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Press Release
27 October 2024
High Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
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Press Release
25 October 2024
Secretary-General: Calling for Intensified Efforts towards Peace in Ukraine, ‘When There Is Political Will, Diplomacy Can Succeed’
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Story
16 October 2024
Global conference begins on future of digital tech standards
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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.
Publication
03 September 2024
UN in India Digest September 2024
Odisha gets its first 24/7 ‘Grain ATM’ ; Championing climate action at grassroots; FAO’s digital solution for quality spice production, and more updates in the September edition of the UN in India digest. Download this month’s newsletter for a quick roundup of the UN Country Team's work in India.
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Story
01 October 2024
World leaders pledge action on humanity’s biggest challenges
India has joined the world’s countries in adopting the Pact for the Future, a landmark declaration pledging concrete actions towards a safer, more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for future generations. Meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on 22 September for the Summit of the Future, world leaders adopted the Pact – along with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations – by consensus.By endorsing the Pact, UN Member States agreed to turbo-charge efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfil the terms of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. Leaders pledged to listen more to young people and include them in decision-making, while also building stronger relationships with civil society, the private sector, and local and regional authorities. They further committed to intensifying efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict and address the root causes of these conflicts.The Pact has five broad focus areas: sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance. The Global Digital Compact outlines commitments to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks like digital divides, cybersecurity, and the misuse of technology. Governments are now obligated to form an impartial worldwide Scientific Panel on AI and start an international conversation about AI governance inside the UN. The Declaration on Future Generations focuses on securing the well-being of future generations and highlighting the need to include their interests in decision-making. These three documents were adopted following months of intergovernmental negotiations. Speaking afterwards, Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, urged countries to move forward in a spirit of solidarity.“The path we choose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld,” he said. “A future where peace transcends the mere absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusion, and equity.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that “people everywhere are hoping for a future of peace, dignity and prosperity. They are crying out for global action to solve the climate crisis, tackle inequality, and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone.”He added that people “see the United Nations as essential to solving these challenges.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Summit of the Future, said that “global action must match global ambition” when it comes to tackling emerging sources of threat such as the cyber, maritime and space fields.“The success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield,” he said. “And for global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential.”
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Story
01 October 2024
Global leaders gather at time of ‘powder keg’
World leaders gathered at UN Headquarters in New York for the General Assembly’s high-level meeting amid warnings that the planet is becoming “a powder keg” on an unsustainable course.UN Secretary-General António Guterres, delivering his annual report on the UN’s work, noted the many raging conflicts around the world, including those in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. “Our world is a whirlwind,” he said. “We are in an era of epic transformation, facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.”The Secretary-General added that climate change, poverty and artificial intelligence were among the many other challenges facing the world today.“We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world,” he said.Mr. Guterres emphasized the need to tackle three main drivers of unsustainability in the world: impunity, inequality, and uncertainty.“These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding,” he said, adding that nevertheless the challenges are solvable if humanity is willing to ensure that “the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.” General Assembly President Philémon Yang used his address to underline that the 193-member General Assembly remained “one of the world’s most inclusive, represented, representative and authoritative platforms for global reflection of collective action.”Mr. Yang said that “if we act together,” the world can still overcome its greatest challenges, including the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by their 2030 target date. Fewer than 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track, just six years before the deadline.He also underscored the threats posed by the climate crisis, which is impacting ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide. “The urgency of our task cannot be overstated.”
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Story
24 July 2024
UNESCO heritage meeting opens in India
The annual meeting of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has kicked off in India for the first time, with thousands of delegates gathering to examine the state of conservation of existing World Heritage sites and discuss which sites should be added to the famous global list. In an opening ceremony held on 21 July in New Delhi, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlighted what she called the “tremendous challenges in protecting heritage amid the global transformation driven by the digital revolution and climate disruption”. Ms. Azoulay described India, which currently has 42 sites on the World Heritage List, as “an inspiration” when it comes to heritage.“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the milestone we reached during the Indian presidency of the G20 – when leaders gathered here issued a Declaration calling for the inclusion of culture as a stand-alone goal in the post-2030 development agenda,” she added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also speaking at the ceremony, pledged $1 million to support UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, particularly for heritage conservation in India and across the Global South.During the 10-day meeting, discussions will cover the state of conservation of World Heritage properties as well as those on the List of World Heritage in Danger. They will also consider strategies for helping countries manage their heritage sites. India has one of the 28 sites nominated for inclusion this year: Moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in the northeastern state of Assam. A decision on the site is expected towards the end of the week.In addition to the main meeting, the gathering features 38 side events, including exhibitions and panel discussions involving heritage experts and site managers. This year marks the first time that India has played host to the World Heritage Committee meeting, which rotates between countries each year.
