In spite of everything, a culture of peace is emerging in all fields of human endeavour
monthly, year 23rd, number 320 – 28th December 2023
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.*
Government and politics – Education and teaching – Economy, finance and planning
Arts of living and relationships – Work, science and industry
Society and communication –Rules, regulations and environment
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2023/2486 of 27 June 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council November 21, 2023 – THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION (…) has adopted this Regulation:
Article 1
Technical screening criteria related to the sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources
The technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to the sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives laid down in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 are set out in Annex I to this Regulation.
Article 2
Technical screening criteria related to the transition to a circular economy
The technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to the transition to a circular economy and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives laid down in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 are set out in Annex II to this Regulation.
Article 3
Technical screening criteria related to pollution prevention and control
The technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to pollution prevention and control and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives laid down in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 are set out in Annex III to this Regulation.
Article 4
Technical screening criteria related to the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems
The technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives laid down in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 are set out in Annex IV to this Regulation. (…)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202302486
News related with SDGs number 14- Life below Water and SDGs number 15-Life on Land
Question of Veto central to General Assembly’s debate on Security Council Reform, with speakers urging its limited use as ‘Weapon of hatred and war’
November 18, 2023 - The General Assembly today concluded its annual debate on Security Council reform, with several Member States stressing that the unfair and outdated rules and processes from the last century are not relevant in today’s world and paralyse the Council from taking meaningful action.
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
United Nations – General Assembly – Seventy-eighth session – Third Committee Agenda Item 71 – Promotion and protection of human rights – Draft Resolution: Commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
October 25, 2023 - The General Assembly (…)
1 Welcomes the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the thirtieth anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and stresses the importance of all United Nations human rights mechanisms with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; (…)
3. Urges States to redouble their efforts in fulfilling their duty to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to implement the provisions enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/LTD/N23/321/13/PDF/N2332113.pdf?OpenElement
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
University of Sarajevo contributes to High-Level Segment at UNESCO General Conference
December 7, 2023- Professors and students engaged in constructive discussion on global issues and offered understandings and recommendations presented to the General Conference. The High-Level Segment of UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference took place on 9 November 2023 at its Headquarters, with a session of global intellectual reflections on the theme of the “Commons”. In a world characterised by multiple fractures, divisions and transformations - whether geopolitical, climatic or digital - the aim was to rethink the way in which we can still build a world in common, and to identify, in line with UNESCO's tradition, the elements that enable us to continue to weave together our common humanity - whether in terms of rights, values, narratives or something else. The High-Level Segment, titled "(Re)Thinking about the commons, acting together to protect them", focused on how the commons were thought of and protected in the context of the major disruptions the world is currently experiencing, with a particular emphasis on climate disruption and digital transformation.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
UNESCO launches funding scheme to Safeguard Documentary Heritage at Risk
December 5, 2023 - To address the imminent threats posed by environmental issues, wars and conflicts, UNESCO, through its Memory of the World Programme, is initiating a funding scheme. The Organization is allocating grants ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 70,000 for projects aiming to tackle specific challenges on the ground to safeguard vulnerable documentary heritage. Memory institutions, including archives, libraries, museums and research centres, are invited to apply for funding to enhance the protection of documentary heritage holdings (ancient books and manuscripts, government records, audiovisual materials and digital documents) at risk of deterioration or loss. The initiative “UNESCO Memory of the World Initiative to Safeguard Documentary Heritage at Risk extends its support not only to public or private holding institutions but also to professional associations, NGOs and other established entities (…)
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
People with disabilities: Venezuela’s WFP school meals help ensure it’s never too late to learn
(by Marianela González)
December 1, 2023 - In Venezuela, eight out of ten families sacrifice their most valuable possessions or their entire income to secure just one meal per day. Some stop sending their children to school because they have nothing to give them for breakfast. But for some, those hard decisions have eased since 2022, when WFP introduced a school meals programme in Venezuela that benefits children, adolescents and adults with disabilities. When the programme started, however, many of those people — including Luis Enrique — were not even enrolled in schools. Today, more than 15,000 children, adolescents and adults with disabilities and their families receive WFP meals in 300 schools across eight states. This number continues to rise as the programme expands to new municipalities with higher rates of food insecurity. Early evidence shows that school enrollment of people with disabilities has jumped 30 percent in establishments with WFP meals — which deliver paybacks in both education and food.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
UNESCO and Sweden join hands to rehabilitate schools in Ukraine
November 27, 2023 - Sweden is contributing US$ 6.5 million (SEK 75 million) to bolster UNESCO’s Emergency Assistance Programme for Ukraine. Sweden’s flexible funding allows UNESCO to respond swiftly to emerging needs and will be deployed to support the Organization’s work on rehabilitating and renovating educational infrastructure, with a focus on shelters in kindergartens and schools. As of 21 November 2023, 3,428 education institutions have suffered damage, and 365 have been completely destroyed, according to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Among the damaged and destroyed institutions are 1,275 kindergartens, which has resulted in further decline in preschool attendance. Aligned with the Government of Ukraine’s vision for education recovery, UNESCO works to support the priority of a safe return to schools. For almost two years, education has been continuing in Ukraine amid war. UNESCO, together with partners, is committed to supporting learners, teachers and the entire educational community.
