Letter’s, Invitations & Upddates

http://worldviewmission.nl/?page_id=2696

http://worldviewmission.nl/?page_id=8429

 http://worldviewmission.nl/?page_id=11061

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Mandela & Bill Clinton Climate Awareness Fund

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 Request for endorsement – letter on investment to UNCTAD & UNCTAD members

 Letter endorsement – UNCTAD Investment Oct 9

We hope you can add your organization to this short letter to bring our critique of extreme investor rights in TPP and other trade and investment agreements to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at a critical moment. To sign on, please send your organization’s endorsement to jboehner@citizen.org by October 14.

 UNCTAD is the main international agency that provides guidance and support for developing countries in deciding and negotiating their investment policy.  There is currently an important internal debate on investment issues happening at UNCTAD, and thus we have a major opportunity to influence that debate in a positive direction toward our goals on investment policy.

 UNCTAD’s  Globalization and Development Strategies (GDS) division publishes the flagship report of UNCTAD each year, the Trade and Development Report (TDR). This year, it focused on investment issues, and included conclusions very similar to civil society critique. This is important because the Investment division of UNCTAD is still in transition in terms of the investment policies it recommends.  UNCTAD will hold its World Investment Forum October 13-16 in Geneva. 

 Thus we are asking for your endorsement to the attached letter to UNCTAD members and the Secretary General Kituyi, including our critique of ISDS policies in particular, and supporting the direction of the GDS division and the TDR, and encouraging more “cohesion” in the investment policy towards the GDS critiques. It is not a letter that includes all of our viewpoints on investment policies or ISDS, nor includes the ample suggestions for alternative policies that are being circulated in another, much more comprehensive statement. It is specifically short and pointed on engaging with UNCTAD towards the right policy framework. 

 Please send organizational endorsements with country as soon as possible to jboehner@citizen.org (NOT to me!) as soon as possible, but by the morning of October 14th at the very latest. 

 Thank you,

 Deborah James

Our World Is Not For Sale (OWINFS) network

 Director of International Programs

Center for Economic and Policy Research

1611 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20009

+1.202.293.5380 x111

djames@cepr.net

www.cepr.net 

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: INVITATION: Briefing on the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Monday 27 October at 1:15-2:45 pm, ECOSOC Chamber

 27 Oct Briefing in New York Invitation 17.10.14 

Subject: Fw: INVITATION: Briefing on the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction,

Monday 27 October at 1:15-2:45 pm, ECOSOC Chamber

Dear All,

Please find attached an invitation to a briefing to be held at the UN HQ in New York on Monday, 27 October, from 1:15-2:45 p.m., in the ECOSOC Chamber, on the preparations for the third International World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. All are invited to attend.
Kind regards, Lotta
Lotta Tahtinen
Major Groups Programme Coordinator
Office of the Director
Division for Sustainable Development/DESA
United Nations, S-2619
E-mail: tahtinen@un.org
Tel: +1 (917) 367-2212

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Tomorrow Tuesday Oct. 7th Deadline for Registration – Invitation for Shared

Societies Perspective in the Post-2015 Development Agenda

October 8th 1.15 pm to 2.30pm 

Dear Colleagues, 

The Permanent Mission of Italy and the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations, the Club de Madrid and the Society for International Development, are pleased to share the invitation and the concept note for a policy dialogue on “Shared Societies Perspective in the Post-2015 Development Agenda”, which will be held at the United Nations, Conference Room 8 (GA building) on October 8^th, 2014, starting from 1.15pm – 2.30pm.
During this Event, It will be presented Development 57.1 on ‘Shared Societies’, a special issue of SID’s quarterly journal, which has been produced in partnership with the Club de Madrid.

 Please note, UN SECURITY informs that to access to conference room n. 8, (in the General Assembly Building) ALL PARTICIPANTS that do not hold a UN Ground pass must have a Special Entry Ticket (SET).   Also NGOs and Civil Society that do not hold an annual UN pass need a SET in order to access the event.
SET tickets will be distributed on Wednesday October 8^th, from 12.15 pm until 1.15 pm, at the entrance located on 46^th street and First Avenue.
  Please RSVP by Tuesday October 7^th 2014 to the Permanent Mission of Italy to sec.italyun@esteri.it.
 Thank you and best regards,

Angela Zarro

Programme Manager

Society for International Development

Invitation: http://www.sidint.net/docs/invitation.pdf

Concept note: http://www.sidint.net/docs/CdMeventFlyer.pdf

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www.cepr.net

Please sign on – Letter to UNCTAD on investment

Request for endorsement – letter on investment to UNCTAD & UNCTAD members

 We hope you can add your organization to this short letter to bring our critique of extreme investor rights in TPP and other trade and investment agreements to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at a critical moment. To sign on, please send your organization’s endorsement to jboehner@citizen.org by October 14.

