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Annan, world leaders condemn violence in cartoon row
European leaders spoke out strongly against the violent behavior of thousands of Muslims over the weekend, as the cultural row over cartoons depicting the Islamic Prophet Muhammad continued to rage and European embassies were attacked throughout the Middle East. Although United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed sympathy toward those offended by the images first depicted in a Danish newspaper, he and other world leaders said such anger does not justify violence. Click here for the UN News Centre release. CNN offers video reports. The Daily Star (Lebanon) (2/6), USA TODAY/Associated Press (2/6)

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United Nations News

Bolton presses daily briefings for Security Council
During America's tenure as president of the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador John Bolton has been encouraging other members of the council to have a daily meeting at 10 a.m., and so far they have agreed to the change on an experimental basis. "We can continue in the U.N. and do like we have done in 60 years without any changes," said Denmark's Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Loj, who supports the idea and also has been pushing for changes. "Sometimes we have to be a bit more modern. It also means we are up on our toes and I don't have to wait to be told by the journalists when I come out of the council what has happened." Houston Chronicle (2/4)

Annan, Bush and Rice to talk UN reform
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will meet with U.S. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington on Feb. 13 to discuss ongoing reform efforts of the world organization, Reuters reports. UN management reform is a big priority of the Bush administration, but many developing nations fear it could leave them with a smaller voice at the world body. Daily Times (Pakistan)/Reuters (2/5)

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Development, Health and Poverty Related News

Editorial: Protecting U.S. foreign aid
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's overhaul of the country's foreign aid system indirectly threatens programs that battle disease, educate children and provide clean water, The New York Times writes in this editorial. As a result, Congress "should pass a law mandating that a decent percentage of the foreign aid budget go to basic antipoverty efforts," the paper argues. The New York Times (2/6)

Survey: World Bank staffers mostly satisfied
The World Bank's staff is just about as satisfied with the lending institution as it was in 2003, although it is less sure about its direction, reports the first employee survey since Paul Wolfowitz became Bank president in June. In response to the survey results, Wolfowitz vowed to improve understanding of the Bank's direction through more seminars, speeches and staff meetings. The Washington Post/Reuters (2/5)

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Energy and Environmental News

Opinion: Development, environment can go hand in hand
Are economic development and environmental protection inevitably at odds? Although many tend to think so, both goals in fact can reinforce each other by using innovative thinking, whether the issue is mining in Romania or wildlife ventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe, writes former U.S. presidential speechwriter Mark Lange in this commentary. The Christian Science Monitor (2/6)

Commentary: Can Middle East use oil to help the poor?
Middle East oil-exporting countries like Qatar famously wasted a lot of their sudden wealth in the 1970s and 1980s, but this time around there is a growing effort to use much of the oil income for development and education, columnist Philip Bowring notes. He concludes, however, that "it is hard to be optimistic that energy wealth will readily translate into any other form of wealth or energy." International Herald Tribune (2/5)

Tibet: Climate change threatens world's highest railway
The world's highest railway is under threat by global warming, according to a Chinese researcher. "Fast thawing of frozen soil in the plateau might greatly increase the instability of the ground, causing more grave geological problems in the frozen soil areas where major projects such as highways or railways run through,," explained Wu Ziwang, a frozen soil specialist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Yahoo!/Reuters (2/5)

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Security and Human Rights

UN envoy warns Sudanese, AU negotiators on credibility
United Nations envoy to Sudan Jan Pronk told Sudanese and African Union negotiators in Abuja, Nigeria, that efforts to quell violence in Sudan's Darfur region and prevent the conflict from spilling into neighboring Chad face a growing credibility gap as fighting continues on the ground. There are currently more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad, and Pronk said conditions in Darfur were increasingly chaotic. AlertNet.org/Reuters (2/5)

