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14 October 2024
The Week Ahead with the UN in the Caribbean: 14 - 20 October 2024
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11 October 2024
Women from Indigenous and Tribal Villages in Suriname receive business coaching workshop
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11 October 2024
Governments from Latin America and the Caribbean endorse ECLAC’s recommendations for achieving the transformations that the region needs
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The Sustainable Development Goals in the Caribbean
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the Earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. The United Nations in the Caribbean is supporting delivery on all 17 goals:
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04 September 2024
Contest to give new visual identity to Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
“The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent is rapidly becoming a driving force for the consolidation of an international agenda for, and led by, communities of African descent. And yet, much more needs to be done to ensure recognition, justice and development,” said UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, in a message to celebrate the International Day for People of African Descent.One of the ways the UN Permanent Forum is working to better acknowledge the contributions of People of African descent is by opening a competition to African artists and artists of African descent to design its new visual identity.The Permanent Forum was established in August 2021 as a consultative mechanism and a platform to improve the safety and quality of life of people of African descent. It also acts as an advisory body to the UN Human Rights Council and in coordination with other UN bodies that work to combat racism against people of African descent.As a newly established organ, the Permanent Forum requires a recognizable symbol that effectively conveys the essence of the people it represents.“I truly hope this logo represents a vision of a possible future for Afro-diasporic people,” said Brendon Reis, a self-taught visual artist from Brazil and one of the five members of the jury for the competition.For experts sitting on the Permanent Forum and member of the competition’s jury, holding a public process to define its visual identity demonstrates the importance of involving communities of African descent in decision-making processes that concern them, to promote a sense of community, ownership and inclusivity.“Opening the contest to artists of the African diaspora was essential because it allows for an authentic representation of our diverse cultures, histories, and experiences,” said Rockyath Adechoubou, the founder of Auction for Change, also a member of the competition’s jury."Artists who are part of the diaspora bring a unique, lived perspective that is vital for a project like this. This contest is not just about design; it’s about narrative, connection, and cultural expression."— Rockyath AdechoubouAdechoubou’s organization brings social impact and art together to foster change and amplify marginalized voices. The competition is not only about creating a logo, she added, but also “crafting a symbol that embodies the resilience, strength and unity of people of African descent globally.”For Reis, it was also important to adopt a decentralized approach to break with already established visual standards, when seeking to create a new visual identity for the Permanent Forum.“I believe that any creative initiative needs to have social involvement with the community, making the debate plural and more connected with the multiple discussions that take place when we talk about any kind of identity,” Reis added.Giving her final thoughts on what the new logo would represent for people of African descent, Adechoubou said she hopes it will serve as a powerful symbol of pride, unity, and recognition for people of African descent that encapsulate their shared history, our ongoing struggles and boundless potential.“The logo should not only be a representation of our past but also a beacon for our future—a reminder that our contributions to the world are invaluable, and our stories are integral to the global narrative,” she added.The competition was launched on the International Day of People of African Descent, 31 August 2024, and will close on 1 November 2024. It is opened to artists of all ages. The winning entry will be announced in January 2025 and the winner will be invited to participate in the fourth session of the Permanent Forum in April 2025. About the Jury The jury for the competition comprises representatives of two UN entities, the Permanent Forum, with the participation of its Chairperson, June Summer, and the UN Department of Global Communications.In addition, five artists of African descent have volunteered to be on the jury panel.Rockyath Adechoubou is a catalyst for innovation, seamlessly blending entrepreneurship, content strategy, and sustainability advocacy into a career that defies convention. With roots and experience spanning Africa—from the vibrant streets of Dakar to the cultural richness of Johannesburg—Rockyath has also made her mark in global hubs like New York, Tokyo, and Melbourne. This diverse international exposure enriches her work in politics, art curation, and non-profit leadership with a unique, cross-cultural perspective that few can rival.Babatunde ‘TRIBE’ Akande is a nonbinary multidisciplinary artist and Creative Expressionist known for their proficiency in drawing /painting, sculpting, augmented reality (AR) installation, performance, sound, photography and experimental / documentary films in Lagos, Nigeria. They use these mediums to craft multisensory immersive experiences with the intention to evoke emotions and questioning. They are dedicated to extensive research, experiments, and ceaseless artistic exploration, they navigate the delicate balance between tradition and liberation within the sacred intimacy and complexities of identity. Exploring the intersections of social injustice, community and identity, gender equality, queerness, indigenous ancestry, environmental sustainability, and human connectivity is a hallmark of their diverse artistic practice. Babatunde Tribe's journey has transformed into a powerful platform for advocacy and social change. Their work is characterized by a thought-provoking blend of personal narrative, social commentary, and a dedication to exploring themes of intersectionality and minority rights. Babatunde's art has been showcased at the International Art Contest for Minority Artists Exhibition at OHCHR, United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.Cierra Brinson is the designer of Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). SPLC is a major civil society organization battling racial and social injustice. Their work is mostly focus on the South of the United States as it was founded in the 70s to dismantle the vestiges of Jim Crow. Brinson is a photographer, hand letterer and award-winning graphic designer. She has worked as a professional graphic designer for five years with a multitude of experience in layout design, event design, brand design, social media design and much more! In addition to graphic design, she shoots photography with an emphasis on portraiture and works on perfecting her signature hand-lettering style. When she’s not designing, she’s either picking up a new hobby or listening to music. She is an Alabama native currently living in Montgomery, AL.Brendon Reis is a self-taught visual artist. He lives and works in São Paulo, Brazil. In his work, Brendon Reis seeks to emphasize blackness, sexuality and intimacy, in addition to the symbolic dilemmas involved in the multiple ways of giving meaning to what is understood as “existence”. This concept of existence in Brendon's work occurs through the creation of ambivalent constitutive spaces, that is, sometimes common and sometimes surreal, where he delicately explores the concepts of “natural” and “supernatural” to give new textures and different realities to figures - black, queer, dissident narratives. His main media are painting and sculpture. The themes most present in his research involve subjective and intersubjective contradictions, such as perception and the imaginary, the spectacular and the ordinary, the secret and the enlightened. Through a dual journey between abstractionism and figurativism, Brendon Reis seeks to create an imaginary that references the symbolism of visible and sentimental things, in addition to the subject's relationship with space - time, especially to work with themes that are transversal to his experience, some of them being intimacy, melancholy, sexuality, the body, identity, homosexuality and affirmation.Kim Thompson is a multi-disciplinary Black British artist, specialising in commercial illustration and contemporary painting. Her commercial work has led to collaboration with clients such as Converse, Columbia, Records, Diageo and Penguin Random House. Now in the first few years of her contemporary practice, Kim has exhibited with The Saatchi Gallery, winning the Robert Walters UKNA 'New Artist of the Year' Runner Up Prize (2023). Kim's first solo portraiture collection, 'Water into Wine', is currently on view at New Art Exchange, a contemporary gallery in Nottingham, UK.How to ApplyVisit: www.ohchr.org/en/permanent-forum-people-african-descent/competition-announcement..................................................This story was first published by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.
