We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children - Native American Proverb

For many years, she, our mother earth, has inhabited humans, animals and plants providing a haven to accommodate all living things without asking for much in return, merely a pledge to live in harmony. Regarding the vast benefits that have been rendered to us, it is sad to know that society has repaid with little or almost nothing; instead, society continues to act as an agent of destruction posing many challenges and annihilations suffered by her.

To acknowledge the significance of Mother Earth, 22nd of April has been specially observed as the International Mother Earth Day, held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally. It recognizes that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also aims to raise awareness that humans have a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of present as well as those of future generations.

7^th of April marks the anniversary of the founding of (WHO) in 1948. This Day provides an opportunity for individuals to get involved in stimulating and health-oriented activities.

This year's theme is "Vector – borne diseases", transmitted through blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, also referred to as vectors. The deadliest of these diseases are malaria, dengue fever and sleeping sickness. These account for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases. In 2010, malaria alone caused an estimated 660 000 deaths, while dengue, was responsible for a 30-fold increase in disease incidence over the last 50 years. However in recent years, renewed commitments from ministries of health, regional and global health initiatives have helped in combatting these diseases and reducing the rates of infection.

World Health Day 2014 aims to raise awareness to the threat posed by vectors and vector-borne diseases as well as stimulate families and communities to take action to protect themselves. A core element of the campaign will be to provide communities with information and to equip them with proper knowledge to combat these diseases.

We, at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), coinciding with this year's World Health Day, aim to enlighten the society, youth inclusive, to fight against these vector-borne diseases and take action towards protecting their immediate community. We continue to strive towards healthier standards of living and the implementation of programs that enhance health indices of the society.

As was said by Tom Stoppard, A healthy attitude is contagious, but don't wait to catch it from others, be a carrier! So, let us all be the carriers and together, share in healthy attitudes and lifestyles!

HAPPY WORLD HEALTH DAY!

We must treat water as if it were the most precious thing in the World, the most valuable natural resources. Be economical with water! Don't waste it! We still have time to d something about this problem before it is too late.

- Mikhail Gorbachev

Since 1993, the 22nd of March has been set aside by the United Nations as the World Water Day, to draw attention to the importance for advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater and clean water both at international and local levels. In many parts of the world, accessibility to a clean supply of water is extremely limited, this most basic of necessities and sustenance.

This year's theme aims to highlight the interdependence of water and energy; utilizing water to generate energy and likewise; utilizing energy during the process of water purification. Ultimately, efforts on this day go towards facilitating the development of policies and crosscutting frameworks that bridge ministries and sectors, leading the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a green economy.

In support of the above, we at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), urge the youth and our extensive network of youth councils, to support initiatives and endeavours within their immediate communities, which drive for the conservation of energy and the delivery of safe drinking water wherever it is inadequate. Let us strive to ensure adequate sanitation and the implementation of green technologies within our communities.

This year, efforts on World Water Day, aim to contribute to a policy dialogue that focuses on the broad range of issues related to the interdependence of water and energy and identify key stakeholders in the water-energy nexus in order to actively engage them in further developing the water-energy linkages. This will ultimately allow them to make relevant contributions to the post-2015 discussions in relation to the water-energy interdependence.

To quote Margaret Atwood "Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does."

We at WAY we wish you all a Happy World Water Day!

Non-violence can truly flourish when the world is free of poverty, hunger, discrimination, exclusion, intolerance and hatred - when women and men can realize their highest potential and live a secure and fulfilling life. Until then, each and every one of us would have to contribute - collectively and individually to build peace through non-violence.

-Anwarul Chowdhury

As a child is born to the world, a sense of relief, joy and happiness engulfs the atmosphere. A new life has graced the face of earth, free from troubles, free from chains and pure in mind and soul. Everything else after that, the child learns from the world by whole heartedly taking in every insight and knowledge whether good or bad.

Every parent dreams of having a morally upright and successful child, but at what age should a child master the moral value to respect the differences in ethnicity and culture among people so as to numb this hatred? Hatred has been taught, it has been displayed for others to see, it has been displayed on people. One writer said if a child can be taught to hate, a child can be taught to love.

Racial discrimination has been at the center of several conflicts throughout history. 21st March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the Apartheid laws in Sharpeville, South Africa. The United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to fortify its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, and in 1966 declared the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Today, our fight against racial and ethnic discrimination continues, the hindrances to progress for millions of people around the world becoming more apparent. In acknowledgement of that, we, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), urge all stakeholders to continue their efforts of nurturing peace and love amongst children and young people halting any forms of racism and discrimination.We believe that Racial discrimination differentiates between individuals on the basis of real and perceived racial differences.This day reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting these ideas.

We must join forces to end racism. Let us recommit to ending racial discrimination and realizing our vision of justice, equality and freedom from fear for all.