21st March
Do you know that …
three important dates are celebrated today?
-World Poetry day
"
Celebrating the linguistic expression of our common humanity
Poetry reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, everywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. Poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition and, over centuries, can communicate the innermost values of diverse cultures.
Watch here Maya Angelou at the General Assembly for UN's 50th Anniversary.
"A word is dead when it is said, some say.
I say it just begins to live that day." (Emily Dickinson, American poet)
-In the U.K. there is a National Poetry Day, celebrated on10th October. Listen here to Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, reading one of his favourite compositions – ‘Quoting Shakespeare’ by Bernard Levin.
-And why not read one Portuguese poem?
-World Down Syndrome
"Down Syndrome
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health.
Adequate access to health care, to early intervention programmes, and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of the individual.
In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day. The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year. In order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner." (in https://www.un.org/en/observances/down-syndrome-day)
-International Day
of Forests
"Too precious to lose
When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another.
Forests, their sustainable management and use of resources, including in fragile ecosystems, are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter."
Forests are home to about 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, like this owl perched on a tree branch. The photo was part of a UNEP contest on forests. Credit: Jessica Kerr.
