The op-ed has been co-signed by 15 Heads of UN agencies/departments and by H.E. Mr. Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco, Host of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety............................If you had to guess the leading cause of death for children and young people globally, what would you say? Malaria? Pneumonia? Suicide? They’re all up there, but no, it’s road crashes. Cars have been around for over 120 years, and we know how to prevent these tragedies. Yet road crashes still claim more than two lives every minute, and nearly 1.2 million lives every year. If these deaths were caused by a virus, it would be called a pandemic and the world would scramble to develop vaccines to prevent them. And yet reducing road deaths has long been overlooked, misunderstood and underfunded. People will always make mistakes on the roads, but we have proven solutions that ensure our transport systems can absorb these errors in a way that significantly reduces the risk of death. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, the world has set an ambitious target of halving road deaths worldwide by 2030. Just ten countries - including some hard-hit low and middle-income countries – managed to reduce road deaths by more than 50% in a decade, and more than 30 countries are close behind.  This shows that the target can be met but it is nowhere near enough. We need urgent action. Key to meeting this goal is the decision to design and build our transport systems for people - not for motor vehicles - and to make safety paramount in all decisions and actions. This is especially important for the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders, who are often left dangerously exposed. Advancing road safety is crucial in itself, but it is also key to sustainable development overall. The world is going through an unprecedented wave of motorization. More than a billion vehicles are on the roads. This is unsustainable, so we must focus on moving people, not cars, motorbikes and trucks. Transport accounts for one quarter of global carbon emissions, and fuels congestion in our cities. Yet when mobility is made safe and accessible, people choose the greener options of public transport, walking and cycling.Designing cities around sustainable transport - with cycling lanes, pedestrian zones, and accessible public transport - also strengthens communities by making spaces safer and more livable, while improving access to adequate housing and basic services for all.Safe roads power economies. Road deaths can cost countries around 3 to 5% of GDP, and ensuring more people can move safely to their jobs, schools and vital services drives development. Safe, accessible and affordable transport also breaks down barriers to jobs, schools and opportunities for disadvantaged groups. This helps ensure everyone can reach their potential.The same holds true for gender equality, and in some countries up to 80% of women report suffering harassment on public transport, so we must make transport safe for women and girls.Road safety is everyone’s business and to succeed we need a range of sectors to be involved. Urban planners and engineers must ensure safety is built into infrastructure. Academia and civil society can generate evidence. The media can dig deeper into what works, what doesn’t and why. The private sector has tremendous influence. Businesses can contribute to safe and sustainable mobility by applying proven principles and practices throughout their value chains. They must only sell vehicles that meet United Nations safety standards.Yet the role of government is paramount. Governments must provide strategic and well-coordinated approaches, strong policy and legal frameworks that enforce safety standards and safe behaviors, and sufficient funding. Law enforcement and education are also key. This vision is right at the heart of the Global Plan for the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which offers a blueprint for governments to reduce road deaths.This week, world leaders will meet for a Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco. They will assess progress, share knowledge, and advance actions to halve road deaths by 2030.They are set to adopt a new Marrakech Declaration, which recognizes road safety as an urgent public health and development priority, and that our efforts must be guided by the principles of equity, accessibility, and sustainability. The Declaration calls on leaders to step up efforts to action the Global Plan for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. We need a step change in political will, a sense of urgency, evidenced-based, strategies that are costed and implemented, strong coordination and adequate financing. Road safety is a crisis that has gone on far too long. No road deaths are necessary or acceptable. Yet it is also much more than that. Safe and sustainable mobility can power a better future for us all. ............................................The 4th Global Ministerial Conference for Road Safety  takes place 18-20 February in Marrakesh, Morocco.The op-ed has been co-signed by 15 Heads of UN agencies/departments and by H.E. Mr. Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco, Host of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHOJean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road SafetyAchim Steiner, Administrator of UNDPRabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing StatesInger Andersen, UN Under-Secretary-General & Executive Director of UNEPAnaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-HabitatFilippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of UNOPSTatiana Molcean, UN Under-Secretary-General/Executive Secretary of UNECEArmida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAPClaver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECARola Dashti, Executive Secretary of ESCWAJosé Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of UNECLACGilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (UNDSS)Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, filtered_html

Belize has received praise from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for advancing the right of women and girls to education. The Committee, which consists of 23 international experts on women's rights, monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and reviews progress made by countries in fulfilling their obligations under the treaty. Alongside the commendation, Committee experts reviewing Belize's combined fifth to ninth periodic reports on implementation of the treaty, also raised concerns about women's and girls' access to healthcare in Belize and the prevalence of gender-based violence, particularly in relation to gang activity.A Committee expert praised Belize's efforts to improve access to education for women and girls, notably through the creation of the Belize Education Upliftment Programme, launched to improve access to education for students from low-income households. The introduction of compulsory psychosocial support sessions for children aged five and six was also highlighted as a positive step for its role in boosting emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive behaviours — all traits that support building healthy relationships.Nonetheless, Committee experts expressed deep concern about the prevalence of gender-based violence in Belize, noting its connection to high levels of insecurity, proliferation of firearms, and gang warfare. About 65 per cent of murdered women and girls in Belize are victims of gender-related killings or femicide, with half of these murders committed using firearms.The Belizean delegation, led by Elvia Vega-Samos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, acknowledged these challenges, outlining measures being taken to combat gun violence and drug trafficking, including enhanced policing efforts and outreach programs targeting vulnerable youth. While the Committee also commended Belize for removing fees in public hospitals and deciding to waive taxes on feminine hygiene products, experts inquired about adolescent pregnancy rates and the government's efforts to address this issue, as well as measures to ensure safe access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion services.CEDAW was established by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Belize, having ratified the Convention in 1990, is one of the 189 state parties legally obligated to implement the treaty's provisions and is subject to regular review by CEDAW. More InformationThe full meeting summary can be viewed here.The webcast of the Committee’s consideration of Belize can be accessed via UN WEB TV in part one and part two.The combined fifth to ninth periodic report of Belize can be viewed here: (CEDAW/C/BLZ/5-9)., filtered_html

