 26 March 2024 Tweet this item Denis Mukwege joins The Elders Media release: The Elders today welcome Dr Denis Mukwege, the Congolese gynaecologist and Nobel Peace Laureate, as the newest member of their group. Denis Mukwege, 69, is a globally respected expert on conflict-related sexual violence and an outspoken advocate for the rights of survivors, and the empowerment of all women and girls. In 1999 he founded the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he treats survivors of sexual violence and women with severe gynaecological problems. Denis Mukwege is the sixth African Elder to join the group since it was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, and the seventh Nobel Peace Laureate. His arrival takes the current number of active Elders to twelve. Denis Mukwege said: “It is a huge honour to join the Elders in their mission to secure a world where everyone enjoys peace, justice and human rights on a sustainable planet. Their work has never been more important in an age of heightened geopolitical tensions where the suffering of innocent civilians is too often ignored. I see this every day in my work in Central Africa, and I look forward to joining the Elders’ endeavours to end this scourge across the whole world.” Dr Mukwege was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his campaigning to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. He is also a recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Prize (2008) and the Sakharov Prize (2014). He has been a member of the Scientific Council of the World Health Organization. He was a Presidential candidate in the DRC elections in 2023, standing on a platform to end conflict, hunger and corruption. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Denis Mukwege to The Elders. He brings rich expertise, courage and impeccable moral authority, and his commitment to the rights of survivors will serve as a crucial guide to our ongoing work on conflict and gender equality.” ENDS Media enquiries William French, Head of Communications About The Elders The Elders are independent global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. The Elders are Ban Ki-moon (Deputy Chair), Gro Harlem Brundtland, Helen Clark, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, Hina Jilani, Denis Mukwege, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Graça Machel (Deputy Chair), Juan Manuel Santos, Mary Robinson (Chair) and Ernesto Zedillo. Lakhdar Brahimi, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter and Ricardo Lagos are Elders Emeritus. Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) and Kofi Annan (1938-2018) were founding members of The Elders and served as Chairs from 2007 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018 respectively. Ela Bhatt (1933 - 2022) and Martti Ahtisaari (1937 - 2023) were members of The Elders from 2007 to 2016 and 2009 to 2018 respectively. The Elders Foundation |
вторник, 26 марта 2024 г.
Denis Mukwege joins The Elders
воскресенье, 24 марта 2024 г.
Earth Hour: Lights off, climate action on
UN News
UN Headquarters shuts off its lights for the Earth Hour in 2023. (file)
23 March 2024
Climate and Environment
The largest global environment movement is happening on Saturday, when the UN invites people around the world to shut the lights to remember the planetary crisis during Earth Hour as young partners find new ways to drive climate action.
“Turn off the lights, and move the world towards a better future for all,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said in a message for the event.
The UN chief recalled that 2023 was the hottest in history, and this year’s celebration is a global demonstration of solidarity to follow a different path.
“On Earth Hour, millions of people around the world switch off the lights to shine a light on the plight of our planet; this year, I invite you to be one of them,” Mr. Guterres said. “The need is urgent.”
UN Headquarters switches off
The UN Secretariat will be in the dark from 8:30pm New York time on Saturday, when all the lights in the 40-storey on the East River will be turned off for 60 minutes.
“Our climate is collapsing,” Mr. Guterres said, and Earth Hour “demonstrates the power each of us has in the fight for our future”.
“Together, let’s turn off the lights and turn the world towards a brighter future for us all,” he said.
World Meteorological Day
The UN will also celebrate World Meteorological Day, marked annually on 23 March, under the theme At the frontline of climate action.
Led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the date serves as a stark reminder that climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said weather and climate indicators are “off the charts”, but it’s not too late for humankind to live in harmony with nature.
Adopting a net zero approach with a transition to renewables “at the core level of decision making and action” is a must, she told UN News, calling for “every young person on Earth to engage”.
The UN agency also highlighted that weather and climate forecasts help in many ways, from increasing food production and getting closer to zero hunger to managing climate-sensitive diseases. In addition, early warning systems are key to helping reduce poverty by giving people the chance to prepare for and limit the impact of extreme weather conditions.
New ‘Weather Kids’ campaign
Leading up to the Day, WMO, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the Weather Kids campaign, with broadcasters and online platforms around the world airing a different type of weather forecast.
Take a look at one young Weather Kid here.
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said the campaign gives children a new platform to voice climate concerns.
“Without accelerated action, children born in the year 2020 could experience up to seven times more extreme weather events like scorching heatwaves during their lifetimes compared to their grandparents,” Mr. Steiner said. “This new Weather Kids campaign is part of our response to listen and act upon the growing concerns of young people across the world for their rights and their futures.”
United Nations
SDG 13
SDG 13: COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
- Strengthen resilience and adaptation to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
- Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
- Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaption, impact reduction and early warning
- Raise capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147911
суббота, 23 марта 2024 г.
У Кейт Миддлтон обнаружен рак. Она проходит химиотерапию
23 марта 2024, 00:09
Принцесса Уэльская, урождённая Кейт Миддлтон, сообщила, что у неё диагностировали рак. Она проходит курс профилактической химиотерапии.
