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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 July 2024
UN in India Digest July 2024
The July 2024 edition of the UN in India newsletter is out now. Download the English newsletter below to catch up on the work UN agencies in India are carrying out to bring about an inclusive and sustainable future for all.
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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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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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21 June 2024
Through soccer, UN helps young women score life goals
On a scorching night in South Delhi, two teams of girls tear up and down a soccer pitch. They are honing the finer arts of dribbling, passing and ball control – and learning first-hand some critical life skills and values. The girls were taking part in an exhibition match that was part of Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers, an event aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls to play sports. United Nations Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, who participated in a panel discussion before the match, noted the many benefits that come with playing sports, especially for young people. “Sport is really healthy for learning about leadership and strategy and teamwork and fair play,” he said. Mr. Sharp also emphasized the enormous potential that will flow if India can unlock its gender dividend in sports. Arjan de Wagt, Deputy Representative at UNICEF India, stressed that engaging in play, exercise and sports were important for the development of both girls and boys.The event was co-organized by UN India, the embassies of Belgium and the Netherlands and the All India Football Federation. The youth women footballers were brought together by the NGOs Slum Soccer and Cequin India. Other speakers included Belgian Ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt, Dutch Ambassador Marisa Gerards, Indian women’s soccer star Manisha Kalyan, international archer Jayalakshmi Sarikonda and boxer Gaurav Bidhuri.
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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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26 July 2024
Assam’s moidams debut on World Heritage List
The moidams of Choraideo, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, have become the 43rd Indian site to be added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.Delegates at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, meeting in New Delhi, approved the addition as part of their review of applications from around the globe to join the World Heritage List.Moidams are vaulted chambers where bodies of royals from the Tai-Ahom clan were laid to rest on raised platforms alongside objects like royal insignia and jewellery that were likely used by the deceased in their lifetime. While moidams have been observed in other places, such as Viet Nam, Laos, and Thailand, the site in Che-Rai-Doi or Choraideo, at the foothill of the Patkai hills in Assam, stands out as being the largest concentration of these vaulted chambers, representing a grand burial landscape.Choraideo holds significance as the first capital of the Ahoms and the heart of their kingdom after their migration from China between 12th to 18th CE. The site, which means “a dazzling city above the mountains” in their language, was revered as a sacred land where the souls of departed kings could transcend into the afterlife. Text records from the time list the use of bricks and stones cemented by a mixture of black pulses, molasses, duck eggs, barali fish and lime (from limestone and snail shell) for construction of the Moidams. An arched passageway allows access to the moidams while the base is reinforced by a polygonal toe-wall. The mounds, which are covered in vegetation and resemble hillocks, have drawn comparison with burial systems in ancient China as well as the Pyramids of Egypt.
Texts from the time also depict the intricate crematory rituals of the Royal Ahoms at the site, which witnessed burials for 600 years until the Tai-Ahoms converted to other religions and adopted other funerary rituals.
Texts from the time also depict the intricate crematory rituals of the Royal Ahoms at the site, which witnessed burials for 600 years until the Tai-Ahoms converted to other religions and adopted other funerary rituals.
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19 July 2024
In Delhi, students honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy
“Stand up, stand up for your rights. Don’t give up the fight,” a young choir sang as other students clapped and joined in the chorus at the celebrations to mark Nelson Mandela’s 106th birth anniversary in New Delhi.More than 300 students from schools across the National Capital Region gathered at the India International Centre to pay tribute to the former South African President and life-long activist against apartheid.The 18 July event was co-organized by the United Nations Information Centre for India and the NGOs Gandhi Yuva Baradari and the Working Group on Alternative Strategies. Sedula Mashudubele Mamabolo, Counsellor (Political) at the South African High Commission, told the students that reading Mr. Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom had changed the course of his life. Mr. Mamabolo highlighted how Mr. Mandela pushed for education to serve as a stepping stone in life for children from underprivileged backgrounds.Students decked in the colours of the South African flag regaled the audience with songs, while others exhibited artworks to pay homage to the work of Mr. Mandela — who was also known by his nickname, Madiba — to promote peace and justice. During a free-wheeling interactive session with Mr. Mamabolo, students asked questions about drawing inspiration from Mr. Mandela’s values and shared their ideas on finding role models in a divisive world and overcoming differences to build a better future. In a video message to mark the day, UN Secretary General António Guterres said the inequality, hunger and poverty that existed in the world were not natural facts. “They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently. We can choose to eradicate poverty. We can choose to end inequality… We can choose to fight racism, combat climate change and create a world that works for all humanity,” he said.Mr. Guterres urged everyone to “perform 67 minutes of public service o Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice. Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.”
