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e-NewsletterVolume 5, Issue 2, April - June 2014

Dear Readers,

The first quarter of 2014 began with the organization of a series of important activities, which momentum continued in the second quarter as well.

A host of UN international days were celebrated through various events held in collaboration with our partners. A panel discussion was organized on 23rd April 2014, to mark the World Book and Copyright Day, whereas a consultation on the theme Women Making Media: Challenges and Opportunities was held in New Delhi on 2nd May, to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day. Events were also organized outside New Delhi to commemorate the World Environment Day and the International Day for Biodiversity. I am pleased that the JFIT project on Science Education in Maldives was successfully concluded with a closing event in Male on 13 May. It is hoped that this project has contributed to the goal of achieving quality education in Maldives. The event was preceded by a Pre-service Teacher Training Workshop, from 11-13 May 2014. Within the framework of UNESCO’s activities under the Internal Migration in India Initiative (IMII), a short film Breaking Silence was produced which captures the experiences of women migrants living in the Mullahera Village in Gurgaon (Haryana) and showcases how community radio Gurgaon Ki Awaaz is making a difference in their lives. I wish you all an enjoyable read. Should you require additional information on any of our activities please visit our website at: www.unesco.org/en/newdelhi

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Feature Articles 2 Education 5

Natural Sciences 7

Social and Human 9 Sciences

Culture 11

Communication and 12 Information

Calendar of Events 14

Publications and 16Resources

New Delhi OfficeCluster Office for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri LankaUnited Nations

Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization

Shigeru AoyagiDirector and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka

IN/2014/PI/60

www.unesco.org/en/newdelhi

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UNESCO New DelhiVolume-5, Issue-2

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FEATURE ARTICLE

India has 32 sites inscribed on the World Heritage List. During the month of June, India had the opportunity

to reveal other parts of her huge heritage by adding two more new sites to the List. On the occasion of the 38th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Doha, Qatar from 15 - 25 June 2014, chaired by Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister of the Emir of Qatar, the World Heritage Committee inscribed 26 new sites to the World Heritage List including two from India.

The first nomination is a cultural site called Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) in Patan, Gujarat. The stepwell is located on the banks of the Saraswati river in Patan, Gujarat and was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. This stepwell was built in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style (Rajasthani architecture) reflecting mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions.

The second nomination is a natural site, the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNPCA), located in the

western part of the Himalayan Mountains in Himachal Pradesh. The park is characterized by high alpine peaks, alpine meadows and riverain forests. The 90,540 hectare property includes the upper mountain glacial and snow melt water source origins of several rivers, and the catchments of water supplies that are vital to millions of downstream users. It is part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and includes 25 forest types along with a rich assemblage of fauna species, several of which are threatened. This gives the site outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation.

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Contact: [email protected]

Two more sites from India get the World Heritage tag

mailto:[email protected]

UNESCO New Delhi Volume-5, Issue-2

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FEATURE ARTICLE

This year to mark the World Book and Copyright Day, UNESCO, UNIC, and the Delhi Library Association (DLA) organized a Round-Table Discussion on The Turning Page: Print, Online, Copyright Issues on 23rd April 2014 at UN Conference Hall, New Delhi. On the occasion, Mr Ashok Vajpeyi, eminent Hindi poet, essayist and literary-cultural critic was the Chief Guest who in his very inspiring address spoke at length about his experiences as an author, his unrelenting love for books and his passion for reading. The keynote address was given by Dr R K Chadha, Additional Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat, who highlighted the importance of the