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25 June 2024
UN Secretary-General launches UN Global Principles for Information Integrity
The world must respond to the harms caused by the spread of hate and lies online while vigorously defending human rights, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said at the launch of the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity, 24 June 2024.One year after launching his report on information integrity on digital platforms, the Secretary-General presented a framework for coordinated international action to make information spaces safer and more humane, one of the most urgent tasks of our time.Misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and other risks to the information ecosystem are fueling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and undermining public health and climate action. Their proliferation is now enhanced by the rapid rise of easily accessible Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, increasing the threat to some groups often targeted in information spaces, including children. "The United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity aim to empower people to demand their rights," said the Secretary-General. "At a time when billions of people are exposed to false narratives, distortions, and lies, these principles mark a clear way forward, firmly rooted in human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and opinion." The UN chief urgently called on governments, technology companies, advertisers, and the public relations industry to take responsibility for disseminating and monetizing harmful content.The erosion of information integrity is compromising the UN's missions, operations, and priorities, including vital peacekeeping operations and humanitarian efforts. In a global survey of UN staff, 80% of respondents said that damaging information puts them and the communities they serve at risk.The principles result from extensive consultations with member states, the private sector, youth leaders, media, academia, and civil society. The recommendations in this document are designed to foster healthier and safer information spaces that promote human rights, peaceful societies, and a sustainable future.The 5 Global Principles for a more humane information ecosystem are: What do these principles include?Governments, technology companies, advertisers, media, and other stakeholders should refrain from using, supporting, or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.Governments should facilitate timely access to information, ensure a free, viable, independent, and pluralistic media landscape, and ensure robust protection for journalists, researchers, and civil society.Technology companies should ensure security and privacy by design in all their products, along with consistent application of policies and remedies across countries and languages, with particular attention to the needs of groups often targeted online. They must improve their response and take steps to support the integrity of information during elections.All parties involved in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies must take urgent, immediate, inclusive, and transparent steps to ensure that all AI applications are designed, implemented, and used safely, responsibly, and ethically to respect human rights.Technology companies must develop business models that do not rely on programmatic advertising and that do not prioritize engagement over human rights, privacy, and security. These models must allow users greater choice and control over their online experience and personal data.Advertisers should demand transparency in the technology sector's digital advertising processes to help ensure that advertising budgets do not inadvertently fund disinformation, hate, or undermine human rights.Tech companies and AI developers should ensure meaningful transparency, allow researchers and academics access to data while respecting user privacy, commission publicly available independent audits, and co-develop accountability frameworks for the industry.Governments, technology companies, AI developers, and advertisers should take special measures to protect and empower children, and governments must provide resources to parents, guardians, and educators."Everyone should be able to express themselves freely without fear of attack. Everyone should be able to access diverse opinions and sources of information. No one should be at the mercy of an algorithm that they do not control, that was not designed to safeguard their interests, and that tracks their behavior to collect personal data and keep them hooked," stressed the Secretary-General during the presentation of the Global Principles, placing particular emphasis on the situation of vulnerability in which millions of girls and boys find themselves."The UN listens to your pleas for guidance and support. Do not be discouraged: raise your voice. Demand accountability, demand choice, demand control. You are the majority. And this is a fight we can win together," concluded António Guterres (Read the Secretary-General's entire message).For her part, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communication Melissa Fleming also urgently called on people to respect the integrity of information, especially those who create artificial intelligence."AI creators: make sure you don't make the same mistakes as social network creators. Make sure you are safe by design, make sure you make branded content, and remove content that fails to comply with the principles," he said.Background:The UN Global Principles for Information In "AI creators: make sure you don't make the same mistakes as social network creators. Make sure you are safe by design, make sure you make branded content, and remove content that fails to comply with the principles," he said. integrity arises from a proposal in Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General's 2021 report outlining a vision for the future of global cooperation and multilateral action. The Principles are a resource for member states ahead of the Summit of the Future to be launched next September.-----The Universal Principles for Information Integrity are available at:https://www.un.org/es/information-integrityView a video presentation of the Universal Principles at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c1nfpy8n
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20 February 2024
Decide to join the United Nations as a UN Volunteer
You can decide to change the lives of others while changing your own as a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). Volunteering for the UN is a full-time commitment to peace and sustainable development with a UN agency, fund or programme, in your country or abroad. RIGHTS AND BENEFITSThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme encourages broad and inclusive participation, and as such ensures a variety of benefits to secure a basic standard of living while serving as a UN Volunteer. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance Medical insurance (including dependents) Annual leave (2.5 days per month served) Learning opportunities Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities Travel allowance for international UN Volunteers See more on the UNV Conditions of Service : https://bit.ly/UNV-COS PROFESSIONAL PROFILESBuild on your professional experience and knowledge - whether in development, emergency response, education, health, environment, communications, social work and much more. ASSIGNMENT TITLESSome of the most popular volunteer assignment titles are: Field Officer (in a wide variety of areas) Community Development Officer Communications Officer Protection/Human Rights Officer Monitoring & Evaluation Officer MAIN PARTNERSAs a UN Volunteer you can serve with the following UN entities, among others: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) World Food Programme (WFP) In 2022, over 2,500 UN Volunteers served with over 30 UN partners in Latin America and the Caribbean! LEAVING NO ONE BEHINDThe UNV programme is committed to representing the diversity of the world's societies. If you are a person with disabilities, a member of the LGTBQ+, afro-descendant or indigenous communities, or any other minority, you are encouraged to apply. CATEGORIESAssignments are offered into four volunteer categories, which determine eligibility: Expert: candidates must be at least 35 years old and have more than 15 years of professional experience. Specialist: candidates must be at least 27 years of age and have at least 3 years of professional experience. Youth and University: candidates must be between 18 and 26 years of age, and no previous professional experience is required. Community: No previous professional experience or academic requirements needed but must live in the community they serve. Before applying, we recommend carefully reading the specific requirements of your selected assignment. DECIDE TO APPLYRegister in UNV’s Unified Volunteer Platform: app.unv.org, complete your professional profile and apply to vacancies NOW. When filtering vacancies, verify the volunteer category (Expert, Youth, etc.) you fit in and define whether to volunteer in your country or abroad. UN Volunteer opportunities reflect the evolving needs of UN agencies, funds and programmes. We encourage you to visit the UNV platform regularly, so as not to miss any opportunity. VOLUNTEER ONLINEWith the Online Volunteering service, you can undertake volunteer tasks for up to 20 hours a week and for a maximum of 12 weeks with different United Nations entities, governments, public institutions and civil society organisations. As the Online Volunteering service is a free time commitment, selected individuals are not under contract with the UN Volunteers programme or the host entity. As such, Online Volunteers are not eligible for the entitlements and benefits stipulated in the Conditions of Service. Their contribution is recognised with a certificate. Know more here: https://www.unv.org/become-online-volunteer
