United Nations
248 pieces
2019 "Luce 24 Under 24" Recipients Awarded in New York City
New York, N.Y. More than one hundred people celebrated the unveiling of the first cohort of "Luce 24 Under 24" at The China Institute on July 24, which coincidentally was…
74 Years After Hiroshima, Nagasaki: Authoritarianism, Hatred on Rise
New York, N.Y. The 26th Annual Interfaith Peace Ceremony to Commemorate the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings was held this week at the Japan Society in New York Cit…
At the U.N.: 'As a Young Global Leader; I am Servant of My People'
By Isaac Bayoh, 2019 Luce 24 Under 24 Award Recipient “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” - Roosevelt New York, N.Y. Mirrors exist to…
First “Luce 24 Under 24” Awards Winners Announced for Soirée
New York, N.Y. The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation is pleased to announce the first winners of the 2019 “Luce 24 Under 24” Awards . The awards will be presented on the e…
Orphans International Announces New Director for 20th Year
New York, N.Y. The Board of Directors of Orphans International Worldwide ( OIW ) announces with great pleasure the hiring of Luisa Duarte-Silva, Ph.D. as Executive Direct…
U.N. to Kenya: Lift Ban, Protect Judiciary, Preserve Civil Society
New York, N.Y. Voicing concern over restrictions on protests as well as attacks on judiciary and civil society in the run-up to presidential elections in Kenya, a group o…
U.N.: Khashoggi Killed by High-Level Saudi Officials
Saudi Arabia in spotlight as U.N.-appointed independent investigator publishes full Khashoggi findings New York, N.Y. Responsibility for the killing of dissident Saudi jo…
U.N.: World Faces ‘Climate Apartheid’ with 120 Million More in Poverty
There is no shortage of alarm bells ringing over climate change – UN expert New York, N.Y. Climate change “threatens to undo the last 50 years” of development, global hea…
Young Global Leaders Invited to Indie Film Screening on Equality at U.N.
New York, N.Y. The SPICE-Indian club is proud to invite all Young Global Leaders to a special movie screening of "The Last Color" on Friday, July 12, 2019, located at the…
A Journey to Jakarta with J. Luce Foundation Young Global Leaders
Jakarta, Indonesia. In life, we have many long, treacherous journeys that we must complete. The flight to Jakarta was one of them for me. After an entire day spent on pla…
Annual Memorial Service Honors Staff Who Died Serving U.N.
New York, N.Y. Peacekeepers at attention during the Annual Memorial Service held to honor United Nations personnel who have lost their lives while serving with the Organi…
At the U.N., Peacekeeping Remains Dangerous Mission
New York, N.Y. Seventy years after the first operation was deployed, there are 14 missions around the world. Peacekeeping remains a dangerous occupation. U.N. Photo/Haran…
Children ‘Young as One’ Involved in U.S. Separation of Migrant Families
New York, N.Y. The current policy in the United States of separating “extremely young children” from their asylum-seeker or migrant parents along the country’s southern b…
Extreme Poverty: Women's Collective Sell Clay Cakes in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A woman working for a collective prepares "clay cakes," sun-baked disks of clay, butter and salt. The collective works from before sunrise to mix,…
Flamboyant Olympic Flag-Bearer Brings Inspiring Message
New York, N.Y. He is best known for his bare-chested appearances at the Rio and Pyeongchang Olympic Games, but Pita Taufatofua now wants to use his social media muscle to…
Human Rights Experts Denounce Trump’s Attacks On Media
New York, N.Y. The United Nations expert on free expression has condemned President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on the press, warning that the U.S. leader’s rhetoric…
Indonesia, Dominican Republic Elected to U.N. Security Council
New York, N.Y. In a single round of voting on Friday, the United Nations General Assembly elected five new non-permanent Members of the Security Council, who will each se…
Indonesia’s Proud History of Service to U.N. Peacekeeping
New York, N.Y. The Republic of Indonesia has a proud history of Peacekeeping service around the wold wit the United Nations. The Indonesian Engineering Company of the U.N…
International Day of Families Set for May 15
New York, N.Y. Although families all over the world have transformed greatly over the past decades in terms of their structure and as a result of global trends and demogr…
Let’s Talk About Menstrual Hygiene: "No More Limits"
New York, N.Y. On any given day more than 800 million women and girls are menstruating, yet menstrual health and hygiene is a neglected health and development issue. Stig…
May 16: International Day of Living Together in Peace
New York, N.Y. Following the devastation of the Second World War, the United Nations was established to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. One of its pu…
Russia Liable for Downing Malaysian Airliner; Putin Condoned
New York, N.Y. Following the conclusion of an investigation that holds Russia responsible for the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger plane in 2014, the United Natio…
Secretary-General Meets with Two Former Secretaries-General
Former Secretaries-General Kofi Annan (left) and Ban Ki-moon (right) pay a courtesy call on Secretary-General António Guterres. 13 October 2017. United Nations, New York.…
Trump Administration Wants to Save Money at U.N. - But at What Cost?
