SDGs

A forest path.
Unsplash/Lukasz Szmigiel

Forest restoration provides a path to pandemic recovery, greener future

20 March 2021
Global

Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic should lead to stronger action to safeguard the world’s forests, a senior UN official said on Friday, highlighting how these natural resources have helped to protect health and well-being during the global crisis. 

A woman in Madagascar walks for up to 14km a day to find clean water.
© UNICEF/Safidy Andrianantenain

Billions without clean water and sanitation a ‘moral failure’: UN General Assembly President

18 March 2021
Global

Access to water is not just about “liquid in a bottle” but instead touches on universal issues such as dignity, opportunity and equality, the UN General Assembly President said on Thursday, in opening a high-level meeting on ensuring water and sanitation are available to all. 

The Wayúu people are indigenous to Colombia.
WHO/PAHO/Karen González Abril

New report details indigenous struggle for land rights

12 March 2021
Global

Although the world’s indigenous peoples live in areas that contain around 80 per cent of the planet’s biodiversity, many still struggle to maintain their legal rights to lands, territories and resources, according to a new UN report published on Friday. 

The President of the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Japanese Minister of Justice, Yoko Kamikawa (centre), brings the Congress in Kyoto, Japan to a close.
UN Japan/Yuki Kato

World’s crime fighters push back against COVID-19’s ‘divisions and inequalities’

12 March 2021
Global

The world’s largest crime prevention and criminal justice gathering wrapped up on Friday, rejecting “the divisions and inequalities” exposed by COVID-19, according to the top UN crime-fighting official. 
 

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (file photo).
ECA

World stands at critical moment to deliver on 2030 Agenda – UN deputy chief

10 March 2021
Global

The world is at a critical moment to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Wednesday, during a virtual discussion with European Parliament Vice-President Heidi Hautala. 

In Turkey, young women play in a soccer match to end violence against women and girls.
UN Women

FROM THE FIELD: The women fighting for Generation Equality

7 March 2021
Global

It will take around 130 years to reach gender parity in key areas such as politics and the boardroom, but 13 extraordinary women, who have been profiled in a UN exhibition are showing how opportunities can be created for all women and girls.

A homeless woman begs for money in the centre of London, United Kingdom
Unsplash/Tom Parsons

Women in Europe need ‘greater economic independence’ to avoid poverty: UN Special Rapporteur

6 March 2021

Women in Europe should be given “greater economic independence” through equal pay, childcare support and the sharing of domestic duties to ensure that they do not fall into poverty, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.

Nzambi Matee is a materials engineer from Kenya and head of Gjenge Makers, which produces sustainable low-cost construction materials made of recycled plastic waste and sand.
UN News/Grece Kaneiya

Equality in engineering crucial to achieving sustainable development: UN-backed report

3 March 2021
Global

Regional disparities in engineering, especially in Africa, must be addressed if the world is to realize a common future where no one is left behind, according to a report issued on Wednesday by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and partners. 

Ecuador advocates for greater control of money laundering from illicit activities. (file)
UNODC

Financial transparency, 'sound governance and accountability’ essential to reach Global Goals

25 February 2021
Global

Financial integrity is “paramount to the success of the 2030 Agenda”, the President of the UN General Assembly said on Thursday, launching a new report that offers a blueprint to address a range of obstacles, particularly surrounding illicit finance flows. 

Women artisans from Barara village in Gujarat’s Patan district doing traditional embroidery.
Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

FROM THE FIELD: The Indian women weaving a digital web

21 February 2021
Asia Pacific

Hundreds of thousands of Indian women are learning to market themselves and sell products online, with the support of a digital literacy project managed by the World Bank.