In This Section
- UN | COMMEMORATING | International Day of Peace | 21 September
- UNHCR | UPDATING | Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance | 14 June 2023
- GEIFN | Aspiring Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods
1. UN | COMMEMORATING | International Day of Peace | 21 September
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Never has our world needed peace more.
This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization.”
2023 marks the mid-point in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023 observance of the International Day of Peace coincides with the SDG summit (18–19 September) to mark the mid-point milestone.
The SDGs aim to bring us closer to having more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence. But without the buy-in and contribution of a wide range of actors including the 1.2 billion young people alive, the goals will not be achieved. We invite you to join the United Nations’ call to take action for peace: fight inequality, drive action on climate change, and promote and protect human rights.
2023 is also the 75th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. IDP 2023 encourages all youth to be ambitious in their engagement as positive and constructive social agents, to join the movement to reach the SDGs and contribute to building sustainable peace. Together we can help to lead our world towards a greener, more equitable, just, and secure future for all. More.
2. UNHCR | UPDATING | Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance | 14 June 2023
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, other forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
At the end of 2022 as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order, 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced.
UNHCR personnel
UNHCR's workforce is the backbone of operations. At 31 December 2022, there were 18,879 employees, of whom around 91 per cent are based in the field.
We work in 137 countries and territories, with personnel based in a mixture of regional and branch offices and sub and field offices. Our teams work hard to help the displaced, specializing in a wide range of disciplines, including legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs and health.
How is UNHCR funded?
UNHCR is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, with 75% from governments and the European Union. 3% comes from other inter-governmental organizations and pooled funding mechanisms, while a further 21% is from the private sector, including foundations, corporations and the public. Additionally, we receive a limited subsidy (1%) from the UN budget for administrative costs, and accept in-kind contributions, including items such as tents, medicines and trucks.
UNHCR was launched on a shoestring annual budget of US$300,000 in 1950. But as our work and size have grown, so too have the costs. Our annual budget rose to more than US$1 billion in the early 1990s and reached a new annual high of US$10.714 billion in 2022. For up-to-date information about UNHCR’s financial needs visit our Global Focus website.
Our yearly budget supports continuing operations and supplementary programmes to cover emergencies, such as the Ukraine crisis, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the Pakistan floods as well as large-scale repatriation operations.
At the end of 2022 as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order, 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced.
- 35.3 million refugees comprising 29.4 million refugees under UNHCR’s mandate and 5.9 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA’s mandate.
- 62.5 million internally displaced people
- 5.4 million asylum seekers
UNHCR personnel
UNHCR's workforce is the backbone of operations. At 31 December 2022, there were 18,879 employees, of whom around 91 per cent are based in the field.
We work in 137 countries and territories, with personnel based in a mixture of regional and branch offices and sub and field offices. Our teams work hard to help the displaced, specializing in a wide range of disciplines, including legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs and health.
How is UNHCR funded?
UNHCR is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, with 75% from governments and the European Union. 3% comes from other inter-governmental organizations and pooled funding mechanisms, while a further 21% is from the private sector, including foundations, corporations and the public. Additionally, we receive a limited subsidy (1%) from the UN budget for administrative costs, and accept in-kind contributions, including items such as tents, medicines and trucks.
UNHCR was launched on a shoestring annual budget of US$300,000 in 1950. But as our work and size have grown, so too have the costs. Our annual budget rose to more than US$1 billion in the early 1990s and reached a new annual high of US$10.714 billion in 2022. For up-to-date information about UNHCR’s financial needs visit our Global Focus website.
Our yearly budget supports continuing operations and supplementary programmes to cover emergencies, such as the Ukraine crisis, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the Pakistan floods as well as large-scale repatriation operations.
Mitch Tambo and friends - You’re the Voice
3. GEIFN | Aspiring Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods
GEIFN exists to promote harmony and respect for faiths, values, cultures and traditions by global engagement in friendlier neighbourhoods.
GEIFN was formed in early 2011 with representation from many faith groups. Currently in caretaker mode with Carey Rohrlach attending.
- Promoting harmony and respect for faiths, values, cultures and traditions in our shared community.
- Providing opportunities for dialogue, understanding, harmonious interaction, co-operative community service and events that highlight positive contributions in the community.
- Demonstrating respect for others belief’s, cultures and traditions. This desire arises from our common humanity and our being people of faith.
- Recognising neighbours, that we have responsibilities to ourselves, community and the world.
- Encouraging citizens, all to put aside intolerance, prejudice and divisiveness to attain peaceful and fruitful co-existence.
- Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Port Phillip, Glen Eira and surrounds are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation.
- Respecting past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savour and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully in our place called home.
