UNITED NATIONS

NATIONS UNIES

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WE THE PEOPLES New York, 21 September 2011 As delivered Mr. President, Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Late next month, a child will be born the 7 billionth citizen of our planet Earth. Let us assume this child is a girl. Most likely she will be poor. She may or may not grow up to be healthy and strong. If she is especially lucky, she will be educated and go out into the world, full of hopes and dreams. Beyond that, we know only one thing with certainty: she will enter a world of vast and unpredictable change environmental, economic, geopolitical, technological, demographic. The worlds population has tripled since the United Nations was created. And our numbers keep growing. So do the pressures on land, energy, food and water. The global economic crisis continues to shake businesses, governments and families around the world. Joblessness is rising. Social inequalities grow wider. Too many people live in fear. Excellencies, The UN exists to serve those in whose name it was conceived WE THE PEOPLES. During the past five years as UN Secretary-General, I have travelled the world to meet people where they live, to hear their hopes and fears. Two weeks ago I visited Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Villagers told me of their fear of climate change. Rising seas are washing into their homes. One day, they might be swept away entirely. A young girl named Tamauri mustered her courage to speak. What will become of us," she

asked. "What can the United Nations do for us?" Today, I pose her question to all of you distinguished Heads of State and Government and leaders of the world. What can we do? How can we help our people find greater peace, prosperity and justice in a world of crises? Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, As I reflect on my time in office during the last five years, I am full of passionate conviction unshakable faith in the enduring importance of this noble United Nations. Today, I would like to share with you my perspective on the way ahead. As I see it, we have five imperatives five generational opportunities to shape the world of tomorrow by the decisions we make today. The first and greatest of these is sustainable development the imperative of the 21st century. Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and womens empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all. Rio+20 must succeed. We must make progress on climate change. We cannot burn our way to the future. We cannot pretend the danger does not exist or dismiss it because it affects someone else. Today, I call on you to reach a binding climate change agreement an agreement with more ambitious national and global emissions targets. And we need action on the ground, now on cutting emissions and on adaptation. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Energy is key to our planet, to our way of life. That is why we have launched a pioneering new initiative, Sustainable Energy for All. We must invest in people particularly in education and womens and childrens health. Development is not sustainable unless it is equitable and serves all people. We must intensify our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and more. Today, I urge you to think even bigger and beyond the 2015 deadline.

Let us develop a new generation of sustainable development goals to pick up where the MDGs leave off. Let us agree on the means to achieve them. Excellencies, A second great opportunity: prevention. This year, the UN peacekeeping budget will total $8 billion. Consider the savings if we act before conflicts erupt by deploying political mediation missions, for example, rather than troops. We know how to do this. Our record proves it in Guinea, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan. To prevent violations of human rights, we must work for the rule of law and stand against impunity. We have carved out a new dimension for the Responsibility to Protect. We will continue. To prevent runaway damage from natural disasters, we must work for better disaster-risk reduction and preparedness. And let us remember: development is ultimately the best prevention. Today, I ask your support. Let us commit the resources required. Let us raise prevention from an abstract concept to a core operating principle, across the spectrum of our work. Ladies and gentlemen, A third imperative: building a safer and more secure world our core responsibility as the United Nations. This year we were sorely tested. In Cte dIvoire, we stood firm for democracy and human rights. Working closely with our regional partners, we made a difference in the lives of millions of people. In Afghanistan and Iraq, we will carry on our missions with determination and commitment to the people of these proud nations. In Darfur, we continue to save lives and help keep peace under difficult conditions. Our success demands the cooperation and full support of the international community, the parties on the ground and the Sudanese Government. In Sudan, the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement must work together to prevent conflict and settle outstanding issues. In the Middle East, we must break the stalemate. We have long agreed that Palestinians deserve a state. Israel needs security. Both want peace. We pledge our unrelenting efforts to help achieve that peace through a negotiated settlement.

We must be innovative in maximizing the unique force for good that is UN peacekeeping. We are pioneering new approaches. We have strengthened our field support and reconfigured the architecture of peacekeeping operations. In places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone, we are building peace by advancing civil society, promoting the rule of law and creating institutions of honest and effective governance. Today we are capable of more rapid and effective response than ever before, and we will continue. We remain the worlds first emergency responders in Pakistan, Haiti and beyond. It is essential that we continue to build on our most innovative and effective tool for humanitarian relief the Central Emergency Response Fund, or CERF. Famine in Somalia continues to spread. I appeal to you: help save the children of the Horn of Africa. As we learned in Fukushima and elsewhere, nuclear accidents do not respect national borders. We need global action. We need strong international safety standards to prevent future disasters. Let us keep pushing on disarmament and non-proliferation. Let us fulfil the dream a world free of nuclear weapons. Ladies and gentlemen, The fourth big opportunity: supporting nations in transition. This years dramatic events in North Africa and the Middle East inspired us. Let us help make the Arab Spring a true season of hope for all. In Libya, we are deploying a new UN support mission to assist the Libyan authorities establish a new government and legal order, consistent with the aspirations of the Libyan people. Syria is a special concern. For six months we have seen escalating violence and repression. The Government has repeatedly pledged to undertake reforms and listen to its people. It has not done so. The moment to act is now. The violence must stop. Others also look to us. A country may be emerging from war. It may be moving from autocracy to democracy, from poverty to a new prosperity. The UN must help that country find the right path. That may involve support to restore justice or build back public services. It may mean helping to organize elections or write a constitution. Our challenge today is to cement this progress and apply the lessons learned.

