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Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on the glacier disaster that struck the Swiss village of Blatten

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    On behalf of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, I would like to express my sorrow over the glacier landslide disaster that hit the Swiss Alpine village of Blatten, in the canton of Valais.

    According to the Swiss Seismological Service, this was one of the largest mass movements recorded in the country. The disaster largely destroyed the village and one person is reportedly missing. The loss of this tranquil village, located in an area that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a loss for the entire world. 

    That said, this tragedy could have been much worse if not for the quick actions of Swiss authorities, who provided early warning to the village’s residents and evacuated them, and their livestock, days ago. This is a testament to the power of disaster risk reduction in reducing loss of life and protecting livelihoods. Over the decades, the Swiss have developed significant expertise in managing mountain-related disaster risks and have been generously sharing it with countries across the world.

    It is also a reminder of the rising cost of disasters and the increasing danger of glacier-related disasters in a warming planet. Mountain communities around the world, from the Alps to the Andes and the Himalayas, are threatened by increasing intensity and frequency of mountain-related hazards. Their lives, ways of life, culture, and heritage are all threatened.

    As we prepare to join Switzerland in welcoming delegates from 175 countries to the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, I call on all countries to make “every day count” and accelerate action to fully implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction so we may achieve a significant reduction in disaster losses by the year 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Special report on the use of Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This special report consists of a series of independent chapters organized as follows: Chapter 1 introduces the role of technology in disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing the need to explicitly consider the context and discussing the close relationship between technological innovation and risk assessment methods. 

    Chapter 2 presents the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in DRR, describing their benefits and limitations through a series of case studies from Latin America and the Caribbean. 

    Chapter 3 discusses the need to adopt an inclusive approach when developing and training technologies in order to increase their adoption and ensure they are responsive to local needs. 

    Chapter 4 highlights the benefits of adopting technologies in activities related to multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), indicating that the introduction and adoption of relatively simple technologies based on Indigenous and local knowledge can yield high life-saving benefits. 

    Finally, Chapter 5 explores how certain communication systems, such as social media, have contributed to reducing disaster risk. It also examines the challenges regarding the accuracy and validity of information during and in the aftermath of a disaster that AI and ML can help to solve. 

    Some chapters include a series of case studies that highlight the power of digital tools. In most cases, benefits have been identified at the local level—where DRR must be implemented—but it is also essential to recognize that fostering cooperation, information exchange, and the sharing of best practices can maximize the benefits of these tools.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sarh hosts landmark workshop on urban risk-Informed development and resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Sarh, a major city in southern Chad along the Chari River, faces frequent flooding due to its tropical climate, long rainy season, poor infrastructure, and rapid urban growth.  To address these challenges, the city of Sarh hosted, from 7 to 9 April 2025, a high-level workshop on urban development planning based on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience, under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative. 

    Opening the event, His Excellency Abdramane Hamat Bargou, Government Delegate of the Province of Moyen-Chari, called attention to the impact of climate change on Sarh, a city increasingly vulnerable to floods. He praised the city’s commitment to aligning development planning with disaster risk reduction and adaptation efforts. 

    A collaborative effort for a safer Sarh 

    The workshop demonstrated strong political support and highlighted the importance of multilevel governance. City officials, provincial leadership, national institutions, regional organizations, including Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), came together to jointly assess disaster risks, identify priorities, and co-create solutions tailored to Sarh’s context.

    “The Ministry is fully committed to supporting cities like Sarh in developing and operationalizing their disaster risk reduction plans. Strengthening local governance structures and ensuring that DRR is mainstreamed into local development planning is a national priority. We will work to replicate the example of Sarh to other municipalities across Chad.” Mr Hassan Abdoulaye Mahamat, Director Risk Prevention, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Republic of Chad

    The participation of the city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, which developed its Action Plan last year, further deepened the workshop’s impact. The representative shared their experience and lessons learned on challenges also faced by Sarh offering a powerful example of peer learning and South-South cooperation.  

    Sarh sets a model for urban resilience

    Reflecting on the exercise, Honourable Ramadan Boka, Mayor of Sarh, stated: 

    “The Disaster Resilience Scorecard exercise was a real eye-opener. The tool sparked real conversations between sectors that don’t always sit at the same table. It’s not just an assessment—it’s a starting point for collective action.”