role played by the publishers and distributors, as also the government in the promotion of books and reading towards the larger goal of promoting literacy and knowledge sharing. Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO Representative in his introductory remarks presented the significance of celebrating the day and on behalf of UNESCO invited everyone to rally round books as they are embodiment of human creativity and the desire to share ideas and knowledge to inspire understanding and tolerance. He said “the theme of the panel discussion - The Turning Page: Print, Online, Copyright Issues, is very pertinent and relevant today, as the future of books and copyright is a question that concerns everyone. It is not something that just can be left to specialists, political and economic decision-makers, authors, publishers and educators. It concerns all those who dream of a world in which knowledge is shared and the values of tolerance, solidarity and dialogue can flourish.” The panel discussion which was chaired Prof. P B Mangla, Former Head, DLIS, University of Delhi covered issues concerning the new evolving roles of all stakeholders namely, authors, readers, publishers, and information specialists in the new era of digitalization. Discussions were also held on the traditional concept of copyright which today has given place to a more complex meaning to it to cope up with the new technologies being used for publishing. The esteemed panellists included: Mr Pavan Choudhary, CEO, Author and TV Host; Mr M A Sikandar, Director, National Book Trust; Dr H K Kaul, Director, DELNET; Mr Sudhir Malhotra, Former President, The Federation of Indian Publishers; and Prof. Sunita Tripathy, Assistant Director, Jindal Global Law School.The discussion was primarily attended by librarians, researchers, communication and information officers working in ministries, research organizations, college and universities, NGOs and UN depository libraries. The discussion provided them with an overview of the importance of this day and on how to promote a vibrant book culture, including dealing with issues related to cyber space copyright and at the same time would help them in evolving a systematic approach for addressing print, online, copyright issues.Since 1996, UNESCO has been mobilizing a number of partners contributing to the success of the World Book and Copyright Day which has grown as more and more countries have participated, currently about one hundred from all over the world, plus an ever growing public, with increasing numbers of young people taking part in the initiative.

UNESCO joins hands with UNIC and DLA to celebrate the World Book and Copyright Day

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FEATURE ARTICLE

UNESCO has come up with a Multiple-Perspective Tool (MPT) to help secondary

students to understand and work with complexities. A 3-day National-level Teacher Training Workshop was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with SEED (Society for Environment Education & Development) and CMS (City Montessori School) in Lucknow from 23-25 June 2014 to introduce the ESD Multiple-Perspective Tool. Other collaborating organizations involved with the programme were CEE India (Centre for Environment Education), Delhi Eco-clubs (Environment Department, Government of Delhi), IES (Indian Environment Society), Prithvi Innovators, TERI (The Energy & Resources Institute), WWF India and

UNESCO Clubs who were actively engaged in preparatory and programmatic support. The participants included a group of around 60 Master Trainers selected from secondary schools across the country. The workshop was designed to help secondary students to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-perspective teams. The workshop commenced with a world peace prayer by students of CMS, followed by lighting of the lamp by the Chief-guest and other dignitaries. Professor Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, President and Chief Operating Officer City Montessori School welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance of such an initiative. Dr Ram Boojh of UNESCO New Delhi gave a brief introduction of the programme and mentioned that the programme is meant to introduce the concept of MPT in the school education system through capacity building of teachers. He elaborated that the exercise is being organized for the first time in South Asia with the objective to involve and engage resource persons and educators in ESD and biodiversity education for preparation of a model ESD MPT module for schools in India and the South Asian region. The programme was inaugurated by Mr V N Garg, Agriculture Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary of Forests and Environment, Government of Uttar Pradesh who spoke about the importance of sustainability and mentioned that India has many examples of sustainability owing to its rich tradition of environmental protection practices, the systems of education and learning. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO Representative pointed out that ESD is an emerging as the unifying axis of multiple perspectives of education focusing on different aspects of sustainability and the role of education for sustainable development is much more than the transmission of knowledge and sustainability principles. Its aims is to achieve a coherent interaction between education, public awareness and training for a more sustainable future. Dr M Z Hasan of the SEED proposed the vote of thanks and underlined the need to introduce MPT at the wider spectrum of education system.Prof. Munna Singh, Vice Chancellor, CSA University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur spoke about the need to understand and conserve all aspects of biodiversity as a moral responsibility to repay nature with respect for what it provides us. The workshop sessions were addressed by experts which were followed by interactive discussion with participants. Most of key presentations of experts focused on case examples and approaches to ESD and biodiversity.

