Turning to sustainable global business: 5 things to know about the circular economy

13 June 2021
Climate and Environment
UNDP/Sumaya Agha

Due to the ever-increasing demands of the global economy, the resources of the planet are being used up at an alarming rate and waste and pollution are growing fast. The idea of a more sustainable “circular economy” is gaining traction, but what does this concept mean, and can it help save the planet?

‘Demystify’ albinism and end discrimination – UN chief 

Counting down to Peace Day, UN chief urges: Stand up against hatred and care for planet 

First Person: An on-air antidote to misinformation in the Central African Republic

Guterres: Vaccines should be considered 'global public goods'

Mozambique: Violence continues in Cabo Delgado, as agencies respond to growing needs

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

UN elects five new members to serve on the Security Council 

UN Affairs

Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were elected by the 75th session of the General Assembly on Friday to serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2022-2023 term. 

PAHO/Karen González Abril

Continuing Venezuela exodus and COVID-19 highlights need for global solidarity for most vulnerable

Migrants and Refugees

Vulnerable Venezuelan migrants and refugees who have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 health and socio-economic crisis, urgently need greater support from the international community, UN humanitarians said on Friday, ahead of a donor conference hosted by Canada next week.

© UNICEF/Zhanara Karimova

UNESCO report highlights need for greater investment, diversity in science

SDGs

Although spending on science has risen worldwide, greater investment is needed in the face of growing crises, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recommended in a new report published on Friday. 

UNICEF/Minzayar Oo

UN rights chief urges accountability for escalating ‘catastrophe’ in Myanmar

Human Rights

Escalating violence across Myanmar including attacks on civilians must be halted to prevent even greater loss of life and a deepening humanitarian emergency, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Friday.

© UNICEF/Esiey Leul Kinfu

UN agencies scale-up response to address looming famine ‘catastrophe’ in Tigray

Humanitarian Aid

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 famine.  

Headlines at a glance

‘Unprecedented’ rise in gang violence across Haiti’s capital displaces thousands

Nine in 10 African nations set to miss urgent COVID vaccination goal 

UN-backed report finds no G7-based stock exchange indices align with Paris climate goals 

Child labour figure rises to 160 million, as COVID puts many more at risk 

Security Council urged to bring multilateralism ‘alive’, to tackle serious global challenges 

New WHO guidance aims to stamp out rights violations in mental health services

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