New York, N.Y. At the Security Council yesterday, Nikki Haley announced that the United States would pay no more than 25% of the cost of UN Peacekeeping. Currently, the U…
U.K.: Expert Warns of “Stark Increase” in Hate Crimes, Post-Brexit
London, U.K. Sounding an alarm over a “stark increase” in hate crimes across the United Kingdom as well as “widespread discrimination” faced by ethnic minorities, a Unite…
U.N. Announces the First "World Bicycle Day" - this Sunday, June 3
New York, N.Y. On June 3, 2018, the first official World Bicycle Day will be celebrated. A lone bicyclist speeds through traffic on a busy street in Brooklyn, New York, U…
U.N. Chief ‘Deeply Concerned’ by U.S. Decision to Exit Iran Nuclear Deal
New York, N.Y. Following a decision on Tuesday by the United States to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, the United Nations chief said he was “deeply co…
U.N. Chief Protests as Gaza Violence Leaves Dozens Dead
Jerusalem, Palestine. Following reports that dozens of Palestinians have been killed, demonstrating along the border of the Gaza Strip on Monday, United Nations Secretary…
U.N. Denounces Grave 'Assaults' on Palestinian People
New York, N.Y. From arbitrary detentions and deliberate deprivation, to attacks against civilians and forced displacements, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights , Ze…
U.N. Expresses Outrage Over Killing of Palestinian Medic in Gaza
New York, N.Y. United Nations officials have expressed their outrage over Friday’s killing by Israeli security forces of a 21-year-old Palestinian volunteer medic who was…
U.N. Members Visits Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh
New York, N.Y. Refugees living in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, seen during a visit by the Security Council delegation to the Kutupalong Refugee camp. Thousands of Rohingya re…
U.N.: Hungary's Laws on Helping Foreigners Blatantly Xenophobic
New York, N.Y. Hungarian legislation that criminalizes anyone who supports asylum seekers and other vulnerable individuals is “blatantly xenophobic”, “shameful” and “disg…
U.N.: Women's Rights Face Global Pushback from Fanaticism
New York, N.Y. Women’s rights are under threat from a “backlash” of conservatism and fundamentalism around the world, a United Nation panel warned on Friday. “ Alarming p…
United Nations Marks 100 Years Since Nelson Mandela’s Birth
New York, N.Y. Taking stock of his “vast” legacy for mankind, the United Nations will mark 100 years since the birth of the late anti-Apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela,…
Visiting Professor Appointed to Jamaican Leadership Centre
New York, N.Y. The first visiting professor to The James Jay Dudley Luce Leadership Centre at Caribbean Maritime University has been appointed today, German national Malk…
Creating Reasons to Live: Overcoming Gay-Bashing and Ebola in Africa
New York, N.Y. In 2017 the J. Luce Foundation awarded HIV & AIDS educator, activist and human rights defender-in-exile Ghislain Joël Nkontchou Honorable Mention for his w…
From Challenge Grants to P.R.: Many Facets of J. Luce Foundation
New York, N.Y. When my mother passed away in 2001, I was inspired to create Orphans International Worldwide ( OIWW ) that went on to help vulnerable children in Africa, A…
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité: Immigrant Doctors in France Save Grand-maman
With Tony Abdel ghany. Provins, France. The entire world seems divided at year-end between the forces of love and hatred. Authoritarian regimes have reared their ugly hea…
Security Council Adopts First-Ever Resolution on Mine Action
New York, N.Y. The United Nations Security Council today adopted its first-ever resolution on mine action, noting the serious and lasting threat posed by landmines, explo…
Trump Threatens 'Total Destruction' of North Korea in First U.N. Speech
New York, N.Y. Describing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Rocket Man” on a suicide mission, U.S. President Donald Trump used his maiden address to the United Nations…
U.N. Secretary-General Meets with Two Former Secretaries-General
New York, N.Y. Former Secretaries-General Kofi Annan (left) and Ban Ki-moon (right) pay a courtesy call on Secretary-General António Guterres. Three Secretaries-General i…
‘Great Green Wall’ Initiative to Combat Climate Change in Africa
New York, N.Y. At the United Nations Climate Conference ( COP 22 ) under way in Marrakech, the Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) participated in the launch of a g…
'Philosophy is an Art of Living Together' on World Philosophy Day
New York, N.Y. Marking World Philosophy Day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) is encouraging people of the world to share t…
'Renewable Energy Limitless,' says U.N.'s Ban at Global Debate
New York, N.Y. Everyone involved in energy—governments, the private sector, investors and financial institutions, cities, and people everywhere–has understood that we can…
'Tolerance' is a Commitment to Seek in Our Diversity, and Unite Humanity
New York, N.Y. Underscoring the importance of tolerance, particularly in today's diverse world, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the head of the UN Educat…
'When Cultural Heritage is Under Attack, Human Rights are Also'
New York, N.Y. The destruction of cultural heritage is a violation of human rights, a United Nations-appointed expert said today, as the international criminal tribunal b…
3.6 million Iraqi children in danger and ‘relentlessly targeted,’ UN reports
New York, N.Y. One out of every five Iraqi children are at “serious risk” of death, injury, sexual violence, abduction and recruitment into armed groups, according to a n…
AFS: World Peace Begins with High School Exchanges
New York, N.Y. In World War I, there was a group of over 2,500 American men who did not join the U.S. Army. U.S. volunteers who came to France in WWI did so starting with…
Agreed: U.N. Renews Call for End to U.S. Embargo Against Cuba
New York, N.Y. For the 22nd consecutive year at the United Nations, the General Assembly yesterday adopted a resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and…
Ambassadors Awarded for Achievement in Global Goals
New York, N.Y. It’s a heady experience to be surrounded by world leaders, so it was a particular pleasure for me to attend a special celebration of the adoption of the ne…
At the UN: Co-hosting Conference on World Peace, Health and Culture
New York, N.Y. Recently I agreed to co-host the World Peace, Health and Culture Conference at the United Nations on behalf of Orphans International Worldwide (OIWW) , whi…
At U.N., Tennis Legend Says Human Rights and Sports ‘a Perfect Fit’
New York, N.Y. Tennis legend and gender equality activist Billie Jean King has had a stellar career in sports, identifying the boundaries that divide people and tearing t…
Ban Congratulates Sri Lanka on 1st Anniversary Political Transition
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the President of Sri Lanka, the Government and its citizens on the first year of the count…
Ban Ki-moon Urges 'Courageous Steps’ for Lasting Two-State Solution
Tel Aviv, Israel. Following a meeting this morning in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the lea…
Ban to Convene International Ebola Recovery Conference in New York
New York, N.Y. To help mobilize needed resources “in the last mile of the response” against the Ebola outbreak and to start the affected West African countries on the pat…
Ban Urges Countries Along Balkan Route to Keep Borders Open
New York, N.Y. Concerned with the increasing number of border restrictions along the Balkan land route, including in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and the Former Yug…
Central African Republic Needs Help Taking on 'Peacekeeping Chief'
New York N.Y. Recent unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR) demonstrates that the situation there remains fragile, and “spoilers are still active, on both sides,” t…
Decisive Action by Israel, Palestine Can Dispel View Peace Process ‘On Life Support’
New York, N.Y. Welcoming the recent stated commitment by Israeli and Palestinian leaders to a peaceful solution to the region’s most enduring crisis, the United Nations s…
Extreme Poverty Below 10%, Meeting U.N. 2030 Goal – World Bank
New York, N.Y. The World Bank announced today that extreme poverty is likely to fall to below 10 per cent this year, “giving fresh evidence that a quarter-century-long su…
France: UN Condemns Terrorist Attack on Crowds Celebrating Bastille Day in Nice
New York, N.Y. Senior officials from across the United Nations family today condemned the deadly attack in Nice, France, calling for stepped up efforts to fight terrorism…
Fútbol une a Presidente de Bolivia, diplomáticos y altos funcionarios de la ONU para poner fin a la violencia contra la mujer
Nueva York,, N.Y. El Presidente de Bolivia, Evo Morales, altos funcionarios y embajadores ante las Naciones Unidas hicieron hoy una pausa durante la Asamblea Genera l par…
Global Forced Displacement for 2015 Breaks Records at 60 Million
New York, N.Y. Forced displacement this year is likely exceed all previous records, for the first time topping 60 million, meaning that one out of every 122 persons on Ea…
Governments Must Act to Reverse Alarming Rise in Childhood Obesity
New York, N.Y. Facing a global epidemic in childhood obesity with the number of overweight children under five on track to jump from 42 million to 70 million over the nex…
Hailed, All-Female Indian Police Unit Departs U.N. Mission in Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia. “We see you as family,” Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently told the women of the all-female Indian police unit serving in her country un…
Honoring Young Leaders and Humanitarians at U.N. Mission
New York, N.Y. Fifteen years ago, I began a journey of unknown destination. Last week, we celebrated that journey - and the many people who have journeyed with us. Many d…
How Can We Help Orphans in Kenya - With 2.4 Million of Them?
