President Obama Meets with World Leaders on Day Two at the U.N General Assembly

Posted by White House

President Obama distinct the 19th anniversary of the International Day of Peace with a series of meetings and events as he participated in the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The President began his day with an address to the General Assembly, where he spoke about the significant changes that have occurred throughout the world since the last gathering of this group:

This year has been a time of unexpected transformation. More nations have stepped forward to uphold international peace and security. And more individuals are claiming their universal right to live in freedom and dignity.

Following the address, President Obama met with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and pledged America’s commitment to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. The Prime Minister decided with President Obama's assertion that direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine are the only way to achieve that goal:

I think the Palestinians want to attain a state through the international community, but they’re not equipped yet to give peace to Israel in return. And my hope is that there will be other leaders in the world, responsible leaders, who will heed your call, Mr. President, and oppose this effort to shortcut peace discussions in fact, to avoid them. Because I think that avoiding these negotiations is bad for Israel, bad for the Palestinians, and bad for peace.

The President had his first face to face meeting with Japan's new Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda. The two leaders discussed the ongoing recovery from the earthquake and tsunami that overwhelmed that country earlier this year, and the importance of the strong Japan-U.S. relationship. The Prime Minister echoed the President’s desire to uphold this vital partnership:

17 Years After Violence Against Women Act, Vice President Calls on New creation to Take Action

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Last night, Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden held a reception at the Naval Observatory to rejoice the 17th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) being signed into law, as well as call on a new generation to take action to decrease the high rates of violence and assault that continues to threaten young men and women across the country.

Speaking before a crowd that incorporated many of the men and women who supported the Vice President’s efforts to see the Act become law on September 13, 1994, the Vice President remarked on how it was VAWA that exposed a “flaw that lay as part of the fabric of American society”– the fact that the mere discussion of violence and abuse being committed against women was measured by many to be taboo.

Beyond shattering this notion, the law redefined the way domestic violence is handled from side to side changes in law enforcement, improvements in the criminal justice system and the establishment of shelters and services for victims.

Working Jointly to Create World-Class Schools

Posted by White House

Now that our nation’s children are back in school, I will be travelling through six states with this important message: our nation’s long-term economic security is inextricably linked to education. We have to educate our way to a enhanced economy.

The jobs of today and tomorrow will need knowledge workers with some post secondary training, whether it is an associate or bachelor’s degree, or technical training obtainable from a vocational school or community college.

Unfortunately, America has a long way to go before we can truly say we’re educating today’s children to be competitive in the knowledge economy. By many indicators, we’re falling far short.

The Obama administration has a cradle-to-career agenda to support states and districts as they reform their schools and make college more affordable for students. This agenda is intended around key principles, including:

* Creating premature learning systems that align all of their resources to get our youngest children ready for kindergarten.

* Raising standards so they really prepare students for success in college and careers.

* Improving the quality of teaching in the classroom by improving the preparation, professional development, and estimate of teachers and principals.

* And turning around determinedly low-performing schools that have been failing students for decades or even generations.

It’s an aggressive agenda, and we’re backing it up with unprecedented investments in reform. We’ve already made the largest investment in higher education since the GI Bill. We’re creating new incentives for states to align their early learning programs to make certain all children are ready for kindergarten. Through Race to the Top, states have made more progress in reform over the past two years than in the previous decade. And the President has a plan to fix No Child Left Behind by offering states suppleness from its one-size-fits all mandates.

Nevertheless, reform will occur in states and communities. Our job in Washington is to give resources and support for the excellent work happening in states and communities.

That’s why I’m so keyed up about this week’s bus tour. All across the Midwest, members of my team will be visiting communities where elected officials, union leaders, business owners, and teachers are working jointly to transform the lives of children.