 UNCTAD is the main international agency that provides guidance and support for developing countries in deciding and negotiating their investment policy.  There is currently an important internal debate on investment issues happening at UNCTAD, and thus we have a major opportunity to influence that debate in a positive direction toward our goals on investment policy.

 UNCTAD’s  Globalization and Development Strategies (GDS) division publishes the flagship report of UNCTAD each year, the Trade and Development Report (TDR). This year, it focused on investment issues, and included conclusions very similar to civil society critique. This is important because the Investment division of UNCTAD is still in transition in terms of the investment policies it recommends.  UNCTAD will hold its World Investment Forum October 13-16 in Geneva. 

 Thus we are asking for your endorsement to the attached letter to UNCTAD members and the Secretary General Kituyi, including our critique of ISDS policies in particular, and supporting the direction of the GDS division and the TDR, and encouraging more “cohesion” in the investment policy towards the GDS critiques. It is not a letter that includes all of our viewpoints on investment policies or ISDS, nor includes the ample suggestions for alternative policies that are being circulated in another, much more comprehensive statement. It is specifically short and pointed on engaging with UNCTAD towards the right policy framework. 

 Please send organizational endorsements with country as soon as possible to jboehner@citizen.org (NOT to me!) as soon as possible, but by the morning of October 14th at the very latest. 

 Thank you,

 Deborah James

Our World Is Not For Sale (OWINFS) network

 Director of International Programs

Center for Economic and Policy Research

1611 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20009

+1.202.293.5380 x111

djames@cepr.net

www.cepr.net 

 Letter – UNCTAD Investment Oct 9

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UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainabl​e Development, 10-12 November 2014, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan/Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO sur l’éducatio​n au développem​ent durable, 10 au 12 novembre 2014 Aichi-Nago​ya, Japan 

Dear Community of Educators, 

Unesco’s World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development taking place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan 10-12 November 2014, has extended an invitation to members of the UN SD Education Caucus to attend, see attached invitation.  

Some of our members have been helping with the planning and organizing, if you are interested in participating in the Conference as our designated representative, read over the appended materials and let us know so we may submit your name/title/organization, visit  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco-world-conference-on-esd-2014/

Each participant is responsible for their financial support and travel arrangements.

All the best,

Pam Puntenney and Bremley Lyngdoh

UN SD Education Caucus Co-Chairs

Co-Coordinators Climate Change

 Dr. P. J. Puntenney

Environmental & Human Systems Management

1989 West Liberty       

 Ann Arbor, MI  48103  USA

E-mail:  pjpunt@umich.edu

Cell:  (734) 352 7429

Landline: (734) 994-3612 

Dear Ms Puntenney, 

Please find attached a letter addressed by the Assistant Director-General for Education, inviting your organization to participate in the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya (Japan)

from 10 to 12 November 2014

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco-world-conference-on-esd-2014/

 We would highly appreciate and would be most grateful if you could confirm your participation at the soonest possible time.

In your reply, please include the full contact details, in particular, the individual e-mail of the nominated participant. This will allow us to provide the participant access to the online registration system.

We look forward to receiving your positive reply.

Yours sincerely,

DESD Secretariat – ESD section

Division for Teaching, Learning and Content

Education Sector

UNESCO 7, Place de Fontenoy  75352 Paris 07 SP  France 

Mrs, P J Puntenney_CommSustainable Dev USA 9oct2014 14

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Post 2015 Report: Sign-on Letter to UN Secretary General on Access to Information, Free Expressions, Free Media, Protecting Civil Society

Dear Community of Educators, 

This request for organizations to add their name to the signon letter to the Secretary General  regarding access to information is an action of special interest to the UN SD Education Caucus.  Bremley and I have endorsed the support from the Ed. Caucus and encourage your organization add their name to the letter.

If you would like to sign this, please send your organisation’s signature to Charlotte Gill <charlotte@article19.org> by Thursday, 25 September. 