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-sweden-join-hands-rehabilitate-schools-ukraine
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
Joining forces to build a climate smart, green and resilient Education System in Nepal
November 24, 2023, Kathmandu: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with support from Norway, have joined hands for a three-year project to strengthen Nepal’s school education system’s response to climate change. The collaboration signifies a pivotal step towards addressing the impacts of climate change locally. The aim is to ensure that schools are resilient to the impacts of climate change and the country’s children and youth, starting from the school level, are provided the essential knowledge, tools and skills needed to guide the country toward a more sustainable future.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
From graduation to employment: celebrating the graduates of WFP's Jousour programme in Iraq
November 22, 2023, Baghdad – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) congratulates 753 graduates of the WFP Jousour programme which aims to enhance the employability of internally displaced and vulnerable Iraqis as well as Syrian refugees by providing them with digital and English language skills. The programme is a joint initiative between WFP and the University of Sulaymaniyah, the Erbil Polytechnic University, the Dohuk Polytechnic University, and Mercy Hands in Anbar. The trainees completed a comprehensive training that covered IT and English language skills, as well as life skills, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. They also participated in job fairs where they interacted with local employers and non-profit organizations and explored career opportunities in various sectors. The Jousour programme, formerly known as EMPACT, was launched in 2019 with generous support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Since then, it has trained over 9,700 people across Iraq.
https://www.wfp.org/news/graduation-employment-celebrating-graduates-wfps-jousour-programme-iraq
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
An online course presented on psychosocial support for teachers
November 2023, Launched on the Myanmar Teacher Platform, the course provides psychosocial support to teachers in times of crisis to ensure a safe learning environment for all.In times of emergencies, such as conflicts, disasters or forced migration, the psychosocial well-being of individuals, especially children, faces significant challenges. In Myanmar, the dual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing political upheaval have taken a toll on the psychosocial well-being of children and families. Recognizing the vital role of education in safeguarding mental and physical health, UNESCO Antenna Office Yangon (UNESCO Yangon) has taken proactive measures to equip teachers with essential skills by launching the Psychosocial Support (PSS) Online Course at the platform of Myanmar teachers in October. 2023.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
UNESCO mobilizes global network of experts to support creative sectors globally
December 12, 2023- 30 international experts met to discuss global strategies to support the emergence of dynamic creative sectors in developing countries
Guided by the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the promotion and protection of the diversity of cultural expressions, participants were trained on concepts and resources to assist national authorities in creating favourable institutional and professional environments to promote the diversity of cultural expressions and development of their creative economies. The workshop, which also included the participation of cultural officers from UNESCO Field Offices in different regions, also served as a platform for exchange to discuss the implementation of capacity development, advising on cultural policies, providing expertise and peer-to-peer support for the enhancement of creative sectors, and to create a community of practice.
