{"id":33301,"date":"2020-01-28T09:44:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-28T08:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unric.org\/en\/?p=33301"},"modified":"2024-02-13T17:26:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T16:26:33","slug":"unric-library-backgrounder-educational-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unric.org\/en\/unric-library-backgrounder-educational-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"UNRIC Library Backgrounder: Educational Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"

PDF<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"The Essential UN<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/essential-un\/<\/a>
\nTake a moment to learn about the UN. The United Nations remains an essential pillar of the international system, working around the world, around the clock, for peace, sustainable development and human rights. At a time when challenges are increasingly global, and our fates are inexorably intertwined, understanding the United Nations itself\u2014its aims, workings and ideals\u2014is more important than ever.\u00a0 The Essential UN website, provides a succinct and interactive way to quickly grasp the essentials of the Organisation through fast facts, short videos, information cards and fun quizzes.<\/p>\n

United Nations \u2013 Get Involved
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/get-involved<\/a>
\nThe UN Charter starts with “We the peoples.” Work with us, and together we will shape our future. There are many ways to join us and to get involved. You can apply and become a staff member, a volunteer, or an intern. You can connect with us on social media and join the global conversation on the issues facing humanity. You can affiliate your NGO with the UN, or join the UN Global Compact, if you are in the private sector. You can conduct research on the UN, teach courses on the UN, or cover the UN as a journalist.<\/p>\n

UN Engagement Hub \u2013 <\/strong>Get involved and get engaged with the United Nations<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/unric.org\/en\/un-digital-engagement-hub\/<\/a>
\nAvailable here are The Game Zone, Mobile Apps, Competitions & Contests, Awards & Prizes, Podcasts, eLearning Tools.<\/p>\n

UN Visitor Centre New York \u2013 Teach the UN
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/teach<\/a>
\nFind numerous teaching resources on a range of UN topics specifically tailored for educators and students.<\/p>\n

Global Issues on the UN Agenda<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/global-issues\/<\/a>
\nAs the world\u2019s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. To its initial goals of safeguarding peace, protecting human rights, establishing the framework for international justice and promoting economic and social progress, in the seven decades since its creation the United Nations has added on new challenges, such as AIDS, big data and climate change. While conflict resolution and peacekeeping continue to be among its most visible efforts, the UN, along with its specialized agencies, is also engaged in a wide array of activities to improve people\u2019s lives around the world \u2013 from disaster relief, through education and advancement of women, to peaceful uses of atomic energy. This website offers an overview of some of these issues, and links to other resources, where you can get additional information.<\/p>\n

Dag Hammarskj\u00f6ld Library Research Guide \u2013 Youth and Sustainable Development
\n<\/strong>http:\/\/research.un.org\/en\/youthandsdgs<\/a>
\nThis quick guide provides information on Youth at the United Nations, UN Youth Milestones, links to statistical resources, key UN documents, books and reports and UN resources.<\/p>\n

UN Information Service (UNIS) Vienna \u2013 Teaching Resources<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/unis.unvienna.org\/unis\/en\/resources\/teaching_resources.html <\/a>
\nFor teachers who want to teach their students about the work and goals of the United Nations, UNIS Vienna has several useful teaching resources available on the following topics: Peace & Security, Development, Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs, and International Law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Selected Publications Available Online<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"The Essential UN <\/strong>(February 2018)
\nhttp:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.18356\/b985f1a5-en<\/a>
\nAs the world\u2019s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. This authoritative reference provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the work of the UN in key areas of international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian action.<\/p>\n

\"\"Basic Facts about the United Nations: 42nd edition<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.18356\/2faf3279-en<\/a>
\nThis comprehensive handbook designed for the general public explains the structure of the United Nations, how the Organization works, the main issues it addresses and its importance for people everywhere. In addition to setting out the various roles played by principle UN organs and related organizations, Basic Facts about the United Nations documents the Organization\u2019s contributions to international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, humanitarian action, international law and decolonization. Appendices contain current data on UN membership and peacekeeping operations, as well as contact information for UN information centres, services and offices. This latest edition, published in 2017, has been revised to take account of significant developments in the world and the Organization itself since 2014.<\/p>\n

