Empowering the World: UN’s Pioneering Initiative to Forge Global Resilience Through Advanced Early Warnings

September 24, 2023 / activist360

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has launched the “Early Warnings for All” initiative, slated for completion by 2027, to develop advanced, multi-hazard, and people-centered early warning systems to protect every individual globally.

The “Early Warnings for All” Initiative

Initiated in March 2022 and with an action plan unveiled in November 2022, it’s founded on four pillars:

Disaster risk knowledge, led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
Detection, observations, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of hazards, led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Warning dissemination and communication, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Preparedness to respond, led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Despite the proven efficacy of such systems in mitigating disaster impacts, access is limited, especially in underdeveloped and small island nations. The initiative requires $3.1 billion over five years and is endorsed by Multilateral Development Banks, emphasizing its role in mitigating climate impacts and protecting lives, livelihoods, and environments.

The initiative, seeking collaborations across sectors and levels, aims to modernize global early warning systems and align them with climate action goals, focusing on integrity and justice. The systems will provide understandable and actionable warnings, enabling timely actions to minimize potential harm, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa, where 60% lack coverage. Investments of $800 million in developing countries could potentially avert $3-16 billion in losses annually. It represents a collective effort to safeguard vulnerable populations and emphasizes the importance of united actions in realizing the goals of this initiative.

Harnessing Data and AI in a Unified Response to Crises

In light of the multifaceted global crises exacerbated by climate change, advancements in AI, technologies, and data ecosystems offer transformative solutions. At the 78th UN General Assembly, discussions included harnessing technological breakthroughs for a resilient future and unlocking the potential of data, analytics, and AI to anticipate and mitigate crises and disasters. Emphasizing the need for innovative data-driven approaches, the discussions revolved around global initiatives like the Early Warnings for All initiative and the Global Climate Action Agenda, underlining collective efforts to build a more resilient world and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to leave no one behind.

The UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative exemplifies a collective stride towards global resilience and inclusive crisis response. It highlights a united commitment to employ innovative technologies, data analytics, and AI to lessen the impacts of climate change and disasters, especially for the vulnerable. This initiative symbolizes a united vision for a sustainable and equitable future, aiming to ensure security and well-being for all, emphasizing a future where every individual is accounted for and protected.

11 Days of Global Unity Kicks Off September 11

September 10, 2023 / activist360

Sunflower by r44flyer on flickr.

The 11 Days of Global Unity occurs annually from September 11 to 21. It’s a global platform connecting local awareness and action initiatives into a powerful international movement. The event spotlights 11 Campaigns for Change, which are:

Unity
Interdependence
Environment
Economic Justice
Health & Wellness
Children & Youth
Women
Human Rights
Freedom
Disarmament
Peace
Sustainability

These campaigns aim to foster values and actions necessary for global peace and a harmonious world. Participants are encouraged to attend local events, join campaigns, volunteer, or make personal commitments toward these initiatives.

One of their standout campaigns is the Environment initiative on September 13th, focused on combating climate emergencies. Key points of this campaign involve promoting investment in clean energy, conserving ecosystems, ensuring access to clean water, reducing pollution, addressing the climate crisis, and supporting sustainable agriculture.

A Journey from Fear to Hope

Originating from the UN’s International Day of Peace which, in 2001, coincided with the 9/11 tragedy, the date was permanently set to September 21st in 2002. By 2004, “We, The World” organization extended the celebration to span 11 days, marking a journey from the fear of September 11 to the hope of September 21. Notable speakers who have been part of their events include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, among others.

Values and Guiding Principles

Values and guiding principles of the organization include recognizing the interdependence between personal and global spheres, practicing nonviolence, understanding that healing the planet leads to individual healing, and integrating principles like idealism, compassion, and collaboration into daily life.

Rick Ulfik, the founder of “We, The World,” has been a prominent figure in media and has co-produced various TV series and events. His organization’s mission revolves around promoting global change and understanding the interdependence between individuals and the environment. Emphasizing a shift from “I” to “WE”, they aim to foster a culture where collective well-being is prioritized.

The events can be viewed live on Zoom and Facebook.

Join the global movement: Combat plastic pollution this World Environment Day, June 5th

June 4, 2023 / activist360

Theme:	Finding solutions to plastic pollution
Date:	June 5th, 2023
Host:	Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Netherlands
Hashtags:	#BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay

June 5th, 2023, will mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, which was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973. This year, the event is anticipated to attract tens of millions of participants both online and through in-person activities, embodying the spirit of environmental advocacy.

Addressing plastic pollution

This year’s theme is focused on finding solutions to plastic pollution. The occasion underscores the consequences of actions and inaction taken by individuals, businesses, and governments in response to plastic pollution. It also highlights the pressing need to amplify these efforts and transition towards a circular economy. To assist in these efforts, a Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide is available, outlining steps to halt and reverse the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

An urgent need

Our planet is in crisis, besieged by the overwhelming weight of plastic waste. Despite its numerous applications, plastic has become detrimental due to our dependence on single-use plastic products, which cause significant environmental and health issues.

As per the UN, globally, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute, up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year, and 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually. Approximately 36% of all plastic is used for packaging, including single-use items for food and beverage containers. Sadly, around 85% of these items end up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Less than 10% of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated worldwide has been recycled. The most prevalent types of plastic waste found in the environment include cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and caps, grocery bags, straws, and stirrers.

Environmental harm

Plastic waste can persist in the environment for centuries due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Nearly all single-use plastic products are manufactured from fossil fuels, contributing to the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions. Most plastic items merely break down into smaller microplastics, which can infiltrate the human body and accumulate in various organs. The impact of this phenomenon on human health remains largely unknown. Microplastics are now ubiquitous and are a part of the Earth’s fossil record. They have even led to the creation of a new marine microbial habitat, known as the “plastisphere.”

How you can help

Urge your local and national leaders to take decisive action by eliminating problematic plastic packaging, redesigning products for sustainability, and promoting transparency in sustainability information. Additionally, you can participate in beach or river clean-ups, shop sustainably, adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, advocate for change, choose sustainable fashion, and opt for plastic-free personal care products.

Spread awareness and inspire others via social media using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay.