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Press Release
29 May 2024
UN Headquarters Observes International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 30 May
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Press Release
29 May 2024
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
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Press Release
29 May 2024
Secretary-General Condemns ‘in Strongest Terms’ Deadly Air Strikes in Rafah, Stressing Horror Must Stop Immediately
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in India
India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs, globally. At the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, “Sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet. It will be a world of fewer challenges and greater hope; and, more confident of its success”. NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s premier think tank, has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SDGs, mapping schemes related to the SDGs and their targets, and identifying lead and supporting ministries for each target. In addition, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been leading discussions for developing national indicators for the SDGs. State governments are key to India’s progress on the SDGs as they are best placed to ‘put people first’ and to ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’. The UN Country Team in India supports NITI Aayog, Union ministries and state governments in their efforts to address the interconnectedness of the goals, to ensure that no one is left behind and to advocate for adequate financing to achieve the SDGs.
Story
23 May 2024
From Epics to Fables: Three Indian Literary Works Enter UNESCO Registry
Three Indian literary works, Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayaloka-Locana, have been inscribed in the 2024 Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) Regional Register. This is the first time India has had three nominations accepted in a single cycle.The announcement was made during the 10th General Meeting of MOWCAP, held from May 7 to 8, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Mongolia, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok. The 'Ramcharitmanas' (literal meaning: lake of the deed of the Rama), was composed by Goswami Tulsidas in Awadhi language in the 16th century and is considered one of the greatest works of Hindu literature. The Panchatantra, written by Pandit Vishnu Sharma, is a compilation of animal fables in poetry and prose. The 'Sahṛdayaloka-Locana', dating to the 9th and 10th centuries AD, incudes text and discussions related to poetics, dramaturgy and the theatrical insights.“The Ramcharitmanas and Ramayana are read not only in India, but also in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka,” said Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Head, Kala Nidhi Division, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Tim Curtis, Director, UNESCO South Asia Regional Office and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka said: “UNESCO congratulates India for the inscription of these three literary masterpieces in the MOWCAP register. It is a significant achievement in recognizing and safeguarding the diverse and artistic expressions that shape humanity. These literary treasures will enlighten and inspire generations to come.” The list of 20 successfully inscribed items to the MOWCAP Regional Register for Asia-Pacific:Australia and Tuvalu – Funafuti: The Edgeworth David 1897 Expedition DocumentsBangladesh – Sultana’s Dream by Rokeya S. HossainChina – Archives Relating to the Chengdu Traditional TeahousesChina – Huizhou Genealogy ArchivesChina – Printing Blocks Housed at the Derge Printing House India – The Illustrated Manuscripts of Rāmacaritamānasa of Tulasīdāsa India – The Manuscript of the Sahṛdayāloka-Locana: Seminal Text of Indian Poetics India – The 15th Century Manuscript of the Pañcatantra FablesIndonesia – Indarung I, The First Cement Plant in Southeast Asia (1910-1972)Indonesia – Indonesian Sugar Research Institute’s Archives 1887-1986: The Role of ISRI’s Research Activities to the World Sugar IndustryIndonesia – The Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol ManuscriptMalaysia – Al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah: Genealogical History of Kedah StateMalaysia – The Royal Correspondence of Baginda Omar (Surat Persendirian Baginda Omar)Mongolia – Family Chart of Hereditary Lords of the Khalkha Mongols, the House of Genghis KhanMongolia – Mongolia’s First Postage Stamps ‘Eldev Ochir’Philippines – Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Española y Tagala (Christian Doctrine in Spanish and Tagalog), Manila, 1593Philippines – Hinilawod Epic Chant RecordingsUzbekistan – Images of Khorezm Oasis by Khudaibergan Devanov (1879-1937)Uzbekistan – Turkestan Album 1871-1872Viet Nam – Bas-reliefs on the Nine Bronze Urns in Huế Imperial PalaceSince 1992, UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MoW) Programme has been working to prevent the irrevocable loss of our collective memory by protecting the world’s documentary heritage in all its forms by democratizing access and raising awareness of the need to preserve these significant works.