By Jim Luce with Rebecca Aikman. Becca Aikman was just reflecting a few weeks ago on the New Year with me. We were still feeling the happy glow of the past holiday season…
Human Rights Chief Welcomes Pfizer Decision to Bar Execution Drug
New York, N.Y. The United Nations human rights chief today warmly welcomed the initiatives announced by pharmaceutical company Pfizer to ensure that the drugs it produces…
Humanitarian Organizations Call for Action to End Suffering in Syria
New York, N.Y. Outlining a series of immediate, practical steps that can improve humanitarian access and the delivery of aid to those in need inside Syria, more than 120…
Imminent Humanitarian Crisis in Greece Amid Disarray: U.N.
New York, N.Y. Europe faces an imminent humanitarian crisis, largely of its own making, following a rapid build-up of people in already over-stretched Greece, the United…
In New York, BMCC Students Speak at United Nations
New York, N.Y. Borough of Manhattan Community College/CUNY Computer Science major Hector Liang fell in love with New York City the first time he visited the city in 2012.…
In Sri Lanka: A Look at the Refugee Camp
Colombo, Sri Lanka. In the aftermath of Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism, there are many tears.The Tamil Tigers have been defeated, but 280,000 Sri Lankan Tamils are no…
Int'l. Volunteer Day: Ban Highlights Youth as Change Agents
New York, N.Y. “There are more than 1.2 billion youth in the world today, with incredible potential to tackle challenges and act as agents of change,” he said in his mess…
International Day of the Girl: Recognition by Global Community
New York, N.Y. Today is the International Day of the Girl Child . Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, October 11th now marks official recognition by t…
Israel Blocks Access, U.N. Human Rights Chief for Palestine Quits
New York, N.Y. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian territories is resigning due to Israel's failure to gran…
Jumping for Joy: Happiness Day 2016 at the United Nations
New York, N.Y. Over 700 people from all walks of life assembled in a large conference room in the United Nations headquarters last weekend to celebrate the International…
Lions Clubs International Focuses on Global Issues at U.N.
With Kristopher Kempski. New York, N.Y. On March 12, 2016, just a few days after International Women’s Day, more than 700 Lions, Leos, ambassadors and guests gathered at…
Live from Leogane: College Prep Leadership Training Begins for our Orphan Mentors
T he College Prep Leadership Training Program of Orphans International Worldwide ( OIWW ) Haiti launched this week at l'Ecole de la Redemption in Leogane, 18 miles west o…
Live Report: 200 Haitian Earthquake Survivors Interviewed for Ten Chinese Scholarships
Leogane, Haiti. We are 18 debris-strewn miles West of Port-au-Prince. I am leading an international NGO team in Haiti as part of the recovery and reconstruction here foll…
Live Report: Cement Dust Coats All of Haiti, as 9/11 Dust Coated New York
Leogane, Haiti. It is 5pm on our first full day in Haiti. Our relief team has achieved much, but we woke up - as most Haitians do - at 5am to make it all happen. We arriv…
New York Times Essay: First One Orphan, Then Many More
New York, N.Y. The United States has plenty of affluent do-gooders who are taken with the idea that with their experience and creativity they could harness expertise and…
On Albinism Awareness Day, Ban Called to End Discrimination
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all countries to end the discrimination that threatens the wellbeing, health and even the live…
Op-Ed: Please Don't Shoot the Messenger, Israel – Ban Ki-Moon
By U.N. Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon New York, N.Y. In Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, 2016 has begun much as 2015 ended — with unacceptable levels of v…
Rights Expert Praises Media to Shine Light on Homeless in San Francisco
New York, N.Y. The United Nations human rights expert on housing today commended a large media initiative in the US city of San Francisco aimed at bringing the issue of h…
Role of Young People, Technology in Future Development Agenda
Seoul, S. Korea. Continuing his official visit to Republic of Korea, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at two forums today highlighted the importance of youth,…
Schedule for International Day of Happiness at the United Nations
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS AT THE UNITED NATIONS Sunday, 20 March 2016 The Permanent Missions of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations The Permanent Mission of…
Shelter, Clean Water to Families Amid Iraq’s Mosul Offensive
New York, N.Y. With the military offensive still unfolding in Mosul, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) and the UN Children's Fund…
Six Years After Quake, ‘Deteriorating’ Situation for Those in Haiti Camps
New York, N.Y. Six years after the devastating earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people and left at least 1.5 million homeless, the United Nations is underlining t…
Sixteenth Annual Leadership Awards Reception Rocks New York
New York, N.Y. What an absolutely amazing event last week! The breadth of our activities over the last sixteen years blew me away. Our St. John’s University event, featur…
Slavery Remembrance Day: U.N. Shines Light on African Diaspora Legacy
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today highlighted the African diaspora's contributions to society, including culture, medicine, science and sp…
Soccer Unites President of Bolivia on Roosevelt Island, NYC
New York, N. Y. President of Bolivia Evo Morales, top officials and ambassadors to the UN took time out during the General Assembly today to play a football match to supp…
South Sudan ceasefire, U.N. Urges Safe Passage For Fleeing Civilians
New York, N.Y. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported that the ceasefire in the crisis-gripped country appears to be “largely holding, barring sp…
Spring into Action this Season with the J. Luce Foundation!
