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12 March 2025
‘Furious kickback against equality’ must end, UN chief tells women activists, as conference adopts landmark declaration
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12 March 2025
The Secretary-General Press Encounter on the UN80 Initiative
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11 March 2025
World’s largest conference on women calls for equality amid gender backlash
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Bahrain
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. With 21 United Nations Entities represented in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the work of the United Nations encompasses all 17 SDGs.
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13 December 2024
On Human Rights Day, a UN-facilitated Workshop Highlights Human Rights in Artificial Intelligence
"Human rights must be placed at the core of AI", Acting Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain Ahmed Ben Lassoued said during a symposium on "Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights" organised Thursday by Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark Human Rights Day (10 December), in cooperation with the United Nations International Telecommunication Union Middle East Office.Ben Lassoued affirmed that globally coordinated AI governance is the only way to harness AI for humanity's benefit while addressing the associated risks and challenges, stressing the role of the United Nations, including fostering digital collaboration, supporting the global exchange of best practices, building capacity in AI, and safeguarding human rights within and through AI."The United Nations Charter and international law serve as valuable foundations for the United Nations' work in promoting cooperation in artificial intelligence, including adjusting frameworks and leading global discussions on this vital issue."The new United Nations Strategic Cooperation Framework between the United Nations and the Government of Bahrain for 2025-2029 highlights the country's advancements in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and financial inclusion as pivotal opportunities to drive progress across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).By strategically leveraging these key enablers, the framework will seek to accelerate SDG implementation, strongly emphasising integrating youth as active contributors to the development process.The symposium was organised in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union's Regional Office for the Arab States. It enabled a productive exchange with partners from the Government of Bahrain, the United Nations, and the Civil Society to develop frameworks and guidelines safeguarding human rights within and through AI.Mr Adel Darwish, ITU Regional Director for the Arab States, addressed opportunities and risks related to artificial intelligence, highlighting the efforts of the ITU and the United Nations in increasing awareness of artificial intelligence and how to use it optimally, in addition to shedding light on the ethical and legal frameworks in this regard., filtered_html
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02 December 2024
The UN in Bahrain Holds a Leadership Engagement Session on Disability Inclusion
On the eve of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on 3rd December, the United Nations Country Team in Bahrain conducted an internal leadership engagement session on Monday dedicated to streamlining disability inclusion in the work of the United Nations in Bahrain. "At the United Nations in Bahrain, we recognise the need for participation, representation and inclusion of persons with disabilities at all levels, and their right to shape the conditions of their lives actively," said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad. "The need to include persons with disabilities is more apparent now than ever. The complete realisation of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said, highlighting the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy.The strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations. The session underscored the importance of inclusion not only in policies affecting persons with disabilities but in all areas of the United Nations. Representatives from UN entities in Bahrain, attending virtually and in person, reflected on the various initiatives undertaken to strengthen the participation and leadership of persons with disabilities, including training programmes and forging partnerships to integrate and promote disability inclusion.The session also emphasized Bahrain's pioneering role in including persons with disabilities, underscoring that the Kingdom was one of the first countries to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 (acceded in 2011). The United Nations and Bahrain have a long-standing cooperation in disability inclusion, including designing and implementing the Action Plan of the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2022-2026), launched by the Government in 2023.The theme of the 2024 celebration is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. The leadership of persons with disabilities is epitomised by the global disability rights movement's slogan, "Nothing About Us Without Us". It connotes the basic requirements of participation, representation, and inclusion and calls for persons with disabilities to shape their living conditions actively."Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world — from conflicts and climate disasters to poverty and inequalities — because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services. But they are also often denied their right to contribute to solutions to these crises," the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.He recalled that at the recently adopted Pact for the Future, held in September at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the world's countries committed to correcting this injustice for persons with disabilities of all ages, for present and future generations."On this important day, and every day, let's work with persons with disabilities to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all people," Mr Guterres said. , filtered_html
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24 November 2024
Bahrain UN Country Team Gender Theme Group Strategises Advancing Gender Equality in 2025
