International conference “Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Cyberspace” to promote and develop policies aimed to strengthen linguistic and cultural diversity in the cyberspace of the Russian Federation and some of the CIS countries

Seminar “Environmental Ethics” in the framework of the two-week International Summer School “Environmental Ethics in University Education: Social and Human Sciences”

Awareness raising event “Family planning: priorities and challenges” intended for media, government agencies and civil society members. The event, dedicated to the World Population Day, is jointly organized by UNIC Moscow and the UNFPA Office in the Russian Federation

GENEVA, 9 June 2008 (ILO News) – Citing growing global imbalances in wages, jobs and productivity, Juan Somavia, Director-General of the International Labour Organization said today counter measures were urgently needed to head off what he called a “globalization without social justice”.

New York, 5 June 2008 - Addiction is a terrible thing. It consumes and controls us, makes us deny important truths and blinds us to the consequences of our actions. Our world is in the grip of a dangerous carbon habit.

Coal and oil paved the way for the developed world’s industrial progress. Fast-developing countries are now taking the same path in search of equal living standards. Meanwhile, in the least developed countries, even less sustainable energy sources, such as charcoal, remain the only available option for the poor.

Moscow, 29 May 2008 - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Mr. Leandro Despouy, issued the following statement today, which includes his preliminary findings made public during a press conference held in Moscow.

WHERE: Interfax News Agency, 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya St., 2, Mayakovskaya metro station

WHEN: Thursday, 29 May, 11:00

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Mr. Leandro Despouy, who visited the Russian Federation from 19 to 29 May 2008, at the invitation of the Government, will present the outcomes of his visit at a press conference on 29 May.

Poaching is one of key the factors reducing numbers of the rare and endangered species in Altai-Sayan Ecoregion. The problem is intensified by the lack of coordination and interaction among various agencies responsible for conservation. UNDP/GEF Project “Biodiversity Conservation in the Russian Portion of the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion” works continuously with the regional authorities to help to overcome interagency barriers.

Russian Arctic is among most vulnerable to global climate change impact regions on Earth. Changes of epidemiological status of Arctic population will be one of important consequences of global warming. In particular, it will be reflected in a wider than earlier distribution of existing and the emergence of new infectious diseases, as well as growth of non-communicable diseases. Public health situation will be further exacerbated by social-economic changes and large-scale impacts on ecosystems.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right recognized in Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, whose 60th anniversary we celebrate this year. On World Press Freedom Day 2008, UNESCO pays tribute to the courage and professionalism of the many journalists and media professionals killed and wounded while carrying out their professional activities, by dedicating this Day to the themes of empowerment and access to information.