, February 20, 2024 — The member states of UNESCO have collectively adopted a new global Framework for Culture and Arts Education. As part of this Framework, the member states have committed to several initiatives, including prioritizing culture and arts education in teacher training, emphasizing local and indigenous cultures and heritage in the classroom, and recognizing artistic and cultural skills within the professional world.
“As a UNESCO study highlighted last year, arts education helps students develop emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking. It improves their well-being and academic results. Artistic education also promotes openness to others and respect for diversity within society at large. I thank our Member States for this new global agreement, which will make culture and arts a greater priority in education while taking into account the use of digital technology,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated.
The World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, organized by UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi (13-15 February), brought together nearly 1,000 culture and education stakeholders - including 90 ministers, 125 representatives of UNESCO Member States, policy-makers, experts and NGOs, as well as UN agencies, academia, and the private sector.
The new UNESCO Framework emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning in culture and art in all educational settings. It also stresses the need to put culture and the arts at the core of education policies, strategies, curricula, and programs. The Framework has a broader definition of culture, including built, natural, and living heritage, cultural expressions, and the cultural and creative industries. Additionally, it focuses on the potential of digital technologies in culture and arts education to promote intercultural dialogue and linguistic diversity.
The adopted text also recognizes that learning with and through cultural diversity is crucial for creating mutual understanding and bridging divisions. It highlights the need to emphasize local and indigenous cultures and heritage. Furthermore, it calls for stronger relationships between educational and cultural institutions. It involves creating more partnerships between schools and cultural institutions, including UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and the cultures, traditions, and festivals inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
This Framework results from two years of consultations, dialogue, and negotiations with various stakeholders and member states. It will provide grants to those who implement exceptional practices for arts education in each region. Secondly, it will engage teachers, particularly those in the more than 12,000 UNESCO Associated Schools. Educators who design and deliver effective pedagogies for arts education will receive international mobility grants.
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees over 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive, and Sustainable Cities; and over 13,000 associated schools, university chairs, training, and research institutions.
Source: UNESCO
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— The Editor is a UNESCO-IIEP-Certified Education Planning Consultant.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:57 AM | View the original post
February 6, 2024
Brazilian Football Player Vinícius Junior is named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Photos: UNESCO’s Director-General visited Real Madrid’s training center to officially present Vinícius Junior with his letter of appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Images provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Juan BARBOSA.
Paris, France, February 6, 2024 — Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has appointed Brazilian footballer Vinícius Junior as Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All during a Real Madrid training center ceremony.
UNESCO’s Director-General visited Real Madrid’s training center to officially present Vinícius Junior with his letter of appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
“Vinícius Junior is not only an exceptional football player; he has also been a committed advocate for equal opportunity through education in Brazil. He is a role model for an entire generation, and UNESCO is honored to count him today among its Goodwill Ambassadors,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said.
“Being appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador at just 23 years old is more than an honor. It’s an achievement and a responsibility I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Of course, I want to be recognized as a great player and a citizen who strives to make a difference. I have advocated for education since I was 19, and my Institute in Brazil is gradually growing. Thanks to the support of UNESCO, we will positively impact the world,” remarked Vinícius Junior, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
The Brazil and Real Madrid prodigy has made a name for himself in recent years by promoting access to education for all young people. In 2021, he set up the Instituto Viní.Jr. to help Brazilian children and teenagers from underprivileged neighborhoods return to school. The Institute draws on the values of sport to inspire students from all backgrounds to learn and continue their education.
Vinícius Junior has been facing discrimination and prejudice, especially from fans, and has been fighting for inclusion. He has collaborated with FIFA and Brazil to raise awareness and promote the values of respect and dialogue. He has actively participated in the “Racism, don’t pretend you don’t see it” campaign. Vinícius Junior’s dedication to social justice was recognized and presented with the 2023 Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Audrey Azoulay has made promoting education her top priority in the roadmap she has entrusted to Vinicius Junior. Vinicius Junior will speak at UNESCO conferences to member states and the general public and support the Organization’s educational programs worldwide.