All the best,

Pam Puntenney and Bremley Lyngdoh

UN SD Education Caucus Co-Chairs 

Dr. P. J. Puntenney

Environmental & Human Systems Management

1989 West Liberty       

 Ann Arbor, MI  48103  USA  /  E-mail:  pjpunt@umich.edu

Cell:  (734) 330-0238  /  Voice/Fax: (734) 994-3612

Subject: Signon letter to UNSG on access to info, media, civic space
To: Sustainable Development Announcement List <sdg@lists.iisd.ca>
Cc: Charlotte Gill <charlotte@article19.org>

Hi everyone, 

We are continuing our campaign on promoting access to information, free expression, free media and protecting civil society in the Post 2015 agenda, with a letter to be sent to the UNSG on Right to Know Day (28 September) asking him to ensure they are included in his upcoming stocktaking report. 

If you would like to sign this, please send your organisation’s signature to Charlotte Gill <charlotte@article19.org> by Thursday, 25 September.

Thanks,

Dave

Begin forwarded message: 

Click here to view this message in a browser

SIGN ON ~ INTERNATIONAL: Right to Know Day – Urge UN to enshrine the importance of free expression in the Post-2015 Agenda

INTERNAL APPEAL – INTERNATIONAL
19 September 2014
SOURCE: ARTICLE 19

Dear IFEX members,
To acknowledge Right to Know Day on 28 September, ARTICLE 19 is asking you to sign a joint statement urging the Secretary General of the United Nations to highlight the importance of the right to information, free media, and the protection of civil society organisations’ ability to organise and engage.
At the end of this year, the UN Secretary General will publish a synthesis report of three global processes that have contributed to the establishment of the Post-2015 framework.
In the last months, IFEX members have actively advocated for the inclusion of access to information and independent media in the Agenda for the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, yet there is still work still to be done to ensure that this wording is included in the Agenda. As mentioned in a blog post by Charlotte Gill from ARTICLE 19, Right to Know Day coincides with the start of a year-long negotiation process to determine the Post-2015 agenda. States will be discussing the framework that will be the foundation for international policy commitments for the next fifteen years and more. They will decide on goals that will galvanise efforts to improve the daily lives of vulnerable and marginalised people, and set out targets that will focus the attention of donors striving for sustainable development.
Please note that the letter is totally embargoed until Right to Know Day, 28 September.

Best wishes,
Amy Jonhson and Marie-Hélène Ratel
IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy
The text of the joint statement ARTICLE 19 is asking you to sign follows:
28 September 2014

His Excellency Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General of the United Nations
United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY 10017

CC: Amina J. Mohammed, Assistant Secretary General

Dear Mr. Secretary General,
We write to you as a coalition of civil society organisations committed to sustainable development, to urge you to highlight the importance of the right to information, free media, and the protection of civil society organisations’ ability to organise and engage in your upcoming stocktaking report on the Sustainable Development Goals to the General Assembly.
We welcome your recent announcement on the creation of an Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development. However, as experts and practitioners in the field, we feel strongly that the data revolution cannot succeed without substantial improvement in the openness of governments to their people and an improved and enabling environment for civic space that allow individuals, civil society and communities to know, speak, engage and operate freely. To achieve this, the rights to freedom of information, free media, freedom of association, and freedom of peaceful assembly must be fully recognised and enabled.
The importance of these rights has been recognised in the Millennium Declaration, the Rio+ 20 declaration and numerous UN papers. These rights are also highlighted in the report of the High Level Panel of Eminent Persons and in the recommendations of the Open Working Group, both of which recommended that access to information and the

protection of fundamental freedoms be included as targets. However, even with the crucial role these rights play in development, they are largely unincorporated in currently agreed development mechanisms and were conspicuous by their absence in the Millennium Development Goals.
As you acknowledged in your “Freedom Lecture” speech last year at the University of Leiden, civil society is under increasing pressure: journalists and human rights defenders are imprisoned; internet and media outlets are shut down; and peaceful protests are banned. These issues need to be addressed as part of the SDGs or they will continue to hinder development progress and the data revolution will be restricted to the status quo of limited and unreliable information by the few, for the few, instead of access to information by everyone, for everyone, and the ability to act upon it.
Mr. Secretary General, today is globally recognised as “Right to Know Day”. Governments and civil society organisations around the world will celebrate the progress made so far to ensure everyone is empowered to have greater control over their lives by better knowing how governments operate. Please take the time today to ensure these rights are not forgotten in the SDGs.
Thank you for your consideration. If your office wishes to discuss this further, please contact us at….
Signed,
ARTICLE 19
[more signatures to follow]
For more information, contact:
ARTICLE 19
T +44 20 7324 2500 F +44 20 7490 0566
Email: info@article19.org 
Free Word Centre
60 Farringdon Rd
London EC1R 3GA
 https://www.article19.org/
Charlotte Gill, Campaigner, ARTICLE 19 (charlotte@article19.org)
The information contained in this internal appeal is the sole responsibility of ARTICLE 19. This material is not for broadcast or publication