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Press Release
30 July 2019
World Day against Trafficking in Persons
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
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MESSAGE ON WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
30 July 2019
Human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects every region of the world. Some 72 per cent of detected victims are women and girls, and the percentage of child victims has more than doubled from 2004 to 2016, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Most detected victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation; victims are also trafficked for forced labour, recruitment as child soldiers and other forms of exploitation and abuse.
Traffickers and terrorist groups prey on the vulnerable, from people in poverty to those caught up in war or who face discrimination. Nadia Murad, the first trafficking victim to serve as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, was justly co-awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for galvanizing international action to stop trafficking and sexual violence in conflict.
Armed conflict, displacement, climate change, natural disasters and poverty exacerbate the vulnerabilities and desperation that enable trafficking to flourish. Migrants are being targeted. Thousands of people have died at sea, in deserts and in detention centres, at the hands of traffickers and migrant smugglers plying their monstrous, merciless trades.
But everyday indifference to abuse and exploitation around us also takes a heavy toll. Indeed, from construction to food production to consumer goods, countless businesses and enterprises benefit from the misery.
Multilateral action has generated progress, including through the Palermo Convention and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Most countries have the necessary laws in place, and some countries recently recorded their first trafficking convictions. But more needs to be done to bring transnational trafficking networks to justice and, most of all, to ensure that victims are identified and can access the protection and services they need.
The Sustainable Development Goals include clear targets to prevent abuse and exploitation, to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls, and to eradicate forced labour and child labour. On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us reaffirm our commitment to stop criminals from ruthlessly exploiting people for profit and to help victims rebuild their lives.
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Story
16 October 2024
Global conference begins on future of digital tech standards
Thousands of tech experts, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and government officials have gathered in New Delhi for a global United Nations-run conference on the future of technology standards. The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) formally opened on 15 October in the capital’s Bharat Mandapam venue with an opening ceremony featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. WTSA, taking place in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time, runs until 24 October. It is being held alongside the India Mobile Congress. Held every four years, WTSA sets out priorities for experts around the world who work year-round to develop the standards established by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The assembly’s opening heard calls for universal connectivity, the need for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and how digital inclusion can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
In his remarks, Mr. Modi stressed that “security, dignity and equity” are the principles on which discussions at the assembly and congress should be based.
“Our objective should be that no country, no region and no community should be left behind the in this digital era,” he said.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the world had a lot to learn from what India has already accomplished with its digital public infrastructure. “This global gathering calls for bold, collective action. In the next 10 days, we can strengthen the role of international standards as the bedrock of global digital governance,” she said.
ITU's standardization work is driven by the contributions and consensus decisions of the agency’s membership, which includes 194 Member States and more than 1,000 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
WTSA reviews the strategy, structure and working methods of ITU's standardization arm every four years. It also approves the mandates and appoints the leadership teams of expert groups for international standardization.
***
In his remarks, Mr. Modi stressed that “security, dignity and equity” are the principles on which discussions at the assembly and congress should be based.
“Our objective should be that no country, no region and no community should be left behind the in this digital era,” he said.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the world had a lot to learn from what India has already accomplished with its digital public infrastructure. “This global gathering calls for bold, collective action. In the next 10 days, we can strengthen the role of international standards as the bedrock of global digital governance,” she said.
ITU's standardization work is driven by the contributions and consensus decisions of the agency’s membership, which includes 194 Member States and more than 1,000 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
WTSA reviews the strategy, structure and working methods of ITU's standardization arm every four years. It also approves the mandates and appoints the leadership teams of expert groups for international standardization.