    Sarh’s commitment to embedding DRR into governance and planning makes it the first city in Chad to both establish a multisectoral DRR committee and join the global MCR2030 network. “Sarh is leading by example. What we’ve seen here is not just planning—it is transformation in motion,” said Mr Semingar Ngaryamngaye, Director Disaster Risk Reduction at ECCAS. 

    The city now serves as a reference point for others across Central Africa on the journey to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban futures. 

    Honourable Djime Ngandéré Member of Parliament added: 

    “Our earlier engagement in an MCR2030 regional training laid the foundation for this initiative. That experience gave us the tools and vision to launch Sarh’s resilience journey.” 

    As a result, the Multisectoral Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction is now tasked with finalizing the Action Plan developed during the workshop and laying the groundwork for its implementation.

    The workshop was organized by UNDRR in collaboration with the City of Sarh, Ministry of Administration, Territorial and Decentralization, and ECCAS, and through the financial support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), through the GIZ Resilience Initiative Africa Project implemented by UNDRR Regional Office for Africa.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The path to resilience: Alfred Nzo municipality’s journey

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, characterized by its rural landscapes and environmental vulnerability, is quietly undergoing a transformation. With rising threats from floods, wildfires, droughts, and even snowstorms, the district’s leadership has embarked on a journey to equip its local institutions with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to prevent hazards from becoming disasters.

    From 6 to 8 May 2025, over 50 local government officials and stakeholders participated in the Urban Risk-Informed Development Planning and Making Cities Resilient workshop. Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with Alfred Nzo District Municipality and funded through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Resilience Initiative Africa, the workshop advanced the efforts towards achieving the Sendai Framework target E: substantially increasing the number of local DRR strategies by 2030.

    From Global Framework to Local Action

    Alfred Nzo has made notable strides. “We’ve developed a Climate Change Response Plan, Environmental Management Framework, and ecosystem-based projects focused on water conservation, invasive species control, and rangeland restoration,” said Zola Mbuyana, Assistant Manager for Environmental Management and Water Quality. 

    Learning by Doing: From Theory to Action 

    Local government officials explored how to align local planning with national policy and the Sendai Framework. The Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative provides specific tools, such as the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities and the Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient, designed specifically to support local governments in aligning strategies with global DRR commitments. The preliminary assessments revealed key strengths, such as the existence of a Disaster Management Centre and a climate change strategy. However, gaps remain, such as the lack of dedicated disaster risk management units in the four local municipalities, poor coordination among stakeholders, and limited budget allocations.

      Prioritizing What Matters

    “This workshop marks a step toward ensuring local governments like Alfred Nzo lead from the front in risk-informed development,” said Ms. Isabel Njihia, Programme Management Officer at UNDRR. “The Scorecard is not a performance audit but a practical guide for identifying priority actions and aligning local efforts with global resilience targets.” Understanding local risk in Alfred Nzo, including flood patterns, wildfire zones, and snowstorm vulnerabilities, was emphasized as critical to developing relevant solutions. Emphasis was placed on community engagement, indigenous knowledge, and local leadership as pillars of sustainable DRR strategies.

    “We cannot stop the floods or droughts from coming, but we can ensure our communities are prepared, our infrastructure is resilient, and our response systems are ready before disaster strikes,” Mduduzi Mkhalane, Deputy Director Health Programmes

    Building a Blueprint for Resilience

    By the final day, the officials moved from diagnosis to creating a draft DRR Action Plan rooted in local risks and realities. This plan promotes a phased, multi-sectoral approach, with clear indicators for progress and defined roles across departments. Some key priorities for action include establishing dedicated DRM units in all local municipalities, conducting multi-hazard infrastructure audits and mainstreaming DRM into urban design and development and developing a Post-Disaster Recovery Framework.

