15 September 2015 - Civil society is the oxygen of democracy.
We see this clearly in the world’s most vibrant and stable democracies, where Government and civil society work together for common goals. Civil society acts as a catalyst for social progress and economic growth. It plays a critical role in keeping Government accountable, and helps represent the diverse interests of the population, including its most vulnerable groups.
12 September 2015 - The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation highlights the progress being made by the global South.
Despite ongoing challenges, developing countries have become critical actors in the global socioeconomic landscape. A majority have joined the middle-income club, and some have attained impressive economic growth, high savings and investment rates, and a larger share of trade in goods and services. The global South is also home to many high-quality enterprises, technological competencies and leading finance and banking institutions. The New Development Bank recently established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as the proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, hold considerable promise to complement existing sources of finance for development.
8 September 2015 - Literacy, a human right that empowers individuals and advances societies, is needed more than ever as the United Nations prepares to adopt a new global agenda for sustainable development.
Agenda 2030 is ambitious and transformative, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and preserve our planet. Its adoption by world leaders later this month offers an opportunity to recommit to promoting literacy as part of our collective push for a life of dignity for all.
5 September 2015 - The International Day of Charity coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work to overcome poverty. Upon receiving the prize, she famously gave the money that came with it to some of the poorest people in India.
At a time when the need for humanitarian assistance has never been higher and when there are more refugees and displaced people than at any time since the end of the Second World War, charities play an increasingly vital role in meeting human need.
19 August 2015 - On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the selfless dedication and sacrifice of workers and volunteers from around the world who devote themselves – often at great personal risk – to assisting the world’s most vulnerable people.
This year, more than 100 million women, men and children need life-saving humanitarian assistance. The amount of people affected by conflict has reached levels not seen since the Second World War, while the number of those affected by natural and human-induced disasters remains profound.
12 August 2015 - Emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformations are combining to heighten the challenges facing the world’s young people. No one knows better than them the issues at stake or the best way to respond. That is why I am calling on young people to speak out – and I am urging leaders to listen.
As the world changes with unprecedented speed, young people are proving to be invaluable partners who can advance meaningful solutions. Youth movements and student groups are challenging traditional power structures and advocating a new social contract between States and societies. Young leaders have contributed fresh ideas, taken proactive measures, and mobilized through social media as never before.
An initial assessment from UN humanitarian partners in the field suggests that food and water supplies are already in place in Quang Ninh. However, Localized damage from flash floods and landslides has increased in mountainous provinces, particularly in terms of agriculture and transport.
Ha Noi, 3 August 2015 - More than 20 people have lost their lives in a series of flashfloods and landslides in Northern Viet Nam. Thousands of houses have been damaged by floodwater, crops destroyed and roads closed in a week of unusually heavy rain. The UN in Viet Nam and its NGO partners continue to monitor the situation very closely and is standing by to assist national and local Government in any way required.
30 July 2015 - Around the world, criminals are selling people for profit. Vulnerable women and girls form the majority of human trafficking victims, including those driven into degrading sexual exploitation.
Trafficked persons are often tricked into servitude with the false promise of a well-paid job. Migrants crossing deadly seas and burning deserts to escape conflict, poverty and persecution are also at risk of being trafficked. Individuals can find themselves alone in a foreign land where they have been stripped of their passports, forced into debt and exploited for labour. Children and young people can find their lives stolen, their education blocked and their dreams dashed. It is an assault on their most basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
