Contributions to the Fund save lives, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message to the event. He urged Member States to “dig deeper”, calling for new donors to step forward, to meet the $1 billion annual target to support allocations over the coming year. Assisting people worldwide CERF...
“Syria is now at a crossroads with great opportunities for us, but also with grave risks. And we need really to look at both,” said Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria. “We know that, of course, HTS is now the dominant group in control of Damascus, but it’s important...
The laureates were honoured for their outstanding leadership, brave actions and sustainable solutions to tackle land degradation, drought and desertification. Protecting people and the planet The Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour and recognizes trailblazers from the public and private sectors, civil society and academia...
Bintou Keita, who also heads the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, reported on the instability in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, particularly operations by four armed groups: ADF, M23, CODECO and Zaïre. She applauded efforts to quell the violence there and in the wider region, highlighting...
As the world prepares to mark Human Rights Day 2024, Mr. Türk reflected on “a time when human rights are not only violated, but also increasingly instrumentalised.” He highlighted three critical issues to the international community: the proliferation of armed conflict, the rise of disinformation, and the neglect of long-term...
The historic shift of power in Syria at the weekend has added yet another layer of complexity to the Middle East crisis, with hostilities ongoing in Gaza, violence undiminished in the occupied West Bank and a fragile ceasefire underway in Lebanon. A Security Council meeting is expected on the crisis...
Backed by more than 140 nations and adopted without a vote, the resolution recognised that addressing the unlawful trade in such items is vital to preserve the identity and traditions of communities worldwide and enabling them to freely practice and safeguard priceless heritage. It also acknowledged the devastating impact of...
Captured in UN Photo’s Flags Avenue, you can view the full photo essay here. Rain or shine When weather conditions are favourable, which means above freezing conditions, the flags begin their ascent at 8am sharp. With steady hands and unwavering resolve, UN security officers undertake the task of hoisting the flags...
Across the world young and old are responding to this threat by adopting new approaches to working on the land that may not only prevent more degradation but may also provide new livelihood opportunities. The issue of desertification, drought and land restoration are being discussed at a global meeting of...
“We will respond wherever, whenever, however we can to support people in need, including reception centres – food, water, fuel, tents, blankets,” said Tom Fletcher, Emergency Relief Coordinator and head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. The dramatic development in the Syrian capital follows a lightning advance by armed...
The UNESCO committee that protects so called Intangible Cultural Heritage is meeting in Asunción, Republic of Paraguay, until Saturday, to add new entries to the UN culture agency’s list of world treasures. With more than 700 inscriptions to date, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to raise awareness at...
Asmaa Niang, who is from Morocco, spoke to UN News at the UN Convention to Control Desertification (UNCCD) meeting known as COP16 and explained why as an athlete she has the “responsibility to give back and inspire others to protect the land.” As a five-time African judo champion and Olympic...