В январе Кенсингтонский дворец сообщал о плановой госпитализации 42-летней супруги принца Уильяма. В больнице она пробыла около двух недель, после чего не участвовала ни в каких публичных мероприятиях. Впоследствии выяснилось, что ей делали операцию на области живота. Уже после неё, по анализам, у принцессы выявили онкологическое заболевание.
«Это были невероятно тяжелые месяцы для всей нашей семьи, но у меня была фантастическая медицинская команда, которая очень обо мне позаботилась, за что я очень благодарна», — написала Кейт в своём блоге в соцсети X.
Премьер-министр Великобритании Риши Сунак заявил, что принцесса Уэльская пользуется «любовью и поддержкой всей страны».
https://www.fontanka.ru/2024/03/23/73371731/
пятница, 22 марта 2024 г.
Стоимость золота обновила исторический рекорд после заседания ФРС США
По состоянию на 8:54 мск цена апрельского фьючерса на золото на бирже Comex (подразделение Нью-Йоркской товарной биржи) составила $2206,7 за тройскую унцию. Она выросла на 2,12% и обновила исторический рекорд.
Прошлый рекорд биржевая стоимость золота побила 6 марта. Тогда цена апрельского фьючерса на Comex впервые превысила $2153 за тройскую унцию. Агентство Bloomberg отмечает, что интерес к золоту у трейдеров возник из-за спекуляций о том, что Федеральная резервная система (ФРС) США может перейти к снижению базовой ставки.
ФРС США опубликовала итоги заседания по базовой ставке вчера, 20 марта. В итоге регулятор решил сохранить ее в диапазоне 5,25–5,5% пятый раз подряд. Около половины членов комитета ФРС по открытым рынкам отметили, что ждут учетную ставку 4,5–4,75% к концу года.
Кроме того, регулятор пересмотрел оценку состояния экономики, указав на значительный рост числа рабочих мест в США, что препятствует охлаждению рынка труда: спрос на работников все еще превышает предложение, отметил глава ФРС Джером Пауэлл. Оценка роста ВВП США на текущий год также была повышена наполовину — с 1,4% до 2,1%.
Подробнее — в материале «Ъ» «Ставка подождет до сентября».
https://www.kommersant.ru/amp/6581155
четверг, 21 марта 2024 г.
General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on artificial intelligence
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
A view of the General Assembly in session. (file)
21 March 2024
SDGs
The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a landmark resolution on the promotion of “safe, secure and trustworthy” artificial intelligence (AI) systems that will also benefit sustainable development for all.
Adopting a United States-led draft resolution without a vote, the Assembly also highlighted the respect, protection and promotion of human rights in the design, development, deployment and the use of AI.
The text was “co-sponsored” or backed by more than 120 other Member States.
The General Assembly also recognized AI systems’ potential to accelerate and enable progress towards reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
It represents the first time the Assembly has adopted a resolution on regulating the emerging field. The US National Security Advisor reportedly said earlier this month that the adoption would represent an “historic step forward” for the safe use of AI.
Same rights, online and offline
The Assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders “to refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.”
“The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, including throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems,” it affirmed.
The Assembly also urged all States, the private sector, civil society, research organizations and the media, to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks related to safe, secure and trustworthy use of AI.
Closing the digital divide
The Assembly further recognized the “varying levels” of technological development between and within countries, and that developing nations face unique challenges in keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation.
It urged Member States and stakeholders to cooperate with and support developing countries so they can benefit from inclusive and equitable access, close the digital divide, and increase digital literacy.
Hope for other sectors
Speaking before the adoption, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, introduced the draft resolution.
She expressed hope that the “inclusive and constructive dialogue that led to this resolution would serve as a model for future conversations on AI challenges in other arenas, for example, with respect to peace and security and responsible military use of AI autonomy.”
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the resolution was designed to amplify the work already being done by the UN, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Human Rights Council.
“We intend for it to complement future UN initiatives, including negotiations toward a global digital compact and the work of the Secretary-General’s high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence,” she said.
We govern AI
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield also highlighted the opportunity and the responsibility of the international community “to govern this technology rather than let it govern us”.
“So let us reaffirm that AI will be created and deployed through the lens of humanity and dignity, safety and security, human rights and fundamental freedoms,” she said.
“Let us commit to closing the digital gap within and between nations and using this technology to advance shared priorities around sustainable development.”
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147831
вторник, 19 марта 2024 г.
Google теперь требует помечать ролики на YouTube, созданные с использованием нейросетей
Google теперь требует помечать ролики на YouTube, созданные с использованием нейросетей
Пометка ставится с помощью параметра «Изменённый контент» в «Творческой студии YouTube»
Компания Google начала требовать от авторов видеороликов на YouTube расстановки для специальных отметок любого реалистичного контента, созданного с помощью инструментов искусственного интеллекта.