National Teacher Training Workshop on Introducing a Multiple Perspective Approaches to Biodiversity

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EDUCATION

As in the past, UNESCO New Delhi supported EFA Global Action Week (GAW)

2014 from 19-25 May 2014 (due to elections in India the event could not take place in the week 4 4-10 May 2014) on the theme Education and Disability under the slogan Equal Right, Equal Opportunity. The week highlighted the profound challenges faced by persons with disabilities in realizing their right to education.

UNESCO New Delhi celebrated the week in collaboration with National Coalition for Education (NCE) the official counter part of Global Campaign for Education (GCE) and partners UNICEF, Oxfam, Action Aid, World

Vision, CMD, AADI, NCERT, NUEPA, NCPCR, RTE Forum, Aastha, VSO, teachers’ unions, schools and communities. A position paper on India with the theme “Equal Rights Equal Opportunity” was jointly prepared by all partners prior to the event and was widely disseminated through the week. A Post Card Campaign was led by World Vision. Throughout the week various other activities were organized by NCE and its networks. NCE for the celebration of EFA Global Action Week 2014 adopted a multi-pronged strategy to advocate with all stakeholders in 20 states of India and prepared a “Charter of Demands” to address the issue nationally. The culmination event was held on 25 May at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi. National and global scenarios as well as UN provisions and declarations on educational rights of disabled children were also shared at this event.

Success stories of national disability award winners and of other disabled children and their teachers were shared by children from World Vision India Chapter and SAFI. A short visual/movie on ‘Education Rights of Disabled Children in India’ was also screened.

Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO Representative in his keynote address informed that globally UNESCO promotes equal opportunity and equal rights of children with disabilities. UNESCO has developed a database, online knowledge community, numerous tool kits, policies and guidelines to promote inclusive education. To conclude, Mr Shigeru offered UNESCO’s support to organizations in promoting and ensuring Inclusive Education for All.

Mr Alisher Umarov, Chief of Education, UNESCO New Delhi chaired the session on viewpoints and opinions of experts and specialists on inclusive education and disabilities.

UNESCO homepage dedicated to EFA Global Action Week 2014 has the following resources:• A video message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General UNESCO • Key messages• Facts and Figures related to education and disability• Bibliography/Resource list• Links to other resource materials

UNESCO Partners with National Coalition for Education (NCE) and celebrates the EFA Global Action Week 2014: “Equal

Right, Equal Opportunity”


http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-all/advocacy/global-action-week/


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EDUCATION


UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) recently launched a new publication entitled ICT in Education in Asia: a com-

parative analysis of ICT integration and e-readiness in schools across Asia. This report talks about the indicators which analyses ICT integration and e-readiness in education for 28 countries in the region, including countries in Central Asia, South and West Asia, and East Asia.

It also talks about the wide variations within Asia in the level of investment in information and communication technology (ICT) in education. In countries like the Republic of Korea and Singa-pore, OECD member countries in Asia, governments have made commitments that outstrip those of some of their European coun-terparts. But, for many other countries in the region, the school-aged population has little or no access to ICT in the classroom.

The report explores four specific types of data:

• ICTinpolicyandkeycurricularareas;

• ICTinfrastructureanditsimportancetointegratingICT-assisted instruction;

• ParticipationinprogrammesofferingICT;and

• TeachingandlearningastheyrelatetoICTineducation.

The data, covering 2011 and 2012, provide a snapshot of ICT access, as well as basic usage of ICT for education, across the region.

The report and data add to a growing body of research on ICT in education. UIS surveys conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean and in five Arab States reveal the extent to which factors, such as education policy, teacher training and infrastructure, drive or hamper the integration of ICT in schools and the classroom.

