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UN stands in deep solidarity with Saint Vincent after devastating volcanic eruptions
Following a series of powerful eruptions from La Soufrière volcano on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent, the UN chief on Monday expressed deep solidarity with the country’s people and Government.
World on the verge of climate ‘abyss’, as temperature rise continues: UN chief
The Earth’s temperature continues to rise unabated, with 2020 being one of the three warmest years on record, as extreme weather events combine with the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting millions.
Green transformation will rival industrial revolution: US climate envoy
The transition to a global economic model which will slow down climate change and create jobs will be the “biggest economic transformation since the industrial revolution” according to John Kerry, the US climate envoy.
Soaring food prices, conflicts driving hunger, rise across West and Central Africa: WFP
More than 31 million people across West and Central Africa may not have enough to eat in the coming months as hunger rises due to an “explosive mix” of skyrocketing food prices, conflict and fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Food Progr
Guterres urges cities to embrace ‘generational opportunity’ for climate action, sustainable development
The United Nations Secretary-General, on Friday, called for a “revolution” in urban planning and urban transport to beat back impacts of climate change and build a green and sustainable future for all.
Northeast Nigeria violence forces 65,000 to flee, humanitarians targeted by armed groups
A spate of clashes involving Government security forces and insurgent groups in northeast Nigeria has caused mass displacement and threatened humanitarian assistance, as armed groups go “house-to-house” hunting for aid workers, the UN said on Frid
‘Inequality virus’ threatens ‘catastrophe for all’ unless crisis can be overcome together
The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to “an even more unequal world”, the Deputy UN chief said on Thursday, speaking at the closing session of the Financing for Development (FfD) Forum, with many lower-income countries now seeing development gains rev
‘Inequality virus’ threatens ‘catastrophe for all’ unless crisis can be overcome together
The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to “an even more unequal world”, the Deputy UN chief said on Thursday, speaking at the closing session of the Financing for Development (FfD) Forum, with many lower-income countries now seeing development gains rev
UN envoy highlights diplomatic unity, as key to help end Yemen war
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen appealed on Thursday for warring parties to implement a nationwide ceasefire and agree a date for peace talks, in line with a plan to end their conflict.
New UN-backed framework to boost agricultural trade between African nations
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), together with the African Union (AU) Commission, launched a new continent-wide framework on Thursday, to boost trade and improve food security.
UN to launch funding appeal for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following volcano eruption
The UN is set to launch a funding appeal to support Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where ongoing volcanic “explosions” continue to disrupt life in the Caribbean island nation and nearby countries, a top official in the region said on Wednesday.
‘Large, likely long-lasting’ crisis looms over Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, UNICEF warns
The Cabo Delgado region in northern Mozambique is staring at a “large and likely long-lasting” humanitarian crisis, with nearly a third of its population displaced, worsening hunger and rising risk of deadly diseases, the United Nations Children’s
UN atomic energy agency to work with Japan on Fukushima water disposal
The International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA, said on Tuesday that it will work closely with Japan which is preparing to release a million tonnes of contaminated seawater used to cool the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Volcanic eruption leaves ‘entire population’ of Saint Vincent without clean water
Last week’s eruption of La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has left the entire population of the main island without clean water and electricity, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday.
Guterres calls for ‘paradigm shift’ to recover from COVID setbacks
A “paradigm shift” aligning the private sector with the global goals is needed to address the challenges of the future, including those triggered by COVID-19, the UN chief said on Monday, addressing the Financing for Development (FfD) Forum.
Human space flight ‘changed our perspectives’, UN office says, marking International Day
The United Nations is marking the International Day of Human Space Flight on Monday, celebrating the achievements of astronauts who are “stretching the boundaries” of what the human civilization can achieve.
Somalia: ‘Prioritise the national interest’ international partners urge, as political stalemate continues
The UN and international partners working to support a lasting peace and democratic election process across Somalia, said on Sunday that they were highly concerned by the current situation there, calling on Somali leaders to “prioritize the nation
FROM THE FIELD: Solar energy powers COVID-19 treatment
In some of the poorest parts of the world, where there is no access to a reliable electricity grid, the UN is equipping hundreds of health facilities with solar technologies, allowing them to avoid power outages and save lives.
Without access to vaccines, COVID will continue widening inequality everywhere
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented public health, economic and social crises, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions and exacerbating inequalities throughout the world, the World Bank said at the COVID-19: Vaccines for Devel
UN chief welcomes IMF and World Bank measures to address COVID-related debt crisis
The UN Secretary-General on Friday welcomed steps announced by the International Monetary and Finance Committee (IMFC) and the World Bank Group Development Committee, to address debt crises and other financial distress to economies arising from th
Paris goals still ‘long way off’, says President of UN climate conference
The world is “a long way off” from meeting the goals of the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the President of the crucial upcoming UN climate conference, COP26, said on Thursday.
Humanitarian catastrophe in northern Mozambique ‘beyond epic proportions’
The UN and partners are “following with deep concern” new reports of violations against civilians in northern Mozambique, the UN Spokesperson said on Thursday.
New project to help 30 developing countries tackle marine litter scourge
A UN-backed initiative aims to turn the tide on marine litter, in line with the global development goal on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Ethiopia: Amidst hostilities in Tigray, humanitarian situation remains ‘dire’
The humanitarian situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, remains “dire”, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday.
Youth Forum: UN chief calls for ‘tangible improvements’ in the face of injustice, poor governance
Leaders across the world need to “move beyond platitudes” about young people, and deliver a better future for them all, Secretary-General António Guterres told the 10th Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum on Wednesday.
Renewable energy access key to climate adaptation in Africa: UN chief
Support for climate adaptation in Africa is crucial, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday in appealing for greater action to provide renewable energy to hundreds of millions who still lack access to reliable and affordable electri
Guterres highlights power of sport for inclusive, sustainable future, marking International Day
The United Nations Secretary-General on Tuesday urged everyone involved in the sport sector to help advance climate action, combat discrimination and prejudice, and ensure that global sporting events leave a positive legacy.
Timor-Leste: UN agencies support response in wake of deadly floods
United Nations agencies in Timor-Leste are supporting response efforts, as floods and landslides left widespread damage across the country, including in capital Dili.
Thousands on the move after brutal attacks in northern Mozambique, UN office reports
Thousands of people in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado are on the move in search of safety, as the security situation remains volatile, after last week’s brutal attacks by armed groups in Palma district, according to the UN Office f
UNHCR urges greater protection for Sahel communities after deadly attack
Ten days after armed groups carried out a deadly attack on three villages near the western Niger town of Tillia, UN humanitarians have repeated their call for greater protection of civilians and all those displaced by violence in the Sahel.