News related with SDGs number 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth
So you want to be a smart city? There’s one surefire way to get started
(by Paul Gerke)
December 11, 2023 - There comes a point in every city’s life when it thinks to itself: it’s time for a change. And since municipalities can’t buy convertibles or pick up parasailing, there’s one obvious starting point for transitioning into a so-called smart city- converting to smart LED streetlights. It’s happening all across the country; Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles. Memphis, Seattle, and Washington D.C. are just some of the metropolises (wow that’s a fun word) that have transitioned to LEDs or are in the process of doing so. (…)
News related with SDGs number 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities
E-Bikes are radically more efficient than electric cars
(by Derek Markham)
December 11, 2023 - Electric bikes can get anywhere from 1000 to over 4000 MPGe, and are not only more 20 to 35 times more efficient than EVs in terms of miles per kWh, but are also a way more efficient use of batteries than electric cars, according to a recent study. Although the lion’s share of media coverage in clean transport continues to be about electric cars, the low-hanging fruit for zero emissions transportation continues to be bicycles and electric bikes and other micromobility options. (…) the addition of an electric motor and battery to a bicycle makes it possible to cut transport emissions much faster and much cheaper than transitioning the entire auto industry over to electric drivetrains. (…)
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/12/11/e-bikes-are-radically-more-efficient-than-electric-cars/
News related with SDGs number 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities
Korean researchers design electrode to produce green hydrogen from electrolysis
(by Meghan Sapp)
November 30, 2023 - In South Korea, electrochemical catalysts used in water splitting often show poor performance due to low electrical conductance of (oxy)hydroxide species produced in situ. To overcome this challenge, researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in Korea have now designed an electrode with Schottky Junction formed at the interface of metallic Ni-W5N4 and semiconducting NiFeOOH. The proposed electrode shows excellent catalytic activity and can facilitate industrial seawater splitting continuously for 10 days. Green hydrogen (or H2) produced from renewable energy resources is the fuel of a decarbonized future. Electrolysis or splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen with the help of an electrochemical cell is one of the most popular ways of producing green H2. It is a simple reaction, ensures high-quality products, and has zero carbon emissions. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
New type of geothermal power plant powers data centers in the desert - Pilot plant in Nevada uses tech from fracking to generate power in arid landscape
(by Gregory Barber)
November 29, 2023 - Earlier this month, one corner of the Internet got a little bit greener, thanks to a first-of-its-kind geothermal operation in the northern Nevada desert. Project Red, developed by a geothermal startup called Fervo, began pushing electrons onto a local grid that includes data centers operated by Google. The search company invested in the project two years ago as part of its efforts to make all of its data centers run on green energy 24/7. Project Red is small—producing between 2 and 3 megawatts of power, or enough to power a few thousand homes—but it is a crucial demonstration of a new approach to geothermal power that could make it possible to harness the Earth’s natural heat anywhere in the world. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
ADRA’s Lebanon Response: a beacon of hope amid crisis
December 7, 2023 Silver Spring, Md – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is mobilizing resources as the humanitarian crisis intensifies in the wake of the recent Hamas-Israeli conflict. Hostilities in Gaza and clashes in southern Lebanon have led to loss of life, widespread destruction of homes and schools, and the displacement of over 55,000 people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Families and children throughout the region are in desperate need of emergency aid.ADRA’s country office in Lebanon is at the forefront of the relief efforts. Humanitarian response personnel on the ground have been actively monitoring the situation to coordinate and distribute life-saving supplies.To identify and address relief shortages, ADRA is leveraging alliances with reputable partners such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ Food Security and Agricultural Sector, and the Lebanese organization Imam Sadr Foundation (ISF). Presently, the emphasis is on shelters rather than individual households, along with delivering hot meals and hygiene kits. The global organization is refocusing its efforts on food assistance. ADRA also intends to direct efforts toward education programs for youngsters whose schools have been closed and whose families have been displaced. (…)
https://adra.org/adras-lebanon-response-a-beacon-of-hope-amid-crisis
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Inspiring new generations – Global Polio Partners, Paris Saint-Germain Endowment Fund, and the French Gaming Community Unite to #ENDPOLIO
December 6, Paris- Last night, the French gaming community made a call for collective action to defeat a common adversary – only it was not an online gaming threat, but poliovirus, a debilitating infection that has been paralysing children for centuries.