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01 July 2024
World getting a ‘failing grade’ on Global Goals report card
The 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report highlighted that nearly half the 17 targets are showing minimal or moderate progress, while over a one-third are stalled or going in reverse, since they were adopted by UN Member States back in 2015 to bring peace and prosperity for people and the planet. “This report is known as the annual SDG report card and it shows the world is getting a failing grade,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the press conference to launch the comprehensive stocktake.“The takeaway is simple – our failure to secure peace, to confront climate change and to boost international finance is undermining development. We must accelerate action for the Sustainable Development Goals, and we don’t have a moment to lose,” he stressed.Major obstaclesThe Report identified the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and worsening climate chaos as major obstacles to progress.It noted that an additional 23 million people were pushed into extreme poverty and over 100 million more were suffering from hunger in 2022 compared to 2019, while the number of civilian deaths in armed conflict skyrocketed last year. 2023 was also the warmest on record, with global temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold.Urgent prioritiesMr. Guterres emphasized the urgency of boosting international cooperation, stating “we must not let up on our 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.”The report outlined key priorities to address the deficit.Foremost, it highlighted the need for financing for development. The SDG investment gap in developing countries is $4 trillion per year. It is crucial to rapidly increase funding and fiscal space, as well as reform the global financial system to unlock funding. Resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy is equally crucial. With nearly 120 million forcibly displaced people by May 2024 and a 72 per cent increase in civilian casualties between 2022 and 2023, the need for peace is more pressing than ever.In parallel, a surge in implementation is desperately needed. Massive investments and effective partnerships are vital to drive transitions in key areas such as food, energy, social protection, and digital connectivity.Seize the momentThe report comes ahead of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), taking place at the UN Headquarters, in New York, from 8 to 17 July.Under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Forum will review global progress towards Goal 1 on ending poverty, Goal 2 on zero hunger, Goal 13 on climate action, Goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies, and Goal 17 on means of implementation.In addition, the upcoming Summit of the Future in September will be pivotal for realigning efforts towards achieving the Goals. The Summit aims to address the debt crisis affecting many developing countries and the urgent need to reform international financial architecture.Key findingsThe SDG Report highlights stark economic challenges, with per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) growth in half of the world’s most vulnerable nations slower than in advanced economies. Nearly 60 per cent of countries faced abnormally high food prices in 2022, exacerbating hunger and food insecurity.The report also highlighted gender inequality, noting that 55 per cent of 120 surveyed countries lack laws prohibiting discrimination against women.It also cited education as a significant concern, with only 58 per cent of students worldwide achieving minimum proficiency in reading by the end of primary school. At the same time, despite global unemployment reaching a historic low of five per cent in 2023, many obstacles to achieving decent work across all societies persist.However, there are positive developments in renewable energy, which expanded at a rate of 8.1 per cent annually over the past five years.Technological advancements also saw significant strides, with mobile broadband accessibility (3G or higher) increasing to 95 per cent of the world’s population from 78 per cent in 2015. .....................................................This story was first published by UN News.
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27 May 2024
WMO warns of up to seven major hurricanes in North Atlantic in 2024
Typically, an average year sees 14 named storms with wind speeds exceeding 65 kilometres (40 miles) per hour. However, this year, 17 to 25 storms are expected, with four to seven of them potentially becoming major hurricanes, characterized by winds of at least 178 kilometres (111 miles) per hour. However, this year, 17 to 25 storms are expected, with four to seven of them potentially becoming major hurricanes, characterized by winds of at least 178 kilometres (111 miles) per hour. The usual average is three major hurricanes per year. Based on data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this would mark the ninth consecutive year of anomalies."It takes just one landfalling hurricane to set back years of socio-economic development. For example, Hurricane Maria in 2017 cost Dominica 800 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product," explained WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.The forecasted above-average hurricane season, lasting from 1 June to 30 November, is attributed to high ocean heat and the anticipated development of La Niña weather phenomenon, which leads to significant cooling of waters.Monitoring and early warning benefitsWMO tracks hurricanes though its Tropical Cyclone Programme. There have been eight consecutive years of above-average activity, with the last below-normal season occurring in 2015. Improved early warnings and disaster risk management have significantly reduced hurricane-related fatalities. However, Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean remain disproportionately affected, according to the WMO Deputy Chief.The WMO and its partners have prioritized early warning initiatives for small islands under the international Early Warnings For All initiative. They will advocate for more coordinated and targeted investment in early warning systems at the International Conference on Small Island Developing States taking place next week in Antigua and Barbuda.From 1970 to 2021, tropical cyclones – including hurricanes – were the leading cause of reported human and economic losses globally, accounting for over 2,000 disasters. Despite this, the death toll decreased from more than 350,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 20,000 between 2010 and 2019. Reported economic losses for 2010-2019 amounted to $573.2 billion.What’s in a name?Naming tropical cyclones simplifies tracking and discussing specific storms, especially when multiple storms are active at the same time. This practice helps avoid confusion among meteorologists, the media, emergency management agencies, and the public.The WMO has established strict procedures for naming tropical cyclones, which vary by region. In the Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere, cyclones are named alphabetically, alternating between male and female names. In other regions, names follow the alphabetical order of the countries."We need to be especially vigilant this year due to near-record ocean heat in the region where Atlantic hurricanes form and the shift to La Niña conditions, which together create the conditions for increased storm formation," said Ms. Barrett.............................................This story was first published to UN News.
