SDGs

New power cube technology on display in Vanuatu. The cubes are charged with electricity using solar rays.
UNDP

$1 billion fund for renewables among key energy commitments made during UN ministerial forums

25 June 2021

The IKEA Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation have announced plans to launch a $1 billion fund to boost access to renewable energy in developing countries – one of the key commitments made during a series of virtual UN ministerial forums this week.

A child stands near a water pump surrounded by floodwaters in Gatumba, located near Bujumbura in Burundi.
© UNICEF/Karel Prinsloo

Water-related disasters throw up complex challenges, threaten lives and jobs

25 June 2021
Global

The global climate crisis is “exacerbating and intensifying” water-related disasters, jeopardizing lives and livelihoods, the UN chief said on Friday at a major sustainable development symposium.

Major infrastructure projects like this dam on the Nura River in Kazakhstan often require foreign direct investment. (file)
World Bank/Shynar Jetpissova

Pandemic ‘rolled back’ sustainable development funding for weak economies: UNCTAD

21 June 2021
Global

Financial assistance to the world’s 83 weakest economies fell by 15 per cent in 2020, to $35 billion as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, UN trade and development experts UNCTAD said on Monday.

Women in Burundi tile the soil with hoes in preparation for planting.
©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

UN chief: Desertification and drought destabilizing well-being of 3.2 billion people 

16 June 2021
Global

Land degradation from climate change and the expansion of agriculture, cities and infrastructure “undermines the well-being of 3.2 billion people”, the UN chief said on Wednesday in his message for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. 

Young women participate in Kazakhstan’s first nanosatellite development programme aimed at women.
© UNICEF/Zhanara Karimova

UNESCO report highlights need for greater investment, diversity in science

11 June 2021
Global

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. 

A midwife prepares medicine for a two-week-old HIV-positive baby in Uganda.
© UNICEF/Jimmy Adriko

Step up HIV fight, to end AIDS ‘epidemic of inequalities’ by 2030 

8 June 2021
Global

Although the world has made “great strides” since the first case of AIDS was reported, four decades ago, the UN General Assembly President said on Tuesday that the “tragic reality” is that the most vulnerable remain in jeopardy. 

Kamloops lake in British Columbia, Canada, is located on traditional lands of the Secwepemc Nation.
Unsplash/Louis Paulin

Still time to reverse damage to ‘ravaged’ ecosystems, declares UN chief, marking World Environment Day 

4 June 2021
Global

Amidst the triple environmental threat of biodiversity loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution, Secretary-General António Guterres launched “an unprecedented effort to heal the Earth”, on the eve of World Environment Day. 

A hospital kitchen worker in France prepares meals for patients.
ILO Photo/Marcel Crozet

COVID crisis to push global unemployment over 200 million mark in 2022

2 June 2021

The economic crisis caused by the COVID pandemic is expected to contribute to global unemployment of more than 200 million people next year, with women and youth workers worst-hit, UN labour experts said on Wednesday.

Coastal and marine ecosystems provide food, livelihoods, and coastal protection to more than a billion people worldwide.
UNCTAD

‘Simply no scenario’ where humanity can survive on an ocean-free planet

1 June 2021
Global

The world must harness “clear, transformative and actionable solutions” to address the ocean crisis, the President of the UN General Assembly said on Tuesday, opening a meeting to generate momentum towards the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, when public health safety measures allow. 

A street in Seoul, South Korea
Unsplash/Chinh Le Duc

UN chief calls for a global partnership to address COVID, climate change and achieve SDG’s

30 May 2021
Asia Pacific

Speaking in a key international partnerships summit, António Guterres said that if governments embrace together the goals of phasing out coal, enhancing climate commitments, and investing in the Global Goals, there is an opportunity to rise to 'the biggest challenge of our lives'.