Month: April 2023
SDG ‘warriors’ open Youth Forum with advice for building better world
Their call was answered by top UN officials. “Our world needs you more than ever,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, in a video message for the event. Organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the three day forum and its dozens of side events will elaborate on the 2023 theme of…
Read MoreFAO makes case for meat, eggs and milk as ‘essential source of nutrients’
This is particularly vital during key life stages such as pregnancy and lactation, childhood, adolescence and older age, says the study, entitled Contribution of terrestrial animal source food to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health outcomes. Comprehensive analysis It’s the most comprehensive analysis yet of the benefits and risks of consuming animal source foods and is based on data and evidence…
Read MoreGuterres: Urgency of global challenges demands bold, swift action
“We face unprecedented and interlocking crises,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his briefing at the Council’s ministerial-level open debate on effective multilateralism through the defence of the principles of the UN Charter. “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high, so are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation. It is time…
Read MoreWorld Immunization Week sees ‘big catch-up’ to get vaccines back on track
Under the banner of ‘The Big Catch-Up’, WHO – the World Health Organization – and partners will support countries to get back on track so that more children and adults are protected from preventable diseases. The pandemic saw essential immunization levels decrease in over 100 countries, leading to rising outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, polio and…
Read MoreUN pledges to ‘stand with and work for the Sudanese people’
Speaking in the UN Security Council, António Guterres said: “Let me be clear: the United Nations is not leaving Sudan. Our commitment is to the Sudanese people, in support of their wishes for a peaceful and secure future. We stand with them, at this terrible time.” In blunt terms, he said the violence must stop, now. “It…
Read MoreYouth Forum: How change-makers are shaping more sustainable world
From 25 to 27 April, thousands of youth leaders from around the world are poised to gather at the 2023 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. In person and online, they are bringing their solutions, recommendations, and initiatives, sharing their ideas for ensuring a sustainable future is possible for all. The three-day event centres…
Read MoreSudan: UN rights chief calls for a return to talks, amid fragile ceasefire
“Sudan has already endured so much pain and suffering. The fighting is born out of power games and personal interests that only serve to alienate the democratic aspirations of the population,” said Mr. Türk, adding, “Do those responsible not understand that the civilian population now only craves a peaceful life?” According to latest news reports,…
Read MoreAfghanistan: UN predicts restrictions on women’s rights will worsen economic catastrophe
The Afghanistan Socio-Economic Outlook 2023, released by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), provides an overview of the fallout resulting from the takeover of Afghanistan by its present-day de facto rulers, the Taliban, in August 2021. Immediately after the Taliban assumed power, the Afghan economy collapsed, accelerating Afghanistan’s decade-long slide into poverty; with a population estimated…
Read More‘Meaningful’ youth involvement in decision-making critical to sustainable future: Guterres
The report calls for expanding and strengthening youth participation in public policy making and decision-making at all levels, to realize the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A ‘driving force’ for change The UN chief emphasized that youth are key to identifying new solutions for the breakthroughs that the world urgently needs. “Young…
Read MoreUN, African and Arab leaders to hold virtual talks on Sudan crisis
The UN chief spoke earlier in the day to President William Ruto of Kenya and with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki. Mr. Guterres will attend a virtual meeting on Sudan on Thursday, bringing together the AU Chairperson, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Executive Secretary of the East African…
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