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Emergency in Sierra Leone    DONATE NOW 

DONATE NOW                                                                                           DONATE NOW 

THE SIERRA LEONE CRISIS

Dear Ms. Helene Oord, Worldview Mission

Dear Friends,

Dear All,

I have just returned from Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, where I spent 2 weeks working closely with our team and meeting community members and national leaders to understand the Ebola outbreak. More than anything, I have seen first-hand the fear and uncertainty people are living in as the threat of Ebola spreads across the country.

As I’m sure you’ve heard in the news, Ebola is a brutal virus which appears suddenly and is highly contagious.  The current outbreak in West Africa is the first time the disease has ever appeared in that part of the continent.  Governments therefore had no containment plan in place, which coupled with traditional practices of burying bodies and of course, caring for relatives while they are sick, has led many people to put themselves at risk and for the disease to keep spreading.

Sierra Leone is in crisis. Not a crisis like the civil war, which ended just 12 years ago, and from which Sierra Leone is making great strides to overcome. Not a crisis like an earthquake or flood, devastating and ruthless but over in seconds. This is a worsening crisis which Sierra Leone is struggling to contain. This crisis comes from a lack of something so simple – information. Information that must to go to the very heart of how people live, in order for them to protect themselves against this terrible disease.

Restless Development is in Sierra Leone.  We have been working with young Sierra Leoneans for years, on projects crucial to the long term, sustainable development of their country.  But Sierra Leone needs more right now.  It needs people trusted by local communities, to demonstrate how to keep safe.  It needs clear, trusted, simple information on how to stay alive.

Our young volunteers are ready to mobilise, to travel to at-risk districts and educate those communities in how to fight Ebola safely. We believe just 200 of our volunteers can reach 360,000 people. That’s 360,000 people whose lives will potentially be saved due to the crucial information our volunteers can give them.

But we need your help. Funding for our standard projects in Sierra Leone is being frozen. Our staff and volunteers are ready, but we need over £87,000 to train, deploy, and support our volunteers to carry out this vital work.

Can you help us? Can you make a donation today to get our volunteers moving and lifesaving information spreading across Sierra Leone? Anything you are able to give will make a difference at this critical time.

Thank you so much for your support.

Perry Maddox             

Chief Operating Officer

Restless Development

P.S. In the few days since I returned from Freetown, the Ebola crisis has been called ‘out of control’ by the World Health Organisation. There are less than 200 doctors in the public health system in Sierra Leone, a country of over 6million people. They need our help. Please, help our volunteers give them that support.

Restless Development                                                Join us on

Forward to a friend

www.restlessdevelopment.org

7 Wootton Street / London  /  SE1 8TG /  UK

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Subject: 62nd Dies Natalis of the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)

The Rector Magnificus of the Erasmus University Rotterdam has the pleasure of inviting you to the academic ceremony to be held in celebration of the

62^nd Dies Natalis of the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)

on Thursday 9 October 2014, starting promptly at  16.00 hrs in the Auditorium of the ISS, Kortenaerkade 12, The Hague

On this occasion Emeritus Professor Kees Schuyt will deliver a lecture entitled:

Teaching Research Ethics or Learning in Practice: Preventing Fraud in Science

If you wish to attend this event, please register online at www.iss.nl/9oct

Professors are invited to join the academic procession.

Please bring your own gown and confirm by sending an email to Femke van der Vliet: vandervliet@smc.eur.nl

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 Certification of Event Access MORNING AFTER

UPDATE: The Morning After: A civil society report back & security access

Dear all,

We’ve received a number of queries regarding access to the Church Center. 

Kindly print out BOTH the event flyer as well as the Certification of Event Access (here attached). It is also advisable to bring a government-issued ID with you.