Since its establishment in 2023, the Gender Theme Group (GTG) of the Bahrain UN Country Team (UNCT) has been driving efforts to enhance gender mainstreaming efforts across the UN’s work in Bahrain. With a commitment to achieving tangible results for women and girls, the GTG recently held a two-day strategic retreat to review achievements and set ambitious priorities for 2025.UN Women and United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) as co-chairs of the GTG, led the retreat with the participation of UN-Habitat, OHCHR, IOM, UN Information Center (UNIC) and WHO and with the support of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO).The retreat kicked off with a review of the GTG workplan 2024 implementation and progress on the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard (GES). The group assessed the annual workplan to identify advancements in integrating a gender perspective into the UNCT joint work. Based on this progress, the GTG drafted the Scorecard annual report, selecting five performance indicators to demonstrate improvements in the UNCT’s collective efforts on gender equality . During the retreat, UN Women introduced the GTG study conducted this year to calculate members’ staff time contribution to the GTG, and which offered key recommendations to strengthen GTG capacity to drive gender results for the UNCT’s joint work. Drawing on the results of the study and other insights, the GTG developed key actions to include in the team’s 2025 workplan.On the second day, UN Women facilitated capacity building sessions to support the GTG in implementing its workplan in line with the global standard and procedures for Gender Theme Groups. The training included a refresher on the Gender Equality Marker (GEM), a tool to assess resource allocation in activities in the UN Country Team Joint Workplan that promote gender equality. An introductory session on Gender Mainstreaming followed, providing guidance on how UN agencies can more effectively integrate gender equality perspectives in their programming. Additionally, a session on gender-based results monitoring and reporting was conducted to examine gender-responsive monitoring structure and explore practical methods for including measurement for gender-related changes to the indicators.The retreat reinforced the GTG’s role in driving accountability and building capacity for UN gender-responsive programming within the UNCT. As Bahrain continues to advance gender equality in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5, the GTG remains committed to achieving cohesive, transformative results for women and girls, contributing to the broader realization of the SDGs.“Building on this year’s achievements, the GTG will ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment remain central to the UNCT’s joint work in Bahrain bolstered by the technical training conducted during the retreat. The GTG’s collective efforts will ensure that the UN Country Team is able to collaborate effectively with our national partners and contribute to the national development priorities of the Kingdom of Bahrain around women’s empowerment and the Beijing Platform for Action” said Josephine Moss, GTG co-chair and Regional Coordination Specialist from UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.With a clear roadmap for 2025, the GTG is poised to strengthen its impact on gender equality, ensuring that the UN’s work in Bahrain remains inclusive, effective, and aligned with global standards., filtered_html
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18 November 2024
Assistant-Secretary General for Youth Affairs Visits Bahrain
Dr Felipe Paullier, Assistant-Secretary General for Youth Affairs and Head of the UN Youth Office, visited Bahrain from 3 to 8 November to participate in launching the “Hope Network”, a global youth support network initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain."My visit to Bahrain has been an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring young leaders and support the launch of the Hope Network, a platform that brings together governments to exchange best practices and strengthen initiatives with and for youth," said Dr Paullier, highlighting Bahrain's crucial role in hosting this initiative.He also emphasised the role of such a platform during a time of global momentum in youth empowerment, which requires maximising cooperation and collective efforts. Dr Paulier explored with Bahraini officials, including His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, H.E Ms Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, and H.E. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, impactful opportunities to empower youth."Every moment has been focused on amplifying youth voices and building impactful partnerships. We look forward to scaling up our collaboration to support young people in Bahrain and beyond," he said.Dr Paullier also met the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain, discussing how empowering young people by providing spaces for their meaningful engagement can deliver on the UN's Youth2030 strategy. "Mainstreaming youth issues is our best chance to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030", he told the UNCT.
"The UNCT will build on the outcomes of this visit to continue working with partners to engage and empower Bahraini youth," said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Mr Khaled El Mekwad. The Hope Network’s mission is to advance youth affairs through global policy exchange and strategic national planning to fully leverage the potential of youth as a vital human capital resource. The network also has initiatives to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allowing youth to launch their own initiatives and creating a helpful environment to support such efforts.This aligns with the UN Youth Office, which leads system-wide collaboration, coordination and accountability on youth affairs, balancing how the United Nations works with and for young people in all their diversity. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN Youth Office was created “to advance efforts towards stronger advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people.” , filtered_html
"The UNCT will build on the outcomes of this visit to continue working with partners to engage and empower Bahraini youth," said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Mr Khaled El Mekwad. The Hope Network’s mission is to advance youth affairs through global policy exchange and strategic national planning to fully leverage the potential of youth as a vital human capital resource. The network also has initiatives to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allowing youth to launch their own initiatives and creating a helpful environment to support such efforts.This aligns with the UN Youth Office, which leads system-wide collaboration, coordination and accountability on youth affairs, balancing how the United Nations works with and for young people in all their diversity. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN Youth Office was created “to advance efforts towards stronger advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people.” , filtered_html
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12 March 2025
‘Furious kickback against equality’ must end, UN chief tells women activists, as conference adopts landmark declaration
