Global

Olympic athletes describe the power of sport to change the world

Leading athletes, influencers and innovators have been sharing their thoughts on the role that sport can play in building a better world for all, in UN-led online discussions held to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics.

Sink or swim: Can island states survive the climate crisis?

Small island nations across the world are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, and their problems have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected their economies, and their capacity to protect themselves from possible extinction. We take a look at some of the many challenges they face, and how they could be overcome.

Delta variant, a warning the COVID-19 virus is getting ‘fitter and faster’

Cases and deaths resulting from COVID-19 continue to climb worldwide, mostly fuelled by the highly transmissible Delta variant, which has spread to 132 countries, said the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.

From electric dreams to supercharged reality: the road race to a clean energy future

The global Formula E electric race series, a partner with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP),  has grown in popularity since it launched some seven years ago, attracting the attention of major car manufacturers, changing people’s perceptions of electric vehicles, and bringing the world one step closer to a sustainable transport future.

Witchcraft killings of people with albinism have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, says UN expert

People being plunged into poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the killing of people with albinism, the outgoing UN appointed independent expert said on Thursday.  

Human trafficking: UN chief calls for action as COVID leaves ‘many millions’ more vulnerable

UN Secretary General António Guterres on Thursday urged States to take action against human trafficking, where a third of all victims are children.

Countries urged to develop pandemic preparedness and response treaty

A senior official with the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need for a global treaty on pandemic preparedness and response, urging countries to “seize the moment” and support its development. 

Food systems transformation a ‘silver lining’ in COVID crisis: UN deputy chief

A sustainable and prosperous planet can only be achieved through working together and in solidarity, the UN Deputy Secretary-General said on Wednesday at the end of a major global food security meeting.

On World Hepatitis Day, WHO calls for elimination of the disease by 2030 

The UN health agency pointed out on Wednesday, World Hepatitis Day, that every 30 seconds a person dies from a hepatitis-related illness and called for all countries to work together to eliminate this preventable disease as a public health threat by 2030.  

COVID-19 infections rise, Delta variant spreads to 132 countries 

COVID-19 infections rose eight per cent last week to more than 3.8 million, the UN health agency reported on Wednesday.