See you all!

tetet

Maria Theresa Nera-Lauron

Peoples’ Movement on Climate Change

IBON International

3F IBON Center, 114 Timog Avenue, Quezon City

Philippines

Tel. No. +632 9277060-62  / Skype: tetet.lauron  /  www.iboninternational.org

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Simon@36 Project! Sierra Leone

Dear Friend,

—

Simon Eyram Tsike-Sossah

Executive Director
Stichting ACIPP Programme: Ghana|Sierra Leone |Liberia
Website:

Help Us Fundraise: http://www.pifworld.com/nonprofits/ACIPPWestAfrica/189

Check our Consulting website: 

 

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INVITATION: The Morning After : A Civil Society Reportback 

Maria Theresa Nera-Lauron

Peoples’ Movement on Climate Change

IBON International

3F IBON Center, 114 Timog Avenue, Quezon City

Philippines

Tel. No. +632 9277060-62  /  Skype: tetet.lauron  / www.iboninternational.org

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Letter on Post 2015 Agenda from Co-Chairs OWG SDGs 21 February 2014

Focus areas document OWG SDGs 21 February 2014

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Join Us – “Call For Participat​ion”  Climate Change Summit 2014: Catalyzing Action  22-28 September NY

Dear Community of Educators,

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[MGCY] Ministers Reference Book : Commonweal​th 2014

From: Ravi Karkara <ravkarkara@gmail.com

Subject: [MGCY] Ministers Reference Book : Commonwealth 2014

Dear Colleague,

It is my privilege to share with you the 2014 Ministers Reference Book of Commonwealth which is Designed to help commonwealth member countries
work ever-more closely with each other to build a peaceful and prosperous
community.

The report features over 40 articles from leading commentators, including
H.E.s David Cameron , Goodluck Jonathan, Executive Heads of UNCTAD, ITC,
IMF, UNESCO, FAO and others.  It also has a feature on Hon. Hon. Nelson
Mandela’s legacy and his impact on the Commonwealth.
I am very honored to inform that the book features my article on Youth Led
Development (Page 152-155) among all these other luminaries.

I hope you will find this useful.

Warm regards

Ravi

Please web-version

http://issuu.com/henleymedia/docs/ministers_reference_book_2014_low_r/1

Please find a PDF of the Report – *You can copy and paste the following link in your browser to retrieve your file. The link will expire on August*
07, 2014 03:31 PDT.

https://rcpt.hightail.com/2596430952/1d8dcaab17fcae91a2d26a70313eb192

Mailing list of the UN Major Group Children and Youth: The Children
and Youth space in sustainable development negotiations at the United
Nations.
Website: www.childrenyouth.org, Facebook: www.facebook.com/UNMGCY,
Twitter: @UNMGCY
—

Ntiokam Divine
Child Labour Champion
Focal Point,Follow-up to the  Brasilia Declaration
Global Youth Digital Advocate Post -2015
skype: ntiokam.divine
“Engaging and mobilizing youth for Agriculture Development”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9rxEVm9Nl8
Read My Blog<http://acsstudents.weebly.com/1/post/2011/12/divine-interjection.html>
Share Your Vision for the World We Want 2015<http://www.worldwewant2015.org>
UN Information on Post-2015<http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/beyond2015.shtml>
Read the MyWorld Blog <http://blog.myworld2015.org/

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Letter from Ms. Amina Mohammed to Major Groups and other Stakeholde​rs

Subject: [GCAP Globalcouncil] [Coalitions] Letter from Ms. Amina Mohammed to Major Groups and other Stakeholders To: coalitions@whiteband.org

Mailing list Coalitions@whiteband.org https://mailman-mail5.webfaction.com/listinfo/coalitions

July 28 – AJM letter to Major Groups and Other Stakeholders

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Introducti​on and Update Bremley Lyngdoh

Dear SD Ed. Caucus Members,

Rowing my boat in Central Park and singing Teenage Idol

Voorbeeld van YouTube-video TEDxPerm – Bremley Lyngdoh – 9/11/09 weergeven

TEDxPerm – Bremley Lyngdoh – 9/11/09

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South Bulletin: G77 celebrates 50th anniversar​y

Published by the South Centre

 http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=fa9cf38799136b5660f367ba6&id=b2545f4bda&e=1e33eb2f1a