    Toward a Resilient Future

    What emerged from the Alfred Nzo workshop was more than a plan – it was a shared commitment. Local leaders recognized that resilience is a continuous process, requiring learning, investment, and inclusive governance. The plan calls for the engagement of NGOs, private sector actors, traditional leaders, and marginalized groups, affirming the principle of leaving no one behind, embedded in both the Sendai Framework and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The Alfred Nzo District Municipality now has a draft roadmap, built on evidence, collaboration, and global best practice. With the guidance of UNDRR and the support of GIZ’s Resilience Initiative Africa, the next phase will be crucial: finalizing, endorsing, and implementing the DRR Action Plan with appropriate institutional backing and funding. Continued intersectoral cooperation, community awareness, and adequate funding will be vital. This journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: in Alfred Nzo, the principles of the Sendai Framework are not just ideals – they are being translated into action.

    Explore the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative at mcr2030.undrr.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to the UN-Habitat Assembly

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+21+May+25/3399105_MSG+SG+UN+HABITAT+ASSEMBLY+21+MAY+25.mp4

    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+21+May+25/MSG+SG+UN+HABITAT+ASSEMBLY+21+MAY+25+EN.mp4

    Excellencies,

    Dear friends,

    I am pleased to send my greetings to this Second United Nations Habitat Assembly as you resume your session in Nairobi.

    You gather as our world and cities face challenges on all fronts – accelerated by conflicts, the climate crisis, rising inequalities and growing geo-political divides.

    This Assembly is about coming together to help find solutions, adhering to shared values, and strengthening our work as the UN marks its 80th anniversary.  

    You recognize a core truth: 

    We can’t build a livable world if people don’t have a place to live. 

    Yet 2.8 billion people around the world lack adequate shelter – stuck in informal settlements, slums or no home at all.  

    The Pact for the Future underscores the urgency – calling for universal access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.

    The Strategic Plan that you are taking up in Nairobi reaffirms that housing is a human right.  It is a public good.  And it is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Your Strategic Plan offers a pathway to helping advance dignity, safety, opportunity.

    I wish you every success. 

    Together, let’s keep working to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has a place to call home.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 Departmental update Road safety takes centre stage at world’s leading transport forum

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Transport ministers from 69 countries adopted a landmark road safety policy recommendation for governments and agreed to pilot a new road safety assessment framework for business at the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit in Leipzig, Germany, on 22 May 2025.

    Nearly 1.2 million people are killed on the world’s roads each year, and road crashes are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5–29 years worldwide. 

    Produced with WHO support, the Policy recommendation on comprehensive road safety policy urges governments to adopt evidence-based, safety-focused, well-coordinated and inclusive road safety approaches that best fit each location and to focus on where the most lives can be saved. 

    “This is great news. It could enlighten the way transport policies are implemented. We received support and contributions from NGOs and the World Health Organization that were really relevant,” said Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chilean Minister of Transport and President of the ITF. 

    The road safety policy guide, along with new guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) in transport, is the first policy recommendation made by the ITF – the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers – in three years. The theme of the summit was “transport resilience to global shocks”.

    “There are extremely important links between resilient transport systems and strengthening health and safety. Resilient transport should first and foremost be safe and healthy,” said Dr Nhan Tran, Head of Safety and Mobility at WHO, during a ministerial session at the summit.

    Business matters

    The private sector has a huge and crucial role in ensuring safe and sustainable mobility and a ministerial session at the summit focused on working with business for resilient transport.

    “The private sector brings innovation, agility and in-depth operational expertise. Our challenge is to institutionalize these [public-private] partnerships,” said Mr Muñoz in his opening remarks to the session. 

    WHO and the ITF launched a new Global road safety assessment framework for corporate action and reporting to support businesses in integrating robust road safety practices into their operations and value chains in support of global efforts to reduce road deaths and injuries.   

    “Around one third of all road deaths occur among corporate value chains and we are delighted to support the new road safety assessment framework for business. It is an important platform to track corporate performance against global standards and best practices for road safety,” said Dr Tran.

    The framework builds on existing international instruments to identify best practices, extends safety management to workforce commuting and contractual relations with suppliers and distributors, and will ensure international reporting standards are applied. 

    Companies that adopt the framework can expect to cut the leading cause of workplace injuries, with reduced disruption, improved employee well-being, and an enhanced corporate reputation. 

    The development of the framework began on a request from transport ministers from over 60 countries in May 2024. They are now working with business to pilot and refine the framework.

    Moving forward

    The ITF summit marked a key opportunity to advance commitments made at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety that was held in Marrakech, Morocco, in February 2025. 