At a time of growing backlash against women’s rights, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark call to action on Tuesday to civil society representatives gathered for a town hall meeting – part of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women.“A surge in misogyny, and a furious kickback against equality threaten to slam on the brakes, and push progress into reverse,” he said.“Let me be clear: This is unacceptable, immoral, and self-defeating. We must stop it – and we must stop it together.”The event, marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and 25 years since the landmark Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, saw civil society leaders raise concerns about shrinking civic space, underfunding of feminist movements and rising gender-based violence.Backsliding on rightsWhile acknowledging progress in maternal health and education, the Secretary-General warned that hard-won gains are at risk.“Women’s organizations and civil society played a major role in securing those gains. I applaud your efforts. Yet, women and girls still face an appalling array of wrongs,” he said.The threats facing women’s rights defenders were a major concern. “Around the world, women’s rights defenders face harassment, threats and violence – even murder.”“They face shrinking civil space and shrinking funds. The result: the erosion of rights and a deficit of accountability,” he warned.Linda Sestock of the Canadian Federation of University Women asked the UN chief how civil society could be better integrated into CSW negotiations.Mr. Guterres acknowledged the challenge, noting that “power is never given, it must be taken” and urged feminist movements to mobilise.Power and parityThe Secretary-General emphasised the structural inequalities that persist. “We still live in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture,” he said.Highlighting progress within the UN system, he stated that “the UN system has reached, and sustained, gender parity at leadership level.”Women now hold 53 per cent of senior management positions, though he admitted challenges remain in field offices in conflict zones, where representation is lower.Speakers also highlighted male dominance in technology and engineering.“Clear male predominance in areas like technologies, engineering and mathematics (...) can be seen in many of the algorithms produced by the tech industry being biased against women,” he noted.Funding gapsA representative from the youth movement Restless Development called for dedicated funding for young feminists, particularly those living in conflict zones. “True inclusion requires co-creation, dedicated funding and decision-making power for young people at every level,” she said.The Secretary-General agreed, pointing to the limited resources available. “Let’s be clear, the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund has raised $100 million since 2023 for this purpose, which is completely insufficient to support adequately the civil society.”Civil society leaders pressed for concrete commitments, urging the UN and Member States to revitalise CSW by decentralising consultations and improving accessibility, and guarantee sustainable funding for feminist organizations.A woman Secretary-General?As the event concluded, a representative from the Sociologists for Women in Society asked the question many have long posed:“When are we finally going to have the first woman, female UN Secretary-General?”Mr. Guterres responded candidly. “Now, I’m not going to apologise for the fact that I’m not a woman,” he said as the Assembly responded with laughter, but he suggested he had been determined to “act decisively against the routine and to promote an effective mechanism of gender parity for the UN.”He reaffirmed the UN’s goal of full gender parity by 2028, with steady progress already made, and expressed “hope” that those who will choose the next Secretary General “will be wise.”“We share a common vision: a world of equality, where the human rights of women and girls are realised in full. Let’s keep working together to make that vision a reality,” he concluded. Political Declaration adoptedLater in the day, Member States adopted by consensus a powerful Political Declaration reaffirming their commitment to advancing the rights, equality and empowerment for all women and girls.Recognizing that 2025 presents a significant opportunity to intensify efforts toward the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, originally adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women, Member States reaffirmed that gender equality is essential for sustainable development and for fulfilling the pledge to leave no one behind.Welcoming its adoption, Sima Bahous, Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women said that “at a time when hard-fought gains for gender equality are under attack the global community has come together in a show of unity for all women and girls, everywhere”.2025, ‘a pivotal moment’The Declaration reinforces commitments to women, peace, and security, emphasising the need to integrate women’s voices and leadership into all stages of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.It recommits Member States to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, including emerging forms such as digital violence, online harassment, and cyberbullying.“No nation has yet fully achieved gender equality”, Ms. Bahous added, stating that the Declaration “makes clear that the world’s governments recognize 2025 as a pivotal moment, where promises made 30 years ago can no longer be deferred”. , filtered_html
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11 March 2025
World’s largest conference on women calls for equality amid gender backlash
The 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which runs from 10 to 21 March, is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of their lives throughout the world and shaping global standards on gender equality and empowerment. Last year, CSW68 was attended by 100 world leaders and 4,800 civil society participants.This year’s session will review the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly as well as the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995.Read our explainer on CSW and why it matters now here.‘Creating a better future for all’For Loretta Jeff Combs from the Tlesqox First Nations in Canada, the Beijing Declaration is a key moment in history, paving the way for recognising the rights of Indigenous women and girls.“Too often, Indigenous women are left out decision making spaces that impact our future,” she told delegates in the General Assembly Hall.She pointed to the current situation in Canada, which is witnessing what amounts to a race-based genocide against Indigenous women and called for swift change.“We need Indigenous women at all levels,” she said. “We need our youth to see that our voices matter. When we uplift Indigenous women, we create a better future for all.”Watch the opening session hereBahous: ‘We are not afraid of the pushback’In the same vein, Sima Bahous, who heads UN Women, cautioned that “misogyny is on the rise” at a time when females are bearing the brunt of multiple crises and conflict around the world.While there has been progress in advancing women’s rights, it is not fast nor far-reaching enough, she said.To change this, she called for action, including closing the digital divide, investing in ending poverty and strengthening laws to break the cycle of violence against women and girls. She also called for including women in key decision making and peacebuilding roles.