In spite of everything, a culture of peace is emerging in all fields of human endeavour
monthly, year 20th, no. 295 – 13th November 2020
Good News Agency carries positive and constructive news from all over the world relating to voluntary work, the work of the United Nations, non governmental organizations and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life – news that doesn’t “burn out” in the space of a day. It is distributed free of charge through Internet to media and editorial journalists, NGOs, service associations and high schools and colleges around the world.
It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, an educational charity associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information It is a supporter of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace. In the final report of the Decade for a Culture of Peace project (2001-2010) provided to the UN Secretary-General for presentation to the UN General Assembly, Good News Agency is included among the three NGOs that have been playing an active role in the field of Information through Internet.*
International legislation – Human rights – Economy and development – Solidarity
Peace and security – Health – Energy and Safety – Environment and wildlife
Religion and spirituality – Culture and education
United Nations – General Assembly – Seventy-fifth session – Second Committee – Agenda item 19 (h) – Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
21 October 2020 – The General Assembly (…)
10. Calls upon Governments to expand the use of renewable energy beyond the power sector, taking into account national priorities and constraints, to industry, heating and cooling, construction and infrastructure and, in particular, the transport sector, (…);
12. Calls for strengthened cooperation at the regional level to promote innovation and facilitate financing, support regional cross-border power grid connectivity, as appropriate, to advance economic integration and sustainable development and share best practices that are responsive to regional needs with regard to Sustainable Development Goal 7 and its interlinkages with the other Sustainable Development Goals, and in this regard encourages Governments to reinforce their energy interconnections, connecting regional energy markets and increasing energy security at the global level; (…)
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/LTD/N20/281/27/pdf/N2028127.pdf?OpenElement
News related with SDGs number 13-Climate Action
United Nations – General Assembly – Seventy-fifth session – Second Committee – Agenda item 19 (g) – Harmony with Nature
20 October 2020 – The General Assembly (…)
5. Decides to continue to observe International Mother Earth Day annually on 22 April, requests the Secretary-General to provide continuing support, and encourages Member States to observe the International Day at the national level; (…)
8. Calls for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development, in its three dimensions, that will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of the Earth’s ecosystems; (…)
13. Reaffirms the commitment at the very heart of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind and commit to taking more tangible steps to support people in vulnerable situations and the most vulnerable countries and to reach the furthest behind first;
14. Recognizes that the well-being of humanity depends on the health and integrity of nature, and calls upon the international community to consider the COVID-19 recovery as a unique opportunity to build back better towards more sustainable and inclusive economies and societies in harmony with nature; (…)
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/LTD/N20/279/47/pdf/N2027947.pdf?OpenElement
News related with SDGs number 15-Life on Land
COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2020/1464 of 12 October 2020 on the promotion of effective arms export controls
13 October 2020 – THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (…)
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 31(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (…)
(11) On 28 May 2018 the UN Secretary-General presented his agenda on disarmament, entitled ‘Securing Our Common Future’. Transparency in military activities, such as reporting on arms imports and exports, promotes democratic accountability and responsible governance. The activities supported through this Decision contribute to the objectives of that agenda, as well as to Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
This Regulation sets out provisions necessary for the implementation and functioning of the Union renewable energy financing mechanism (the ‘mechanism’).
Article 2
1. For the purpose of promoting peace and security, and in line with the European Security Strategy and the Global Strategy for the Union’s foreign and security policy, the Union shall pursue the following objectives:
(a) promoting effective controls on arms exports by third countries in accordance with the principles set out in Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and in the ATT, and seeking, where appropriate, complementarity and synergies with Union assistance projects in the field of export controls on dual-use goods; and
(b) supporting third countries’ efforts at national and regional levels to render trade in conventional weapons more responsible and transparent, and to mitigate the risk of the diversion of arms to unauthorised users.