    WHO and the Government of Morocco hosted a ministerial session on implementing the resulting Marrakech Road Safety Declaration, including monitoring and reporting on progress, engaging all relevant actors, and creating incentives and regulations for private sector action. 

    “We are working with key regional bodies to design a robust follow-up mechanism for Africa. Our goal is to organize regional meetings that serve as checkpoints for progress and platforms for coordination, knowledge-sharing and policy alignment,” said Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco.

    The WHO African Region accounts for nearly one-fifth of all global road deaths despite being home to just 15% of the world’s population and 3% of registered vehicles. Road deaths are rising in the region.

    “We must invest in institutional capacity, building strong, well-resourced road safety agencies and ensuring inter-ministerial coordination. Morocco hopes to reinforce a shared continental commitment and to drive tangible improvements in road safety across Africa,” said Mr Kayouh.

    Mr Kayouh highlighted financing, upholding vehicle safety standards and improving efforts to collect, share and use data for policymaking as urgent priorities to boost progress in Africa.

    “The ITF summit is a powerful platform to advance road safety. But for us to truly deliver, we must elevate safety to the same level as climate, access and efficiency. Sustainable transport must, above all, be safe transport,” said Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Op-Ed: UN Peacekeeping is both a lifesaving tool and a smart investment

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    U.N. Peacekeeping has a legacy of success, from Namibia to today’s volatile hotspots. But to remain effective, it needs investment and adaptation. 

    By Jean-Pierre Lacroix 

    This March, some 35 years after the United Nations closed a landmark chapter in peacekeeping, Namibia inaugurated President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first democratically elected woman head of state. 

    In 1989, despite rising global instability and a liquidity crisis at the U.N., member states came together to launch the United Nations Transition Assistance Group, or UNTAG — a multidimensional peacekeeping mission that helped usher in Namibia’s independence. 

    UNTAG didn’t just monitor a ceasefire in Namibia. It helped organize and secure the country’s first free and fair elections, protected civilians, verified troop withdrawals, and supported democratic transition across a vast and remote territory. It pioneered approaches that are now cornerstones of modern peacekeeping, from U.N. policing and human rights monitoring to electoral support and a robust public information campaign. 

    Today, the United Nations Peacekeeping stands at a critical juncture. The global landscape is dangerous and complex. Crises erupt quickly and spread faster, magnified by international political polarization, transnational crime, terrorism, a rising sense of impunity, and the weakening of international law. 

    The globally recognized U.N. Peacekeeping blue helmets enjoy broad international support. Now more than ever, peacekeepers remain on the front lines — holding ground, protecting civilians, and creating the space necessary for diplomacy to work. But faced with increasing instability and mounting financial pressure, peacekeeping’s effectiveness depends on investment in its future. 

    Blue helmets on the front lines 

    The work of our U.N. peacekeepers — men and women serving far from their homes to help others live in peace — is demanding and complex, but it is also dangerous. Since January 2024, we have suffered 78 fatalities. Many more have been injured. Their sacrifice, and the service of more than 68,000 military, police, and civilian personnel deployed under the U.N. flag — including uniformed peacekeepers from 119 countries — represents a tangible commitment to peace and security. 

    Across 11 missions, big and small, peacekeepers operate in some of the world’s most volatile contexts. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our peacekeeping mission MONUSCO is helping to shield civilians from violence while supporting dialogue and disarmament.  

    In Lebanon, UNIFIL remains a stabilizing presence along the Blue Line amid ongoing exchanges of fire. In South Sudan, UNMISS is working to prevent a relapse into civil war by enhancing security and promoting dialogue and negotiation at the local and national levels. In the Central African Republic, MINUSCA continues to protect the vulnerable all over the country and is supporting preparations for the country’s first local elections in decades. And in Cyprus, peacekeepers serving with UNFICYP continue to reduce tensions and maintain a buffer strip to promote security and build confidence between communities. 

    Many of these missions face challenges that reflect deeper complexities, with confusing or impractical mandates, ambiguous political support at local and international levels, a lack of a clearly defined end-state, and a widening gap between expectations and resources. 

