VDIC NEWSLETTER
June 2009

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

 

VDIC News. 1

Free Training Sessions Provided by VDIC.. 1

Exhibitions at VDIC.. 1

Library. 2

Selected Resources on climate change at VDIC.. 2

Highlights from the New Additions to VDIC Library.. 3

Selected Publications for Sale at VDIC.. 4

Distance Learning Center Events in June 2009. 9

Information on Development Projects in Vietnam... 9

New Disclosure World Bank Operational Project Documents for Vietnam... 9

Funding Opportunities. 12

 

 

 

VDIC News

 

Free Training Sessions Provided by VDIC

 

Location:        VDIC, Ground Floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR PARTICIPANTS:

 

* Please read the course materials available online at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=library&op=viewDetailNews&id=339&mid=322&cmid=361 before attending the class. It is useful to take them to the class for additional notes since we do not provide participants with printed course materials.

 

* Please bring your own laptop to the classes if possible since these training sessions require computer use and Internet access while number of computers for class participants are limited. Wifi is provided free of charge at VDIC.

 

“Searching the Internet: basic skills” class

 

Date:              June 25, 2009 -- Time: 09:30am to 12:00 noon

 

Aims:              After the workshop, participants should: (i) have a better understanding of information-finding possibilities on the Internet (ii) have a broad overview of different search tools (iii) be able to phrase search queries effectively.

 

“Referencing skills” plus EndNote instructions

 

Date:              June 25, 2009 -- Time: 01:30pm to 04:30pm

 

Aims:              After the workshop, participants should know how to: (i) manage their references (ii) cite the references appropriately (iii) create a reference list or bibliography and (iv) learn how to use EndNote software to automatically manage your referencing works.

 

Exhibitions at VDIC

 

Please see Library section for lists of selected resources on the exhibition themes below.

 

World Environment Day 5th June 2009 'Your Planet Needs You! Unite to Combat Climate Change'

 

The theme for World Environment Day 2009 is ‘Your Planet Needs You! Unite to Combat Climate Change’. It reflects the urgency for nations to ‘seal the deal’ at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year. It also raises a call for everyone to get involved, rethink actions and ways that result in wastage and heavy greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt a greener lifestyle.

 

The economic and financial turmoil sweeping the globe is a true wake-up call, sounding an alarm about the need to improve upon old patterns of growth and make a transition to a new era of greener, cleaner development. The theme of this year’s World Environment Day – “Your planet needs you” – is meant to inspire all of us to do our part.

 

The Earth faces the grave threat of climate change. While all countries will suffer, the poor will bear the brunt of the impact. We do, however, also have an opportunity to change course. Crucial climate change talks will take place in Copenhagen in December. Together, we must press governments to “Seal the Deal” for a new climate agreement.

 

Small exhibition at VDIC provides brief information on this topic.

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Library

 

For more information about VDIC library services and resources, please visit http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=library&op=viewDetailNews&id=354&mid=322

 

Selected Resources on climate change at VDIC

 

For more comprehensive list, please contact nvu2@worldbank.org.

 

ENV [Internet]. WorldWatch Institute. State of the World 2009: Into a Warming World. WorldWatch Institute, 2009. Full text http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5982  

 

ENV-CLI-V1. Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia: A Regional Review. Asian Development Bank (ADB), 2009. Full text http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Economics-Climate-Change-SEA/  

 

(REF) WBZ-UN 1 [Internet]. United Nations. Human Development Report 2007/2008. Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided world. United Nations, 2007. Full text. http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2007-2008/    

 

(REF) WBZ-UN 1. Chương trình phát triển Liên Hiệp Quốc. Báo cáo phát triển con người 2007/2008. Cuộc chiến chống biến đổi khí hậu: Đoàn kết nhân loại trong một thế giới phân cách. Chương trình Phát triển Liên Hợp Quốc, 2007. Full text. http://www.undp.org.vn/undpLive/System/Outreach/Publications/Publication-Details?contentId=2487

 

ENV-CLI [Internet]. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate Change 2007. The Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007. Full text. http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-syr.htm    

 

ENV-CLI [Internet]. Satterthwaite, David; Huq, Saleemul; Pelling, Mark; Reid, Hannah; Lankao, Patricia Romero. Adapting to Climate Change in Urban Areas. The possibilities and constraints in low- and middle-income nations. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), 2006. Full text. http://www.iied.org/pubs/pdfs/10549IIED.pdf

 

ENV-CLI [Internet]. Working Group on Climate Change and Development. Up in smoke?. Asia and the Pacific – The threat from climate change to human development and the environment. Oxfam International, 2007. Full text. http://www.oxfam.org/en/policy/briefingnotes/bn_asia_up_in_smoke_nov07   

 

ENV-CLI 2. Stern, Nicholas. The economics of climate changes: The Stern review. Cambridge University Press, 2007. Full text http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_change/sternreview_index.cfm  

 

ENV-CLI 4. The World Bank. International trade and climate change. Economics, legal, and institutional perspectives. The World Bank, 2008. Full text http://go.worldbank.org/LYXCWAJ3V0.

 

ENV-CLI 5. Sanderson, Jamie; Islam, Sardar M.N.. Climate change and economic development. SEA regional modelling and analysis. Palgrave, 2007.

 

ENV-CLI 7. Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. Re-uniting climate change and sustainable development: climate change policies in the Asia-Pacific. Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2008. Full text http://www.iges.or.jp/en/pub/pdf/whitepaper/whitepaper2.pdf  

 

ENV-CLI 8. Ngân hàng Thế giới. Thành phố thích ứng với khí hậu: Cẩm nang về giảm nhẹ khả năng bị thương tổn trước thiên tai. Nhà xuất bản văn hóa thông tin, 2009.

 

ENV-CLI 9. Oxfam. Việt Nam - Biến đổi khí hậu, sự thích ứng và người nghèo. Oxfam, 2008. English full text http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/policy/climate_change/downloads/vietnam_cc_adaptation_poverty.pdf  

 

ENV-CLI 9. Oxfam. Viet Nam - Climate Change, Adaptation and Poor People. Oxfam, 2008. Full text http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/policy/climate_change/downloads/vietnam_cc_adaptation_poverty.pdf  

 

ENV-CLI-V [Internet]. Carew-Reid, Jeremy. Rapid Assessment of the Extent and Impact of Sea Level Rise in Viet Nam. International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM), 2008. Full text. http://www.icem.com.au/02_contents/06/documents/icem_slr/ICEM_SLR_final_report.pdf  

 

ENV-CLI-V [Internet]. IIMI, Atsushi;. Estimating global climate change impacts on hydropower projects. Applications in India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. World Bank, 2007. Full text. http://go.worldbank.org/6T059129J0    

 

ENV-CLI-V [Internet]. UNDP. UNDP Climate Change Country Profiles: Vietnam Reports. UNDP. Full text http://country-profiles.geog.ox.ac.uk/index.html?country=Vietnam&d1=Reports

 

The impact of sea level rise on developing countries : a comparative analysis. Full text http://go.worldbank.org/BQMC8FEN30.