“We are not afraid of the pushback,” she said. “We will not back down.”UN chief: How to tackle the ‘poison of patriarchy’For the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the “poison of patriarchy” is apparent while women’s rights are currently “under siege”.“The masters of misogyny are gaining strength,” he said, pointing to the “bile” hurled at women online and leaders who “are happy to throw equality to the wolves”.Mr. Guterres said the “antidote is action”, including the Pact for the Future and other efforts prioritising, among other things, investments in education, tackling violence against women and girls, supporting women’s organisations and human rights defenders, encouraging women’s leadership in technology and guaranteeing their full participation, from politics to peacebuilding.“In these perilous times for women’s rights, we must rally around the Beijing Declaration, recommit to the Platform for Action and stand firm in making the promise of rights, equality and empowerment a reality for every woman and girl around the world,” the UN chief said.UN Photo/Manuel ElíasSecretary-General António Guterres opens the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).‘We are at a defining moment’The Secretary-General’s strong message wove through statements made by women, girls and other top UN officials at the opening meeting as well as at a wide range of side events taking place around the UN campus and online.General Assembly President Philémon Yang highlighted gains made, but warned of challenges ahead.While there are more elected women and girls at school since the Beijing Declaration was adopted 30 years ago, systemic obstacles continue to obstruct the path to equality, he said.“Political urgency and resources needed are not sufficient given the challenges we face,” he said.At the current pace, it will take 137 years to lift all women out of poverty and 68 years to end child marriage, he warned, calling for the international community’s commitment to fully implement the “promise of Beijing” and shape a world that achieves common goals and equality is realised for all women and girls.“I believe it is possible to achieve gender equality in our lifetime if we seize this opportunity,” he said. “We are at a defining moment.”For live updates on CSW69, visit our Meetings Coverage Section, which runs a daily blog on this and other official meetings at UN Headquarters in English and French.CSW69 side events: Power4Girls and moreAmong the dozens of side events, several highlight the power of youth.WFP/Sierra LeoneUN agencies are supporting education for girls in Sierra Leone.At the POWER4Girls: Invest in girls, transform the world event, girl champions will challenge the view that girl-led initiatives are too small to have a wide impact and that government systems are too large for meaningful reform.With support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and co-hosted by the governments of Canada and Sierra Leone, discussions will explore how the global community can step up strategies and commitments through aligning policy solutions and multisectoral service delivery with the realities of girls’ lives and through the critical role of organising to drive collective and transformative impact.Watch the Power4Girls event on UN Web TV here.This is one of many daily events on the sidelines of the CSW session.From spotlighting achievements to outlining challenges on the ground, visit CSW69 to find a schedule of side events planned for the full session here., filtered_html
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26 February 2025
The UNCT and the Government of Bahrain Kickstart the Implementation Phase of the Cooperation Framework
The United Nations Country Team and representatives of the Government of Bahrain came together today at a workshop in Manama to kickstart the implementation phase of Bahrain’s Cooperation Framework 2025-2029.“The Cooperation Framework is built on strategic engagement, ownership, and co-leadership. This new phase is an opportunity to translate our shared commitments into concrete actions. This requires structured coordination, clarity on roles and responsibilities, and a results-driven approach,” said Khaled El Mekwad, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain. “Alignment with national priorities, stakeholder collaboration and engagement, and effective and sustainable financing are the key elements of success in implementing the Cooperation Framework.” El Mekwad said. The workshop aimed to identify 3 to 5 strategic priorities per outcome set forward by the Cooperation framework, update the list of stakeholders—including United Nations entities, government ministries, and agencies—and explore the engagement of other relevant stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and impactful implementation process.Participants reflected together to determine the priority areas where the United Nations can provide strategic support and add value to the country’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The workshop’s outcomes will allow ministries, United Nations entities, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure coordinated implementation mechanisms, including Joint Results Groups. Signed in December 2024, the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework identifies four key Strategic Priorities: 1) Social Equity and Well-being, 2) Sustainable Economic Transformation, 3) Governance, Justice and Human Rights, and 4) Environmental Resilience & Sustainability. , filtered_html
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20 February 2025
Amid ‘clear’ threat of nuclear war, Guterres tells Security Council multilateral off-ramp is essential
The ministerial-level meeting was convened by China, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, as the UN prepares to mark its 80th anniversary later this year.UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the debate emphasizing that “global solidarity and solutions are needed more than ever” as the climate crisis rages and inequalities and poverty increase.Peace remains illusive“As this Council knows well, peace is getting pushed further out of reach — from the Occupied Palestinian Territory to Ukraine to Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond,” he said. “Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges. We see a dark spirit of impunity spreading. The prospect of nuclear war remains – outrageously – a clear and present danger.”Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also a challenge as their “limitless promise…is matched by limitless peril to undermine and even replace human thought, human identity and human control.” UN Photo/Eskinder DebebePact for the FutureMr. Guterres said “these global challenges cry out for multilateral solutions,” and pointed to the Pact for the Future, adopted by Member States last September.The agreement “is aimed at strengthening global governance for the 21st century and rebuilding trust” in multilateralism, the UN, and the Security Council.Provisions include advancing coordination with regional organizations and ensuring the full participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in peace processes.The Pact outlines support for a stimulus plan to help developing countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and revitalized commitment to reform the post-war global financial architecture to better serve the modern world.It also contains a Global Digital Compact that calls for an AI governance body that allows developing countries to participate in decision-making, marking a first.Security Council reform“The Pact also recognizes that the Security Council must reflect the world of today, not the world of 80 years ago, and sets out important principles to guide this long-awaited reform,” said Mr. Guterres.The Council should be enlarged and made more representative of today’s geopolitical realities, while countries also must continue to improve its working methods to make the body more inclusive, transparent, efficient, democratic and accountable. He recalled that these issues have been under consideration by the UN General Assembly for more than a decade. Build on momentum “Now is the time to build on the momentum provided by the Pact for the Future, and work towards a greater consensus among regional groups and Member States – including the permanent members of this Council – to move the intergovernmental negotiations forward,” he said. “Throughout, I call on Members of this Council to overcome the divisions that are blocking effective action for peace.”He noted that Council members have shown reaching common ground is possible, for example through deploying peacekeeping operations and forging resolutions on humanitarian aid.Spirited compromise“Even in the darkest days of the Cold War, the collective decision-making and vigorous dialogue in this Council maintained a functioning, if imperfect, system of collective security,” he said.“I urge you to summon this same spirit, continue working to overcome differences and focus on building the consensus required to deliver the peace all people need and deserve.”The Secretary-General said multilateral cooperation is the beating heart of the United Nations, and guided by the solutions in the Pact for the Future, it can become an even more powerful instrument of peace,“As we look to the challenges around us, I urge all Member States to continue strengthening and updating our global problem-solving mechanisms,” he said. “Let’s make them fit for purpose – fit for people – and fit for peace.”UN Photo/Manuel ElíasChina stresses need to uphold sovereigntyThe meeting was chaired by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi who presented four proposals to the Council, including the need to uphold sovereign equality while advancing global governance.“We must respect the development acts chosen independently by people of all countries, uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and not impose one's will upon others,” he said.Countries also must “practice international rule of law, ensure the effective implementation of international law and reject double standards and selective application.”Mr. Wang said Security Council resolutions are binding and should be observed by all countries. The Council is also entrusted with authority which all nations should uphold.“Any act of bullying, trickery or extortion is a flagrant violation of the basic norms of international relations. Any unilateral sanction that circumvents Security Council authorization lacks legal basis, defies justification and contradicts common sense,” he said.Furthermore, a critical part of global governance is ensuring justice prevails, as “international affairs should no longer be monopolized by a small number of countries.”He said nations of the Global South “have the right to speak up for and defend their legitimate rights and interests, and the fruits of development should no longer be taken by just a few countries.”Meanwhile, Security Council reform “should continue to emphasize democratic consultation, increase the representation and say of developing countries, especially African countries, and effectively address historical injustice.”UN Photo/Manuel ElíasWestern countries undermining UN authority: RussiaDespite its strengths and weakness, the UN has fulfilled its founding purpose of preventing a new World War, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told the meeting.He warned, however, that the world is “teetering on the brink of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers” as western countries undermine UN authority and the primacy of international law.“We are witnessing a broad application of the practice of unilateral coercive measures being imposed whenever supporters of methods of force in global politics do not manage to push through their desired outcome at the Security Council,” he said.“Failure to abide by the UN Charter and a reckless approach to Security Council resolutions on a number of acute international issues has now become the hallmark of the West,” he added.Regarding efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, he said “it is becoming clear who genuinely advocates a more fair, more equal world, and who are living in the past and are striving at any cost to make their geopolitical agendas a reality.”UN Photo/Manuel ElíasRedouble efforts to address emerging challenges: UKUnited Kingdom Ambassador Barbara Woodward underlined her country’s commitment to the UN.“As the Secretary-General reminded us and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system,” she said.She called for new approaches to address emerging challenges, and 2025 – which marks the UN’s 80th anniversary and a year of key summits – is the first step.The summits will cover issues such as gender equality, ocean preservation, financing for development, and climate change.“Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns. Their success is critical for progress and the UN’s reputation as our multilateral home,” she said.UN Photo/Manuel ElíasUS to scrutinize support to the UNUnited States Ambassador Dorothy Shea recalled that her country helped found the UN after the Second World War, “but UN agencies and bodies overall have drifted from their core missions,” she said.“We need to take a closer look at where this institution is falling short,” she continued. “For example, there is a longstanding, deep anti-Israel bias within the UN that has only grown stronger since Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.”Regarding the Security Council, she said critical issues that demand attention continually fall by the wayside.Ms. Shea said the US is currently conducting a review of its support to the UN. It will consider whether the actions of the Organization are serving American interests, and whether reform is now due.She said the US will not support UN bodies such as the Human Rights Council and will review those such as cultural agency UNESCO“which has a history of antisemitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.”, filtered_html
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20 February 2025
What is social justice and how is the UN helping make it a reality?