Nowhere is this challenge more clear than in our efforts to help South Sudan build a functioning state after decades of conflict. Fifth and finally: we can dramatically advance our efforts in every sphere by working with and working for women and young people. Women hold up more than half the sky and represent much of the worlds unrealized potential. They are the educators. They raise the children. They hold families together and increasingly drive economies. They are natural leaders. We need their full engagement in government, business and civil society. And this year, for the first time, we have UN Women our own unique and powerful engine for dynamic change. I am especially pleased to see so many women at this years General Assembly. I welcome, in particular, the next speaker Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, the first woman in UN history to open our General Debate. We can be proud of how many women leaders we have at the United Nations. We will continue our policy of promoting women at all levels of the Organization. And we will focus on the new generation. Young people are more than our future. They are also our present, both in numbers and how they drive political and social change. We must find new ways to create decent jobs and opportunities for them around the world. Excellencies, These are extraordinary challenges. We cannot respond in ordinary ways. We need one thing above all else solidarity. That begins with the obvious: without resources, we cannot deliver. Today, I ask governments that have traditionally borne the lions share of the costs to not flag in their generosity. Budgets are tight. Yet we also know that investing through the UN is smart policy. Burdensharing makes the load lighter. Scaling back is no answer. To the rising powers among you, whose dynamism increasingly drives the global economy with power comes responsibility. For all, I ask that you give what you can expertise, peacekeepers, helicopters. Never underestimate the power of your leadership. Again and again, I have seen how the smallest nations make some of the largest contributions to our work. Governments cannot do the job alone. To deliver for those in need, we must broaden our base and extend our reach. We must harness the full power of partnership across the Organization. Our successes against malaria show the way. We see the transformative power of partnership in our Every Woman Every Child initiative, with funding commitments of more than $40 billion four times the annual UN budget.

When we combine the UNs unparalleled convening authority and technical resources with the various strengths of governments, the private sector and civil society, we are a formidable force for good. Ladies and Gentlemen: Finally, we must adapt to changing times. At this time of austerity, we must do more with less. We must invest the global taxpayers money wisely, eliminate waste and avoid duplication by Delivering as One. Accountability and transparency remain our watchwords. We are accountable to the Member States. Yet we cannot become more efficient without their strong and consistent support. We need to streamline the budget process and help the UN to deliver at a cost no nation can match on its own. We must keep pushing to build a more modern and mobile workforce a UN that is faster and more flexible, a UN that innovates and draws on the power of social media and new technologies, a UN that helps solve real-world problems in real-time. Last but hardly least, let us do everything we can to protect our UN staff. We have lost so many lives; the UN has become too soft a target. Today, we remember with gratitude those who serve with such dedication in so many dangerous places. Excellencies, Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Here in this great hall, the shrinking islands in the vast Pacific may seem far away. Yet I hear that young girls plea as clearly as if she were next to me. Perhaps that is because, 60 years ago, I was that child. The United Nations is the answer, as it was then. Standing here today, I hear many millions of other young boys and girls asking our help, looking for hope. WE THE PEOPLES. Seven billion now look to us the worlds leaders. They need solutions. They demand leadership. They want us to act. To act with compassion, courage and conviction. To act in concert nations united at the United Nations. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen: Let us carry on this journey together. Thank you.

UN Department of Public Information 2012 Communications Priorities The purpose of DPI communications is to help achieve the UNs substantive goals within the three broad pillars of its work development, human rights, and peace and security. DPIs communications priorities reflect those thematic areas within the three pillars that will be in the forefront of the Organizations concerns for 2012. Key dates are markers around which communications strategies and/or activities will be developed over the course of the year. DPIs communications priorities also reflect the Secretary-Generals broad strategic priorities the five imperatives to shape the world of tomorrow by the decisions we make today, outlined in his report to the General Assembly on 21 September 2011 (attached). They are: sustainable development; prevention; building a safer and more secure world; supporting nations in transition; and working with and for women and young people.

