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03 June 2025
UN In Bahrain Celebrates World Bicycle Day
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Press Release
03 June 2025
Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain on Bahrain's Election to the Security Council
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02 June 2025
Bahrain Sets the Stage for Global Development Financing Dialogue
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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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03 June 2025
UN In Bahrain Celebrates World Bicycle Day
United Nations officials, Government representatives, and members of the Bahrain Cycling Association came together on Monday to celebrate World Bicycle Day, marked annually on June 3, at a cycling event at the Nasser Bin Hamad loop in Zallaq.Participants, including His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication, and His Excellency Mr. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, took part in a 10-km bicycle tour."On World Bicycle Day, we celebrate the power of the bicycle as a simple, affordable, and sustainable means of transportation. Bicycles contribute to promoting health, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering community connections,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad. “In Bahrain, the United Nations is committed to supporting the Government’s efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and healthy environment, including for cyclists, and to encourage more people to adopt this healthy, eco-friendly mode of transport.”World Bicycle Day highlights the benefits of cycling, which contribute to cleaner air and reduced congestion, thereby making education, healthcare, and other essential social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations.On 15 March 2022, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on integrating mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development. It emphasised that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation, conveying a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on the climate. , filtered_html
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02 June 2025
Bahrain Sets the Stage for Global Development Financing Dialogue
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, underscored today Bahrain’s pioneering efforts in Finance for Development, including Islamic finance, SDG-linked bonds, and the country’s rapidly growing FinTech sector.He was speaking at a workshop held in Manama ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), set to take place in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025. The workshop, organised by the United Nations in Bahrain, brought together United Nations officials, Government representatives, and partners from the private sector to reflect on Bahrain’s participation in the FfD4 Conference. “Bahrain stands out in the region for its forward-looking vision and proactive policies in financing sustainable development. Whether through its leadership in Islamic finance, the promotion of SDG-linked bonds and sukuk, or its expanding FinTech ecosystem, Bahrain has built a strong foundation for aligning finance with sustainability,” El Mekwad said. “As we reflect on the key action areas outlined in the FfD4 Outcome Document and jointly explore the SDG financing solutions that Bahrain can bring to the table at the FfD4 Conference, today’s preparatory workshop explored practical solutions to mobilize capital for the SDGs - from blended finance and sustainable bonds to inclusive FinTech and financial services for microbusinesses.” From June 30 to July 3, 2025, the United Nations will convene the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain. The conference will serve as a pivotal platform to assess progress on global commitments to financing sustainable development and address emerging challenges since the adoption of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda in 2015. It will bring together high-level representatives from governments, international and regional organizations, financial and trade institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the United Nations system.A key focus of FfD4 will be the negotiation and adoption of a new outcome document, building on the legacy of the Monterrey Consensus, the Doha Declaration, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. This outcome document will articulate renewed global commitments and strategies for financing sustainable development, with emphasis on equity, resilience, and digital transformation. The Seville Platform, anchored by the SDG Investment Fair, will serve as a high-level venue to showcase innovative financing solutions and public-private partnerships that align investment flows with the SDGs. It will also offer member states an opportunity to highlight national financing frameworks and attract sustainable capital to priority sectors. , filtered_html
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18 May 2025
A concerted action against hunger must remain a global priority, says the Resident Coordinator in Bahrain
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Khaled El Mekwad, addressed the state of hunger in the world on Thursday during a United Nations simulation organised by the French International School of Bahrain."We cannot think of a greater catastrophe, nor a greater tragedy," said Mr. El Mekwad, recalling that one in eleven people in the world, and one in five in Africa, suffer from hunger."Hunger is also a moral issue that should concern us all. In our world of abundance, how can we accept that a person dies of hunger every few seconds?" said the Resident Coordinator.According to the United Nations, more than 733 million people worldwide lack food due to conflicts, marginalisation, climate change, poverty, and economic recessions.In 2015, world leaders committed to eradicating hunger by 2030. But with less than five years to go, the world is not on track to eliminate hunger. According to projections, more than 600 million people worldwide will suffer from hunger in 2030.A concerted action against hunger must remain a priority for the International Community, said Mr El Mekwad."We have the resources, knowledge, and tools necessary to fight this battle," he said, citing the need for peace, respect for humanitarian law, and a global effort at all levels, including unprecedented political and financial commitment to address entrenched inequalities."The United Nations system is at the centre of these efforts, in terms of emergency humanitarian response, peace-seeking and conflict prevention, climate action, and development aid," El Mekwad said.The United Nations is and will always be alongside young people. Addressing the MUN delegates, the Resident Coordinator emphasised the importance of youth engagement for the United Nations."The United Nations has consistently emphasised the crucial role of young people in addressing global challenges, such as hunger, and in creating a better and more sustainable future where no one is left behind," he said.He recalled that UN member states recommitted at the Future Summit held in New York last September to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through urgent and intensified actions, policies, and investments."And this is where young people have a role to play, especially in pushing governments to keep their promises," Mr El Mekwad said."I encourage you to fully seize such opportunities to discuss world problems and think together about solutions. The world being built today is yours. It cannot be built without you. Imagine the world you want to live in and make it happen."The event marked the opening of regional MUN simulations within French Schools in the Gulf countries. It was also attended by HE Ambassador Nasser Al Belooshi, Representative of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and HE Mr Eric Giraud-Telme, French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, who also delivered remarks. , filtered_html
