In partnership with the Embassies of Denmark and Brazil, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Prague organized a panel discussion to review the preparatory process for Rio+20. The panel was made up of the Ambassadors of Denmark and Brazil and the Vice-Chair of the Bureau for the Preparatory Process of the Rio+20 Bedrich Moldan (representing the Eastern European Group).

Speaking on behalf of the conference host country, the Ambassador of Brazil pointed that as an emerging country, Brazil was well positioned to facilitate a dialogue between the developing and the developed world. He also highlighted Brazil’s goals, which include focusing on the most vulnerable and poverty eradication as part of achieving sustainable development.

The Vice-Chair of the Bureau for the Preparatory Process recalled the motto from the 1972 Stockholm conference, “Only One Earth“, saying that the concept of sustainable development was at least 40 years old. “We know well what to do, we need the find a way of how to do it” he added. He spoke in detail about the preparatory process which he described as “very important and very inclusive”, and highlighted the “Zero Draft Outcome” document.

Speaking on behalf of Denmark and the Danish EU Presidency, the Ambassador of Denmark stressed that Rio+20 and the issue of sustainable development was an “extreme priority” for the Danish Government, adding that the Rio conference would be an “excellent opportunity” for the world. He warned of the high expectations which could possibly lead to little achievement and said that the EU “must do all it can” to deliver results. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of civic involvement in sustainable development.

The UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Prague, in collaboration with the European Commission representation to the Czech Republic, organized an opening ceremony for the “Say No to Violence against Women” exhibit depicting 30 finalists of the UN Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) in Brussels’ initiated project. The exhibit was held at the European House in Prague.

Prior to the official opening, Czech TV carried live coverage of the project on site. The UNIC Officer-in-Charge (OiC) and one of the NGO representative's involved in the project were interviewed about the event. The UNIC OiC elaborated on the project and the UN Secretary-General’s campaign “UniTE to End Violence Against Women”, noting that this was an issue affecting all countries, calling for a collective effort to address it.

Starting 6 March, the exhibit will be on display at the main entrance hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will then travel across the Czech Republic. Venues will be arranged by the European Commission’s regional Centres (Europe Direct).

Several NGOs supported by “Avon” expressed interest in creating a year long broader project around the exhibit that would aim to raise awareness and open public debate on the issue.

United Nations Day was celebrated in the Czech Republic in the “UN4U” spirit. The full day programme was a team effort of all the UN agencies in the host country, coordinated by the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Prague. It included presentations by UN agencies, quizzes and for secondary and high school students, as well as a UN photo exhibit and film festival for the general public. A wide range of UN information materials, documents, publications and periodicals (both in English and Czech) were disseminated including the message of the Secretary-General.

The UN film festival included screenings of documentaries depicting the work of WHO, UNHCR and UNICEF, as well as the “UN Year in Review”, “Tell the World, Make it Happen” “Greening the Blue” and films on the International Festival on Forests.

More than 150 students and individuals took part in the programme. The Open House event was covered by the media, including some radio stations referring to the UN House programme throughout the day.

UN Day was promoted on UNIC and other UN agency’s websites and social media (Facebook):
http://www.osn.cz/zpravodajstvi/zpravy/zprava.php?id=1722
http://www.osn.cz/zpravodajstvi/zpravy/zprava.php?id=1723
http://www.osn.cz/zpravodajstvi/zpravy/zprava.php?id=1724

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Informa%C4%8Dn%C3%AD-centrum-OSN-v-Praze/124293775764

Photos can be viewed at Picasa Albums at
https://picasaweb.google.com/102627029649655395439/DenSpojenychNaroduProgramProSkoly?authuser=0&feat=directlink

The UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Prague together with two partner NGOs – Educon and Elpida – orgazised an educational programme about development and poverty issues for older persons. The aim of the programme was to involve senior people in a discussion and provide information through films on the Millenium Development Goals and poverty.

The programme was a result of UNIC’s long-term focus on working with senior people and involving them in discussions about UN related issues. More than 15 senior people attended the programme.

The event was held to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and Stand Up Take Action campaign. A wide range of related information materials were disseminated during the event.