Latest news with #UnitedNationsEducational
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Revitalising urban areas
IN a world where science and technology dominate, the old eventually make way for the new. Antiquated vehicles, buildings and infrastructure are rapidly demolished and replaced. Fashion is dictated by youthful trends, and new ideas bring fresh paradigms and ideologies. Tech startups are overhauling the way we work, play, love, eat and trade. The young, armed with more money, power and influence, tear through tradition, devoid of sentimentality. But they are persuaded to compromise: they are allowed to flatten swathes of the past provided they retain some of the ruins. For instance, the Porta de Santiago gate of the 15th century Portuguese fortress of A Famosa in Melaka, lies surrounded by a water theme park, safari, golf course, hotel and shopping mall. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation designated it a World Heritage site. In developing the BBCC Lalaport mall in Kuala Lumpur, the developers maintained the Pudu Jail main gate. Sometimes, developers are denied. In the 1990s, a major developer could have bulldozed Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara and Victoria Institution. Fortunately, common sense prevailed: the historical sites went unmolested. Against this backdrop, Kuala Lumpur City Hall was implored to retain historical elements in redeveloping 139 areas to include memories of the original communities that had developed strong cultural roots and identity. Progress cannot be allowed to destroy national heritage. The Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been touted as a pragmatic platform to redevelop dilapidated urban areas and improve quality of life. Let's make one thing clear: rapid development is not a bad idea but capricious development is, especially if it damages historic neighbourhoods, hometowns and cities. Malaysia has to at least stop constructing buildings that are later neglected to the point of deformity. Instead of demolishing, city fathers must create thoughtful urban design, strengthened by political will to overcome long-term short-sightedness. In justifying development, the URA may prove to be a useful and powerful development tool but in its current framework, its deployment is reactionary, created to mend previous decades of myopic development decisions. The Act's impact on property rights, gentrification and displacement of low-income residents cannot be overstated. Solutions are available: the URA's goals, procedures and impact must involve communities during planning and decision-making. The URA should integrate with broader urban planning strategies because its complexities are underscored by strong arguments on both sides. The ideal outcome is not only to redevelop and revitalise urban areas, but also protect residents' rights and well-being with fair compensation and spacious and liveable replacement housing.
The Star
7 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Laureates of 2025 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards selected
PARIS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Monday that Chinese scientist Wang Xiaoyun is among the five international laureates of the 2025 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. UNESCO noted that Professor Wang Xiaoyun from Tsinghua University has been recognized for her significant contributions to cryptography and cryptographic mathematics, which are critical for secure data communication and storage. "Her breakthrough work showed essential flaws on hash functions, which are widely used in communication protocols and led to the invention of the new hash function standards," UNESCO said in a press release. "The visibility of her revolutionary work has encouraged many female students to pursue a research career in mathematics and network security," it added. Along with Professor Wang, Professor Priscilla Baker from South Africa, Professor Claudia Felser from Germany, Professor Maria Teresa Dova from Argentina, and Professor Barbara Finlayson-Pitts from the United States, have been chosen to receive the award for their contributions in their respective fields and inspiration brought for girls and women. According to UNESCO, for this year's edition, the Laureates were selected from a pool of 466 nominees through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an independent jury. The award ceremony is scheduled for June 12 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
HC orders action under Wildlife Protection Act against people dumping, burning waste at Sabarimala
Taking note of the indiscriminate dumping of garbage at Sabarimala, the Kerala High Court has ordered initiation of action under the Wildlife Protection Act against those responsible for dumping and burning waste at the hill temple during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. This followed the death of two elephants and a deer after consuming plastic waste dumped on the temple premises. Periyar Tiger Reserve officials had submitted a report that elephants were coming in herds to eat garbage, especially empty plasticbags in which jaggery had been stored. Other wild animals too were often seen consuming this waste. Stating that the Sabarimala Sannidhanam was situated in a core and critical area of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot recognised as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the court directed the Deputy Director of the tiger reserve to take action under the provisions of the Act. It is estimated that the average quantity of waste generated at Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season is 24 tonnes a day. Many hotels fail to segregate food and plastic waste into biodegradable bags for disposal. The court also directed that the ban on use of plastic and other bio-hazardous materials at Sabarimala and along the trekking path from Pampa to the Sannidhanam ought to be implemented scrupulously by all concerned and appropriate action be taken against those who violated it. For stocking or dispensing plastic in any form by commercial establishments at Sabarimala and surrounding areas, including the trekking path to the Sannidhanam, a fine of ₹2,000 shall be levied by forest officials for the first offence, ₹5,000 for the second offence, and closure of the establishment for subsequent offences. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), through the Executive Officer, Sabarimala, must close down the establishment which committed such an offence for the third time, it said. The court directed the TDB to politely inform pilgrims, including those coming from other States, to exclude plastic materials during the pilgrimage. An advisory to this effect must be published on the virtual-Q platform, for the information of the pilgrims, it added.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Sarawak seeks Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
File photo of Fort Margherita in Kuching. – Bernama photo KUCHING (May 23): Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, to Unesco Headquarters in Paris, France. In a statement today, the ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multiethnic communities. 'The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Secretary of the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre Deputy Director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. 'We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said. – Bernama Brooke Era Fort Trails lead sarawak Snowdan Unesco
The Star
23-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sarawak seeking Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
Kuching's Fort Margherita, currently the Brooke Gallery, is one of 14 surviving forts from the era. – filepic KUCHING: Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by state Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan to Unesco headquarters in Paris. In a statement Friday (May 23), his ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multi-ethnic communities. "The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage secretary Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre deputy director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. "We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said. – Bernama
