International Year of the Potato relationship that exists between poverty, food security, malnutrition and the potential contribution of the potato to defeating hunger." This was one of many international observances declared for specific days, months and years. The year 2008 was shared with the International Year of Sanitation. It was hoped that International Year designation will do for the potato what the International Year of Rice (2004) did for that food staple, namely, inspire exhibits, educational programs, films, publications and greater public awareness of multi-national efforts on behalf of our food resources. The year 2008 was also designated the National Year of the Potato in
United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order The United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order is a United Nations Independent Expert (also known as Special Rapporteur) appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council under its special procedures mechanism, to report on the thematic field of the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. The mandate was established by Human Rights Council resolution 18/6 (29 September 2011), chiefly supported by developing countries. On 23 March 2012, Alfred-Maurice de Zayas (United States) was elected the Independent