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Dear All,

I am glad to share this beautiful Letter of Appreciation received from Mr. Al Gore, Chairman Climate Reality, addressed to me recognising and rewarding my work as outstanding from over 6000 Climate Leaders working across in 100 countries.
Indeed motivating to get this attention, I feel so honoured.
This is for all the members of SynergY and organisations that support me

Thank YOU,

On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 3:41 PM, Lucita Jasmin <Lucita.Jasmin@unep.org> wrote:

Re: WED2014

To:        Lucita Jasmin <lucita.jasmin@unep.org>
Date:        28/05/2014 12:38 PM
Subject:        WED2014 

Dear Simran – thanks for your mail and your support to World Environment Day.  You can download and use the WED logo and banner from the WED website for the promotion of your activities. However, please make sure you only use the WED logo and that you use it as a whole. In the files you attached, the only one that may pose a concern is the Gisele flyer as it only has the UNEP logo. If you replace this with the WED logo then it is fine.

Please also make sure you register your activity on the WED website and that your campaign includes a call for pledges to be made on the WED Challenge in support of Gisele’s team.

If you need any more information, please let us know.

Thanks again and kind regards,

Lucy Jasmin

Ms. Lucy Jasmin
Head, Special Events
Division of Communications and Public Information (DCPI)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
P.O. Box 30552
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-20 762 3401
http://www.unep.org

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G77 countries plus China support stand-alon​e goal on equality for the new SDGs  !

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Letter on modalities and NGO Major Group Statement

Stakeholder Letter – modalities for Post-2015 Summit_Final.pdf

96 KB  Stakeholder Letter modalities for Post-2015 Summit Final

OWG 11 – NGO Statement – FINAL.pdf

105 KB   OWG 11 NGO Statement FINAL

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Earth Summit +5  The Black Box Interventi​on

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

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 http://www.whiteband.org/

 Pics Nelson MANDELA

Welcome to NAYD! Thanks for registering and holding our hands to add your voice to the many thousands of others in support of youth-led sustainable development in Africa. You will shortly be sent an invite to join our YAHOO and INSPIRE groups as well as added to our members page and NAYD maps (if you an organisation) but before you do anything else can I ask you to help bring symbols of peace and unity across Africa by signing our petition. It will only take a few seconds of your time. Kindly pass the link on to your friends for them to sign. We aim to get to 500 signatures before we send it on to the Chair of the AUC.

NAYD is a non political, non religious online platform that pools all the efforts of African youth  into one force and gives them a greater voice. NAYD was established in 2006 and it is, simply put, a home to all young people who are primarily passionate about Africa and secondly work towards its sustainable development. It includes young people who are working in different community projects in their countries in youth – led start ups, community based organizations and non-governmental organizations. It is led by a group of passionate volunteers who run all its activities online and offline and who have overseen the rise in group membership in the last few years.

NAYD aims to promote and encourage the work of young Africans involved in activities that impact positive change in the continent by:-

> creating a platform where the youth can exchange ideas and information;

> to create a dynamic network formed by and for young Africans for the development of Africa as a whole;

> to promote recognition of, mobilize and enhance the capacity of young Africans internationally;

> to provide them with leadership skills to take action against poverty.

NAYD ultimately aims to move Africa from being labeled ‘3^rd world’ and ‘developing’ to a continent that can sustain itself and its people across generations. It does this by collaborating with other organizations, groups, associations and individuals in educating, informing and inspiring others thus creating an unstoppable ripple effect.

This is carried out in five major ways.

Current Information

It collects current verified information on everything about development in Africa and makes it available to all the members. If you want to know what is going on in Tunisia, Niger or in Tanzania look no further than the NAYD webpage and social media. It pools together information regarding, but not limited to, opportunities, projects, research and education. In a span of a very short time that very information reaches thousands of young people across the world, who in turn share it with their networks, who in turn share it and the process goes on. Whilst we can’t prove that information alone triggers change we are sure that it does reach them and if the surge in request for membership is anything to go by we are positive that there is action taking place in the community as a result of this shared information.

Blogs

NAYD has a group of bloggers who are experienced in their fields, well informed and also well versed with the blogging world. These bloggers write on a number of topics that are relevant and vital to the process of development in Africa. It has three major blogs; HIV/AIDS, CLIMATE CHANGE and INSPIRE. Through these blogs, issues are analyzed and put down in a language that any young person can understand and relate to. Besides that they also include write-ups on people and groups that are working in these fields in the community. By doing this, not only does NAYD give young people information but also helps put a perspective to this information in relation to sustainable development in Africa.

