Filed under: Human Rights, United Nations, United Nations Development Programme, Youth | Tags: United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, India, China, Vanuatu, Tonga, Asia Pacific, Human Development, Overcoming Political, Legal and Economic Inequality, Media Fellowship, The Millennium Development Goals, Human Development Report, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Islamic Republic of, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Viet Nam
UNDP – Asia Pacific Human Development Media Fellowship
Context and Objective
The human development approach puts people at the centre of development. It recognizes the importance of economic concerns but goes beyond them to raise issues of enlarging human capabilities and expanding people’s choices. The objective of the Media Fellowship is to contribute to building capacity in the Asia Pacific and support policy through advocacy and dissemination of research that bring people to the centre of development debates. The Fellowship encourages media professionals from Asia Pacific developing countries to undertake media advocacy on issues of concern in the region from a human development perspective on a new theme each year.
Theme – Gender: Overcoming Political, Legal and Economic Inequality
Gender is a social construct and is experienced differently in different cultures, societies and contexts. The power imbalance that defines gender relations influences access to and control over resources, their visibility and participation in social and political affairs, and their ability to realize their fundamental rights. Therefore, the struggle for greater gender equality involves addressing unequal power and unequal voice so all people can exercise choices that lead them to a fulfilled life.
Key triggers: Three key triggers than can contribute to transformation are political, legal and economic equity, as they are fundamental in catalysing transformation in gender relations in the personal and public spheres while also having a clear potential for policy. Gender identities are in fact shaped by, and in turn can shape, political, economic, social, religious and cultural factors, and through unequal power relations, can translate into marginalization, oppression, poverty and even violence. Gender identities further define and differentiate the roles, rights, responsibilities and obligations of women and men; they draw attention to a range of biases – based on biology and social norms that define expected behaviours for women and men. Although the specific nature of social norms and values vary across space and time, they tend to favour males over females, heterosexuals over sexual minorities, in terms of access to capabilities, resources, opportunities, choices and rights that are important for the enjoyment of social, cultural, economic and political freedoms. Issues of gender based violence, culture and identities (masculinity and femininity) cut across all sub-themes.
Role of men and boys: Although gender work is largely focused on women, the role of men and the deconstruction of different forms of masculinity, fatherhood and sexuality are fundamental to an understanding of gender inequality, gender rights and asymmetric power among gender groups. The negative aspects of partially informed views about gender is now being seen in terms of ‘male backlash’ against women-dominated development projects, pointing to the need to address masculinity and the role of men and boys.
Changing mindsets – media, technology, education (universal and content):Governments and all relevant actors, including NGOs, academia, parliamentarians, local authorities, the business community, civil society, international organisations and the private sector can be instrumental in changing national and local priorities to focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Political will paves the way for a change process. The commitment in respect to gender issues is expressed, for example, in legislation as well as in the programmes, policies, and plans of governments. These can target mindsets for example through gender review of textbooks and utilization of ICT tools which level the playing field among genders. Cooperation between civil society organizations and the government can contribute to the gradual change of the stereotypical perceptions on gender in culture and practices prevailing in society which limits individual and group choices and freedoms in life.
What are the factors beyond the persistence of gender inequalities in Asia Pacific? What steps can reduce gender-based inequalities in the region? What challenges should be tackled in order to create and sustain an enabling environment? What examples exist of changes in government policies which, together with alliances developed with the civil society, have translated in promoting gender equality in practice? Has political will not only introduced the gender equality dimension, acknowledging its centrality, but also taken further commitments by mainstreaming gender in various dimensions of planning? These are some of the questions that could be addressed.
The Fellowship
The award will be based on a proposal, including a draft budget. Proposals can cover different media outputs, e.g. radio programmes, short films, public service announcements, print media articles, cartoons, photo essays, etc. The Fellows should be willing to present their work at workshops, seminars and other events as may be arranged by UNDP from time to time (travel-related costs will be covered separately). The final media product will be shared with UNDP and acknowledge UNDP’s support as follows: “This work was supported by the United Nations Development Programme under an UNDP Asia Pacific Human Development Media Fellowship. The content, information, analysis and policy recommendations of this work represent the independent efforts, perspective and views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Development Programme, its Executive Board or its Member States’.
