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UN-backed report finds no G7-based stock exchange indices align with Paris climate goals
New research co-authored by the UN Global Compact revealed on Thursday that none of the G7 leading industrial nations’ main stock indices are aligned with global emissions targets set out in the Paris Agreement, thwarting efforts to avoid the wors
UN agencies scale-up response to address looming famine ‘catastrophe’ in Tigray
The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) appealed on Thursday for immediate access to deliver lifesaving assistance to Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where ongoing fighting between government and regional forces has put some 350,000 people at risk of
Nine in 10 African nations set to miss urgent COVID vaccination goal
Nine in 10 African nations look set to miss the September target of vaccinating 10 per cent of their populations against COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), said on Thursday.
First Person: Owner of first ‘vegan football club’ scoring sustainable goals
A football club in the west of England has been recognized by the United Nations for its leading role in setting goals to tackle climate change, from planning a low-carbon stadium, to selling only 100 per cent vegan food.
Step up HIV fight, to end AIDS ‘epidemic of inequalities’ by 2030
Although the world has made “great strides” since the first case of AIDS was reported, four decades ago, the UN General Assembly President said on Tuesday that the “tragic reality” is that the most vulnerable remain in jeopardy.
End war on nature and ensure ocean health, UN chief says in message for World Oceans Day
Ending the “war on nature” must be part of global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday in his message for World Oceans Day.
Chilliest Spring in years is cold comfort as CO2 emissions rise: WMO
Confirmation that Europe has just had its chilliest Spring in years is cold comfort for the planet, amid rising greenhouse gas levels which will bring negative impacts for generations to come, UN weather experts said on Tuesday.
Volcanic eruption in DR Congo: UNICEF working to restore water supply amid cholera threat
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and partners are working to restore water supply to roughly 200,000 people, including some 100,000 children, affected by the volcanic eruption last month in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC
Global push needed to ensure ‘clean, affordable and sustainable electricity’ for all
During the last decade, more people around the world have gained access to electricity than ever before.
First Person: Raising a glass to ‘Mama Cheers’
A Ugandan woman entrepreneur who was left with just a wheelbarrow and a red dress, when a business partner ran off with all her money has been recognized with an award by the UN trade agency (UNCTAD) after she grew her company into a nationwide en
UN launches Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to counter ‘triple environmental emergency’
Heads of Government, religious leaders, activists and artists joined the United Nations on Friday in a rallying cry to heal the planet, launching the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Still time to reverse damage to ‘ravaged’ ecosystems, declares UN chief, marking Environment Day
Amidst the triple environmental threat of biodiversity loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution, Secretary-General António Guterres launched “an unprecedented effort to heal the Earth”, on the eve of World Environment Day.
Still time to reverse damage to ‘ravaged’ ecosystems, declares UN chief, marking Environment Day
Amidst the triple environmental threat of biodiversity loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution, Secretary-General António Guterres launched “an unprecedented effort to heal the Earth”, on the eve of World Environment Day.
UNRWA chief calls for ‘clear and unequivocal guarantees’ on staff safety in Hamas-controlled Gaza
The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has called for “clear and unequivocal guarantees” over the safety and security of staff working to restore critical services in Gaza, following last month’s conflict between
Restoration call for area ‘the size of China’ to protect falling biodiversity and food insecurity
An area of land roughly the size of China needs restoring if the planet’s biodiversity and the communities who rely on it are to be protected, UN agencies said on Thursday.
Invasive pest spread another fallout from climate change, UN-backed study finds
Climate change is making pests which ravage important agricultural crops even more destructive, heightening threats to global food security and the environment, a UN-backed study published on Wednesday has found.
Staggering health needs emerge in Gaza, following Israel-Hamas conflict
Senior UN health agency officials on Wednesday called for unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, citing growing concerns about urgent health needs there.
COVID crisis to push global unemployment over 200 million mark in 2022
The economic crisis caused by the COVID pandemic is expected to contribute to global unemployment of more than 200 million people next year, with women and youth workers worst-hit, UN labour experts said on Wednesday.
Amidst COVID surge, Asia-Pacific region needs ‘immediate and stronger support’
With the coronavirus still raging in many parts of the world, the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, warned on Tuesday of vaccine shortages, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and urged “immediate and stronger support” for the global COVAX initiative
WFP feeds more than one million in Tigray, but needs support to reach more
More than one million people in two areas of the war-ravaged Tigray region in Ethiopia have received emergency food assistance since distributions began in March, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported on Tuesday.
‘Simply no scenario’ where humanity can survive on an ocean-free planet
The world must harness “clear, transformative and actionable solutions” to address the ocean crisis, the President of the UN General Assembly said on Tuesday, opening a meeting to generate momentum towards the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, when public
Haiti: funding gap threatens the lives of nearly 86,000 children
In Haiti, the number of severely malnourished under-fives could more than double this year, UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said on Monday. Some could die if they do not receive timely treatment.
First Person: Learning a recipe for freedom in Nigeria
When Nigerian Blessing Ojukwu became pregnant after she was raped, her family disowned her.
FROM THE FIELD: Ghost in the seashell
“Ghost fishing” occurs when abandoned fishing gear dumped in the ocean traps and kills fish or other underwater life, and it is causing devastation to marine environments, warns the UN food agency, FAO.
UN chief calls for a global partnership to address COVID, climate change and achieve SDG’s
Speaking in a key international partnerships summit, António Guterres said that if governments embrace together the goals of phasing out coal, enhancing climate commitments, and investing in the Global Goals, there is an opportunity to rise to 'th
First Person: The ‘Human Swan’ inspiring climate action
Australian biologist Sacha Dench has been nicknamed “the Human Swan”, in recognition of her record-breaking, 7,000 kilometre, paramotor (motorized paraglider) flight, tracking Bewick swans across 11 countries, from Arctic Russian to the UK.
Millets prove tasty solution to climate and food security challenges
A renewed focus on boosting the production of millets and highlighting their benefits, is critical to reducing over-reliance on more commonly grown crops, boosting diverse diets, and food security.
Thousands in Goma evacuated amid fears of further volcanic eruption
The threat of new volcanic eruptions from Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have triggered thousands of residents to flee from the eastern city of Goma, the UN humanitarian office said on Friday.
Grave concerns over 'dire' and deteriorating situation in war-torn Tigray region
UN humanitarians expressed deep concern on Friday about serious and ongoing abuses carried out against displaced civilians who are also facing dire food insecurity in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, after months of conflict.
UN chief appeals to business leaders to help quell ‘a tsunami of suffering’ caused by COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought “a tsunami of suffering”, taken over 3.4 million lives and 500 million jobs, while wiping trillions of dollars from global balance sheets, Secretary-General António Guterres told business leaders on Thursday, appe