DEVELOPMENT Sustainable Development: The UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) will be a major focus of work for the entire UN System during the first half of 2012. In the lead-up to the conference, The Future We Want campaign, launched in November 2011, will aim to generate a global conversation on that theme, to build public awareness and support for sustainable development. There will be a number of opportunities to generate media interest, including by promoting the report of the Secretary-Generals High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability in January, and various international days and preparatory meetings. Several mini-campaigns on key issues including energy, water, oceans, sustainable cities, jobs/equity, food/agriculture and resilience to disasters will create further opportunities in the lead-up to Rio. A process may be launched whereby Governments will seek agreement on sustainable development goals to build upon the MDGs, post-2015. Key dates: 12 January: Report of the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability (New York) 16-17 January: Initial discussions on the zero draft of outcome document for Rio+20 (New York) 6-7 March: Third Intersessional Meeting on Rio+20 (New York) 12-17 March: 6th World Water Forum (Marseille) March (tbc): Launch of World Water Assessment Report 22 March: World Water Day (Worldwide) 26-27 March: Third Intersessional Meeting of UNCSD, UN Secretariat (New York) 21-26 April: UNCTAD XIII Development-centred globalization: Towards inclusive and sustainable growth and development (Doha) 23-27 April: Commission on Population and Development (CPD); Theme: Adolescents and Youth (New York) 15-22 May: G8 Summit (Chicago) 13-15 June: Third Meeting of the Preparatory Committee on Rio 2012 (Rio de Janeiro) 17-19 June (tbc): G20 Summit (Mexico) 20-22 June: UNCSD (Rio+20) (Rio de Janeiro)

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

Sustainable Energy for All: As a key input to Rio+20 and beyond, the SecretaryGeneral has launched a Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (www.sustainableenergyforall.org). He has announced three goals for 2030: to ensure universal access to modern energy services; to double the rate of improvement of energy efficiency; and to double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Significant commitments are expected to be announced at Rio+20. The initiative is working closely with those organizing the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All (2012). After the January launch in Abu Dhabi, key events for the year will also include a report to the UN General Assembly and a closing observance. Key dates: 16-19 January: The World Future Energy Summit - Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All (Abu Dhabi) 20-22 June: Rio+20 (Rio de Janeiro) 18-21 September: Report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on Year of Sustainable Energy for All (New York) 1-31 December: Closing Event - International Year of Sustainable Energy for All (New York)

Millennium Development Goals: The UN System continues to push for acceleration of MDG achievement, as the 2015 target date looms. An integrated advocacy strategy for 2012-2015 is being developed under the UN Development Group (UNDG) Task Force on the MDGs, and the supportive communications plan by the UNCG Task Force on the MDGs. At the same time, the Secretary-General has outlined internally, through the UNDG, his plan for building consensus on the post-2015 development agenda. First, an internal Task Team is to be convened, and then a High-level Panel of Eminent Persons will be appointed, to issue their report in 2013, followed by a Secretary-General report, as inputs to the 2013 MDG Summit. The Secretary-General has already proposed, in several prominent speeches, that there should be a set of sustainable development goals that will build upon the MDGs, post-2015. In communications, we continue to stress the significant progress that the MDGs have generated, with success stories compiled and featured across the UN System, as well as the importance of accelerating action to achieve the Goals. Various reports and international days provide a steady flow of opportunities to get out the main messages. The Secretary-General continues to actively promote his Every Woman, Every Child umbrella initiative on womens and childrens health, under which large-scale and concrete commitments are being carried out to achieve MDGs 4 and 5. The MDG Advocacy Group has agreed on an action plan, which should enable UNICs to better utilize them with the media. The MDG celebrity champions have been invited to renew their commitment through 2015. Key dates: March (tbc): SG appoints High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on post-2015 agenda 8 March: International Womens Day (Worldwide) 12-17 March: 6th World Water Forum (Marseille) March (tbc): Launch of World Water Assessment Report 22 March: World Water Day (Worldwide)