The United Nations supports the principle in multiple ways, from addressing economic inequality to access to education, healthcare, and the protection of human rights, with the aim of creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Social justice is for everyone, which is why the UN pays attention to the needs of particularly marginalized and vulnerable communities, such as refugees, indigenous peoples and those living with disabilities.Social justice encompasses a wide range of issues which are highlighted as part of World Day of Social Justice marked annually on 20 February.Equity, solidarity, human rightsThe UN definition of social justice is “an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.” This can be interpreted as a world in which societies are based on the principles of equality and solidarity, understand and value human rights, and recognize the dignity of every human being.The five key principles of social justice are often defined as:the recognition that different people have different needs and circumstances (equity),ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed (access),enabling all individuals to play in role in the political, economic and social life of the communities (participation),protecting the human rights of all individuals (rights) andvaluing and respecting differences between people, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation (diversity).Social justice is a cornerstone of the United Nations' mission to promote peace, security, and human rights worldwide and is enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an international blueprint for peace and prosperity.The Agenda is broken down into 17 ambitious Goals, which are due to be achieved in the next five years. Some progress has been made, particularly on the reduction of extreme poverty, and improved access to essential health services, but overall they are not on track.However, the Goals have been useful in providing UN Member States with clear, objective targets designed to improve the lives of their citizens.UN News/Daniel DickinsonThe Sustainable Development Goals form the bedrock of social justice.Promoting decent workOne of the primary ways the UN supports social justice is through the promotion of decent work and economic opportunities.The International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized UN agency, plays a crucial role in this area. The ILO's Decent Work Agendafocuses on creating jobs, guaranteeing rights at work, extending social protection, and promoting social dialogue.By advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the elimination of forced labour and child labour, the ILO helps ensure that workers worldwide are treated with dignity and respect.© ILO/Shaun ChitsigaA banana grower harvests his crop in Manicaland, Zimbabwe.The promotion of decent work is one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda: Goal 8 (SDG 8) calls for the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.Advancing gender equalityGender equality is another critical aspect of social justice that the UN actively promotes. It is a fundamental human right and is critical to a healthy society.UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality, through initiatives such as the HeForShe campaign and the Spotlight Initiative.© UNFPA/Mbuto MachilA community activist in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique provides information on preventing child marriage and gender-based violence.SDG 5 calls for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls: UN-backed commitments have seen declines in some problem areas, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), but many women and girls continue to face barriers to their economic and social empowerment.Ensuring access to educationDespite some recent progress in the percentage of students attaining a basic education, an estimated 300 million children and young people will still lack basic numeracy and literacy skills by 2030.© UNICEFStudents in Chhattisgarh, India, attend a robotics class.Education is a powerful tool for reducing inequalities, reaching gender equality and achieving social justice, and the UN is committed to reaching SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.The UN also supports educational and training programmes aim to build tolerance, understanding, and resilience among young people, helping them become advocates for social justice.Protecting human rightsThe protection of human rights is at the heart of the UN's mission, and one of its greatest accomplishments is the drafting and adoption of the groundbreaking Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which paved the way for a comprehensive body of human rights law.The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) works to promote and protect the human rights of all people, monitoring and reporting human rights violations, providing technical assistance to governments, and supporting the work of human rights defenders.The work of the OHCHR is crucial in ensuring that individuals can live free from discrimination, violence, and oppression.© WHO/Anna KariThe SDGs focus on eliminating poverty and providing people with opportunities to prosper.World Day of Social Justice: A just transitionSince 2008 World Day of Social Justice has been celebrated annually on 20 February, following a declaration by the General Assembly.The Day was created as a reminder of the need to build a fairer and more equitable world, and to combat unemployment, social exclusion and poverty.This year’s theme is “Strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future,” acknowledging the need to ensure that the move towards low-carbon economies benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable.The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking the occasion with a series of events held in major cities around the world., filtered_html
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Press Release
12 March 2025
The Secretary-General Press Encounter on the UN80 Initiative