Eligibility
* Be a citizen of a developing country in the Asia Pacific region (1. Afghanistan,2. Bangladesh,3. Bhutan,4. Cambodia,5. China,6. Cook Islands,7. Democratic People’s,Republic of Korea,8. Federated States of Micronesia,9. Fiji,10. India,11. Indonesia,12. Iran, Islamic Republic of 13. Kiribati,14. Lao People’s Democratic Republic,15. Malaysia,16. Maldives,17. Marshall Islands,18. Mongolia,19. Myanmar,20. Nauru,21. Nepal,22. Niue,23. Pakistan,24. Palau,25. Papua New Guinea,26. The Philippines,27. Republic of Korea,28. Samoa,29. Solomon Islands,30. Sri Lanka,31. Thailand,32. Timor-Leste,33. Tokelau,34. Tonga,35. Tuvalu,36. Vanuatu,37. Viet Nam)
* A mid-career accredited media professional
* Around five years of relevant professional experience
* Completed application with enclosures (proposal, budget, time frame, CV, supporting material, if any, in English); supporting material in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation
* UN staff members are not eligible to apply
Application Process
All candidates must complete a formal application in English or with an English translation, including:
* Summary statement of the objectives of the proposal
* Project proposal, including a draft budget, not exceeding 2,000 words.
* The project timeframe should not exceed 12 months
* Statement of professional objectives (please indicate how selection as a UNDP Media Fellow will contribute to your short and long term career objectives)
* Curriculum vitae
* Letter of reference from two professionals in your media who can comment on the applicant’s past work and the potential of the proposed work to contribute meaningfully to its chosen field
Incomplete applications or those received after the due date, will not be processed.
Selection Criteria
* Demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation
* Contribute to value-addition or innovation in communicating research
* Provide evidence for placement of final product in established media; preference will be given to strategic or wide reach
* Complete work by third quarter of 2010 or earlier
Selection Procedure
Shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in an interview, conducted by an independent panel, which will comprehensively asses the proposal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and subsequently informed about the results of the interview.
Deadline
Applications should be submitted by 1st September.
Contact Information
Applications or any queries should be sent to hdfellowships.rcc@undp.org
Alternatively, you could send them to:
UNDP Asia Pacific Human Development Media Fellowship
Human Development Report Unit
UNDP Regional Centre for Asia Pacific,
Colombo Office 23 Independence Avenue
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
Annex I
A selected list of reading on human development/gender is the following:
* Human Development Reports (Especially chapter 1 of HDR 1990)
* Background papers for global HDRs
* The Millennium Development Goals
* Risk, vulnerability and human development
* Human development report 1995 – Gender and human development
* Millennium Development Goals – National reports a look through a gender lens
* Measuring gender inequality and its impact on human development: The debate about the GDI and GEM
* For more on Human Development, please visit the website of the UNDP Regional Centre in Colombo at http://www.undprcc.lk/ under “Publications” Moreinfo: http://www2.undprcc.lk/about_us/fellowship.php
Filed under: Apathy Is Boring, EdgeFest '09, NXNE | Tags: @BEP, @GrantCBC3, @NXEW, @PerezHilton, Apathy Is Boring, Billy Talent, Boxer The Horse, CBC Radio 3, CBC Radio 3 NxNE Showcase, East Coast Music Association, EdgeFest '09, Epiphone, In-Flight Safety, Jenn Grant, Molson canadian rocks For Toronto, Music, North By North East, NXNE, Ron Sexsmith, The Horseshoe Tavern, Wart Child Canada
So I am still very very tired from attending The North By North East Festival & Conference and working at EdgeFest ‘09 for Apathy Is Boring not to mention then helping War Child Canada help raise $2,000.00 to support their programs by selling raffle tickets on an Epiphone Guitar which is signed by Billy Talent.
After seeing many shows on Thursday & Friday during NxNE including catching In-Flight Safety preforming at Young &Dundas Square, accidentally bumping into Jen Grant (my bad) before hanging out with the guys from In-Flight Safety back stage watching Halifax’s own Wintersleep.
While I did miss the late night music on Friday due to having to work at EdgeFest it was well worth getting up early to help with the NGO’s who were attending the concert. I also got to see good friends Boxer The Horse preform and even got to see Ron Sexsmith stop by outside the venue to listen to some of their tunes so an early bedtime was still okay after all of that.
While I do not attend these large concerts myself due to the impact that they have on the environment it was an eye opener to go to one since I have not been to anything at Downsview Park since the Molson Canadian Rocks For Toronto (AKA SARSFest)
While there was some what of an effort of EdgeFest promoters to some what green wash the concert by donating $1 per ticket purchased? Anyone who attended would know that would not even off set the impact of the Dr. Pepper promotion team giving out plastic cups to all those attending. While I know it is not those who were working at the concert’s fault but when I went with my own silver mug they were like oh you need some straws with that. Like really? I have a reusable cup for a reason. Why would they not be like NxNE and provide all the electricity used by Bullfrog Power. The best thing that anything related to msic performance can to do is remove the use of coal fired produced energy or nuclear power much like the Shoreline Festival on Prince Edward Island had done many years ago.
