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September 18, 2009

On Friday, in a park near the UN headquarters, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon struck Peace BellThus began the annual celebration of International Peace Day. It is celebrated annually on September 21st. This year, it is dedicated to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

“International Day of Peace "This is a global call for a ceasefire and non-violence. This is a time to reflect on the horrors and high costs of war, and on our duty to resolve disputes peacefully," Ban Ki-moon said. He emphasized that without peace, there is little hope of improving life on the planet and freeing people from poverty.

The Secretary-General noted the growing movement for nuclear disarmament. "That's why I launched the 'We Must Disarm!' campaign. As long as such weapons exist, no one can feel safe," the UN chief noted.

He called on the entire international community to disarm and live in peace. "I call on people around the world to join this effort. Support the UN and do your part to ensure peace," the Secretary-General emphasized.

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September 18, 2009

Today, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay called on the Yemeni government to investigate incidents involving air raids in the conflict zone in the north of the country that resulted in civilian deaths. She emphasized her extreme concern over the airstrike on a camp for internally displaced persons.

Navanethem Pillay's statement noted that on September 16, government aircraft bombed a camp housing some 150,000 internally displaced persons, killing dozens.

All of them were forced to leave their homes and flee as a result of the intensification of armed clashes between government forces and Shiite rebels in Saada province in northern Yemen on August 12.

The UN High Commissioner noted that this was the second airstrike in the past three days that resulted in fatalities among civilians. She stated that this development in the conflict is extremely concerning.

Navanethem Pillay called on the authorities and the rebels not to violate international humanitarian law and to take all measures to protect civilians.

"The government must conduct a full investigation into what happened and take immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future," the UN's top human rights defender urged.

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone. A large number of civilians remain trapped in the city of Sa'ad, isolated from the outside world and deprived of international assistance.

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September 17, 2009

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows will decline from $1.7 trillion in 2008 to $1.2 trillion in 2009. A slow recovery is expected in 2010, but overall, the outlook for FDI remains unfavorable, according to the annual World Investment Report 2009, prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

In 2010, FDI inflows will amount to no more than $1.4 trillion, but in 2011 investment volumes will pick up speed and approach $1.8 trillion.

FDI flows to developed countries, where the financial crisis began, declined significantly already in 2008. However, investment flows to developing countries and countries with transition economies in Southeastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) continued to increase last year. This was partly due to the delayed impact of the crises on these countries' economies.

In 2008, FDI inflows to developing countries increased by 17% to US$621 billion, with approximately half of these flows coming from South, East, and Southeast Asia. The largest percentage increase was recorded in Africa (27%). Least developed countries attracted a record US$33 billion in FDI in 2008.

The transition economies of Southeastern Europe and the CIS also set a new record: in 2008, investment inflows into them reached $114 billion.

FDI inflows to developed countries in 2008 decreased to $962 billion, i.e. by 29% compared to the previous year.

Despite this, the United States and France remained the most attractive destinations for investors. China, the United Kingdom, and Russia also joined the list. The report's authors believe that the emergence of China and Russia among the top five investment recipients is evidence of a changing nature of FDI flows.

In 2009, FDI volumes began to decline in all regions.

Outward FDI from developed countries declined less sharply in 2008 than inward investment. The United States retained its position as the largest source of FDI. France took second place. Japan was among the top five largest investor countries. Russia and China were among the top twenty.

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September 17, 2009

Donor countries are failing to fulfill their promises to help developing countries combat poverty, disease, and other social problems. They are falling short of the amount pledged at the 2005 G8 summit by $35 billion annually. $20 billion of this amount is earmarked for African development.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro announced this at a press conference in New York, presenting the 2009 Millennium Development Goals Task Force report “Strengthening the Global Partnership for Development in Times of Crisis.”

As is well known, in September 2000, during a meeting of heads of state and government at UN Headquarters in New York, the UN Millennium Declaration was adopted. It outlined eight specific development goals aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, improving health, reducing maternal and child mortality, achieving gender equality, ensuring primary education for all, protecting the environment, and ensuring access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

The report's authors emphasized that the current financial and economic crisis is undermining progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Donor countries, facing economic turmoil, have begun to reduce their official development assistance.

"We made significant progress in strengthening the global development partnership, but that was before the financial and economic crisis. Now we need a new impetus," said Asha-Rose Migiro.

She emphasized that today's world is interdependent, and this reality cannot be ignored.

"The Millennium Development Goals are more than a set of targets. They represent solemn promises to the most vulnerable and poorest people on our planet," said Asha-Rose Migiro.

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September 17, 2009

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) base, which killed nine African peacekeepers, including the deputy force commander. Around 30 others, including the commander, were wounded.

Suicide bombers entered the mission's compound in two explosive-laden vehicles bearing UN insignia. "We are conducting an investigation. I hope to receive a preliminary report as soon as possible. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms," Ban Ki-moon said during his traditional monthly press conference.

He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

The UN Security Council authorized this peacekeeping operation in February 2007. At that time, the new African Union mission was tasked with taking the necessary measures to support dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia. It was mandated to ensure the protection of the transitional federal institutions and the security of key infrastructure. The AU mission assists in the reconstitution and training of national security forces and the creation of conditions necessary for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

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September 17, 2009

The world has yet to recover from the financial and economic turmoil, compounded by the food crisis and flu pandemic. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced this today at a press conference in New York. He drew attention to the growing "army of the poor" worldwide and called on the "powers that be" not to turn a blind eye to their suffering.

"Earlier this week, I wrote a letter to the leaders of the G20 asking them to help poor countries through this crisis and to accelerate action on climate change and the Millennium Development Goals," the UN chief said.