 

Highlights from the New Additions to VDIC Library

 

Full list of new additions to VDIC library can be found at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=library&op=viewDetailNews&id=161&mid=322&cmid=325

BAN-ACC 2. van Greuning, Hennie. International financial reporting standards: A practical guide. World Bank, 2009.

BAN-COR 16. van Greuning, Hennie; Bratanovic, Sonja Brajovic. Analyzing banking risk: A framework for assessing corporate governance and risk management. World Bank, 2009.

BAN-MIC-V3. Banking with the Poor Network (BWTP);  SEEP Network. Vietnam Industry Assessment: A Report on the Vietnamese Microfinance Sector August 2008. Banking with the Poor Network (BWTP), 2008. http://www.bwtp.org/files/Events/AMF2008/Reference%20Documents/BWTP%20Vietnam%20Industry%20Assessment%20August%202008.pdf  

ECO-ENT-V30. US Department of Commerce. Doing business in Vietnam: 2009 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies. US Department of Commerce, 2009. http://www.buyusa.gov/vietnam/en/315.pdf  

EDU-POL 23. Patrinos, Harry Anthony; Barrera-Osorio, Felipe; Guaqueta, Juliana. The role and impact of public-private partnerships in education. World Bank, 2009.

GEN-LAW 4. World Bank. Vietnam: Analysis of the Impact of Land Tenure Certificates with Both Names of Wife and Husband: Final Report. World Bank, 2008.

HEA-FIN 14. Vujicic, Marko; Ohiri, Kelechi; Sparkes, Susan. Working in health: Financing and managing the public sector health workforce. World Bank, 2009.

HEA-POP 19. Fuse, Kana. Cross-National Variation in Attitudinal Measures of Gender Preference for Children: An Examination of Demographic and Health Surveys from 40 Countries. USAID, 2008. http://www.measuredhs.com/pubs/pub_details.cfm?ID=805  

LAB-SOC 28. Grosh, Margaret; Ninno, Carlo del; Tesliuc, Emil. Về bảo trợ và thúc đẩy xã hội: Thiết kế và triển khai các mạng lưới an sinh xã hội. The World Bank, 2008.

POV-PDA 6. Haughton, Jonathan; Khandker, Shahidur R. Handbook on poverty and inequality. World Bank, 2009.

WAT-SUP-V [Internet]. Babel, Mukand S.; Wahid, Shahriar M. Freshwater under Threat - South East Asia: Vulnerability Assessment of Freshwater Resources to Environmental Change - Mekong River Basin. United Nations Environment Programme; Asian Institute of Technology, 2009. http://www.roap.unep.org/publications/SEA_Water_report.pdf  

WAT-SUP-V [Internet]. Bennett, Jeff; Cheesman, Jeremy. Managing groundwater access in the central highlands (Tay Nguyen), Vietnam. ACIAR, 2009. http://www.aciar.gov.au/FR2009-10   

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Selected Publications for Sale at VDIC

 

Please note that books are only available for sale at VDIC premise and

we provide no courier service for this activity.

 

More featured titles for sale are listed at

http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=bookstore&op=viewDetailNews&id=155&mid=328

 

Conditional Cash Transfers: Reducing Present and Future Poverty

by Ariel Fiszbein, Norbert Schady

English Paperback -- Published February 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7352-8

Price: $ 13.00

 

Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs aim to reduce poverty by making welfare programs conditional upon the receivers' actions. That is, the government only transfers the money to persons who meet certain criteria. These criteria may include enrolling children into public schools, getting regular check-ups at the doctor's office, receiving vaccinations, or the like. They have been hailed as a way of reducing inequality and helping households break out of a vicious cycle whereby poverty is transmitted from one generation to another. Do these and other claims make sense? Are they supported by the available empirical evidence? This volume seeks to answer these and other related questions. Specifically, it lays out a conceptual framework for thinking about the economic rationale for CCTs; it reviews the very rich evidence that has accumulated on CCTs,; it discusses how the conceptual framework and the evidence on impacts should inform the design of CCT programs in practice; and it discusses how CCTs fit in the context of broader social policies. The authors show that there is considerable evidence that CCTs have improved the lives of poor people and argue that conditional cash transfers have been an effective way of redistributing income to the poor. They also recognize that even the best-designed and managed CCT cannot fulfill all of the needs of a comprehensive social protection system. They therefore need to be complemented with other interventions, such as workfare or employment programs, and social pensions.

 

"If we are serious about tackling poverty, we must get serious about trying new things. Conditional cash transfer programs have proven effective in countries across the globe and New York is proud to be the first American city to experiment with the innovative idea. This book provides an up-to-date assessment of CCT programs based on impact evaluations studies from across the world. We look forward to adding our evaluation results to an important body of research, and continuing our work with partners worldwide to reach our shared goal of breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty."

- Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City

 

"This book provides a careful and thorough assessment of the knowledge accumulated so far on conditional cash transfer programs; it will inform and orient academic economists and policy makers when thinking about starting, scaling-up and evaluating programs of this nature. Further, the book also raises issues that, in my view, are very relevant and have so far been under-emphasized, namely the need to place these programs within the broader context of countries' social policies. Fiszbein and Schady have produced a very valuable and timely work for all interested in poverty."

- Santiago Levy, Vice President, Inter-American Development Bank

 

The Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development

English Paperback -- Published July 2008 -- ISBN: 0-8213-7491-5

Price: $ 12.00

 

Why have only 13 developing world economies achieved sustained, high growth since World War II?

Why is engagement with the global economy necessary to achieve high growth?

Why do some countries' growth strategies fail to win the public's confidence?

Why are equity and equality of opportunity important components of successful growth strategies?

Why do many countries, blessed with natural resource wealth, not achieve high growth?

Why has no country ever sustained rapid growth without high rates of public investment?

Why does it not always pay to devalue the exchange rate? When does it?

Why is childhood nutrition so important to economic growth?

Why do some economies lose momentum when others keep on growing?

Why has no country ever sustained long-term growth without urbanizing?

Why should there be an end to energy subsidies?

Why do global warming and the rising prices of food, energy and minerals pose challenges to potential future growth in developing countries?

Why does the aging of the world population matter for developing countries growth and employment prospects?

 

The Growth Report does not have all the answers, but it does identify some of the key insights and policy levers to help countries achieve high, sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The result of two years work by 19 experienced policymakers and two Nobel prize-winning economists, the Growth Report is the most complete analysis to date of the ingredients which, if used in the right country-specific recipe, can deliver growth and help lift populations out of poverty.

 

Sustainable Land Management Sourcebook

by World Bank

English Paperback -- Published June 2008 -- ISBN: 0-8213-7432-X

Price: $ 17.00

 

The Sustainable Land Management Sourcebook is a resource of good practice information on land and natural resource management issues that will be of operational relevance to practitioners in the tropics and sub-tropics. The Sourcebook covers a comprehensive range of topics on the technical issues of land and natural resource management and is presented in a way that will facilitate use by both experts and lay readers. The text is well-illustrated with graphs and photos and for the more specialized reader, key references and web links to institutional reference databases are provided.

 

Moving Out of Poverty, Volume 2: Success from the Bottom Up

by Deepa Narayan, Lant Pritchett, Soumya Kapoor

English Paperback -- Published March 2009 by Palgrave Macmillan, World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7215-7.