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Story
23 May 2024
‘Leave No One Behind’, the UNHCR India way
“Imagine leaving everything you know, your home, your family, and escaping to a new country,” 21-year-old Maya told Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, as he interacted with young refugees and asylum-seekers during a tour of the UNHCR registration facility in New Delhi. Conflict or persecution forces millions to flee their homes every year. For those seeking asylum, registration and documentation by UNHCR is often their only resort. A Sri Lankan woman who came to India seeking refuge voted in the elections this year after being naturalized, Areti Sianni, Chief of Mission for UNHCR India and the Maldives, said as she highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of offering humanitarian access to persons forced to flee. As of 2023, 46,569 individuals were registered with UNHCR in India. UNHCR staff register the asylum-seekers approaching the agency and hold Refugee Status Determination interviews to assess the applicant’s situation before issuing them a document confirming their status as an asylum-seeker. In March, UNHCR in India rolled out a new asylum-seeker and refugee card powered by a biometric database that can be scanned and authenticated using the Verify Plus app.
“We are grateful to the Indian Government for letting us come here,” said Maya, as she presented a short overview of the challenges faced by young refugees and asylum-seekers. Using a PowerPoint presentation, the young refugees listed their concerns – ranging from the trauma of having fled unsafe situations in their home country and social exclusion to the anxieties of navigating daily life and cultural differences in the host country as a refugee.“As refugees, we feel like a burden on the host country,” said Bee, a refugee from Myanmar. “Most of us are depressed,” said Phil, a refugee from Afghanistan, speaking on behalf of the group. “We are already traumatized. We don’t know how long we can stay here for.” One participant expressed uncertainties about the future, citing limited opportunities for specialized education and formal employment. Another spoke about drawing strength from their traumatic past and forging a new path by refusing to be determined by their circumstances.The young people gathered also highlighted challenges faced by refugees with disabilities. UNHCR India is working to consolidate data on asylum-seekers with disabilities to find solutions, Ms. Sianni said. “Under the commitment to leave no one behind, we need to continue to work to leave no refugee behind.”
Thanking the asylum-seekers for being forthcoming about their struggles, dreams and hopes, Mr. Sharp vowed to amplify their voices and concerns. “Young people cannot have a full voice unless refugee voices are included. Unlocking the creative and economic potential of young refugees creates prosperity and development for all, especially host communities,” he said. *Names changed to protect identities
“We are grateful to the Indian Government for letting us come here,” said Maya, as she presented a short overview of the challenges faced by young refugees and asylum-seekers. Using a PowerPoint presentation, the young refugees listed their concerns – ranging from the trauma of having fled unsafe situations in their home country and social exclusion to the anxieties of navigating daily life and cultural differences in the host country as a refugee.“As refugees, we feel like a burden on the host country,” said Bee, a refugee from Myanmar. “Most of us are depressed,” said Phil, a refugee from Afghanistan, speaking on behalf of the group. “We are already traumatized. We don’t know how long we can stay here for.” One participant expressed uncertainties about the future, citing limited opportunities for specialized education and formal employment. Another spoke about drawing strength from their traumatic past and forging a new path by refusing to be determined by their circumstances.The young people gathered also highlighted challenges faced by refugees with disabilities. UNHCR India is working to consolidate data on asylum-seekers with disabilities to find solutions, Ms. Sianni said. “Under the commitment to leave no one behind, we need to continue to work to leave no refugee behind.”
Thanking the asylum-seekers for being forthcoming about their struggles, dreams and hopes, Mr. Sharp vowed to amplify their voices and concerns. “Young people cannot have a full voice unless refugee voices are included. Unlocking the creative and economic potential of young refugees creates prosperity and development for all, especially host communities,” he said. *Names changed to protect identities
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Publication
29 September 2023
United Nations in India Annual Report 2022
The UN India Annual Report 2022 covers the final year of the UN - Government of India Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) 2018-2022, which continued to guide our support to India’s development priorities, even as we repurposed a significant part of our planned activities and budget towards the COVID-19 response.
The UN pulled together as a system with remarkable response support efforts during the darkest days of COVID-19, and we
continued to support the Government of India’s response to the health and socioeconomic impact of the fast-spreading
Omicron variant in the early months of the year.
Yet, just as a fragile recovery took root, new shocks emerged from a senseless conflict in Ukraine, driving increasing scarcity of life’s basic necessities such as food and fuel, and wiping out years of progress in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read the full report.
continued to support the Government of India’s response to the health and socioeconomic impact of the fast-spreading
Omicron variant in the early months of the year.
Yet, just as a fragile recovery took root, new shocks emerged from a senseless conflict in Ukraine, driving increasing scarcity of life’s basic necessities such as food and fuel, and wiping out years of progress in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read the full report.