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18 July 2024
India making progress towards SDGs, report shows
India is making progress across multiple fronts towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the latest edition of a United Nations-backed report shows.The fourth edition of the SDG India Index gives India a score of 71 out of 100, up from 66 in the previous edition, but indicates that efforts are needed in areas such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).The Index, developed by NITI Aayog, a government think tank, with technical support from the UN in India, uses 113 indicators across 16 SDGs for all states and Union Territories.This edition highlights improvements in India in areas ranging from poverty elimination, decent work and economic growth to climate action and life on land. The scores of individual states and Union Territories now range from 57 to 79, an improvement from the 2018 range of 42 to 69. In particular, notable progress has been made in SDG-1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). SDG-13 saw the highest increase, climbing from 54 in 2020-21 to 67 in 2023-24.First launched in 2018, the Index promotes competition and collaboration among states, serving as a policy tool to guide further action in India’s sustainable development efforts.This edition identifies Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as the top-performing states, with Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nagaland at the lower end. It also highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has made the fastest progress, increasing its score by 25 points since 2018.The Index was launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery in the presence of CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, NITI Aayog Senior Adviser Dr. Yogesh Suri, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Isabelle Tschan Harada on 12 July at NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
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11 July 2024
50 years of empowerment and rights for all
To mark these momentous years, UNFPA in partnership with Outlook India organised ‘Youth Power Unleashed’, a dialogue between young achievers and Actor Huma Qureshi. In the fireside chat, four young leaders from across India—Munna, Kavita, Priyajit, and Shivani—shared their inspiring stories of driving social change through grassroots initiatives. Hailing from Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, these changemakers represent the growing movement of youth-led action tackling critical issues in their communities. Body positivity champion, actor Huma Qureshi joined virtually, congratulating real life heroes on their selfless and inspiring work. Ms Qureshi said, “These young changemakers are doing awe-inspiring work and the work is not just for the present but about a collective future. By listening to your stories of change at the grassroots, I have a lot of hope for the future, the country & the world."Shivani a firebrand activist, at just 14 years, saved her friend from child marriage. “My friend’s future was at stake. We decided that we will not give into the family pressure and let her get married prematurely. I sought help from my teachers. With them I reached out to the local administration and was able to stop my friend from child marriage.” Opening the event, Andrea Wojnar, Representative of UNFPA India emphasized on the partnership with India in empowering women, girls and young people. Ms Wojnar said, “The boundless potential of 253 million young people can shape India’s destiny and influence global affairs. The demographic dividend from India’s youth isn’t just a population statistic. It presents a limitless set of possibilities."UNFPA strives to enhance reproductive health services and information, promote gender equality challenging harmful practices like child marriage and invest in young people to further their potential.Ms. Meera Srivasatava, joint secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Mr Nitesh Kumar Mishra, joint secretary and chief vigilance officer, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports attended the celebrations, commending UNFPA’s support to Government of India in advancing adolescent and youth reproductive health and unlocking the vast potential of young people. Closing the event, Mr Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India said lauded UNFPA’s commitment and the partnership and contribution of young people to change that ensures that there are final innings for humanity. Mr Sharp highlighted the importance of technology in affecting change.
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11 July 2024
UNOPS forms partnership to create more sustainable planet
The partnership between UNOPS and GASP aims to enhance communities' quality of life and ensure sustainability by facilitating global exchanges and supporting ethical, high-quality scientific research in sustainable infrastructure, climate adaptation and resilient ecosystems. This research is designed to generate insights and practical solutions for sustainable development challenges. Additionally, by promoting engagement with indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities and integrating local knowledge, the partnership looks to generate investment opportunities and policy innovations. Sanjay Mathur, Regional Director for Asia, UNOPS, said, “This partnership is a big step forward in tackling the environmental and social issues we face in Asia. For me, this represents hope and practical action for vulnerable communities. Working with GASP gives us the tools and partnerships needed to bring real, positive change.” GASP’s Secretary-General Satya S. Tripathi said the partnership aimed to “leverage our collective expertise and resources to create a more resilient and equitable world.” To ensure financial sustainability, GASP and UNOPS will build stakeholder partnerships to drive large-scale social and environmental impact identifying prospective institutional counterparts and private sector entities for partnership opportunities in climate action, poverty alleviation and sustainable development. They will facilitate exchanges and connections between government bodies and institutions engaged in rural development, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency and energy access. GASP is a United States-based organization that aims to generate partnerships among governments, international organizations, entrepreneurs, earth champions and investors to tackle major global challenges, including climate adaptation and resilient ecosystems.