Throughout the event, gamers battled on the EA SPORTS FC 24 pitch in a tournament to determine who would be the player chosen to defeat @P0L__10, a seemingly unbeatable opponent who had been tormenting players online in the preceding days. As the challenger was decided, it was revealed that this common adversary, @P0L__10, was in truth an alias for polio, a persistent foe that the world is on the brink of eradicating (…)
https://polioeradication.org/news-post/inspiring-new-generations/
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Geneva Call Unveils its 2024-2027 Strategy and Secures Renewed Support for Humanitarian Efforts in 2024
December 4, 2023 – (…) In his opening remarks at Geneva Call’s Pledging Conference, Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, touched upon some of the current humanitarian crises and emphasized the importance of compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by armed groups and de facto authorities. This, he stressed, is vital for safeguarding millions of civilians residing in conflict and disaster-affected areas under the influence of armed groups. Against this backdrop, Commissioner Lenarčič commended the work of Geneva Call, recognizing its increasing significance amid the proliferation of new armed groups and their growing impact in current conflicts. (…) At this year’s Pledging Conference held last 17 November, Geneva Call was able to welcome 28 participants representing the organization’s donors and partners, who have renewed their support to Geneva Call’s objectives for the upcoming year (…) During the Conference, we also took the opportunity to present our new 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and Enhanced Theory of Change. By the end of this year, we will have completed our 2020-2023 strategy which had two general goals: enhancing our expertise as well as engagement with AGDAs and improving our capacity to operate efficiently and sustainably (…)
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Female resilience in traditional African oral literature (Sociotexte journal)
WOMEN’S EQUALITY (An article from Fabula)
December 2023-Studies assembled and coordinated by Béatrice Kakou Assi, Department of Modern Letters, UFHB, Abidjan-Côte d’Ivoire.Contrary to popular belief, the genres of traditional African oral literature are not fossils of our current literature and human sciences. Nor are their themes intended to be relegated to the residue stage of outmoded civilizations. On the contrary, traditional oral genres are anthropological universals and indicators of social mutations. They thus help to problematize the progress of man, in the sense that Seneca understood it, in the form of processual stations. They also help to understand and perfect human societies. This is why Amadou Hampathé Bâ recommends that man “constantly return to the story during significant events in his life”. Therefore, tales, legends, proverbs, myths, and other corpora relating to oral traditions – here, particularly African – should be read as authoritative sources for current issues: sustainable development, ecology, climate and the environment, human rights, the culture of peace and conflict management, the protection of biodiversity, women’s struggles, etc.
https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=32954
News related with SDGs number 5-Gender Equality
Mexico: XIX World Congress and XXIII National Mediation Congress 2023
EDUCATION FOR PEACE. (An article from Noticias de Queretaro)
The Nineteenth World Congress and the Twenty-Third National Mediation Congress 2023 closed with great success. It took place from November 6 to 10 in the Municipality of Querétaro with participants from more than 10 countries, and with activities, analysis, study and dissemination of mediation issues, as well as the culture of peace for the benefit of the people of Queretaro. Under the motto “A Life for Peace and Concord”, 83 academic activities were carried out, including 31 presentations, 18 conferences, eight book presentations, 11 successful projects, eight dialectical analysis forums and philosophical dialogues, and 27 workshops. Specialists from different parts of Mexico and other countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Portugal, and Spain combined efforts to carry out the project for the implementation and dissemination of mediation and the culture of peace.
https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=32894
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Peacebuilding during a time of war? Bottom-up Peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians
TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY. (An article from Peace News)
While the world focuses on the human tragedy of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, there are hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals actively working to build peace. Peace News spoke to some of these peacebuilders to understand their experience during this war. The meetings are led by two PCFF members, an Israeli and a Palestinian, who tell their personal stories of bereavement and explain their choice to engage in dialogue instead of revenge.Yuval Rahami is the Israeli co-general director of the Parent’s Circle Families Forum. He lost his father in the 1967 Six Day War. Bassam Aramin is the former Palestinian co-director of the organization. He lost his 10-year old daughter in 2007 when she was shot and killed by an Israeli border guard. Despite these unimaginable losses, both work together with hundreds of families, both Israeli and Palestinian, who have lost loved ones to the conflict. Using their shared loss and desire for peace, they form connections on a human level. They believe that reconciliation and nonviolence are necessary for a future political solution, and that this is the only way forward...