New York, N.Y. Spring 2016 is going to be the most exciting season the J. Luce Foundation has experienced since its inception. There are so many ways that you can get inv…
The Best Humanitarian Relief is to End the Conflict
New York, N.Y. Concluding a three-day mission to Yemen, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator today called on all warring parties to grant humanitarian access a…
TRASH: Ambassadors Awarded for Achievement in U.N. Global Goals
New York, N.Y. It’s definitely always a heady experience to be surrounded by world leaders, so it was a particular pleasure for me to attend a special celebration of the…
U.N. Calls for ‘Better Water, Better Jobs’ on World Water Day
New York, N.Y. With nearly half of the world’s workers employed in water-related sectors, sustainable access to safe water can change lives and livelihoods, the United Na…
U.N. Calls Out Israel After Reported Take-Over of West Bank Land
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for “substantial policy changes on the ground” by Israel, voicing deep concern at reports that the…
U.N. Demands Protection for Child Migrants Flooding into Europe
New York, N.Y. Child protection systems across Europe are completely overwhelmed as the rate of youngsters in the flood of refugees and migrants has soared to one in thre…
U.N. Expands Wildlife Protection Plan in Africa, Asia
New York, N.Y. A United Nations-backed partnership fun has approved an additional $40 million to expand its support of a global programme fighting against illegal traffic…
U.N. reaches families with food in the besieged town of Darayya
10 June 2016 – The United Nations World Food Programme ( WFP ) today announced it delivered food for the first time since 2012 to the besieged town of Darayya, a suburb o…
U.N. Refugee Projects Resettlement Needs At 1.19 Million In 2017
Gänserndorf, Austria – With a multitude of conflicts and crises causing record displacement around the world, more than 1.19 million people are projected to be in need of…
U.N. Stresses Need for Coherent Policies to End Child Labor
New York, N.Y. With some 168 million children working in various sectors globally, the fight against child labour requires coherent policy packages to support legislation…
U.N. Women Announces Anne Hathaway As Goodwill Ambassador
New York, NY – The United Nations entity tasked with promoting gender equality today announced the appointment of Academy Award-winning American actor Anne Hathaway as gl…
U.N.: Not One Child Untouched by Recent Gaza Conflict
New York, N.Y. There is not a single child who has not been adversely affected by the recent conflict in Gaza, where children suffer from bedwetting, difficulties in slee…
U.N.: WikiLeaks Founder Arbitrarily Detained by Sweden, U.K.
Geneva, Switzerland. Julian Assange, the founder of the WikiLeaks website, which published confidential diplomatic information, has been arbitrarily detained by Sweden an…
UNICEF Warns of Risk for Migrant Children Arriving in Europe
New York, N.Y. More than nine out of 10 refugee and migrant children arriving in Europe this year through Italy are unaccompanied, the United Nations Children's Fund ( UN…
World Autism Day, Young Filmmaker Interviews Ban Ki-moon
New York, N.Y. Young filmmaker Benjamin Rosloff’s visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and his interview with U.N.’s Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon.…
World Wildlife Day: U.N. Calls for Saving Planet’s Iconic Species
New York, N.Y. “Time is running out” to end wildlife poaching that threatens some of the world’s most iconic species, such as elephants, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sai…
‘Give Young People Decent Jobs and They Will Create Better Future’ – U.N. Chief
New York, N.Y. When young people have decent jobs, political weight, negotiating muscle and real influence in the world, they will create a better future, United Nations…
‘Looming’ Refugee Crisis as Women Flee Central America
New York, N.Y. Women in Central America and Mexico are fleeing their countries in rising numbers to escape a surge in deadly, unchecked gang violence, fuelling a looming…
‘Orange the World’ Campaign Effort to End Violence Against Girls, Women
New York, N.Y. From parades to soccer matches, school debates, and the lighting up of hundreds of iconic monuments, starting tomorrow a United Nations call to “Orange the…
‘Youth Lens’ Brings Development Challenges into Sharper Focus
New York, N.Y. The emerging United Nations-led sustainability agenda, to be crafted around a set of sustainable development goals, must be inspired by and inspiring for t…
2015 in Pictures: Review of Year’s Major Developments from U.N.
New York, N.Y. Looking back at the year 2015, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon summed it up in two words: “breakthrough and horror.” On the positive side, as…
2015 is Chance to Change History, Ban Tells U.N. Youth Forum
New York, N.Y. This generation of young people – the largest the world has ever seen – has a historic opportunity to end poverty, combat climate change, create jobs and f…
Age-Old Model of Healthy Living, Mediterranean Diet, Under Threat
New York, N.Y. The Mediterranean region is undergoing a “nutrition transition” away from its traditional diet, long revered as a model for healthy living and sustainable…
Angelique Kidjo, Peter Buffett Release Song to Support African Girls
New York, N.Y. I have been trying to interview Emmy Award-winning composer/philanthropist Peter Buffett for two years. I wrote about Grammy Award-winning UNICEF Goodwill…
As U.N. Marks Buddhist Holiday, Ban Pays Tribute to Victims of Nepal Earthquake
New York, N.Y. On the Day of Vesak, which acknowledges the contribution of Buddhism to the spirituality of humanity, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is payin…
At Srebrenica Memorial, U.N. Urges Action Against Future Atrocities
New York, N.Y. The international community has grown ever more vigilant to the warning signs of human rights abuses since the days of the tragic Srebrenica massacre twent…
Auschwitz Liberation at 70: 'We Are Being Tested Again'
New York, N.Y. Seventy years ago today, allied forces liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, United Nations Secretary-General…
Ban Condemns Racially Motivated Killings in S.C. as ‘Hateful Violence’
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the apparently racially motivated killings at an historic African American church in So…
Ban Ki-moon in Mid-East: Non-Violence Takes More Courage than Violence
New York, N.Y. Amid roiling tensions in the Middle East, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken to the airwaves to speak directly to the peoples of Israel…
Ban Ki-moon Unveils U.N.-Themed Sculpture in Central Park
New York, N.Y. As worldwide celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations kicked into high gear, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and a host of senior UN offici…
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Hosts Manhattan Soiree
By Sara Herbert-Galloway. New York, N.Y. John and Margo Catsimatidis , Francine LeFrak , and Pamela Newman hosted an exclusive reception at The Four Seasons Restaurant fo…
Child Mortality Rates Plunge by More than Half Since 1990
