World Hot News

The New York Voters Association speaks out for Chinese voters to participate in government affairs, has made remarkable achievements

Details: Category: World Hot News; Published: Friday, 21 July 2023 14:34; Written by Gentry

Celebrity media commentator: New York Voters Association, this institution may still be a strange organization for Chinese New Yorkers. However, since its birth, it has quickly become a powerful voice for the Chinese community in New York, especially in Flushing, and its appeal and appeal are increasingly being valued by voters and the government.

Not long ago, the New York Voters Association promoted and supported the 2023 primary election New York Christian Pastors Association "political opinion briefing, Flushing city council candidate Mr. Chen Jinliang (Dany Chen) condolences to the veterans who were pushed off the subway, and the annual report held by the New York Chinese Association at the Sheraton Hotel recently witnessed the hardships and efforts of the New York Voters Association.

The New York Chinese Voters Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services and support to the Chinese community in New York. I believe that the New York Voters Association will serve voters in the future, especially during the U.S. presidential primaries and general elections. It can provide useful help and support for Chinese people to participate in government affairs and elect local community fair and just leaders who serve Chinese voters. In the process of uniting the voices of Chinese voters and casting a sacred vote, the New York Voters Association will definitely play an important role. Or lack of increasing role.

President of the New York Voters Association： Judy Huang

播放器加载中....

The main work of the New York Voters Association includes the following aspects:

1. Voter education: The organization organizes and conducts voter education activities, provides Chinese communities with information on voter registration and voting procedures, and helps them understand the electoral system and rights.

2. Voter registration: Actively promote Chinese community residents to participate in elections, provide voter registration services, and ensure that they can exercise their voting rights.

3. Language Support: The organization provides multilingual voter information and support to ensure that Chinese voters can understand election-related information and candidate policies.

4. Candidate Support: Assist Chinese candidates to participate in elections, provide relevant training and resources, and help them better speak out for the Chinese community and represent their interests.

5. Community advocacy: actively participate in and promote election-related policy and legal reforms, and strive for more rights and opportunities for the Chinese community. Through these efforts, the New York Voters Association is committed to increasing the participation of the Chinese community in elections, promoting democratic participation and representation, and promoting the realization of Chinese interests.

New York Voters Association President: Judy Huang Phone: 1-718-772-8947 Website: wevoter.org (under construction)

UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a ‘multipolar world’

Details: Category: World Hot News; Published: Thursday, 20 July 2023 17:56; Written by Gentry

UN Photo/Rick Bajornas The flags of UN Member States fly outside UN Headquarters in New York.

The UN Secretary-General on Thursday launched a new policy brief outlining his vision of a more robust multilateral framework to boost peace and security, for a world in flux.

“The post-Cold War period is over, and we are moving towards a new global order and a multipolar world,” António Guterres said.

He highlighted geopolitical tensions, grave human rights violations, distrust in public institutions, new conflicts, terrorism, and the weaponization of emerging technologies.

Insecurity is being stoked by a rising threat of nuclear war and growing scepticism towards multilateralism, he added.

The brief, known as The New Agenda for Peace “outlines an extensive and ambitious set of recommendations that recognize the inter-linked nature of many of these challenges,” Mr. Guterres said.

The brief is framed around the core principles of trust, solidarity, and universality that provide the foundation of the UN Charter and of a stable world, the UN chief added.

Five priority areas

The New Agenda for Peace presents twelve concrete sets of proposals for action, in five priority areas.

The Secretary-General called for strong measures to prevent conflicts at the global level and address geopolitical divisions, prioritizing diplomacy, and investments in regional security architectures.

Second, he highlighted a “paradigm for prevention that addresses all forms of violence”, focusing on mediation and social cohesion; ensuring respect for human rights and meaningful participation of women in decision-making; and prioritizing links between sustainable development, climate action, and peace.

“We must accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, recognizing that prevention and sustainable development are interdependent and mutually reinforcing,” Mr. Guterres said.

Updating peacekeeping

The third area calls for updating peacekeeping operations to adapt to today’s conflicts, many of which remain unresolved for decades, driven by complex domestic, geopolitical and transnational factors.

“Peacekeeping operations cannot succeed when there is no peace to keep, nor can they achieve their goals without clear, prioritized and realistic mandates from the Security Council, centred on political solutions,” Mr. Guterres said.

Preventing weaponization of emerging domains and technologies and promoting responsible innovation, is highlighted as the fourth key area, noting the need for global governance to address threats posed by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems.

Reforms needed

The fifth priority area calls for urgent reforms to the Security Council, General Assembly, the UN’s disarmament machinery, and the Peacebuilding Commission, to enhance collective security.

“The Security Council in particular should more systematically seek the advice of the Commission on the peacebuilding dimensions of the mandates of peace operations,” Mr. Guterres said.

Education, modernisation

The Secretary-General also introduced other policy briefs on Transforming Education and UN 2.0, aimed at improving education systems and modernising the UN to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In conclusion, all the Policy Briefs in the series aim to support Member States’ deliberations in preparation for the Summit of the Future, in 2024.

The Summit, Mr. Guterres said, will be an occasion to address the serious risks and significant opportunities we face and to deliver on unmet commitments.

He stressed it was vital to “restore trust in each other and in multilateral action, through a Pact for the Future (outcome document of the Summit) that updates global systems and frameworks to make them fit for the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

UN chief regrets Russia’s decision to withdraw from grain deal

Details: Category: World Hot News; Published: Monday, 17 July 2023 13:04; Written by Gentry

United Nations UN Inspectors are participating in Joint Coordination Centre operations as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday that he deeply regrets Russia’s decision to terminate the Black Sea Initiative, in effect ending a “lifeline” for hundreds of millions worldwide facing hunger and spiralling food costs.

Following weeks of negotiations, the UN-brokered accord that facilitated the export of more than 30 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to global markets via three Black Sea ports expired on 17 July.

“Today’s decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere,” said Mr. Guterres, speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York.

Developing countries to suffer

The Black Sea initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN in Istanbul last July along with a parallel accord between the UN and Russia on grain and fertilizer exports from that country.

By its decision, Russia has also withdrawn security guarantees for ships navigating in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.

“Ultimately, participation in these agreements is a choice. But struggling people everywhere and developing countries don’t have a choice,” Mr. Guterres said.

‘Beacon of hope’

The grain initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding with Russia were “a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world,” he said.

“At a time when the production and availability of food is being disrupted by conflict, climate change, energy prices and more, these agreements have helped to reduce food prices by over 23 per cent since March last year,” he added.

He noted that the World Food Programme (WFP) shipped 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen, relieving hunger in some of the world’s hardest hit regions.

Attempt to keep deal alive

Mr. Guterres said he was aware of obstacles that remained in the foreign trade of Russian food and fertilizer products and that he had written to President Vladimir Putin with a new proposal to keep the Black Sea Initiative alive.

Quoting extensively from the letter, he noted that since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, and measures adopted by the Government, Russia’s grain trade had achieved high export volumes and fertilizer markets were stabilizing, with Russian exports nearing full recovery.

The letter also outlined UN action to facilitate trade amid sanctions against Russia, such as securing licenses from the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, and providing clarifications and guidance to the private sector.

The Secretary-General's letter also explained how the UN has worked to find “dedicated solutions” across the banking and private sectors, which included building a “bespoke payments mechanism” for the Russian Agricultural Bank outside the SWIFT international banking network.

Mr. Guterres was deeply disappointed that his proposal went unheeded.

UN efforts continue

Though lamenting the Russian decision, the Secretary-General was adamant that it would not stop efforts to get food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and Russia to international markets.

Mr. Guterres said he will remain focused on the goal of advancing global food security and global food price stability, “taking into account the rise in human suffering that will inevitably result from today’s decision.”

Assembly President’s appeal

Responding to the collapse of the landmark deal, UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi reiterated his call for the parties to return to dialogue.

“The challenges are complex, they are interconnected, but they are not insurmountable. It is not too late,” according to a statement issued by his Spokesperson.

Mr. Kőrösi deeply regretted Moscow’s decision to withdraw from the Initiative which he said “has provided a lifeline to millions of people hit hard by the global food security crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine.”

He also called for an end to the conflict, in line with international law and the UN Charter.

UN remembers 77 personnel who died in the line of duty last year

Details: Category: World Hot News; Published: Wednesday, 19 July 2023 21:45; Written by Gentry

UN Photo/Manuel Elías The UN Secretary-General António Guterres (right) honours the memory of UN personnel who lost their lives in the line of service in 2022.

The United Nations family came together on Wednesday to pay tribute to the 77 members of staff who died in the line of duty in 2022.

“We are here to mourn together, to remember together, and to pay our respects together,” Secretary-General António Guterres said at the solemn ceremony, held in the Trusteeship Council chamber at UN Headquarters in New York.

Relatives of the fallen personnel, members of the diplomatic community and UN staff from around the world attended the event, both in-person and online.

Honouring dear colleagues

At the start of the ceremony, the Secretary-General alongside UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi and the Security Council President for July, Ambassador Barbara Woodward of the United Kingdom, lit a candle representing an eternal flame.

The UN chief called for a minute of silence “for all our dear, dear colleagues that have given their lives for others to be able to live.”

The names of the 77 military, police and civilian personnel who died serving the Organization last year were read out during the ceremony.

Courage and commitment

Mr. Guterres said these men and women, who came from 36 countries, were both colleagues and friends.

“Their service embodied the principle and the promise of the United Nations: The principle of our common humanity and the promise to act on it – to work together to solve shared challenges, and build a world of peace, prosperity and human rights for all,” he said.

The Secretary-General underscored how UN staff “breathe life into the noble vision” each day, and frequently in difficult conditions, such as peacekeepers and humanitarian aid workers.

“Yet whatever their role, and whatever the circumstance, all those we honour today dedicated themselves to others,” he said.

“Their courage saved lives, their commitment safeguarded those in need, and their expertise helped to build a better world – now and in the future.”

Keeping their memory alive

Mr. Guterres noted that in a divided and dangerous world, the vision and values that the UN flag represents are more important than ever.

He upheld commitment to continue the UN’s essential mission, in honour of those who gave their lives in service to the Organization.

“We pledge to keep sup

porting families. We commit to continually review and improve the safety, care and wellbeing of our staff. And we vow to keep the memories of our fallen colleagues alive: In our thoughts, in our hearts, and in our work to build a life of dignity and hope for all,” he said. 

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

Seventy-seven United Nations personnel lost their lives serving the organization in 2022.

More protection needed

UN Staff Union representative Camille Mckenzie extended deepest condolences to the families, saying “the loved ones you are mourning have also left a painful void in our own lives.”

She also highlighted the need for greater protection for UN personnel.

Although working for the Organization is never fully devoid of risk, “we know all too well that despite our best efforts, some of the losses we are mourning today could have been avoided,” said Ms. Mckenzie, the Union's Second Vice-President.

“Today's ceremony should therefore serve as a sharp reminder that we must never let our guard down in ensuring the maximum protection for United Nations personnel in the areas of safety and security, occupational health and safety, and mental health and well-being,” she added.

She underlined the UN Staff Union's steadfast commitment to continue efforts towards strengthening those protections, “as well as to ensure that prompt and effective support is available to family members when the unthinkable comes to pass.”

‘A lasting inspiration’

Atul Khare, head of the UN Department of Operational Support, said the fallen colleagues were sterling examples of dedication and belief in the work of the UN.

“Their memory will be a lasting inspiration to all of us,” he said. “Let us carry forward the noble work of the United Nations as a way to honor their memory.”

From Copenhagen to New York Architects for Sustainable Cities and Communities

Details: Category: World Hot News; Published: Friday, 14 July 2023 11:15; Written by Gentry

From Copenhagen to New York Architects for Sustainable Cities and Communities

Rick Bell, FAIA, NOMA, CSU President

The Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization was pleased to participate in the 7/12 UN Sustainable Developments Roundtable program titled From Copenhagen to New York: Architects for Sustainable Cities and Communities. Organized by Christine Auclair, Coordinator of the World Urban Campaign of UN-Habitat in Nairobi, the discussion took place at Perkins Eastman Architects and was hosted by Brad Perkins, Nicholas Leahy and Ted Liebman.

Introductory remarks included observations by Jessica L. Morris, co-chair of the AIA New York Planning & Urban Design Committee; Elizabeth Debs, past chair of the AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community; and Michal Mlynar, Deputy Executive Director and UN Under-Secretary General at UN-Habitat.

On behalf of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization, it was noted that the 2023 UIA World Congress in Copenhagen centered on how design can combat climate change, enhance biodiversity and promote social inclusion. The ‘Copenhagen Lessons’ focused on dignity and agency; people at risk; existing structures; green-fields; natural ecosystems; material re-use; eliminating waste; local renewable materials; carbon capture; and water ecosystems. Consistent with the goals of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the CSU strives to share policies and projects that advance SDG11 with particular focus on resilient architecture, planning and design.

Takeaway comments about the recent UIA Congress in Copenhagen and UN-Habitat meeting in Nairobi were forthcoming from Etty Padmodipoetro, AIA National Board Member; Dr. Anna Rubbo, CSU Board Member; and Kathleen Dorgan, past chair of the AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community. The heart of the program was a roundtable moderated by Lance Jay Brown, immediate past-president and co-founder of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization.

All participants were allowed two minutes for remarks, the key points of which are summarized or abbreviated as follows, with apologies for over-simplification or omission.

Elizabeth Debs: the important issues are limiting greenfield development and encouraging adaptive re-use.

Etty Padmodipoetro: there is a ripple effect, so it is important to avoid single-use solutions; there is a great need to convert offices to affordable housing, as we are now doing in Boston.

Roger Jann: the 2,000-Watt city is desperately needed, especially when compared with the average US usage of 13,000 Watts per person; apart from Mumbai, India’s usage is 800 W/p.

Katherine Kline: we need to do more to advocate for older folks, including but not limited to issues of disabilities and implementation of Universal Design.

Christine Auclair: an important takeaway from the 2023 UIA Congress in Copenhagen was a strong commitment to radical sustainability.

Anna Rubbo: at UIA there were students sponsored by the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization as well as others from Queens.

Nadia Westcott: key issues relate to the refugee crisis and what cities are doing to deal with unexpected migration.

Illya Azaroff: at AIA National the key issues of sustainability and resilience start with an awareness that on a global level resilience comes first.

Rick Bell: multidisciplinary design is a necessity, particularly when pushing for social benefits from physical infrastructure; this is seen particularly in the area of public transit.

Nadya Nylina: in Ukraine rebuilding must involve public participation at the grassroots level with an emphasis on knowledge and technology transfer and local capacity building.

Aliye Celik: knowledge transfer and local capacity building is extremely important everywhere, not just in Ukraine; it is important to bring the private sector and local government together.

Metin Celik: getting local government involved as partners is critical; without local government participation, architects are not equipped to implement what we need to do.

Yasemin Kologlu: we are running out of time; today we know how to design for zero carbon emissions, for water, for energy; we need to design with and for local knowledge.

Jesús Salcedo Villanueva: we need to build the projects that can take place today, not the projects that can only take place tomorrow in our dreams.

Peter Cavaluzzi: I am optimistic about the future of cities; the pandemic opens up opportunities to think about public space and building re-use and about ‘simultaneity’ – the ability to live your life in different types of spaces.

Nicole Vlado Torres: we need to be able to translate collaboration and share ideas, not hoarding them or constantly competing for projects.

Jessica Morris: we need to confront the fear that is out there in the community and operate with empathy to alleviate some of the pressures through good design and quick wins.

Katherine Williams: the Solar Decathlon is a good example of projects that can be done at universities that bring a global perspective and have a bigger impact than local action.

Andrew Rudd: there is no SDG 11 without the built environment; architecture is inherently interdisciplinary.

Karen Kubey: we need to concentrate on issues of housing justice; one mechanism to do so is the Right to Housing Working Group.

Andrés Pastoriza: one important mechanism is the enhancement of zoning to allow for additional development.

Nick Leahy: it is important to have a team of people with different areas of expertise and to have humility; architects can bring teams together, but we have to get everyone else in the room, not just architects; we have the skills but not all the solutions.

Femi Olamijulo: the median age in many countries in Africa is 19 years; we need to work with youth through academia, learning and sharing knowledge.

Vincent Kitto: architects have failed the Global South; there are 160 million people without housing; the most important issue is energy access and energy efficiency.

Kathy Dorgan: housing and finance go together; I am not hearing enough urgency – we cannot wait to solve our climate crisis.

Ted Liebman: SDG 11 has been my bible for quite a while; now we are confronted with issues of migration, and people not coming back to their home cities; how do we divide our time between the local and global issues we face?

Lance Jay Brown: we need to figure out ways to use what we already have and reinforce a sense of redundancy; density, mixed-use, mobility and redundancy relate to a critical level of urgency that can’t be overlooked; we need to bring optimism to the table – we are obliged to bring optimism.

Eloquent concluding remarks were delivered by Katherine Williams and Christine Auclair.

: Illya Azaroff; Dr. Aliye P. Celik; Lance Jay BrownJessica MorrisChristine Auclair

World Hot News

The New York Voters Association speaks out for Chinese voters to participate in government affairs, has made remarkable achievements

UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a ‘multipolar world’

Five priority areas

Updating peacekeeping

Reforms needed

Education, modernisation

UN chief regrets Russia’s decision to withdraw from grain deal

Developing countries to suffer

‘Beacon of hope’

Attempt to keep deal alive

UN efforts continue

Assembly President’s appeal

UN remembers 77 personnel who died in the line of duty last year

Honouring dear colleagues

Courage and commitment

Keeping their memory alive

More protection needed

‘A lasting inspiration’

From Copenhagen to New York Architects for Sustainable Cities and Communities

From Copenhagen to New York Architects for Sustainable Cities and Communities

Rick Bell, FAIA, NOMA, CSU President

More Articles ...

Latest Articles

Online

Loving Donation

Our social media

About Us

Links