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Press Release
25 July 2024
UN Human Rights Committee publishes findings on Croatia, Honduras, India, Maldives, Malta, Suriname, and Syria
The findings contain the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as positive aspects. Highlights include: Croatia
The Committee underlined its concern about the prevalence of hate speech and historical revisionism relating to war crimes, including by politicians and high-level officials. The Committee was additionally concerned that criminal hate speech and hate-motivated violence are mainly prosecuted as misdemeanours and, therefore, inadequately punished. It asked Croatia to strengthen its efforts to combat hate speech and hate-motivated violence against minorities, particularly against members of the Roma and Serb minorities, non-citizens and LGBT people. It also recommended that Croatia provide special training to law enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges on the identification and prosecution of criminal hate speech, historical revisionism and other forms of hate crimes.While welcoming Croatia’s temporary protection to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, the Committee was, however, concerned by reports of the denial of access to the territory and asylum procedures for people entering irregularly from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, including pushbacks and ill-treatment of migrants and asylum-seekers by border guards. It called on Croatia to ensure effective access to a fair and efficient asylum procedure for everyone in need of international protection. It also asked Croatia to ensure that all relevant officials, including border control personnel, receive adequate training on international standards, including on the principle of non-refoulement and the human rights of migrants, and that all allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment at borders are promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated. Honduras
While acknowledging Honduras’ numerous operations to combat crime and homicide, the Committee remained concerned that both rates are still extremely high in the country. The Committee also expressed concern over endemic violence, including extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances, the high rate of impunity, and the lack of control over the use and possession of firearms. It urged Honduras to investigate all these violations and accelerate the process of strengthening the National Police in order to facilitate the law enforcement functions currently assumed by the armed forces. The Committee reiterated its concern about the large scale of intimidation and violence and the high rates of killings of human rights defenders committed by both State agents and private individuals or groups. The Committee was also disturbed by the difficulties faced by victims in accessing justice, the lack of effective investigations, and the delays in judicial proceedings. It called on Honduras to adopt effective measures to protect human rights defenders, particularly environmental and land rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists, agrarian and peasant activists, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and LGBTI people. The State party should also promptly and thoroughly investigate these human rights violations, bring those responsible to justice, and provide full reparations to victims. IndiaWhile appreciating the measures adopted by the State party to address discrimination, the Committee was concerned about discrimination and violence against minority groups, including religious minorities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, “scheduled castes” and “scheduled tribes”, and LGBTI people. It called upon India to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, raise awareness among the general public, and provide training to civil servants, law enforcement officers, the judiciary and community leaders to promote respect for diversity.
The Committee was concerned that some provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts and counter-terrorism legislation are not in compliance with the Covenant. The Committee also voiced its concern over the application of counter-terrorism legislation for decades in “disturbed areas”, such as districts in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, has led to widespread and grave human rights violations, including excessive use of force leading to unlawful killings, prolonged arbitrary detention, sexual violence, forced displacement and torture. It urged India to comply with its obligations under the Covenant and to ensure that counter-terrorism and other security measures in disturbed areas are temporary, proportionate, strictly necessary and subject to judicial review. It also asked India to establish a mechanism to initiate a process to acknowledge responsibility and ascertain the truth regarding human rights violations in disturbed areas. Maldives
Regarding the existing Religious Unity Act, which prohibits building worship places and possessing advertising materials for religions other than Islam, the Committee highlighted that these restrictions have a significant impact on migrant workers’ enjoyment of rights. The Committee was further concerned about the use of the Religious Unity Act to target human rights defenders for their promotion of the right to freedom of religion. It asked Maldives to guarantee everyone’s right to have a religion of their choice and to amend its legislation to ensure that non-Muslims, whether Maldivian citizens or foreigners, can practice and manifest their religion, including in places of public worship.While welcoming the reinstatement of Maldives’ National Steering Committee on Human Trafficking and the adoption of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, the Committee remained, however, concerned about the prevalence of human trafficking and the low rates of investigations, prosecutions and trials. The Committee also noted with concern that sexual trafficking victims are being investigated for sexual-related offenses. It recommended that Maldives further strengthen its efforts to combat trafficking in persons and forced labour and protect trafficking victims. The Committee also asked the State party to improve its data collection system to evaluate the scope of trafficking and forced labour and to assess the effectiveness of adopted measures. Malta
The Committee expressed deep concern about numerous reports of potential violations of the right to life and non-refoulement of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. These included uninvestigated shipwrecks and failure or delays in responding to distress signals from within the Search and Rescue Zone. In particular, the Committee underscored its concern over the Memorandum of Understanding with Libya and the reports that NGOs conducting search and rescue operations faced sanctions and vessel confiscations. The Committee called on Malta to respect and protect the lives of those in distress at sea, and ensure prompt rescue and safe disembarkation. It also asked the State party to review the MOU with Libya to safeguard human rights and guarantee access to justice for individuals and NGOs conducting search and rescue operations while ensuring that all vessel confiscations are subject to prior judicial authorisation.The Committee voiced its concerns about the continued criminalisation of abortions that could cause substantial physical or psychological suffering, including those resulting from rape or incest. The Committee also highlighted the lack of information on publicly funded services, such as psychological care and pre- and post-abortion health services, as well as the insufficient guarantees for NGOs providing abortion-related services. Additionally, there was concern about the accessibility of legal aid and fair trial guarantees for women facing abortion-related criminal charges. The Committee recommended that Malta ensure abortion regulations do not force women and girls to undergo unsafe abortions, guarantee safe and confidential access to abortion in cases of substantial suffering, and ensure equal access to publicly funded health and social services. Suriname
