I don’t know why it’s Bollywood in Pakistan, but I think they did a pretty good job!
Apr26
Apr22
World Water Day 2018…and decade
Exactly one month late, but Happy World Water Day Everyone!
Every year, I celebrate World Water Day on this blog by writing about the current state of water. I have to admit, my past “celebrations” have been quite critical and bleak.
You can check for yourself:
This year, I want to be more hopeful and more positive. I want to look to the future.
By now you’ve all heard about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and have them all memorized by heart.
(If not, here’s a little reminder: UN Sustainable Development Goals)
Goal #6 is “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” That’s ALL the people in the world, having safe drinking water and effective wastewater handling, by the year 2030.
Ambitious? Yes. Exciting? Very Yes!
In the year 2000, the world embarked on the Millennium Development Goals. The goal for water was to “halve the number of people without access to safe drinking water and sanitation” by the year 2015. The result? Not only did we succeed, we reached this goal 5 years early (In fact, water was the first MDG to be reached!). By the year 2010, nearly 2 billion people had gained access to improved water sources. By the year 2015, that number was up to 2.6 billion. Sanitation was improved for 2.1 billion people.
The SDG aims to build on this progress by providing the remaining population with water and sanitation. Can it be done? We’ve done it before. But, how? During the MDG, we saw that there was no one magic formula or model, that activities of all types and all scales made significant impacts where implemented. We also saw that individual citizens were the drivers of this progress. From supporting grassroots NPOs to pressuring and guiding government policies, progress was driven by our common understanding that water is essential for health, and when our neighbors are healthy, we are healthy. (It is also a basic human right).
To get us started on the path to this future, 2018 is the start of the Water Action Decade. During the next ten years, the UN and its member countries will further strengthen cooperation for water development. But actions aren’t limited to big international development banks. Support your local NPOs or just spread the word. Here are some links to get started:
Sustainable Development Goal #6
People’s Guide to SDG #6 (NGO Mining Working Group, https://miningwg.com)
Apr22
Faisalabad, Central Market
In the center of Faisalabad is a clock tower and market, built by the British in 1905.
Hustling and Bustling. Really beautiful.
One question though, how can you ever find your bike?
(This goes on for blocks!)
Dec12
Cambodia, Kampot…
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Dec10
Cambodia, Food…
Finally found some time to myself to walk around.
From the hotel to the riverside and Royal Palace.
I have no idea what I ate, or what its called, but it was good.
Can anyone tell me what I ate?
Colonie Francais, donc, vin…
-Hey bae, can you pick up some chicken on the way home?
Dec9
Cambodia
First time in Cambodia. The Capital, Phnom Penh.
Not much to say about it yet…but here are some photos!
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Dec9
夫婦
#夫婦 #filmphotography #nofilter #IlfordHP5
Nov25
موٹر وے بند
“MOTORWAY CLOSED”
Mr. Akram, my driver tells me.
Last night, police moved in to disperse some protestors in the Pakistan capital which unfortunately erupted in violence. That violence spread quickly across the country, catching up with us as we prepared to head for the airport.
“Motorway Closed.” And with many local roads also closed, (actually, we had no reliable information about which roads were closed, or open) we retreated to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, I experienced my first “media backout.” Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Line etc were not accessible. And some TV channels too.
An interesting experience. Not enjoyable.
But WordPress was not affected…so, here I am!
Nov19
World Toilet Day 2017!!!
Today (November 19th) is World Toilet Day.
This has been in the news recently. Thought it appropriate for WTD2017.
The effect of unsanitary conditions (intentional or not) on human health and nutrition.
Nov12
Fog…
The trip to Pakistan this time was dominated by FOG.
Combination of pollution, field burning and cold humid air is the story…
fog…
Deep enough was to close highways. Taking good ol’ local roads.
Good ol’ local country road eatin!
Fish fry! with roti…yea, that was a bit weird. But, some of the bet food I’ve had in Pakistan so far. Nothing beats local food!
Shine Lanka 