Third Conference on Energy and Sustainable development in the Uttermost regions

A France-based NGO, COEDADE RUP, organized the Third Conference on energy and sustainable development in the Uttermost regions. The meeting, placed under the High Patronage of Monsieur Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, took place in Guadeloupe on 7-9 November 2007 gathering some 200 participants, including representatives of civil society and local authorities. Delegations from Cuba, Dominica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, French Guyana and also the Martinique participate in the meeting. Representatives of the European Union and the Caricom were also present. Read more (pdf).

The International Year of Sanitation

On Wednesday, 21 November 2007 the Global Launch of the International Year of Sanitation will be held at the United Nation Headquarters, New York (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.). Main objects of the Launch: a) unveiling of the International Year of Sanitation logo; b) presentation of UN publication on sanitation; c) viewing of Public Service Announcement.

World Toilet Summit 2007

The World Toilet Summit 2007 - organized by the Sulabh International Social Service Organization (the founder in the left picture) in collaboration with the World Toilet Organization from 31 October to 3 November 2007 in New Delhi, India - is an endeavour to underscore the crucial role played by toilets on all aspects of human development (social, economic, health, security). WTS 2007 has provided a platform to discuss pertinent issues vis-à-vis current sanitation scenario, exchange ideas, learn lessons from each other, and promote actionable strategies to meet the challenges posed by the lack of toilets in households and public places, in both rural and urban areas of the world.

AMR Innovation Fair 2008

The AMR Innovation Fair 2008 will be held from 30 June to 1 July 2008 at the United Nations Headquarter in New York alongside the high-level Annual Ministerial Review.

Who can attend the Innovation Fair

The Innovation Fair 2008 will include a "NGO pavillon" where NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC can display their activities.

As for the special exhibitors who will have a dedicated booth, the proposed criteria for their selection are the following:

• innovative partnerships involving a UN entity;
• innovation by major actors in the field of sustainable development.

Innovations in Development Cooperation

Humanitarian Photo Contest 2008 is an initative brought by the students of the master II 6th edition in "Cooperation and Project design for Development" of University La Sapienza, Rome (Italy), and is born from the will to share the richness of the field practice ending the course. The 32 students involved in cooperation projects in South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, USA and Italy are organizing a photo contest and exhibition around the theme: "Is blind who only sees with the eyes" (Sahrawi saying). Each volunteer is author of two pictures that, once back from the field, will be "examinated" by a technical and artistical jury. The sole purpose of the event is the raising of some funds to sustain the activities of the Non Profit association God's Golden Acre. Finally, a special award is destinated to the photo most inspired by: "Is legitimate only the use of technologies that enhance the lives of everybody" (Gandhi).