2. The Union shall pursue the objectives referred to in paragraph 1 through the following project activities:
(a) (…)
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
United Nations – General Assembly – Human Rights Council – Forty-fifth session – Agenda item 3 – The right to development
12 October 2020 – The Human Rights Council, (…)
19. Encourages all States to cooperate with and to assist the Expert Mechanism in its tasks, and to supply all necessary information requested, where available, for the fulfilment of the mandate entrusted to it;
20. Requests the Special Rapporteur to participate in relevant international dialogues and policy forums relating to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including the high-level political forum on sustainable development, financing for development, climate change and disaster risk reduction with a view to enhance the integration of the right to development in these forums and dialogues, (…)
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G20/259/85/pdf/G2025985.pdf?OpenElement
News related with SDGs number 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2020/1366 of 23 September 2020 on an EU mechanism for preparedness and management of crises related to migration (Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint)
1 October 2020 – THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION (…) HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:
News related with SDGs number 10-Reduced Inequalities
Liberia: Universal Human Rights International Honors U.S. Congressman for Championing Green Card, Temporary Protection Status Bill
(by Gerald C. Koinyen)
9 November 2020 - The Universal Human Rights International (UHRI) Inc. has embarked on its campaign to liberate Liberians suffering at home and abroad with the honoring of Massachusetts' champion of TPS and the Green Card bill, Congressman Jim McGovern. The group, on behalf of the Liberian refugees in the United States, also posthumously honored the late Congressman Joe Moakley and Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy for their compassion and fairness in considering their plights during their time of needs. In a Zoom meeting recently with Congressman McGovern, the founder of the UHR, Torli Kruah, on behalf of the group of Liberians, said the U.S. officials were the only people that went to their aid when the government and several religious institutions turned their backs on them.
https://allafrica.com/stories/202011100305.html//
The Human Rights Act at 22: What next for the landmark legislation?
(by Seth Farsides)
9 November 2020 - 22 years ago, on 9 November 1998 the Human Rights Act received Royal Assent, incorporating the fundamental rights and freedoms set out in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into British law. Yet, while the Act has protected Britons’ universal rights since its commencement in October 2000, it has never been universally popular. Speaking at the time of the Act passing into law, Shadow Attorney General Sir Nicholas Lyell said: “Although we have opposed aspects of the Bill, we now wish it well and hope that it will be implemented effectively, to the benefit of the citizenry as a whole.” Despite initial scepticism from some, the Act has become a vital protection for everyone living under its scope. Its articles, amongst other things, safeguard: the right to life; freedom from torture; the right to a fair trial; freedom of expression and the right to free elections. Thanks to the Human Rights Act and the ECHR, the right for UK citizens to be treated as equals regardless of gender, sexuality, race or age are protected by law.
https://observatoryihr.org/news/the-human-rights-act-at-22-what-next-for-the-landmark-legislation//
First international day against violence, bullying and cyberbullying
5 November 2020 - UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, established the international day in November 2019. The theme of this first observance is “Together against Bullying in school”.
UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - established the annual day at its 40th General Conference in November 2019, recognizing that bullying in schools and cyberbullying is an infringement of children's and adolescents' rights to education and to health and well-being.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2020-11/unesco-international-day-bully-cyberbully.html//
News related with SDGs number 10-Reduced Inequalities
“Inequalities and Inclusion: Intersectionalities in Education” were at the center of the debate in CLADE’s Assembly
3 November 2020 - Today, Tuesday November 3, the virtual development of the 11th Regional Assembly of the Latin American Campaign for the Right to Education (CLADE) was continued. This time, inequalities were addressed as the central node of education in Latin America and the Caribbean. The panel was entitled “Inequalities, inclusion and education: intersectionalities” and the meeting was held in partnership with the Bolivian Campaign for the Right to Education (CBDE), Oxfam IBIS and the Popular Education Network among Women in Latin America and the Caribbean (REPEM).
News related with SDGs number 10-Reduced Inequalities
Amnesty launches human rights learning app to equip next generation of activists
29 October 2020 - Amnesty International has launched Amnesty Academy, a free human rights learning app which aims to educate the next generation of human rights defenders on a host of topics including freedom of expression, digital security, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Learners around the world will be able to access courses ranging from 15 minutes to 15 hours in over 20 languages, including Urdu, Bangla, Hungarian, Korean, Russian, Thai, Czech and Turkish. All courses can be downloaded within the app, which is available on iOS and Android devices, allowing for offline learning.
CALGARY - Enbridge Sets New Environmental, Social and Governance Goals for the Future
6 November 2020: - Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB) (NYSE: ENB) today announced expanded environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and targets[1] related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and diversity and inclusion as well as increasing transparency and accountability of our ESG priorities and results. Setting goals in areas core to our business and stakeholders is just one of the ways Enbridge is further integrating ESG into strategy, operations and decision-making. Enbridge’s ESG goals include:
Enbridge’s ESG goals support the Company’s strategic priorities to optimize its core energy delivery businesses and execute on the Company’s capital program with emphasis on modernization, technology and innovation. They also contribute to strengthening Enbridge’s ability to capture new growth opportunities and adapt to a lower-carbon future over time, building on the Company’s significant expansion into natural gas and our rapidly growing renewables portfolio.