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Story
23 May 2024
Indian women leaders in the spotlight at CPD57
Supriya from Tripura, Hema Kumari from Andhra Pradesh, and Neeru from Rajasthan exemplify what's possible when women take the lead. The three elected women representatives from India shared how they're improving the lives of women and girls at the 57th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Population Development (CPD57).The event, called 'Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way,' was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj with an aim to share India's experiences with local government councils (Panchayat Raj Institutions), focusing on promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, poverty reduction, and inclusive development. ‘Hockey wali sarpanch’ Neeru Yadav, from Rajasthan, played a pivotal role in establishing a girls' hockey team, igniting a passion for the sport to empower young girls. Neeru has also been working toward a plastic-free Panchayat as an advocate for environmental sustainability. Kunuku Hema Kumari, sarpanch from Andhra Pradesh, works to promote self-reliance among women in the fields of health and education by organizing regular medical camps and health awareness sessions. She also works closely with local families to boost enrolment of girls in schools. “Empowerment lies in fostering self-reliance and confidence, encouraging informed decisions about health, education, and livelihoods,” she said. Supriya Das Datta, Sabhadhipati from Tripura, championed an initiative called ‘Tomader Kotha Bolte Hobe’ (Your story must be told) to promote women's voices in decision-making spaces, besides advocating for childcare facilities to support inclusive workplaces. Under her leadership, participation in Self Help Groups in her Panchayat surged from 600 to over 6,000 women.Investing in women's leadership is crucial. It unlocks a future where women aren't just participants but drivers of a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. "In response to the aspirations of women in our country, today, out of over 3.1 million elected representatives, more than 1.4 million are women," Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said in her opening remarks. "Women in local governance in India lead the way. If India achieves the SDGs, the world achieves the SDGs," said Andrea Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative.
“By facilitating the exchange among partners of best practices, including India, the aim is to amplify the impact of initiatives that promote gender equality,” or SDG5, a linchpin in accomplishing all global goals, Pio Smith, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Director said, elaborating on the crucial role of South-South and triangular cooperation in fostering collaborative learning and contextualising effective strategies to meet the needs of diverse women and girls.
“By facilitating the exchange among partners of best practices, including India, the aim is to amplify the impact of initiatives that promote gender equality,” or SDG5, a linchpin in accomplishing all global goals, Pio Smith, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Director said, elaborating on the crucial role of South-South and triangular cooperation in fostering collaborative learning and contextualising effective strategies to meet the needs of diverse women and girls.
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21 May 2024
Girls in ICT: A connected tomorrow that leaves no one behind
From the visionary 'Rocket Women' scientists who led India's historic Moon landing to the classrooms training the next generation of coders and cybersecurity experts, India has made great strides in raising representation of girls and women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). India produces some of the world's highest numbers of women graduates in STEM disciplines. However, their representation in the workplace continues to be low - underscoring the several obstacles in the path to achieving gender parity.“There is no better place than India, with its greatest generation of young minds, to bring together the power of gender equality and the rapidly changing world of technology,” United Nations Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp said at the launch of the Girls in ICT initiative in New Delhi. The International Telecommunication Union’s flagship Girls in ICT programme is being held in India for the first time since its inception in 2011. With the support of the government, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-Dot) and UN agencies, ITU will hold a series of training sessions across the country over the next few weeks to give students and young women hands-on experience in coding, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.“The need for strong female role models is more relevant than ever,” UNFPA India Representative Andrea M Wojnar said, lauding the United Nations specialized agency for digital technology’s efforts to close the gender gap in STEM fields.The ‘Rocket Women’ of India are a shining example of what can be achieved when women lead and innovate, Mr Sharp said, urging the students in attendance to draw inspiration from the women scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation who powered the Chandrayaan-3 mission to make history when India became the first country to land a spacecraft on the south pole of the moon in 2023. During a panel discussion on technology, students from schools across the National Capital Region had the chance to interact with representatives from several United Nations agencies working in India including United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime South Asia Regional Representative Marco Teixeira and UN Women Deputy Country Representative Kanta Singh.Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, and Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education, highlighted government initiatives like the Atal Tinkering Lab programme to foster innovation in the fields of technology, while Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, Kishore Babu GSC Yerraballa from ITU, and Julian Gorman from GSMA Asia Pacific underlined the importance of collaboration to ensure that the future of technology is both inclusive and sustainable.