He emphasized that reports of "green shoots" in the economy have recently emerged, but UN data does not support these conclusions. The UN chief drew attention to the fact that working poor families, whose lives had significantly improved in the last decade—before the crisis—have now found themselves back in extreme poverty.

"Those who were on the brink of poverty have become the new poor. This year, another 100 million people will fall into extreme poverty," the Secretary-General noted. He emphasized that donor countries must heed the calls of these people and fulfill their development assistance pledges.

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September 17, 2009

The summit on September 22 will bring together the largest number of heads of state and government ever to participate in climate change discussions, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced during his traditional monthly press conference.

It focused on upcoming events to be held during the General Assembly's general policy debate. Nearly 100 heads of state and government are expected to attend. According to the Secretary-General, these days will lay a solid foundation for future joint work among Member States.

The annual General Assembly general debate will begin on September 23 and run until September 30. The UN chief noted that the climate summit will be held on September 22, just before the general debate. "No issue better demonstrates the need for global solidarity. No challenge so forcefully compels us to expand our horizons," Ban Ki-moon emphasized. He emphasized that the summit's goal is to catalyze action that will lead to a comprehensive climate agreement at the Copenhagen conference in December.

"There are only 81 days left until Copenhagen—only 15 days of negotiations. Time is running out. Negotiations are not easy," the Secretary-General noted, emphasizing that climate change is accelerating faster than expected. "Our summit is a bridge to Copenhagen," Ban Ki-moon declared.

He expressed hope that after the summit, state leaders will instruct their negotiating delegations to accelerate progress towards a fair and effective agreement on climate change.

The Secretary-General said that a number of other important meetings and sessions would take place this year during the general policy debate, including the Security Council summit on nuclear disarmament, the Quartet meeting on the Middle East peace settlement, a meeting on preventing forest degradation in developing countries, and the Sixth Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

At the end of September, meetings of the Alliance of Civilizations and the UN Secretary-General's Groups of Friends for Myanmar and Pakistan will be held. Numerous events dedicated to health issues are planned during these days. A ministerial meeting commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions is also expected.

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September 17, 2009

The United States and several other countries have decided to donate one-tenth of their future H1N1 pandemic influenza A vaccine supplies to developing countries. US Permanent Representative to the UN Susan Rice announced this in a conversation with reporters.

"Today, President Obama announced that the United States is prepared to share 10% of its H1N1 flu vaccine supply with developing countries through the World Health Organization. As vaccine supplies accumulate, they will be distributed through the WHO to countries that lack direct access," said Susan Rice.

Along with the United States, Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, France, and Switzerland have expressed their willingness to share the vaccine.

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September 17, 2009 The traditional UN Headquarters in New York will be held from September 23 to 25 and from September 28 to 29. days of international treatiesUN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited all UN member states to use this opportunity to expand their participation in multilateral international agreements.

On Wednesday, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Patricia O'Brien said at a press conference at UN headquarters in New York that about 25 states had responded to Pa Ki-moon's appeal.

Patricia O'Brien recalled that the UN Secretary-General is the depository of 530 multilateral treaties covering a wide range of interstate relations: from disarmament, human rights, the law of the sea and space, trade and the environment to combating international organized crime and terrorism.

Any State which has not yet done so may sign any of these treaties or deposit with the Secretary-General its instruments of ratification or accession.

The UN Secretariat is holding International Treaty Days for the tenth time. This event is timed to coincide with the General Assembly's general policy debate, which heads of state and government attend.

The focus in 2009 will be on agreements on terrorism, human rights, transnational organized crime, and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The focus will be on the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. A ceremony will be held on September 24 to open it for signature.

This Protocol was adopted on December 10, 2008, and will enter into force upon ratification by ten states. It will allow individuals to submit complaints about violations of their rights guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to a specially created Committee.

The Optional Protocol will provide an international forum for exposing gross human rights violations, often linked to poverty and discrimination. Victims of such violations will now have the opportunity to report their situation to the international community.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and entered into force ten years later, in 1976. To date, it has been ratified by 157 countries. The Covenant proclaims that the ideal of free human beings, free from fear and want, can only be realized if conditions are created under which everyone can enjoy their economic, social, and cultural rights. Implementation of the Covenant is currently monitored by the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. It was established by a decision of the Economic and Social Council in 1985.

Unlike other committees established under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the core human rights conventions, its decisions are advisory in nature and it cannot receive complaints from individuals. Once the new Optional Protocol enters into force, this injustice to economic, social, and cultural rights will be corrected.

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September 17, 2009

Dominican Republic First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, French designer Pierre Cardin, American athlete Carl Lewis, Indonesian singer and composer Anggun, and Colombian singer Fanny Lou will become Goodwill Ambassadors for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

A special ceremony to mark this occasion will take place in Rome on October 16 during World Food Day.

Margarita Cedeño de Fernández will be appointed FAO Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of the importance of her many projects in her country in the fields of social development, food and agriculture, particularly those aimed at helping women.

Fashion legend Pierre Cardin was honored for his work initiating numerous humanitarian projects and public campaigns, particularly in support of the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic medalist, has been nominated by the International Olympic Committee as Athlete of the Century.

Indonesian singer Anggun is one of the few Asian artists to achieve international recognition with her successful album "Snow on the Sahara." She has won numerous international music awards and is an inspiration to Asian women. She has participated in a number of social and environmental campaigns.

Colombian singer Fanny Lou, whose hits have topped Latin American charts since 2006, also takes an active part in World Food Day and the TeleFood campaign, organized by the FAO to support fundraising for micro-projects around the world.

This year's World Food Day theme is "Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis." It highlights the plight of over a billion people worldwide suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and the growing need to help the poor in the face of economic crisis.

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