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14 October 2024
The Week Ahead with the UN in the Caribbean: 14 - 20 October 2024
Monday 14 October - UNICEF Eastern Caribbean will host a crucial discussion on children's rights, focusing specifically on the controversial issue of corporal punishment. Tune in on Facebook and YouTube at 6 pm AST to learn more and share your thoughts.
Wednesday 16 October - Maxime Luciene, the Statistician at The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (FAO) will participate in a World Food Day Panel Discussion titled "A Conversation On The Right To Health And The Right To Adequate And Nutritious Foods" at 6 pm AST. Click here to watch live on Youtube
Thursday 17 October - The UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office will host the ninth webinar in its “Resilient Islands: Zero Waste and Circular Caribbean” series, titled "Building a Sustainable Future in the Caribbean: From Circular Solutions to Energy Recovery”. Participants will gain insights into the key mechanisms for transitioning to a zero-waste future, focusing on resource efficiency, environmental protection, and economic development. This event will take place via Zoom at 9:00 am EST / 10:00 am AST. Click here to register to attendThursday 17 October - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office in Jamaica will host the Virtual Opening Ceremony of their Ready Set Great Youth Conference. UNDP Resident Representative Kishan Khoday said the Ready Set Great series is a youth empowerment vehicle creatively designed to position young people who are determined to make a difference in the lives of other young people and their nation. “We are confident that our partnership with youth and other institutions will bring significant dynamism, creativity and insight to the greatest challenges facing young people. UNDP remains committed to these partnerships with a view to bolstering the social resilience and inclusion of our young people.”Ready Set Great 2024 tables concerns about multidimensional and extreme youth poverty. Upcoming UN Observances Tuesday 15 October - International Day of Rural Women will be observed under the theme “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.” Wednesday 16 October - World Food Day will be observed under the theme "Right to foods for a better life and a better future" . Click here to register to join the live webcast of the World Food Day global ceremony on 16 October at 4 am AST.Thursday 17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will be observed under the theme "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies".
Wednesday 16 October - Maxime Luciene, the Statistician at The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (FAO) will participate in a World Food Day Panel Discussion titled "A Conversation On The Right To Health And The Right To Adequate And Nutritious Foods" at 6 pm AST. Click here to watch live on Youtube
Thursday 17 October - The UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office will host the ninth webinar in its “Resilient Islands: Zero Waste and Circular Caribbean” series, titled "Building a Sustainable Future in the Caribbean: From Circular Solutions to Energy Recovery”. Participants will gain insights into the key mechanisms for transitioning to a zero-waste future, focusing on resource efficiency, environmental protection, and economic development. This event will take place via Zoom at 9:00 am EST / 10:00 am AST. Click here to register to attendThursday 17 October - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office in Jamaica will host the Virtual Opening Ceremony of their Ready Set Great Youth Conference. UNDP Resident Representative Kishan Khoday said the Ready Set Great series is a youth empowerment vehicle creatively designed to position young people who are determined to make a difference in the lives of other young people and their nation. “We are confident that our partnership with youth and other institutions will bring significant dynamism, creativity and insight to the greatest challenges facing young people. UNDP remains committed to these partnerships with a view to bolstering the social resilience and inclusion of our young people.”Ready Set Great 2024 tables concerns about multidimensional and extreme youth poverty. Upcoming UN Observances Tuesday 15 October - International Day of Rural Women will be observed under the theme “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.” Wednesday 16 October - World Food Day will be observed under the theme "Right to foods for a better life and a better future" . Click here to register to join the live webcast of the World Food Day global ceremony on 16 October at 4 am AST.Thursday 17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will be observed under the theme "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies".
