‘It’s time to work with young people, not just for young people’

In his second term in office, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, subsequently appointing Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi of Jordan as his first-ever Envoy on Youth – the youngest senior official in the history of the Organization.

“I think with my appointment, the United Nations sent an important message that it’s time to work with young people, and not just for young people,” says Mr. Alhendawi, whose tenure as UN Envoy on Youth ends on 13 February 2017.

Mr. Alhendawi, who assumed his position on 17 January 2013, echoes the vision of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who, in establishing the Youth Envoy’s office, had identified working with and for young people as one of his top priorities.

The Envoy on Youth – who also acts as the adviser to and the representative of the Secretary-General on youth-related matters – was given the mandate to harmonize the UN system efforts on youth development, enhance the UN response to youth needs, advocate for addressing the development needs and rights of young people, as well as to bring the work of the United Nations with and for youth closer to them.

“Whether we are looking at development issues, peace and security, tackling Climate Change, on all these fronts we need to engage young people because they are capable, ready and very much able to do the heavy-lifting in implementing the SDGs,” adds the UN Envoy on Youth.In an interview with UN News – recorded days before the end of his tenure as UN Envoy on Youth – Mr. Alhendawi says, “We cannot really achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or bring peace and prosperity to our world without engaging young people.”

view the transcript of the interview by clicking the source below

Source: United Nations News Centre - INTERVIEW: ‘It’s time to work with young people, not just for young people’ – outgoing UN Youth Envoy:

United Nations News Centre - Latest headlines at a glance

14 February 2017

UN chief Guterres announces steps towards reforming Organization’s peace and security architecture

Ukraine: UN warns of civilian casualties in ‘face to face’ fighting in country's east

UN food relief agency working with Sri Lanka to end hunger and malnutrition

Guinea-Bissau: Sustaining economic growth requires political stability, says UN envoy

In Oman, UN chief Guterres seeks ways to help bring peace to Middle East

Synthetic drugs are making headway in Afghanistan, UN agency reports

Drought drives food price spike in East Africa, UN warns

Nine countries join UN-supported network to halve maternal, newborn deaths in clinics

Reported killings in DR Congo town could amount to serious rights violations - UN rights arm

---

13 February 2017

Civilians in Syria’s ‘Four Towns’ need support as humanitarian catastrophe looms – UN relief official

UN Security Council urges joint measures to protect ‘critical infrastructure’ from terrorist attacks

In Dubai, UN chief addresses deficit of trust between governments, citizens and institutions

Make food systems climate resilient now or future production will be compromised – UN warns

UN strongly condemns DPR Korea's ballistic missile launch

'Radio provides accessible, real-time medium to bridge divides,' UNESCO says on World Day

UN and partners launch muliti-year appeal for DR Congo

Amid unprecedented needs, UN and partners launch $1.6 billion aid appeal for South Sudan

---

12 February 2017

Afghanistan: UN mission expresses grave concern at high civilian casualties in Helmand

UN chief Guterres engages in 'constructive' discussions on Yemen, Libya with Saudi Foreign Minister

---

11 February 2017

Security Council strongly condemns continued fighting in South Sudan

In Turkey, UN chief Guterres discusses Syria, Iraq, Cyprus with President

DR Congo: UN mission strongly condemns persistent violence in Kasai Provinces

'The world needs science and science needs women,' UN says on International Day





Source:   United Nations News Centre - Latest headlines at a glance:



"Headlines at a glance

14 February 2017
UN chief Guterres announces steps towards reforming Organization’s peace and security architecture

Ukraine: UN warns of civilian casualties in ‘face to face’ fighting in country's east

UN food relief agency working with Sri Lanka to end hunger and malnutrition

Guinea-Bissau: Sustaining economic growth requires political stability, says UN envoy

In Oman, UN chief Guterres seeks ways to help bring peace to Middle East

Synthetic drugs are making headway in Afghanistan, UN agency reports

Drought drives food price spike in East Africa, UN warns

Nine countries join UN-supported network to halve maternal, newborn deaths in clinics

Reported killings in DR Congo town could amount to serious rights violations - UN rights arm

13 February 2017
Civilians in Syria’s ‘Four Towns’ need support as humanitarian catastrophe looms – UN relief official

UN Security Council urges joint measures to protect ‘critical infrastructure’ from terrorist attacks

In Dubai, UN chief addresses deficit of trust between governments, citizens and institutions

Make food systems climate resilient now or future production will be compromised – UN warns

UN strongly condemns DPR Korea's ballistic missile launch

'Radio provides accessible, real-time medium to bridge divides,' UNESCO says on World Day

UN and partners launch muliti-year appeal for DR Congo

Amid unprecedented needs, UN and partners launch $1.6 billion aid appeal for South Sudan