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

24 March: World TB Day (Worldwide) 25 April: World Malaria Day (Worldwide) 3-4 May: MDG Review Exhibition and Summit 2012 The power of business as one of the solutions to the MDG challenges (Cape Town) June (tbc): Launch of MDG Report 20-22 June: Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio) First week of July: High-level Segment of ECOSOC (New York) (Theme for Annual Ministerial Review: Promoting productive capacity, employment and decent work to eradicate poverty in the context of inclusive, sustainable and equitable economic growth at all levels for achieving the MDGs) First week of July: Launch of the World Economic and Social Survey 2012: Innovative Sources of Financing for Development: Possibilities and Pitfalls 22-27 July: XIX International AIDS Conference (Washington, DC) September (tbc): Launch of MDG Gap Task Force Report September (tbc): Every Woman, Every Child event to report on commitments 16 October: World Food Day 17 October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty / Stand Up against Poverty 1 December: World AIDS Day Climate change: Countries will begin a new process to negotiate a legally binding instrument, protocol, or outcome with legal force, as well as to strengthen global efforts to address climate change, at the Climate Change Conference in November/December 2012 in Doha, Qatar. In addition to the negotiations on a legally binding agreement, negotiations will also focus on issues relating to the implementation of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the management of the new Green Climate Fund, and the implementation of the Durban Platform. Another important issue that will be discussed in Qatar is the need for progress on climate financing. A strategy will be developed in early 2012 to raise awareness of Durban Platform and next steps. Key dates: 26 November-7 December 2011: Climate Change Conference COP 18 (Doha, Qatar) Food security: Food security and agriculture have been ranking global concerns since the crisis of 2008. The pattern that has ensued since then economic downturn making it harder for the poor to access food; economic recovery driving global prices to everhigher levels is likely to continue through 2012 and beyond. Food and agriculture are also at the centre of the Rio+20 sustainable development agenda, closely linked with water and energy (see above); and of prospects for advancing the LDCs and the Istanbul Programme of Action. Key dates: 8 February: The Economists Feeding the World Conference (Geneva) 13 February: Challenges for Global Food Systems to 2050 Forum (Adelaide, Australia) 22 February: European Food Security Conference (Brussels) 7-9 March: Global Food Security Forum (Rabat, Morocco) 27-29 April: World Public Health Nutrition Association Congress (Rio de Janeiro) 15-20 October: Committee on World Food Security (Rome) 16 October: World Food Day (Worldwide)

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

Economic Recovery and Crisis: As the world economy struggles to recover from the crisis of 2008-09, and the European debt situation shakes confidence in the markets, DESAs World Economic Situation and Prospects 2012 offers two scenarios: the negative (muddling through), and the more negative (a double-dip recession). The global analysis will be launched on 1 December 2011 in New York, and regional analyses will be launched around 17 January in key regional hubs. A mid-year update will come out in June. Key dates: 17 January: regional launches of World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report (multi-site) 20-22 April: World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings (Washington, DC) June (tbc): WESP Mid-Year Update Report July (tbc): World Economic and Social Survey 12-14 October: World Bank/IMF annual meetings (Tokyo)

Gender equality and womens empowerment: Working with and for women has been identified by the Secretary-General as major priority for the Organization over the next five years. This includes efforts to bolster UN Women, which was launched early in 2011. The theme of the 56th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, to take place at UN Headquarters in February, will be the empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges. Reflecting this theme, the slogan for International Womens Day 2012 is Empower rural women end hunger and poverty. Key dates 27 February-9 March: 56th session of the Commission on the Status of Women 8 March: International Womens Day 23 June: International Widows Day 15 October: International Day of Rural Women 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November 10 December: 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence

Youth: Following the General Assembly High-level Meeting on Youth and the culmination of the International Youth Year in 2011, a focus on young people as drivers of political and social change has been identified by the Secretary-General as a priority for the next five years. The issue of youth employment the theme of the next World Youth Report will be highlighted in particular. Key dates: January: Launch of World Youth Report 2011 23-27 April: Commission on Population and Development (Theme: Adolescents and Youth) 20-22 June: UNCSD (Rio+20) 21 August: International Youth Day

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

Africa: Raising public awareness of key African development challenges and accomplishments and the activities of the New Partnership for Africas Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency), which commemorated its 10th anniversary in 2011, remain communications priorities. Strategic information campaigns promoting African economic, social and political development issues will be undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). During 2012, the campaigns will promote the annual MDG Report, the Secretary-Generals reports on Africa and annual reports on the implementation of NEPAD projects, and several OSAAs expert group meetings, as well as ECAs flagship reports on economic, social and political issues. DPI will also provide strategic guidance on immediate communication priorities and preparation of key messages on African development topics, tailoring the UNs broad priority issues to the specifics of the Africa region, and ensuring that other parts of DPI are aware of Africas priorities. Several broad themes have been identified for 2012: NEPAD Agencys priorities on economic development; MDGs, with focus on gender, trade, aid, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health; sustainable development and climate change mitigation in Africa; peacekeeping, peacebuilding and human rights. Key dates: 29-30 January: African Union Summit (Addis Ababa) 7 April: Commemoration of the 18th Anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide (Worldwide) 25 April: World Malaria Day 25 May: Africa Day 18 July: Nelson Mandela International Day July (tbc): African Union Summit 15 September: International Day of Democracy