Price: $ 15.00

 

"No matter if I fall, I get up again. If I fall 5,000 times, I will stand up another 5,000 times."

- William, a 37-year-old from El Gorrión, Colombia

 

Why and how do some people move out of poverty—and stay out—while others remain trapped? Most books on growth and poverty reduction are dominated by the perspectives of policy makers and academic experts. In contrast, Moving Out of Poverty: Success from the Bottom Up presents the experiences of poor people who have made it out of poverty. The book's findings draw from the Moving Out of Poverty research conducted in communities in 15 countries in Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and South Asia. The authors synthesize the results of qualitative and quantitative research based on discussions with over 60,000 people in rural areas. They offer bottom-up perspectives on the processes and local institutions that play key roles in escapes from poverty.

 

The study finds that there are no differences in the initiatives taken by the poor, the rich, and the upwardly mobile. What, then, explains the difference in outcomes? The authors demonstrate how—in the face of deep social inequalities that block access to economic opportunities and local democracies&mdash:individual initiative and empowerment by themselves are often not enough to escape poverty.

 

This book will be of interest to all concerned with equity in an increasingly unequal world.

 

"Today, too few people around the world have enough opportunity to connect their dreams and their talents with the outcomes of their efforts to lift themselves out of poverty. As we work to expand these opportunities, we can learn a lot from the voices of the poor themselves, especially those who have lifted themselves up successfully. This book, based on conversations with thousands of people around the world, is an important resource for everyone who's working to alleviate poverty."

- Bill Clinton, Former President, the United States

 

"Here is a treasure trove of stories, data, and creative analysis that no one who cares about ending poverty should miss... From thousands of interviews in 15 poor countries, the authors extract some surprising conclusions: Most poor people do not feel trapped; local markets and politics and community leadership and institutions matter more than average national income in who escapes poverty. An important complement to the World Bank-sponsored Spence Commission Report on growth."

- Nancy Birdsall, President, Center for Global Development

 

The Role and Impact of Public-Private Partnerships in Education

by World Bank

English Paperback -- Published March 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7866-X

Price: $ 14.00

 

Enhancing the role of private sector partners in education can lead to significant improvements in education service delivery. However, the realization of such benefits depends in great part on the design of the partnership between the public and private sectors, on the overall regulatory framework of the country, and on the governmental capacity to oversee and enforce its contracts with the private sector. Under the right terms, private sector participation in education can increase efficiency, choice, and access to education services, particularly for students who tend to fail in traditional education settings. Private-for-profit schools across the world are already serving a vast range of users—from elite families to children in poor communities. Through balanced public-private partnerships (PPPs) in education, governments can leverage the specialized skills offered by private organizations as well as overcome operating restrictions such as salary scales and work rules that limit public sector responses.

 

The Role and Impact of Public-Private Partnerships in Education presents a conceptualization of the issues related to PPPs in education, a detailed review of rigorous evaluations, and guidleines on how to create successful PPPs. The book shows how this approach can facilitate service delivery, lead to additional financing, expand equitable access, and improve learning outcomes. The book also discusses the best way to set up these arrangements in practice. This information will be of particular interest to policymakers, teachers, researchers, and development practitioners.

 

The Challenge of Establishing World Class Universities

by Jamil Salmi

English Paperback -- Published February 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7865-1

Price: $ 11.00

 

Governments are becoming increasingly aware of the important contribution that high performance, world-class universities make to global competitiveness and economic growth. There is growing recognition, in both industrial and developing countries, of the need to establish one or more world-class universities that can compete effectively with the best of the best around the world. Contextualizing the drive for world-class higher education institutions and the power of international and domestic university rankings, this book outlines possible strategies and pathways for establishing globally competitive universities and explores the challenges, costs, and risks involved. Its findings will be of particular interest to policy makers, university leaders, researchers, and development practitioners.

 

Handbook on Poverty and Inequality

Edited by Shahidur Khandker, Jonathan Haughton

English Paperback -- Published March 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7613-6

Price: $ 15.00

 

Handbook on Poverty + Inequality was originally designed to support training courses in poverty analysis and inequality. The Handbook begins with an explanatory text that includes numerous examples, multiple-choice questions to ensure active learning, and extensive practical exercises that use Stata statistical software. The Handbook will help researchers and evaluators in charge of preparing background materials for Poverty Reducation Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and those responsible for monitoring and evaluating poverty reduction programs and policies.

 

The World Bank Institute has used the Handbook in training workshops in countries from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, to Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, to Malawi and Tanzania, as well as in university courses on poverty and in distance education courses with participants from Asian and African countries. The Handbook has also been used in an online asynchronous course with more than 200 participants worldwide. Using the feedback from these courses, the authors have created a clearly-written text that balances rigor with practicality.

 

The Handbook is designed to be accessible to people with a university-level background in science or the social sciences. It is an invaluable tool for policy analysts, researchers, college students, and government officials working on policy issues related to poverty and inequality.

 

Distortions to Agricultural Incentives in Asia

by Kym Anderson, Will Martin

English Paperback -- Published February 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7662-4

Price: $ 15.00

 

Distortions to Agricultural Incentives in Asia provides an overview of the evolution of distortions to agricultural incentives caused by price and trade policies in the 12 largest economies of East and South Asia. Together these countries constitute more than 95 percent of the region's population, agricultural output, and overall GDP. Sectoral, trade, and exchange rate policies in the region have changed greatly since the 1950s, and there have been substantial reforms since the 1980s, most notably in China and India. Nonetheless, numerous price distortions in this region remain and others have added in recent years. The new empirical indicators in these country studies provide a strong evidence-based foundation for assessing the successes and failures of the past and for evaluating policy options for the years ahead.

 

Table of contents

 

PART I. INTRODUCTION

1. Introduction and Summary / Kym Anderson and Will Martin

 

PART II. NORTHEAST ASIA

2. Republic of Koera and Taiwan, China / Masayoshi Honma and Yujiro Hayami

3. China / Jikun Huang, Scott Rozelle, Will Martin, and Yu Liu

 

PART III. SOUTHEAST ASIA

4. Indonesia / George Fane and Peter Warr

5. Malaysia / Prema-Chandra Athukorala and Wai-Heng Loke

6. The Philippines / Christina David, Ponciano Intal, and Arsenio M. Balisacan

7. Thailand / Peter Warr and Archanun Kohpaiboon

8. Vietnam / Prema-Chandra Athukorala, Pham Lan Huong, and Vo Tri Thanh

 

PART IV. SOUTH ASIA

9. Bangladesh / Nazneen Ahmed, Zaid Bakht, Paul A. Dorosh, and Quazi Shahabuddin

10. India / Garry Pursell, Ashok Gulati, and Kanupriya Gupta

11. Pakistan / Paul A. Dorosh and Abdul Salam

12. Sri Lanka / Jayatilleke Bandara and Sisira Jayasuriya

 

International Financial Reporting Standards: A Practical Guide (Fifth Edition)

by Hennie van Greuning

English Paperback -- Published April 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7727-2

Price: $ 18.00

 

Applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in a business situation can have a signficant effect on the financial results and position of a division or an entire business enterprise. International Financial Reporting Standards: A Practical Guide gives private or public sector executives, managers, and financial analysts without a strong background in accounting the tools they need to participate in discussions and decisions on the appropriateness or application of IFRS.