United Nations at a Glance<\/strong> (December 2012)
\nhttp:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.18356\/9e9de6c8-en<\/a>
\n\"\"This simple, authoritative guide provides a starting point for readers who are new to the UN. In clear language, this book explains what the UN does, how the UN does it, who the actors are, and when historical milestones occurred. Illustrated with photos and stories from the field, the guide examines the work of the UN in international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian action. As a resource to students and teachers alike, additional features include definitions of frequently used terms, rich statistics, questions and answers, and the building blocks of international law. For anyone who wants to learn more about the world’s foremost intergovernmental organisation, The United Nations at a Glance is the perfect place to start.<\/p>\n

Why It Matters: 75 Milestones in International Cooperation (October 2020)<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/digitallibrary.un.org\/record\/3888284?ln=en<\/a>
\n\"\"On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Dag Hammarskj\u00f6ld Library has launched a new annual series entitled \u201cWhy it matters\u201d. Each volume will focus on one of the many deliberations of the United Nations. It will provide readers with a comprehensive overview, as well as an insightful backgrounder on the internal workings and the accomplishments of the Organization, backed by selected, credible knowledge sources and research expertise. The first volume in the series, \u201c75 Milestones in International Cooperation\u201d, chronicles pivotal moments that shaped the history of the United Nations and our world over the past 75 years.<\/p>\n

Growing Together: Youth and the Work of the United Nations<\/strong> (2008)
\nhttp:\/\/www.un.org\/esa\/socdev\/unyin\/documents\/growing_together.pdf<\/a>
\n\"\"The brochure is an example of how the United Nations system and the young people it serves are growing together. By taking stock of UN system activities related to youth development, the brochure provides a chance to assess how effectively the United Nations system is responding to this important development challenge, and it helps to identify any gaps that may exist in our approach.<\/p>\n

United Nations Chronicle<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/chronicle<\/a>
\n\u201cThe Youth Issue\u201d (Vol. XLVII, No. 4, 2010): https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/issue\/393<\/a>
\n\u201cEducation\u201d (Vol. L, No. 4, 2013): https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/issue\/373<\/a>
\n\"\"…A must-read for every concerned world citizen, the United Nations Chronicle is a quarterly, easy-to-read report on the work of the United Nations and its agencies. Produced by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, every issue covers a wide range United Nations related activities: from fighting the drug war to fighting racial discrimination, from relief and development to nuclear disarmament, terrorism, and the world-wide environmental crisis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nhttp:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/<\/a>
\nIn 2015, countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force, addressing the need to limit the rise of global temperatures. Governments, businesses and civil society together with the United Nations are mobilizing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030. Universal, inclusive and indivisible, the Agenda calls for action by all countries to improve the lives of people everywhere. Explore this site to find out more about the efforts of the UN and its partners to build a better world with no one left behind.<\/p>\n

Student Resources<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/student-resources\/<\/a>
\nThe materials available on this page are for adults and youth alike \u2013 a fun and engaging way to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and what you can do to take action to make them a reality. Please download and share with your friends!<\/p>\n

Resources on the Sustainable Development Goals: Access key resources on UNICEF and the SDGs, including tools to engage children and implementation guidance for countries
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.unicef.org\/sdgs\/resources<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"\u2018Go-Goals!\u2019 SDG board game<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/go-goals.org\/<\/a>
\nTo help teach children around the world about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a simple and child-friendly way, the UN Regional Information Centre\u2019s staff in Brussels have launched the \u2018Go-Goals!\u2019 SDG board game, aimed principally at children aged 8-10. The game is designed as a do it yourself kit, all you need are a printer, a pair of scissors, some tape or glue, and you can start playing. Available in various languages.<\/p>\n

The World\u2019s Largest Lesson<\/strong>
\n(Founded by Project Everyone, in partnership with UNICEF)
\nhttp:\/\/worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org\/<\/a>
\n\"\"The World’s Largest Lesson is global initiative aimed at bringing the SDGs to the classroom through lesson plans, videos, comics and other creative content \u2013 available freely and in a multitude of languages for educators to download, use or adapt for their classrooms.\u00a0 The inspiration behind the World’s Largest Lesson is that the SDGs must be brought down to local realities if they are to succeed in changing the world for the better by 2030.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Other UN Educational Websites & Programmes<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

