SUDAN: Population Matters for Sustainable Development
Sudan Vision Daily in three issues on 12, 15 and 16 August ran the UNFPA report for the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development held in Brazil during 20—22 June 2012. The report highlights the link between sustainable development and population dynamics and the great challenge of our times of growing world population in relation to the sustainable use of natural resources. It explains this critical link and outlines a human rights-based framework to address associated challenges and seize opportunities. Read in English: Sudan Vision Daily, Sudan Vision Daily and Sudan Vision Daily
MOZAMBIQUE: National Syndicate of Journalists Praises Partnership with UNFPA
Notícias reported on 16 August that one of the achievements of the last mandate of the secretariat of the National Syndicate of Journalists was the partnership with the United Nations Population Fund which resulted in the training of media professionals on population and development issues in Quelimane. The paper says that the training led to the creation of a nucleus of journalists interested in population issues. Read in Spanish: Noticias
MALAWI: Youth Demand Government to Review MYP Concept
Nyasa Times reported on 16 August that the youth in Malawi have asked the PP-led government to review the defunct Malawi Young Pioneers (MYP) concept with the aim of adapting it to a youth programme that will promote skills development in traditional sectors such as agriculture. The youth also urged Malawi President Mrs. Joyce Banda to appoint young professionals in parastatal boards and commissions to represent youth interests and also as one way of orienting them on government systems. The calls were made during belated regional commemorations on the International Youth Day held at the Mzuzu Youth centre on 16 August.
UNFPA Consultant on Youth Programme Emmily Kamwendo said youth have power but queried their contribution to Malawi’s development despite comprising a larger percent of the population. Read in English: Nyasa Times
BELARUS: Free National Hotline for Survivors of Domestic Violence Launched
21.by, ganc-chas.by wrote on 13 August, femina.by on 14 August, belta.by, pravo.by on 15 August and mogilev.by on 16 August that the national free hotline for survivors of domestic violence has been launched. The hotline started operations based on the international public association “Gender Perspectives,” which is the partner of the project of international technical assistance “Developing national capacity to counteract domestic violence in the Republic of Belarus.” The implementation of the project is coordinated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and UNFPA.
Read in Russian: 21.by, ganc-chas.by, femina.by, belta.by, pravo.by, mogilev.by.
GEORGIA: Continuing Coverage on International Youth Day in Batumi
Georgia Today reported on 16 August that International Youth Day was celebrated in Georgia and featured a series of events organized in Batumi on 12 August.
UNFPA Georgia and its partner organizations – the First Lady’s Healthy Lifestyle Initiative “Don’t Worry, Be Healthy,” Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Employment Agency of Adjara, Municipality of Batumi, Batumi State University, Caucasus Social Marketing Association, and the Georgian Youth Development and Education Association - organized a number of sporting and cultural events in Batumi with the participation of local students, youths and summer holidaymakers.
Each event corresponded to priority topics such as youth for poverty reduction, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention and healthy lifestyle, gender equality and peace.
International Youth Day activities included a poster exhibit on domestic violence, a painting contest on HIV/AIDS issues, a biking marathon, three flash-mobs, a beach football competition, and the safe behaviour, anti-tobacco, alcohol, and drugs campaign.
The peer educators distributed thematic brochures and booklets during the day. In addition to the street events, the students had an outstanding opportunity to participate in an information session on employment and professional growth at the Employment Agency of Ajara.
At the end of International Youth Day, awards were given out by Tamar Khomasuridze, UNFPA/Georgia Assistant Representative and Nugzar Putkaradze, the Head of the Adjara Department of Youth and Sports and Natia Surguladze, the Vice Mayor of Batumi.
The culmination of International Youth Day was celebrated by blowing up candle balloons symbolizing the remembrance of the victims of wars and youth willingness to build peace.
Read in English: Georgia Today