New York, N.Y. Child mortality rates have plummeted to less than half of what they were in 1990, but it is not enough to meet the Millennium Development Goal ( MDG ) of a…
Colombia: ‘Significant Progress’ Towards Final Peace Agreement
New York, N.Y. Following a recent upsurge in fighting between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Government, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today we…
European Border Restrictions on Refugees Violate Human Rights
New York, N.Y. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Balkan States today that border restrictions based on a refugee’s or migrant’s nationality infringed human rights, wit…
Fund Launch for Kids in Greece with Ancient Hellenic Ideals
New York, N.Y. The recent launch of the J. Luce Foundation 's Hellenic Fund to support children in Greece - whether economically distressed, orphaned, or refugee - was an…
Greek Refugee Centers Overstretched as Arrivals Hit Half Million Mark
New York, N.Y. As the number of refugee and migrant arrivals in Greece hits half a million, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) has…
Hellenic Fund Launching to Help Kids, including Refugees, in Hellas
New York, N.Y. I am pleased to announce that our Foundation will launch our Hellenic Fund to support children in Greece - whether economically distressed, orphaned, or re…
Human Space Flight Day: Advancing Boundaries of Exploration
New York, N.Y. Marking International Day of Human Space Flight, the United Nations today spotlighted the contribution of space science and technology to sustainable devel…
In Poland, 70th Anniversary of WWII End Remembered
Warsaw, Poland. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in Poland today at an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe,…
In Post-Quake Nepal, ‘Emergency Not Over Yet,’ Warns U.N. Relief Official
New York, N.Y. Three months after the first of the devastating earthquakes that hit Nepal, hundreds of thousands of survivors continue to require and rely on urgent human…
In Vietnam: U.N., IKEA Join Forces for Sustainable Forest Management
New York, N.Y. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) has teamed up with big-box retailer IKEA to launch a new initiative aimed at promoting the sus…
J. Luce Foundation Announces Bauer Fund on Anniversary
New York, N.Y. On this day, September 5, 2015, The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation announces the launch of The Bauer Fund, in honor and memory of Grant Michael Bauer, so…
Lauding Success in Fighting Hunger, U.N. Urges Sustained Commitment
New York, N.Y. Despite a rising global population and the perilous effects of climate change, the goal of eliminating hunger around the world remains within reach, Secret…
Madrid Conference: "Terrorism on the March" - Must be Stopped
New York, N.Y. Despite the world’s best efforts, “terrorism is on the march” and the violent ideas that fuel it are spreading, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moo…
Malala Yousafzai Urges Safe, Quality Education for Every Child
New York, N.Y. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly alongside 193 youth representatives from the Organization’s 193 Member States, Pakistani education advocate…
Marking World Toilet Day, U.N. urges 'Open, Frank' Discussion
New York, N.Y. On World Toilet Day, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is urging broad action to renew efforts in providing access to adequate sanitation for al…
More Midwife Training to Tackle Maternity, Child Deaths
New York, N.Y. Nearly 800 women continue to die every day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, the United Nations spotlighted as it marked the International Da…
Nepal: Quake’s Impact on Food Security ‘Very High’
New York, N.Y. Some eight million dollars is urgently needed to help disaster-struck Nepalese farmers rapidly recover lost agricultural inputs and resume preparations for…
New Measures to De-escalate Recent Violence in Colombia
New York, N.Y. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed yesterday’s announcements that the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP plan to institute new measures in de-esc…
On Children’s Day, World Remains ‘Deeply Unfair’ Place for Children
New York, N.Y. Marking Universal Children’s Day, the United Nations today highlighted that the world remains a “deeply unfair” place for the poorest and most disadvantage…
On International Day, Ban Calls on All to Act Charitably
New York, N.Y. On the International Day of Charity, marked annually on 5 September, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on people everywhere to volunt…
President of Sri Lanka Details County’s ‘New Vision’
New York, N.Y. After years of conflict, “a new era of democracy” dawned in Sri Lanka this year, ushering in justice, freedom and equality, the country’s President told th…
Real Breakthrough Needed to Protect Children from Abuse, U.N. Told
New York, N.Y. Millions of children are subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation, being sold and trafficked for prostitution, forced labour, illegal adoption or the tra…
Refugees are the Responsibility of the World – Peter Sutherland
New York, N.Y. Peter Sutherland is the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for International Migration. A strong advocate for the rights of mig…
RUSH: Russell Simmons Family Supporting the Arts in New York
With Alana Galloway. New York, N.Y. I first met Russell Simmons several years ago at the United Nations. We chatted about meditation and the earthquake in Haiti. I was in…
Sendai: World Leaders Gather for Disaster Risk Conference
Sendai, Japan. In Bangladesh, an innovative “disaster resilient village” was built in Shymnagar for a coastal village wiped out after Cyclone Aila. World leaders are gath…
Slavery Abolition Day: Beware Trafficking of Refugees, Migrants
New York, N.Y. With over 60 million people driven from their homes and millions more crossing borders to seek a better life, the risk of mounting human trafficking and en…
So Many In Need, it's Hopeless? Quandary of Assisting Youth in Greece
New York, N.Y. The needs of children and young adults in Greece are enormous. The problems there are so insurmountable that the Greek government alone cannot solve them.…
Top U.N. Refugee Official Thanks Greece for Response to Arrivals
New York, N.Y. During a two-day mission to Greece – the main European Union entry point for nearly 450,000 refugees and migrants so far this year – the United Nations’ mo…
U.N. Adopts New Global Goals for Sustainable Development
New York, N.Y. The 193-Member United Nations General Assembly today formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a set of bold new Global Goal…
U.N. Agency Urges Dominican Republic Not to Deport Haitians
New York, N.Y. The Dominican Republic must ensure that people whose citizenship was thrown into question by a 2013 ruling of the Constitutional Court will not be deported…
U.N. Agency Urges Jordan to Allow 12,000 Desperate Syrian Refugees Stranded at Border
New York, N.Y. Amid worsening conditions inside Syria, the United Nations refugee agency today expressed grave concern for nearly 12,000 people trying to flee the country…
U.N. Calls for ‘Urgent Measures’ in Promoting Girls’ Education
Geneva, Switzerland. Although the empowerment of women has been among the most significant achievements of the past century, the international community must “push furthe…