https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=33122
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Solar costs are now nearly 30 per cent lower than cheapest fossil fuel option, EY says
(by Joshua S Hill)
December 12, 2023 - A new report from consulting giant EY says solar PV technology remains the cheapest source of new-build electricity in most parts of the world, with a global weighted average levelised cost of electricity (LCoE) that is 29% lower than the cheapest fossil fuel alternative. In a new report analysing changes to the global energy system, EY found that in 2022, around 86%, or 187GW, of newly commissioned, utility-scale renewable power generation produced electricity at a lower cost than the average cost of fossil fuel generation. (…)
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
Snail-inspired robot could scoop ocean microplastics
December 5, 2023 - Inspired by a small and slow snail, scientists have developed a robot protype that may one day scoop up microplastics from the surfaces of oceans, seas and lakes. The robot's design is based on the Hawaiian apple snail (Pomacea canaliculate), a common aquarium snail that uses the undulating motion of its foot to drive water surface flow and suck in floating food particles. (…)
News related with SDGs number 14- Life below Water
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY - Data tool gives fine-grained view of climate vulnerabilities in the energy system and beyond
November 22, 2023 – (…), decision makers need reliable granular information about long-term climate and weather trends. The IEA and the OECD have launched the Climate Hazard Exposure Tracker to help analyse the impacts of various climate hazards on the energy sector, and more broadly on agriculture and other economic activities, as well as people's quality of life. This unique user-friendly tool provides, for the first time, long-time-series national and sub-national indicators on climate hazards for the whole world, merging information from several high-resolution global gridded climate datasets. The indicators facilitate analysis of how populations, cropland, forests and built-up areas in each country are exposed to extreme temperature, precipitation, drought, wildfires, wind threats, river flooding and coastal flooding. (…)
News related with SDGs number 13-Climate Action
Rice researcher scans tropical forest with mixed-reality device
November 16, 2023 – Rice University scientists used a commercially available mixed-reality headset with custom-designed software to measure and analyze forest floor vegetation, demonstrating a correlation between animal diversity and the mapped habitat of a Tanzanian national park. According to the paper published in the journal Ecology, the greater the microhabitat surface area, the richer the biodiversity of its mammals. (…)
News related with SDGs number 15-Life on Land
Humanities, Arts and Society Project
December 8,2023- Stemming from the World Humanities Conference in 2017, this project aims to highlight the pivotal role of arts and artists in bridging societal gaps.
In a constantly changing world faced by new challenges that have been increasingly affecting societies subject to social and economic conflict, ecological transformation, and questions of multiculturalism, pluralism, and human rights, what are the roles of the arts and artists? Art and artists bridge the gaps between people, continents, cultures, civilizations, and time. (...) The Humanities, Arts and Society Project represents the beginning of a global movement of artists reflecting upon the impact of creativity as an essential factor to access knowledge and universal values and principles and to connect worldwide problems with emerging solutions. Within this project, the Humanities, Arts and Society Magazine is being created. Conceived as a magazine for the broadest possible range of readers, HAS offers a space for staging the most creative, enlightening, imaginative, and socially relevant interactions of the humanities and the arts...
https://www.unesco.org/en/management-social-transformations-most-programme/philosophy/has
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
The Good Samaritan who surprises strangers with kindness is crowned a hero with a statue
December 2023- Sebbie Hall was only 17 years old when he decided to dedicate his life to helping others. And it took just 3 years for the nation to recognize him as a hero, as the kindest person in the UK. He works tirelessly to help others and founded his own charity to encourage others to follow his example, the Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation, which helps vulnerable young people. During his three years of good work, he donated 400 coats and blankets to homeless charities, gave away 800 toys to orphanages and even used his pocket money in his teens to pay for strangers' coffees.
News related with SDGs number 1-No Poverty
Empowering indigenous languages in the digital age: a toolkit for action
December 2023-The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues reported that 40% of the world's languages were at risk of disappearing. This alarming statement prompted UNESCO and Global Voices' Rising Voices, an initiative that supports marginalized communities to use the Internet to achieve their goals, to develop a toolkit to promote indigenous languages in the digital age. Digital technologies have significantly filled physical and psychological gaps in the digital age. They have emerged as powerful tools to contribute to the preservation of indigenous languages, counteracting language loss around the world.