On February 2, 2025, the world celebrated World Wetlands Day, a global call to action to protect and restore wetlands for their invaluable role in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting livelihoods. For the Caribbean, where coastal wetlands such as mangroves, seagrasses, and swamps serve as natural buffers against storms, provide habitats for diverse marine life, and contribute to local economies, this day highlights the urgent need to address pollution—particularly waste mismanagement—that threatens these fragile ecosystems.The Challenge: Waste Pollution and Wetlands DegradationCaribbean wetlands face increasing pressure from land-based waste pollution, including plastic debris, agricultural runoff, and untreated wastewater. The region generates high levels of waste per capita, a significant amount ending up in waterways, eventually reaching wetlands and coastal ecosystems. Plastic pollution, in particular, has devastating effects on wetland biodiversity, harming marine species and reducing the ecosystem services these areas provide to local communities. Without effective waste management strategies, these crucial ecosystems remain at risk.Zero Waste Solutions for Wetland ProtectionEmbracing zero waste principles—waste prevention, reduction, reuse, and resource recovery—can play a transformative role in safeguarding the Caribbean’s wetlands. Key solutions include:Plastic Reduction Initiatives: Implementing bans on single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives can significantly reduce plastic waste entering wetland areas.Waste Reduction Initiatives: Promoting and implementing waste reduction strategies including waste reduction, recycling, and reuse initiatives.Community-Based Waste Management: Strengthening local waste collection and recycling programs, especially in coastal and wetland-adjacent communities, ensures proper disposal and prevents litter from reaching these ecosystems.Organic Waste Composting: Encouraging composting programs reduces landfill-bound organic waste while producing nutrient-rich soil that can support wetland restoration efforts.Innovative Cleanup Campaigns: Engaging citizens, businesses, and policymakers in regular wetland cleanup initiatives raises awareness and actively removes harmful debris from sensitive habitats.Policy and Financial Support: Governments should promote extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, invest in circular economy solutions, and secure financial mechanisms to support waste reduction and wetland protection.The Path ForwardThe connection between zero waste and wetland conservation is clear: reducing waste generation and improving waste management directly benefits wetland ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. By integrating zero waste strategies into national and regional environmental policies, the Caribbean can ensure the long-term health of its wetlands, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable economic development. Through the recognition of World Wetlands Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Caribbean through zero waste actions. Learn more here:World Wetlands DayZero Waste DocumentFor further information, please contact:
Zero Waste in the Caribbean: New Ways, New Waves Project Team
Email: unep-zerowaste-caribbean@un.orgAbout the Zero Waste in the Caribbean project:
The Zero Waste in the Caribbean project is funded by the European Union, in collaboration with CARIFORUM, co-financed by the German cooperation and implemented by AFD, GIZ, and UNEP, in partnership with the OECS. For more information, please visit Zero Waste in the Caribbean., filtered_html

Changing patterns of climate variability and extreme weather events are negatively affecting all dimensions of food security and exacerbating other underlying causes of malnutrition in all its forms in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition. The report, published today, states that Latin America and the Caribbean is the second-most exposed region in the world to extreme weather events, following Asia.In this region, at least 20 countries (74 percent of analyzed countries) face a high frequency of such events, indicating significant exposure, and 14 (52 percent) are considered vulnerable, as they are more likely to experience increased undernourishment due to these phenomena. The impact of extreme weather events is further worsened by persistent structural challenges, including conflicts, economic slowdowns, crises, and underlying factors such as high levels of inequality, lack of access to affordable healthy diets, and unhealthy food environments.According to the report, between 2019 and 2023, the prevalence of undernourishment increased by 1.5 percentage points in countries affected by climate variability and extremes. The situation is worse in countries experiencing economic recessions. The most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, as they have fewer resources to adapt.The report underscores the urgent need to accelerate action to build resilience within agrifood systems, which are critical for the region's progress toward eradicating hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. The report emphasizes that ensuring the long-term sustainability of agrifood systems is essential. Hunger and Food Insecurity Declined for the Second Consecutive YearAccording to the report, hunger affected 41 million people in the region in 2023. This represents a decrease of 2.9 million people compared to 2022 and 4.3 million compared to 2021. However, despite regional progress, disparities persist among subregions. Hunger prevalence has increased over the last two years in the Caribbean, reaching 17.2 percent, while it has remained relatively stable in Mesoamerica, at 5.8 percent.Regarding moderate or severe food insecurity, the region also showed progress for the second consecutive year, falling below the world average for the first time in 10 years. A total of 187.6 million people in the region experienced food insecurity, 19.7 million fewer than in 2022 and 37.3 million fewer than in 2021.This reduction is attributed to the economic recovery of several South American countries, driven by social protection programs, post-pandemic economic efforts, and targeted policies to improve food access.The report also highlights that food insecurity disproportionately affects certain population groups, such as rural communities and women. The gender gap in Latin America and the Caribbean remains higher than the global average.