***
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Story
14 October 2024
Youth lead the way on World Habitat Day
India’s youth are starting to play a greater role in making the country’s cities more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. That was the message for this year’s celebration of World Habitat Day, where the global theme was “Engaging youth to create a better urban future”. At its 2024 commemorative event in New Delhi organized by Government of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs along with UN-Habitat, speakers focused on the increasing influence of young people in urban design. During his address, Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, described how young people “are a crucial and somewhat missing piece of the urban puzzle” and will be central to efforts to make Indian cities more sustainable and dynamic. At the same event marking World Habitat Day, UN Resident Coordinator in India pointed out that 60% of urban residents will be under the age of 18 by 2030. UN-Habitat’s Country Programme Manager Parul Agarwala noted that her agency is working with youth “to give them the resources, knowledge, and training for meaningful civic engagement and as development partners”. In the Young Gamechangers Initiative under way in the state of Odisha, youth are learning new digital skills to help plug urban data gaps and to shape discussions on making cities safer and more accessible, especially for women and girls. In New Delhi, UN-Habitat is working with children, caregivers, and school administrators to improve disability inclusion and make schools more accessible. It is also partnering with local governments across the country to boost youth skills in participatory budgeting processes so that they have a greater say in decision-making at the city level. World Habitat Day 2024 marks an open invitation– “to engage with us to find solutions and ensure that the right to housing and sustainable cities and communities is our reality” in the words of UN-Habitat’s Executive Director, Anaclaudia Rossbach. .***
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Story
09 October 2024
WHO certifies India’s triumph over trachoma
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against preventable blindness. The news positions India alongside Nepal and Myanmar in WHO’s South-East Asia region — and 19 other countries worldwide — as having overcome this scourge.India’s journey to elimination began in 1963 when its Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiated a trachoma control project with support from WHO and UNICEF. This effort evolved into a comprehensive programme that implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. Trachoma, a leading cause of blindness globally, has been a formidable challenge in India for decades. It is an eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection spreads from person to person through contaminated fingers, flies and surfaces bearing discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.Environmental risk factors for transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded households, and inadequate access to water, and sanitation facilities.Repeated infections in childhood lead to scarring of the inner side of the upper eyelids, resulting in inward turning of the eyelid margin, with the eyelashes touching the eyeball. This is a painful condition known as trachomatous trichiasis – if left untreated, it can result in visual impairment and even blindness. “India’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is a testimony to the country’s commitment to alleviating the suffering that millions have faced from this debilitating disease,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, emphasized: "India's success is an inspiration for other nations striving to eliminate trachoma and improve public health." Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region highlighted that India’s success stems from strong government leadership and the commitment of ophthalmologists and healthcare workers.Click here to read more from WHO on the milestone.
Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, emphasized: "India's success is an inspiration for other nations striving to eliminate trachoma and improve public health." Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region highlighted that India’s success stems from strong government leadership and the commitment of ophthalmologists and healthcare workers.Click here to read more from WHO on the milestone.
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Story
05 October 2024
UN in India steps up disability inclusion
From heads of agencies to human resources officers, staff at all levels of United Nations India have been undergoing training to help the Organization deliver on its promises of disability inclusion. Over a week at the end of September, more than 70 UN staff participated in training and orientation sessions as part of efforts to raise awareness about disability and make the UN system and workplaces more accessible. The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator, hosted the week-long inter-agency programme at UN House in New Delhi. Interactive training courses and sessions were held with heads of agencies, members of the operations management team, human resource officers and disability focal points. The training for each group of staff was different, tailored to their needs. For heads of agencies, the training focused on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and what steps the UN can take to remove those barriers to become employer of choice for persons with disabilities. The training is part of UN in India’s efforts to implement the recently endorsed joint Non-Discrimination Statement on Employment of Persons with Disabilities. This commits UN agencies to promoting inclusivity, upholding human rights, and nurturing an equitable work environment for all individuals. ***
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Story
01 October 2024
Latest report sheds light on India’s Jal Jeevan Mission
Access to water and sanitation is a basic human right, essential for health, dignity, and well-being. Millions of Indians face extreme water pressure, only worsened by the impacts of climate change – erratic monsoons, the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding, and droughts. UNOPS and the Sankala Foundation have released a new report on the impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has improved access to clean water across India. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a key initiative of the Government of India, aims to provide safe drinking water through household tap connections to every rural home by the end of 2024. As of September 2024, over 150 million tap connections have been installed, up from just three million in 2019. The report highlights how local communities, including over 2.4 million women, have been empowered with the skills and resources needed to manage and monitor their water supply effectively.The launch event included government dignitaries such as Mr. Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission, and Ms. Vini Mahajan, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, both from the Government of India. "This groundbreaking initiative showcases innovative, inclusive solutions that not only advance the SDGs in India but also have the potential to drive global progress," said Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India, during the launch.UNOPS and the Government of Denmark have also partnered under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership of 2020 to provide technical support to the Jal Jeevan Mission.