The Committee welcomed the Constitutional Court’s recent annulment of the Amnesty Act of 1989 and its 2012 amending Act, and the High Court of Justice’s recent confirmation of convictions against perpetrators of the ‘December 1982 murders’, and steps taken to address impunity for perpetrators of the Moiwana Village massacre. It was, nonetheless, concerned that judicial and law enforcement authorities have not been able to enforce the sentences imposed on two of the perpetrators of the ‘December 1982 murders’ who have absconded, including former President Desiré Bouterse. The Committee was further concerned that other grave human rights violations that occurred during the de facto military regime (1980-1991) continue to go unpunished. It called upon Suriname to ensure accountability for all serious human rights violations that occurred during this period and ensure the enforcement of all sentences imposed in the context of the ‘December 1982 murders’ trial. The Committee was particularly concerned about the long delay in finalising and adopting the draft Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ Collective Rights Act and reports indicating that the State party is selling or leasing public lands to private actors before the Act is adopted. It asked Suriname to expedite the adoption of the draft law and recommended that no State-held land which is claimed by Indigenous and tribal peoples be sold or leased to private actors until the collective land rights of Indigenous and tribal peoples have been recognised in the above-mentioned draft law. The Committee called on Suriname to consult meaningfully with Indigenous and tribal peoples on projects or measures that may affect their lands, territories and resources, and adopt a comprehensive legislative framework for obtaining their consent. Syrian Arab Republic
While recognising the presence of foreign armed forces and non-State armed groups that lead to grave and severe human rights abuses, the Committee was deeply concerned by the continued arbitrary deprivation of life in the context of armed conflict and about reports of alleged systemic human rights violations, such as torture, secret detentions, sexual violence and enforced disappearances, including in the areas where the State party exercises effective control. It urged the State party to intensify its efforts to protect the right to life, and to give effect to the rights to truth, justice and full reparation of victims of the armed conflict. The Committee specifically asked Syria to conduct prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into all alleged human rights violations against civilians committed during the ongoing armed conflict, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide full reparation to victims or family members. The Committee was deeply concerned by the pattern and numerous reports of enforced disappearances since the start of the armed conflict, the majority of which are allegedly attributable to government forces, and that there are no official registers of disappeared people or judicial procedures to address such a violation. It urged Syria to take urgent measures to address and prevent enforced disappearances, particularly to revise its legal framework to ensure that all forms of enforced disappearance are clearly defined in criminal law. The Committee also called on Syria to combat impunity and ensure that all perpetrators, if found guilty, are punished according to the gravity of the offences.The above findings, officially known as Concluding Observations, are now available on the session page.ENDS
The Committee underlined its concern about the prevalence of hate speech and historical revisionism relating to war crimes, including by politicians and high-level officials. The Committee was additionally concerned that criminal hate speech and hate-motivated violence are mainly prosecuted as misdemeanours and, therefore, inadequately punished. It asked Croatia to strengthen its efforts to combat hate speech and hate-motivated violence against minorities, particularly against members of the Roma and Serb minorities, non-citizens and LGBT people. It also recommended that Croatia provide special training to law enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges on the identification and prosecution of criminal hate speech, historical revisionism and other forms of hate crimes.While welcoming Croatia’s temporary protection to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, the Committee was, however, concerned by reports of the denial of access to the territory and asylum procedures for people entering irregularly from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, including pushbacks and ill-treatment of migrants and asylum-seekers by border guards. It called on Croatia to ensure effective access to a fair and efficient asylum procedure for everyone in need of international protection. It also asked Croatia to ensure that all relevant officials, including border control personnel, receive adequate training on international standards, including on the principle of non-refoulement and the human rights of migrants, and that all allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment at borders are promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated. Honduras
While acknowledging Honduras’ numerous operations to combat crime and homicide, the Committee remained concerned that both rates are still extremely high in the country. The Committee also expressed concern over endemic violence, including extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances, the high rate of impunity, and the lack of control over the use and possession of firearms. It urged Honduras to investigate all these violations and accelerate the process of strengthening the National Police in order to facilitate the law enforcement functions currently assumed by the armed forces. The Committee reiterated its concern about the large scale of intimidation and violence and the high rates of killings of human rights defenders committed by both State agents and private individuals or groups. The Committee was also disturbed by the difficulties faced by victims in accessing justice, the lack of effective investigations, and the delays in judicial proceedings. It called on Honduras to adopt effective measures to protect human rights defenders, particularly environmental and land rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists, agrarian and peasant activists, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and LGBTI people. The State party should also promptly and thoroughly investigate these human rights violations, bring those responsible to justice, and provide full reparations to victims. IndiaWhile appreciating the measures adopted by the State party to address discrimination, the Committee was concerned about discrimination and violence against minority groups, including religious minorities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, “scheduled castes” and “scheduled tribes”, and LGBTI people. It called upon India to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, raise awareness among the general public, and provide training to civil servants, law enforcement officers, the judiciary and community leaders to promote respect for diversity.
