Stories from around the globe show how a united world is already in motion. This platform highlights experiences, initiatives, and projects from people and communities working for unity and peace. Explore what’s happening and get inspired.
<p><em>Milan, Friday 13th December at Associazione Arcobaleno, an occasion to better know<em> this people, affected by Hayan typhoon, </em>collecting aid and making our countries meet.</em></p> <p><strong>Friday 13th December is the day.</strong> In Milan,via Corsico 6, Porta Genova M2, “Associazione Arcobaleno” and the “Youth for a United World – Y4UW” with the Filipino Community propose together an evening of sharing and solidarity <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/551089758308269/?source=1" target="_blank">"Let's Philippines!"</a>. It consists of Filipino dances and music, along with the typical national food. It will also be possible to participate to raffle and give free donations.</p> <p><strong>This is an occasion to be close</strong> to the Filipino people, affected by Hayan typhoon: an opportunity to know better a country that is far and at the same time very close. We will be collecting any help you can give and make our two nations meet.</p>
<p><em>Hid German-Jewish family in attic for two years.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>An Italian couple who hid</strong> a German-Jewish family in their attic for two years during World War II will be honored with the Righteous Among Nations award from Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial organization, sources said Thursday.</p> <p><strong>The late Giocondo and Annina Marconi</strong> from the town of Anghiari, in Tuscany, risked their lives to hide the four-member family from 1943-1945, while Italy was under Nazi occupation.</p> <p><strong>"They hid us under their</strong> roof in Piazza del Popolo 15 in Anghiari," said Holocaust survivor Joseph Saghi, who nominated the couple for the award and who now lives in a kibbutz north of Tel Aviv.</p>
<p><em>Francis says world produces enough to feed everyone.</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The world cannot turn away</strong> from the scandal of almost one billion people suffering from hunger, says Pope Francis.</p> <p><strong>Because the world produces</strong> enough food for everyone, there is no justification for allowing hunger to continue, the pope added in a video message for the Caritas Internationalis campaign against world hunger.</p> <p><strong>"We cannot look the other way</strong> and pretend this does not exist," the pope said. He cited the Biblical parable of the loaves and fishes where Jesus found a way to feed an unanticipated crowd.
<p><em>The speech of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for International Human Rights Day observed annually on December 10.</em></p> <p><strong>Marking Human Rights Day</strong>, observed annually on December 10, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said the political will of member states is key to successfully promoting human rights worldwide.</p> <p><strong>In a message marking the occasion</strong>, Ban said "promoting human rights is one of the core purposes of the United Nations, and the Organization has pursued this mission since its founding. Then, as now, the key to success is the political will of member states.
<p> </p> <p> <p style="font-size: 13px;"><em>Seven days after the typhoon, a beautiful sign in the sky for the Tacloban people who were so weary about the slow relief operations.</em></p> <div><strong>Dr. Suarez, a volunteer doctor in Tacloban</strong> posted on social media: “Every day there is a reason to be hopeful amid the bad news. I felt it and I know we have a lot to be hopeful about.” He posted the photo of a rainbow which he had taken as he climbed up on top of a structure on the morning of November 15, 2013 in Tacloban City, seven days after typhoon Haiyan hit Tacloban. It was a beautiful sign of hope for the Tacloban people who were so weary about the slow relief operations and the common sight of desperation in the city.
<p> </p> <p><em>'Promote inter-religious dialogue and cultural cooperation'.</em></p> <p><strong>Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II</strong> received Italian ambassador Maurizio Massari in the patriarchate offices of the Egyptian capital on Thursday. During a lengthy talk, reports an embassy statement, ''the beneficial collaboration between the Italian government and the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt'' was discussed.</p> <p><strong>Massari reiterated the attention</strong> Italy has devoted to promoting inter-religious dialogue and expressed full support to Tawadros II ''for the recent, tragic incidents involving Coptic Christians in Upper Egypt, and especially in the Minya governorate''. In the sector of cultural cooperation, the diplomat illustrated to the Coptic pope the opportunities offered in the field of theological studies to Egyptian students and researchers through annual scholarships financed by the Italian foreign ministry at universities and research centers in Italy, as well as training possibilities from a recent collaboration program between the Italian Cooperation and the Italian National Research Center for young Egyptians with degrees in several different scientific and cultural fields.
<p> </p> <p><em>Faith must never generate intolerance, says Francis</em></p> <p><strong>Pope Francis spoke out</strong> strongly against religious violence on Friday during an audience with the Catholic Church's International Theological Commission.</p> <p><strong>"God is not a threat</strong> to man," the Argentine pontiff said.</p> <p><strong>"Faith in a single</strong>, three-times holy God is not, and cannot ever be, a generator of violence and intolerance".
<p><em>Natale Giunta turned four Mafiosi in for attempted extortion.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Sicilian chef Natale Giunta</strong>, who has been living under threat by organized crime after turning four men in for attempted extortion earlier this year, on Thursday renewed his appeal to businesspeople to stand up to the Mafia. "The racketeers started leaning on me in March 2012", the renowned restaurateur and TV cooking show star told a RAI 1 radio program this morning. "They told me I should put my business in order. In Mafia terms, you're supposed to ask the clans for permission before opening a business".</p> <p><strong>"I did not hesitate to go</strong> to the police, because that culture is alien to me", the Palermo native said.</p>
Dialogue & Interculture
New Humanity NGO presented the M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW project — co-financed by the Erasmus Plus Program — to the Youth Section of UNESCO in Paris.
Peace & Human Rights
Amid the rubble of Syria, art becomes an act of resistance. Discover the story of Aeham Ahmad, the “The Pianist of Yarmouk”, who defied the horror of war with the invincible beauty of his musical notes.
Operation Mato Grosso is working on over 100 missions across Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, all rooted in education, hard work, and solidarity. Jacopo Manara, who has been a volunteer for years, tells us their story.
An interview on communication with Michele Zanzucchi, journalist and writer, former director of Città Nuova, professor of communication at Sophia University Institute and at the Pontifical Gregorian University, and author of around forty books.
EN