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
ITALY – Piedmont natural gas employees saved house in Nashville to give students a Home
6 November 2020 – Piedmont Natural Gas in Nashville is used to doing good work. But there’s one project that has employees really enthusiastic. Tami Sturges had the idea. Instead of demolishing a house in the path of a natural gas pipeline project, she asked, could we do something productive with the house? The company bought the three-bedroom house in Nashville’s West End intending to demolish it. That’s when Stephen Francescon, Piedmont’s community relations manager, turned to Monroe Harding, a nonprofit that provides foster care and supportive housing for young people. Of Francescon’s 13 years with Piedmont, he points to this project as a favorite. “It really struck a chord,” he said. “The employees love it, the good coming from this effort, and want to help.” Piedmont provided the bed frames and mattresses, and the staff held a Stock the House drive over the summer, with employees donating a variety of goods, including a refrigerator. Once outfitted, the house just needed tenants. Deciding who moves in isn’t easy. “We have a process to try to make sure we’re mindful of neighbors, the community and the young adults,” said Quatrece McKinney, Monroe Harding’s senior director of housing and young adult reengagement. One resident, a 19-year-old woman, was affiliated with Monroe Harding’s Reengagement Hub that helps people ages 17 to 24 find education opportunities or employment. Another young woman recently joined her in the house. Since Nashville State Community College is just down the road from the home, McKinney said, “Our dream was that there would be three NSCC college students who had been a part of our programs so we wouldn’t be seeking out anyone, rather people we serve who might be facing housing insecurity.”
FAO launches Food Coalition to lift food access, sustainable agri-food systems
5 November 2020 – Global alliance proposed by Italy and led by FAO aims to put zero hunger goal back on track after pandemic. The need for concerted action to prevent the COVID-19 international health emergency from triggering a catastrophic world food crisis received a welcome new tool today as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations formally launched the Food Coalition. A “network of networks”, the Food Coalition is a voluntary multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral alliance set up to support innovative initiatives to ensure global food access, increase the resilience of agri-food systems and put them on a more sustainable course. First suggested by the Government of Italy and with more than 30 countries having already expressed interest in joining, it will support existing and future efforts to overcome the pandemic’s disruptive impacts and help countries get back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly those of ending hunger and poverty.
http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1322089/icode//
News related with SDGs number 1-No Poverty and number 2-Zero Hunger
Strong support for innovation and digital technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean
21 October 2020 – The 36th Session of FAO’s Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean ended today with FAO Members in the region agreeing to join efforts to fight COVID-19 and promote sustainable agri-food systems through innovation, digital technologies, partnerships and enhanced data, particularly to strengthen food value chains and support smallholders farmers and the most vulnerable communities. During the three-day virtual meeting (19 – 21 October) hosted by the Government of Nicaragua, all 33 Members, as well as representatives from civil society and the private sector, highlighted the importance of developing and applying innovative approaches to overcome the challenges facing food and agriculture in the region, particularly in relation to scaling up the use of digital tools.
http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1317262/icode//
National Environmental Education Foundation announces 2020 Restoration & Resilience Fund
9 November 2020 – With support from International Paper and other corporate sponsors, NEEF announces $128,000 in grant funding to support public lands impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way Americans go about their lives. With social distancing regulations in place and recreation centers closed, people are turning to the outdoors more than ever for exercise and rejuvenation. At the same time, the agencies and organizations responsible for maintaining public lands are hampered by reductions in staff, volunteers, and resources, leaving them ill-equipped to keep up with increased human presence in these delicate ecosystems on top of existing maintenance backlogs. As one of the nation’s leading supporters of public lands engagement, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is dedicated to helping America’s public lands recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With this in mind, the organization has established the Restoration & Resilience Fund to distribute resources and mobilize volunteers to help restore these special places once the pandemic subsides.
Nonprofits find new ways to engage senior volunteers virtually
(by Chelsea Dennis)
9 November 2020 – At the start of the pandemic, organizations implored older volunteers to stay at home and decided to recruit younger volunteers instead. However, as the pandemic rages on and nonprofits adjust to remote and distributed work, it is clear that there needs to be a renewed focus on engaging older volunteers. For one, in the US, volunteers tend to skew older. As NPQ’s Danielle Holly notes, “Boomers and the Silent Generation—citizens 56 years and older—are the largest percentage of traditional volunteers at local direct service organizations, given that they’re more likely to be phasing out of the workforce or retired.” Failure to leverage a ready-and-willing volunteer force lessens the potential for larger impact. Another reason to engage senior volunteers is because of the immediate health benefits volunteering provides. Public health officials have been sounding the alarm on worsening mental health caused by the pandemic. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to greater levels of depression and loneliness due to social isolation. Volunteering can serve as a buffer to rising levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.
