Saturday, May 13, 2017

May 2017. Africa Confidential. Finding Africa on K Street (Washington, D.C.)


REPORTING AFRICA SINCE 1960 

Link to PDF File of Article.



Finding Africa on K Street 


AC surveys some of the African governments spending big on political lobbyists to polish their images in Washington DC

The cost of political lobbying by American consultants on behalf of African governments and politicians is a tiny proportion of the billions of dollars spent by corporations, governments and individuals from all over the world on self-promotion in the capital of the world's richest country. Yet what African countries spend can seem massive, given the relatively small scale of their economies. Many contracts with the legal and lobbying companies – many of which are scattered along K Street, a couple of blocks from the White House in central Washington – are uncontroversial. Others, however, stray to the shadier side of the street.
End of preview - This article contains approximately 2048 words.

May 2017., Confirmed Case of Ebola in DRC by WHO

African CDC
(African Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).
Your response?
Incident Management not only for DRC, but surrounding nation
BEMA International



There is a confirmed new case of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the World Health Organisation. (AFP)


Thursday, May 11, 2017

DRR documents & publications 04-10 May 2017

There are 16 new documents & publications on disaster risk reduction published in collaboration with the ISDR Library since last week. Expand your DRR library.

Do you have disaster risk reduction documents or publications to promote? Please share them: http://www.preventionweb.net/english/submit/publications/


*  2017 Resilience index annual report
FM Global, 2017

The 2017 FM Global Resilience Index is an annual ranking of 130 countries and territories according to their enterprise resilience to disruptive events. Rankings are calculated as an equally weighted composite of 12 core drivers that affect the enterprise resilience of countries significantly and directly. The historical data in this year s index has been updated and calculated on this new basis for each of the last five years to enable valid...

Themes: Economics of DRR; Private Sector; Risk Identification & Assessment


*  Assessment of Kenya's preparedness to disasters caused by natural hazards Development Initiatives (DI), 2017

This report details the findings of our study on Kenya's preparedness for floods, drought and disease outbreaks   human and animal. It looks at preparedness at the national and subnational level focusing on Mandera and Migori counties. The study assesses preparedness under different frameworks: governance and legal; preparedness capacity; linkages to international processes of disaster preparedness; and financial allocations to preparedness....

Themes: Disaster Risk Management
Hazards: Drought; Epidemic & Pandemic; Flood


*  Brisbane river catchment flood study
Queensland Government, Australia - gov, 2017

The Flood Study provides a comprehensive analysis of a range of flood events that may occur within the Brisbane River catchment and is a critical first step toward developing a Strategic Floodplain Management Plan for the region. The Flood Study area includes parts of the Brisbane River catchment, with a focus on flooding events downstream of Wivenhoe Dam including the Brisbane River, Lockyer Creek and the Bremer River system. Two major components...

Themes: Environment & Ecosystems; Risk Identification & Assessment
Hazards: Flood


*  Canadian voices on changing flood risk University of Waterloo (UW), 2017

This report presents the findings of a national survey, which gathered the opinions of 2,300 individuals from across the country who live in communities with high flood risk. The findings reveal that homeowners lack awareness of flood risk and the protection options available for them to play their part in reducing flood risk.  Key findings Due to rising costs, the federal and provincial governments are finding ways to reduce flood risks...

Themes: Advocacy & Media
Hazards: Flood


*  Community participation in emergency planning: NSW State Emergency Service case study Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR), 2017

There is growing recognition within the Australian emergency management sector of the need to engage communities as core partners, where they are considered equals in risk-related decision-making processes that affect them (Attorney-General s Department 2013). There is, however, little guidance available to practitioners about how best to involve communities in risk reduction processes and little evidence on which to build approaches. To address...

Themes: Community-based DRR; Disaster Risk Management


*  Coproducing flood risk management through citizen involvement: insights from cross-country comparison in Europe Ecology and Society (E&S), 2016

Drawing from public administration literature, this research adopts the notion of  coproduction  as an analytical framework for studying the interaction between citizens and public authorities, from the decision-making process through to the implementation of flood risk management (FRM) in practice. On the basis of a cross-country comparison, the research highlighted the varied forms of coproduction and reflected on how these have...

