Creativity and innovation in problem-solving There may be no universal understanding of creativity. The concept is open to interpretation from artistic expression to problem-solving in the context of economic, social and sustainable development. Therefore, the United Nations designated 21 April as World Creativity and Innovation Day to raise the awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development. Creativity and culture The creative economy too has no single definition. It is an evolving concept which builds on the interplay between human creativity and ideas and intellectual property, knowledge and technology. Essentially it is the knowledge-based […]

WHY READING IS MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER! Now more than ever, at a time when many schools around the world are closed and people are forced to reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors, we must harness the power of books. Reading can help us combat isolation, strengthen bonds between people and broaden our horizons, while stimulating our minds and our creativity. During the month of April and throughout the year, it is essential to take the time to read alone or with children. Book Day is a reason to celebrate the importance of reading, encourage children's growth […]

The webinar on Recognition of Studies, Degrees and Diplomas in Higher Education, organized between the Colombian Association of Universities (Ascun) and the Ministry of National Education of Colombia (MEN) will be held on Friday, June 26, 2024, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. (Colombia time, GMT-5). The event aims to present to higher education institutions the developments achieved by the Government of Colombia in relation to the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. The Director of UNESCO IESALC, Francesc Pedró, will open the webinar to discuss the UNESCO Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Degrees and Diplomas. Registration: https://renata.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvfuGhpjIuHdOYsU5AjwTiyeTzuzvm3ly5#/registration The […]

Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights 2023 year marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Three decades have passed since it was proclaimed in 1993, in which we have seen substantial progress towards achieving a free press and freedom of expression around the world. The proliferation of independent media in many countries and the rise of digital technologies have enabled the free flow of information. However, media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression are increasingly under attack, which impacts the fulfillment of other human rights. The international community […]

Proclaimed by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO (November 2015), African World Heritage Day (5 May) is an opportunity for people around the world, and particularly Africans, to celebrate the Continent’s unique cultural and natural heritage. While Africa is underrepresented on the World Heritage List (African properties account for some 12% of all inscribed sites worldwide), a disproportionally high percentage (39%) of these properties are on the World Heritage List in Danger. Faced with various contemporary threats, such as climate change, uncontrolled development, poaching, civil unrest and instability, many of Africa’s wonders risk losing their outstanding universal value.  It […]

United in differences and diversity Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way. The UN General-Assembly, in its resolution 72/130, declared 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, as a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity […]

Protecting the diversity of cultural expressions is more important than ever Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. With 89% of all current conflicts in the world occurring in countries with low intercultural dialogue, to forge effective cooperation and sustain peace, strengthening intercultural dialogue must be a priority. According to UNESCO data, the cultural and creative sector is one of the most powerful engines of development worldwide. It […]

Solutions to plastic pollution More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually. That is approximately the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers all together. Microplastics – tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter – find their way into food, water and air. It is estimated that each person on the planet consumes more than 50,000 plastic particles per year –and many more if inhalation is considered. Discarded or burnt […]

2023 Theme: Hope Away from Home World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives. Background Every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. There are several types of forcibly displaced persons: Refugees A […]

2023 Theme: Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities What women and girls want matters. They make up 49.7% of the global population, yet women and girls are often ignored in discussions on demographics, with their rights violated in population policies. This pervasive injustice keeps women and girls out of school, the workforce and leadership positions; limits their agency and ability to make decisions about their health and sexual and reproductive lives; and heightens their vulnerability to violence, harmful practices and preventable maternal death, with a woman dying […]

Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination Violations of the rights of the world's Indigenous Peoples have become a persistent problem, sometimes because of a historical burden from their colonization backgrounds and others because of the contrast with a constantly changing society. In response to this problem, let’s remember every August 9 that Indigenous Peoples have the right to make their own decisions and carry them out meaningfully and culturally appropriate to them. In this context of demand for self-determination, Indigenous youth are working as agents of change at the forefront of some of the most pressing crises facing […]