The Report is available online and can be downloaded at http://www.uis.unesco.org/Communication/Documents/ICT-asia-en.pdf

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Asia: a comparative analysis of ICT integration and

e-readiness in schools across Asia

http://www.uis.unesco.org/Communication/Documents/ICT-asia-en.pdf

http://www.uis.unesco.org/Communication/Documents/ICT-asia-en.pdf



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NATURAL SCIENCES

International Day for Biological Diversity

UNESCO New Delhi collaborated with the Institute of Environmental

Studies, Kurukshetra University, for the World Environment Day 2014 celebrations on 5th June 2014 by organizing a day-long programme which included awareness rally, tree plantation, group discussion and interaction session with post-graduation students. The students took out an awareness rally around the university campus to sensitize the people about the current environmental issues specifically on how to keep the city clean and green. Students also interacted

with the general public regarding possible solutions of problems associated with climate change. Posters on themes like water conservation and save the earth, with slogans “Let’s go green, to get a Globe green”, “Waste water today, leave desert tomorrow” and “Save Water, Save Earth” were displayed by the students at the institute on this occasion. Dr Ram Boojh addressed the students and the audience emphasizing the need to take personal action for saving the environment. Dr Ram Boojh and Prof. Smita Chaudhry, Director, Institute of Environmental Studies, Kurukshetra University launched the green campus initiative of the university by planting saplings.

World Environment Day 2014

UNESCO New Delhi joined the International Day for Biological Diversity celebration by participation in the ‘National Seminar on Biodiversity Conservation’ organized by Department of Forests, Chhattisgarh on 22nd May 2014 in Raipur. The seminar was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary of the State and participated by senior forest officials and eminent experts. The technical session of the seminar was addressed by eminent speakers such as Prof. R K Kohli, Vice-Chancellor of DAV University, Jalandhar; Prof. P S Radhakrishnan, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Mr Chandrashekhar Sahu, former State Minister; Ms Seema Bhatt, Deputy Chairperson, Eco-Tourism Society of India, and Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Vice-chancellor of Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication Raipur along with other experts on biodiversity expressed their views. Dr Ram Boojh made a presentation on the significance of biodiversity and

role of UNESCO sites in conservation of biodiversity specifically with reference to Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere reserve in Chhattisgarh. He also chaired the technical session on way forward for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

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NATURAL SCIENCES

A formal closing event of the JFIT project on Science Education was organized by the Government of Maldives in association with UNESCO New Delhi on 13 May 2014 at the Maldives Polytechnics

Conference Hall in Male. The event was preceded by the Pre-service Teacher Training Workshop from 11-13 May 2014. Mr Nobuhito Hobo, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Maldives was the Chief Guest. The educational kit developed under the project was launched on the occasion and participants were awarded the official certificate of completion of the training. Officials from the Ministry of Education, and National Commission for UNESCO, resource persons from CEE India were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and Representative UNESCO appreciated the Government’s enthusiastic support to the project and remarked that the project will bring Maldives closer to its goal of achieving quality education. Mr Nobuhito Hobo, Japanese Ambassador in his address emphasized that education is a basic human need and an essential component of human society. He mentioned that the Government of Japan is committed to provide support to this kind of initiative in the island nation.


UNESCO JFIT Project on Science Education in Maldives

Also, in the run up to the World Environment Day, UNESCO New Delhi and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) Northern Region – Delhi State Office joined hands to work for an awareness campaign for a cleaner and greener Delhi. The campaign was kick started by airing an environment awareness show on the All India Radio- AIR FM on 3rd June. The show was aired all across India on both AM and FM channels. Dr Ram Boojh from UNESCO and Mr Nirmal Khatri from CII participated as panelists in the discussion.



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SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Although official figures state the population of Mullahera village in Gurgaon, Haryana to be

10,000 the actual population estimates are ten times more with 90% of the population being internal migrants. Breaking Silence captures the experiences of women migrants living in this village and showcases how community radio Gurgaon Ki Awaaz is making a difference in their lives.

Breaking Silence reflects their true experience as internal migrants and showcases the numerous constraints they face; due to lack of identity proof, inadequate housing, low-paid and insecure work, exclusion from state-provided services such as health and education among others; as well as the benefits of living the life of a migrant.

Meena from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh who has been living in Mullahera for the last twelve years explains her complete distress in her attempts to get the Aadhar unique identity card. She and her family had to repeatedly go to different locations and stand in queues in the scorching heat which resulted in her and her family getting unwell but not receiving the identity card ultimately.