 

Each chapter summarizes an International Financial Reporting Standard, following a consistent structure:

 

- Objective of the Standard

- Scope of the Standard

- Key concepts

- Accounting treatment

- Presentation and disclosure

- Financial analysis and interpretation

 

Many chapters of the book also contain examples that illustrate the practical application of key concepts in a particular standard. The publication includes all of the standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) through December 2008.

 

"The fifth edition of this publication provides a timely update on important developments in the IFRS framework. With the growing number of countries adopting IFRS this practical guide provides a valuable aid to both the understanding and application of International Financial Reporting Standards. Grouping standards by themes provides an effective tool for preparers to understand the requirements of individual standards within the broader framework, thus ensuring greater transparency and usefulness of the financial statements."

- Kenneth Sullivan, Senior Financial Sector Expert (IMF)

 

"Overall, this book gets very high marks for its comprehensive yet understandable and easy to read coverage of the field of international accounting and financial reporting. It should prove very useful to anyone seeking an understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards, their requirements, and their application."

- Global Business and Economics Review, April 2005

 

Analyzing Banking Risk: A Framework for Assessing Corporate Governance and Risk Management (3rd Edition)

by Hennie van Greuning, Sonja Brajovic Bratanovic

English Paperback -- Published April 2009 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7728-0

Price: $ 19.00

 

The third edition of 'Analyzing Banking Risk' provides a comprehensive overview of topics dealing with the assessment, analysis, and management of financial risks in banking.

 

The publication emphasizes risk-management principles and stresses that key players in the corporate governance process are accountable for managing the different dimensions of financial risk.

 

This third edition remains faithful to the objectives of the original publication. A significant new addition is the inclusion of chapters on the management of the treasury function. Advances made by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision are reflected in the chapters on capital adequacy, transparency, and banking supervision.

 

This publication should be of interest to a wide body of users of bank financial data. The target audience includes persons responsible for the analysis of banks and for the senior management or organizations directing their efforts.

 

Human Development Report 2007/2008: Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided world

by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

English -- Published 2007 by UNDP -- ISBN: 978-0-2305-4704-9.

Price: $ 9.00

 

Climate change is the defining human development challenge of the 21st Century. Failure to respond to that challenge will stall and then reverse international efforts to reduce poverty. The poorest countries and most vulnerable citizens will suffer the earliest and most damaging setbacks, even though they have contributed least to the problem. Looking to the future, no country—however wealthy or powerful—will be immune to the impact of global warming.

 

The Human Development Report 2007/2008 shows that climate change is not just a future scenario. Increased exposure to droughts, floods and storms is already destroying opportunity and reinforcing inequality. Meanwhile, there is now overwhelming scientific evidence that the world is moving towards the point at which irreversible ecological catastrophe becomes unavoidable. Business-as-usual climate change points in a clear direction: unprecedented reversal in human development in our lifetime, and acute risks for our children and their grandchildren.

 

There is a window of opportunity for avoiding the most damaging climate change impacts, but that window is closing: the world has less than a decade to change course. Actions taken—or not taken—in the years ahead will have a profound bearing on the future course of human development. The world lacks neither the financial resources nor the technological capabilities to act. What is missing is a sense of urgency, human solidarity and collective interest.

 

As the Human Development Report 2007/2008 argues, climate change poses challenges at many levels. In a divided but ecologically interdependent world, it challenges all people to reflect upon how we manage the environment of the one thing that we share in common: planet Earth. It challenges us to reflect on social justice and human rights across countries and generations. It challenges political leaders and people in rich nations to acknowledge their historic responsibility for the problem, and to initiate deep and early cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Above all, it challenges the entire human community to undertake prompt and strong collective action based on shared values and a shared vision.

 

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Distance Learning Center Events in June 2009

 

For more information about our Distance Learning Center services, facilities and events, please visit http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=learningevents&op=viewDetailNews&id=311&&mid=330

 

Change through Empowerment - The Journey of Indonesian Widows and Women Head of Households

June 4, 2009 from 8:00 a.m - 17:00 p.m

 

This is an knowledge and experience exchange workshop, organized by the World Bank, in cooperation with the Indonesia Coordinating Ministry for Social Welfare and the Global Development Learning Network. The purpose is to disseminate the lessons learned during the implementation of a series of projects within Pekka, which was financed by funds from the Japan Social Development Fund. The workshop will bring together through video conferencing community driven development specialists and project implementers, policy makers, donors, NGOs and civil society representatives from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia and Ghana.

 

SMEs Financing in the Asia-Pacific Region: Crisis and Countermeasures

June 8-10, 2009

 

This is a video-conference based workshop, organized by Asia-Pacific Finance and Development Center and, in co-sponsorship among Ministry of Finance, P.R. China, Department of the Treasury, Australia, Ministry of Finance, Indonesia and Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong, China.The main objective of the workshop is to help the audience to: 1) understand the new trends and key challenges of SME financing in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the developing economies under the current situation of global financial crisis; 2) define the role of government in SME financing amid the crisis; 3) understand the Institutional Innovation of financial institutions and the innovations in terms of financial products and services to promote SME financing; 4) understand the trade financing and equity financing for SMEs in face of the financial crisis; and 5) explore possible solutions (especially from policy perspectives) of promoting SME financing in the region amid the crisis through sharing successful international experiences.

 

Regulation and Deregulation of the Financial System: What Role to Play in the Crisis?

June 16, 2009 from 8.30 a.m - 11.30 a.m

Organized by Asia-Pacific Finance and Development Center and the World Bank, this video-conference is targeted at (i) focusing on financial regulation and deregulation amid the crisis, discussing the relationship between financial regulation and deregulation and financial crisis, what type of regulatory system should be established after the crisis as well as issues regarding the establishment of a global financial regulatory system to provide policy recommendations for policy-makers to address the crisis and promote long-term healthy development of economy and (ii) summarizing and sharing policies and experience on financial regulation in each APEC economy and discuss how to further improve its financial regulatory policy after the crisis.

 

For more inforamtion, please contact Ms Dang Thi Thu Huong, email hdang2@worldbank.org, telephone: 04-3934 6600, ext. 706.

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Information on Development Projects in Vietnam

 

New Disclosure World Bank Operational Project Documents for Vietnam

 

The Disclosure Unit of the World Bank is responsible for the implementation and dissemination of documents relating to the World Bank’s disclosure policy http://www1.worldbank.org/operations/disclosure/. On a regular basis, the Unit releases operational documents to the public through a network of Public Information Centers (PICs) worldwide. For assistance on disclosed documents, please contact one of the PICs at a location near you.

 

For previous listings, please visit http://go.worldbank.org/QU93EOHWG1. Alternatively, you are welcome to visit VDIC or World Bank’s mini Public Information Corners (mini-PICs) at your city/province libraries to view hard copies of World Bank project documents in Vietnam. List of mini-PICs in Vietnam can be found at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=library&op=viewDetailNews&id=162&&mid=322&cmid=327.

