The World Health Organization's (WHO) second Global Traditional Medicine Summit, held in New Delhi, concluded on Friday with the Delhi Declaration, a common direction and roadmap for countries around the world to integrate safe, effective, and evidence-based traditional medicine into mainstream health systems.The summit, held from December 17 to 19, was jointly organized by WHO  and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Its theme was “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being.” It was attended by health ministers, scientists, doctors, indigenous knowledge holders, innovators and civil society representatives from more than 100 countries.The Delhi Declaration , adopted by the World Health Assembly earlier this year, advances the implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and is supported by existing institutional collaborations, including the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India.Under the Delhi Declaration, Member States and stakeholders agreed on four key steps to accelerate the implementation of the Strategy:First,  strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine by increasing investment in and supporting ethical, pluralistic research , and advancing the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Digital Library. Second,  ensure safety, quality and public confidence by strengthening  risk-based regulation and drug safety monitoring .Third,  integrate proven traditional medicine into health systems, especially through primary health care, with  standards, guidelines and workforce development .Fourth,  advance progress with better data, international collaboration  , and meaningful participation of communities and indigenous peoples, including through equitable and equitable benefit-sharing.“Together you have shown that traditional medicine is not a thing of the past,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of  the World Health Organization, at the closing ceremony.It is not a marginalized option, but a living science and a shared heritage. It is also a vital part of universal health coverage (UHC), strong health systems, and sustainable development." The summit focused on moving beyond recognizing the importance of traditional medicine to setting concrete and measurable steps. On Friday, 24 health ministers from various countries discussed innovation, investment, policy and regulation, resulting in specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound commitments.A total of 26 Member States made commitments, indicating a growing shared commitment globally to advancing safe and evidence-based traditional medicine. In addition, academic institutions, professional organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector also announced about 60 new specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound commitments.To ensure accountability and sustainable progress, WHO  announced the formation of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional Medicine, a formal advisory mechanism composed of independent experts.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the closing ceremony at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, said the summit showed that traditional knowledge and modern science can progress together.He said that discussions between global experts and health ministers have opened new avenues for joint research, simplification of regulations, training, and knowledge sharing. These steps will help make traditional medicine more safe and reliable.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several initiatives in line with the summit's outcomes. These included the release of the WHO Technical Report on Yoga Training , which provides a global framework for quality, safety, and uniformity in yoga education.India  also launched My  Ayush Integrated Services Portal , a national digital platform connecting services, institutions and stakeholders in the Ayush sector. Along with this,  AYUSH Mark  has been launched, which is being seen as a global standard for the quality and safety of AYUSH products and services, which is transparent and in accordance with international standards.A commemorative postage stamp on Ashwagandha was also released, symbolizing the growing global recognition of India's traditional medicinal heritage. Also, the book “From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush” was released, which documents the development of India's traditional medicine systems since 2014.The Prime Minister announced the  inauguration of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in Delhi on Friday . He described it as a humble gift from India. He said the office will serve as a global hub for promoting research, regulation, and capacity building.Prime Minister Modi, underscoring India's emphasis on healing partnerships across the world, mentioned two important collaborations. First, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for BIMSTEC countries , covering South and Southeast Asia. Second, a collaboration with Japan to link science, traditional practices, and health .At the conclusion of the summit, participants agreed that the true measure of success would be follow-up action: translating the Delhi Declaration into timely national steps, investing in research and workforce development, and responsibly integrating safe and effective traditional medicine into health systems, especially through primary health care.They committed to priority actions for 2025-2027 to accelerate progress under the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy by 2034. They also emphasized strengthening international collaboration, progress reporting, and shared accountability.Member States also highlighted the role of WHO, including the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.This story is adapted from UN News Hindi story. Click here 