United Nations Website<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Model United Nations (MUN)<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/mun\/<\/a>
\nModel UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. Many of today\u2019s leaders in law, government, business and the arts \u2013 including at the UN itself \u2013 participated in Model UN as students.
\nThe United Nations supports Model UN simulations by building and maintaining strong links between the UN and Model UN participants. It does this by sharing first-hand knowledge about the work of the UN at Model UN conferences; providing guidance with organizers to create accurate and authentic simulations; and encouraging Model UN clubs to take concrete action to support UN values and the Sustainable Development Goals<\/a> (SDGs).
\nRecognizing the value of Model UN simulations across the globe in engaging young people with the initiatives and goals of the UN and garnering support for international cooperation; the General Assembly adopted Resolution 77\/336<\/a> on \u201cModel United Nations\u201d<\/p>\n

Youth Delegate Programme<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/social.desa.un.org\/issues\/youth\/un-youth-delegate-programme<\/a>
\nThe United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)<\/a>, serves as the focal point for the UN\u2019s work on youth. Within the Department, the Division for Inclusive Social Development, Programme on Youth Unit, coordinates the UN Youth Delegate Programme at the global level. Participation in decision-making is one of the key priority areas of the United Nations agenda on youth. One form of youth participation at the United Nations is through the inclusion of youth delegates in a country\u2019s official delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and various functional Commissions of the Economic and Social Council. It is the responsibility of Member States to establish a youth delegate programme at the national level, and to decide who will represent the young people of their country at the United Nations.
\nThe roles of a youth delegate varies from country to country, but normally includes providing input to their delegation on issues related to youth and participation in their delegation\u2019s work, such as through attending meetings and informal negotiations.
\nYouth delegates can participate in several intergovernmental meetings at the United Nations. Most official youth delegates participate in the General Assembly, but some also attend functional Commissions of the Economic and Social Council.<\/p>\n

Disarmament Education: Resources for Learning (UN Office for Disarmament Affairs)<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/education.unoda.org\/<\/a>
\nInformation available: Reports of the Secretary-General; Peace and Disarmament Education Activities; Presentations & Slideshows; Publications; Podcasts; Films and Videos; Specialized Courses and Degrees; For Teachers and Students (Educational Resources, including lessons plans related to disarmament and non-proliferation for teachers and students); The UN System; Outside Resources.<\/p>\n

The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme \u2013 Education Resources<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/holocaustremembrance\/<\/a>
\nThe Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60\/7, with a simple and stark aim: to \u201cmobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide\u201d. The Programme has established a global network of partners and developed versatile initiatives including educational resources, professional development programmes, panel discussions and exhibitions. The Outreach Programme is an expression of the United Nations\u2019 commitment to countering hatred, and to building a world in which everyone can live with dignity and in peace.<\/p>\n

Outreach Programme on the Rwanda Genocide and the United Nations – Graphic Novel<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/preventgenocide\/rwanda\/graphic-novel.shtml<\/a>
\n“Tugire Ubumwe \u2013 Let\u2019s Unite!<\/a>” is designed for a young audience and uses the example of Rwanda to promote respect for diversity and reconciliation.<\/p>\n

International Decade for Action “Water for Life” 2005-2015 – Kids and Youth<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.un.org\/waterforlifedecade\/kids.shtml<\/a>
\nThe Water Decade offers the opportunity for everyone to learn and get involved on water issues. In this section you will find different resources (games, videos, tales, etc.) that can help you to learn more about water and inspire you and those around you to take action. We also hope you will share your work with us so that we can also learn from you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UN Funds, Programmes & Specialized Agencies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Children & Youth<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.cbd.int\/youth\/<\/a>
\nInformation available: Global Youth Biodiversity Network; Youth, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals; Join the Green Wave: One School, One Tree, One Gift to Nature!; See the Bigger Picture; Children’s Portal on Farming and Biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Building the #ZeroHunger Generation
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.fao.org\/building-the-zerohunger-generation\/en\/<\/a>
\nBuilding the #ZeroHunger Generation is a resources portal for teachers, parents or anyone involved in educational activities. The portal supports educators in preparing classes on important global issues at the core of FAO\u2019s work. #ZeroHunger is built on a respect for\u00a0food, for the people who produce it, for where it comes from and most importantly, for those who go without. Passing on this knowledge and mind-set to the next generation is vital for our one future of food. Together we can build the #ZeroHunger Generation!<\/p>\n