    Investing in peacekeeping 

    2025 is a pivotal year. As we mark the U.N.’s 80th anniversary, Germany — a stalwart peacekeeping partner of long standing — hosted a U.N. Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin earlier this month. Ministers of defense and foreign affairs from around the world united in pledging their unequivocal and tangible support for and to our blue helmets. More than half of the 130 member state delegations present made concrete pledges to make missions stronger, safer, and more effective. 

    They discussed the future of peace missions and ways to reform the instrument to ensure our operations remain adaptable, innovative, cost-effective, and resilient. As it did in Namibia in the early 90s, U.N. Peacekeeping has always adapted to and achieved results in ever-changing contexts. Going forward, we will need to build on this momentum to ensure peacekeeping is streamlined, economical, and fit for purpose. 

    And on this point, it is important to stress that peacekeeping is not only a lifesaving tool — it is a smart investment. It delivers value for money, reduces violence, and helps forge a durable peace. From Cambodia to Timor-Leste and El Salvador to Liberia, U.N. Peacekeeping has supported transitions from war to peace at a minuscule fraction of what military activities have cost worldwide. These achievements are not historical footnotes: they are the building blocks of regional stability. 

    And U.N. Peacekeeping must and will continue to evolve. Missions may be deployed jointly with or in support of regional partners, such as the African Union. They may be smaller, more technologically leveraged, and more specialized. But their core purpose will remain to support political solutions, protect the vulnerable, and pave the way for a sustainable peace. 

    If the past tells us anything, it is that peacekeeping can deliver when we invest in it and stay the course. Peacekeeping’s record is measured not only by what happens but by what doesn’t — violence that was averted, escalation that was prevented, space that was created for politics to work. 

    We ignore this hard-won truth at our peril — U.N. mission closures in Mali, Sudan, and Haiti, and the rise of violence in all of these countries, are cases in point. To avoid this trap, we must maintain readiness and the capabilities to deploy rapidly, if and when asked. 

    Thirty-five years ago, the world came together to launch UNTAG, a ground-breaking peace mission that helped Namibia chart its own course as an independent country. Today, that same spirit of unity, innovation, and determination is needed once again. If we fall short now, we risk undermining decades of progress and undermining the hopes of millions who depend on peacekeeping to help protect their future.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on incident at WFP warehouse in Gaza

    Source: World Food Programme

    Hordes of hungry people broke into WFP’s Al-Ghafari warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, Central Gaza, in search of food supplies that were pre-positioned for distribution.

    Initial reports indicate two people died and several were injured in the tragic incident. WFP is still confirming details.

    Humanitarian needs have spiralled out of control after 80 days of complete blockade of all food assistance and other aid into Gaza.

    WFP has consistently warned of alarming and deteriorating conditions on the ground, and the risks imposed by limiting humanitarian aid to hungry people in desperate need of assistance.

    Gaza needs an immediate scale-up of food assistance. This is the only way to reassure people that they will not starve.

    WFP urgently calls for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to enable orderly food distributions across Gaza immediately.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: EU Parliamentary Delegation calls for sustained investments and international attention to tackle rising needs in Mauritania

    Source: World Food Programme

    NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania – A high level joint mission of the European Parliament Committee on Development (DEVE) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) concluded today, reaffirming their shared commitment to scale up investments in resilience and development efforts to respond to the rising humanitarian needs in Mauritania.

    On 27 and 28 May, senior representatives from DEVE, WFP, UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR and other NGO partners, visited the EU funded project sites in the Hodh Ech Chargui region, southeastern Mauritania. They saw first-hand the impact of ongoing humanitarian support to Malian refugees and resilience building initiatives targeting the vulnerable.

    The visit comes as Mauritania faces high levels of food insecurity, recurring climate shocks, and continued influx of refugees from Mali. Some 594,000 people or 12 percent of the population are projected to face acute food insecurity between June and August 2025, according to the latest Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis. The country is also hosting over 288,000 refugees, including 118,000 in Mbera camp, who rely heavily on humanitarian assistance for survival. 

    “This visit highlights the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing the root causes of vulnerability while investing in hope, dignity, and resilience through durable solutions.” said Aliou Diongue, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Mauritania. “We are delighted to support the Government of Mauritania and work with the European Union, one of our largest donors to build long-term food security and enhance stability in Mauritania”. 