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Press Release
03 October 2024
High Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
We gather on this International Day at a time when the risk of a nuclear weapon being used has reached heights not seen since the cold war. This is a time when nuclear blackmail has emerged, and some are recklessly threatening to unleash a nuclear catastrophe. Additionally, States are actively advancing their weapons technology, while concerning reports suggest that some may soon seek to increase their nuclear stockpiles and military resources.We are also observing a growing nexus between nuclear weapons and domains such as outer and cyber space, and technologies such as artificial intelligence, which are multiplying the danger of a nuclear catastrophe.In the meanwhile, the very regime designed to prevent the use, testing and proliferation of nuclear weapons is being eroded. In 2022, we witnessed the failure of States to achieve a consensus outcome at the Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, thereby undermining the cornerstone of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime.In 2023, efforts to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force were hindered when one State withdrew its ratification of the Treaty. 2023 also marked the suspension of the implementation of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), a crucial agreement for promoting strategic stability and reducing nuclear risk between the United States and the Russian Federation. Not only is the disarmament and non-proliferation regime being eroded, but the disarmament forums, which should be the venues for States to come together and elaborate solutions, are increasingly becoming venues for recriminations and consensus breaking. This simply cannot continue.We must step back from the nuclear precipice, and we must act now.In the Pact for the Future, which was just adopted a few days ago, we recommitted to the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. This is a global undertaking, but nuclear-weapon States must take the lead.I call on these States to resume dialogue with each other and to fully commit to preventing any use of a nuclear weapon.While awaiting their total elimination on the face of the Earth, I also appeal to these States to agree that none will be the first to use nuclear weapons. There is no scenario in which the use of nuclear weapons does not end in catastrophe for us all.I urge nuclear-weapon States to reaffirm their moratoria on nuclear testing.The current geopolitical situation has proven that maintaining the status quo is not enough to guarantee long-term, sustainable peace and security. We need to bolster the implementation of all previous commitments made under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and particularly those related to disarmament. I call on those States which have not yet acceded to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to do so without delay.I call on all Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to work together to ensure a successful outcome at the Review Conference in 2026. I also urge the United States and the Russian Federation to return to the negotiating table, to fully implement the New START Treaty, and to agree on its successor.On this International Day, let us stand as one and denounce any threat to use nuclear weapons and let us usher in a new era of peace where we are free of the shadow of nuclear catastrophe. Thank you.[END]
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Press Release
03 October 2024
Secretary-General: Calling for Intensified Efforts towards Peace in Ukraine, ‘When There Is Political Will, Diplomacy Can Succeed’
Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations. Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States -- within their internationally recognized borders.The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State -- and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 -- following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago -- is a clear violation of these principles.And civilian populations continue to pay the price. The death toll keeps rising. Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes. Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets are only adding pain and misery. Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities -- wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately. And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine. This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.But, we need the support of the international community. Fifteen million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance -- more than half of them women and girls. But, as winter is approaching, less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground. We are also assisting the Government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts. This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites -- particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security. I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed. The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions -- at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action. We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence -- for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed -- even in the darkest hour.Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue. So, let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine -- a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly. The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal. Thank you.[END]
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Press Release
03 October 2024
International Day of Older Persons
Message of UN Secretary-General António GuterresAs populations age, care and support systems are vital for older persons to continue actively engaging and enriching their communities.Yet too often older persons do not have access to this crucial assistance, deepening inequalities and increasing their vulnerabilities. This disparity falls even heavier on women, including older women, who bear the brunt of providing unpaid care.Recognizing the rights of both those who receive care and care givers is essential for more resilient societies. We must work to cultivate people-centred care systems that are sustainable and equitable, and they must amplify the voices of older persons by ensuring their participation in policymaking.That requires investing in the infrastructure for formal long-term care, ensuring opportunities for decent work, and enabling individuals to transition from informal to formal care.On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s commit to strengthen care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers.[END]
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Press Release
03 October 2024
International Day of Non-Violence - 2024
On the International Day of Non-Violence, we commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirm the values to which he dedicated his life: equality, respect, peace and justice. Our world today is bristling with violence.Across the globe, conflicts are raging. From Ukraine, to Sudan, the Middle East and far beyond, war is creating a hellscape of destruction, destitution and fear. Inequality and climate chaos are undermining the foundations of peace. And hate whipped up online is spilling over onto the streets.Last month’s Summit of the Future offered hope. Countries came together to lay the groundwork for a renewed multilateralism, equipped to support peace in a changing world. That includes a renewed focus on the underlying causes of conflict -- from inequality to poverty and division. Now we need countries to transform those commitments into reality.Gandhi believed non-violence was the greatest force available to humanity -- more powerful than any weapon. Together, let’s build institutions to support that noble vision.[END]
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Press Release
30 September 2024
World Maritime Day
Shipping is vital to keeping our economies and societies afloat. It is the lifeblood of global supply chains, stretching across oceans, connecting goods and communities. Today, the maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation as it steers towards greater digitalization, automation and decarbonization. New technologies and designs offer the opportunity to make important contributions to climate action. I count on the commitment of regulators, seafarers and ship operators alike. As this year’s theme reminds us, safety must remain a priority. While conflicts rage around the globe, targeted attacks have turned key global shipping routes into danger zones, killing seafarers and threatening their well-being. Such attacks are totally unacceptable and must be rejected by all. Safe navigation for the women and men who anchor this crucial industry must not be compromised. On this World Maritime Day, let’s play our part to ensure a safe, sustainable and prosperous maritime sector for all humanity. [END]
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