Themes: Civil Society/NGOs; Governance
Hazards: Flood


*  Dependencies of Europe s economy on other parts of the world in terms of water resources Improving Predictions and Management of Hydrological Extremes (Imprex); Water Footprint Network, 2017

Climate change is leading to increased water scarcity and drought in many parts of the world. This has implications for the European Union (EU) because many of the goods consumed or used in the EU are produced abroad. This makes its economy dependent on water resources well beyond its borders. This report reveals where potential vulnerabilities to the EU s food security and economic stability exist and identifies which food products may become...

Themes: Climate Change; Economics of DRR; Food Security & Agriculture; Water
Hazards: Drought


*  Developing city resilience strategies: lessons from the ICLEI ACCCRN process Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN); International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), 2016

Asian cities are on the frontline of climate change. A third of all low-elevation coastal zones in the world are located in Asia, where two-thirds of the world s urban population reside. A number of Asian cities have been involved in climate change adaptation and resilience-building initiatives, focusing on the capacity of local governments to assess vulnerabilities and implement effective mitigation strategies. One such initiative is the Asian...

Themes: Climate Change; Urban Risk & Planning


*  Harvesting the value of water: Stormwater, green infrastructure, and real estate.
Urban Land Institute Foundation (ULI Foundation), 2017

Harvesting the Value of Water explores the real estate sector s increased participation in stormwater management through the incorporation of green infrastructure and other water management mechanisms. Highlighting a series of case studies, the report explores how stormwater management can introduce operational efficiencies, improve building user experience, enhance aesthetics, and otherwise differentiate a real estate project. Cities across...

Themes: Critical Infrastructure; Environment & Ecosystems; Urban Risk & Planning; Water
Hazards: Flood; Storm


*  Heat wave vulnerability mapping for India Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2017

Assessing geographic variability in heat wave vulnerability forms the basis for planning appropriate targeted adaptation strategies. Given several recent deadly heatwaves in India, heat is increasingly being recognized as a public health problem. However, to date there has not been a country-wide assessment of heat vulnerability in India. This paper evaluated demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental vulnerability factors and combined district...

Themes: GIS & Mapping; Risk Identification & Assessment; Social Impacts & Social Resilience
Hazards: Heat Wave


*  Integrating climate change into road asset management World Bank, the (WB), 2017

This report highlights some challenges to the research and academic fraternity in understanding climatic impacts on road networks better, developing more resilient technologies and, most importantly, developing a better understanding to quantify the impact or benefits of climate adaptation strategies. The main conclusion of this report is that asset management, when undertaken according to best practice, is already one of the most significant climate...

Themes: Climate Change; Critical Infrastructure


*  Preventing drowning: an implementation guide World Health Organization (WHO), 2017

This guide provides practical steps to reduce drowning   one of the world s most preventable, neglected and pressing public health issues. Through evidence-based interventions and strategies it is designed to help drowning-prevention practitioners   from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers to government officials and policy-makers   approach drowning prevention in a strategic, evidencebased and multisectoral...

Themes: Advocacy & Media; Capacity Development; Children and Youth; Education & School Safety; Health & Health Facilities
Hazards: Flood


*  Resilience and resource efficiency in cities United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2017

This report looks at the relationship between building the resilience of cities in the face of global environmental change, and increasing the resource efficiency of cities to reduce their harmful impacts on the environment. It provides examples of effective ways to address these agendas, as well as the potential and challenges for integration.  The report has three main sections: on resilience, on resource efficiency, and on the nexus between...

Themes: Critical Infrastructure; Food Security & Agriculture; Urban Risk & Planning; Water


*  Safeguarding indigenous architecture in Vanuatu United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - Headquarters (UNESCO), 2017

Nakamals, nakamal, an indigenous architecture form used by the traditional chiefs for meetings related to governance, decision making, and teaching in Vanuatu.nakamal, play a significant role in the maintenance of kastom in Vanuatu. They also have an important functional role in Disaster Risk Reduction in rural areas. They are anecdotally known to have been designed to withstand high winds and cyclonic conditions and are historically often described...

Themes: Cultural Heritage; Indigenous Knowledge; Structural Safety
Hazards: Cyclone


*  Selecting measures and designing strategies for integrated flood management Deltares; Global Water Partnership (GWP); World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2017

This publication outlines the approach and steps to develop and evaluate well-balanced and well-motivated strategies to cope with the risk of flooding. The design of strategies covers the full range of possible structural and non-structural measures, including structural protection and mitigation measures, planning and building codes, emergency management, raising of risk awareness and preparedness, risk-sharing and the like. This guidance document...