The Committee was concerned that some provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts and counter-terrorism legislation are not in compliance with the Covenant. The Committee also voiced its concern over the application of counter-terrorism legislation for decades in “disturbed areas”, such as districts in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, has led to widespread and grave human rights violations, including excessive use of force leading to unlawful killings, prolonged arbitrary detention, sexual violence, forced displacement and torture. It urged India to comply with its obligations under the Covenant and to ensure that counter-terrorism and other security measures in disturbed areas are temporary, proportionate, strictly necessary and subject to judicial review. It also asked India to establish a mechanism to initiate a process to acknowledge responsibility and ascertain the truth regarding human rights violations in disturbed areas. Maldives
Regarding the existing Religious Unity Act, which prohibits building worship places and possessing advertising materials for religions other than Islam, the Committee highlighted that these restrictions have a significant impact on migrant workers’ enjoyment of rights. The Committee was further concerned about the use of the Religious Unity Act to target human rights defenders for their promotion of the right to freedom of religion. It asked Maldives to guarantee everyone’s right to have a religion of their choice and to amend its legislation to ensure that non-Muslims, whether Maldivian citizens or foreigners, can practice and manifest their religion, including in places of public worship.While welcoming the reinstatement of Maldives’ National Steering Committee on Human Trafficking and the adoption of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, the Committee remained, however, concerned about the prevalence of human trafficking and the low rates of investigations, prosecutions and trials. The Committee also noted with concern that sexual trafficking victims are being investigated for sexual-related offenses. It recommended that Maldives further strengthen its efforts to combat trafficking in persons and forced labour and protect trafficking victims. The Committee also asked the State party to improve its data collection system to evaluate the scope of trafficking and forced labour and to assess the effectiveness of adopted measures. Malta
The Committee expressed deep concern about numerous reports of potential violations of the right to life and non-refoulement of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. These included uninvestigated shipwrecks and failure or delays in responding to distress signals from within the Search and Rescue Zone. In particular, the Committee underscored its concern over the Memorandum of Understanding with Libya and the reports that NGOs conducting search and rescue operations faced sanctions and vessel confiscations. The Committee called on Malta to respect and protect the lives of those in distress at sea, and ensure prompt rescue and safe disembarkation. It also asked the State party to review the MOU with Libya to safeguard human rights and guarantee access to justice for individuals and NGOs conducting search and rescue operations while ensuring that all vessel confiscations are subject to prior judicial authorisation.The Committee voiced its concerns about the continued criminalisation of abortions that could cause substantial physical or psychological suffering, including those resulting from rape or incest. The Committee also highlighted the lack of information on publicly funded services, such as psychological care and pre- and post-abortion health services, as well as the insufficient guarantees for NGOs providing abortion-related services. Additionally, there was concern about the accessibility of legal aid and fair trial guarantees for women facing abortion-related criminal charges. The Committee recommended that Malta ensure abortion regulations do not force women and girls to undergo unsafe abortions, guarantee safe and confidential access to abortion in cases of substantial suffering, and ensure equal access to publicly funded health and social services. Suriname
The Committee welcomed the Constitutional Court’s recent annulment of the Amnesty Act of 1989 and its 2012 amending Act, and the High Court of Justice’s recent confirmation of convictions against perpetrators of the ‘December 1982 murders’, and steps taken to address impunity for perpetrators of the Moiwana Village massacre. It was, nonetheless, concerned that judicial and law enforcement authorities have not been able to enforce the sentences imposed on two of the perpetrators of the ‘December 1982 murders’ who have absconded, including former President Desiré Bouterse. The Committee was further concerned that other grave human rights violations that occurred during the de facto military regime (1980-1991) continue to go unpunished. It called upon Suriname to ensure accountability for all serious human rights violations that occurred during this period and ensure the enforcement of all sentences imposed in the context of the ‘December 1982 murders’ trial. The Committee was particularly concerned about the long delay in finalising and adopting the draft Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ Collective Rights Act and reports indicating that the State party is selling or leasing public lands to private actors before the Act is adopted. It asked Suriname to expedite the adoption of the draft law and recommended that no State-held land which is claimed by Indigenous and tribal peoples be sold or leased to private actors until the collective land rights of Indigenous and tribal peoples have been recognised in the above-mentioned draft law. The Committee called on Suriname to consult meaningfully with Indigenous and tribal peoples on projects or measures that may affect their lands, territories and resources, and adopt a comprehensive legislative framework for obtaining their consent. Syrian Arab Republic