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20 May 2024
A new UN blueprint to fortify justice and security in South Asia
In a packed conference room at the UN House, diplomats and officials gathered to launch a significant program aimed at addressing the pressing issues facing South Asia. Over 1.6 billion live across South Asia, with youth making up two-fifths of the population. The region is grappling with an array of daunting challenges: drugs, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and the intensifying climate crisis, all posing serious threats to security, health, and sustainable development. In response, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has launched a new five-year regional program to try to address these interconnected dangers. The initiative aims to strengthen justice systems, the rule of law, health services, peace, and regional cooperation across South Asia from 2024 to 2028. At its launch event in New Delhi, UN and senior government officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka underscored the urgent need for unified regional action against shared perils like the drug problem, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and challenges in criminal justice. The program outlines priorities like enhancing border security, disrupting illicit financial flows, building law enforcement capacities, improving criminal justice, and providing services for drug abuse treatment and prevention of violent extremism. At the launch, Mr. Bo Mathiasen, UNODC Deputy Director of Operations, Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, Mr. Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Department of Revenue, Government of India, and Mr. Dina Mani Pokharel, Attorney General of Nepal, called for collective efforts against emerging challenges. UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Marco Teixeira and Deputy Representative Suruchi Pant presented key areas envisaged under the new plan, outlining important areas of cooperation and the way forward. South Asian government representatives reiterated their support for UNODC’s efforts, highlighting the importance of unified action in addressing shared challenges.The program has been designed through extensive discussions with key partners across South Asia. It will act as a guiding framework to strengthen the rule of law, increase cooperation between countries, and protect vulnerable groups from the dangers of drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. The program aligns with UNODC's overall 2021-2025 corporate strategy and the wider UN system's approach to promoting sustainable development across the region. It connects to other regional and global programs such as the UNODC Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2022-2026). Read the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (2024-2028): https://www.unodc.org/documents/southasia//publications/UNODC_Regional_Programme_for_South_Asia_2024-2028.pdf
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07 May 2024
Inspiring India's Youth for a Just Tomorrow
In Guwahati's Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti school, over 1200 students unite daily to pledge for peace and justice. Khyati Baruah a 15 year old, credits UNODC's RiseUp4Peace initiative for enhancing her leadership skills and fostering enthusiasm for SDG16."Being a part of the RiseUp4Peace project has enhanced my leadership skills to a new level," says Khyati. "As a student leader in my school, I have been collaborating with students from different classes and feel a new spark of excitement in the students for SDG16."RiseUp4Peace, led by UNODC in collaboration with Kamla Nehru Public School, engages over 1,000 educators and youth. It focuses on fostering integrity and promoting SDG16 values.“With RiseUp4Peace, I am able to spread awareness about the impact we as students can make to build a just and peaceful world. This project has also helped me to develop my leadership and communication skills,” says Lekisha Jain, aged 14."Working for this cause has enabled me to harness digital tools for meaningful social impact," says Srishti Sen, aged 15, a student of the Funlish online education platform. 5th Monthly RiseUp4Peace capacity-boosting dialogue in April, facilitated by UNODC's youth mainstreaming specialist Paloma Munne, involved over 150 educators, promoting youth mainstreaming. Educators from around the world shared practical ways to strengthen SDG 16 education, highlighting the importance of a “collaborative spirit.""With this network, the idea is to foster cross-fertilization of expertise and ideas between educators and educational institutions," says Ms. Paramjit Dhillon, Principal (Admin and Innovation), KNPS Phagwara.Through direct knowledge support, 316 educators, 5,100 young people, and 12 educational institutions were empowered on SDG 16-related themes and youth mainstreaming on the rule of law. This led to over 14,000 young people engaged and empowered in various initiatives. These include the 'Run4Peace' campaign by Little Kingdom School (Madhya Pradesh), virtual student assemblies at Funlish Language School, and setting up a 'peace tree' at Sri Seshaas International Public School Salem (Tamil Nadu), among others,"In today's interconnected world, the significance of SDG16 education cannot be overstated," asserts Samarth Pathak, UNODC Communications Officer for South Asia."I have always wanted to make a difference in society," shares Anubhab Siddhanta, aged 13. "Engaging with UNODC has made me realize that small acts too can have a big impact.”With RiseUp4Peace paving the way, young people are not just dreaming of a better tomorrow—they're actively working towards it, one pledge and one action at a time. Join the RiseUp4Peace initiative: t.ly/lh9T7This activity contributes to SDG 4, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/
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Story
06 May 2024
Bridging Cultures Through Jazz
Jazz cuts across languages, cultures and continents, weaving together art and the message of unity with its innovative notes and sophisticated melodies. Since 2012, International Jazz Day, celebrated annually on 30 April, has highlighted the power of this musical art form as a force for freedom and creativity, promoting intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding and uniting people from all corners of the globe.
This year, the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Alliance Française de Delhi, the Polish Institute, and the Embassy of the Czech Republic, came together to organize an International Jazz Concert at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre.