$1 from every ticket goes to the planting of the Canada Forest
The Canada Forest is the jewel in the Tree City Design for Downsview Park. Intended to reflect the beauty of the Canadian landscape, the Canada Forest is one of the defining characteristics of the country’s newest urban green space.The Canada Forest initiative reflects Downsview Park’s commitment to sustainable development by growing a self-sufficient forest ecosystem that will mature during the next 50 years.
After EdgeFest was over I then when back to NxNE mode and watch In-Flight Safety for a few songs then to the CBC Radio 3 Showcase at The Horseshoe Tavern
Here begins the topic of many of online Canadian music rumors coming out Monday morning after way ot much music happening.
First with @GrantCBC3 & @NXEW not doing coverage of @NXNEFest not to mention the MMVA rumors of the @BEP assault on @PerezHilton
I will not comment of the MMVA stuff due to not attending the Afterparty but I will give my two cents about the @GrantCBC3 & @NXEW stuff.
I understand what it is like running a website which has no budget to give its contributers to attend msuic events but my advice would be to try to strike up a deal with any event you think is worth attending and maybe you can score some free passes for your team.
I say this since I was not in a paid position providing coverage for the East Coast Music Association during NXNE but with the pass and a budget of $60 which covered my transport to Toronto from Guelph ($25 bucks there) I still was able to help promote artists who I think should be out there getting their music heard.
Check out North By East West Really Even If I Am No Longer Apart Of The Rumors
Filed under: Canada, Education, Environment, Human Rights, Prince Edward Island, United Nations | Tags: Access To Water, Canadian Bottled Water Association, Canadian Union of Public Employees, CBWA, Council of Canadians, Human Rights, Paint the Town Blue, Speaking Tour, Water
Halifax / April 27, 2009 – The Council of Canadians and the Canadian Union of Public Employees are launching a new plan for public water in Atlantic Canada called the Blue Communities Project. To counter industry spin, the Paint the Town Blue! Atlantic-wide speaking tour is set to begin in Halifax on the same day the Canadian Bottled Water Association’s (CBWA) Convention and Trade Show gets underway. Council of Canadians representatives will be handing out leaflets to attendees of the CBWA meeting to highlight the importance of keeping water public.
The six-city speaking tour will feature: Meera Karunananthan , National Water Campaigner, the Council of Canadians; Danny Cavanagh, President, CUPE NS (Halifax and Wolfville stops); Corina Crawley, Researcher, CUPE National (Mahone Bay, Charlottetown, Saint John stops); Wayne Lucas, President, CUPE NL (St. John’s stop); and Angela Giles, Atlantic Regional Organizer, the Council of Canadians.
· April 29 – Halifax, NS (7:00pm, ScotiaBank Auditorium, Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building, Dalhousie University campus, 6135 University Ave.)
· April 30 – Wolfville , NS (7:00pm, Beveridge Arts Centre, Room 244, Acadia University )
· May 1 – Mahone Bay , NS (7:30pm at the Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street )
· May 3 – Charlottetown , PEI (7:00pm at the Atlantic Veterinary College Theatre A, UPEI, 550 University Ave. )
· May 5 – Saint John , NB (7:00pm at the Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Hazen Ave )
* May 7 – Saint John’s , NL (7:00pm at The Lantern, 35 Barnes Rd )
The Paint the Town Blue! speaking tour will show how local communities can become Blue Communities by promoting publicly-financed, owned and operated water and wastewater services, resisting public-private partnerships, recognizing and promoting water as a human right at the local level, and banning the sale of bottled water in public facilities and at municipal events.
Filed under: Canada, SWY21, Ship for World Youth, Youth | Tags: Canada, Canadian Delegation, Canadian Youth Delegation, CanadianYouthDelegation, Japan, Ship for World Youth, SWY21, United Nations University, Youth, Youth-led Development
One thing that I will always remember about being involved in this program is that never and I do mean never try to start a two day travel on three hours of sleep. After driving from P.E.I. to Halifax on the 12th on January and spending the night in the airport until my 4am flight on three hours of sleep I have realized that being stressed about the upcoming travels would take its toll. After meeting with one of my fellow Canadian delegate on the program we boarded the plane to taking our flight route through Montreal where I had to put my carry on bag containing my laptop and multiple external hard drives of video content in the cargo hold at last minute while it did not have any tags on it showing it was my baggage. This would prove to be disastrous on two accounts one being that my connecting flight to Vancouver was shortly leaving the airport upon my arrival and two that upn later inspection my laptop wold have a huge dent on the bottom due to mis handling. While this was all un known to me untillater on in flight we had meet up with three other Canadian delegateswho would be joining us on the flight to Vancouver airport. After many attempts to try to sleep I decided to work on my portion of the national presentation which is when I noticed the damage to my laptop, I cannot say that it was a pleasent sight but I refraned from being to upset due to the confined quarters. After finshing a multi media display of what PEI means to me and doing some work on my United Natio ns presntation on Canada’s Role in the United Nations we had landed in Vancouver. The airport was buzzing with Oplymic feaver and had changed drasticly since I had been there over 4 years ago to attend a Food Security Conference. It was not hard to find the meeting place for the Canadan delegates since there was Vancouver’s hometown delegate with all of the donated boxes of seafood which I had shipped since it was to late to send directly to Japan. Slowly all of the delegates arrived on their flights and we were presented with some Canada Sweatshirts and took some group photos which are below.
So I haven’t had much down time so far due to training and opening ceremonies. We landed in Tokyo at 5pm on the 14th and then went to this 5 star hotel for two nights. We are just about to leave to the Iwate Prefecture for three days stay with a family which will be interesting. The other day we did a walking tour of Tokyoand went to a temple and a museum which showed the older housing systems and had some interesting games for children. I will not have internet for the next few days but I would recommend reading more about the Iwate Prefecture by visiting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwate_Prefecture
The next blog entry will include more photos of Japan and the home visit portion of the Ship For World Youth Program.
Filed under: COP-14, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, Climate Change, Climate Justice, Environment, Global Warming, United Nations, Youth | Tags: Canada, Canadian Youth Delegation, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, Climate Change, ClimateChange, COP14, CYCC, CYD, Environment, UNFCCC, United Nations, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Youth
Take a look at the International Youth Climate Movement video which is created from photos taken during COP 14 in Poznan, Poland.
The video is also available in High Resolution on Vimeo.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Alberta, Canada, Canadian Youth Delegation, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, Climate Change, ClimateChange, COP14, CYCC, CYD, Environment, fossil fuels, Fossil of the Day, Global Warming, International Youth Climate Movement, Oil Sands, Tar Sands, UNFCCC, United Nations, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UnitedNations, Youth
The following is a news release from the Alberta Governments website.
Resourceful. Responsible.
December 2, 2008
Alberta contributes to global forum on climate change
Edmonton… Alberta will take its place among world climate change leaders when Environment Minister Rob Renner travels to Poland later this month to promote Alberta’s interests and achievements in an international forum. He will also share information about the province’s environmental policies and practices during a stop in Germany.
While in Poland, Renner will attend the 14th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 14) in Poznan. As a member of the Canadian delegation, he is attending to ensure Alberta’s role as a key supporter of international climate change efforts.“It is important for Alberta to be represented at this forum and to build relationships with some of the world’s foremost environmental experts,” said Renner. “Global challenges require global solutions, and Alberta is pleased to share what we are doing and have learned, while also learning from what the rest of the world is doing.”
Meetings are planned between Renner and representatives of other climate-change leaders including Norway and Poland. He will also attend a special meeting with a delegation of 26 Canadian youth between the ages of 18 and 26 representing young Canadians’ views on climate change.
Before arriving in Poland, Renner will travel to Berlin, Germany where he will meet with government officials, environmental experts and climate change policy makers. He will also have the opportunity to share information about Alberta’s environmental policies and successes at a briefing session with German parliamentarians, and as a guest speaker to graduate students at Germany’s renowned Hertie School of Governance.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. Alberta has participated in the COP process since 1995. The estimated cost of the trip for Minister Renner and one staff member is $22,120.
Filed under: COP-14, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, Climate Change, Climate Justice, Environment, Global Warming, Human Rights, United Nations | Tags: UNFCCC, United Nations, Climate Change, Fossil of the Day, Yvo de Boer, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Poznan, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, COP14, Poland
Filed under: Canada, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, Climate Change, Climate Justice, Environment, Global Warming, Human Rights, United Nations, Youth | Tags: ClimateChange, CYD, UnitedNations, Youth, UNFCCC, Environment, Climate Change, Canadian Youth Delegation, CYCC, Canada, Oilsands, Fossil of the Day, COP, UN, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, COP14, ClimateJustice, GlobalWarming, HumanRights, TarSands, CanadianGovernment
Caught peddling oil sands at global warming negotiations, Minister denies Canada’s dirty secret
Youth respond to meeting with Alberta Environment Minister
Today, Canadian youth met Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner at the UN climate negotiations in Poznan, Poland, to engage in dialogue about Alberta’s environmental performance and to explore the province’s global warming strategy. The youth were astonished by the Minister’s lack of ambition when asked about Alberta’s commitment to preventing catastrophic global warming, and his denial of the destructive health and environmental effects of the Alberta bituminous oil sands.