IAEA reports Iran to Security Council
The board of the International Atomic Energy Agency voted Saturday to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council, reflecting a broad suspicion that Iran wants to use its nuclear program to develop weapons rather than for peaceful energy. The board voted 27 to 3 to let the Security Council tackle the issue, which could lead to sanctions against the Islamist regime. The New York Times (2/5)

Commentary: Preparing young victims for life after war
While the efforts of global organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children have made great strides in the protection and integration of children into society following brutal wars and life-scarring violence, more needs to be done to help the children of war "restore the inner equilibrium," UNICEF consultant Mary Anne Fitzgerald writes in the International Herald Tribune. Helping afflicted children deal with trauma and dysfunction, Fitzgerald adds, is a long-term project that often goes beyond the patience -- and budgets -- of international organizations. International Herald Tribune (2/5)

Security Council urged to move peacekeepers to Cote d'Ivoire
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has requested hundreds of peacekeepers and police officers be transferred immediately to Cote d'Ivoire from neighboring Liberia following the recent outbreak of violence against UN troops and the breakdown of peace talks in the West African country. The request, submitted to the Security Council last week, comes on the heels of a previous request for troops, which was reportedly blocked by the U.S. CNN/Reuters (2/5)

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These news items come from the UN-Wire email news -- bringing international news sources to your computer every day of the week.

Franciscan Youth International is committed to helping you understand the United Nations system. Most of this information is available for download. Click on any link below to read more about a certain topic.

What is Franciscans International?
How does Franciscans International participate in United Nations reforms?
How does Franciscans International reach Franciscans?
What is systemic change?

In our globalising world, international collaboration is increasingly important. Individual countries meet at the UN to set and monitor international policies and laws which affect the poor, the environment and peace in nations throughout the world.

The rights and privileges enumerated in detail in ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, enable qualifying organizations to make a contribution to the work programmes and goals of the United Nations by serving as technical experts, advisers and consultants to governments and Secretariat.

Franciscans International is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Historically, the organisation is the first common ministry of the Franciscan family. There are two main offices for Franciscans International, one is in New York and the other in Geneva.

Franciscans International works to influence decisions that are made by the international community at the UN – concerning the poor, the environment and peace.

As an advocacy group, NGOs bring the “grassroots” to the UN. First-hand statements from Franciscans give policymakers a better understanding of the injustices facing people who have been pushed to the periphery and margins of society.

Franciscans need to be at the international level so that grassroots testimonies can affect policies and laws that will protect the human rights of individuals and communities worldwide.

Franciscans International raises awareness within the Franciscan family, so that Franciscans can effectively address these three areas of concern at the local and international levels.

Click here to see some of Franciscans International's publications.

Franciscans International's Participation

Franciscans International’s General Consultative Status allows them to participate in UN meetings as an NGO on behalf of civil society. While they are unable to vote on resolutions and standards, they are able to publicly address the international bodies and lobby on behalf of the Franciscan family and the people they serve.

Click here to read statements that Franciscans International has made at the United Nations.

Franciscans International and Franciscans

Franciscans International also works for change by implementing plans of action, programmes and declarations adopted by the United Nations.

Through outreach to and education of Franciscans around the world, the agreements made at an international level trickle down throughout the Franciscan Family and the people whose lives Franciscan's International touched.

In doing so, knowledge of the international agreements is increased, government implementation can be monitored and more people know their rights. If the agreements are not followed or if rights are violated, the circle continues back to the UN where Franciscans International speaks up for those people.

By becoming aware of and acting on these international agreements, we can all be a part of systemic change. Systemic change begins with the individual.

Receive News Briefs from Franciscans International to keep updated on their activities.

Systemic Change

Creative systemic change is whole system change. Whether at the individual level, the community, workplace or globally, systemic change can be measured as a shift in values, assumptions, beliefs, and by a new awareness and new behaviours that incorporate and reflect the shift in perspective.

Systemic change occurs when we...

become aware of and understand systemic and ecological principles
become systems thinkers and adopt a systemic perspective
shift our thinking, life styles and organizational behaviours through grounding in systemic principles and values.