 

List of World Bank’s projects in Vietnam and detail project information can be found at www.worldbank.org/vn >> select “Projects & Programs”.

 

Vietnam- Urban Upgrading Project - Environmental Assessments  (2 volumes)

Document Date:  May 22, 2009

Report Number:  E817

 

Vietnam - Additional Finance for Vietnam Urban Upgrading Project - Resettlement Plans (Revised)

Document Date:  May 15, 2009

Report Number:  RP80

 

Vietnam-VN-Local Development Investment (LDIFP) - Project Information Document

Document Date:  2009/05/11

Report Number:  AB4765

http://go.worldbank.org/W0RCHXTXO0

 

Vietnam-Vietnam Livestock Competitiveness and Food Safety - Project Information Document

Document Date:  2009/05/12

Report Number:  AB4783

http://go.worldbank.org/2TTMEZOOI0

 

Vietnam - Rural Distribution Project - Environmental Assessments  (2 volumes)

Document Date:  April 23, 2009

Report Number:  E1712

 

Vietnam - Urban Upgrading Project: additional financing - Project Information Document

Document Date:  2009/05/06

Report Number:  AB4729

http://go.worldbank.org/80T56DWRU0  

 

Vietnam - Renewable Energy Development Project - Project Appraisal Document

Document Date:  2009/04/02

Report Number:  47209

http://go.worldbank.org/MVDDXNUVJ0

 

Vietnam - Rural Distribution Project - Project Appraisal Documents (2 volumes)

Document Date:  April 23, 2009

Report Number:  E1712

 

Vietnam - Local Development Investment Fund Project - Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet

Document Date:  2009/05/05

Report Number:  AC2020

http://go.worldbank.org/3HC879EMP0  

 

Vietnam - Urban Upgrading Project: additional financing - Project Information Document

Document Date:  2009/05/13

Report Number:  AB4729

http://go.worldbank.org/IA0DJ18PQ0

 

Vietnam - Urban Upgrading Project : additional financing - Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet

Document Date:  2009/05/13

Report Number:  AC4340

http://go.worldbank.org/0R3LIQAS60  

 

Vietnam - Northern Delta Transport Development Project: environmental assessment executive summary - Board Report

Document Date:  2008/02/28

Report Number:  43111

 

This executive summary is a synthesis report of the salient points of the various environmental and social safeguards documents for the Northern Delta Transport Development Project (NDTDP). This paper includes the following headings: summary of environmental and social documents prepared for the project; legal and regulatory framework; project description; existing environmental conditions; impacts assessment; analysis of alternatives; the environmental management plan; public disclosure; and references.

 

http://go.worldbank.org/SK4QCNFJQ0

 

Vietnam - Danang Priority Infrastructure Investment Project : environmental assessment report - executive summary - Board Report

Document Date:  2007/11/01

Report Number:  42212

 

The Da Nang Priority Infrastructure Development Project for Vietnam focuses on the City of Danang, capital of the central region, with the following development objectives: a) improve the living conditions and productivity of low income residents; b) promote economic growth, through strategic investments that enhance mobility and increase private sector participation; and c) improve city and district level management, through institutional development, human resource development, and capacity building. The objective of the Environment Assessment (EA) report is to assess potential environmental impacts of project activities proposed in phase 1, and recommend mitigation measures to address such impacts. The Environmental Guidelines (EG) also outline design practices, mitigation measures during construction and operation for each component. Specifically, the detailed EG document includes the following: (a) Environmental assessment outline (b) Terms of reference (TORs) for the community environmental management plan (c) TORs for roads and bridges to be financed under Phase 2 (d) TORs for the drainage, wastewater collection and treatment investments.

 

http://go.worldbank.org/ND4ROTFHG0

 

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Funding Opportunities

 

- For more funding opportunities, please read previous VDIC newsletters at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=newsletter&op=viewDetailNews&id=230&mid=350

- For further information on the news provided below, please contact the organization directly.

- Please let us know if you have directly benefited from an opportunity information disseminated by VDIC.

 

World Bank 2009 Young Professionals Program

 

The Young Professionals Program is a starting point for an exciting career in the World Bank. The Program is designed to attract outstanding young and motivated individuals from around the world, who have demonstrated a commitment to development, supported by academic success, professional achievement and potential for leadership. The Program recruits through a highly selective and competitive process and then facilitates their rapid integration into the World Bank's business and culture.

 

Please apply online. The application period is from May 1 to July 15, 2009.

 

Learn about the Young Professionals Program at http://go.worldbank.org/P6U8U79W40  

 

Plural+ Competition 

 

Young people from around the world are warmly invited to participate in a video competition organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on the theme of migration and diversity.

 

Youth around the world are invited to participate in a dynamic video festival organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with other international partners including the Anna Lindh Foundation, Baka Forum, Chinh India, the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, the Media That Matters Film Festival and UNICEF.

 

Recognizing youth as agents of social change in a world often characterized by intolerance, and ethnic and religious divisions, the PLURAL + video festival is aimed at involving youth in addressing questions on migrant integration, inclusiveness, identity, diversity, human rights and social cohesiveness wherever they be in the world.

 

The practical contributions of young people - whether they are migrants, 2nd generation immigrants or indeed non-migrants – in not just identifying constraints but also in promoting a climate of respect and appreciation for each other can help show the way forward in creating a more enlightened world.

 

Youth worldwide are invited to submit short videos on their thoughts, experiences, opinions, questions and suggestions on these issues and on promoting harmonious coexistence in diverse cultural and religious contexts.

 

Submissions will be open from 1 June to 30 September, 2009.

 

Full details on PLURAL http://www.unaoc.org/content/view/346/257/lang,en/  

 

2009 annual Developing Asia Journalism Awards (DAJA) competition - ADBI

 

The Asian Development Bank Institute invites journalists from developing Asia and the Pacific to submit published articles written in 2008 or 2009 in connection with the 2009 annual Developing Asia Journalism Awards (DAJA) competition.

 

The subject matter of the articles should be in line with one of the following four categories (see below for further guidance on these categories).

 

- Poverty impact of the global financial crisis

- Government responses to the global financial crisis

- Infrastructure development

- Climate change adaptation

 

An international panel of judges will select the 20 best articles written by journalists who will then be invited to ADBI in Tokyo for a four-day training program running from 20-23 October 2009.

 

The training program will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss and debate the above four issues with leading experts. There will also be practical sessions designed to help journalists prepare clear, accessible stories that help promote economic and financial literacy.

 

Winners of each of the four categories, as well as two special prizes for (i) best development journalist of the year; and (ii) best young development journalist of the year (under 30 years of age) will be selected from these 20 articles. Awards will be given at the conclusion of the training program. Special prizes may be given to entrants in the main award categories or to separate entries.

 

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 15 July 2009, 6.00 pm, Tokyo time.

 

http://www.adbi.org/news/2009/05/14/2951.daja.2009.entries.open/  

 

SCG Foundation – ASEAN Foundation Scholarship for Bachelor and Master

 

“Concern for Social Responsibility” is one of the four principles long upheld by the Siam Cement Group (SCG) in doing business. Over the last 40 years, SCG Foundation was established to carry out activities dedicated to social contribution, human resources development especially of children and youth, creating sustainable benefits for all the communities and countries where SCG operates.