https://nonprofitquarterly.org/nonprofits-find-new-ways-to-engage-senior-volunteers-virtually//
New contribution from the Republic of Korea helps WFP respond to emergencies in Bangladesh and Myanmar
2 November 2020, Bangkok – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a new contribution of US$800,000 from the Republic of Korea. The funding will go towards WFP’s emergency operations in Bangladesh and Myanmar in the Asia and the Pacific region. In Bangladesh, WFP provides food assistance to the entire population of 860,000 Rohingya people living in the camps in the Cox’s Bazar district. WFP also implements a range of services, from nutrition, school feeding, to engineering and livelihood for the Rohingyas and their host community. In Myanmar, WFP supports 600,000 people on a monthly basis with humanitarian assistance, of which more than half are in conflict-affected Rakhine State. Through asset creation programmes, such as land terracing and building and rehabilitating irrigation systems and roads, WFP helps build resilience and improve food security for vulnerable communities.
News related with SDGs number 1-No Poverty and number 2-Zero Hunger
FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative can help end hunger and poverty in Africa
27 October 2020 – Agriculture ministers from across Africa, representatives from the African Union, the civil society and the private sector, and other partners, recognized the role FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative can play in ending poverty and hunger and meeting the agreed goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Malabo Declaration. They spoke at today’s Ministerial Session on the Hand-in-Hand initiative, during FAO’s 31st Session of the Regional Conference for Africa. Hand-in-Hand is an evidence-based, country-led and country-owned initiative, said Qu that “matchmakes” countries along the wealth spectrum, donors and recipients and deploys sophisticated tools and analytics to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development.
http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1319098/icode//
News related with SDGs number 1-No Poverty and number 2-Zero Hunger
European Union supports WFP’s cash assistance to people affected by drought and COVID-19 in Lesotho
19 October 2020, Maseru – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes the European Union’s (EU) contribution of €2.8 million to provide much needed relief assistance to the most vulnerable people in Lesotho affected by three consecutive years of drought and the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contribution is part of a larger EU grant of €4.4 million to support joint emergency response interventions led by WFP in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Organisation of Migration (IOM). WFP will assist 34,000 severely food insecure people living in urban areas of the five worst affected districts by expanding the government’s Public Assistance Programme. Each household will receive €47 per month via MPESA, a mobile money platform. This cash assistance will give them a choice to purchase what they need most at local markets. The impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods and access to food has required WFP to expand into urban areas of Lesotho, which were historically more food secure. Thanks to donors like the EU, WFP is able, for the first time, to support vulnerable communities in these areas. WFP will continue to assist nearly 80,000 people across the country with monthly cash and food assistance to ensure they have access to nutritious and healthy food.
World Science Day for Peace and Development
10 November 2020 – Celebrated every 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives. By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable. In 2020, at the time when the global COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the critical role of science in addressing global challenges, the focus of the World Science Day is on Science for and with Society. To celebrate the 2020 World Science Day, UNESCO will organize an online roundtable on the theme of “Science for and with Society in dealing with COVID-19”.
https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldscienceday//
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Following peace deal, talks on Libya’s political future begin
9 November 2020 - Talks to draw up a blueprint for a new political era in Libya began in Tunisia on Monday, following a peace deal struck by Libya’s warring sides last month. “You have gathered today to continue forging a new era of peace and stability for Libya. You have the opportunity to end a tragic conflict and create a future of dignity and hope”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message to participants of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum. “Now it is your turn to shape the future of your country. News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Your commitment to this process will help restore Libyan sovereignty and the democratic legitimacy of Libyan institutions. As you engage in dialogue to resolve your differences, your determination will be tested.”
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1077222//
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Colima, Mexico: Virtual Forum “University Fostering a Culture of Peace”
9 November 2020 - The University Family Development Center (Cedefu) of the University of Colima, through the University Program for Culture for Peace, held the virtual forum “University Students Fostering a Culture of Peace”, with the aim of generating a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas regarding the construction of a culture of peace.
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Watch Out! - FIDH at the Paris Peace Forum
5 November 2020 - FIDH is pleased to announce its participation in the 2020 edition of the Paris Peace Forum through the selection of the Watch Out! project - the Digital Survival Kit that will be presented live on Thursday 12/11/2020 on the digital platform of the Forum. The mission of the Paris Forum for Peace is to contribute to overcoming the governance deficit by sharing solutions from around the world. This third edition of the Forum, 100% digital, which will take place from November 11 to 13, 2020, is an opportunity for FIDH to alert citizens and decision-makers on the governance deficit that needs to be addressed regarding cybersecurity and the necessary advent of regulated and regulated digital rights.