HUMAN RIGHTS Minorities/Racism: Related to the broader and continuing priority theme of nondiscrimination, the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Minorities in 2012 provides an opportunity to focus on ending discrimination against national, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, including indigenous peoples worldwide. This could also build on the momentum from the Lets Fight Racism campaign, launched in the late 2011. Key objectives are to raise awareness of the essential standards contained in the Declaration and in other documents such as the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and to inspire individuals to take action to fight discrimination in their own communities. The Lets Fight Racism campaign is a key tool for communicating this message. Key dates: 27 January: International Day of Commemoration to Honour the Victims of the Holocaust 8 March: International Womens Day 21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 7 April: Commemoration of the 18th Anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

7- 18 May: Eleventh Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 26 June: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 18 July: Nelson Mandela International Day 9 August: International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People 10 December: Human Rights Day 18 December: 20th anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Minorities Rule of Law: In 2011, in the midst of developments in the Middle East and northern Africa, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon referred to the rule of law as the worlds best hope for building peaceful, prosperous societies. The UN plays an important supporting role to assist Member States in strengthening the rule of law, with an emphasis on promoting good governance, transparency, trustworthy legal systems and accountability for crimes. The High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly in September 2012 will be an opportunity to highlight the UN as a forum for dialogue on this issue. The work of the United Nations in the area of promoting international law and providing technical assistance can also be highlighted. Key dates: September (tbc): High-Level Meeting on the Rule of Law 15 September: International Day of Democracy September (tbc): 2012 Treaty Event (Rule of Law theme) Human Rights Defenders: Following a year where human rights activists have been on the frontlines of change in authoritarian societies throughout the Middle East and northern Africa, DPI and OHCHR will work to highlight the work of human rights defenders worldwide. By raising the profile of the work of human rights defenders, from Special Rapporteurs to grassroots activists, we can achieve two main objectives inspiring others to defend the human rights of themselves or others; and providing some measure of protection through awareness of their work and situation. Key dates: Various human-rights related international days could highlight the work of human rights defenders: 8 March: International Women's Day 21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 26 June: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 9 August: International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities 10 December: Human Rights Day 18 December: 20th anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Minorities Ad hoc: Country visits of Special Rapporteurs Late October: Third Committee of the General Assembly briefings by Special Rapporteurs Ending violence against women and girls: The Secretary-Generals UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign, which will run until 2015, continued to gain traction in 2011. Three regional components of the campaign are now active in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

UNiTE communications guidelines were developed in 2011 to help ensure coherence in messaging and branding across the regions and the UN system. A new strategic direction was also developed following the campaigns mid-point review and the first global meeting of UNiTE campaign focal points. Establishing violence against women as a human rights abuse in all countries as opposed to an issue affecting primarily developing countries remains a communications challenge to be addressed as the campaign moves into its second phase. The focus of messaging is now shifting from highlighting the problem as a global pandemic to stressing why ending violence against women matters to everyone, including its economic consequences, and how exactly it can be achieved in all countries. The Secretary-Generals Network of Men Leaders will soon be expanded to include at least 50 prominent members who will be leveraged next year to increase support and visibility. Young women and men will be a target audience of the UNiTE campaign in 2012. Key dates: 18-20 January: International Expert Group Meeting on combating violence against indigenous women and girls 27 February-9 March: 56th session of the Commission on the Status of Women 8 March: International Womens Day 8-13 March: UNiTE Kilimanjaro Climb 19-22 April: 12th AWID International Forum (Istanbul) 30 September: Third anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1888 on women and peace and security (addressing sexual violence in conflict) 25 November: International Day to for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November-10 December: 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence 29 November: Human Rights Defenders Day 10 December: Human Rights Day

PEACE AND SECURITY Disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and arms control issues: DPI will continue to help raise public awareness and understanding of the objectives and the work of the United Nations in the area of disarmament, arms control and related fields, including by promoting the Organizations conferences, meeting, events and observances. Small arms and the arms trade will be a focus, with the two major UN Conferences to be held in the course of 2012: 2-27 July: UN Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (New York) 27 August-7 September: UN Conference to Review the Implementation of the Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (New York) In addition, the following disarmament-related events will be held in 2012: Beginning 23 January: Conference on Disarmament (Geneva) This session may have special significance in the light of the long impasse in the CD's work and urgent calls for progress from many quarters
2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