12 February 2017
Afghanistan: UN mission expresses grave concern at high civilian casualties in Helmand

UN chief Guterres engages in 'constructive' discussions on Yemen, Libya with Saudi Foreign Minister

11 February 2017
Security Council strongly condemns continued fighting in South Sudan

In Turkey, UN chief Guterres discusses Syria, Iraq, Cyprus with President

DR Congo: UN mission strongly condemns persistent violence in Kasai Provinces

'The world needs science and science needs women,' UN says on International Day"



'via Blog this'

Wellness Pilipinas!: President Duterte is against martial law

No martial law; Palace slams ‘misreporting’: "Malacañang clarified last night as it assailed what it described as an “inaccurate reporting” of his remarks.

Wire agencies previously quoted Duterte as saying he would impose martial law if the drug problem became “very virulent,” just a month after dismissing as “nonsense” any suggestion he might do so.

Duterte, speaking to members of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce late Saturday, said he has sworn to protect the country against all threats, including drugs, which he said has affected about  four  million people.

“If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law. No one can stop me,” he said, referring to the Supreme Court and Congress. “My country transcends everything else, even the limitations.”

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement that “the President has categorically said no to martial law.  He even made a pronouncement saying that martial law did not improve the lives of the Filipinos.”  

 “We therefore decry the latest misreporting that the President will declare martial law simply ‘if he wants to’ or that ‘no one can stop the President from declaring martial law.’ Such headlines sow panic and confusion to many.  We consider this kind of reportage as the height of journalistic irresponsibility,” he added.

Andanar said the President mentioned declaring martial law “only under the premise that the country has deteriorated into an utter state of rebellion and lawlessness.” 

 “As President, he recognizes the challenges and limitations set by our Constitution in declaring martial law but he would nonetheless act accordingly if it warrants the preservation of the nation,” he said.

In an interview last month, Duterte said he may declare martial only if there is an invasion from a foreign country. 

“Maybe an invasion from other country but rebellion and insurrection, wala yan (that’s nothing),” he told ABS-CBN News Channel.

“Just declare war against them. You don’t have to declare a war against the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Duterte has made a brutal war on drugs a central pillar of his administration since he took office in June.

Since July, more than 6,000 people have been killed in the anti-drug campaign, in both police operations and unexplained killings by suspected “vigilantes.” More than one million drug peddlers and users have been arrested or have surrendered to authorities.

Duterte said that if people wanted the killings to stop, then terrorists should drop their guns and those in the illegal drugs trade to give it up.

Almost seven months into his administration and Duterte continues to be saddled with criticisms on the rising number of extrajudicial killings.

“You want no killings? You want a city with no military men, no patrol cars whatever? You want funeral parlors to go bankrupt? It’s easy. Drop your guns if you are a terrorist; drop the shabu tonight and tomorrow it will be heaven,” the President said.

He has no plans of letting up in his fight against the illegal drug trade, pointing out that the industry has flourished over the years making the Philippines a “narco” state.

The Philippines endured a decade of martial law from the early 1970s and memories of campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights are fresh in the minds of many people.

Last month, Duterte appeared to rule out any possibility he might declare martial law saying, “That’s nonsense. We had martial law before, what happened? Did it improve our lives now? Not at all.”

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman cautioned the President against declaring martial rule, citing the restrictive provisions of the Constitution that limits it.

“President Duterte’s threat to declare martial law is a menacing pendulum from outright denial to a veiled intention,” the opposition lawmaker said.

He reminded Duterte, who is a lawyer, that the Constitution requires that “the basis for the declaration of martial law is the existence of an invasion or rebellion, when public safety requires it.” – With Reuters, Jess Diaz, Edith Regalado"





Wellness Pilipinas!: President Duterte is against martial law: No martial law; Palace slams ‘misreporting’ : "Malacañang clarified last night as it assailed what it described as an “inaccurate repor...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Vatican as Pope expresses sorrow ...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Vatican as Pope expresses sorrow ...: VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis in his New Year’s greetings yesterday declared 2017 will be good to the degree that people do good and rejec...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Istanbul as Terrorist dressed in ...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Istanbul as Terrorist dressed in ...: ISTANBUL – An assailant believed to have been dressed in a Santa Claus costume opened fire at a crowded nightclub in Istanbul during New Yea...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Jordan as Series of Terrorist Att...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Jordan as Series of Terrorist Att...: Gunmen assaulted Jordanian police in a series of attacks Sunday, including at a Crusader castle popular with tourists, killing seven officer...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Afghanistan's struggle to save bo...

PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Prayer Vigil for Afghanistan's struggle to save bo...: Children were taken for the pervasive practice of "bacha bazi", or paedophilic exploitation, in Western-backed security forces. Th...