 

SCG Foundation is committed to expanding educational opportunities to the Southeast Asian countries in the hope of helping to develop their human resources so they can contribute to the development of their own countries. At the same time, it helps promote Thailand and makes the country a regional hub of the international education.

 

Scholarship Program for ASEAN Nationals: SCG Foundation provides scholarships for the government staff and general public in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia to pursue their studies in the Bachelor, Master or Doctoral level at the leading educational institutions in Thailand.

 

From 2007 on, 7 government staff have been awarding scholarships to come study in a field of International Development Studies whereas 11 young talents were granted opportunities to fulfill their dreams in Engineering and Business Administration. Among them, 7 scholars already completed and are now contributing back to society.

Especially, this year SCG Foundation joins hands with ASEAN Foundation in offering scholarships opportunities to talent students of ASEAN countries to come study in Thailand under the so called “SCG Foundation – ASEAN Foundation Scholarship Program for ASEAN Nationals”.

 

Fields of Scholarships for Vietnam:

 

- Master Energy Technology at Asian Institute of Technology

- Master Industrial Engineering at Asian Institute of Technology

- Master Chemical Engineering at Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology

- Master Business Administration at Assumption University of Thailand

 

http://www.scg.co.th/en/06career_scg/06_scholarship.html

 

UNU-ONY Junior Professional Fellow

 

The United Nations University Office at the United Nations, New York (UNU-ONY) recruits Junior Professional Fellows (JPFs) for two sessions each year running from August to January, and February to July. The internship title, "Junior Professional Fellows" reflects the high level of responsibility and opportunity given to those accepted into this program.

 

Please note that UNU-ONY Junior Professional Fellows positions require full-time commitments due to the high level of responsibilities given to our interns. These are unpaid positions. On the job training and support is provided throughout the internship.

 

Deadlines for applications are as follows:

 

- February 1st to July 31st Session: November 30th

- August 1st to January 31st Session: May 31st

 

For more details about the activities pertaining to each of the focus areas, please click here. UNU-ONY liaises with the UN Secretariat, the Permanent Missions, academia and foundations in five areas of activities

 

- Dissemination/communication

- Political and diplomatic linking

- Academic interplay

- Research and Policy

- Institutional Development

 

http://www.ony.unu.edu/internships   

 

2009 Education USA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS COMPETITION

 

The Institute of International Education (IIE)-Vietnam is pleased to announce the first annual EducationUSA Distinguished Alumni Awards competition to honor outstanding Vietnamese graduates of regionally accredited US colleges and universities.

 

The award will be bestowed upon five (5) US-educated Vietnamese who have made seminal contributions to Vietnamese society and culture, as well as to US-Vietnam relations, and who exemplify IIE’s slogan Opening Minds to the World.  The EducationUSA Distinguished Alumni Awards are intended to recognize and reward talent, dedication, creativity and achievement. In addition, they will highlight the work and lives of people who are role models for those currently studying in the US and others who will follow in their footsteps.

 

Nominations, including self-nominations, will be accepted from May 8 to July 8, 2009. Nominators are asked to complete the nomination form available at www.iievn.org/alumni09. Members of the general public in Vietnam and the U.S., including alumni, government, education institutions, industry and business, are strongly encouraged to nominate successful alumni.  The awards will be officially announced and the recipients honored during a dinner reception at the first annual EducationUSA Alumni Conference on July 25, 2009 at The Moevenpick Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards nomination process and the conference is available on the conference homepage at www.iievn.org/alumni09.

 

PhD Scholarship at Roskilde University, Denmark

 

A PhD scholarship is available at the Department of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change (ENSPAC). The purpose of the PhD project is to use distributed temperature sensing (DTS) of streams to improve the spatial parameterization and modelling of catchment hydrological processes. The DTS system uses a long (2 km) fiber-optic cable to provide stream temperature measurements with 1 m resolution. In particular, the system will be used to identify, parameterize and model lateral inflows to the stream in relation to the spatial characteristics of the upland contributing areas. The PhD student will be involved in measuring, analyzing and modelling the data using also ancillary information.

 

The scholarship is financed by the Danish Research Council for Technology and Production as part of a larger research project which includes the use of Earth observation and other spatial data for modelling hydrological and atmospheric processes (www.upscalehydrology.ruc.dk). The PhD student will be working in the research project group and is co-supervised by the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Environment) who is also a research project partner. The PhD student will be affiliated to the Graduate Programme in Environmental Stress Studies (GESS) at Roskilde University. GESS is an international graduate program that covers a broad range of research topics within the area of environmental stress (www.ruc.dk/gess).

 

Candidates with a background in physical geography or environmental engineering and with an interest in both field hydrology and hydrological modelling are encouraged to apply for the position. Experience in hydrological modelling, spatial data management, computer programming, field hydrology and/or data analysis is considered advantageous. Further information can be obtained by contacting Eva Boegh (eboegh@ruc.dk, tel +45 46743942) or Dan Rosbjerg (dr@env.dtu.dk, tel +45 45251449).

 

http://www.ruc.dk/ruc_en/about/Positions/phd_earth_observation

 

Jefferson Fellowships

 

The Jefferson Fellowships program was launched in 1967 to enhance public understanding through the news media of cultures, issues and trends in the Asia Pacific region, broadly defined as Asia, the Pacific Islands and the United States. The Fellowships provide U.S. and Asia Pacific journalists with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of Asia Pacific issues and build a professional network through one week of dialogue with professional colleagues and experts at the East-West Center, followed by a two-week study tour to cities in Asia or the U.S.

 

Theme: The Right Climate for Confronting Climate Change?

 

The new United States presidential administration of Barack Obama has increased attention to climate change in advance of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in December. With this backdrop, the Fall 2009 Jefferson Fellowships program will explore the ability of U.S. domestic and foreign policy to confront the important economic challenges and opportunities involved in addressing climate change and its consequences. While near-term costs may affect the livelihoods of Americans already struggling in the current U.S. recession, addressing climate change also presents opportunities to strengthen important parts of the economy and create jobs. In addition, the Fall 2009 program will examine how the issue of climate change may serve as a way for the United States to rebuild partnerships and alliances around the world and to bolster national security.

 

Who Can Apply: Working print, broadcast, and online journalists in the United States, the Pacific Islands, and Asia with a minimum of five years of professional experience. Applicants must have the ability to communicate in English in a professional, multi-cultural environment.

 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

 

http://www.eastwestcenter.org/seminars-and-journalism-fellowships/journalism-fellowships/jefferson-fellowships/

 

Centennial Travel Award in Basic Science Tropical Disease Research

 

ASTMH celebrated the 100th anniversary of its parent society in 2003. In honor of this anniversary, ASTMH created a Centennial Travel Award, sponsored by an unrestricted grant to the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene by the Pfizer Foundation.  The purpose of the award is to facilitate international collaboration in basic science aspects of tropical infectious diseases and to provide interested physicians or  scientists the opportunity to obtain hands-on field experience in combination with laboratory studies of, parasitic, bacterial or viral infectious diseases in endemic developing countries. The society feels that one way to stimulate interest in tropical infectious diseases and build international collaborations is to provide physicians or scientists an opportunity to work with these diseases in those parts of the world where the burden of disease is high.