While recognising the presence of foreign armed forces and non-State armed groups that lead to grave and severe human rights abuses, the Committee was deeply concerned by the continued arbitrary deprivation of life in the context of armed conflict and about reports of alleged systemic human rights violations, such as torture, secret detentions, sexual violence and enforced disappearances, including in the areas where the State party exercises effective control. It urged the State party to intensify its efforts to protect the right to life, and to give effect to the rights to truth, justice and full reparation of victims of the armed conflict. The Committee specifically asked Syria to conduct prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into all alleged human rights violations against civilians committed during the ongoing armed conflict, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide full reparation to victims or family members. The Committee was deeply concerned by the pattern and numerous reports of enforced disappearances since the start of the armed conflict, the majority of which are allegedly attributable to government forces, and that there are no official registers of disappeared people or judicial procedures to address such a violation. It urged Syria to take urgent measures to address and prevent enforced disappearances, particularly to revise its legal framework to ensure that all forms of enforced disappearance are clearly defined in criminal law. The Committee also called on Syria to combat impunity and ensure that all perpetrators, if found guilty, are punished according to the gravity of the offences.The above findings, officially known as Concluding Observations, are now available on the session page.ENDS
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Press Release
15 July 2024
Secretary-General: Education ‘Single-Most Important Investment Any Country Can Make’
Almost two years have passed since the Transforming Education Summit in New York. Since then, the world has grown more unequal. Climate action has become more urgent. New technologies have become more disruptive. War and violence have -- sadly -- become more widespread. And all the while, the global crisis in education that we came together to address at the Summit has shown little sign of abating.Without a dramatic shift in tackling that crisis, we cannot -- and will not -- shape a more peaceful, sustainable and just world. Because education is about more than knowledge and skills.Education is about the future. The future of children and young people. The future of economies. The future of our planet and its natural gifts. The future of technology, and whether or not it helps or harms humanity. And the future of our relations with one another.Education is not only about learning. Education is about learning how to learn too. It extends beyond any individual subject or classroom to the very character of societies themselves.Every country should be sparing no effort to create true learning societies, grounded in systems that provide lifelong learning opportunities that extend from childhood throughout adulthood.Given the stakes, the world cannot afford to short-change education. But, by nearly every measure, that is exactly what we are doing. Some 84 million children are likely to remain out of school by 2030. Secondary school completion rates are rising, but at a snail’s pace.Getting more learners into classrooms isn’t enough. We also face a problem of quality. For example, it’s truly shocking that some 70 per cent of children in sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read a basic text by age 10.And education systems are still struggling to close the learning and attendance gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in historic levels of school closures and lost learning for a generation of students -- a crisis that remains to this day.Meanwhile, education systems are not equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Early-childhood education and vocational and adult learning are seen as optional, instead of proven and essential pathways for life-long learning. At every step of this crisis, we face a problem of financing.Last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) pegged the investment gap for developing countries to reach Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 at a staggering $100 billion per year, as it was just referred.Meanwhile, four of every 10 people worldwide live in countries where Governments spend more on debt servicing than on education or health. At the Transforming Education Summit, more than 140 countries put forward ambitious national commitments to turn this crisis around. And international partners came together around a series of special initiatives, with inspiring new progress emerging from last month’s Summit Stocktake.But let’s be clear: progress is far too slow and uneven. Something has to change. Today, as we look ahead to September’s Summit of the Future, November’s Global Education Meeting, and next year’s major Summits on Social Development and Financing for Development, I am putting forward a four-point plan to end the global education crisis.First -- by closing the financing gap. Leaders must meet, and where possible, exceed the international benchmark of dedicating 15 per cent of domestic revenue and 4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to education.In Africa alone, we estimate that better taxation and more efficient public expenditure could unlock more than $115 billion in revenues. But developing countries cannot do it alone. Donors must increase their development spending on education, including as part of the World Bank’s International Development Association’s replenishment.