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14 October 2024
Women from Indigenous and Tribal Villages in Suriname receive business coaching workshop
Women from Indigenous and Tribal Villages in Suriname are making strides toward economic empowerment through a business coaching workshop tailored to their needs. Hosted by the UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) - Caribbean, the workshop equipped participants with essential entrepreneurial skills, including business planning, marketing fundamentals, customer service, and financial management. This initiative was part of the SDG Fund Joint Programme: Leave No One Behind (JP LNOB), under Output 1.3, which aims to improve livelihoods and enhance food security for female farmer networks in targeted Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITPs) communities.Continue reading this story at the website of UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) - Caribbean
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14 October 2024
Governments from Latin America and the Caribbean endorse ECLAC’s recommendations for achieving the transformations that the region needs
The Fortieth Session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) concluded today in Lima, Peru, with Member States and associate members recognizing and endorsing the proposals and recommendations presented by the organization for achieving more productive, inclusive and sustainable development in the region.At this three-day event – which is the United Nations regional commission’s most important gathering, held every two years – ECLAC shared its vision with the delegations of the 36 countries in attendance regarding the traps affecting Latin America and the Caribbean’s development, and the transformations needed to overcome them. In this regard, the organization invited them to rethink, reimagine and transform the region’s development models.The proposals, contained in a position document entitled Development Traps in Latin America and the Caribbean: Vital Transformations and How to Manage Them, and their emphasis on the “hows” – brought to bear on the concrete and practical issues of governance; the technical, operational, political and prospective (TOPP) capabilities of institutions; spaces for social dialogue; and the political economy of the transformations – have been well received and give rise to a conversation that is not only very fruitful, but also very useful and pragmatic, the organization’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, said during the event’s closing session.“Our position document takes as its starting point our reading of the three traps in which we see the region mired: one involving low capacity for growth; another of high inequality, low social mobility and weak social cohesion; and a third relating to low institutional capacities and ineffective governance. It also addresses the challenges of climate change and of an environmentally unsustainable development pattern,” the senior United Nations official indicated.“In the document, we warn about the dangers of not taking action to escape these traps and close the gaps, dangers that can lead us to a variety of dystopic scenarios involving stagnation, greater environmental degradation, greater inequality, more poverty, fear, frustration, polarization and conflict,” Salazar-Xirinachs added.He highlighted the Dialogue of Foreign Ministers with which this Session began (on Wednesday, October 9), where they discussed the Pact for the Future, recently adopted (at the United Nations General Assembly) as a step in the right direction, and a very useful framework for strengthening international cooperation on important matters and strengthening the multilateral system. “The world and Latin America and the Caribbean need and would benefit from a world at peace; a strong multilateral system; a trade system governed by rules; collaboration to move towards sustainable development; to make progress on the SDGs; and to tackle climate change,” the Executive Secretary declared.He also pointed up the high-level seminar comprising four panels that was held in the framework of the meeting on October 10-11, in which distinguished panelists and delegates discussed the development traps and vital transformations; the trap of low growth and how to achieve stronger, sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth; how to reduce inequality and foster inclusion and social mobility; and how to promote sustainability and address climate change.“ECLAC will continue to collaborate with the region’s countries to move towards the vital transformations that would enable us to overcome these development traps and move towards a more productive, inclusive and sustainable development pattern. You can count on ECLAC to keep being a strategic partner for you as governments and in general for societies in the region, to promote innovative ways of addressing challenges and managing changes and the necessary transformations,” the Executive Secretary emphasized.At the 40th Session’s closing ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Elmer Schialer, expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to host the meeting and indicated that during his country’s term as the new Chair of ECLAC – a period that will last until the next session in 2026 – the Commission will continue developing a series of initiatives to have an impact on our economies and on our peoples’ well-being. “As we have confirmed in these last few days, only by working together will we be able to confront today’s challenges. By hosting this session in our country, Peru has sought to prompt a confluence of ideas with a view to developing a work agenda that would foster regional cooperation, as well as the implementation of public policies and programs on inclusion, an improvement in the population’s overall well-being and the fight against inequalities,” the Foreign Minister stated.“As President Dina Boluarte emphasized at the inauguration of this event, ECLAC’s document is valuable because it analyzes our region’s current situation and its main challenges, and also suggests various lines of action for achieving the transformations it proposes. It is now up to each Member State, through their relevant sectors, to evaluate and assess these proposals, taking into consideration their national circumstances and their priorities, in order to make proper use of this important tool,” the Peruvian official added.At the end of the event, the country delegates approved 14 resolutions – presented by ECLAC’s Secretary of the Commission, Luis Fidel Yáñez – including the “Lima Resolution” in which governments welcome ECLAC’s report and the integrated approach to development that has marked the thinking of the Commission since its inception. Along with endorsing the report’s conclusions, they also request that ECLAC conduct studies and formulate public policy proposals in the countries, in close cooperation with their policymakers, with a view to supporting the building of national capacities for the achievement of sustainable development in its three dimensions, and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).On the last day of the gathering, officials also presented a report on the activities of ECLAC’s subsidiary bodies and the outcomes of other intergovernmental meetings organized by ECLAC since its 39th Session, and delivered a report on the activities of the Commission, 2023, along with the draft programme of work for the ECLAC system, 2026.Finally, the delegates approved the Dominican Republic’s offer to serve as host country for the next session, due to take place in 2026.External LinksWebsite for ECLAC’s Fortieth SessionVideos of the meeting | Photos of the eventThis press release was first published to the website of ECLAC.
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14 October 2024
FAO calls on governments and organizations to commit to guaranteeing the right to food in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (FAO) held the World Food Day commemoration event, which was led by the FAO's Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin; the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Chile, María José Torres Macho; the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, Eulalio Ramírez; and the president of the Parliamentary Front against Hunger and Malnutrition of the Chile chapter, Deputy Carolina Marzán.The United Nations established October 16 as World Food Day in recognition of the creation of the FAO in 1945. This year, the celebration theme is "The right to food for a better life and future", where the Organization seeks to highlight that food is the third most basic human need after air and water, so everyone should have the right to adequate food."We must promote healthy, nutritious, and affordable diets. We cannot simply produce more food; we must ensure that it is nutritious, diverse, and accessible to all. The right to food is not only an aspiration, but a commitment that governments, and organizations such as FAO, have a responsibility to make a reality," Lubetkin stated during the commemoration, emphasizing the institution's permanent mission to ensure safe, diverse, and nutritious food.The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Chile, María José Torres Macho, highlighted the need to consider the occasion as something more than a date on the calendar and called attention to its deep meaning. "This World Food Day is also the birthday of FAO, one of the agencies that was one of the first to be created in the United Nations system. This tells us that those who thought of this system saw the immediate connection between peace and food security for the people of the planet.We have 700 million reasons to think that people must reach the Zero Hunger goal, 41 million living in Latin America," she said.Deputy Minister Eulalio Ramírez stressed the need to become aware of the role of food in human life and the importance of contributing to the transformation of agri-food systems.At the same time, Deputy Carolina Marzán emphasized the work on the ground to promote nutritious, diverse, and healthy food consumption behaviors, especially in children and older adults.World Food Day is commemorated with activities around the world with a call to action in more than 50 languages for more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems that guarantee people's right to nutritious food.....................................This story was first published to the website of FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Story
