Jan Landsberg District 22 United Nations Chairman 1

 Zonta International has worked in partnership with the United Nations since its inception in 1946  ZI has  Category 1 Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC),  Consultative Status with UNESCO, UNICEF, UNIFEM, ILO, Council of Europe and the International Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs. 2

 Zonta International maintains representatives of its UN committee at multiple UN sites:  Geneva Switzerland  New York USA  Paris France  Vienna Austria  Zonta Representatives  Attend UN Conferences, Agency Sessions, Committee Sessions, Commission Meetings and get regular briefings from officials  Provide written statements and oral presentations on international issues being considered  Responses focus around women’s rights and worldwide gender equality 3

 24 October United Nations Day  On October 24, 1945, the United Nations (UN) came into force when the five permanent members of the security council ratified the charter that had been drawn up earlier that year. These members were: France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.  Since 1947, the event's anniversary has been known as United Nations Day. It is an occasion to highlight, celebrate and reflect on the work of the United Nations and its family of specialized agencies. 4 October

. 5 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 17 October Theme for 2012: Ending the Violence of Extreme Poverty: Promoting Empowerment and Building Peace  The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since Fighting poverty remains at the core of the UN development agenda.  At the Millennium Summit, world leaders committed themselves to cutting in half, by the year 2015, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty, on less than $1.25 a day.  Australia’s poverty rate has increased since 2003 with one in six children now living in desperate need.  The inaugural Poverty in Australia Report just released, says about 2.26 million Australians lived below the poverty line in 2009 –2010 and is even higher now. ort%202012_Final.pdf ort%202012_Final.pdf

6 Julia Gillard to co-chair UN group tackling poverty  United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Prime Minister Julia Gillard to co-chair with Paul Kagame President of Rwanda, a group of global leaders and celebrities making a "final push" for implementation of the millennium development goals by the target date of  He said Ms Gillard's "vision, leadership and commitment" had caused him to choose her to lead the group, which includes singer Bob Geldof, CNN founder Ted Turner, UN special adviser Jeffrey Sachs and Graca Machel, formerly a minister in Mozambique and also wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela.  The goals include alleviating poverty, increasing access to clean water, food and education and for developed countries to meet targets on foreign aid spending.

7 The First International Day of the Girl Child 11 October Theme for 2012: Ending Child Marriage  On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.  For its first observance, this year’s Day will focus on child marriage, which is a fundamental human rights violation and impacts all aspects of a girl’s life. Poverty and child marriage are inextricably linked.  Child marriage denies a girl of her childhood, disrupts her education, limits her opportunities, increases her risk to be a victim of violence and abuse, jeopardizes her health and therefore constitutes an obstacle to the achievement of nearly every Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and the development of healthy communities.  Globally, around one in three young women aged years were first married before they reached age 18. One third of them entered into marriage before they turned 15. Child marriage results in early and unwanted pregnancies, posing life-threatening risks for girls.

 Video – ‘In Afghanistan - Child Marriages Illegal But Common’ – follow link  Invest in Girls  Basic human rights, safety, life free from fear, adequate nutrition, health care and education  Remember Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Talban for her outspoken advocacy for girls’ education and children’s rights  Video – ‘ Invest In Me’ - follow link  W1eBuYRkg&feature=player_embedded W1eBuYRkg&feature=player_embedded 8 Child Marriage  is very common in Asia and Africa  Related to poverty and lack of education