From Dutch, French, and Polish musicians to Indian ensembles, the concert featured a diverse lineup of talented performers, offering a dynamic exploration of jazz's rich cultural and musical heritage from around the globe.The evening featured a performance by 'Soundscapes,' a fusion ensemble comprising Frank Bilsen from the Netherlands, Julien Perez from France, and Karan Chitra Deshmukh and Debasmita Bhattacharya from India, showcasing their fusion of Indian and Western music.
Drummer Tarun Balani and guitarist Siddharth Gautam mesmerized with Indian jazz, while Kuba Wójcik and Piotr Damasiewicz brought innovative Polish jazz to the stage.“Our goal is to transcend the musical and mental boundaries by drawing inspiration from the variety of cultures and environments” said the guitarist, Kuba Wójcik.The evening wrapped up with a collaborative jam session led by Dhruv Sangari, joined by Sahil Vasudeva, Makrand Sanon, Suhel Saeed Khan, Siraj, and Arina, blending Indian musical heritage with jazz improvisation and innovation. “It is evident from the event that young Indian musicians are willing to experiment and take risks. If more support and systems can be set up to support this, it has a lot of potential given the incredible talent and history of music India possesses,” said Sahil Vasudeva, on the growing jazz movement in India. The event also featured a preview of the exhibition ‘From New Orleans to Bombay: The Journey of Jazz in India’, curated by the American Institute of Indian Studies, in collaboration with UNESCO and the India International Centre. This exhibition is open to the public from 1 to 10 May between 11 AM and 7 PM at the India International Centre Annexe in New Delhi. Contributed by Shraddha Chauhan (UNIC Intern)
This year, the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Alliance Française de Delhi, the Polish Institute, and the Embassy of the Czech Republic, came together to organize an International Jazz Concert at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre.
From Dutch, French, and Polish musicians to Indian ensembles, the concert featured a diverse lineup of talented performers, offering a dynamic exploration of jazz's rich cultural and musical heritage from around the globe.The evening featured a performance by 'Soundscapes,' a fusion ensemble comprising Frank Bilsen from the Netherlands, Julien Perez from France, and Karan Chitra Deshmukh and Debasmita Bhattacharya from India, showcasing their fusion of Indian and Western music.
Drummer Tarun Balani and guitarist Siddharth Gautam mesmerized with Indian jazz, while Kuba Wójcik and Piotr Damasiewicz brought innovative Polish jazz to the stage.“Our goal is to transcend the musical and mental boundaries by drawing inspiration from the variety of cultures and environments” said the guitarist, Kuba Wójcik.The evening wrapped up with a collaborative jam session led by Dhruv Sangari, joined by Sahil Vasudeva, Makrand Sanon, Suhel Saeed Khan, Siraj, and Arina, blending Indian musical heritage with jazz improvisation and innovation. “It is evident from the event that young Indian musicians are willing to experiment and take risks. If more support and systems can be set up to support this, it has a lot of potential given the incredible talent and history of music India possesses,” said Sahil Vasudeva, on the growing jazz movement in India. The event also featured a preview of the exhibition ‘From New Orleans to Bombay: The Journey of Jazz in India’, curated by the American Institute of Indian Studies, in collaboration with UNESCO and the India International Centre. This exhibition is open to the public from 1 to 10 May between 11 AM and 7 PM at the India International Centre Annexe in New Delhi. Contributed by Shraddha Chauhan (UNIC Intern)
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Story
02 May 2024
Investing for a resilient tomorrow for all
Asia was the world’s most disaster-hit region in 2023, with floods and storms claiming the highest number of casualties. Recent satellite reports from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) show that glacial lakes in the Himalayas are expanding at a rapid scale, threatening lives of downstream communities. And just last month, parts of India recorded heatwave conditions, with day temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in several places. Rising climate-related uncertainty has accelerated calls to invest in financial and human resources to boost disaster resilient infrastructure. “Communities that contributed the least to climate change are paying the highest price,” United Nations in India Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp told the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was hosted by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in New Delhi.Weather extremes have greatly reduced the productivity of the vulnerable, journalist Jayashree Nandi said, as she moderated a high-level discussion on the theme ‘Investing today for a more resilient tomorrow’ at the conference, which brought together representatives from government bodies, the private sector and civil society. The most important infrastructure for climate change adaptation is infrastructure that has not been built yet, GeoHazards International Chief Operating Officer Dr. Janise Rodgers said during a panel discussion that also featured European Commission DG-INTPA Green Deal and the Digital Agenda Director Carla Montesi, Asian Development Bank Country Director for India Mio Oka and Miyamoto International CEO Dr. Kit Miyamoto. “When countries are forced to choose between the right to development and climate mitigation, they will choose development. We must together ensure the two go hand in hand, with resilience and climate justice for all through ample access to finance and technology,” Mr. Sharp said. CDRI Director General Amit Prothi lauded UN Women for highlighting the potential role that women play in their communities in responding to disaster, saying: “Adaptation is very local and often affects women a lot more. They may have a better understanding of how to come up with solutions on the ground and we need to look into building capacity”.Mr. Sharp stressed that the Summit of the Future, to be held at UN Headquarters in New York in September, will be an opportunity for Member States, communities and civil society to come together and contribute inputs about the reforms we need to strengthen multilateralism and partnerships.