Educational Material on Food Waste Reduction <\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.fao.org\/save-food\/projects\/educationalmaterial-fwr\/en\/<\/a>
\nThis is a series of an educational-engaging package designed to educate young people to value food and reduce its loss. The goal is to raise awareness among school children, teachers, staff and their related families and networks on food loss and waste issues and introduce good practices conducive to food waste reduction, with an expected long-term impact.<\/p>\n

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Education and Training<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.iaea.org\/services\/education-and-training<\/a>
\nThe IAEA offers a wide spectrum of education and training activities. These include face-to-face\u00a0training courses and workshops, as well as online learning, fellowship programmes and schools on\u00a0various nuclear-related topics.<\/p>\n

Nuclear explained – Discover IAEA\u2019s new series of educational articles
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.iaea.org\/newscenter\/nuclear-explained<\/a>
\nThe articles and videos on this page offer easy-to-understand explanations of major topics in nuclear science and technology. The many peaceful uses of nuclear technology have a beneficial impact on our everyday lives \u2013 from energy production and food security to health care and the protection of the environment.<\/p>\n

International Maritime Organization (IMO) \u2013 Kids\u2019 Zone<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/kids.imo.org\/<\/a>
\n\u201cAll aboard the IMO kids\u2019 zone\u201d The kid-friendly website includes a specially-commissioned animation showing how IMO works to protect the marine environment and the atmosphere. By clicking on the colourful links, young people can learn more about IMO\u2019s work. Topics include protecting the atmosphere; dealing with waste; clean oceans; invasive species; particularly sensitive sea areas; and protecting marine life from noise pollution.<\/p>\n

International Monetary Fund (IMF) – <\/strong>\u00a0The IMF and Youth
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.imf.org\/en\/About\/Partners\/Youth<\/a><\/p>\n

International Organization for Migration (IOM) \u2013 Not Just Numbers: An Educational Toolkit about Migration and Asylum in Europe<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.iom.int\/not-just-numbers-educational-toolkit-about-migration-and-asylum-europe<\/a>
\n“Not Just Numbers” is a toolkit about migration and asylum in the European Union produced by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The toolkit has been designed to help teachers and other educators engage young people in informed discussion on this important subject. It is suitable for teaching young people between the ages of 12 and 18 and is available in 24 EU Member States in 20 languages.<\/p>\n

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) \u2013 Human Rights Education and Training<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/resources\/educators\/human-rights-education-training<\/a>
\nHuman rights can only be achieved through an informed and continued demand by people for their protection. Human rights education promotes values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage all individuals to uphold their own rights and those of others. It develops an understanding of everyone’s common responsibility to make human rights a reality in each community.<\/p>\n

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) \u2013
\n<\/strong>Education and Outreach<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.opcw.org\/resources\/education-and-outreach<\/a>
\nEnhancing understanding of the work and mandate of the OPCW through education materials for students, educators, civil society, and policymakers.<\/p>\n

Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children – Child Participation<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/violenceagainstchildren.un.org\/child-participation-altogether<\/a>
\nParticipation is one of the four core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As such, it is intrinsically intertwined with the other principles of non-discrimination, the right to survival and development, and the best interests of the child. The work of the Special Representative is based on a holistic and child-rights-centered approach that emphasizes the role of children as agents of change and their capacity to be equal partners in realizing their right to live free from violence.
\nWith her strong belief in children\u2019s agencies, child participation is one of the three strategic priorities of the Special Representative. A specific goal is to help build bridges between two key sets of stakeholders: Governments and other policymakers, and children so that the lived experiences of the latter become an integral part of all decision-making processes addressing violence against children.<\/p>\n

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) \u2013 Climate Box
\n<\/strong>http:\/\/climate-box.com\/<\/a>
\nClimate Box is a comprehensive learning toolkit that educates school children about climate change and inspires them to take action. Designed to make learning fun and interesting, the Climate Box provides up-to-date information on climate change with a range of creative tasks, games, quizzes and experiments, as well as resources for teachers\/educators.<\/p>\n

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) \u2013 Teaching about Refugees <\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/what-we-do\/build-better-futures\/education\/teaching-about-refugees<\/a>
\nThis page contains a collection of UNHCR teaching materials on refugees, asylum and migration for primary and secondary education, as well as some guidance for teachers working with refugee children in the classroom.<\/p>\n

UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.iiep.unesco.org\/en\/library-resources\/thematic-websites<\/a>
\nTo help educational planners to learn and \/ or share their knowledge, IIEP publishes thematic websites:<\/p>\n