In the cattle camps of Jonglei and neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area, life follows an ancient rhythm. Here, cattle are not simply animals, they are identity, wealth, security and thread that binds families together across generations.From the time a young boy leaves home for the cattle camp, his education begins. He learns to milk, to track herds, to sing the praises of his favorite bull. The cattle camp is his first school, his discipline, his preparations for adulthood and sometimes his spiritual sanctuary.Across the Dinka, Nuwer, Murle, Jie and Anyuak communities, the herd teaches all those who care for them a sense of responsibility, courage and the resilience needed to face the challenges of living in conflict-affected South Sudan.Cattle also lie at the heart of marriage. Bridewealth unites families, strengthens clan ties, and secures the future of children yet to be born. A single marriage can require contributions from uncles, cousins, and others, sometimes more than five hundred cows in stiff competitions.But this value also presents a threat. Youth patrol the plains with weapons, guarding against raiders who have become a deadlier force with modern firearms. The struggle for pasture, water, security and survival has drawn communities into conflict across Jonglei, Pibor and as far as the Equatoria region.Yet the same cows that spark conflict also resolve it. Customary courts use cattle, not only for compensation, but also for healing, restoring peace between communities and preventing a cycle of violence.And this is where our story turns.Indian veterinarian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan are endeavoring to support communities to maintain the health of their herds to prevent conflict, support reconciliation and peacebuilding, as well as economic wellbeing.Their latest initiative was to hold a major mobile veterinary camp, moving across cattle settlements in Bor, Pibor and Akobo.Around 3,000 cattle were examined, treated for ailments, dewormed, and sprayed with acaracide to control ticks. Free veterinary medicines and supplements were distributed to herders who often lack access to animal healthcare.The impact was immediate for cattle owner Machar Alith Deng.“This team has truly changed our lives. With the medicines they provided, our cattle are recovering and growing stronger, something that means everything to our community. The UNMISS team even camped near us, working tirelessly to care for every animal. Their dedication is a blessing to us all,” he said.For Tibek cattle keeper, Angok Awar Angok, the care provided also extended to his flock of goats.“These animals are our livelihood, they feed our children, provide milk, and when a child falls ill or school fees are due, we depend on our goats and cows. The help of the peacekeepers is essential for our survival.”Cattle owning and managing is not just a male domain these days, as exemplified by female cattle keeper, Nyankal Mabior.“Some of my cows were on the verge of death. Now, they are healthy and strong. I will never forget how one of my bulls, once too weak to stand, has regained its strength.”Behind it all is a team of veterinarians led by Lieutenant Colonel, Harmanjeet Singh Goraya, who dedicates significant time and energy to navigating the difficult terrains of the region to reach even the most remote communities.“Veterinary services are very limited in South Sudan. Here, many cattle are affected by foot and mouth disease, East Coast fever and Anaplasmosis, tick infestation, parasitic and skin diseases.”In addition to treating animals, the veterinarians train community members on the prevention and control of animal diseases as well as management practices.For communities whose entire lives revolve around livestock, these treatments are more than medical care, they protect their identity, economy and future. In Jonglei and Greater Pibor, cattle are the pride of youth, the honor of families, the sound of nightly songs and the hope of tomorrow.And for many herders here, the UNMISS veterinary outreach has ensured that this tradition continues. This article was first published on UNMISS website

Drums and celebration filled the hall in New Delhi as communities from across the world saw their traditions recognised — from Panama’s Quincha homes built by collective hands, to Yemen’s Hadrami Dan gatherings where poetry and music are created in the moment. As UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee wrapped up its largest-ever round of inscriptions, the message was clear: living heritage survives when it is valued, practised, and passed on.Inside the hall in New Delhi, applause rolled like a wave as delegates leaned forward in their seats. Somewhere between relief and celebration, a few people smiled at each other knowingly — the kind of smile that comes after years of quiet work finally finds recognition. For communities from Yemen to Chile, from Ukraine to Panama, this was not just another meeting. It was a moment when songs, rituals, crafts and ways of life — often practised far from global spotlights — were spoken aloud on a world stage.“This year has been extraordinary,” said Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office in New Delhi and former Secretary of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage (2016–2023). “We’ve just completed the largest number of inscriptions ever — 67 elements from 78 countries.”That number alone tells a story. But behind it are people. Houses built by hand, songs sung togetherIn the corridors outside the plenary, Irina Ruiz Figueroa, representing the ICH NGO Forum from Panama, spoke about quincha houses — structures built collectively from natural materials, using knowledge passed down through generations.“These houses are not just buildings,” she said. “They are made by communities, with women and young people working side by side. Safeguarding this practice means making sure our communities themselves remain strong.”Across the hall, joy travelled fast among the Yemeni delegation. Mohammed Jumeh, Yemen’s Ambassador to UNESCO, had just received news that the Hadrami Dan — a living tradition of music, poetry and gathering — had been inscribed.“In a time when people expect only bad news from Yemen,” he said, “this recognition has brought happiness. Phones have not stopped ringing. People feel seen.”For Tim Curtis, these moments capture the essence of what UNESCO calls intangible cultural heritage - or living heritage.“It’s not about monuments or buildings,” he explained. “It’s about what people do. How they celebrate. How they express identity.” He stressed that living heritage should not be frozen: it is passed down through generations, while continuing to adapt and stay meaningful for people today. Pride, resilience, and survivalFor Oleksandr Butsenko, a cultural expert from Ukraine, safeguarding heritage has taken on a deeper urgency.