Reena who lives in one room with her husband and two children speaks about the radio programme called Chaahat Chowk, which is broadcast regularly on community radio station Gurgaon Ki Awaaz that offers substantial knowledge on a number of topics to the migrant community in this area. Reena says “We get to know about many things, and there is no hesitation or shyness on this show, so it’s good. In the show they talk about topics like condom, vaccines, copper-t, newborn children etc. And if one does not understand then one can even call them up and clarify their doubts.”

Jyoti Srivastava, a Bihari migrant living in Mullahera for the last four years depicts a rather empowering picture of a migrant’s life. She says “The difference between living in the village and living here is that there we have to be at home only as women have to stay indoors. We can’t go outside; we can only go out when there is a wedding or a party. Whereas here sometime if the husband is not at home, we can go to the doctor on our own, or anywhere else for that matter.”

Breaking Silence can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13CvT7FPJzY

Breaking Silence - a short documentary on internal migrants and the impact of community radio

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13CvT7FPJzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13CvT7FPJzY


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SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES

UNESCO organized the National Workshop on Migration and Global Environmental Change in

India, with the support of the Government Office for Science, United Kingdom, and the Department for International Development (DFID), United Kingdom. The workshop intended to explore and examine the current state of knowledge on migration and global environmental change. The issues were examined in the light of the international study on migration and global environmental change titled “Foresight: Migration and Global Environmental Change (MGEC), Final Project Report”, published by the Government Office for Science, London (2011).The workshop is a very important aspect within the framework of UNESCO’s activities under the Internal Migration in India Initiative (IMII), launched in 2011 with UNICEF to address the multiple challenges faced by internal migrants through the angle of social

inclusion, inclusive growth and human rights. This initiative intended to widen the scope of the debate by considering the implications of global environmental change for migration in India and the neighbouring countries.With the intention of informing the actions of key stakeholders from policy, academia, media and civil society, the potential implications of the findings of the Foresight study for India and its neighbouring countries were discussed and deliberated over during the workshop. The workshop aimed to document existing research on future impacts of global environmental change, notably climate change, on population mobility and engage and alert policy makers to the need to mainstream migration, displacement, and non-migration influenced by global environmental change into the national agenda. The summary report comprises of the proceedings based on the presentations and discussions that took place during the workshop as well as the consolidated reply to the policy query submitted through the Gender, Climate Change Communities and the Gender, Youth and Migration (GYM) sub-community of practice of the Gender Community/United Nations Solution Exchange Web Portal. The report notably also contains some key policy recommendations based on the presentations and discussions emerging from the core idea that migration should not be viewed as the last resort to the adverse impacts of global environmental change and that it can play an important role as a proactive approach towards building resilience and representing a transformational and strategic approach to adaptation and global environmental change.The Summary Report of the National Workshop on Migration and Global Environmental Change in India can be downloaded at: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002285/228502e.pdf

Summary Report: National Workshop on Migration and Global Environmental Change in India

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http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002285/228502e.pdf




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CULTURE

Survey of Endangered Traditional Craft in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka

contact: [email protected]

The past three decades of conflict in Sri Lanka have resulted in loss of life, displacement and diminished access to traditional livelihoods. Huge socio-economic burdens have impacted people living in the conflict

affected areas of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The recognition of the value of culture as serving as a positive force in the building of self-respect, confidence and reconstruction in a post-conflict society has long been underlined by UNESCO.

The impetus behind this research project was to initiate the process of creating an inventory and baseline map-ping of the intangible cultural heritage of traditional craftsmanship in the provinces affected by the conflict in Sri Lanka. The report submitted to the Government of Sri Lanka in June 2014, provides the finding of the field survey on current the state of practice of the traditional craft along with recommendations to revitalize the endangered craft form

The project was conceived and initiated by International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI), a UNESCO Category II Centre in Japan, UNESCO New Delhi, Craft Revival Trust with the technical support of Centre for Eco-Cultural Studies (CES) and the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka.


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COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

Every year, UNESCO commemorates World Press Freedom Day on May 3 to build awareness about the

importance of press freedom; remind Governments of their duty to respect and uphold the freedom of expres-sion; and pay tribute to journalists and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom.

