SDGs

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. 

First ever human space flight signalled 'new era for humanity'

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 where civilization can go, beyond the stratosphere. 

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 the COVID-19 pandemic, “as a sign of hope and renewed multilateralism.”

Guterres highlights power of sport for inclusive, sustainable future

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. 

Pandemic threatens lost decade for development, UN report reveals

The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed development gains for millions in poor countries, creating an even more sharply unequal world, according to a new UN report released on Thursday.  

‘Seize the moment’ to recover and rebuild better, UN deputy chief urges Asia-Pacific nations

Confronting major setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic, countries in Asia and the Pacific “must now seize the moment” to rebuild and recover better together, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General said on Tuesday. 

Inventions boom in ‘assistive tech’ offers wider benefits for all

Rapid growth in innovations that are designed to help people overcome their disabilities could soon offer a fix to all manner of mobility, sight and other difficulties, UN patent experts WIPO said on Tuesday.

Recognize ‘true value’ of water, UN urges, marking World Day

The UN is marking World Water Day on Monday with a global conversation on how people value the lifegiving resource in different parts of the world, according to local needs.

Exploited and marginalized, Bangladeshi tea workers speak up for their rights

Tea garden workers in Bangladesh, who are mainly women, are one of the most marginalized groups in the country, with limited access to education for their children and prone to dire health risks. A programme supported by the UN’s Joint SDG Fund, which funds initiatives focused on sustainable development, aims to boost social protection for these works, helping them access their rights and improve their life prospects.

First Person: ‘I did it, dad!’ A father's experience of Down syndrome

Millions of people around the world are affected by Down syndrome, a chromosome disorder. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with the condition which commonly affects, to varying degrees, an individual’s learning styles, physical characteristics and health.