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Press Release
29 May 2024
UN Headquarters Observes International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 30 May
UN Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 30 May 2024. In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Since that time, more than two million peacekeepers from 125 countries have since served in 71 operations around the world. Today, some 76,000 women and men are serving in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.India is the 2nd largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 6,000 military and police personnel to the UN operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.During formal ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General, António Guterres, will lay a wreath to honour all UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, at which Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 64 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the UN flag, including 61 who perished last year.Among the peacekeepers to be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal is one from India: Naik Dhananjay Kumar SINGH, who served with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). The Secretary-General will also present the 2023 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award to Major Radhika Sen, a military officer from India, who served with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Created in 2016, the Award “recognizes the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security”.In his message, the Secretary-General said: “Today we pay tribute to the more than 76,000 United Nations peacekeepers who embody humanity’s highest ideal: peace. Day in and day out, at great personal risk, these women and men bravely work in some of the most dangerous and unstable places on earth to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support elections and strengthen institutions. More than 4,300 peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price while serving under the UN flag. We will never forget them.” The theme for 2024 International Day of UN Peacekeepers is “Fit for the future, building better together.” The theme denotes that while UN Peacekeeping has proven to be part of the solution for over 75 years -- assisting host countries in navigating the difficult path from conflict to peace -- the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace policy brief sets out a path for multilateral peace and security operations to remain viable tools to address future crises and conflict.“UN Peacekeeping remains a unique global partnership, with peacekeepers from over 120 countries making a meaningful difference every day to millions of people in some of the most world's most difficult places,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. "As we respond to tomorrow's challenges, UN Peacekeeping continues to evolve, leveraging partnerships to be nimble, responsive and fit-for-purpose, promote stability, protect the vulnerable and help to build a durable peace.”The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
Schedule of Events at Headquarters on 30 May09:45 a.m.: The Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honour of fallen peacekeepers at the Peacekeepers Memorial Site on the North Lawn. (If inclement weather, the ceremony will be held near the Chagall window in the Visitors’ Lobby). While UN Photo and UN TV will cover the ceremony, members of the UN press corps are invited. It will not be webcast live, but will be available on demand soon after the event: https://webtv.un.org/en11:00 a.m.: The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal and Military Gender Advocate of the Year ceremonies will be held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber and shown live on UN Webcast: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1udwgod6x+12:15 p.m.: Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix will be the guest at the noon briefing. It will be webcast live at https://webtv.un.org/en[END]Media Contacts: Douglas Coffman, Department of Global Communications -+1 (917) 361-9923, e-mail: coffmand@un.org; or Hector Calderon, hector.calderon@un.org or Aditya Mehta, mehta2@un.org from the Department of Peace Operations .For more information, please visit the Peacekeepers Day websites here:https://www.un.org/en/observances/peacekeepers-day; or https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/international-day-of-un-peacekeepers-2024-0
Schedule of Events at Headquarters on 30 May09:45 a.m.: The Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honour of fallen peacekeepers at the Peacekeepers Memorial Site on the North Lawn. (If inclement weather, the ceremony will be held near the Chagall window in the Visitors’ Lobby). While UN Photo and UN TV will cover the ceremony, members of the UN press corps are invited. It will not be webcast live, but will be available on demand soon after the event: https://webtv.un.org/en11:00 a.m.: The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal and Military Gender Advocate of the Year ceremonies will be held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber and shown live on UN Webcast: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1udwgod6x+12:15 p.m.: Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix will be the guest at the noon briefing. It will be webcast live at https://webtv.un.org/en[END]Media Contacts: Douglas Coffman, Department of Global Communications -+1 (917) 361-9923, e-mail: coffmand@un.org; or Hector Calderon, hector.calderon@un.org or Aditya Mehta, mehta2@un.org from the Department of Peace Operations .For more information, please visit the Peacekeepers Day websites here:https://www.un.org/en/observances/peacekeepers-day; or https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/international-day-of-un-peacekeepers-2024-0
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Press Release
29 May 2024
Secretary-General: Deeper Reform are Needed