According to UNESCO, an estimated 250 million children and teenagers lack access to education today, an increase of 6 million since 2021. Additionally, seven out of ten children cannot read and comprehend an introductory text by age 10. Social inequality is one of the primary reasons behind the high dropout rates and the lack of academic progress.
Vinícius Junior is the second Brazilian football player appointed Goodwill Ambassador. The first was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also called “Pele.”
Source: UNESCO
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:21 PM | View the original post
February 3, 2024
UNESCO releases a report entitled "Enhancing Youth Participation in Urban Governance through City Youth Councils."
Paris, France, February 3, 2024 — UNESCO has released a report titled “Enhancing Youth Participation in Urban Governance through City Youth Councils.” The Report highlights the significance of city youth councils in policymaking, which enables young citizens to exercise their civic rights, promotes inclusion, and enhances youth agency in shaping their future.
The Report, the first of its kind, provides a global compilation of city youth councils’ history, compositions, typologies, and functions. It aims to identify the best practices of city youth councils and proposes ideas to foster collaboration, amplify youth voices, and present recommendations for creating inclusive communities.
Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, emphasized the importance of evidence-based methodology in determining the impact and effectiveness of city youth councils.
The Report indicates that city youth councils provide a formalized arrangement for continuous engagement with policymakers. They have played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of leaders, fostering youth participation in decision-making processes, and promoting social change and dialogue.
The survey by the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities served as the basis for the Report’s recommendations.
One of UNESCO’s critical missions is to promote young people’s active and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. As such, it encourages local governments to create spaces where youth can engage in these processes and contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. By doing so, the local administrations can help build a more inclusive and representative society that values the voices of its young people.
Source: UNESCO
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— The Editor is a UNESCO-IIEP-Certified HE Consultant.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:12 PM | View the original post
January 24, 2024
United Nations Headquarters Event on International Day of Education, January 24, 2024
Photo: Jinan Lorenzio Wu from the Juilliard School in New York performs during the event “Learning for Lasting Peace” on the International Day of Education (January 24). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organized the event. January 24, 2024. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Loey Felipe.
Source: United Nations, New York
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:16 PM | View the original post
January 6, 2024
UNESCO-IIEP report titled "Partnering for Impact: Five Opportunities for 2024 and Beyond" outlines potential collaborations for the future.
Paris, France, January 06, 2024 — Partnerships are crucial in transforming education, as no single institution can do it alone. They are essential to ensuring comprehensive educational planning and accountable, effective management.
• UNESCO IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) is the only United Nations agency with the mandate to support countries with educational planning and management.
To celebrate the beginning of 2024, UNESCO-IIEP has identified five critical partnership areas. UNESCO-IIEP discussed these areas during five panels in its last Donors’ Day event, which brought together partners and beneficiaries. The event’s purpose was to reflect on the power of planning to address evolving country needs and global urgencies.
• Strengthening systems for sustainable planning
In the past two years, the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) has supported 19 education sector analyses and plans, impacting the education of over 109 million children and youth.
These plans include simulation models, costed action plans, monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks. IIEP works with education actors at both centralized and decentralized levels to ensure that the process is nationally-led and participatory. This approach helps create a long-term and sustainable plan for effective implementation.
Global Campus: To strengthen this system further, IIEP will launch a new Global Campus in 2024, including all its training programs and courses and a new micro-credential and diploma system.
• Taking gender equality to the next level
The Gender at the Centre Initiative (GCI) promotes gender equality in sub-Saharan African countries. The program has supported eight countries over four years, establishing alliances within ministries to integrate gender equality into policies and plans.
The first phase ended in 2023, and a second phase was launched with renewed funding to consolidate progress.
• Making education a critical solution to the climate crisis
IIEP integrates climate action into planning, collaborating with more countries to implement adaptation and environmental sustainability measures.
As part of the GPE initiative, they will provide climate-smart education system reforms emphasizing disaster risk reduction, cross-sectoral coordination, and climate-relevant training.