26-27 March: Nuclear Security Summit (Seoul) 30 April-11 May: First NPT Preparatory Committee (Vienna, in preparation for the 2015 NPT Review Conference) Conference on the nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, scheduled tentatively for summer (Finland) Other key dates: 1 January: 10th anniversary of the Open Skies Treaty entry into force 11 January: 60th anniversary of the UN Disarmament Commission 18 May: 40th anniversary of the Seabed Treaty 29 August: International Day against Nuclear Testing 24-30 October: Disarmament Week Global Week of Action against Gun Violence (tbc) 12th Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention (dates/venue tbc) 21 November: 10th anniversary of the Inter-American Convention on Transparency Peacekeeping: As UN peacekeeping further consolidates its operations around the world, DPI will continue to focus on promoting peacekeeping as the UNs flagship peace and security enterprise, as well as continue to provide strategic communications guidance and daily support at Headquarters and to UN field operations. Partnerships: In view of the increasingly complex and multi-faceted mandates given to peacekeeping operations and recognizing the diverse array of stakeholders involved, DPI will be working with DPKO/DFS in emphasizing the importance of partnerships, including with Member States and regional organizations, such as the African Union, among others. Global Field Support Strategy: Another point of advocacy, through the continued implementation of the Global Field Support Strategy, will be to demonstrate how UN peacekeeping is a highly cost effective instrument for international peace and security. Effectiveness, efficiency and accountability will be key messages and communications will underscore the importance of capacity development for peacekeeping operations. Role of women: Expanding the base of troop and police contributing countries will also be a point of focus. While working with Member States to achieve this expansion, the importance of increasing role of women in peacekeeping will continue to be a key message. The goal to reach the target of 20% women in UN Police will be a focus. Protection of civilians: The capacity to quickly and effectively respond to changing conditions on the ground, particularly in crisis response and protection of civilians, will be consistently emphasized. Conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy and mediation: DPI will work with DPA to highlight the UNs work in preventive diplomacy, good offices and mediation, helping to bring greater visibility to the efforts of UN envoys and special political missions in the field and the need to strengthen capacities and support arrangements to ensure their effectiveness. In this regard, an increasingly important role played by the UN regional political offices in West Africa, Central Africa, and Central Asia will be highlighted. DPI will also draw attention to the growing emphasis placed on the inclusion and participation of women in peace processes.
2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

Supporting countries in transition: DPI in conjunction with DPA will redouble efforts to communicate the UNs support for countries in transition, including its consistent appeals for dialogue and peaceful change in countries such as Syria and Yemen, and its encouragement and assistance to democratic transitions underway in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. UN messages will continue to emphasize human rights, peaceful and inclusive dialogue and respect for national ownership of processes of change in the region. Middle East peace process: The Middle East peace process and the question of statehood for Palestine will remain a key priority for the UN and the focus of media attention in 2012. DPI will work with DPA to continue to highlight the UNs efforts through the Middle East Quartet and UNSCO to discourage violence and to support a peaceful, negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Public information will also put the spotlight on the work of the United Nations to manage tensions and seek improved humanitarian conditions on the ground. DPIs International Media Seminar on the question of Palestine, now scheduled to take place in the second week of June 2012 in Geneva, with the Government of Switzerland as a co-host, will provide an opportunity to examine the prospects for peace in the region and the role the international media can play in promoting the peace agenda. Key dates: The week of 11 June: DPI International Media Seminar on peace in the Middle East (Geneva) 29 November: International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Elections: DPI will work with UN partners (DPA, DPKO, UNDP) to increase awareness of the critical work of the United Nations to support Member States in the holding of peaceful, credible and democratic elections around the world. Post-conflict peacebuilding: UN efforts to consolidate the peacebuilding processes in countries still rebuilding after conflict, such as Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and the Central African Republic (CAR), will be an important focus in the year ahead. Sierra Leone faces key elections in 2012 to be supported by the work of UNIPSIL. In GuineaBissau, a process of national dialogue has been launched to build unity and reconciliation. In CAR, the challenge of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants will be an important focus in 2012. Women, peace and security: The Security Council marked the 11th anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security in October 2011 with an open debate on the theme of Womens Participation and Role in Conflict Resolution and Mediation. The need to strengthen implementation of resolution 1325 and follow-on resolution 1889 (2009) was highlighted at the debate and will be a major focus of efforts in this area next year, with a new UN system in place to track progress though an agreed set of 26 indicators. Communications activities in 2012 will focus heavily on supporting the implementation of the Seven-point Action Plan on Women in Peacebuilding.