When we live according to the Franciscan Values, we are living and working towards sustainable systemic change which upholds the unique dignity of each person and a kinship with all of creation.

Think about it...

Knowledge is power – we can act together to “Name and Shame” human rights violators and governments that do not follow-up on international agreements.

You can be a part of this process and make even it more effective! Franciscan Youth International tries to provide you resources so that you can answer and act on the following questions:

What international agreements has your government made?
Are they following through?
Why or why not?
Speak out for what you believe in!

Take a look at the picture below... The picture is about a Brazilian friar, Fracineto Alves Pinheiro, who was arrested after kneeling before state police begging them not to use force on a crowd of landless protestors in April 2003. After you look at the picture, think about:

What cause is “worth it” to you?
For what cause would you be willing to sacrifice something?
Who are some of your role models that worked peacefully for system change?

About the United Nations

What is the purpose of the United Nations?
How does the United Nations make a difference?
Can you please explain the UN System?
Who should I know at the United Nations?
How can I know what my country is doing at the United Nations?
Questions and Answers about the United Nations

The Purpose of the UN

On 24 October 1945, after World War II, the United Nations (UN) was formally signed into existence by 51 countries. Today, membership has risen to nearly 200 countries.

The UN has four main purposes:

To keep peace throughout the world;
To develop friendly relations among nations
To work together to help poor people live better lives, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms;
To be a centre for helping nations achieve these goals.

More United Nations History.

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations.

Click here to download a document listing some of what the United Nations has accomplished since its founding 1945.

Bodies of the United Nations & Functions

Read more about the daily activities of these bodies in the U.N. Journal and other information about United Nations Conferences and Commissions.

The General Assembly (GA)

To discuss and make recommendations on any subject;
To discuss questions related to military conflicts;
To discuss ways and means to improve the state of children, youth, and women; and
To discuss the issues of sustainable development and human rights.

The Security Council

To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international conflicts;
To recommend methods and terms of settlement; and
To recommend actions against any threat of acts of aggression.

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

To serve as the main forum for international economic and social issues;
To promote higher standards of living, full employment and economic and social progress;
To promote solutions to international economic, social and health-related problems, as well as international cultural and educational cooperation; and
To promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The work of ECOSOC is expanded below.

The Secretariat

To gather and prepare background information on various problems so that the government delegates can study the facts and make their recommendations;
To help carry out the decisions of the United Nations;
To organize international conferences; and
To interpret speeches and translate documents into the UN’s official languages.

The Trusteeship Council

Established as an organ of the UN to supervise the social advancement of formerly colonized countries towards a self-rule and decolonization.

The International Court of Justice

Works as the main UN organ to hand down legal judgements. Only countries, not individuals can take cases before the Court.

The work of ECOSOC is too wide ranging for a single body, so it has many commissions to help.

Functional Commissions advise ECOSOC on specific subjects.

Examples: Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)

Regional Commissions deal with specific problems of different geographical areas.

Examples: Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

ECOSOC does not oversee these commissions alone. It also works with specialized agencies and UN programmes.

Specialized Agencies

There are 16 specialized agencies. Each is a separate organization with its own membership, budget and headquarters.

Examples: International Labour Organization (ILO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)

UN Programmes

Created by the General Assembly to work in specific areas and work closely with ECOSOC.

Examples: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Who you should know at the United Nations

Kofi Annan of Ghana is the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. He was elected by the GA in 1997.

Read more about Kofi in his online biography. Photo courtesy of the online biography.

As Secretary General his role is...

To bring to the attention of the Security Council any problem which may threaten world peace;
To propose issues to be discussed by the GA or any other organ of the UN;
To act as “referee” in disputes between Member countries.

How is my country participating at the United Nations?

Learn more about the decisions and agreements that your country or any country is making at the United Nations. Are they following through on their promises?