    During the mission, delegates listened to refugees and local farmers benefitting from land rehabilitation projects, income-generating initiatives, school meals and malnutrition prevention.  The EU delegation emphasized the urgent need for a more integrated and efficient approach linking humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding efforts to ensure long term resilience and stability in Mauritania and along its borders.

    “We are here to observe and to listen so that we can understand better what is needed for an effective response in a context of pressure from refugee arrivals, climate crisis and insecurity. The EU is working on an integrated and more efficient approach to better link humanitarian and development efforts, and it is important for us to cross-check this on the ground,” said Ms. Hildegard BENTELE, chair of the DEVE delegation. “The testimonies we heard—from refugee women managing small businesses to farmers reclaiming degraded land—and information we received speak to the power of partnership and the tangible impact of EU solidarity. We leave with a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for continued support.”

    The delegation reiterated the need for urgent and sustained investments and increased international attention to Mauritania and its bordering regions as humanitarian needs soar.

    “The EU is committed to supporting Mauritania as a key partner for peace and development in the Sahel,” said Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritania. “Our collaboration with the Government and other actors, including WFP, ensures that assistance is not just efficiently delivered, but also strengthens social cohesion, as we run our interventions through a territorial integrated approach.”

    So far in 2025, WFP has reached 252,000 people in Mauritania with lifesaving and lifechanging assistance including refugees, and vulnerable communities. WFP rehabilitated 1,700 hectares of land, promoted water harvesting initiatives, provided school meals to 51,000 children and targeted nutrition support for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five. 

    WFP’s is supporting communities to recover from shocks and building a more food-secure and self-reliant future.

    #                 #                   #

    About WFP

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media; @WFP_WAfrica and @WFP_FR; Facebook and YouTube. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 May 2025 Departmental update Initiative to mainstream behavioural insights concludes in four African pilot countries

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Transforming approaches to public health challenges in Africa, the project Mainstreaming Behavioural Insights into Public Health in the African Region has marked a milestone in integrating behavioural sciences into health systems. Spearheaded by the WHO Behavioural Insights (BI) Unit at headquarters, alongside the Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health Unit at the WHO Regional Office for Africa and several country offices, this initiative has empowered four pilot countries – Burkina Faso, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia – to adopt innovative strategies that bridge the gap between human behaviours and health outcomes.

    The adoption of behavioural insights into public health is key to understanding the factors that influence human decision-making and behaviours. These insights can, in turn, inform the design of targeted interventions, policies and strategies to overcome barriers to healthy behaviours.

    Project overview

    Funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, the project ran from January 2023 to December 2024. It aimed to integrate behavioural science into health and enhance collaboration between the public health and academic institutions for the adoption behavioural evidence-informed policies and practices.

    Elena Altieri, Unit Head of the Behavioural Insights Unit at WHO HQ, highlighted the necessity of the project, noting:

    “Over the past decade, we’ve seen a growing interest in integrating behavioural sciences into public health among governments and institutions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant practical and technical challenges in adopting these approaches. We face limitations in capacity, funding and time, and there’s also a lack of confidence among policymakers about the impact, sustainability and replicability of behavioural interventions. This project was designed to tackle these issues by offering robust, evidence-based strategies to practitioners to test and develop people-centred policies and interventions.”

    Key achievements

    • Academic integration: Universities in Burkina Faso, Namibia and Zambia launched behavioural science for public health courses as part of health promotion courses, with Namibia initiating a postgraduate diploma. The University of Pretoria integrated behavioural science capacity building and evidence-generation into its terms of reference as a WHO Collaborating Centre.
    • Institutional capacity building: Ministries of health in all participating countries received support to pilot test behavioural approaches and considerations into selected initiatives, strategies and work plans.
    • Health information systems innovation: Zambia’s Ministry of Health piloted behavioural insights and data collection within its routine antenatal care data collection system.

    The project achieved mainstreaming outcomes called for in the Behavioural sciences for better health resolution adopted by WHA76 in May 2023. Documented outcomes include strengthened cross-country networks, established behavioural insights pathways in academic institutions and health systems, and creation of new behavioural insights-based initiatives in the region.