07 October 2024
Caribbean Youth speak in Climate Justice Series ahead of COP29
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Caribbean Office announces the launch of a Climate Justice Series as part of its ongoing "Conversations on Migration in the Caribbean". The Climate Justice series will provide a platform for young Caribbean leaders and activists to make their voices heard on the topic of Human Mobility and Climate Justice in this era of changing climatic conditions, disproportionately affecting the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean.The four episodes, airing live online, from October 7 to October 10, 2024, will bring together youth activists from across the Caribbean to engage in dynamic conversations about human mobility in a changing climate, ahead of the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The countries represented include Barbados, The Bahamas, Dominica, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, and Suriname. The Climate Action division of IOM Headquarters is also supporting two of the youth panelists to attend the COP from 11-22 November in Baku.According to IOM's Coordinator for the Caribbean, Patrice Quesada: "Climate migration is a reality for the Caribbean, we are on the frontline. The impacts of climate change, disasters and environmental degradation are increasingly causing sudden displacement of individuals and entire communities, especially among vulnerable populations. Most recently we have seen the impacts of Hurricane Beryl in the Grenadine islands and Jamaica, as well as the coastlines of Barbados, Dominica, and St Lucia.These impacts are influencing migration patterns within, from, to, and between Caribbean countries. This is also exerting tremendous financial pressure on these small states, with impacts times exceeding by far entire annual national budgets.For COP29, IOM will be urging leaders and the international community to take concrete actions that protect and support those who want to stay, those on the move, and those needing or wanting to move."Hosted by popular media personality Jael Joseph, the series will engage activists and influencers, to delve into the urgent challenges posed by natural hazards such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and rising sea levels, and the critical role of climate justice in addressing these crises.Each episode will highlight the unique experiences of youth, and of Caribbean communities, as it relates to climate change, migration, climate displacement and the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. The series will give a platform to the perspectives and lived experiences of often marginalized groups such as youth, people with disabilities, gender minorities, and indigenous communities. The discussions will emphasize the necessity of climate justice, advocating for inclusive, people-centered solutions and exploring how regional and international collaboration can address these growing challenges.As the world prepares for COP29 in November, this timely series will amplify voices from the Caribbean, of countries and communities most affected by climate change, providing a platform for urgent calls to action. Each episode will be available across social media platforms, including those of the host and IOM Caribbean, ensuring broad reach and engagement with a global audience.Event Details:Dates: October 7 - October 10, 2024Time: 11:00 -11:30 AM Eastern Caribbean time To join the conversation IOM Caribbean's FacebookScan the QR Code or join live on IOM Caribbean's Facebook | Youtube
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Press Release
16 August 2024
Efforts to strengthen Human Rights-based and Gender-sensitive Policing in Saint Lucia
The workshop was organized and facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with coordination support by the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean’s (UN RCO) satellite office in Saint Lucia. This initiative is one of several interventions encapsulated in a consolidated offer by the United Nations to the Government , following a development partners meeting organized by the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office in Saint Lucia in October 2023. In alignment with the UNODC Strategy 2021-2025, the UNODC Strategic Vision for Latin America and the Caribbean 2022-2025, the Caribbean Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework 2022- 2026, and the General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/227 on “Equal access to justice for all’’, UNODC aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment and programming initiative focused on human rights-based and gender-responsive policing in Saint Lucia. This intervention is designed to contributes to meeting SDG 16.3, which promotes the rule of law at national and international levels and ensures equal access to justice for all. Anna Giudice, Team Lead of UNODC’s Access to Justice Team, under the Vienna-based Crime Prevention and Access to Justice Section, advised that a set of recommendations will be developed based on the workshop discussions, to inform further UNODC assistance to Saint Lucia in the area of police reform. She noted that: “the police are under pressure to perform with demands for safety security and justice. UNODC’s role is to support the police in executing their often-challenging duties.” The workshop furnished key insights to enhance the implementation of human rights-based and gender-sensitive police reform in Saint Lucia. It aims to ensure police efficiency, effectiveness, fairness, inclusivity, and humane treatment of marginalized and excluded communities—such as victims of violence, youth, migrants, persons with disabilities, and the poor—thus building and sustaining community trust, accountability, integrity, and transparency, ultimately promoting safety and justice for all, while contributing to a safe society and prevention and responses to crime.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Sarah Dupre-Cotter welcomed this initiative, noting that: We are immensely grateful for the assistance and efforts of the UNODC in organizing this gathering and trust that all participants will immerse themselves in the presented material and utilize their expertise and experience so that, at the end of the session, viable recommendations can be presented to the UNODC, to facilitate their efforts in obtaining the necessary assistance to assist our continued efforts at police reform and equitable access to justice in Saint Lucia”. In relating her perspectives on the workshop, Woman Police Constable (WPC), Rubinia Joseph expressed her preference for its interactive approach, which highlighted challenges, needs and actionable solutions in key areas including human rights-based policing; gender-responsive policing; victim-centered policing and evidence-based policing. She further noted, “the intervention by UNODC is timely, well-placed and tailored to meet the needs of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) during this transformative period geared towards police reform and modernization.” WPC Joseph is hopeful that the workshop discussions will positively contribute to enhancing citizen security, justice and rule of law in Saint Lucia. The workshop was held at on the 5th Foor of the Finance Administrative Center, Pointe Seraphine, Castries from august 14-15, 2024. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Nations Security, particularly the RSLPF; the Ministry of Home Affairs (Fire Department, Parole and the Bordelais Corrections Facility); the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s Chambers. Presentations were delivered by the UNODC and the Regional Security System (RSS). ---Ends--- Media Contacts:Dr. Lorraine Nicholas Resident Coordinator Office,Country Coordination Officer, Saint LuciaEmail: lorraine.nicholas@un.org Tel: +1(758)730-0771 Carol A. GaskinResident Coordinator Office,Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and AdvocacyEmail: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org Tel: +1(246)467-6110; Mobile +1(246)832-6110