Try any internet search engine and type in the country name and “mission to the United Nations”.

Most missions to the United Nations have a website that reports all of this information.

Check it out! Some countries even have a United Nations Association or a National Youth Council. When you become a member, you will receive email updates on current international affairs as they relate to your country!!

What does the United Nations do to promote peace?
What does the United Nations do for Development?
What does the United Nations do for human rights and justice?
Is the United Nations a good value for the money?
Who works at the United Nations?
How can I support the work of the United Nations?

Read the latest United Nations Youth Flash for October 2005.

Did you know that 2005 marks the ten year anniversary of the World Program of Action for Youth? Learn more about the review period or you can read the World Youth Report 2005.

From the mandate of the UN Programme on Youth:

“The focal point within the United Nations system on matters relating to youth issues is the Programme on Youth, in the Division for Social Policy and Development, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

It has been set up to:

enhance awareness of the global situation of youth and increase recognition of the rights and aspirations of youth;
promote national youth policies, national youth coordinating mechanisms and national youth programmes of action as integral parts of social and economic development, in cooperation with both governmental and non-governmental organizations; and
strengthen the participation of youth in decision-making processes at all levels in order to increase their impact on national development and international cooperation.”

Click here for
Pilgrim Reflections

Pour l'information en Français: Jeunesse franciscaine internationale

Para la información en Español: Juventud Franciscana Internacional

For information in English: Franciscan Youth International

FYI toolkits

JFI est une abréviation pour Jeunesse franciscaine internationale, un mouvement de jeunes lancé par l'organisation Franciscans International pour informer et faire entendre une voix plus jeune au sein d'une organisation qui travaille au niveau international. Les jeunes de 15-24 ans constituent 20% de la population mondiale. C'est une voix considérable; une voix qui doit être entendue.

En tant que réseau informel de jeunes franciscain(e)s, JFI sert de forum pour toute personne qui s'intéresse à la justice sociale et qui souhaite contribuer au changement en œuvrant avec les Nations Unies (l'ONU) pour promouvoir un changement.

À JFI, communiquer c'est déjà agir. Nous communiquons avec vous – notre réseau – pour partager une partie des nombreuses ressources et occasions actuellement disponibles afin de vous aider à vous engages devantage. Utilisez le réseau pour annoncer les projets de votre groupe jeunesse ou de votre milieu étudiant. Ecrivez à votre journal local à propos de vos projets d'action sociale.

JFI fait partie d'un mouvement international en croissance qui essaye d'impliquer des jeunes gens dans les affaires mondiales. Nous commençons aussi à atteindre plus de jeunes francophones et hispanophones grâce au dur labeur d'une équipe de traducteurs et traductrices zélés ! Nous espérons informer et mettre en contact des jeunes, afin de les stimuler à agir et à se prononcer en faveur de la justice et de la paix tant au niveau international qu'au plan local.

Informer :

La terminologie de l'ONU peut nous dérouter. Nous espérons que JFI peut rendre plus facilement compréhensibles les concepts et la terminologie de l'ONU, qui sont souvent très techniques et obscurs. Nous souhaitons que vous approfondissiez vos connaissances de l'ONU.

Mettre en contact :

Le site Web de JFI sert de point de contact pour les jeunes franciscain(e)s de partout à travers le monde, les universités franciscaines, les collèges, les CEGEPS, les universités, les écoles secondaires et les lycées, et toute personne qui s'intéresse au charisme de saint François et sainte Claire d'Assise.

Inspirer :
JFI s'adresse aux étudiants de niveau secondaire, collégial et universitaire, aux éducateurs et aux jeunes leaders, afin qu'ils communiquent entre eux et partagent leurs idées en vue d'accomplir des changements. Prononcez-vous en faveur de la justice et de la paix !

Est-ce que la jeunesse peut vraiment faire une différence ? Oui! Vous pouvez changer des choses !