UNESCO and Ford Foundation observed World Press Freedom Day 2014 by jointly organizing a consultation on the theme ‘Women Making Media: Challenges and Opportunities’ in New Delhi on May 2.

The event in New Delhi began with the launch of the annual Press Freedom Report for South Asia (2013–14). Produced by UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Report is a yearly review of press-freedom-related issues in eight South Asian countries. This year’s review is titled The Campaign for Justice, and it highlights the challenges and achievements of journalists while defending the freedom of expression and citizens’ right to information. The Report was formally launched by Ms Sabina Inderjit, the IFJ Adviser for the Asia Pacific who then led a discussion about its themes and content.

The launch was followed by the national consulta-tion on women in the media. In his opening address, Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, the Director and UNESCO Repre-

sentative noted that ‘trends in education, professional and political participation, and media representation show that a global deficiency in gender equality goes hand in hand with a lack of free expres-sion’.

Dr Ravina Aggarwal, the Programme Of-ficer for Media Access and Rights at Ford Foundation, observed that the present consultation was the latest initiative in a history of collaboration between Ford Foundation and UNESCO. She pointed out that the consultation aimed to create a common platform for different stake-holders to highlight women’s contribu-tion to the media space and to identify

the challenges that women in the media encounter.

The keynote address by Ms Ammu Joseph, the independ-ent journalist, author and media expert, reflected on the connections between women’s participation in the Indian media and freedom of expression. Drawing on a rich body of research, Ms Joseph showed that women are under-represented at virtually every level of media organizations across national, state and district levels, and neither is a gender balance maintained within the coun-try’s media regulatory bodies.

The consultation revolved around two moderated panel discussions: ‘Women in alternate and digital media’ chaired by Dr Ravina Agarwal of the Ford Foundation, and ‘Organizational policies affecting women in the me-dia’, chaired by Dr Sunit Tandon, the Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

The first panel focused on ways in which community media and other alternative media forms provide women a space to voice their perspectives and concerns and act as media producers. The second panel examined the profes-sional environment, within which women in the media operate, and the policies and practices that relate to their appointment and career growth.

Observing World Press Freedom Day 2014 in India




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COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) was launched in 2012 as a collaborative mission between

the Government of India, civil society and the private sector. The Mission seeks to ‘accelerate digital literacy, providing the benefits of technology to the grassroots in order to drive inclusive growth’. In doing so, it aims to help achieve the Government’s goal of making one person per household e-literate by 2020.

One of the key instruments for realizing the vision of NDLM is the IT Mass Literacy Scheme - a programme that will provide IT training to 1 million Indians, allow-ing them to enhance their livelihoods and participate effectively in the democratic process.

In April 2014, the Ministry of Communications and IT initiated a review of the NDLM in response to a discus-sion paper by UNESCO and the Open Knowledge Com-munity (OKC). Titled Digital Literacy: Definition, Value and Impact, the paper recommended a clear definition of digital literacy (DL) for the Indian context; advocated a ‘life cycle’ approach to the acquisition of DL; and sug-gested the establishment of definite frameworks, bench-marks and delivery mechanisms to achieve DL. It also recommended that parts of the draft IT Mass Literacy curriculum ought to be revisited. Stakeholders agreed

on these recommendations, and on the need to form specialized committees to refine the different aspects of the DL programme.

As steering members of the DL Techni-cal Committee, UNESCO and the OKC hosted the Committee’s first consultation at which key stakeholders agreed on a def-inition of DL that was endorsed by rep-resentatives of the Central Government. DL was defined as: ‘The ability of indi-viduals and communities to understand and use digital technology for meaning-ful functions within life situations’. The scope of DL for different constituencies will be defined subsequently. Participants agreed that DL must be understood as the

ability to comprehend how technology can help citizens access educational content and public services, improve their job skills, and use technology in a way that impacts their personal growth and livelihoods.

The Technical Committee suggested a number of revi-sions to the IT Mass Literacy curriculum. The Commit-tee helped strengthen the course’s learning outcomes; made the contents more responsive to trainees’ needs; agreed on the removal of an eligibility age for the course; and advocated the use of open platforms for delivery and access. These recommendations are being incorporated into the final version of the curriculum.