Themes: Environment & Ecosystems; Water


*  The growing threat of pandemics: Enhancing domestic and international biosecurity Texas A&M International University System (TAMIU), 2017

The threat posed by pandemics grows alongside increased globalization and technological innovation. Distant cultures can now be connected in a day s time, and international trade links global health and economic prosperity. This report details nine priority areas and accompanying action items that will help to address current pandemic response problems. Developing centralized leadership; coordinating existing agencies and departments; reforming...

Themes: Health & Health Facilities
Hazards: Epidemic & Pandemic



View the full disaster risk reduction documents and publications collection: http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/publications/


Wednesday, May 10, 2017

UN Global Compact Bulletin - May 2017

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 May 2017 
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Are you the next SDG Pioneers? Global Opportunity Explorer
UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2017
NEWS & UPDATES
LOCAL NETWORK NEWS
FROM OUR LIBRARY
·        Jump  New Action Platforms
 
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAY
8-12
JUN
5-9
JUL
18
JUL
18-19
 
UPCOMING WEBINARS
MAY
11
MAY
16
MAY
16
MAY
18
MAY
23
MAY
24
MAY
25
MAY
31
 

Your Organization's Participation

Participant Status
Active
COE due date
2017-10-31
about submitting COEs

New Signatories, COPs and Delistings

April Figures
121 companies and 21 non-business stakeholders joined the Global Compact
60 companies were expelled for failing to communicate on progress
The largest companies (by employee number) to join during the month were:
  • Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company (Japan)
  • Amgen, Inc. (United States of America)
  • Avnet, Inc. (United States of America)
  • Avianca (Colombia)
  • Turner & Townsend (United Kingdom)
  • AVARN Security Services AB (Sweden)
  • McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
  • Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V.  (Mexico)
  • Alimak Group AB (Sweden)
  • Castel Freres SAS (France)
Total Figures as of 30 April
Business participants: 9,388
Non-business participants: 2,994
COPs submitted: 45,581
Expelled business participants: 7,034

NEWS & UPDATES

New Action Platform Webinar Series

Take part in our upcoming Webinar Series to learn more about the UN Global Compact's portfolio of Action Platforms and how they can provide practical guidance and support to facilitate your company’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Global Compact Calls on Business to Shift from Incremental Change to Breakthrough Innovation on the SDGs

“Time is of the essence,” urged Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, to an audience of more than 300 local and global leaders from business, finance, civil society, Government and the UN, at the conclusion of the UN Global Compact two-day event, Making Global Goals Local Businesses – India, in New Delhi on 27 April.

Executive Update: The Sustainable Development Goals: The Breakthrough Opportunity of Our Time

"The magnitude of these challenges requires a disruption of a symmetrical scale. It will take significant creativity and effort to foster the changes needed to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality and protect our planet." Lise Kingo's latest Executive Update explores breakthrough innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, and what it means for leaders in India and beyond.

UN Global Compact Kicks Off Annual Conference in New Delhi with More than 300 Global Business and Civil Society Leaders

On 26 April, the UN Global Compact kicked off its two-day regional event in New Delhi. With less than 5,000 days left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the event aimed to mobilize responsible business actions, drive breakthrough innovation and create new market opportunities that advance the Global Goals.

Global Opportunity Explorer Launches with 300 Solutions that Will Change the World

Sustainia, DNV GL and the UN Global Compact unveil 300 of the most promising solutions that will change the world for the better. The solutions are part of the new Global Opportunity Explorer – a platform which presents an entirely new innovation and market universe for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainability Leaders Issue Call-to-Action to CEOs

The heads of the world’s largest corporate and investor sustainability initiatives — the UN Global Compact and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), respectively — have called on the private sector to mobilize the trillions locked up in corporate pension funds and invest in green projects.

LOCAL NETWORK NEWS

Leaders from Latin America Convene to Discuss Role of Businesses in Achieving the SDGs

Modern Slavery in the Spotlight as Business Discuss Potential New Legislation

Global Compact Network Brazil Promotes Workshop on Collective Action Against Corruption

TAKE ACTION

Register a Voluntary Commitment for Implementation of SDG 14

Demonstrate your organization's work to advance ocean sustainability by registering a voluntary commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. By registering a commitment, your company will be actively participating in a unique UN-led global initiative on the future health of our oceans.