Les gouvernements peuvent formuler des politiques et se mettre d'accord sur des programmes d'action, mais les gens ont besoin d'être soutenus dans les temps de changement. Plusieurs situations nécessitent actuellement des changements considérables.

Il existe déjà beaucoup de projets de jeunes dans le domaine de l'action sociale. Par exemple: Vous pourriez utiliser moins d'électricité et d'eau pour changer nos modes de consommation. Ou vous pouvez organiser des ventes de produits équitables comme des aliments ou de l'artisanat. Vous pouvez même contribuer à éliminer la stigmatisation associée au SIDA !

Vous pouvez faire tout ce que vous voulez si vous vous y mettez !

Nous voulons avoir de vos nouvelles, vous les jeunes franciscain(e)s en action ! Que faites-vous pour faire une différence ? Où est votre voix ? Dites-le-nous pour que nous puissions faire connaître votre travail sur notre site Web.

JFI es la abreviación de Juventud Franciscana Internacional Un movimiento de jóvenes iniciado por Franciscans International creado para informar e incluir una voz joven en su labor a través del mundo. Las edades en el grupo de jóvenes van de 15 a 24 años, el cual es el mismo rango de edad del 20% de la población mundial. Esta es una voz importante y debe ser escuchada.

Siendo una red de trabajo informal de jóvenes franciscanos, JFI actúa como un foro para todo aquel interesado en asuntos de justicia social y en trabajar para conseguir cambios en las Naciones Unidas.

El estar en contacto con JFI implica actuar. Nosotros nos comunicamos contigo – nuestra red de trabajo – para compartir algunos de los muchos recursos y oportunidades disponibles y tu te puedas involucrar. Utiliza la red de trabajo para difundir información sobre los proyectos en los que tu grupo de jóvenes esta trabajando. Manda cartas a tu periódico local acerca de tus planes de acción social.

JFI es parte de un movimiento global en desarrollo, que trabaja para incluir gente joven en los acontecimientos del mundo. ¡También, estamos comenzando a contactar mas jóvenes en Francés y Español a través de del arduo trabajo de un equipo de traductores dedicados! Esperamos educar, comunicar e inspirar jóvenes para que actúen y se pronuncien en favor de la paz y la justicia a nivel local e internacional.

Educar:
Las Naciones Unidas pueden ser complicadas. Esperamos poder ayudar y poder hacer los conceptos y la terminología de las Naciones Unidas menos intimidantes. Queremos que aprendas más acerca de las Naciones Unidas.

Comunicar:
El sitio web de JFI sirve como un punto de contacto para jóvenes franciscanos alrededor del mundo, universidades franciscanas, y a todo aquel interesado en el carisma de San Francisco y Santa Clara de Asis.

Inspirar:
JFI fue creado con la idea de que tanto estudiantes de preparatoria y universidad como profesores y lideres jóvenes se comuniquen y compartan ideas para lograr cambios positivos. Pronúnciate a favor de la justicia y la paz.

¿La juventud puede realmente marcar la diferencia?... ¡Si! ¡Tú puedes marcar la diferencia! Los gobiernos pueden establecer reglas y estar de acuerdo con programas de acción, pero la gente necesita apoyo personal en tiempos de cambio y muchas situaciones requieren cambios significativos.

Hay muchos proyectos de jóvenes de acción social positiva en efecto. Por ejemplo, utilizar menos electricidad y agua para cambiar nuestros hábitos de consumo. O, puedes organizar ventas de artesanías y comida, productos de comercio equitativo. Hasta puedes eliminar los estigmas relacionados con el SIDA.

¡Puedes hacer cualquier cosa que te propongas!

Queremos escuchar a jóvenes franciscanos en acción. ¿Cómo estas marcando la diferencia tú? ¿Dónde está tu voz? Haznos saber para que podamos compartir tu trabajo en nuestro sitio Web.