In This Section
a) Badgesb) Photocardsc) Coffee Mugsd) Contemplationse) Inspirationsf) Sharing Downloadable PDF Statementsg) Update Your Contact Details
h) Community Engages
i) Acknowledgments
j) Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering
Consider obtaining and distributing from the growing range of collateral below. (Any receipts go towards production costs and ongoing service provision.)
a) Badges
For equity: YES, I am
Description:
Size: 56mm diametre, safety-pin clasp
Pack Contains: 20
Cost: $40 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here for adding to your documents:
Size: 56mm diametre, safety-pin clasp
Pack Contains: 20
Cost: $40 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here for adding to your documents:
b) Photocards
What is reconciliation? “Of people spending 60,000 years wiped out by illness and violence in a land rich with creature and plant life, spirit forms and respect... The wish to say sorry, to honour, to respect land, ancestors, people... What is reconciliation? It is a beginning. A process. Healing.”
– Ajahn Thanasanti, Australian Buddhist nun
– Ajahn Thanasanti, Australian Buddhist nun
Description:
High quality high gloss 1 sided on photographic paper
Individual Size: 15x10cm
Pack Contains: 10 cards
Cost: $6 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here:
High quality high gloss 1 sided on photographic paper
Individual Size: 15x10cm
Pack Contains: 10 cards
Cost: $6 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here:
c) Coffee Mugs
View 1: Lost Piece in the midst of Desire, Envy, Anger, Pride and Confusion?
View 2: Found Peace: If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.
Description:
View 2: Found Peace: If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.
- White ceramic 325ml mug with wrap-around image
- Pack Contains: 1 Mug
- Cost: $25 ea until stocks last
- Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
d) Contemplations
Take Away Contemplation:
(Daily, before meals or anytime)
We give thanks for the precious nature
of life.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of the lives of those we care for
and who care for us.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of the many interconnected conditions
that come together today
to allow us to enjoy this place,
this company,
this purpose,
this potential,
this time.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of all Teachers, Teachings and Opportunities to Share.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of my/your/our life.
May all beings enjoy such benefits
or if not, have less Suffering until planting the seeds for growth.
For the benefit of all, thankyou.
Contemplating Departure:
(Daily, after meals or at the closing)
Please forgive me
For anything I did or said
Or failed to do or say,
That hurt you or upset you,
Whether I did them intentionally or unintentionally
I forgive you
For anything you did or said
Or failed to do or say
That hurt me or upset me,
Whether you did them intentionally or unintentionally
May all live in Peace, Wellbeing and Happiness
(Daily, before meals or anytime)
We give thanks for the precious nature
of life.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of the lives of those we care for
and who care for us.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of the many interconnected conditions
that come together today
to allow us to enjoy this place,
this company,
this purpose,
this potential,
this time.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of all Teachers, Teachings and Opportunities to Share.
We give thanks for the precious nature
of my/your/our life.
May all beings enjoy such benefits
or if not, have less Suffering until planting the seeds for growth.
For the benefit of all, thankyou.
(Daily, after meals or at the closing)
Please forgive me
For anything I did or said
Or failed to do or say,
That hurt you or upset you,
Whether I did them intentionally or unintentionally
I forgive you
For anything you did or said
Or failed to do or say
That hurt me or upset me,
Whether you did them intentionally or unintentionally
May all live in Peace, Wellbeing and Happiness
Description:
High quality laserprinted 2 sided leaflet
Individual Size: 21x10cm
Pack Contains: 12 leafs
Cost: $6 until stocks last
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here:
e) Inspirations
Be Aspiring, Change View:
Found Peace. If it was easy then everybody would be enjoying it.
Beat Time, Check Source:
Re:lig:ion = again/back : join/unite : energy
Found Peace. If it was easy then everybody would be enjoying it.
Beat Time, Check Source:
Re:lig:ion = again/back : join/unite : energy
High quality laserprinted 2 sided leaflet
Individual Size: 21x10cm
Pack Contains: 12 leafs
Cost: $6 per pack
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here:
f) Sharing Downloadable PDF Statements
g) Contact Details For GEIFN:
Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN)
Caretaker Carey Rohrlach
Tel: 0438 371 488
Email: caretaker@geifn.org
Website: www.geifn.org
Caretaker Carey Rohrlach
Tel: 0438 371 488
Email: caretaker@geifn.org
Website: www.geifn.org
h) Community Engages
i) Acknowledgments
ReconciliationAcknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
Invitation to Support Content Creators
Invitation to Support Content Creators
The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.
Caretaker Disclosure
Caretaker Disclosure
Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.
Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.
This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy) or bodhicitta (Sanskrit = Awakening Consciousness). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.
It is not personal, it just the way things are.
Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.
This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy) or bodhicitta (Sanskrit = Awakening Consciousness). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.
It is not personal, it just the way things are.
j) Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering
Tinna Tinh gives a modern interpretation of Vajrasattva (Diamond Mind or Enlightening Attitudes) mantra
May all beings have happiness,
May all beings be free from suffering,
May all beings feel an ocean of happiness and joy
And may we live with the good heart
Feeling close to all.