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05 May 2025
UNDP Regional Director Concludes High-level Visit To Bahrain
The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Abdallah Al Dardari, reaffirmed, at the conclusion of his first official visit to the Kingdom Bahrain since he assumed office (20-22 April) , UNDP’s support and continued commitment to Bahrain’s pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its Government Plan 2023–2026 through, its newly endorsed Country Programme Document for Bahrain (2025–2029). “UNDP’s longstanding partnership with Bahrain has always benefitted from the Kingdom’s demonstrated forward-thinking policy, and inclusive dialogue, which led to tangible development gains,” said Al Dardari. “In this visit, I had the opportunity to discuss ways to expand the Kingdom’s leadership and engagement in UNDP’s proposed regionwide endeavours, including Digital Transformation for Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), Green Financing Facility, and Islamic insurance for farmers”. During his three-day visit , Al Dardari discussed with senior government officials and development partners priorities for inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, support to MSMEs on digital innovation, and green financing — all central themes of the new country programme for Bahrain adopted by the UNDP Executive Board in January 2025. In this regard, Mr. Dardari granted access to Bahrain partners to 200 licences for future skills training developed by the Arab Knowledge Project, a joint initiative by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) that seeks to empower sustainable development by building knowledge societies in the Arab States region and beyond. The access would empower individuals in Bahrain to acquire skills for the rapidly evolving job market shaped by technological advancements. The mission also emphasized the importance of widening and deepening the strong and longstanding cooperation between UNDP and Bahrain, spanning over five decades, since the 1970s, through which UNDP has partnered with national stakeholders to support the kingdom’s progress in key areas such as women’s empowerment, youth leadership, clean energy, digital skills, and public sector innovation. , filtered_html
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29 April 2025
UNCT Bahrain retreat focuses on enhancing agility and responsiveness to emerging trends
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain gathered on April 28-29, 2025, in Manama in a pivotal retreat that marked the significant transition from planning to implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029.“The retreat was an opportunity to identify together immediate actions, innovative ways to enhance UNCT coherence and agility, and better engage with the Government to implement the Cooperation Framework and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad.Evaluating Progress and ChallengesParticipants delved into the progress and challenges of the Cooperation Framework implementation, reflecting on early milestones and identifying bottlenecks and coordination gaps. The key takeaway was a shared understanding of the Cooperation Framework’s implementation status and the need for enhanced coordination and support from regional and Headquarters levels.The retreat discussed government priorities and related expectations from the UNCT, emphasizing the importance of aligning the Cooperation Framework implementation with national goals, including priority sectors for closer collaboration, funding challenges and potential solutions.Strengthening PartnershipsA session was dedicated to strengthening UNCT partnerships, including the Funding Compact. Participants explored opportunities to advance principles such as youth and disability inclusion. The session emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to government cost-sharing and leveraging additional funding from private and civil society sectors. The key takeaway was a commitment to joint resource mobilisation and programming, with clear follow-up actions to enhance donor and private sector engagement.Addressing Emerging Needs and Expanding UN EngagementHE Dr Arwa Al Saayed, Head of Human Rights at Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined a Human Rights-dedicated session. She highlighted the continued collaboration and open dialogue on human rights between the Government of Bahrain and the United Nations.Participants discussed human rights priorities, including artificial intelligence, and broader development areas, including support for the Government while it prepares the new Human Rights Action Plan for Bahrain. Signed in December 2024, the Cooperation Framework for Bahrain is rooted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and closely aligned with Bahrain's national priorities. It outlines a unified approach to tackling sustainable development's multifaceted challenges while seizing opportunities to foster resilience, inclusivity, and economic diversification.It aims to enhance collaboration between the Government of Bahrain and the United Nations, ensuring impactful and demand-driven engagement aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals., filtered_html
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Press Release
04 June 2025
Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain on Bahrain's Election to the Security Council
I congratulate the Kingdom of Bahrain on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026-2027. This achievement reflects the active role undertaken by Bahraini diplomacy and its constant commitment to international peace and security. Bahrain's election to the Security Council also underscores the Kingdom's contributions to the United Nations system. It reflects the international community's recognition of Bahrain's efforts to promote dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable development. The United Nations in Bahrain stands ready to support the Kingdom during its term on the Security Council. We are committed to working closely with Bahrain to achieve shared goals and address global challenges. Together, we will strive to consolidate the principles of the United Nations and contribute to building a more peaceful and prosperous world. , filtered_html
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Press Release
16 March 2025
The Secretary-General Remarks to the General Assembly Event for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia
[Mr. President,] Excellencies, [Ladies and Gentlemen] It is an honour to join you [at this important event]. I [am pleased] to share the United Nations Secretary-General’s message to mark this International Day to Combat Islamophobia: As Muslims around the world come together to mark the holy month of Ramadan, many do so in fear – fear of discrimination, exclusion, and even violence. We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry: From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship. This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations. When one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all are at risk. As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry. Governments must foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom. Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination. On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony. Thank you., 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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