News related with SDGs number 10-Reduced Inequalities
Four Seasons taps Camilla Engstrom to create artful acts of kindness
Camilla Engstrom talks about interpreting World Kindness Day through commissioned artworks
(by Sofia De La Cruz)
November 23, 2023 – Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts worldwide commemorated World Kindness Day this year with a series of initiatives focusing on community engagement, local collaborations, and volunteerism. Art served as a centrepiece, endeavouring to forge kindness and empathy among guests through vibrant and warm paintings. Los Angeles-based artist Camilla Engstrom took centre stage in launching the campaign, creating artworks that feel like a warm hug. A large-scale piece, currently on display at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, is set to be auctioned, with proceeds supporting the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF). This non-profit organisation implements peace through art programmes, tapping into children's creativity to nurture empathy (…)
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Rules, regulations and environment
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SLAC Joins Forces with leading Institutions to advance fusion energy research
(by Clarence Oxford)
December 8, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a collaboration between SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Colorado State University (CSU), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and other esteemed institutions. This partnership is set to establish two inertial fusion science and technology hubs, marking a significant milestone in the quest for clean and abundant energy sources. Under the DOE's Inertial Fusion Energy Science and Technology Accelerator Research (IFE-STAR) program, a total of $42 million has been allocated to support these hubs, which will accelerate research and development efforts in the field of inertial fusion. (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
Regional energy & water knowledge hub in the UAE
December 7, 2023 – Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE): The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has partnered with the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) to establish the first Energy and Water Knowledge Hub in the MENA region. This Hub aims to find innovative solutions for pressing humanitarian challenges in the field of water and energy and hopes to emerge as a key regional platform for dialogue and action.The Energy and Water Knowledge Hub, located at the SRTIP, will host in-person classes, and provide technical laboratories to train ICRC staff and other organizations, nurturing expertise in sustainable energy solutions, notably renewable energy. Clare Dalton, ICRC's Head of Delegation in the UAE, said, "Climate change has global repercussions, but those in fragile environments feel its harshest impacts. The dual challenges of climate change and conflict exacerbate inequalities and suffering". (…)
News related with SDGs number 14- Life below Water
China's Quest for Space-Based Solar Power: a clean energy revolution
(by Simon Mansfield)
December 7, 2023 - Amid global efforts to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, Chinese scientists and engineers are pursuing an innovative solution-harnessing the abundant energy of the sun in space and beaming it back to Earth. Multiple teams in China are currently dedicated to developing the necessary technologies for constructing and operating a space-based solar power facility. This ambitious endeavor could revolutionize clean energy generation. (…)
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
Nigeria and Germany sign $500 million renewable energy and gas deal
(by Juan Pedro Tomas)
November 26, 2023 - In Nigeria, Reuters reported that Nigerian and German companies signed two agreements in Berlin that include a $500 million renewable energy pact and a gas export deal, further strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany’s DWS Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy. The agreement seeks to harness $500 million in investment in renewable energy projects across Nigeria, mostly in rural communities. (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
Accelerating the deployment of biofuels is crucial to decarbonise global transport sectors says IEA Bioenergy
(by Robin Whitlock)
November 24, 2023 - Transport in particular is proving to be a very difficult sector to decarbonise, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 roadmap, and IEA Bioenergy believes that one of the key tools to help remedy this in the short to medium term is to accelerate the deployment of sustainable biofuels. (…) The recently published reports from the IEA Bioenergy study “Assessment of Successes and Lessons Learned for Biofuels Deployment” highlight the potential of biofuels to drive significant market supply, replace fossil fuels, and combat global warming. The main target of the study was to identify key factors for technology successes and the best policy framework conditions for stimulating increased future markets for sustainable transport biofuels. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Hyundai Motor Company and University College London to collaborate on carbon-free future technologies
November 24, 2023 - Hyundai Motor Company has announced has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ‘Cooperation in areas of Research and Development for Hydrogen Production, Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Electrification Technology’ with University College London (UCL) to jointly research carbon-neutral future technologies. (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
IEA boss urges oil and gas industry to 'commit to genuinely helping the world'
(by Cecilia Keating)
November, 2023 - Producers must decide whether to commit to green investment and climate goals, or continue a high-risk business as usual strategy, IEA warns
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has urged the oil and gas companies to start contributing positively to the climate fight and to stop relying on "excessive" assumptions about carbon capture deployment as a solution to the industry's vast greenhouse gas emissions. The call comes in a special report published this morning by the influential organisation, which sets out a potential roadmap for how the oil and gas industry could contribute positively to a "new energy economy". (…)
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
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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. 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.”