In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public (resolution 51/95 of 12 December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of UNESCO. On 16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.
The 2005 World Summit Outcome document (A/RES/60/1), outlines the commitment of Heads of State and Government to advance human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples.
THE SECRETARYGENERAL MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE
16 November 2008
Tolerance provides the basis for mutual understanding and respect. It is an
approach to life that allows for the rich diversity of the world’s cultures to flourish. It is also a cornerstone of our efforts to promote global harmony. As stated in the 1995 UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, tolerance is “the virtue that makes peace possible [and] contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.”
The promotion of tolerance is particularly important in today’s era of rapidly
increasing globalization, mobility and interdependence. While diversity is an invaluable asset, it can also be a source of tension. Tolerance can diffuse potential conflicts. It can help prevent theories of racial or cultural superiority from emerging, and help societies to gradually overcome longheld prejudices and negative stereotypes.
Tolerance should not be mistaken for concession or condescension. Genuine
tolerance is about openness, curiosity and communication. It goes hand in hand with
knowledge and understanding. Education is one of the best ways to prevent intolerance,by revealing similarities between people and spreading a healthy respect for differences.
Nor should tolerance be confused with indifference. Being tolerant does not mean
being passive in the face of racism, xenophobia and exclusion, or silent when minorities,refugees, migrant workers and other vulnerable groups face abuse. Tolerance is an injunction to all of us to stand up and speak out in defense of all who are deprived of their fundamental rights and freedoms.
On the International Day for Tolerance, and in this year in which we commemorate the 60 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I call on all people to renew our commitment to tolerance. And let us redouble our efforts to achieve, through tolerance, our longsought goal of a global culture of harmony and peace.
World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes - its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO, the Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.
WHO estimates that more than 180 million people worldwide have diabetes, according to 2005 figures. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention. Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
UN Secretary General issues statement in support of World Diabetes Day
The Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has issued a statement on the occasion of World diabetes Day.
In his statement the Secretary General thanks the International Diabetes Federation and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh for co-sponsoring the World Diabetes Day panel discussion on diabetes (held November 14 at the UN). He acknowledges that diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can strike children at any age and that diabetes is often diagnosed late or misdiagnosed.
“We must do more to inform children and adults about the warning signs of the disease, particularly in the developing world. We must also ensure access to proper medical care. Many children in the developing world die from diabetes because they do not have insulin.”
ON WORLD DIABETES DAY, SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON ALL TO SHINE LIGHT ON IMPACT OF THIS DEADLY DISEASE, LIGHT WAY TO IMPROVED HEALTH SERVICES, CARE
Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, today, 14 November, in New York:
I thank the International Diabetes Federation and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh for co-sponsoring today’s panel discussion on diabetes. As it happens, I recently returned from Bangladesh, where I received a wonderfully warm welcome from the Bangladeshi authorities and people. The country’s involvement in this observance of World Diabetes Day is yet another sign of its strong commitment to the United Nations.
This year, we focus on the challenge of diabetes among children and adolescents. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can strike children at any age. The disease is often diagnosed late or misdiagnosed as something else, such as the flu. We must do more to inform children and adults about the warning signs of the disease, particularly in the developing world. We must also ensure access to proper medical care. Many children in the developing world die from diabetes because they do not have insulin.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million people died from the disease in 2005, almost 80 per cent of them in low- and middle-income countries. WHO projects that, without urgent action, deaths from diabetes will increase by more than 50 per cent in the next 10 years. And by 2030, the number of people worldwide with diabetes -– currently more than 180 million -- is likely to double.
On World Diabetes Day, more than 800 buildings and landmark sites around the world are lighting blue circles as an expression of commitment to fight diabetes. Let us each do our part to shine a light on the impact of this deadly disease, and to light the way towards improved health services and care.
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