U.N. Chief Calls for Efforts to 'Fill World with Happiness'
New York, N.Y. Happiness for the entire human family is one of the main goals of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared, as the Organization kicked-of…
U.N. Concerned Over Uncertainty in Haiti, Urges Power Transfer
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern today over growing political uncertainty in Haiti and urged the two candidates in the pr…
U.N. Demands End to Use of Child Soldiers
New York, N.Y. From Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the world's conflicts become more brutal, intense and widespread, children are finding t…
U.N. Hails Austria, Germany for Helping Migrants
New York, N.Y. As Austria and Germany begin receiving thousands of refugees and migrants who crossed the border last night from Hungary, the United Nations refugee agency…
U.N. Human Rights Chief: Czech Republic Should Halt Detention of Migrants, Refugees
New York, N.Y. The top United Nations human rights official today strongly criticized the detention of migrants and refugees in the Czech Republic, drawing attention to t…
U.N. Kicks off International Women's Day Celebration, Gender Equality
New York, N.Y. In India, women carry food. Photo: World Bank/Curt Carnemark6 March 2015 – Despite great strides in the advancement of gender parity, women still lag behin…
U.N. Launches ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ to Better Prisons
New York, N.Y. The United Nations today launched the Revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, dubbed the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules,’ which Secretary-Gen…
U.N. Races to Deliver Aid as Powerful New Quake Hits Nepal
New York, N.Y. A new earthquake measuring 7.3 in magnitude has struck Nepal today killing at least 40 people, according to information received by the United Nations, jus…
U.N. Recommends Taxing Tobacco to Curb Deadly Global Epidemic
New York, N.Y. Only one in 10 of people now live in countries that levy taxes of more than 75 per cent on a pack of cigarettes despite the fact that raising taxes on toba…
U.N. Refugee Agency Seeks to Protect Displaced Gays Facing Violence
New York, N.Y. With lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in forced displacement facing discrimination, prejudice, violence and other hurdles…
U.N. Security Council Calls for Eradicating ISIS Safe Havens
New York, N.Y. The United Nations Security Council this evening called on all countries that can do so to take the war on terrorism to Islamic State-controlled territory…
U.N. to Unveil Memorial to Victims of Transatlantic Slave Trade
New York, N.Y. A permanent memorial to honour the victims of one of the most horrific tragedies of modern history will be revealed at United Nations Headquarters in New Y…
U.N. Urges Greece, Europe to Boost Humanitarian Response
New York, N.Y. The escalating refugee crisis in Greece is continuing, with migrant arrivals accelerating “dramatically,” the United Nations warned today, urging the Greek…
U.N. Urges Kenya to Reconsider Displacing 350,000 Refugees
New York, N.Y. The United Nations refugee agency today urged Kenyan authorities to reconsider their decision to shut down within the next three months Dadaab refugee camp…
U.N. Urges Mexico to End 'Misery' of Enforced Disappearances
New York, N.Y. Despite significant progress towards building a solid human rights framework, the Mexican Government must nevertheless “bind itself to a new sense of urgen…
U.N. Welcomes Demobilization of Child Soldiers Amid Signs of Peace
New York, N.Y. The United Nations Children's Fund ( UNICEF ) is celebrating the release of some 3,000 South Sudanese child soldiers today in what is being hailed as one o…
U.N. Welcomes Expanded E.U. Support to Refugees Fleeing Conflict
New York, N.Y. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees today welcomed a decision by the European Union (EU) to increase resources for humanitarian assistance co…
U.N., World Condemns ‘Despicable’ Terrorist Attacks in Paris
New York, N.Y. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council have condemned the “despicable" terrorist attacks carried out today in various locati…
U.N.: Flow of Refugee and Migrant Children into Greece Doubles
New York, N.Y. About a third of the refugees and migrants who have drowned in the Aegean Sea this year were children, while the number of children applying for asylum in…
U.N.: Gaza Still in Crisis One Year after Hostilities - Recovery Needed
Gaza, Palestine. One year after the escalation of hostilities in Gaza, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Robert Piper, t…
U.N.: Persons with Disabilities Need Better Social Protection Systems
New York, N.Y. States should make their social protection systems more inclusive for persons with disabilities, rather than pursuing models that often lock them into a cy…
U.N.: Refugee Sea Arrivals in Greece Approach 400,000
New York, N.Y. The United Nations refugee agency said today that, despite adverse weather conditions, refugee and migrant arrivals in Greece this year are expected to hit…
U.N.: Refugees Must be Dealt with as Human Beings
New York, N.Y. Refugees have to be dealt with as human beings, and the broader migrant community, including economic migrants, cannot be dismissed “with a wave of the han…
U.N.: Violence Against Women and Girls ‘Shames Every Society'
New York, N.Y. Voicing concern over the continued killing of women and girls, the United Nations anti-crime chief today issued a strong call to end such acts, as well as…
UNHCR: Migrant Women and Children Face Sex Abuse
Washington, D.C. The United Nations refugee agency is warning that migrant women and children traveling to Europe are particularly subject to sex abuse, calling on countr…
UNICEF Proposes Fund for Education in Emergencies
New York, N.Y. Two senior United Nations officials today proposed the establishment of a humanitarian fund for education in emergencies that would offer millions of the w…
Volunteers Contribute to U.N. Global Development Agenda’s Success
New York, N.Y. Volunteers are playing a vital role in making governments worldwide more accountable and responsive to their citizens, but their potential is seriously und…
With 1,000+ Refugees Arriving Daily, Greek Islands Under Severe Strain
Athens, Greece. Close to 1,000 refugees are now arriving on the Greek islands every day, creating an unprecedented emergency for Greece and other countries, the U.N. refu…
World AIDS Day with 'New Hope' as Momentum Builds to End by 2030
New York, N.Y. The first World AIDS Day since political leaders committed to ending the epidemic by 2030 as part of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (…
World AIDS Day: UNICEF Urges More Investment, Access to Treatment
New York, N.Y. An estimated 1.1 million HIV infections among children under 15 have been averted, but disparity in access to treatment is hampering progress towards reach…
World Environment Day: 7 Billion People Must Be Agents Of Change
New York, N.Y. With many of the earth's ecosystems nearing “critical tipping points,” the United Nations invited each of the seven billion people on the planet to mark th…
World Health Organization Report Links Meat to Cancer