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

Key dates; 30 September: Third anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1888 on women and peace and security (addressing sexual violence in conflict) Late October: 12th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women and peace and security and submission of the strategic framework for implementation of the resolution

Country and peace mission-specific priorities Libya will be a key focus with public information efforts highlighting the UNs support role to the country through the recently established United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). It is anticipated that 2012 will mark the transition from UNSMILs initial three-month deployment to a proposed larger mission of longer duration to respond to Libyas post-conflict needs. South Sudan will remain a priority, with UNMISSs mandate to support the Government and people of the newest Member of the United Nations. With UNAMID in Darfur and UNISFA in the disputed territory of Abyei, the situation in the wider Sudan and South Sudan area will continue to be a key focus of UN peacekeeping communications, including the management of potential tensions between Sudan and South Sudan as they seek to implement outstanding commitments. The year ahead will be pivotal for peace and security in Somalia, where the UN plays an important role through UNPOS. Benchmarks to be completed during 2012 under the Kampala Accord include constitution-drafting and the holding of broad-based elections to bring the transitional period of Somalias political institutions to a close. The UNs efforts on the political, humanitarian and security side, in support of African Union peacekeepers (AMISOM), will be highlighted. The security transition in Afghanistan will be at the centre of both international and national media attention in 2012, with an unclear future regarding efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict. The role of and demands on the UN may grow as international troops begin withdrawing amidst challenging security and operational conditions. 2012 will mark another important transition year as Iraqs authorities continue to assert their sovereignty and assume fuller responsibilities for security (the country could face serious security challenges due to the planned US withdrawal from Iraq). The United Nations through UNAMI will continue to assist the government and the people of Iraq in addressing ongoing challenges of political dialogue and reconciliation, human rights and economic development. The Arab Spring developments since December 2010 will have significant yet unforeseeable consequences for the peacekeeping missions in the Middle East and North Africa region (UNIFIL, UNDOF, UNTSO and MINURSO). Communications must be poised to meet new needs in this region. The situation in Cte dIvoire is likely to remain fragile in 2012, as the country recovers from the post-electoral crisis of 2011. Reconstruction efforts in Haiti will remain a priority and the communication challenges will include managing expectations of MINUSTAH and its role.

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

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2012 will be crucial for Timor-Leste with the presidential and parliamentary elections in March and July, respectively, and the expected withdrawal of UNMIT by the end of the year. DPI will continue working with the Mission on the exit communications strategy. 2012 will see other key missions enter transition or drawdown phases, and communications on these will need to be managed effectively: UNMIL in Liberia is likely to enter a new phase of transition leading toward drawdown and MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo will likely reposition itself following national elections at the end of 2011. Myanmar remains an important issue on the UN agenda and 2012 may offer additional opportunities to support positive change in the country. The United Nations continuing efforts to encourage progress by Myanmars authorities and other key actors toward national reconciliation, democratic change and economic development will be highlighted. Key dates: 4 April: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 29 May: International Day of UN Peacekeepers 21 September: International Day of Peace Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking: Following the recent establishment of the UN System Task Force on Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking, DPI will work with UNODC, DPA and other members of the task force in developing a communications and advocacy strategy in this area, as well as in preparing the Decade of Action against organized crime and drug trafficking. Key dates: 26 June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 9 December: International Anti-Corruption Day Counter-terrorism: A new UN centre on counter-terrorism was established in 2011. In 2012, DPI will be working with CTITF, CTED and other UN partners in promoting the global strategy to counter terrorism, inaugurated in 2006, and the UNs deradicalization approach, which stresses removing motivations for terrorism in addition to military and security measures. *****

2012 Communications Priorities Strategic Communications Division UN Department of Public Information 15 December 2011

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DPI 15 December 2011 Communications Priorities 2012 Calendar of Events

DATE 2012
11 January 12 January 16-17 January 16-19 January

EVENT

LOCATION

LEAD

17 January 23 January 25-29 January

29-30 January 27 Feb 9 March

60th anniversary of the UN Disarmament Commission Report of the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability Initial discussions on the zero draft of outcome document for Rio+20 The World Future Energy Summit - Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All Regional launches of World Economic Situation & Prospects report (WESP) Report. Start of the 2012 session of the Conference on Disarmament World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012: The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models African Union Summit 56th Commission on the Status of Women: The Empowerment of Rural Women and their Role in Poverty and Hunger Eradication, Development, and Current Challenges Third intersessional meeting on Rio+20 International Womens Day 2012 Women in the World Summit 6th World Water Forum Launch of World Water Assessment Report World Water Day Water and Food Security World Meteorological Day World TB Day Nuclear Security Summit 3rd Intersessional Meeting of UNCSD, UN Secretariat International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action World Health Day World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings UNCTAD XIII Development-centred globalization: Towards inclusive and sustainable growth and development Commission on Population and Development

New York New York

ODA EOSG DESA

Abu Dhabi

(multi-site) Geneva Davos

DESA ODA WEF

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia New York

OSAA UN Women

6-7 March 8 March 8-10 March 12-17 March March 22 March 23 March 24 March 26-27 March 26-27 March 4 April 7 April 20-22 April 21 26 April