Our world is facing challenges on every front. Since the United Nations reflects that world in all its aspects, we feel it in all our work. These are times of intense uncertainty and unpredictability. And yet certain truths have [never] been more clear: The United Nations has never been more needed. Our values have never been more relevant. And the needs have never been greater. At the same time, we know the more the UN does together to address big challenges around the world, the less the burden on individual countries to do it alone. The United Nations stands out as the essential one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights. But resources are shrinking across the board – and they have been for a long time. For example, for at least the past seven years, the United Nations has faced a liquidity crisis because not all Member States pay in full, and many also do not pay on time. From day one of my mandate, we embarked on an ambitious reform agenda to strengthen how we work and deliver. To be more effective and cost-effective. To simplify procedures and decentralize decisions. To enhance transparency and accountability. To shift capacities to areas such as data and digital. And, significantly, the Pact for the Future and UN 2.0 are exactly about updating the UN for the 21st century. These efforts are not ends in themselves. They are about better serving people whose very lives depend on us. They are about hardworking taxpayers around the world who underwrite everything we do. And they are about ensuring the right conditions for everyone serving under the UN flag as they undertake their critical work. For all these reasons, it is essential that an organizational system as complex and crucial as the United Nations – subjects itself to rigorous and regular scrutiny to assess its fitness for purpose in carrying out its goals efficiently. And this 80th anniversary year of the United Nations is a prime moment to expand all our efforts, recognizing the need for even greater urgency and ambition. That is why I have informed yesterday UN Member States that I am officially launching what we call the UN80 Initiative. I have appointed a dedicated internal Task Force led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder – and composed of principals representing the entire UN system. The objective will be to present to Member States proposals in three areas: First, rapidly identifying efficiencies and improvements in the way we work. Second, thoroughly reviewing the implementation of all mandates given to us by Member States, which have significantly increased in recent years. Third, a strategic review of deeper, more structural changes and programme realignment in the UN System. Under the leadership of the President of the General Assembly, I will consult closely and regularly with all Member States on the progress made, seeking guidance on the way forward and presenting concrete decisions for discussion and decision-making when appropriate. My objective is to move as soon as possible in areas where I have the authority – and to urge Member States to consider the many decisions that rest with them. This goes far beyond the technical. Budgets at the United Nations are not just numbers on a balance sheet – they are a matter of life and death for millions around the world. We must ensure value for money while advancing shared values. The need is great and the goal is clear: an even stronger and more effective United Nations that delivers for people and is tuned to the 21st century. And I thank you. *** Q: Secretary-General, on Ukraine – Ukraine has agreed in principle to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. What’s your message to Russia at this time? And can we also get your reaction to the growing global trade war? SG: First of all, in relation to the ceasefire, we of course will welcome a ceasefire in Ukraine. Too many people have died. A ceasefire is indeed a positive thing, and we hope that it will materialize. And we hope that it will pave the way for peace, a just peace. And you know what are the parameters that we consider relevant for a just peace: the Charter, international law and the resolutions of the General Assembly. Q: And on the trade war? SG: I think we live in a global economy. Everything is interlinked. And obviously, one of the great advantages of having a situation of free trade is to create the conditions for all countries to benefit. When we enter into a trade war, I believe all will lose. Q: Secretary-General, good morning. Is this UN80 initiative a UN version of DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency we are seeing in Washington? Do you anticipate significant UN staff cuts? SG: First of all, nothing to do with that kind of initiative. We are talking about completely different processes, methodologies and objectives. This is a continuation and an intensification of work that we have always been doing. I’ll give you just an example: We have been investing in Nairobi, creating the conditions for Nairobi to receive services that are now in more expensive locations. And UNICEF will be transferring soon some of the functions to Nairobi. And UNFPA will be essentially moving to Nairobi. And I can give you many other examples of things that are being done and correspond to the idea that we must be effective and cost-effective. Now, the recent cuts that were made in relation to humanitarian aid and development cooperation – and not only by the United States, there were other cuts by other countries, even if in a smaller dimension – naturally have led to the need by the agencies that deliver those services to reduce staff, to shrink their dimension and to eliminate many activities. But again, this is not a problem for the United Nations. I mean, agencies are resilient and so, when necessary, they adjust to the circumstances. And indeed, thousands of staff have been laid off by several agencies. But the problem is not for the UN; the UN is resilient. The UN can adapt itself to the circumstances. The problem is for the people – I mean, if more people will die with HIV/AIDS or malaria or with TB. If [the cutoff of] humanitarian aid to fragile communities will make their life even more difficult and will have dramatic consequences, not only from a life-saving perspective but from the perspective of the most basic forms of well-being, that is something we cannot correct. We can adapt the UN, consolidate the UN, make the UN more effective and more cost-effective. What we cannot do is solve the problems of the people that we no longer are able to assist, for lack of resources. Q: Secretary-General, to quote you: The United Nations has faced a liquidity crisis because not all Member States pay in full and many do not also pay on time. What is your message to these bad offenders against the United Nations? And you’re welcome to name and shame a few. SG: Pay in full and pay on time. Thank you very much. *****, filtered_html