    Positive spillover effects

    Doris Kirigia, Team Lead for Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health Unit at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, reflected on the project:

    “The connections we’ve created between universities, ministries of health, WHO country offices, the Regional Office for Africa, and headquarters are already bearing fruit and will be highly beneficial moving forward. There’s growing interest in behavioural science in the region, and as an organization, we’ll focus on supporting other countries in establishing behavioural insights functions, providing technical support to initiate projects, and leveraging our pool of experts and trainers at the country level to sustain capacity-building efforts.”

    The project integrated behavioural insights into strategic plans, guidance, and new initiatives, including the Strengthening community protection and resilience: regional strategy for community engagement, 2023–2030. Several countries are using behavioural evidence to inform their risk communication and community engagement strategies in response to outbreaks. Countries like Mauritius have incorporated behavioural interventions into health promotion activities to reduce noncommunicable disease risk factors. Burkina Faso, Tanzania and Zambia use behavioural insights to promote people-centred sexual and reproductive health. New research projects include promoting healthy eating in Zambian schools, understanding the use of harmful skin lightening product in Gabon, and increasing uptake in parenting programmes in Tanzania.

    Reflections: strategies for success and pitfalls to avoid

    The project highlighted strategies for success and pitfalls to avoid when integrating behavioural sciences perspectives into public health.  

    • foster active collaboration between universities and ministries through the delivery of joint projects and training programmes to help discover synergies and facilitate the exchange of ideas;
    • encourage cross-country collaboration to support knowledge exchange and document lessons learned;
    • prioritize capacity building through diverse training approaches such as national and sub-national face to face trainings and online courses, to help mainstream behavioural sciences within universities and ministries of health;
    • showcase examples of practical applications of behavioural insights, including success stories, real-world case studies and pilot projects to demonstrate the potential benefits of the approach and to enhance visibility and credibility of behavioural insights champions; and
    • avoid overly ambitious timelines or overly complex pilots as rushing the process may compromise quality and lead to stakeholder disengagement and resistance.

    WHO calls on countries to deepen their understanding of integrating behavioural science into public health strategies. By replicating successful approaches and sharing experiences, we can leverage behavioural insights for better public health outcomes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: More than blue helmets: What you might not know about UN peacekeepers

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

     

     

    Written by Lesley Myers, Digital Editor for UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section. She specializes in political analysis, strategic planning and peacekeeping impact.

     

     

    They work in some of the world’s toughest environments to protect people and prevent conflict. But how much do you really know about UN “Blue Helmets”? As we celebrate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, discover seven surprising facts about the people working for peace.

     

    1. UN Peacekeepers have won a Nobel Peace Prize.

    UN peacekeepers were awarded the prize in 1988 for peacekeepers’ role in promoting global peace and security. During the ceremony, the Nobel Committee honoured peacekeepers that have given their lives for peace: “They volunteered to the service, knowing that it could involve risk. It became their lot to pay the highest price a human being can pay.”

    2. UN Peacekeeping does not have its own army or police force.

    Instead, UN Member States voluntarily contribute their own troops and police officers to peacekeeping missions. To date, over 2 million peacekeepers have served from over 120 countries, making us a truly global force for peace. The top contributors of these personnel include Nepal, Rwanda, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan as of February 2025, as well as Security Council members like China and France. Countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Timor-Leste and Liberia — where peacekeeping missions used to be deployed — are now sending peacekeepers of their own to help others.

    3. Peacekeepers are not only soldiers.

    Peacekeepers include military, police and civilian staff taking on a wide range of roles to help us advance peace. Peacekeepers include a wide range of experts including in logistics, engineering, mediation, politics, civics, human rights, gender, strategic communications and rule of law. They provide advice and support on important issues from how build strong justice institutions to protecting civilians to holding free and fair elections. This cross-disciplinary mix is what lets us navigate the complex socioeconomic, political, environmental and security dynamics that drive conflict.