I am happy to join you today. As I said yesterday, financing is the fuel of development. But the truth is that many Small Island Developing States are running on empty. Suffering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which accelerated inflation and increased interest rates. Battered by a climate catastrophe they did not create. With shocks that are becoming more and more frequent – and devastating. Causing nearly 100 billion US dollars in losses for SIDS between 2010 and 2019. SIDS face even greater challenges to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals than the rest of the world. Too often, island nations are unable to make the investments they need in sustainable development – as precious resources are diverted to recovery from disasters and to debt service. And when they turn to the global financial system for assistance, they come, often, empty-handed. As a result, many SIDS have been forced to take on high levels of debt. SIDS are paying more to service debt than they invest in healthcare and education in a large number of cases. And while many SIDS rely on Official Development Assistance, that remains comparatively low. Two-thirds of SIDS are classified as Middle-Income countries – with limited or no access to debt support or concessional financing. As the impacts of climate change have intensified, the financing gap in SIDS has become more urgent. SIDS are doing everything they can. Prime Minister Gaston Brown of Antigua and Barbuda has been at the forefront of advocacy to develop a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index that truly reflects SIDS needs for development finance, and let’s hope that this will become a reality and be implemented mainly by the international financial institutions. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados has spearheaded the Bridgetown Initiative to transform lending and provide inclusive, resilient finance to countries facing climate crises. And under Samoa’s leadership, the Alliance of Small Island States has been instrumental in pushing the international community to operationalize the loss and damage fund. You are leading by example. But too often, you are facing closed doors – from institutions and systems that you had no hand in creating… have little voice in shaping… and that remain too often unresponsive to your needs. In current form, the global financial architecture fails to deliver for developing countries in general – and SIDS in particular. I have called for an immediate SDG Stimulus to scale up resources for developing countries and provide effective debt relief. But it’s clear that deeper reforms are needed. We need action on three fronts to better support and mobilize financing for SIDS to meet their needs and ambitions. First, we must relieve the burden of debt. Many Small Island Developing States find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle: borrowing at high costs – influenced by the biased analysis of credit ratings agencies - and facing climate and financial shocks that make repayment almost impossible. Today, nearly half of SIDS are on the edge or already grappling with unsustainable levels of debt. For many, the problem is liquidity. These countries should have access to effective debt relief mechanisms, including the chance to pause debt repayments temporarily while global economic conditions remain difficult – without fearing for their future. And debt service must be compatible with a path to sustainable development. Second, we must transform lending practices so that they work for SIDS. Under current rules, many middle- and high-income SIDS cannot access concessional finance from Multilateral Development Banks. And when they do, they are faced with excessive bureaucratic obstacles. This must change. We must lower borrowing costs by changing the rules on concessional finance. That includes taking into account vulnerability to external shocks. Climate-resilient or state-contingent clauses should become standard in all borrowing – so that countries are given breathing room when they face shocks. The UN’s Multidimensional Vulnerability Index can play an important role on this. And third, we need greater inclusivity across international financial institutions. Global institutions cannot be effective if they are not representative. SIDS must have a seat at every table, and your voices must be heard. This is why we have been consistently advocating for the reform of the International Financial Architecture – so that it corresponds to today’s economic realities and provides an effective safety net for developing countries in distress and in particular for SIDS. The Summit of the Future in September offers a rare opportunity to move forward on these goals. I look forward to welcoming heads of State and government to New York. I urge you to help build momentum around a more sustainable and inclusive financial system. It is time to turn the tide and create a global financial future that leaves no island nation behind. Thank you.[END]
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Press Release
29 May 2024
Indian Peacekeeper Wins 2023 Military Gender Advocate of Year Award
An Indian military peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) will receive the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.Major Radhika Sen served in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from March 2023 to April 2024 as the Commander of MONUSCO’s Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion.She will receive the award from UN Secretary-General António Guterres during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 30 May 2024.Created in 2016, the United Nations “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” recognizes the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Major Radhika Sen for her service: “Major Sen is a true leader and role model. Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole,” he said. “In an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu, her troops actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls,” he explained. “She earned their trust (…) doing so with humility, compassion and dedication.”Upon receiving news of the Award, Major Sen expressed her gratitude for being selected and reflected on her peacekeeping role: “This award is special to me as it gives a recognition to the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and giving their best to bring a positive change in the society,” she said. “Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody’s business -- not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity!”Major Sen led mixed-gender engagement patrols and activities in a volatile environment, where many people, including women and children, were leaving everything behind to flee the conflict.The Community Alert Networks she helped create in North Kivu served as a platform, including community leaders, young people and women to voice their security and humanitarian concerns, which she