United nations international year

The year 2008 has been proclaimed International Year of Languages by the United Nations General Assembly. UNESCO, which has been entrusted with the task of coordinating activities for the Year, is determined to fulfil its role as lead agency. The Organization is fully aware of the crucial importance of languages when seen against the many challenges that humanity will have to face over the next few decades. Languages are indeed essential to the identity of groups and individuals and to their peaceful coexistence. They constitute a strategic factor of progress towards sustainable development and a harmonious relationship between the global and the local context. They are of utmost importance in achieving the six goals of education for all (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on which the United Nations agreed in 2000. As factors of social integration, languages effectively play a strategic role in the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger (MDG 1); as supports for … [Read more...] about Message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, on the celebration of 2008, International Year of Languages

International Mother International Mother Language Day, celebrated on 21 February every year since 2000, will also mark this year the start of the International Year of Languages proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, which has entrusted its coordination to UNESCO. "Far from being a field reserved for analysis by specialists, languages lie at the heart of all social, economic and cultural life. That is the meaning of the slogan launched by UNESCO for the International Year of Languages: Languages matter!" said UNESCO’s Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura in his special message for International Mother Language Day. Vital carriers of the identity of groups and individuals, languages are not all treated as equals. It is estimated that more than 50% of some 6,700 languages spoken in the world are threatened with extinction in the long term, and on the average of every two weeks, a language ceases to be spoken. According to experts, 96% of languages are spoken by … [Read more...] about International Year of Languages to be launched at UNESCO

(Cinet)- Held in May 2008 (lunar calendar), the festival lasts within a week from 14 – 18 May at Centre of National Conference (located in My Dinh, Hanoi). The 2008 United Nations Buddha’s great festival day will be host by the Government of Vietnam. This is a great and significant event, which is the first time to be held in Vietnam. Yesterday afternoon, 28 November, the national coordinating Board organized and announced the 2008 Vesak great festival day in front of domestic and international press. Superior Buddhist monk, Thich Thanh Tu, Deputy Chairman of Standing Council of Vietnam Buddhist Church, and Vice-head of the national Coordinating Board held the 2008 Vesak great festival day and affirmed this festival is a valuable chance in the 2000 –year history of Vietnam Buddhist. This is not only a religious activity of the world Buddhist Church but also a special cultural festival. The Vesak great festival day is a celebrating one, named “Mortar” … [Read more...] about The 2008 United Nations Buddha’s great festival day will be taken place in Hanoi

(Cinet) – On December 15, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Thua Thien-Hue provincial People's Committee will coordinate with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the departments and agencies of Thua Thien – Hue province to organize closing ceremony of the National Tourism Year Northern Central Coastal area - Hue 2012 with the theme "heritage tourism".It is expected that the closing ceremony will be attended by about 400 delegates representing the central leadership, Thua Thien - Hue Province and other provinces and cities in the country with 2,400 spectators as armed units, police, universities, colleges, vocational schools and some typical hotel in the  Hue city. After the holidays are activities to review, evaluate, reward and hand flag, the closing ceremony will take place lively and attractive with  cultural and ats programs, featured  Northen Central imprints, especially Hue culture in harmony with Vietnamese culture. … [Read more...] about Preparing for the closing ceremony of the National Tourism Year Northern Central Coastal Area – Hue 2012

(Cinet)– On December 05, Australian Embassy in Vietnam held an exhibition with the theme “Development Cooperation” An exhibition of 80 photos featuring Australian volunteers working in Viet Nam is on display at the Australian Embassy, N8 Dao Tan Street, Ha Noi to celebrate United Nations' International Volunteer Day which fell on December 5 and 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia (February 26, 1973 – February 26, 2013). The colour photos of unique moments were taken by the volunteers themselves, and provide insight into their lives and the lives of the people they work with and support. About 80 volunteers are currently working in placements strongly aligned with the Australian Government's aid priorities in Viet Nam. Volunteers have contributed to Viet Nam since the two countries established official diplomatic relations in 1973. They are on short and long-term assignments to support non-government organisations, … [Read more...] about Photo exhibition celebrates International Volunteer Day

(Cinet)- World Tourism Day is on September 27th. It has been going since 1980 and has become one of the most important events of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as well as many countries in the world including Vietnam. The World Tourism Day 2013 with the theme “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future” aims to underline tourism´s responsibility and needed commitment to preserving the world´s vital water resources. This year's World Tourism Day ( WTD ) theme focuses on tourism's significant role and contribution to worldwide water conservation efforts. The theme is in line with the UN General Assembly's declaration of 2013 as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation, providing the opportunity to further highlight the shared responsibility of the tourism sector to the wider sustainability objectives. As a trillion dollar economic sector, tourism is a powerful force capable of tackling … [Read more...] about World Tourism Day 2013: ‘Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future’