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
2021 designated as the International Year of Health and Care Workers
11 November 2020 - Member States at the resumed virtual, 73rd World Health Assembly, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of the millions of health and care workers at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic, unanimously designated 2021 as the International Year of Health and Care Workers (YHCW). Member States and Non-State Actors in unison, spoke to the critical role of health and care workers in ensuring our health and prosperity. They emphasized the urgency and imperative to address persistent health worker challenges. As part of the ten-year anniversary and review of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel (Code), the World Health Assembly discussed the increasing scale of international health worker migration. Member States recognized the high relevance of the Code, particularly in the context of Covid-19, and called for its’ strengthened implementation.
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Stronger together: Coordinated efforts against pandemics
11 November 2020 - The scientific community is expected to be prepared for and react promptly to emerging diseases by funding research and development. But to do so, it needs the unyielding and coordinated support from funding organisations. GloPID-R, an EU-funded global network, leads the way in helping ensure that the fight against all pandemics, present and future, is effective, rapid and leaves no one behind.
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Ahead of global health assembly, WHO stresses need for solidarity, preparation
5 November 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic can be defeated through science, solutions and solidarity, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday, underlining one of its core messages throughout the crisis. The reminder comes ahead of next week’s World Health Assembly, the annual meeting of the UN agency’s decision-making body, which normally takes place in May but had to be cut short this year due to the pandemic. There are more than 47 million COVID-19 cases, and over 1.2 million deaths, according to latest figures. The Assembly will chart the course for response and global health priorities.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1076972//
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Commission awards €508 million to 75 health research projects
30 October 2020 - The final year of Horizon 2020 sees the largest total award for collaborative research for health. The 75 projects short-listed after evaluation will involve 1158 participants from 58 countries. Following signatures of grant agreements in the coming weeks, they should receive a total of €508 million in grants to address a wide range of crucial health challenges and opportunities.The investments will enable the development of digital diagnostics and various new interventions, including treatments and vaccines, with specific actions against cancer, brain-related diseases, and infectious diseases. Specific attention is also given to the management of complex chronic conditions and to developing healthcare interventions for elderly patients affected by multiple diseases.
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Young people and digital health interventions: working together to design better
29 October 2020 - WHO and partners launch new guidance on designing digital health interventions with and for young people. Digital tools are an increasingly popular approach to improving health worldwide – particularly among adolescents and young people, who are accessing the internet at earlier stages of life.
Youth-centred digital health interventions is a new framework developed by WHO, HRP, UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA. It provides guidance on effective planning, development and implementation of digital solutions with and for young people to address the many health challenges they may face as they grow into adulthood.
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Japan Develops a 740°C Super Heat-Resistant Bioplastic that is Regarded as No.1 in the Plastic Sector
6 November 2020 – (…) Scientists in Japan have managed to produce a super heat-resistant bioplastic with environmentally friendly materials in the hope of infusing a certain degree of environmental protection in the ubiquitous plastics. (…) The final result of the research is a light-weight organic plastic that contains no inorganic fillers. As pointed out by the research, this new bioplastic contains the highest heat-resistance in the history, and is able to resist more than 740°C of heat, earning itself the title of No.1 Plastic in the industry. Hence, the research team believes that this new bioplastic will also perform remarkably in other durability tests. As pointed out by the team, this innovate polymer design not only elevates heat-resistance, but can also be applied on other processed plastics to produce additional light-weight materials, which will be of help in a sustainable society.
https://www.energytrend.com/news/20201106-19720.html
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
New publication on European Building Renovation Policies
(by Thibaud Voïta)
5 November 2020 – European buildings are old and too often inefficient (…), building renovations are too slow and insufficient. The European Union (EU) and its Member States (MS) need to critically accelerate its efforts, for instance by multiplying by up to 4 the number of deep building renovations every year. (…) There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic though. Regulations have accelerated energy efficiency investments in buildings over the past decade, despite the 2008 crisis, and altogether, household energy efficiency has improved of approximately 30% since 2000. Some innovative and promising policies are being implemented in many countries. The call of Ursula von der Leyen to establish a European Bauhaus points to new creative and efficient ways to promote building renovation across the continent. (…)
https://energycentral.com/c/ee/new-publication-european-building-renovation-policies
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
A new research on water-energy nexus shows how to develop synergies for sustainability
(by Enel Foundation)
4 November 2020 – Enel Foundation, in partnership with Althesys Strategic Consultants, has carried out the study Energy for water sustainability, a research that aims to display possible synergies between hydro and electrical sector in order to develop sustainability in both industries. (…) The study faces water-energy nexus in Italy and aims to propose policies and best practices that will foster actions and investments for managing and making a better use of both water and energy. In this direction, the research shows how considering water and energy resources in an integrated way can help achieve several sustainability goals. It also describes all needed actions to strengthen synergies between the two industries. (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
How Iceland moved from oil to geothermal in only 12 years
(Source: National Energy Authority of Iceland)
19 October 19, 2020 – When the oil crisis struck in the early 1970s, the world market price for crude oil rose by 70%. At the same time, heat from oil served over 50% of the population in Iceland. The oil crises caused Iceland to change its energy policy, reducing oil use and increasing domestic energy resources, such as hydropower and geothermal. This policy meant exploring new geothermal resources and building new heating utilities across the country. Due to the urgency and constructive cooperation, it took only 12 years to decrease oil for heating from 50% 1973 to 5% 1985. This involved transforming household heating systems from oil to geothermal heat, based on constructive cooperation between the state, cities, municipalities and private partners. This proves that big transformation can happen within countries in short period of time based on cooperation. That is a lesson that can be useful to everyone to fight the climate crises today.