would in turn help address together with her colleagues in the Mission.As a Platoon Commander, she also helped foster a safe space for men and women to operate together under her command and quickly became a role model for both women peacekeepers and her male counterparts. She also made sure that peacekeepers under her command engaged in a manner that is sensitive to gender and sociocultural norms in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to help build trust and thereby increase her team’s chance of success.Major Sen facilitated English classes for children and health, gender and vocational training for displaced and marginalized adults. Her efforts directly inspired women’s solidarity, providing safe spaces for meetings and open dialogue. As a gender advocate, she encouraged women in the village of Kashlira, near Rwindi town, to organize themselves to address issues collectively, advocate for their rights and amplify their voices within the community, in particular in local security and peace discussions.Major Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award following in the footsteps of Major Suman Gawani who was a co-recipient for 2019. Other past honourees were from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Niger, South Africa and Zimbabwe.India is currently the eleventh largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations with 124 now deployed. About the AwardeeBorn in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh in 1993, Major Radhika Sen joined the army eight years ago. Major Sen graduated as a biotech engineer and was pursuing her master’s degree from IIT Bombay when she decided to join the armed forces. She deployed to MONUSCO in March 2023 as the Engagement Platoon Commander with the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion and completed her tenure in April 2024. Note to EditorsThe Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is underpinned by the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and follow-on resolutions on women, peace and security. The resolutions call on actors to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding and to ensure women’s participation in peace and political processes. They also call for the protection from, and prevention of, conflict-related sexual violence and for an expansion of the role and contribution of women in UN operations, including of uniformed women peacekeepers.[END]Find out more about the award here: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/gender-advocate-of-year-award.
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Press Release
29 May 2024
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Today we pay tribute to the more than 76,000 United Nations peacekeepers who embody humanity’s highest ideal: peace. Hailing from over 120 countries, our Blue Helmets serve in 11 peace operations in conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Day in and day out, at great personal risk, these women and men bravely work in some of the most dangerous and unstable places on earth to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support elections and strengthen institutions. They are part of a long tradition. For over 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have supported communities rocked by conflict and upheaval across 71 missions. More than 4,300 have paid the ultimate price while serving under the UN flag. We will never forget them. In order for our peacekeepers to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow, they need the world’s support. September’s Summit of the Future will be a moment for countries to carry ideas forward through a New Agenda for Peace, which links peacekeeping with all efforts to prevent and end conflict. Achieving peace takes hard work. On this important day, and every day, let’s re-commit to supporting those who work for peace: UN peacekeepers. [END] Video Messagehttps://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+day+UN+Peacekeepers+19+Apr+24/MSG+SG+INTL+DAY+UN+PEACEKEEPRS+19+APR+24+Clean.mp4For more information and resources at the following link:https://www.un.org/en/observances/peacekeepers-day
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Press Release
29 May 2024
Secretary-General Condemns ‘in Strongest Terms’ Deadly Air Strikes in Rafah, Stressing Horror Must Stop Immediately
The Secretary-General has condemned in the strongest terms the 26 May air strikes on Rafah hitting tents sheltering displaced people. He is heartbroken by the images of the killed and injured, including many small children. As he has said before, the horror and suffering must stop immediately.The Secretary-General grieves for the over 36,000 Palestinians and some 1,500 Israelis killed in the relentless violence, including the gruesome acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Israel on 7 October 2023, the devastating Israeli assault on Gaza, the continued indiscriminate rocket launches towards Israel. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is now compounded by the unconscionable prospect of a man-made famine.The Secretary-General reiterates his demand for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. He recalls the recent orders of the International Court of Justice, which are binding and must be complied with.The Israeli authorities must allow, facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian supplies assistance to those in need and all crossing points must be open in line with Security Council resolution 2720 (2023). Humanitarian organizations must have full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to reach all civilians in need across Gaza, in line with Security Council resolution 2712 (2023).We must work expeditiously to restore security, dignity and hope for the affected population. This will require urgent efforts to support and strengthen the new Palestinian Government and its institutions, including preparing the Palestinian Authority to reassume its responsibilities in Gaza. We must also move forward with tangible and irreversible steps to create a political horizon.The devastation and misery of the past seven months have reinforced the absolute need for Israelis, Palestinians, the States of the region and the broader international community to take urgent steps that will enable the parties to re-engage on the long-delayed political path to achieve a two-State solution. The UN will continue to support all such efforts.[END]
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