INSPIRE Newsletter

Every few weeks NAYD collects stories that have shaped the development discourse across Africa and puts them in a newsletter that is circulated to its members and also to other organizations that work in the development sector internationally. This newsletter also highlights and recognizes one NGO every month that is youth-led and working in Africa for development. By celebrating the work done by these NGOs NAYD encourages the young people who work at the grass root and also inspires other young people into action. It also puts the particular NGO in the limelight so that people who might be looking to connect with such a group can get the relevant information and potentially proceed to a fruitful partnership. It is also a small way of telling these people ‘Good job, keep doing it’.

Live Debates

In the information age we do not have to meet and debate issues physically. Through live debates, NAYD gives a voice to people working in the community who rarely get heard on other platforms. Last year NAYD introduced live debates that had some young Africans deliberating on a topic and moderated by an African youth. The first was on the question of ‘aid verses development’ and whether or not Africa really needed more aid. Though marred by a few technical glitches it elicited deep emotions from both those opposing and those proposing. The debates will continue this year with more topics under scrutiny by the young. It is hoped these debates will incentivize the listeners and participants to turn the emotions displayed during the debates into positive action. The next one will be on Google Hangout at 10am GMT Sat 29th March on the topic of youth and agriculture.

Topical discussions

Besides the live debates NAYD also holds and encourages the youth into having discussions on social media about everyday occurrences that affect Africa and its prospects in sustainable development. These are open discussions that include members who are online at a particular time though they are moderated by one of the volunteers. Topics range from the education system in Africa, the place of women in development to why youth consider agriculture a dirty occupation. Giving a platform for the youth to discuss their own issues without having a feeling that the big brother is watching them means that they openly share their opinion and learn from each other in the process.

All these activities are aimed at seeing that the process of development in Africa is open, owned by the youth and spearheaded by the youth. NAYD envisions a future where every African has access to quality education, food, health care and housing regardless of gender, status, tribe or geographical location. An Africa whose search in online search engines does not return emaciated kids holding an big empty bowl looking into an empty world in empty anticipation.

We don’t have any money to offer but do have thousands of talented youths all willing to give of their time and talents to make Africa the great continent it deserves to be. Please get involved and become an active member, not just an armchair voice as actions speak louder than words…..and as Nelson Mandela would say, “It always seems impossible until it is done”.

many thanks

 The NAYD team 

[WorldYout​h] Special INSPIRE for Nelson Mandela [1 Attachment​,  Nelson Mandela Flyer

WORLD ASSEMBLY OF YOUTH
Visit our website at http://www.way.org.my
Secretariat Address: World Assembly of Youth, World Youth Complex, Jalan Lebuh Raya, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia.
Telephones:    +6062321871     or      +6062322711      Fax: +6062327271
Email: info@way.org.my

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michaelboampong.com

http://www.michaelboampong.com/remembering-nelson-mandela-a-true-youth-and-development-advocate/

Remembering Nelson Mandela: A True Youth and Development Advocate

From the 3-year-old who salutes Nelson Mandela (Madiba) in Soweto to the school children who grip portraits of the icon during a ceremony in India, it is evident that people across the globe feel the loss of Madiba’s passing.

As President Barack Obama noted last week, “We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.” But, perhaps, if young people and adults can draw lessons from Mandela’s legacy – one based on human rights foundations – such as freedom, justice, tolerance and respect – we can witness the rise of a new generation that follows in Madiba’s footsteps.

As we remember the inspirational life of Mandela, we should recognize that the anti-apartheid leader was once an ambitious young man who only trusted in his convictions without probably knowing that his actions at the local and national level will transcend boarders and inspire the minds and actions of humanity worldwide. We should not relent in juxtaposing his core “change” values with the strategies and principles that guide our work and life. Here are some five facts and lessons drawn from Madiba:

1. He believed in youth-led social      structures: While living in Johannesburg, he immersed himself      in anti-apartheid politics by joining the African National Congress (ANC).      Dissatisfied with the ANC’s inability to mobilize youth, Mandela helped      form the ANC Youth League in 1944.
2. He was determined: He failed to obtain a law degree from the University of      Witwatersrand; as its only black student. But he never gave up on his      failure. Mandela studied while imprisoned and graduated from the      University of South Africa in 1988. With his knowledge in law, he offered      low-cost services for individuals seeking justices in an unjust society.
3. He employed non-violence as a      means of change: Like Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr.,      he practiced a “surrender-without-a-fight strategy” to promote peace and      unity in his racially divided country. The Truth and Reconciliation      Commission (TRC), established as part of South Africa’s democratic      transition, showcased incredible examples of forgiveness. Mandela received      the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of peaceful rehabilitation in      South Africa.
4. He was a strong anti-poverty      campaigner: Mandela taught my generation that “Overcoming      poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice.” He viewed      education as a way of eradicating poverty when he noted that “Education is      the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Perhaps      to honor his vision we need to prioritize investment in quality and      equitable education for young people, thereby contributing to efforts      aimed at meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
5. He was results-oriented: In      principle and pragmatism, Mandela sought results. According to an anecdote      used in the PBS documentary, The Long      Walk of Nelson Mandela, after defeating the “enemy      morally, internationally, politically,” he recognized his actions were not      translating into results. So, he adjusted by employing a plethora of      tactics (i.e. to scold, flatter, demand and cajole, when needed). Perhaps      these tactics could inspire young leaders – especially those involved in      various social change movements – to learn about how and when to      practically demand accountability and results from key stakeholders. For      the development practitioners, Mandela’s values should encourage us to      strive for human-rights sensitive effectiveness, efficiency, impact and      technical skills in our development interventions.

To the youth of today, Mandela once said, “I also have a wish to make: Be the script writers of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that showed the way towards a brighter future.” He believed in the ability of young people to be catalysts for inclusive growth and development. Together, let’s continue to achieve what Madiba envisioned. Long live Madiba’s spirit, and may it never die in our hearts and minds!

What do you admire most about Mandela and how has it influenced you? Tell us how you intend to honor his values.

** This post was originally made on Youthink!

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Dr Michael Atchia:   LETTERS  NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA

WORLDVIEW MISSION Letter  of  Condelence  To  Family   Nelson Mandela

2013/12/9 Jojozi, A; Ms : The_Hague Counsellor Bilateral DIRCO

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Dear  Ms  Helene Oord,

Thank you for your message.  It is greatly appreciated.

The Embassy has opened a book of condolence for signing. You can visit the Embassy

between 10h00 and 15h00 to sign the book. If you are unable to, there is a link on our

website (www.southafrica.nl) where electronic condolences can be sent.  These messages

will be bound afterwards and sent through to the Mandela Family together with the other

official Books of Condolences that are being signed at the Embassy.

The Embassy is organizing a wreath laying ceremony at the Nelson Mandela Statue (next

to the Bel Air Hotel)which will take place at 16h15 on Friday, 13 December 2013.

Information on this will be published in the Embassy Website.

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Anna-Maria Jojozi

Counsellor: Bilateral

Wassenaarseweg 40,  2596CJ

South African Embassy,  The Hague

Tel: +31 70-392 4501/750 7649 / Cell: +31 68 565 0444  / Fax: +31 70-346 0669

Worldview Mission, Condolence book signing of Nelson Mandela, House of the South African Embassy Netherland’s

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“I Have a Dream”     by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  delivered August 28, 1963

BREAKING NEWS Thursday, December 5, 2013 4:52 PM ES

 Nelson Mandela, South African Icon of Peaceful Resistance, Is Dead

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and an enduring icon of the struggle against racial oppression, died on Thursday the government announced, leaving the nation without its moral center at a time of growing dissatisfaction with the country’s leaders. Mr. Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of treason by the white minority government, only to forge a peaceful end to white rule by negotiating with his captors after his release in 1990. He led the African National Congress, long a banned liberation movement, to a resounding electoral victory in 1994, the first fully democratic election in the country’s history. Mr. Mandela served just one term as South Africa’s president and had not made a public appearance since 2010, when the nation hosted the World Cup. But his decades in prison and his insistence on forgiveness over vengeance made him a potent symbol of the struggle to end his country’s brutally codified system of racial domination, and of the power of peaceful resolution in even the most intractable conflicts. Years after he retreated from public life, his name still resonated as an emblem of his effort to transcend decades of racial division and create what South Africans called a Rainbow Nation.

READ MORE »

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/06/world/africa/nelson-mandela.html?emc=edit_na_20131205

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Dear Education Caucus Friends and Colleagues,