New York Worldwide New York Marseille, France Worldwide Worldwide

DESA UN Women Daily Beast World Water Council UNESCO FAO WMO

Seoul New York Worldwide

ODA DESA UNMACC WHO WB/IMF UNCTAD

Washington, DC Doha, Qatar

23-27 April

New York

DESA

DPI 15 December 2011 (CPD): Adolescents and Youth is the theme World Malaria Day First NPT Preparatory Committee (in preparation for the 2015 NPT Review Conference) World Press Freedom Day MDG Review Exhibition and Summit 2012: The power of business as one of the solutions to the MDG challenges G8 Summit 3rd preparatory committee meeting, UN conference on sustainable development International Day of UN Peacekeepers Conference on the nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, scheduled tentatively for summer in Finland Third Meeting of the Preparatory Committee on Rio 2012 UNCSD (Rio+20) International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking World Economic Situation and Prospects Midyear Update Report SG appoints High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on post-2015 development agenda Launch of MDG Report 2012 DPI media seminar on the question of Palestine and the United Nations High-level Segment of ECOSOC Theme of Annual Ministerial Review: Promoting productive capacity, employment and decent work to eradicate poverty in the context of inclusive, sustainable and equitable economic growth at all levels for achieving the MDGs UN Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty

25 April 30 April 11 May 3 May 3-4 May

Vienna

WHO ODA

Worldwide Cape Town, South Africa Chicago Rio de Janeiro Worldwide Finland

UNESCO NEPAD

15-22 May 28-30 May 29 May Summer

DPKO/DPI ODA

13-15 June 20-22 June 26 June June June June June (week of 11 June) July

Rio, Brazil Rio, Brazil Worldwide New York New York

DESA DESA UNODC DESA EOSG DESA DPI DESA

Geneva New York

2-27 July

New York

ODA

11 July 18 July 22-27 July 27 July -12 August 12 August 27 August-7 September

World Population Day Nelson Mandela International Day XIX International AIDS Conference 2012 Summer Olympics International Youth Day United Nations Conference to Review the Implementation of the Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons International Day Against Nuclear Tests World Urban Forum -- Urban Futures UN General Assembly

Worldwide Washington, DC London Worldwide New York

UNFPA DPI Intl AIDS Society IOC DESA ODA

29 August September September

Worldwide Naples, Italy New York

ODA/DPI UN-HABITAT

DPI 15 December 2011 September 15 September 18-21 September 21 September 12-14 October 16 October 17 October 24-30 October October 25 November November 26 November7 December 29 November Launch of MDG Gap Task Force Report International Day of Democracy Report of the Secretary General to the General Assembly on Year of Sustainable Energy for All International Day of Peace World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings World Food Day International Day for the Eradication of Poverty/ Stand Up against Poverty Disarmament Week State of World Population Report International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Human Development Report Climate Change Conference COP 18 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People DESA/UNDP UNDEF UNIDO EOSG/DPI WB/IMF FAO DESA/UNDP/ MC ODA/DPI UNFPA UN Women UNDP UNFCCC DPA, Palestinian Rights Committee UNAIDS UNODC OHCHR UNIDO UNFCCC IGF ODA UNMACC

Worldwide New York Worldwide Tokyo Worldwide Worldwide

TBC Doha, Qatar Worldwide

1 December 9 December 10 December December December Dates not set Dates not set Dates not set

World AIDS Day International Anti-Corruption Day Human Rights Day Closing Event - International Year of Sustainable Energy for All Climate Change Conference Internet Governance Forum Global Week of Action against Gun Violence 2012 12th Meeting of the States Parties to the AntiPersonnel Landmines Convention

Worldwide Worldwide New York TBC Azerbaijan Worldwide N/A

DPI 15 December 2011 2012 International Years

International Year of Sustainable Energy for All Recognizing the importance of energy access for sustainable economic development and achievement of the MDGs, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. More than 1.4 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity, and 1 billion more only have intermittent access. Some 2.5 billion people almost half of humanity rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating. The Year will be launched at the World Future Energy Summit, 16-19 January, in Abu Dhabi. Other key events for the Year will include Rio+20, a report to the General Assembly in September, and a closing event in December. Information about national organizing committees can be found on the website. The Year is closely linked to the Secretary-Generals Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. Lead Agencies: UNIDO, UN-Energy, UN Foundation and many partners Website: www.sustainableenergyforall.org

International Year of Cooperatives The International Year of Cooperatives (2012) highlights the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. Under the theme Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World, the Year seeks to encourage the growth and establishment of cooperatives all over the world. Individuals, communities, non-governmental and government agencies are encouraged to recognize the role cooperatives can play in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The IYC Secretariat has compiled a list of events planned by partner organizations in 2012; this is available on their website, subject to change. The IYC website also lists contacts for national committees working to promote the Year at country level. Lead Agency: DESA Website: http://social.un.org/coopsyear