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral development banks should protect education spending in countries that are in debt distress. International partners must speed-up progress on the SDG Stimulus to get the needed $500 billion a year in finance flowing. And the global financial architecture must be reformed so developing countries can access adequate financing to achieve their development goals, including, naturally, education.Second -- we must close the access gap. Whether students are in war zones or disaster areas; whether they are on the move as migrants or refugees, or they live in poor and under-served communities; whether they are girls, persons with disabilities, or part of other marginalized groups; or they are victims of self-defeating decrees such as those in Afghanistan banning young women from secondary and tertiary education; or they are children coming under direct attack in schools themselves -- a shocking and all-too-common occurrence that must never happen, anywhere. Every child and young person deserves an education.We must fully invest in programmes, in safe environments and in educational infrastructure that can reach all children with the learning and skills they need and deserve. No matter where they live. No matter who they are.Third -- we must support the women and men on the front lines of education: teachers. We face a dramatic shortage of teachers -- an estimated 44 million worldwide. And millions of teachers lack the support, tools and continuous training they need. Following the Transforming Education Summit, the High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession has developed concrete recommendations to ensure that every learner has access to a professionally trained, qualified and well-supported teacher.I welcome the efforts of UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to translate these recommendations into a new global standard on the Status of Teachers. And I call on all countries, teachers’ unions and partners to join forces to bring these recommendations to life in classrooms around the world.Fourth -- it’s time for a revolution within education systems themselves. To move away from structures that limit education to children and young people alone. To nurture the development and curiosity of every student of all ages. And to end the over-reliance on testing and rote-learning. To do so, we must rethink what students are learning -- with a strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as skills in green and digital technology.We must rethink how students are learning -- including harnessing digital technology to improve the learning and teaching experience and to improve access for students in remote or inaccessible areas. And we must rethink when students are learning -- to reconfigure education systems so people can learn and re-skill throughout their lifetimes.Education is the single-most important investment any country can make. In its people. And in its future. So, let’s start walking the talk. Let’s come together to end the global crisis in education.Let’s keep education at the heart of the global agenda including the Summit of the Future this September. Let’s develop solutions and investment pathways for every country to develop true learning societies. And let’s support the dreams, ambitions and talents of every person, young and old, throughout their lives.[END]
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Press Release
15 July 2024
World Youth Skills Day
The future of humanity and our planet depends on young people. But it also depends on ensuring they have the skills to tackle today’s challenges and shape a more peaceful tomorrow. We know there is a clear link between countries that enjoy high levels of peace, spending on education, and school completion rates. Yet today, almost a quarter of the world’s youth are not in education, employment, or training – with that figure more than twice as high for young women.Meanwhile the financing gap for education in low and middle-income countries stands at a massive 100 billion dollars a year.This year’s World Skills Day shines a spotlight on skills for peace and sustainable development. Around the world, young people are already working to build safer and stronger communities. They can make an even bigger difference for our shared future with training for the burgeoning green and digital economies, education to help break the cycle of hate speech and misinformation, tools to enhance mediation and dialogue, and so much more. Today, and every day, let’s work to transform education.And let’s ensure that youth have what they need to build skills for shaping a more peaceful, sustainable future for all. [END]
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Press Release
15 July 2024
Secretary-General: Civilians in Gaza are Pushed into Hell’, Donors Must Act Now to Protect UN Palestine Refugee Agency
Every year we meet to help bridge the gap between what is pledged to UNRWA and what is needed. This year is different. Yes, we face a profound funding gap. But, Palestinians are seeing widening gaps across the board. Gaps in respect for international humanitarian law.Gaps in recognition of universal human rights and dignity for all. And for Palestinians in Gaza, not just a gap -- but death, destruction and a total breakdown in law and order.Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse in Gaza -- somehow, appallingly, civilians are being pushed into ever deeper circles of hell. Recent days have brought yet more evacuation orders by Israeli authorities, yet more civilian suffering and yet more bloodshed. Palestinians in Gaza keep being forced to move like human pinballs across a landscape of destruction and death.The extreme level of fighting and devastation is incomprehensible and inexcusable -- and the level of chaos is affecting every Palestinian in Gaza and all those desperately trying to get aid to them.Nowhere is safe. Everywhere is a potential killing zone. It is high time for the parties to show the political courage and political will to finally reach a deal.Nothing justifies the horrific attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Yet, Palestinians -- including, of course, Palestine refugees -- are enduring the deadliest period since the Agency’s creation.As we are all painfully aware, the horror has not spared UNRWA colleagues. 