New York, N.Y. The cancer research arm of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has determined that the consumption of processed meats like hotdogs, ham, sausages and mea…
World Water Day 2015: Pursuit of Better Water Access for All
New York, N.Y. As the perils of climate change increasingly threaten the planet, the international community must unite in “a spirit of urgent cooperation” to address the…
Ban Says World Must Press Ahead on Equal Rights for LGBT Community
New York, N.Y. Bringing homophobia and transphobia to an end is “a great human rights cause,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, adding that the fight against disc…
Ban-ki Moon Designates Leonardo DiCaprio U.N. Messenger of Peace
New York, N.Y. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has designated Academy Award-nominated actor and committed environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio, as a U.N…
Ban: Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Must Inspire Nuke-Free Future
New York, N.Y. Remembering all those who died in the bombing of Hiroshima and, later, Nagasaki, some 69 years ago, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said…
No Surprise: Russia Vetoes Resolution on Ukraine
New York, N.Y. A view of the Security Council as Vitaly I. Churkin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the U.N., vetoes a draft resolution which declar…
On World Teachers' Day, U.N. Agencies Urge Investing in Educators
New York, N.Y. Investing in teachers is urgently needed to provide the best possible opportunities for millions of children, youth and adults worldwide, the heads of vari…
U.N. Marks World Day Against Death Penalty: End ‘Cruel Practice’
New York, N.Y. The continuing application of the death penalty is a “cruel practice” that undermines human dignity, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said as h…
U.N. Urges Greater Protections for People with Dementia
New York, N.Y. A United Nations independent expert today called on Member States to do more to protect older people affected by dementia from stigmatization, discriminati…
U.N.: 'We Must Leave No One Behind' to End AIDS by 2030
New York, N.Y. Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 requires a comprehensive approach that includes social justice, the democratization of science, gender equity, and a peopl…
U.N.: 3,700 Children Orphaned by Ebola, Lives Shattered
New York, N.Y. Amid a climbing death toll and widespread panic, the Ebola outbreak continues to ravage West Africa leaving thousands of orphaned children in its wake, an…
U.N.: Israeli Demolition of Homes Contrary to International Law
New York, N.Y. The Israeli Government’s use of house demolition as a punitive measure in response to alleged acts of violence by Palestinians must end immediately, two Un…
U.N.: Nearly $1 Billion Needed to Combat Ebola Outbreak
New York, N.Y. The United Nations announced today that it would need nearly $1 billion for an exceptional, international response to Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with S…
Young Global Leader Nabs Harvard Master's Degree – at Sixteen
New York, N.Y. When I first met Eugenie Carys de Silva last spring on Central Park South in New York City, I was overwhelmed with her academic credentials. Living with he…
Angelina Jolie & U.K., U.N. on Preventing Sexual Violence
London, U.K. Sexual violence is used in conflict as a way to humiliate and destroy communities. A culture of impunity means that millions of women, children and men who h…
At Clinton Forum, Western Union Highlights 'NGO GlobalPay'
New York, N.Y. I was delighted to breakfast with my friends at Western Union at the Clinton Global Initiative ( CGI ) this week, including its President and CEO Hikmet Er…
Charity Contributes to Dialogue, Solidarity & Understanding
New York, N.Y. Poverty persists in all countries of the world, regardless of their economic, social and cultural situation, particularly in developing countries. Yet, ch…
First Person: A Japanese Dinner with Raul Castro’s Daughter
New York, N.Y. Taking my shoes off in the private alcove of the exclusive Japanese dining room, I open the shoji screen to reveal a beautiful 12- tatami mat room complete…
From the U.N. to the E.U.: Strengthening Voices for Democracy
New York, N.Y. Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and the…
Happy Birthday: Marking 68 Years of the U.N.
New York, N.Y. Marking the 68th birthday of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the annual celebration offers a chance to recognize the invaluable cont…
J. Luce Foundation Welcomes New Executive Staff
New York, N.Y. Please join me in welcoming two new members of the J. Luce Foundation executive staff: Jeremy Hu and Nigel Roberts. Jeremy serves as our foundation's execu…
Lang Lang Designated Messenger of Peace by Ban Ki-Moon
New York, N.Y. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today designated world-renowned pianist Lang Lang from China as a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special focus on g…
Nelson Mandela International Day Announced by the United Nations
New York, N.Y. Nelson Mandela is about to be released from the hospital, his health condition now stabilized. A South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician,…
Photo of the Day - Children in IDP Camp, Yemen
These young boys are living at the Al Mazrak IDP camp. Children in Yemen continue to be recruited and used by armed groups while women and girls are vulnerable to gender-…
Photo of the Day - May 18, 2013
South Sudanese Returnees Board Plane for Journey Home Malakal, South Sudan. Today in Malakal, South Sudan, 150 returnees line up to board a plane chartered by the Interna…
Photo of the Day: U.N. Observer in Democratic Republic of the Congo
MONUSCO Observation Mission on Munigi Hill, Goma U.N. Photo/Sylvain Liecht. Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto Dos Santos Cruz, Force Commander of the U.N. Organization St…
Photos of the Day: May 8, 2013 at the United Nations
Secretary-General Meets President of Republic of Korea United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) meets with Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea.…
U.N. Global Campaign to Assist Neglected Humanitarian Missions
New York, N.Y. The United Nations launched a fundraising campaign today, which marks the fifth annual celebration of World Humanitarian Day . This month-long fundraising…
U.N. Panel Urges Uruguay to Reconsider New Cannabis Sale Law
United Nations, N.Y. The United Nations reported today that the independent U.N. body tasked with monitoring the production and consumption of narcotics worldwide today u…
U.N. to D.R.: Don't Let Haitian-Dominicans Lose Nationality
New York, N.Y. The United Nations human rights office this week urged the Government of the Dominican Republic to take all necessary measures to ensure that citizens of H…
United Nations' International Day Mine Awareness
International Day of Mine Awareness in Somalia. Section of ground is cordoned off during demonstration held by the United Nations Mine Action Service in Mogadishu. Tweet
Who Knew: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Long Island
Long Island, N.Y. Call me “Long Island Ignorant,” but I was completely amazed to experience the Tilles Center for Performing Arts on the C.W. Post campus of Long Island U…
"One Day on Earth" Film Premieres at U.N.