What is Franciscan Youth International?
Who was Francis?
Who is considered a Franciscan Youth?
What are the Franciscan values?
Can I begin an FYI Group at my school or church?
The problems in the world seem so overwhelming. Where can I begin? FYI toolkits

FYI FYI is an abbreviation for Franciscan Youth International, a youth movement started by Franciscans International, initiated to inform and involve a younger voice in its work worldwide. The “youth” age group, ages 15-24, is 20% of the world population. This is a considerable voice; one that must be heard.

As an informal network of Franciscan youth, FYI acts as a forum for anyone interested in social justice issues and working for change at the United Nations (UN).

Communication with FYI is all about action. We communicate with you - our network - to share some of the many resources and opportunities available for getting involved. Use the network to spread the word about projects that your youth group or school is working on. Write your local paper about your plans for social action.

FYI is part of a growing global movement, working to include young people in world affairs. We are also beginning to reach more Spanish and French speaking youth through the hard work of a team of dedicated translators! We hope to educate, connect, and inspire youth to act and speak out for justice and peace at the local and the international level.

-- Introduction to Franciscan Youth International - toolkit --

Who was Francis? Who is a Franciscan Youth? What does Franciscans International do? How can I be involved with Franciscan Youth International?

These are all questions that you can find answers to in this toolkit !

Who was Francis?

In the late 12th century, Francesco Bernadone was born to a wealthy merchant family in Assisi, Italy. His father dreamt that his little son Francis would follow in his footsteps and run the family business one day.

Francis grew up to be a charismatic popular young man with fine possessions and many friends. He went off to war against a neighboring city and was imprisoned for one year. This experience began Francis’ conversion.

Upon his return, Francis spent most of his time in prayer and reflection. His family and childhood friends noticed the changes he had made in his life. He was no longer devoted to the family business, making money or partying.

During his quest for direction in life, he entered the San Damiano chapel and poured out his heart to God:

Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, perception and wisdom, God, that I may carry out Your holy and true Command.

Then Francis heard the cross speak to him, "Francis, go rebuild my house; as you see, it is all being destroyed." Hearing this, Francis thought he was meant to rebuild the run-down church of San Damiano.

He went directly to his father’s shop, took some fine cloth and linen and sold it. With this money, he went to his task of repairing the church.

This infuriated his father, who charged him with theft and demanded that Francis appear before the bishop. The bishop was kind and said, “Return the money, the Lord will provide.”

Francis returned the money and stripped off all of his clothes saying, “Pietro Bernadone is no longer my father. From now on, I have complete freedom to say, ’Our father who art in heaven’.”

This became his direction in life: to live for God. Francis finished rebuilding the physical church in San Damiano and began preaching. He tried to live by the example in the Gospels: in love, in humble poverty, and in harmony with all of creation.

Francis reasoned that you can’t starve a fasting man, you can’t steal from someone who has no money, nor can you ruin someone who hates prestige. He was free with God.

Many other men and women began to follow him. They dressed in rough clothes, begged for food, served the sick and the poor, and preached in the streets. In 1209, with a Papal blessing, he founded the Franciscan Order. Clare joined him in 1212 and later founded the Poor Clares.

Towards the end of his life, Francis was blind and weak. Before his death, he received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. In 1226, Francis died but left over 10,000 brothers and sisters to continue the Franciscan tradition.

The Franciscan Family numbers some 1.2 million people around the world who follow the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.

Members include religious sisters, cloistered nuns, ordained priests, non-ordained brothers, and lay people—both single and married. They live in a variety of ways—some in communities, others in families or alone.

There are not only Catholic Franciscans, but there are many Anglican, Lutheran, and others who follow the teachings of Francis.

Throughout history Francis’ followers have striven to make the message and life of Francis more meaningful and contemporary for their times.

To learn more about Francis, try reading more about his Feast Day (October 4) or the stories of Francis and the lepar, the Wold of Gubbio or Francis and the Sultan.