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Greetings to each and everyone of you.


This section for English-speaking viewers –
and all those enjoying the culture –

has developed over the months and is now offering materials of all kinds:

texts, images, poems, videos, etc.

It will continue to provide you with rich contents week after week.

 

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought – 17 June 2023

Her Land. Her Rights.  

“Women are major actors in the global efforts to reduce and reverse land degradation. However, in the vast majority of countries, women have unequal and limited access to and control over land. We cannot achieve land degradation neutrality without gender equality, and we cannot exclude half the population from land management decisions because of their gender. » – Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary 

Women hold a vital stake in the health of the land, yet they often don’t have control over it. In all parts of the world, women face significant barriers in securing land rights, limiting their ability to thrive and prosper. And when land becomes degraded and water is scarce, women are often the worst affected. Investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It’s time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts. 

A launch pad for an ambitious women’s land rights agenda 

The global focus for the 2023 Desertification and Drought Day is on women’s land rights— essential for achieving the interconnected global goals on gender equality and land degradation neutrality by 2030 and contributing to the advancement of several other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will reaffirm its commitment to gender equality with these Desertification and Drought Day 2023 objectives:   

  • Raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of desertification, land degradation and drought on women and girls and the barriers they face in decision-making on land issues; 
  • Highlight women’s contributions to sustainable land management and broader SDGs; 
  • Mobilize global support to advance land rights for women and girls around the world. 

This year’s global observance of Desertification and Drought Day will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with events taking place in all parts of the world.  

Gender equality remains unfinished business  

According to UNCCD’s landmark study “The Differentiated Impacts of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought on Women and Men,” gender equality remains unfinished business in every part of the world. Consider the following: 

  • Today, nearly half of the global agricultural workforce is female – yet less than one in five landholders worldwide are women. 
  • Women’s rights to inherit their husband’s property continue to be denied in over 100 countries under customary, religious, or traditional laws and practices. 
  • Globally, women already spend a collective 200 million hours every day collecting water. In some countries, a single trip to fetch water can take over an hour. 

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.unccd.int/events/desertification-drought-day/2023

11th Sunday of Year A – 2023

We ask one another many questions, questions about all kinds of things.
But it happens also that we ask questions of… ourselves.
This situation may arise especially when faced with situations which we find disturbing.

At such times, we may wonder:
“Is God unaware of what is happening to me?
Does God not mind how I am suffering just now?
Can God not do something about what I am troubled with?”

In fact, these questions are directed to… God himself!
At such times, it may be good to do what God tells Moses in today’s 1st reading (Exodus 19:2-6):

“The Lord called to Moses and said: “This is what you are to tell the people of Israel: 
‘You yourselves have seen what I did …
 and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself’.” 

God’s words invite us to look back – look back to how he, God, has dealt with us in the past.
To remember, to become aware again – or, perhaps for the first time – of what God has already done for us previously.
Could it not be that God has indeed carried us, pulled us out of difficult situations and, literally, brought us back to himself?

This looking back, this remembering, may not remove the present obstacle, or solve the actual problem.
But the perspective may change, the perception of what I am faced with may take on a completely different aspect.
And I may then feel better able to cope with what seemed overwhelming before…

It is worth a try!…
 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/11e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

 

Source: Image: Depositphotos

 

International Day of the African Child – 16 June 2023

The International Day of the African Child is a significant event that honors the courage, resilience, and potential of African children. Celebrated annually on June 16th, this day raises awareness about the rights, needs, and challenges faced by children across the African continent. In this blog, we will explore the history of this day, its theme for 2023, the importance of celebration, ways to observe the occasion, and inspiring quotes that capture the spirit of the African child.

History of International Day of the African Child:

The International Day of the African Child commemorates the Soweto Uprising that took place on June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. Thousands of black students marched in protest against the inferior quality of education they were receiving under the apartheid regime. Tragically, hundreds of children lost their lives during the protest. The day symbolizes the brave fight for equal education and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for the rights of African children.