https://electricenergyonline.com/news.php?ID=861001&cat=;85;52&niveauAQ=0
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate heroes: the countries pioneering a green future
11 November 2020 - From Spain to South Korea, there are several global success stories in the drive to become carbon neutral. Nations elsewhere in the world are setting carbon-neutral targets and pushing ahead with mega-programmes to cut emissions, create jobs and reduce energy prices. Here are some of the regional frontrunners.
New Study shows garden areas improved the immune systems of daycare children in only a month
7 November 2020 - A study in Finland showed, for the first time, that the immune system of children ages 3-5 improved when forest undergrowth, lawns, and planter boxes were added outside daycare centers. Dozens of comparative studies have previously found that children who live in rural areas and are in contact with nature have a lower probability of catching an illness resulting from disorders in the immune system—and an increased risk of developing coeliac disease, allergies, atopy, and even diabetes.
The recent study shows that repeated contact with nature-like elements five times a week diversified the body’s microbes which offered protection against diseases transmitted through the immune system in daycare children.
Government of Canada working with provinces to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations
6 November 2020 - The Government of Canada is committed to tackling climate change by working with the provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders across the country. Together, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs and driving innovation. The Government of Canada has finalized equivalency agreements with the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. These agreements will allow strengthened provincial methane regulations to replace the federal regulations for up to five years. Agreements were finalized with Alberta and Saskatchewan, this fall, and with British Columbia, earlier this year.These equivalency agreements represent a flexible approach that enables provinces and territories to design methane regulations that best suit their respective jurisdictions while meeting equivalent emissions-reduction outcomes to the federal regulations.
https://electricenergyonline.com/news.php?ID=864867&cat=;18;89&niveauAQ=0//
News related with SDGs number 13-Climate Action
University in Germany designs an alpine hut from reeds
(by Katherine Gallagher)
28 October 2020 - A team of craftspeople and students from the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Building Material, Building Physics, Building Technology and Design have created an alpine hut designed from sustainable, renewable reed material. The project, SkinOver Reed, is meant to research the feasibility of the material as facade and roof cladding for use in high-altitude Alpine regions. Also known as thatch, reed is a carbon-neutral resource, known generationally for its rapid growth, short process chain, low-energy demand, low emissions and lack of pollutants. According to the designers, reed generates better water quality where it grows and helps to provide home to many different animals in the natural environment. It is harvested by cutting off the dead part of the plant, which is replaced by natural growth every year. Using the dead reed as cladding requires no need for any further treatment. At the end of its life, the construction material can be composted, closing the life cycle organically.
https://inhabitat.com/university-in-germany-designs-an-alpine-hut-from-reeds//
Creation of the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Water Systems Dynamics under the auspices of UNESCO
22 October 2020 - UNESCO and France have formalized the creation in Montpellier of the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Water Systems Dynamics (ICIReWaRD) which will provide expertise, carry out research and training actions in management and governance, of water science and technology in vulnerable regions, focusing in particular on problems linked to rapid urbanization, demographic pressure and the foreseeable effects of climate change. This research institute, within the University of Montpellier, will promote partnerships in the field of research and training, in order to strengthen the capacities of Member States. It also aims to train future professionals with the skills and expertise to tackle complex water issues.