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Press Release
09 March 2025
The Secretary-General Message for International Women's Day
When the doors of equal opportunity are open for women and girls, everyone wins. Equal societies are more prosperous and peaceful – and the foundation of sustainable development. On this International Women’s Day, we recognize thirty years of progress and achievement since the landmark United Nations conference in Beijing. This transformed the rights of women – and reaffirmed those rights as human rights. Since then, women and girls have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes, and demanded their rightful place. But we must be clear-eyed about the challenge. From pushback to rollback, women’s human rights are under attack. Age-old horrors – violence, discrimination and economic inequality – still plague societies. And newer threats such as biased algorithms are programming inequalities into online spaces, opening-up new arenas of harassment and abuse. Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny. We must fight these outrages. And keep working to level the playing field for women and girls. We need action to unlock finance so countries can invest in equality – and to prioritize those investments. Action to open-up equal opportunities for decent work, close the gender pay gap, and tackle challenges around care work. Action to strengthen and implement laws to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Action to secure women’s full participation in decision-making, including in peacebuilding. And action to remove the obstacles to women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The United Nations Pact for the Future, and the Global Digital Compact offer blueprints to guide these actions. When women and girls can rise, we all thrive. Together, let’s stand firm in making rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere., filtered_html
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Press Release
18 February 2025
Op-Ed: Boost road safety for people, planet and prosperity
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. 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 AffairsLi Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). , filtered_html
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Press Release
04 February 2025
UNDP Executive Board endorses Bahrain’s new country programme for 2025-2029
The CPD serves as a strategic framework that aligns UNDP’s work with Bahrain’s national development priorities as outlined in Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework signed in December 2024. The new CPD focuses on improving prosperity and sustainability through diversified, inclusive, and private sector-driven growth, and strengthening governance systems, rule of law, human rights, and civic engagement.
“The CPD for Bahrain is an essential milestone towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in the Kingdom,” said Asmaa Shalabi, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “The CPD will guide UNDP’s eorts in Bahrain over the next five years, ensuring impactful interventions in support of national development priorities while promoting innovation, digitalization, and gender equality as cross-cutting themes.”
UNDP has supported national progress in Bahrain since 1978 helping promote the achievement of national priorities of the kingdom. Globally, UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s lead development agency, UNDP is critical in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
For media inquiries, please contact: registry.bh@undp.org, filtered_html
“The CPD for Bahrain is an essential milestone towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in the Kingdom,” said Asmaa Shalabi, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “The CPD will guide UNDP’s eorts in Bahrain over the next five years, ensuring impactful interventions in support of national development priorities while promoting innovation, digitalization, and gender equality as cross-cutting themes.”
UNDP has supported national progress in Bahrain since 1978 helping promote the achievement of national priorities of the kingdom. Globally, UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s lead development agency, UNDP is critical in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
For media inquiries, please contact: registry.bh@undp.org, filtered_html
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Press Release
26 January 2025
The Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Clean Energy
This year, renewables are projected to become the world’s largest source of electricity generation for the first time. Meanwhile, their prices keep plummeting. On the International Day of Clean Energy, we celebrate this revolution. But we also recognise the challenges ahead. The end of the fossil fuel age is certain. But governments must ensure that it comes swiftly and fairly. This is crucial to save us from the worst of the climate crisis, and to connect every person to clean energy – lifting millions out of poverty. This year offers an unparalleled opportunity for countries to align their climate ambitions with their national energy and development strategies. All countries have committed to produce new national climate action plans aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. They must deliver with plans that cover all greenhouse gases and sectors; map a just fossil fuel phase-out; and contribute to the global goal to triple renewables capacity by 2030. The G20 have the largest capacities and responsibilities – they must lead. All this must be achieved in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. But all countries must do more. We also need action to get finance flowing to the renewables revolution in emerging markets and developing economies. That includes increasing the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, tackling the high cost of capital, and taking effective action on debt. On the International Day of Clean Energy, let’s commit to an international era of clean energy with speed, justice, and collaboration at its core., filtered_html
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Latest Resources
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Resources
02 April 2024
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