Theme for International Day of the African Child 2023:

The theme for the International Day of the African Child 2023 is “Education for Empowerment: Unlocking the Future.” This theme emphasizes the transformative power of education in shaping the lives of African children. It highlights the need for accessible, quality education that equips children with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Why Do We Celebrate International Day of the African Child?

The celebration of the International Day of the African Child serves several important purposes. Firstly, it raises awareness about the challenges faced by African children, including poverty, lack of education, child labor, and child marriage. It also encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to protect and promote the rights of children across the continent. Moreover, the day provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, talents, and potential of African children, who are the future leaders and change-makers of Africa.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.allworldday.com/international-day-of-the-african-child/

World Blood Donor Day – 14 June 2023

The slogan for 2023 World Blood Donor Day campaign, celebrated on 14 June 2023, is “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.” It focuses on patients requiring life-long transfusion support and underlines the role every single person can play, by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma. It also highlights the importance of giving blood or plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can be always available, all over the world, so that all patients in need can receive timely treatment.

The objectives are to:

  • celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and encourage more people to become new donors;
  • encourage people in good health to donate blood regularly, as often as is safe and possible, to transform the quality of life for transfusion dependent patients and help to build a secure blood supply in all countries in the world;  
  • highlight the critical roles of voluntary non-remunerated regular blood and plasma donations in achieving universal access to safe blood products for all populations; and
  • mobilize support at national, regional and global levels among governments and development partners to invest in, strengthen and sustain national blood programmes.

 

Source: Text: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2023    Image: Freepik

 

International Lynx Day – 11 June

June 11th is known as International Lynx Day. Lynx is the biggest wild cat in Europe. Each one of them displays a distinct coat pattern, and so it’s possible to differentiate a lynx from another! Nine thousand specimens are found across central European forests thanks to reintroduction programs that began in the 1970s.

Two species live in Europe, the Eurasian lynx and the Iberian lynx, whose original population became extinct in the past because of hunting and habitat loss. WWF Central and Eastern Europe promotes public awareness regarding large carnivores, wolves, brown bears and lynx, vital for the ecosystem.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.internationaldays.co/event/international-lynx-day

Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, Year A – 2023

 

When reading some texts of the gospel, I like to note the reaction of people listening to Jesus.
Today’s text shows us the listeners of Jesus reacting to his saying that he is the bread of life (John 6:51-58).
We are told:

“The Jews began to argue sharply among themselves”.    

They simply cannot agree between them on the meaning of Jesus’ message.
Of course, his words were rather astonishing.

He was saying that the bread he was offering came down from heaven.
Anyone eating it would not die but live on for ever.
He added that the food he wanted to give them was his own body and blood.

We must admit that this way of speaking is far from usual.
A human being telling others to… eat his flesh and blood.
Our own reaction may be astonishment, yes, but even, possibly, refusal to believe.
We may feel that this is… beyond what we can accept and… do…

We have to realize that God is precisely… beyond –
beyond what our intelligence can grasp…
beyond what our minds can imagine…
beyond what seems to us logical and acceptable…

This is where we come to what spiritual writers call ‘the leap of faith’…
And it is a mighty one!…
A leap that brings us into God’s own way of being – exactly what he wants to share with us.

Jesus says it clearly:
“As I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me”.

Amazing, but true.
Astonishing, but real.
God’s gift, purely and simply…

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/fete-du-corps-et-du-sang-du-christ-annee-a-2023/

 

Source: Image: LDS.net

 

International Archives Day – 9 June 2023

Celebrate Archives!   

Did you know that June 9 is International Archives Day? All around the world, professionals in the archival community unite their voices on June 9 to make you understand why it is essential to support archives and the profession.  

Background  

The ICA believes that the value of archives and archivists should be promoted at the international level. Archives and archivists play an important role in accountability, transparency, democracy, heritage, memory and society.  

During the 2004 International Congress in Vienna, 2000 attending participants adopted a resolution requesting that the United Nations (UN) designates a specific day to mark the importance and value of archives. 

