U N I T E D   N A T I O N S N A T I O N S   U N I E S   THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ERADICATION OF POVERTY 17 October 2012 Poverty is easy to denounce but difficult to combat.  Those suffering from hunger, want and indignity need more than sympathetic words; they need concrete support.

U N I T E D   N A T I O N S N A T I O N S   U N I E S   THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE on the INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION 13 October 2012 This year’s observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction seeks to highlight the need for women and girls to be at the forefront of reducing risk and managing the world’s response to natural hazards. Across the world, women and girls are using their roles within families and communities to strengthen risk reduction.

U N I T E D   N A T I O N S N A T I O N S   U N I E S   THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ----- MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY 15 September 2012 Today we look back on yet another year of remarkable events in the story of democracy -- a story that continues to be written by people who yearn for dignity and human rights, for an end to corruption, for a say in their future, for jobs, justice and a fair share of political power.

U N I T E D   N A T I O N S N A T I O N S   U N I E S   THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 12 August 2012 Today’s generation of youth -- the largest the world has ever known, and the vast majority of whom live in developing countries -- has unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family.  Yet too many young people, including those who are highly educated, suffer from low-wage, dead-end work and record levels of unemployment. The global economic crisis has hit youththe hardest, and many are understandably discouraged by rising inequalities. A large number have no immediate prospects and are disenfranchised from the political, social and development processes in their countries. Without urgent measures, we risk creating a “lost generation” of squandered talent and dreams.

U N I T E D   N A T I O N S N A T I O N S   U N I E S   THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 9 August 2012 In the five years since the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, communities and individuals have been taking advantage of the reach of traditional and new media to tell their story and make their voices heard.