 The Challenge of Malnutrition Amid Climate VariabilityFAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin highlighted the relevance of the Regional Overview 2024 considering that: "Climate variability and extremes are a threat for the stability of food security and nutrition. He added: “the importance of implementing a comprehensive response, based on policies and actions designed to strengthen the capacity of agri-food systems. This resilience allows us to anticipate, prevent, absorb, adapt, and transform in a positive, efficient and effective way against various risks, including the challenges associated with climate change and extreme events.”Regarding malnutrition, the report states that in 2022, stunting affected 22.3 percent of children under five globally. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the prevalence was estimated at 11.5 percent, significantly below the global average. While the region has made notable progress since the turn of the millennium, progress has slowed in recent years."In Latin America and the Caribbean, one in ten children under five lives with stunting. Undernourishment and overweight coexist in the region, exacerbated by high exposure and vulnerability to climate events in the most affected communities. This double burden of malnutrition daily threatens the full development of children," said Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director a.i. for Latin America and the Caribbean. "Any decision on climate action must prioritize the right to food and nutrition for children, women, and families."In 2022, 5.6 percent of children under five globally were overweight, compared to 8.6 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean—3.0 percentage points above the global estimate. The regional prevalence has also grown faster than the global rate, increasing by 1.2 percentage points between 2012 and 2022, compared to only 0.1 percentage points globally. The region's trends vary significantly, with South America mainly driving the increase, while Mesoamerica and the Caribbean have shown greater stability in recent years.The report also identifies economic barriers to accessing healthy diets as a critical issue. In 2022, 182.9 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean could not afford a healthy diet. This marks an improvement of 2.4 percentage points compared to 2021, meaning 14.3 million more people can now afford a healthy diet."Overweight and obesity are growing challenges in the region and key risk factors for non-communicable diseases. A healthy diet is the foundation for health, well-being, and optimal growth and development. PAHO positions health as a cornerstone for transforming food systems, promoting fiscal policies such as taxes, public food procurement policies, regulations on advertising (including breast milk substitutes), food safety, product reformulation, and front-of-pack labeling," said Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization.Disparities also persist among subregions in access to healthy diets. In the Caribbean, 50 percent of the population (22.2 million people) could not afford a healthy diet, followed by Mesoamerica at 26.3 percent (47.1 million people) and South America at 26 percent (113.6 million people). This highlights the need to focus on vulnerable populations exposed to extreme climate events.“Climate shocks are making it increasingly difficult for families across Latin America and the Caribbean to produce, transport, and access food. Frequent storms and floods are destroying homes and farmland, while drought and erratic rainfall are wiping out crops before they can grow,” said Lola Castro, WFP’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “As extreme weather events intensify, WFP is working with communities and governments to strengthen food security, protect the most vulnerable and build resilient food systems that can withstand the climate crisis”, she added.The agencies emphasized the need to further accelerate investments and actions to create long-term capacities to address climate variability and extreme weather events.Rossana Polastri, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at IFAD, stated: "We are making progress in the fight against hunger, but the numbers still exceed pre-pandemic levels, showing there is much work to be done. We must redouble efforts to adapt food systems to the effects of climate change, whose negative impacts exacerbate food insecurity. To achieve this, we need to invest more in rural areas, ensuring that small-scale producers have access to basic infrastructure, climate information systems, sustainable agricultural practices, and financial products to cope with extreme events and climate variability. Additionally, we must invest in women and the most vulnerable groups to ensure that progress in reducing hunger leaves no one behind."The 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition is a joint publication by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).More on this topicRead this story at the website of FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.Visit the Regional Overview website and download the report., filtered_html