 

Full-time post-doctoral fellows (who already have Ph.D., M.D. degrees or the equivalent) with positions at U.S. or Canadian institutions who study any tropical infectious disease in one or more of the following disciplines or related areas:  immunology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and entomology. Co-mentors must be identified both at a North American institution and an overseas institution, and supported by a letter in which each co-mentor details locally available support, resources and availability for supervision (whether personally or by collaborating personnel).

 

Application deadline: June 17, 2009.

 

Submit your application on line via link posted at http://www.astmh.org/funding/index.cfm  

 

Apply now for Social Entrepreneur Support Program - Call for Applications

 

- You want to bring a positive change to the community?

- You have a great idea for a pressing social issue?

- You are fervent and determined to make it happen?

 

Apply now for Social Entrepreneur Support Program. By investing in social entrepreneurs at ealy stages, CSIP aims at the development of new solutions for most pressing social and environment issues in Vietnam

 

Social entrepreneurs at start-up level will receive a support equivalent to US$3,000-5,000 in 12 months, social entrepreneurs at Take-off stage will receive a support equivalent to US$ 20,000 – 30,000 in 24 months

 

Contact us for more information:

 

Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion

Tel: +84 4 35378746; Fax: +84 4 35378992

Email: dangkydnxh2009@gmail.com

 

Application deadline: 30th June, 2009.

 

Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) Grant Program Invites Applicants

 

Applications for the Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) 2010 grant round are now open. Launched in 2008, the ISIF grant program aims to stimulate creative solutions to ICT development needs in the Asia Pacific region.

 

The program provides grants of up to AUD 40,000 per project that help advance local and regional initiatives that introduce, improve, and apply Internet and other digital communications technologies for the benefit of Asia-Pacific users and communities. This year’s round of funding will benefit about 8 to 10 projects.

ISIF is a joint initiative between the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). It is proudly sponsored by the DotAsia Organization, the registry operator for the .ASIA top-level domain.

 

Project proposals from Asia Pacific-based public or private sector organizations, university, or research and development institutions and non-government organizations will be considered. Applications must be aligned with ISIF program objectives, selection criteria, and administrative guidelines. For example, project results must be shared as stated in the ISIF copyright and license scheme. Individuals are not eligible for grants.

 

Applications for the 2010 grant round closes on 31 July 2009. Grants will be made on a competitive basis and successful applicants will be required to make project details, outcomes, and findings publicly available.

 

Complete information on the project and how to apply is available on the ISIF website at www.isif.asia.

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWS – from The Communication Initiative Network

 

http://www.comminit.com/en/funding.html  

 

The World Forestry Institute (WFI) International Fellowship Program

 

The World Forestry Institute (WFI) Fellowship program brings professionals in natural resources to conduct a practical research project at the World Forestry Center. In addition to projects, fellows participate in weekly field trips, interviews and site visits to Northwest forestry organizations, research labs, universities, public and private timberlands, trade associations, mills and corporations. The Fellowship is a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable forestry from the Pacific Northwest forestry sector and to work with colleagues from around the world.

 

Fellowships are open to all countries. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

 

http://wfi.worldforestry.org/fellowship-1.htm

 

UNESCO/L’ORÉAL Co-Sponsored Fellowships for Young Women in Life Sciences

 

Within the of the UNESCO Co-sponsored Fellowships Scheme, a joint program has been launched with the L’ORÉAL Corporate Foundation with a view to promoting the contribution of young women - from all over the world – in research developments in the field of life sciences. The award of the fellowships constitutes a key strategy through which impetus is being given to the enhancement of the role of women in devising scientific solutions to problems confronting humankind in the twenty-first century.

 

Candidates must already be engaged in pursuing research at the doctoral or post-doctoral level in one or allied fields of life sciences including biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, pharmacy and physiology. Projects involving animal models (i.e. experimentation using vertebrate laboratory animals) are rejected, and proposals in the area of cosmetics research are NOT encouraged; preference is given to non cosmetic researches. Special attention will be given to candidatures from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

 

Deadline: 30 June 2009.

 

http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=44170&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html 

 

UN-HABITAT’s Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development

 

Youth-led development is about young people pro-actively creating a better future for themselves and their communities. it involves business and community improvement projects, devised and managed by young people, often working alongside adults who are able to pass on their skills and experience.

 

Youth, especially girls and young women, are most vulnerable to social problems caused by unemployment and poverty and also, make up the majority of the population in many developing countries and their cities. With over 00 million youth living in poverty, 30 million illiterate, 88 million unemployed and 0 million young people living with hiv/aids, there is a clear need to meaningfully engage and support youth.

 

The Fund aims to advance the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the Habitat Agenda through the following:

 

          Mobilizing young people to help strengthen youth-related policy formulation;

          Building the capacities of Governments, non-governmental and civil society and private-sector organization to ensure a better response to the needs and issues of young people;

          Supporting the development of interest-based information and communication-oriented networks;

          Piloting and demonstration of new and innovative approaches to employment, good governance, adequate shelter and secure tenure;

          Sharing and exchange of information on best practices;

          Facilitating vocational training and credit mechanisms to promote entrepreneurship and employment for young women and men, in collaboration with the private sector and in cooperation with other UN bodies and stakeholders; and

          Promoting gender mainstreaming in all activities of urban youth.

 

UN-habitat recognizes that to achieve these global benchmarks, advances must be made in bOth policy and practice. For this reason the Fund is committed to supporting both leading edge youth-led project and research. in regards to policy and research, un-habitat recognizes that research on youth-led development, especially in the developing world, is a new and expanding field. un-habitat will contribute to this field by undertaking research on projects supported by the Fund. the knowledge obtained from this research will be used to strengthen local, national and international youth-related policies as well as to ensure that gender concerns are addressed in those policies.

 

the Fund will also assist governments, civil society organizations and the private sector in addressing youth concerns, and support new information and learning channels for young people.

 

Currently in its pilot phase, the Fund will be managed by a committee of experts, researchers and practitioners drawn from un-habitat academia, donor governments and youth.

 

Small, grassroots initiatives are eligible for grants up to usd 5,000. Larger projects are eligible for grants up to usd 5,000. Grants will be awarded to projects that best meet the following criteria:

 

          innovation – project uses a new method to address a local or global challenge;

          impact – project has potential to produce significant or measurable impact on the issue it addresses;

          sustainability – project has potential to produce on-going positive change. in other words, it’s not a one time event; and

          Youth-led and youth-driven – Leaders of the project should be between 5 and 3 .

          urban youth organizations dedicated to solutions that sustain commmunities.

          partnerships with governmental organizations, private enterprises and un institutions are encouraged.

 

Deadline: June 15, 2009.

 

More info: http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?typeid=19&catid=531&cid=6329  

 

International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Award

 

Encouraging youth participation in media throughout the year, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will award the annual International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Awards. The competition is open to radio and television broadcasters who participated in the 2008 ICDB with programmes on the theme "The  World We Want". To be eligible for the ICDB Award, broadcasts must have taken place on or around March 1 2009, and should be for young people and created with some aspect of youth participation. The 2009 theme is "Unite for Children - Tune in to Kids".