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Sarah Dupre-Cotter welcomed this initiative, noting that: We are immensely grateful for the assistance and efforts of the UNODC in organizing this gathering and trust that all participants will immerse themselves in the presented material and utilize their expertise and experience so that, at the end of the session, viable recommendations can be presented to the UNODC, to facilitate their efforts in obtaining the necessary assistance to assist our continued efforts at police reform and equitable access to justice in Saint Lucia”. In relating her perspectives on the workshop, Woman Police Constable (WPC), Rubinia Joseph expressed her preference for its interactive approach, which highlighted challenges, needs and actionable solutions in key areas including human rights-based policing; gender-responsive policing; victim-centered policing and evidence-based policing. She further noted, “the intervention by UNODC is timely, well-placed and tailored to meet the needs of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) during this transformative period geared towards police reform and modernization.” WPC Joseph is hopeful that the workshop discussions will positively contribute to enhancing citizen security, justice and rule of law in Saint Lucia. The workshop was held at on the 5th Foor of the Finance Administrative Center, Pointe Seraphine, Castries from august 14-15, 2024. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Nations Security, particularly the RSLPF; the Ministry of Home Affairs (Fire Department, Parole and the Bordelais Corrections Facility); the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s Chambers. Presentations were delivered by the UNODC and the Regional Security System (RSS). ---Ends--- Media Contacts:Dr. Lorraine Nicholas Resident Coordinator Office,Country Coordination Officer, Saint LuciaEmail: lorraine.nicholas@un.org Tel: +1(758)730-0771 Carol A. GaskinResident Coordinator Office,Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and AdvocacyEmail: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org Tel: +1(246)467-6110; Mobile +1(246)832-6110
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Press Release
11 July 2024
UN, partners launch $9 million response plan to help people affected by Hurricane Beryl in Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
“Swift action is imperative to meet the pressing needs of people whose homes and livelihoods have vanished overnight,” said Simon Springett, the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which includes Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Regional Overview and Response Plan seeks $5 million for Grenada and $4 million for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.Hurricane Beryl struck the two countries on 1 July, marking an ominous start to what is predicted to be an intense 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Most of the buildings on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada, and Union Island in Saint Vincent, sustained heavy damage. Aid organizations are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage, but they are hindered by power cuts and downed telecommunications. Mr. Springett, who visited Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines after they were struck by Hurricane Beryl, said that the devastation is “immense and heartbreaking.”“I talked to many families and individuals whose homes and livelihoods have vanished literally overnight. It is likely that utilities will take a long time to be restored,” the Resident Coordinator noted.The response plan will help to both support immediate life-saving and early recovery efforts. The UN and its partners, who are supporting the Governments’ response, have identified shelter, food and health care as being among the top priorities.“International solidarity at this moment is critical in helping people recover from the devastation and rebuild their lives,” Mr. Springett said. “Together, we can help the communities devastated by Hurricane Beryl recover and rebuild stronger than before." The full Regional Overview and Response Plan can be found here: https://reliefweb.int/node/4076723For more information, please contact:Barbados: Carol A. Gaskin, Communications and Advocacy Officer, UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, carol-ann.gaskin@un.org, +1 (246) 467 6110Panama: Véronique Durroux, Head of Information & Advocacy for OCHA ROLAC, durroux@un.org, +507 6674 4740
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Press Release
04 July 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Hurricane Beryl
The Secretary-General is deeply dismayed by the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Beryl, the strongest hurricane in history in the Atlantic Ocean during the month of June. The hurricane has already left a trail of destruction in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and is now battering Jamaica before heading towards Belize and Mexico.The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and Governments of the nations affected by this disaster. He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
The United Nations has offered its support to the countries of the region. Under the leadership of the Resident Coordinators in the area, the UN is working closely with authorities and our partners to assess and respond to the devastation already inflicted, as well as to prepare in places where Hurricane Beryl is expected to make landfall. The UN is prepositioning teams, with others on standby to deploy as needed.
Given the wreckage caused by the hurricane, $4 million will be made available from the Central Emergency Response Fund to kickstart humanitarian operations in Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Secretary-General, in coordination with the affected nations, is considering launching an appeal to address humanitarian needs arising from the impact of Hurricane Beryl.
The United Nations has offered its support to the countries of the region. Under the leadership of the Resident Coordinators in the area, the UN is working closely with authorities and our partners to assess and respond to the devastation already inflicted, as well as to prepare in places where Hurricane Beryl is expected to make landfall. The UN is prepositioning teams, with others on standby to deploy as needed.
Given the wreckage caused by the hurricane, $4 million will be made available from the Central Emergency Response Fund to kickstart humanitarian operations in Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Secretary-General, in coordination with the affected nations, is considering launching an appeal to address humanitarian needs arising from the impact of Hurricane Beryl.
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Press Release
28 June 2024
With less than one fifth of targets on track, world is failing to deliver on promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, warns new UN report
New York, 28 June 2024 – With just six years remaining, current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without massive investment and scaled up action, the achievement of the SDGs — the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive, warns The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, launched today.A world in great upheavalThe report reveals that only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third stalled or regressing. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing climate chaos have severely hindered progress.According to the report, an additional 23 million people were pushed into extreme poverty and over 100 million more were suffering from hunger in 2022 compared to 2019. The number of civilian deaths in armed conflict skyrocketed in 2023. That year was also the warmest on record, with global temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold.A moment of choice and consequence“This report highlights the urgent need for stronger and more effective international cooperation to maximize progress starting now,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “With more than six years left, we must not let up on our 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.”Urgent priorities:Financing development: The SDG investment gap in developing countries now stands at $4 trillion per year. Developing countries require more financial resources and fiscal space. Reforming the global financial architecture is crucial to unlocking the volume of financing required to spur sustainable development.Peace and security: The number of forcibly displaced people has reached an unprecedented level, nearly 120 million by May 2024. Civilian casualties spiked by 72 per cent between 2022 and 2023 amid escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for peace. Resolving ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy is essential.Implementation surge: Massive investment and effective partnerships are needed to drive critical transitions in food, energy, social protection, digital connectivity and more.Success stories and opportunities for actionThe report spotlights examples of success and resilience that can be built upon through decisive action.The remarkable recent strides in deploying renewable energy, for example, highlight a clear pathway to a just energy transition. Girls in most regions have achieved parity and even pulled ahead of boys in completing schooling at all levels. Increasing internet access by about 70 per cent in just eight years also illustrates how rapid transformative change is possible. Similarly, decades of progress against HIV/AIDS provide a template for overcoming other pandemics through global solidarity and funding for scientific breakthroughs.