Christel Hyshka, from Edmonton, said in response to the meeting, ‘‘I’m surprised that he accepted the 2
degree C upper limit of temperature change recommended by the scientific community, while he nonchalantly asserted Alberta’s right to have soaring greenhouse gas emissions. I’m shocked at his assumption that Alberta doesn’t have to pull its weight. As an Albertan, I find it frankly embarrassing that they are bringing this message to the international stage. Alberta has the potential to be a green energy leader and they could be doing so much better.”
The minister purportedly traveled to the climate conference as part of a short European tour to peddle the image of Alberta as an environmental leader. Ministers and delegates from around the world are gathered in Poznań to develop a new agreement to address global warming. ‘‘I can’t think of a more inappropriate place for Alberta to look for support,” says Canadian Youth Delegate Nicolas Nadeau, “it’s unbelievable that Minister Renner has the audacity to come to the climate change conference to promote the tar sands.’’
One young Canadian from Fort Smith, Heather Sayine-Crawford, said, “In our meeting, Minister Renner refused to acknowledge the evidence that toxins from the bituminous oil sands production are linked to increased prevalence of rare and fatal cancers amongst local residents, as well as significant adverse environmental impacts. We are preventing Minister Renner’s deceptively rosy view of the oil sands from being the only one seen by delegates”.
Today in Poznan, a showcase of the environmental damage caused by tar sands development, made of stunning large format photographs, was unveiled by the Canadian Youth Delegation. The display takes place in the main exhibition hallway next to the United Nations plenary rooms from Wednesday, December 10th till the end of the climate conference.
Youth delegates are available to speak about the display and their meeting with Minister Renner. Photographs of the meeting are available.
For more information contact:
In Poznan:
Rosa Kouri, Communications Team, (+48) 507 669 555, rosa.kouri@cydpoznan.org
Nicholas Nadeau, Communications Team, (+48) 510 735 407, Nicholas.nadeau@cydpoznan.org
The Canadian Youth Delegation is a non-partisan group of 26 young Canadians, seeking to engage Canadian youth to create positive change in the international climate policy process. It is a project of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition. Find out more at www.cydpoznan.org.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Canada, Canadian Youth Announce No Confidence in Current Climat, Canadian Youth Delegation, Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan, Climate Change, COP14, CYCC, Environment, Fossil of the Day, Global Warming, International Youth Climate Movement, Poznan, UNFCCC, United Nations, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Youth
December 4, 2008
(Poznan, Poland) Young Canadians attending the UNFCCC conference announced today that they have lost confidence in the Canadian government for being unable to effectively address climate change.
Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation delivered their message following the ‘Fossil of the Day’ mock award ceremony at the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland. Canada swept the Fossil awards – a dubious distinction for the country considered to most obstruct or delay negotiations during the annual conference.
The youth delegates delivered their message holding Canadian flags and surrounding a banner that read: No Confidence. They will also release a companion video online conveying their message.
As the federal Conservative government faces a possible confidence vote on December 8 in Parliament, young Canadians attending the climate talks are demanding responsible direction from political leaders to deal with climate change. Recent polls show eighty-three per cent of Canadians want strong action on climate change.
“By failing to show leadership on this issue, failing to cooperate with the international community, and establishing policies that seem to ignore the science on climate change, young Canadians have lost faith that the current government can bring about the much needed change on this issue,” said Canadian youth delegate Rosa Kouri.
“Young Canadians have already lost confidence, the rest of the country needs to catch up,” continues Kouri. “Because our political system is so dysfunctional, we doubt that postponing an inevitable no confidence vote will solve our problems. The majority of Canadians are behind strong action on climate change and it’s time for Canadians to unite behind this issue.”
“There is a real sense of urgency among young Canadians to address this climate crisis now,” said delegate Nicolas Nadeau. “Our future is on the line and we need a government that fully understands this.”
The Canadian Youth Delegation is a non-partisan group of 26 young Canadians from across the country who have come together to share the voice of Canadian youth with policymakers and connect young people across Canada to the international community. The CYD seeks to engage Canadian youth to create positive change in the international climate policy process.