Sign the Human Rights Open Letter to Academics

Demand for business and human rights education is growing worldwide. Academic institutions are well positioned to prepare future business leaders to manage the human rights impacts of their companies.
The UN Global Compact in collaboration with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) are asking companies to sign an open letter calling on academic institutions to integrate business and human rights into their curriculum.

Support the Humanitarian Response Plans for Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen

More than 20 million people in North-East Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen and Somalia are facing famine or a credible risk of famine over the coming six months. 1.4 million children are currently at imminent risk of death from malnutrition.
To avert a major humanitarian catastrophe, the UN and the international community is requesting help from the private sector to support the crisis response.  The UN Global Compact urges companies to consider contributing to help affected people in the region. View the Business Guide resource here

Call for Papers: UN Publication on Procurement and the 2030 Agenda

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is looking for submissions for their next Thematic Supplement to the Annual Statistical Report on United Nations Procurement. It will include a range of case studies that contribute to new and useful insights on procurement and the 2030 Agenda.
Interested academics, researchers, or procurement professionals are invited to submit case studies, research articles, papers, or best practices for consideration.

FROM OUR LIBRARY

Aligning Values: Why corporate pension plans should mirror their sponsors

Highlights why CEOs should ensure their corporate pension plans should mirror their own sustainability values and the associated benefits including improved investment performance, fulfilling fiduciary duty and managing regulatory risk and boosting corporate sponsor credibility.

Sustainable Development Goals: From Promise to Practice

A call to action to transform our world through analysis and recommendations on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing global collaboration and the implementation of long-term innovative solutions.

New Action Platforms

To achieve the ambitious and necessary goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Global Compact has launched a portfolio of Action Platforms to advance responsible business activities and fill emerging gaps in meeting the SDGs.

CALENDAR

Events

May
MAY
8-12
This course looks at the potential of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and national enterprises to contribute to respect for labour rights and the achievement of decent work for all. It will introduce participants to the guidance set out in the tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (the "MNE Declaration") for enterprises, governments, employers and workers' organizations.
June
JUN
5-9
Coinciding with World Oceans Day and co-hosted by the Governments of Fiji and Sweden, this Conference to support the implementation of SDG 14 focuses on conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. In advance of the Conference, the President of the General Assembly will convene a two-day preparatory meeting from 15-16 February 2017.
Business is invited to indicate interest in the Conference by emailing oceans@unglobalcompact.org.
July
JUL
18
Following the success of last year’s inaugural forum, the second annual SDG Forum will convene during the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) at UN Headquarters on 18 July, 2017. The HLPF, which is held from 10-19 July in New York at UN Headquarters is an opportunity for business to report on key achievements and activities undertaken during this past year of SDG implementation and look at the role of business in catalyzing sustainable growth and development—from innovative approaches to financing through to reporting progress and new partnerships.
JUL
18-19
The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative of the United Nations Global Compact is convening the 2017 Global Forum for Responsible Management Education — 7th PRME Assembly in conjunction with the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. Join fellow leaders in helping to shape the future of business and management education, and to support the global effort to achieve the SDGs. The forum will celebrate the 10th anniversary of PRME.
September
SEP
11-15
Understanding workers' rights in the framework of due diligence The course aims to strengthen the capacity of participants to understand the principles of international labour standards (ILS) as they relate to company operations (including due diligence related to labour rights) and how these principles can be most effectively implemented in company operations within the supply chain.
SEP
18
The United Nations Private Sector Forum 2017 will focus on the role of the private sector in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The interactive Forum is designed to increase understanding of efforts underway by the private sector and civil society, and provide a platform for the private sector to announce long-term goals and partnerships that will make an important contribution towards achieving sustainable development for all.
SEP
21
The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2017 will gather global leaders to inspire true leadership for the SDGs, present highlights of General Assembly week and chart the way ahead for increased public-private collaboration to create the world we want. The Summit serves as the annual opportunity to unveil the UN Global Compact’s latest intelligence from Action Platforms, generate meaningful and innovative engagement opportunities around the SDGs and to celebrate ambitious leaders and innovators from around the world. Registration opens in May 2017.
November
NOV
27-29
The UN Forum on Business and Human Rights is the global platform for yearly stock-taking and lesson-sharing on efforts to move the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights from paper to practice. The central theme of the 2017 Forum is “Realizing Access to Remedy”. The programme also features sessions for new audiences and discussions on broader policy trends that consider the role of the business and human rights movement in today’s political and social contexts around the world.
 
   

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24
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31
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1
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6
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7
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15
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28

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Published 10 May 2017

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