 

Deadline: June 15, 2009

 

http://www.unicef.org/videoaudio/video_18112.html  

 

2009 Goi Peace Foundation UNESCO International Essay Contest for Young People

 

The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World" and 2005-2014 as the "United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development." Not only should young people benefit from these global initiatives, but they should be empowered to play a leading role in them. The theme of this year's International Essay Contest is "The role of science in building a better world." Young people from around the world are invited to submit their innovative ideas on this theme.

 

Scientific progress has brought many benefits to humanity, while some applications of science have had adverse impacts. What kind of science and technology do you think is needed for realizing a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world for all? Please express your vision for the future of science, including examples of studies or researches you wish to engage in.

 

Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years old (as of June 30, 2009) in one of the following age categories: a) Children (ages up to 14) b) Youth (ages 15 - 25).

 

Essays must be 800 words or less, typed or printed in English, French, Spanish or German.

 

Deadline: Entries must be received by June 30, 2009.

 

For more information please visit http://www.goipeace.or.jp/english/activities/programs/0901.html  

 

International Peace Pals Art Competition and Exhibition

 

Encouraging children throughout the world between the ages of 5 and  15 to participate in The 11th Annual International Peace Pals Art Competition and Exhibition. Entries are divided into 4 age categories for the awarding of prizes: 5-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16-19 years of age. The competition's theme is 'Peace in  My Community'. Pictures should include the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth". Awards will be decided by a panel of  international judges. First, second, and third place entries in each  of the categories will be made into greeting cards, which will be  awarded to all winners.

 

Deadline: July 30, 2009

 

http://www.wppspeacepals.org/  

 

AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards

 

Honouring outstanding reporting for a general audience by  individuals (rather than institutions, publishers, or employers) for  their coverage of the sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

 

United States (U.S.) Categories: large newspapers; small newspapers; magazines; television (2 awards: spot news/feature reporting and an in-depth reporting); radio; and online.

 

International Category:

 

Children's Science News award is for work distributed via any medium  - print, broadcast, or online. The prize recognises excellence in reporting science news for children, including young teens up to age 14. Note: Provide English translations of international entries whenever possible.

 

Deadline: August 1, 2009

 

http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards/sja/index.shtml

 

Documentary Photography Distribution Grant: A Grant to Encourage

 

New Ways of Presenting Documentary Photography to the Public Offering a grant to documentary photographers who have already completed a significant body of work on issues of social justice, to collaborate with a partner organisation and propose new ways of using photography as a tool for positive social change. All photographers must have another entity (such as a nonprofit, NGO, or community-based organisation) that will work with the photographer to design an innovative distribution strategy that focuses on specific communities and advocates for social change. Grants of US$5,000 to US$30,000 will be awarded.

 

Deadline: June 19, 2009

 

http://www.soros.org/initiatives/photography/focus_areas/distribution/guidelines  

 

KPC Mentorship Program

 

Seeking new grantees preparing to embark on their first Knowledge Practice Coverage (KPC) Survey or a veteran in need of an extra and conducting a KPC survey and host participant organisations. This KPC Mentorship Program is designed to match new trainees with a CORE member's KPC survey teams to learn by going through the entire process. Trainees must be an employee or consultant for a CORE member organisation or a new Child Survival and Health Grants Program (CSHGP) grantee, and must be sponsored by a CORE member organisation.

 

Deadline: July 14, 2009

 

http://www.coregroup.org/conf_reg/mentors.cfm

 

New Media Fund

 

Seeking to nurture ideas that hold promise for wider adoption by independent media in developing democracies. The New Media Fund of the Media Development Loan Fund (MDLF) will provide financing for projects that further independent journalism and/or open debate about current affairs which incorporate: innovative editorial models for participative and citizen journalism; sustainable business models for open-content journalism; or sustainable business models for journalism that do not primarily or exclusively rely on advertising sales or pay-for-use.

 

Deadline: Rolling deadline

 

http://www.mdlf.org/en/mdlf/apply/  

 

Open Society Fellowship

 

Supporting idea entrepreneurs from around the world through a fellowship that focuses on 4 areas: 'National Security and the Open Society'; 'Citizenship, Membership and Marginalisation'; 'Strategies and Tools for Advocacy and Citizen Engagement'; and Understanding Authoritarianism'. The Open Society Fellowship seeks professionals, including journalists, activists, scholars, and practitioners, to work on projects that inspire meaningful public debate, shape public policy, and generate intellectual ferment within Open Society Institute (OSI). Fellows' projects may include books, articles, outreach for documentary films, online media, and efforts to seed new campaigns and organisations. Fellowships are awarded for one year, but in some cases OSI considers requests for shorter or longer durations. Preference is given to applications for full-time fellowships, but OSI also considers applicants who can only work part-time on their projects.

 

Deadline: Rolling deadline

 

http://www.soros.org/initiatives/fellowship/focus_areas/guidelines

 

Opportunities for Vietnamese from Australian Endeavour Awards Intake 2010

 

Applications are now open for the 2010 Intake of the Australian Government’s Endeavour Awards which offer exciting opportunities for high-achievers from Vietnam.  Endeavour Awards are available for postgraduate study and research, postdoctoral research; vocational education and training (VET Awards); and professional development (Executive Awards).  Awards range from one month to three years and are open to all fields of study.

 

Applications for Intake 2010 for postgraduate (study and research), postdoctoral research and VET awards opened on 6 April and will close on 31 July 2009. There will be two rounds for Endeavour Executive Awards for professional development:1 June to 31 July 2009 and 1 December to 31 January 2010.

 

Endeavour recipients will be selected on merit from internationally-competitive fields on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership qualities, and the potential for the study, research or professional attachments to contribute to ongoing linkages between Vietnam and Australia. For further information please visit www.endeavour.deewr.gov.au.  

 

Call for community-level project proposals focusing on local experiences with climate change impacts and adaptation

 

Community-level projects focusing on local experiences with climate change and its impacts are encouraged. These could involve field research, interviews with community members, workshops, photo projects, film projects etc.

 

Proposals can be made by interested groups or individuals, for example, local and indigenous organisations, research centres, researchers, graduate students with interdisciplinary training, community members (youth groups, women, elders) etc.

 

Projects could explore any topic relating to climate change and local communities. For example:

 

a) Local observations and understandings of climate change impacts (negative or positive) on communities, livelihoods or local environments;

b) Ways that your community is adapting to or dealing with climate change;

c) Strategies and practices developed by local communities to cope with changes in the environment;

d) Local impacts (positive or negative) of measures to fight climate change. For example, planting trees to reduce greenhouse gases (through carbon sequestration); or building hydroelectric dams or avoiding deforestation (e.g. REDD) to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

 

However, we invite all kinds of proposals related to climate change and local communities, so do not feel limited by these suggestions.

 

We invite proposals from anywhere in the world, as long as they are for local-scale projects involving peoples and places vulnerable to climate change.

 

Proposals should reach UNESCO on or before 15 July 2009.

 

For further information, please write to peoples@climatefrontlines.org or visit http://www.climatefrontlines.org/en-GB/node/191.  

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