In 2005, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared October 27 as the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) during the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Paris, France. WDAH makes an occasion to raise widespread awareness of the need to take urgent measures and acknowledge the importance of audio-visual documents as a representation of our shared heritage and memory. However, audio-visual documents are only a portion of our documentary heritage that warrants international attention. 

Subsequently, it was decided at the 2007 ICA Annual General Meeting that June 9 would be celebrated as International Archives Day. The date, June 9, was chosen to commemorate the date ICA was created under the auspices of UNESCO in 1948. 

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.ica.org/

World Oceans Day – 8 June 2024

Planet Ocean: tides are changing

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.

“Awaken New Depths” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2024.  The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activist to put the ocean first.

Did you know?

  • The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
  • The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
  • Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day

World Pest Day – 6 June

HISTORY OF WORLD PEST DAY

While pest control might be as old as agriculture, the first instance was not recorded until 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians applied biological control agents by introducing cats to manage rodent populations in their grain stores. They also introduced mongooses into homes to control rodents and snakes. In 2500 B.C., the Sumerians of Mesopotamia began using sulfur compounds as insecticides. In 1200 B.C., the Chinese employed predatory ants against pests such as beetles and caterpillars to protect citrus orchards. They also used botanical insecticides to treat seeds.

While there was a continued development in pest management during Medieval times in other parts of the world, Europe regressed and adopted superstitious tactics. However, that changed with the scientific awakening during the Renaissance. New chemical repellents were discovered, including nicotine and arsenic. In the 1700s, German physician Franz Ernst Brückmann invented a mechanical flytrap to capture various insects. Brückmann later invented the flea trap, which became a popular fashion accessory during Victorian times. In 1879, James M. Keep patented the first lethal mousetrap, which used a set of spring-loaded, cast-iron jaws. New chemical insecticides were developed between the late 1800s and after WWII, including D.D.T., herbicides, organophosphates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

During the 1960s, the public became aware of the harmful impacts of these chemical pesticides on the environment. That led to the re-emergence of biological control. Although chemical pest control is still the primary method for pest management today, people are beginning to take an interest in traditional and natural pest control. On June 6, 2017, the Chinese Pest Control Association pioneered the first World Pest Day, collaborating with the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association, the National Pest Management Association, and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations.

WORLD PEST DAY TIMELINE

3000 B.C.
The First Biological Pest Control

Ancient Egyptians use cats to control the rodent population.

2500 B.C.
The First Insecticide

The Sumerians employ sulfur compounds as insecticides.

1879
The Mousetrap

James M. Keep patents the first lethal mousetrap.

2017
The First World Pest Day

The Chinese Pest Control Association launches World Pest Day at the Beijing Hotel.

 

Source: Text: https://nationaltoday.com/world-pest-day/    Image: Freepik

World Environment Day – 5 June 2023

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 single-use plastic harms human health and biodiversity and pollutes every ecosystem from mountain tops to the ocean floor.

With available science and solutions to tackle the problem, governments, companies and other stakeholders must scale up and speed actions to solve this crisis.

This underscores the importance of this World Environment Day in mobilizing transformative action from every corner of the world.

Fifty years celebrating World Environment Day

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. In 2023, it is hosted by Côte D’Ivoire.

Did you know?

  • Some 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flow annually into oceans. This may triple by 2040.
  • More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers.
  • A shift to a circular economy can reduce the volume of plastics entering oceans by over 80 per cent by 2040; reduce virgin plastic production by 55 per cent; save governments US$70 billion by 2040; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent; and create 700,000additional jobs – mainly in the global south.
Source: Text: https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day   Image: University of Prince Edward Island

Faith in a global agreement to combat plastic pollution by 2024 

Last year, 175 UN Member States endorsed a historic resolution to end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement that will be ready by the end of 2024. This is the most significant environmental multilateral deal since the Paris accord. It is an insurance policy for this generation and future ones, so they may live with plastic and not be doomed by it.

Source: Text & Image: UNEP 2023