“Time and again, humanity has demonstrated that when we work together and apply our collective mind, we can forge solutions to seemingly intractable problems,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.Key moments for the SDGsThe Summit of the Future, taking place on 22 to 23 September at UN Headquarters in New York, will be pivotal to getting the world back on track to achieving the SDGs. Deliberations at the Summit will include addressing the debt crisis that is holding so many developing countries back and the urgent need for reform of the international financial architecture.According to the report, both the Financing for Development Conference and the World Summit for Social Development in 2025 will be key moments to drive SDG momentum. But as Mr. Li stressed: “The time for words has passed – the political declarations must urgently translate into actions. We must act now, and act boldly.”Key findings:• For the first time this century, per-capita GDP growth in half of the world’s most vulnerable nations is slower than that of advanced economies.Nearly 60 per cent of countries faced moderately to abnormally high food prices in 2022.Based on data collected in 2022 in 120 countries, 55 per cent of the countries lackednon-discrimination laws that prohibit direct and indirect discrimination against women.Increased access to treatment has averted 20.8 million AIDS-related deaths in the pastthree decades.Progress on education remains of grave concern, with only 58 per cent of studentsworldwide achieving minimum proficiency in reading by the end of primary school.Global unemployment hit a historic low of 5 per cent in 2023, yet persistent roadblocksremain in achieving decent work.Global capacity to generate electricity from renewable energy has begun expanding atan unprecedented rate, growing at 8.1 per cent annually for the past five years.Mobile broadband (3G or higher) is accessible to 95 per cent of the world's population,up from 78 per cent in 2015.Record high ocean temperatures have triggered a fourth global coral bleaching event.External debt stock levels have remained unprecedentedly high in developing countries.About 60 per cent of low-income countries are at high risk of debt distress or already experiencing it.More Information:For more information, please visit: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/ Hashtags: #SDGreport #SDGs #GlobalGoalsMedia contacts (interviews available upon request):
Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org
Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org
Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org
Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org
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Press Release
24 June 2024
UN launches recommendations for urgent action to curb harm from spread of mis- and disinformation and hate speech
United Nations, New York, 24 June 2024 – The world must respond to the harm caused by the spread of online hate and lies while robustly upholding human rights, United Nations Secretary- General António Guterres said today at the launch of the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity.Speaking one year after the launch of his report into information integrity on digital platforms, the Secretary-General put forward a framework for coordinated international action to make information spaces safer and more humane, one of the most urgent tasks of our time.Misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other risks to the information ecosystem are fueling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and undermining public health and climate action. Their proliferation is now being supercharged by the rapid rise of readily available Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, increasing the threat to groups often targeted in information spaces, including children."The United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity aim to empower people to demand their rights," said the Secretary-General. "At a time when billions of people are exposed to false narratives, distortions and lies, these principles lay out a clear path forward, firmly rooted in human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and opinion."The UN chief issued an urgent appeal to government, tech companies, advertisers and the PR industry to step up and take responsibility for the spread and monetization of content that results in harm.The United Nations’ own missions, operations, and priorities are compromised by the erosion of information integrity, including vital peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. In a global UN staff survey, 80% of respondents said harmful information endangers them and the communities they serve.The Principles are the result of wide-ranging consultations with Member States, the private sector, youth leaders, media, academia, and civil society.The recommendations within are designed to foster healthier and safer information spaces that champion human rights, peaceful societies and a sustainable future.The proposals include:
Governments, tech companies, advertisers, media and other stakeholders should refrain fromusing, supporting or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.Governments should provide timely access to information, guarantee a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape and ensure strong protections for journalists, researchers and civil society.Tech companies should ensure safety and privacy by design in all products, alongside consistent application of policies and resources across countries and languages, with particular attention to the needs of those groups often targeted online. They should elevate crisis response and take measures to support information integrity around elections.All stakeholders involved in the development of AI technologies should take urgent, immediate, inclusive and transparent measures to ensure that all AI applications are designed, deployed and used safely, securely, responsibly and ethically, and uphold human rights.Tech companies should scope business models that do not rely on programmatic advertising and do not prioritize engagement above human rights, privacy, and safety, allowing users greater choice and control over their online experience and personal data.Advertisers should demand transparency in digital advertising processes from the tech sector to help ensure that ad budgets do not inadvertently fund disinformation or hate or undermine human rights.Tech companies and AI developers should ensure meaningful transparency and allow researchers and academics access to data while respecting user privacy, commission publicly- available independent audits and co-develop industry accountability frameworks.Government, tech companies, AI developers and advertisers should take special measures to protect and empower children, with governments providing resources for parents, guardians and educators.BackgroundThe United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity stem from a proposal in Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General’s 2021 report that outlines a vision for future global cooperation and multilateral action.The Principles provide a resource for Member States ahead of September’s Summit of the Future.###
The Global Principles for Information Integrity are available at:https://www.un.org/informationintegrityMedia ContactsCharlotte Scaddan, UN Department of Global Communications: scaddan@un.org Vikram Sura, UN Department of Global Communications: sura@un.org
Governments, tech companies, advertisers, media and other stakeholders should refrain fromusing, supporting or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.Governments should provide timely access to information, guarantee a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape and ensure strong protections for journalists, researchers and civil society.Tech companies should ensure safety and privacy by design in all products, alongside consistent application of policies and resources across countries and languages, with particular attention to the needs of those groups often targeted online. They should elevate crisis response and take measures to support information integrity around elections.All stakeholders involved in the development of AI technologies should take urgent, immediate, inclusive and transparent measures to ensure that all AI applications are designed, deployed and used safely, securely, responsibly and ethically, and uphold human rights.Tech companies should scope business models that do not rely on programmatic advertising and do not prioritize engagement above human rights, privacy, and safety, allowing users greater choice and control over their online experience and personal data.Advertisers should demand transparency in digital advertising processes from the tech sector to help ensure that ad budgets do not inadvertently fund disinformation or hate or undermine human rights.Tech companies and AI developers should ensure meaningful transparency and allow researchers and academics access to data while respecting user privacy, commission publicly- available independent audits and co-develop industry accountability frameworks.Government, tech companies, AI developers and advertisers should take special measures to protect and empower children, with governments providing resources for parents, guardians and educators.BackgroundThe United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity stem from a proposal in Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General’s 2021 report that outlines a vision for future global cooperation and multilateral action.The Principles provide a resource for Member States ahead of September’s Summit of the Future.###
The Global Principles for Information Integrity are available at:https://www.un.org/informationintegrityMedia ContactsCharlotte Scaddan, UN Department of Global Communications: scaddan@un.org Vikram Sura, UN Department of Global Communications: sura@un.org
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