The film premiered this week at the United Nations and around the world. Photo: U.N. United Nations, N.Y. This week I was extremely pleased to view a special, global scre…
Ambassador: From the Killing Fields to the White House
New York, N.Y. I first met Ambassador Sichan Siv in 2004 when I was invited to hear him speak at the imposing Women's Republican National Club, just north of Rockefeller…
Art Students League's "Scroll for Japan" Benefit
T he Art Students League of New York, one of America's premier art schools, will be unveiling Baptism of Concrete Estuary , an amazing and historic 30-foot-long scroll by…
Charlie Rangel Honored at Uni Haiti Gala for his Efforts to Rebuild Haiti
New York, N.Y. Congressman Charles B. Rangel was honored by The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation with its Humanitarian Award for his decades of work to encourage developm…
Instilling Hope: First Step in Effective Development
Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Most of us agree that Pol Pot ’s despotic regime in Cambodia marked one of the darkest periods of the 20th century, with a death toll of some two mi…
J. Luce Foundation: Banner Year for Supporting Young Global Citizens
New York, N.Y. 2012: Luce Leaders, Luce Awards, Million Dollar P.R. Packages, work in India, Afghanistan, Haiti - as well as Africa and the Americas. Help us end the year…
Photo of the Day - Sept. 8, 2012
Classes Start Again for Young Palestinians at UNRWA School A close-up of a Palestinian girl during one of the first classes of the new academic year, at a school in Gaza…
Skadden Hosts 12th Annual J. Luce Foundation Year End Celebration
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, Inc. Invites you to our 12th Annual Year-End Champagne Reception Hosted by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP With Orphans Int…
Stewardship Report on Target at Clinton Global Initiative
New York, N.Y. At the Clinton Global Initiative ( CGI ) 2012, Bill Clinton, Queen Rania, Ban Ki-moon, and the head of the World Bank discussed that an enormous need for m…
Through a Pinhole: Photographing Sri Lanka's Architectural Heritage
New York, N.Y. I met an incredible individual, Liz Doles , who also happens to be a talented artist last week at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the U.N. We bonded…
U.N. to Celebrate Buddhist International Day of Vesak Tonight
United Nations, N.Y. Vesak – “Buddha's Birthday” – is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the Parinirvãna (passing…
Felice Friedson & The Media Line Bring Balance to Issues in the Mideast
New York, N.Y. When Felice Friedson brought Palestinian journalists to Israel's parliament for the first time, the powerful chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and De…
Thwarting the Machiavellian Use of Human Shields
The nature of contemporary conflicts has posed new challenges to the concept of the protection of civilians. The LTTE terrorist group, for example, made the Tamil civilia…
Ambassador Returns to Sri Lanka, Visits Orphanage at Payagala
By Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Nations Galle, Sri Lanka. I went home to Sri Lanka unexpectedly for just a few days in June. Of course, one of…
Brooklyn Steppers March Forward, Giving to Community, Gaining in Process
Brooklyn, N.Y. In high school I had been manager of our marching band in Ohio. It was a grueling task, but rewarding to see my friends play and march so well. The program…
Cambodian Children's Hospital Benefits In N.Y. & L.A.
New York, N.Y. I have been a friend of Friends Without A Border (FWAB), the international fundraising source of the Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), for several years.…
Can the World's Poorest Girls Save the MDGs?
New York, N.Y. The United Nations is riveted this week on how badly our leaders are doing to achieve the Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs ). One woman of action, a glo…
Chatting with UNICEF's Director Ann Veneman
New York, N.Y. I met UNICEF 's executive director Ann M. Veneman recently at Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden's World Childhood Foundation luncheon at the United Nation…
Dr. Judy on Trauma of Disasters - like Haitian Earthquake
Dr. Judy Kuriansky trained local Boy Scouts to be "comforters" in the wake of the earthquake that recently destroyed Haiti. The patients were also grateful that anyone ca…
Failed States: Index Quantifies that Feeling in My Gut
United Nations, N.Y. What is a failed state? Building orphanages and orphan care programs around the world, I have dealt in terrible conditions, where the government - an…
Film Shown at U.N. Donor Conference on Collapse of Haiti's Presidential Palace
Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The film "Thirty-Five Long Seconds: Haiti's Deadly Earthquake" was screened recently as part of the recent Donor's Conference at the United Nations…
In Sri Lanka: Explaining the Tamil Tigers
Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) are considered a terrorist organization by 32 countries. Their soldiers wore cyanide vials for consumption upon capture. They…
Jim Luce on the United Nations
Jim Luce founded Orphans Interantional Worldwide ( OIWW ), an NGO that affiliated with the United Nations in 2006, where OIWW's fifth anniversary ceelbration was held. Ji…
Meet a Muslim Voice of Reason: Ibrahim Ramey
Washington D.C. I first met Ibrahim Abdil-Mu'id Ramey after he delivered the plenary speech about Dr. Martin Luther King and the linkage between Dr. King's movement and t…
Orphans International Movement to Help Kids Around the World
New York, N.Y. When I founded Orphans International Worldwide ( OIWW ) in 1999, I had no idea it would grow into an international movement. A Google search today reveals…
Spectacular Sold-Out Premiere of Anti-Child Trafficking Film in NYC
New York, N.Y. Cambodian Parliament Member Mu Sochua received a standing ovation from the sold-out, standing room-only crowd at the red carpet world premier of REDLIGHT l…
The Stewardship Report Announces Editorial Calendar
New York, N.Y. A bright new face has been added to the crowded Web, drawing a large readership and uploading more than 900 stories in its first twelve weeks. Still in sof…
2,870 Mayors for Peace: Does Yours Belong?
New York, N.Y . 2,870 cities in 134 countries. That's how many cities have committed themselves to not being a nuclear target by joining the U.N.-associated Mayors for Pe…
Hip Campaign from World's Oldest Humanitarian Program
Geneva, Switzerland. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent can be best understood as a collection of pieces building a whole. In my first piece, I told the story o…
Sundance Film Afghan Star Incredible
New York, N.Y. Thirty years ago people could sing and dance in Afghanistan. Then the Taliban took control, instituted Sharia law and, as described in the film The Kite Ru…
Women for Peace Concert at the U.N. General Assembly
T onight I find myself at the performance of Women for Peace at the U.N. General Assembly, hosted by Mrs. Ban Soon-taek. This show has African drummers, the Drum Café Dan…