SDGs

Amina J. Mohammed of Nigeria.
UN Photo/Mark Garten

Deputy UN chief highlights stronger AU-UN partnership to benefit Africa's youth

3 July 2017
Africa

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed today called for strengthening the relationship between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to deliver on promised development for Africa's youth.

A school of Moorish Idols cruise over the coral reef, Ha’apai, Tonga.
UNEP GRID Arendal/Glenn Edney

Working together, ‘we can ensure that our oceans remain healthy as our blue home’ – UN chief

8 June 2017
Global

The future of the planet’s oceans is burdened by threats such as climate change, pollution and destructive fishing practices – and the lack of capacities to address these threats – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said, calling for joint global action to ensure “that our oceans are peaceful, safe and bountiful, and remain healthy as our blue home.”

The United Nations Development Programme to appoint globally-acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Cody Simpson to inaugural role during the UN’s first ever Ocean Conference.
UNDP

Musician Cody Simpson to be named 'Ocean Advocate' for UN development agency

7 June 2017
Global

To mark World Oceans Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will name Australian musician Cody Simpson as its first-ever Ocean Advocate to help raise awareness of the crucial role the ocean plays in the health of the planet and people.

Fishermen at work in Evia, Greece (January 1973).
UN Photo/Tsagris

UN Ocean Conference opens with calls for united action to reverse human damage

5 June 2017
Global

Opening a “game-changing” international conference on the health of the world’s oceans and seas, top United Nations officials today urged coordinated global action to protect the planet.

Photo: Tran Vinh Nghia/UNDP
Tran Vinh Nghia/UNDP

FEATURE: UN Ocean Conference ‘dream come true’ for Caribbean nations such as Trinidad and Tobago

2 June 2017
Americas

Protecting the oceans is among the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the blueprint for a more just and equitable world adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nations in September 2015.

Shigeatsu Hatakeyama picks up oysters on a farm raft.
Photo/Mori wa Umi no Koibito

FEATURE: ‘Grandpa Oyster’ offers example of sustainable ocean business

30 May 2017
Asia Pacific

Shigeatsu Hatakeyama’s oyster farm was completely destroyed by the deadly tsunami that hit north-east Japan in March 2011.

Ms. Lakhan Baptiste (right), with the organization Nature Seekers, gets help measuring a leatherback turtle that has just laid her eggs on Matura Beach. The group has become a model for conservation efforts in the Caribbean region.
UN News/Lulu Gao

FEATURE: UN-backed projects in the Caribbean highlight connection between life on land and life below water

26 May 2017
Americas

The vital role of the world's oceans in human well-being and development is being highlighted next month as the United Nations hosts a global conference aimed at protecting these resources.

Shamshad Akhtar, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, delivering her policy statement at the 71st session of the Commission.
ESCAP

ESCAP: 70 years of UN efforts to advance socio-economic development in Asia and the Pacific

12 May 2017
Asia Pacific
Notwithstanding the challenges faced by countries in Asia and Pacific, the region has witnessed economic and social achievements beyond expectations over the past 70 years, according to the head of the United Nations body assisting with development efforts.
Buddhist monks meditate at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal.
UN News/Vibhu Mishra

Buddha's message of compassion 'timeless' says UN chief on international day

10 May 2017
Global

Observing the Day of Vesak, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the global community to draw inspiration from the journey of Lord Buddha and embrace his message of compassion.

Plastic bottles and garbage waste from a nearby village wash on the shores of a river and then spill into the sea.
UN Photo/Martine Perret

FEATURE: UN’s mission to keep plastics out of oceans and marine life

27 April 2017
Global

There will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050 unless people stop using single-use plastic items such as plastic bags and plastic bottles, according to figures cited by the United Nations.