В недавнем сообщении в блоге Google сообщила, что новые функции маркировки ИИ теперь доступны в качестве инструмента в YouTube Creator Studio. Компания впервые объявила о своих планах по маркировке ИИ ещё в ноябре 2023 года.
В YouTube Creator Studio созданный с помощью нейросетей контент надо помечать как изменённый или синтетический в случаях:
- если контент показывает, как реально существующий человек якобы говорит или делает что-то, чего на самом деле он не говорил и не делал;
- содержит изменённые изображения реального места или события;
- реалистично изображает событие, которого на самом деле не было.
Разработчики пояснили:
Сюда может относиться контент, который был полностью или частично изменён или сгенерирован с помощью инструментов для создания или редактирования аудио, видео или изображений.
19 марта 2024 Г.
https://www.ixbt.com/news/2024/03/19/google-teper-trebuet-pomechat-roliki-na-youtube-sozdannye-s-ispolzovaniem-nejrosetej.amp.html
Records smashed – new WMO climate report confirms 2023 hottest so far
© WFP/Sayed Asif Mahmud
Rising sea levels are causing the regular flooding of homes in Bangladesh.
19 March 2024
Climate and Environment
Records were once again broken for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, ice cover and glacier retreat, a new global report issued by the UN weather agency (WMO) on Tuesday shows.
Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones caused misery and mayhem, upending everyday life for millions and inflicting many billions of dollars in economic losses, according to the WMO State of the Global Climate 2023 report.
“Sirens are blaring across all major indicators... Some records aren’t just chart-topping, they’re chart-busting. And changes are speeding up,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message for the launch.
Red alert
Based on data from multiple agencies, the study confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45°C above the pre-industrial baseline. It crowned the warmest ten-year period on record.
“The scientific knowledge about climate change has existed for more than five decades, and yet we missed an entire generation of opportunity,” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said presenting the report to the media in Geneva. She urged the climate change response to be governed by the “welfare of future generations, but not the short-term economic interests”.
“As Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, I am now sounding the red alert about the state of the global climate,” she emphasised.
UN News/Anton Uspensky
Dr Celeste Saulo (centre), Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) at the launch of the State of the Global Climate 2023 report
World in disarray
However, climate change is about much more than air temperatures, the WMO experts explain. The unprecedented ocean warmth and sea level rise, glacier retreat and Antarctic sea ice loss, are also part of the grim picture.
On an average day in 2023, nearly one third of the ocean surface was gripped by a marine heatwave, harming vital ecosystems and food systems, the report found.
The glaciers observed suffered the largest loss of ice on record – since 1950 – with extreme melt in both western North America and Europe, according to preliminary data.
Alpine ice caps experienced an extreme melting season, for instance, with those in Switzerland loosing around 10 per cent of their remaining volume in the past two years.
The Antarctic sea ice loss was by far the lowest on record – at one million square kilometres below the previous record year – equivalent to the size of France and Germany combined.
Observed concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – reached record levels in 2022 and continued increase in 2023, preliminary data shows.
Global repercussions
According to the report, weather and climate extremes are either the root cause or serious aggravating factors that in 2023 triggered displacement, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, health issues and more.
The report, for example, cites figures that the number of people who are acutely food insecure worldwide has more than doubled, from 149 million before the COVID-19 pandemic to 333 million in 2023 in 78 countries monitored by the World Food Programme (WFP).
“The climate crisis is the defining challenge that humanity faces. It is closely intertwined with the inequality crisis – as witnessed by growing food insecurity and population displacement, and biodiversity loss,” said Ms. Saulo.
A glimmer of hope
The WMO report not only raises alarm but also offers reasons for optimism. In 2023, renewable capacity additions soared by almost 50 per cent, totalling 510 gigawatts (GW) - the highest observed rate in two decades.
The surge in renewable energy generation, primarily fuelled by solar radiation, wind, and the water cycle, has positioned it as a leading force in climate action for achieving decarbonization goals.
Effective multi-hazard early warning systems are crucial for mitigating the impact of disasters. The Early Warnings for All initiative aims to ensure universal protection through early warning systems by 2027.
Since the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, there has been an increase in the development and implementation of local disaster risk reduction strategies.
From 2021 to 2022, global climate-related finance flows nearly doubled compared to 2019-2020 levels, reaching nearly $1.3 trillion.
However, this amounts to only about one percent of global GDP, underscoring a significant financing gap. To achieve the objectives of a 1.5°C pathway, annual climate finance investments must increase more than sixfold, reaching almost $9 trillion by 2030, with an additional $10 trillion needed by 2050.
Cost of inaction
The cost of inaction is staggering, the report warns. Between 2025 and 2100, it may reach $1,266 trillion, representing the difference in losses between a business-as-usual scenario and a 1.5° C pathway. Noting that this figure is likely a significant underestimate, the UN weather experts call for immediate climate action.
The report is launched ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial meeting, where climate leaders and ministers from around the world will gather for the first time since COP28 in Dubai to push for accelerated climate action, including delivering an ambitious agreement on financing at COP29 in Baku later this year – to turn national plans into action.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147716
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