195 UNRWA staff members have been killed, the highest staff death toll in UN history. Many of them were killed together with their families and loved ones.UNRWA is also being targeted in other ways. Staff have been the subject of increasingly violent protests and virulent misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Some have been detained by Israeli security forces, and subsequently reported mistreatment and even torture. In the occupied West Bank, the presence and movements of UNRWA personnel have been severely restricted by Israeli authorities.Yet, despite these and other obstacles, in impossible conditions, and in the midst of their own grief, the women and men of UNRWA have bravely continued their work in whatever way they can. They are the backbone of humanitarian operations in Gaza.Can you imagine what it must be like to be in this situation? Can you imagine how our colleagues wake up day after day in a living nightmare and still deliver for Palestinians in desperate need? Because I cannot. They are doctors, nurses, counsellors, engineers, drivers and so many others, all demonstrating incredible courage and solidarity.And they are continuing to deliver UNRWA’s mandate in desperate circumstances in Gaza -- while UNRWA also strives to deliver in an increasingly challenging situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria -- championing human development and human rights.Hopelessness is the greatest ally of instability. And the work of UNRWA is one of the greatest factors providing hope and stability across a troubled region. Without the necessary support and financing to UNRWA, Palestine refugees will lose a critical lifeline and the last ray of hope for a better future. To those of you who have already pledged support, I thank you.My appeal to everyone is this: Protect UNRWA, protect UNRWA staff, and protect UNRWA’s mandate -- including through funding. Let me be clear: there is no alternative to UNRWA. We are working on all fronts to implement the recommendations of the Catherine Colonna Report, by strengthening UNRWA’s work and risk management mechanisms.Now is also the time to work on all fronts to support UNRWA’s critical mission. And now is the time to bring an end to this terrible war, starting with an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.Ultimately, only a political solution can bring an end to this conflict -- one that realizes a vision of two States -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.I urge you to act and act now. Act to instil hope in a place where it is in short supply. Act to uphold the mandate of this General Assembly to sustain UNRWA. Act in solidarity with Palestine refugees and all the Palestinian people.[END]
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Press Release
15 July 2024
School Meals Provide ‘Powerful, Cost-effective Way’ to Drive Progress across Multiple SDGs
It is an honour to join you today to celebrate the success of the School Meals Coalition -- a key driver of our efforts to foster sustainable development and address some of our most pressing global challenges.A combination of crises -- including climate change, conflicts and economic shocks -- continue to hit developing countries the hardest. If these trends continue, an alarming 575 million people will stay in extreme poverty, 84 million children will miss out on education and approximately 300 million students will lack the basic numeracy and literacy skills necessary for success in life.Food systems transformation is a powerful entry point to put development back on track.School meals provide a powerful, cost-effective way to drive progress towards food systems transformation and across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They’re an investment worth making. Some studies estimate a remarkable return of $9 for every $1 invested.But the benefits of school meals are far more than economic. They provide an incentive for parents to send their children to school -- particularly for families struggling to make ends meet.By including healthier, fresh and nutritious foods to menus, school meals programmes can improve children’s diets and address malnutrition, improve children’s growth patterns, reducing the prevalence of stunting -- particularly when linked with other health and nutrition services in school.They are also an avenue to educate children on food and promote the consumption of indigenous and local foods, potentially influencing eating habits and behaviours over the long term.School meals can help us drive the food systems transformation we need to see by creating jobs and predictable markets for local and smallholder farmers. When combined with local efforts to produce food sustainably and organically, they can also help meet key environmental goals.In fact, the School Meals Coalition has been one of the most successful coalitions coming out of the Food Systems Summit, convened by the Secretary-General in 2021.Under the leadership of France, Finland and Brazil, with support from 98 Member States and 129 partners, the Coalition is working to ensure that all children have access to healthy and nutritious school meals by 2030.The Coalition is demonstrating a new kind of partnership that is driven by country leadership, breaking the outdated logic of “North” and “South” or “donor” and “recipient”.Strengthening food systems is an issue for all countries and regions, regardless of income.It is inspiring to see, for example, that the European Union is considering a universal child guarantee of school meals. At the same time, the African Union just celebrated its African Day of School Meals, making this a continental priority. Canada, Bangladesh, Kenya, Indonesia and others have recently made bold commitments to expand their national programmes.The global progress is deeply inspiring. Between 2020 and 2022, the reach of school meal programmes expanded from 388 million to 418 million children, with an additional $5 billion invested from national budgets.This is a testament to the national recognition of the critical role these programs play in shaping a sustainable future.But challenges remain. Sustainable financing and enhanced technical assistance are essential for overcoming barriers and unlocking the full potential of these programmes.The Coalition will play an important role in addressing these challenges. But all of us have a role to play.To Governments -- I urge you to turn your commitments into tangible action. Develop and implement sustainable financing plans that will ensure the success of these initiatives. This includes exploring innovative financing mechanisms.To partners -- I urge you to continue convening around these commitments and support countries with technical assistance to scale-up and strengthen their programs.With strong political commitment, sufficient resources and shared knowledge, we can build on the progress achieved to date.As we look ahead to September’s Summit of the Future and the next Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment in 2025, now is the time to raise our ambition and scale up our efforts.Let’s continue working together and pushing forward to give this critical issue the attention, investment and innovative solutions it deserves.[END]
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