• Fostering south-south collaboration and sharing evidence
IIEP’s Office for Latin America and the Caribbean has pioneered virtual Communities of Practice for education stakeholders to exchange knowledge and develop expertise.
This network will be replicated globally in 2024 to enhance knowledge exchange in planning and management.
• Forging new partnerships for broader impact
The last UNESCO-IIEP symposium underscored the importance of new partnerships and strategic alliances to address emerging and long-standing challenges.
UNESCO-IIEP’s most recent collaborations include support for the 2024 Education Leadership Seminar and research on the middle tier, digital tools for accountability, and narrowing learner gaps.
Source: UNESCO IIEP
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— The editor is a Higher Education Professional with UNESCO IIEP certification.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:19 AM | View the original post
December 25, 2023
UNESCO Announces Winners of its Future Designer International Innovation Design Awards
Photo: A speaker at the “(Re)thinking Common Good, Acting Together” high-level discussion at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Image provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Marie ETCHEGOYEN.
Paris, December 23, 2023 — Eighty-three teams of university students and their mentors from 19 countries are the first winners of the Future Designer International Innovation Design Awards at the Science for the Sustainable Development Goals Innovation Contest.
The winning designs range from an Air Ionizing-Humidifier with an Indoor Air Pollutant Detector to a solar-powered public bench, reusable LED bulbs and tubes with a replaceable cartridge, and sustainable fashion in the form of bags made from ‘green’ materials that are produced using a three-dimensional (3D) printer.
Ralph Benedict Capili developed the humidifier with his mentor, Evelyn Marinas, from the University of Doha for Science and Technology in the Philippines. SolSeatz, the solar-powered public bench, is the brainchild of Saber Aragh and his mentor, Hamid Naghd Bishi, from the Pars University of Architecture and Art in Iran. Shreya Chopra and her mentor Nanita Chopra from Amity University Noida in India won a silver award for GLED, the reusable LED bulbs and tubes. Eszter Borsodi and her mentor Tamasi Kinga from the University of Miskolc in Hungary produced the sustainable fashion.
Another team of five students from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain designed a self-regulating nest for sea turtles.
About 30% (25) of the 83 teams won gold awards. Another 29 teams won silver and 29 bronze awards. Each winning team will receive a certificate.
The 83 winning teams come from the following 24 countries: Argentina, Austria, Belarus, China, Costa Rica, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Japan, Rwanda, Spain, Sri Lanka, Russian Federation, Ghana, Kenya, Palestine, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.
Unesco selected the winning teams from over 1,500 applications from 48 countries, with 228 entries advancing to the final evaluation stage.
The awards were open to undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide. The aim was to solicit innovative, creative works from young people worldwide to raise awareness of the critical role that Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: UNESCO
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— The Editor is a Higher Education Professional & Consultant with diverse certifications from the world’s top institutions, including the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning Paris, Universities of Harvard, Oxford, Cornell, UC Berkeley, Dartmouth, International Monetary Fund, and the World Intellectual Property Organization Academy, Geneva.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:22 PM | View the original post
December 24, 2023
UN Security Council Adopts Resolution on Situation in Gaza
Photo: Jose Javier De la Gasca Lopez Domínguez, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for December, briefs reporters after the Security Council adopts the resolution on the situation in Gaza. December 22, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Loey Felipe.
Photo: A view of Council members signaling their abstention. December 22, 2023. New York. United States of America. UN Photo/Manuel Elías.
The Security Council has adopted a resolution regarding the situation in Gaza. The resolution emphasizes the need for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, especially concerning the conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians. The resolution also reaffirms the responsibility of all parties to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. It demands that they allow, facilitate, and enable the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of such aid to the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza.
The resolution further demands that all parties to the conflict allow and facilitate the use of all available routes throughout the Gaza Strip, including border crossings. The resolution requests the Secretary-General appoint a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator who will be responsible for facilitating and verifying the humanitarian nature of all relief consignments provided to Gaza by states not involved in the conflict.
The Security Council passed the resolution with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions: the United States and the Russian Federation.
Source: United Nations
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— The Editor is a Member of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:42 AM | View the original post