News related with SDGs number 14- Life below Water
Religion and spirituality
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Cardinals join religious leaders in over 90 countries in recommitting to build “bridges of love, compassion and care” after terror attacks
(by Mada Jurado)
9 November 2020 - After the recent terror attacks in France, Austria and other places. Condemning Violence in the Name of Religion – Committing to Building Bridges with Love. Representing the world’s diverse religious traditions and institutions, the Religions for Peace World Council strongly condemns the horrific acts of terror and violence in France and elsewhere in the world, which are claimed in the name of religion. We express deep sympathy and lift our prayers for the families of the victims. We note that Muslim leaders from all corners of the world have roundly refuted the claim to these acts of horror, being done in the name of Islam.
“Coming together to serve everyone better”: a call-in time of pandemics for a Dialogue of Love
(by Elena Dini)
5 November 2020 - Interview with Prof. Azza Karam.
Many people are quite skeptical about the positive role of religions in fostering peace and well-being in the world. What points would you bring to their attention to support your idea of a positive role for multifaith alliances in this regard?
It is clear that religious institutions and actors have a very critical set of roles to play precisely in this moment of pandemics. Religious institutions, actors and leaders are now needed spiritually more than ever because of the spiritual sustenance that people are looking for now due to the rising sense of helplessness.
They are needed also medically because a significant number of our medical facilities around the world are actually run through or by religious institutions and as all the government and private sector run medical health units are on red alert, the religious medical services support public health. Religions are also needed financially and economically because people are losing their sources of income and are looking for where they can get supplemental income through charity. Religious institutions have traditionally been income providers for so many of those who are struggling and these financial capacities of religious institutions are being put into effect. Last, but by no means least, religions are needed politically too. We know that there is a tremendous influence for which political institutions look towards the religious actors.
6 Simple Acts to make the world a better place
(by Rabbi Daniel Cohen)
2 November 2020 - If you want to create a life that fulfills your purpose and leaves the world a better place, if you want to create a legacy, here are some suggestions.
1. Be an agent of kindness.
2. Make courageous choices.
3. Seize meditative moments.
4. Finding faith.
5. Live inspired.
6. Discover your renewable energy.
https://tinybuddha.com/blog/6-simple-ways-to-make-the-world-a-better-place//
Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum and Religions for Peace Sign Memorandum of Understanding
2 November 2020 - Religions for Peace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), an international institution affiliated to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). ICYF is the leading umbrella for youth organisations from the Member-States of the OIC and international youth organisations, operating in the OIC region, and youth organisations representing significant Muslim minorities worldwide, headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. ICYF pursues and coordinates youth activities in the OIC countries in five major fields: advocacy of youth interests, supporting sustainable development, promoting formal and non-formal education, strengthening moral values of young generation and engaging in the dialogue among cultures and civilisations.
Strengthening interreligious collaboration and the influence of women worldwide: Religions for Peace hosts the conference from Lindau
29 October 2020 - Several hundred participants from more than 60 countries meet virtually; a steering group meets locally in Lindau on Lake Constance: The world’s largest interreligious non-governmental organisation, Religions for Peace, is breaking new ground to encourage interreligious dialogues in difficult times. From 10 -13 November 2020, the first international Assembly specifically on women, faith and diplomacy, will be hosted from Lindau on Lake Constance, Germany.
2.2 billion Euro for Creative Europe in the final MFF deal
11 November 2020 - After long discussions on the next 7-year Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the negotiating teams of the European Parliament and of the German Presidency of the EU Council reached a deal on Tuesday 10 November.In recent weeks, Creative Europe, the only EU’s programme specifically dedicated to supporting European cultural cooperation, had been included by the European Parliament in a list of 15 flagship programmes whose envelope MEPs wanted to increase, using the figures of the July Special European Council summit as a baseline.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
In Historic Move, G20 puts Culture on its Agenda for the first time
6 November 2020 - Ministers of Culture of the G20 came together on 4 November 2020 in a joint meeting on “The rise of the cultural economy: a new paradigm”, on the margins of the G20, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marked the first time that G20 policy discussions recognized the growing contribution of culture to the global economy. In a paradigm shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the G20 acknowledged culture’s potential contribution across the public policy spectrum in forging more sustainable societies and economies. The cultural sector is among the hardest hit by the health crisis. In most countries, the pandemic served as a reality check, exposing preexisting vulnerabilities, notably within the culture sector, but it also revealed the immense contribution of culture to the recovery of economies and societies.
https://en.unesco.org/news/historic-move-g20-puts-culture-its-agenda-first-time//
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
UNESCO builds an international policy agenda for digital preservation of documentary heritage
5 November 2020 - Four key policy priorities for digital preservation came to the fore during a virtual policy dialogue organized by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme to draw attention to documentary heritage at risk. These included:
- Protecting cultural identity at risk
- Creating sustainable partnerships for preservation
- Preventing loss of documentary heritage due to the rapid obsolescence of technology
- Upholding enabling legal frameworks for effective functioning of memory institutions
Held on 27 October 2020, the event brought together an international line-up of experts and practitioners to analyse policy gaps and possible solutions in digital preservation. Over 800 participants joined the event via ZOOM and YouTube from all over the world.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
New GEM regional report on inclusion and education for Latin America and the Caribbean launched today
5 November 2020 - A new GEM regional report, Todos y todas sin excepción, in partnership with the Laboratory of Education, Research and Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean (SUMMA) and and the Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago) looks at inclusion and education in the most unequal region in the world. Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean have come a long way towards healing past injustices related to colonialism, exploitation, oppression and discrimination, but they remain riven with fault lines. Their legislative and policy frameworks have quickly embraced a broad-based concept of inclusion in education and they have led the world in innovative social policies. But there is a lot of ground left to cover. And if there have been recent gains in poverty and inequality reduction, the ramifications of today’s global health crisis risk sending them into reverse.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
“Inequalities and Inclusion: Intersectionalities in Education” were at the center of the debate in CLADE’s Assembly
3 November 2020 - Today, Tuesday November 3, the virtual development of the 11th Regional Assembly of the Latin American Campaign for the Right to Education (CLADE) was continued.
This time, inequalities were addressed as the central node of education in Latin America and the Caribbean. The panel was entitled “Inequalities, inclusion and education: intersectionalities” and the meeting was held in partnership with the Bolivian Campaign for the Right to Education (CBDE), Oxfam IBIS and the Popular Education Network among Women in Latin America and the Caribbean (REPEM).
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
Extraordinary Global Education Meeting reaffirms commitments to SDG 4 and calls for accelerated funding and global solidarity
28 October 2020 - An extraordinary session of the UNESCO Global Education Meeting (GEM) took place 22 October. The meeting focused on global priorities for recovery in education and accelerated action in order to make progress on achieving SDG 4. The meeting adopted a far-reaching Declaration. The Global Education Meeting (GEM), which was organised by UNESCO and co-hosted by the Governments of Ghana, Norway and the United Kingdom, committed to uphold the agreement on SDG 4 despite the setback of the pandemic to ensure that education could fully contribute to the recovery. It also agreed to provide resources for global solidarity. The preamble of the Declaration recognised the unfair impact of the COVID-19, saying that it is, “exacerbating the pre-existing inequalities and affecting disproportionately vulnerable communities and learners, especially, those living in poverty, women and girls, those impacted by crises and conflicts, and persons with disabilities.” In referring to recent attacks on students, teachers, and schools, they reaffirm the role of education and teachers on sustainable development, peace, nonviolence, and global citizenship.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
Global Day of Action for Care: Education unions join global call for increased investment in the care sector
28 October 2020 - On 29 October, the Global Day of Action for Care, Education International will join in the global trade union call for decent working conditions and fair pay for care workers. This global call recognises the enormous contribution to society being made by workers across the health, care, and education sectors, whether working in hospitals, hospices, schools, care homes, private homes or as domestic workers, whether in the public or private sector. Education International invites member organisations and concerned citizens to follow two webinars that will address these issues.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
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Good News Agency is published monthly (except August) in English, Italian and Portuguese. Past issues are available at www.goodnewsagency.org . Rome Law-court registration no. 265 dated 20 June 2000. Managing Editor: Fabio Gatti (fabio.gatti@goodnewsagency.org). Editorial research by Fabio Gatti, Isabella Strippoli, Elisa Minelli, Salvatore Caruso Motta, Chiara Damilano, Francesco Viglienghi, Carlo Toraldo, Andrea Landriscina, Nazzarena Franco. Webmaster, media and NGO coverage: Simone Frassanito (simone.frassanito@goodnewsagency.org)
Good News Agency is distributed free of charge through Internet to media and editorial journalists of the daily newspapers and periodical magazines and of the radio and television stations, NGOs, service associations, high schools and colleges as well as over 26,000 Rotarians around the world.
It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, a registered, not-for-profit educational charity chartered in Italy in 1979 The Association operates for the development of consciousness and promotes a culture of peace in the ‘global village’ perspective based on unity in diversity and on sharing. It is based in Piazzale degli Eroi 8, 00136 Rome, Italy. The Association is a member of the World Association of Non Governmental Organizations.
* http://decade-culture-of-peace.org/2010_civil_society_report.pdf - In section A - International Organizations, page 12, the Report says: ”Diffusion and exchange of culture of peace information via the Internet has become the major instrument for several international organizations, notably the Culture of Peace News Network, the Good News Agency and the Education for Peace Globalnet.”