“War has made communities realise how vital this is,” he said. “We’ve added more than 80 elements to our national register in the last three years. People understand that heritage gives resilience — a sense of identity when everything else feels uncertain.”That sense of belonging echoed in many conversations.In Uganda, Doreen Ruth Amule, head of the country’s delegation, described intangible cultural heritage as something that “speaks directly to the human heart.”“It’s about spirituality, environment, music, behaviour — what makes us feel human and connected,” she said. “Even when a nomination is deferred, the process itself strengthens communities When recognition changes the futureRecognition, Tim Curtis noted, is not just symbolic.“When an element is inscribed,” he said, “it gives pride and visibility. For some practices, it also unlocks support — funding, education programmes, and renewed interest from young people.”Chile’s Vice Minister for Cultural Heritage, Carolina Pérez Cortés, saw that impact firsthand with the inscription of the country’s family-based traditional circus.“This practice has existed for over 200 years,” she said. “Now it’s recognised not just by the State, but by the world. That strengthens our responsibility to support circus families — and gives them tools to continue.”Similar hopes surrounded Cyprus’s ancient Commandaria winemaking tradition, newly inscribed after 6,000 years of history.“This recognition can bring young people back to rural areas,” said Angela Nicolaou-Konnari, an expert from Cyprus. “It makes heritage sustainable — economically and culturally.”Tim Curtis pointed to this intergenerational link as the real key to safeguarding.“If young people don’t take it forward, heritage disappears in one or two generations,” he said. “That’s why education and relevance matter so much.” Heritage in a changing worldUrbanisation, migration and climate change loom over many traditions. But Curtis is clear: safeguarding cannot be imposed from above.“These practices must stay under the control of the communities,” he said. “Technology can help — social media, digital platforms — but only if the practitioners decide how it’s used.”That philosophy is already taking shape on the ground. In Kuwait and Egypt, Masirah Alenezi described how traditional Bedouin weaving has become a source of dignity and livelihood for refugee women. In Norway, basket maker Hege Iren Aasdal spoke about teaching teenagers how to harvest materials from nature before weaving them into everyday objects.“It’s not just about the basket,” she said. “It’s about knowing your environment.”From Indonesian textiles to Indian leather puppetry, the stories converged on one truth: living heritage survives when it is lived, taught, and valued.   A festival of humanityNo moment captured that idea more vividly than the inscription of Diwali. As India’s Ambassador to UNESCO and Committee Chair Vishal Sharma put it, “Until now, Diwali was a festival of India. From today, it is a festival of all humanity.”“Heritage connects people. Culture is foundational.” In Tim Curtis’s view, that is precisely why safeguarding matters: “We are human beings because we are cultural beings,” he said — and in a world of rapid social change, there is a need to deliberately recognise living traditions as worth protecting and worth passing on to children and grandchildren.As the meeting drew to a close, delegates drifted back into conversations — some joyful, some reflective, all rooted in the same belief: that songs, rituals, crafts and celebrations are not relics of the past, but living threads holding communities together.In a world moving fast, they are reminders of who we are — and who we hope to remain. This story first appeared in UN News Hindi - read here  

UNEP has announced the 2025 Champions of the Earth, naming five leaders whose work ranges from climate justice and sustainable cooling to forest protection and methane mitigation. Among the awardees is Supriya Sahu of India, recognised for her role in strengthening heat adaptation and ecosystem restoration in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has emerged as one of the most active Indian states on climate resilience, particularly in regions where high temperatures place everyday life under strain. As Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forest, Sahu has guided a portfolio that links cooling, urban planning and ecological recovery in order to protect families most affected by rising heat. One of her initiative is the Cool Roof Project, now introduced in 200 public "green schools." By using reflective white roofs, shading and natural ventilation, the initiative lowers indoor temperatures by five to eight degrees. This gives children safer learning conditions through the hottest months. The same approach is now being extended to social housing developments, offering meaningful relief to households without access to air conditioning and reducing future energy use for those who may install cooling devices later. Her wider programme of nature based solutions has also reshaped how the state prepares for climate impacts. Under her leadership, Tamil Nadu has planted more than 100 million trees, created 65 new reserve forests, doubled its mangrove cover and expanded its wetlands from one site to twenty. These measures restore natural buffers, improve water security and support biodiversity in fast growing districts. A dedicated conservation fund now anchors long term protection for endangered species in the state. Sahu is one of five laureates in the 2025 Champions of the Earth awards. This year’s cohort includes Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, a youth led NGO that secured a landmark opinion from the International Court of Justice on states’ climate obligations, Mariam Issoufou, an architect advancing climate resilient design in the Sahel, Imazon, a Brazilian research institute using science and AI based monitoring to curb deforestation, and Manfredi Caltagirone, honoured posthumously for his leadership on global methane transparency. The award, now in its twentieth year, is the highest environmental honour of the United Nations.For more information click here***