In the next phase of activities, the OKC – in partner-ship with UNESCO and the Government – will conduct four regional consultations to build consensus about the definition and scope of digital literacy among state-level actors; and to develop a uniform strategy for content de-velopment, training, delivery and overall implementation of the IT Mass Literacy Scheme. The goal is to ensure that the DL programme is rolled out with a common understanding and interpretation of DL, and capacity-building activities across the country are undertaken in a coordinated and complementary manner.

Towards a Digitally Literate India



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INTERNATIONAL DAYS OBSERVED AT UNESCO

Upcoming International Days

12 August - International Youth Day

8 September - International Lit-eracy Day

15 September - International Day of Democracy

21 September - International Day of Peace

World Book and Copy-right Day 23 April 2014

“The history of the written word is the history of humanity. The power of books to advance individual fulfilment and to cre-ate social change is unequalled. Intimate and yet deeply social, books provide far-reaching forms of dialogue between in-dividuals, within communities and across time.”

Extract from the message by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

___________________________

World Press Freedom Day3 May 2014

“On this World Press Freedom Day, we call on all States, socie-ties and individuals to actively defend freedom of expression and press freedom as funda-mental rights and as critical contributions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and advancing the post-2015 development agenda.”

Extract from the joint message of Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO __________________________

World Environment Day 5 June 2014

“No single country, however powerful, can resolve the chal-lenges of our common environ-ment. We must act together,

over the long term, as close as possible to the needs on the ground.”

Extract from the message by Irina Bokova, Director-Gener-al of UNESCO

___________________

World Oceans Day8 June 2014

“The ocean is essential to our well-being and the future of our planet, and World Oceans Day is a moment for all Governments and all societies to join forces in ensuring its protection.

One Planet, One Ocean – Together, we have the power to protect them both.”

Extract from the message by Irina Bokova, Director-Gener-al of UNESCO


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CALENDER OF EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

To lead the Workshop on Social Theatre as part of In-ternational Summer Academy organized by Drosendorf UNESCO Club

Drosendorf, Austria

20-27 July 2014

Contact: Madhura Dutta ([email protected])

Kyushu University-UNESCO Technical Mission to De-velop Heritage Bills of Bhutan

Thimpu, Bhutan

20-23 August 2014

Contact: Moe Chiba ([email protected])

5th World Renewable Energy Technology Congress and Expo-2014

New Delhi, India

21-23 August 2014

Contact: Ram Boojh ([email protected])

ICOMOS Upstream Advisory Mission for WH Nomina-tion process in Maldives

Male, Maldives

23-30 August 2014


National Conference and Exhibition on ‘ICTs for Per-sons with Disabilities: Taking Stock and Identifying Op-portunities’

New Delhi, India

9-10 September 2014

Contact: Anirban Sarma ([email protected])

UN Public Lecture by Dr Karan Singh

Teen Murti Auditorium, New Delhi

26 September 2014

Contact: Huma Masood ([email protected])

Rekha Beri ([email protected])

PAST EVENTS

2nd GoUNESCO Finale Competition Prize Distribution

Hyderabad, India

19-20 April 2014

Contact: Anand Kanitkar ([email protected])

World Book and Copyright Day

UN Conference Hall, New Delhi, India

23 April 2014

Contact: Rekha Beri ([email protected])

World Press Freedom Day

IIC, New Delhi, India

2 May 2014

Contact: Anirban Sarma ([email protected])

UNESCO/Kyushu University Technical Mission to de-velop Heritage Bills of Bhutan

Thimpu, Bhutan

3-10 May 2014


Monitor and Evaluate as the External Auditor of the Ky-ushu University, Faculty of Law’s Re-inventing Japan pro-ject

Fukuoka, Japan

17-22 May 2014


EFA Global Action Week

New Delhi, India

19-24 May 2014

Contact: Huma Masood ([email protected])

International Day for Biological Diversity

Raipur, India

22 May 2014

Contact: Ram Boojh([email protected])

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CALENDER OF EVENTS

World Environment Day

Lucknow, India

5 June 2014

Contact: Ram Boojh ([email protected])

Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Regional Train-ing

Bangkok, Thailand

16-21 June 2014


Anand Kanitkar ([email protected])

STAFF NEWS

ARRIVALS

Ms Tapinder Ghuman (April 2014)Intern, Social and Human Sciences

Mr Mamadou Bah (May 2014)Intern, Communication and Information

Ms Nisha Batra (June 2014)Intern, Communication and Information

Mr Anantha Dumar Duraiappah (June 2014)Director, MGIEP

Mr Shankar Musafir (June 2014)National Project Officer, MGIEP

DEPARTURES

Ms Devina Vardhan (April 2014)Intern, Communication and Information

Ms Binu Hada (May 2014)Intern, Natural Sciences

Ms Shivali Sugandh (May 2014)Intern, Natural Sciences

Ms Ashita Singh (May 2014)Programme Assistant, MGIEP

Ms Nilab Totakhil (June 2014)Intern, Natural Sciences

Ms Rucha Deshpande (June 2014)UNESCO Volunteer, Communication and Information

Mr Kabiruddin Shaikh (June 2014)Interim Director, MGIEP




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PUBLICATIONS AND e-RESOURCES

Parenting Education Guidebook and Facilitators’ Handbook for Parenting Education - Hindi version

UNESCO New Delhi and the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development have adapted and translated Parenting Educa-tion Guidebook and Facilitator’s Handbook into Hindi language. The Guidebook and the Handbook are informative yet simple and adapt-able to diverse social and cultural contexts of the Asia-Pacific countries. These materials are being

translated and adapted for use in different countries in the region and now has been done in India. Extensive con-sultation/expert group meetings were organized to prepare the adapted Hindi versions.

The two publications both in English and Hindi can be downloaded at:

• Parenting Education Guidebook - is for parents, other family members and community members, who will participate in parenting education workshops as learners.

• Facilitators’ Handbook for Parenting Education (Handbook) - is for the facilitators who will guide parenting education using the Guidebook. They can be CLC Coordinators or leaders, ECCE professionals or other com-munity workers who facilitate the parenting education workshops.

UNESCO New Delhi Biennium Report, 2012-2013 2014, 71p.

The Biennium Report gives highlights of what has been done and what has been achieved by the Office in the reporting period, in all areas of its competence, namely, education, natural sciences, soical and human sciences, culture and communication.

For information on recent activities and programmes, you may wish to visit the UNESCO New Delhi website at: www.unesco.org/new/en/newdelhi

Download: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002276/227649e.pdf

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/resources/online-materials/publications/unesdoc-database/

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002140/214007hin.pdf

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/newdelhi



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PUBLICATIONS AND e-RESOURCES

This e-newsletter is published quarterly by UNESCO New Delhi. The document is produced by the Documen-tation and Public Information Division, and it covers UNESCO news and activities in the New Delhi Cluster countries. All articles are free of copyright restriction, unless otherwise indicated, and may be reproduced subject to an appropriate credit annotation.

Your feedback is much appreciated. To add your name to the distribution list, please send an email to the editorial team, Rekha Beri ([email protected]) and Jagrity Rejimon ([email protected])

For more information, contact:

UNESCO New Delhi, B 5/29 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029

Tel:+91-11-26713000 Fax:+91-11-26713001/002; Email: [email protected];

Website: www.unesco.org/new/en/newdelhi

Summary Report: National Workshop on Migration and Global Environmental Change in IndiaUNESCO New Delhi, 2014, 67p.

The summary report of the National Workshop on Migration and Global Environmental Change in India organized by UNESCO on 4-5 March 2014, with the support of the Government Office for Science, UK and Department for International Development, UK comprises of the proceedings and key policy recommendations based on the presentations and discussions that took place during the workshop as well as the consolidated reply to the policy query submitted through the Gender, Climate Change Communities and the Gen-der, Youth and Migration (GYM) sub-community of practice of the Gender Community/United Nations Solution Exchange Web Portal.

Download: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002285/228502e.pdf





http://www.unesco.org/new/en/newdelhi