    4. Peacekeepers do more than patrol.

    We protect civilians, monitor ceasefires, support peace negotiations and help prevent relapses into civil war. We also assist in long-term peacebuilding by building trust between communities, strengthening national institutions, promoting justice, and supporting free and fair elections, laying the critical foundations that help peace take root. Our work is tailored to the conflict environments we work in so we can best meet the needs of the communities we serve.

    chinese_peacekeepers_build_up_infrastructure_in_south_sudan.jpg

    5. Peacekeepers are cost-effective.

    Missions cost significantly less than comparable operations led by individual countries. Peacekeeping’s current budget represents less than 0.5% of global military spending but supports 11 peacekeeping operations in places like South Sudan, Cyprus, and south Lebanon. It delivers value for money, reducing violence, preventing the escalation of conflicts that can destabilize countries and regions, and advancing the global community’s peace and security goals at a fraction of the cost of what military activities cost worldwide.

    6. Peacekeepers serve impartially on behalf of UN Member States.

    UN peacekeeping missions are established, tasked, and ended by the UN Security Council. We serve on behalf of all UN Member States and remain impartial, giving us credibility that can be difficult to achieve when a Member State acts alone.

    7. Peacekeepers are effective at advancing peace.

    Peacekeeping remains one of the global community’s most effective tools for advancing peace. The majority of missions succeed, stabilizing societies, ending war, and saving millions of lives. We are proven to help stop violence before it starts, reduce its impact during conflict, and prevent its return once peace is restored. We increase the likelihood that peace agreements will last once established and have helped countries like Cambodia, El Salvador and Sierra Leone transition from conflict to peace. UN Member States play a critical role in these efforts: we are most successful when we are backed by their are backed by the political will of UN Member States.

    Today, an increasingly divided global community is facing the highest number of conflicts since the second world war, and peacekeeping itself is becoming an increasingly dangerous endeavour. Peacekeeping continues to evolve in the face of these growing challenges, but our commitment remains constant: each day, peacekeepers step up to give peace a fighting chance.

     

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Resilience Maturity Assessment (ReMA) tool

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    What is the ReMA Tool?

    Developed by UNDRR and the Corporate Chief Resilience Officers (CCRO) network, the Resilience Maturity Assessment (ReMA) tool provides a comprehensive self-assessment framework designed to evaluate and enhance your organization’s capacity to withstand disruptions and adapt to change.

    Whether you are a micro enterprise, a small business, or a global corporation, ReMA tool equips you with the insights needed to measure, improve, and disclose your resilience.

    Start your assessment and build a stronger, more resilient future.

    Why is enterprise resilience important?   

    In an age of increasing uncertainty, organizations across all sectors face new and unforeseen challenges that are becoming business as usual. These challenges can stem from climate change, cyber-crime, fraud, AI advancements, or other sources of disruption that could be transformational or reputational.

    Resilience is vital for any enterprise to survive and thrive in a complex and volatile environment. This ability to adapt and grow amid challenges is not only beneficial for the enterprises themselves, but also extends to impact all their stakeholders and surrounding communities.

    The 4 resilience maturity levels

    The four levels represent stages of resilience maturity, serving as convenient boundaries to categorize progress.

    However, it’s important to recognize that resilience maturity is fundamentally subjective. You may find your organization performing well in some areas while needing improvement in others. The maturity level you aim for may also vary depending on your organization’s size, complexity, and priorities. Although Levels 1 to 4 are distinct categories, it’s more accurate to view resilience as a continuous spectrum.

    The model allows you to benchmark your own maturity against certain criteria. This generates a benchmark band which you should strive to achieve.

    The ReMA tool uses six operational pillars that are recurrent in resilience practices to assess enterprise maturity.

    “Business, professional associations and private sector financial institutions, including financial regulators and accounting bodies, as well as philanthropic foundations, to integrate disaster risk management, including business continuity, into business models and practices through disaster-risk-informed investments, especially in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (p. 23).” 

    – Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 May 2025 News release WHO, Africa CDC and RKI expand unique partnership to strengthen collaborative surveillance in Africa

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced today the expansion of the successful Health Security Partnership to Strengthen Disease Surveillance in Africa (HSPA) to seven countries on the continent. 

    Africa experiences more disease outbreaks than any other part of the world. While significant progress has been made in strengthening disease surveillance over the past decade, no country can tackle today’s complex health threats alone.

    The Health Security Partnership strengthens disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence across the African continent, enabling countries to better detect and respond to public health threats – whether they are natural, accidental or deliberate. Launched in 2023 in six countries, The Gambia, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa and Tunisia, the partnership will expand to Rwanda in its second phase which runs from 2025 to 2028.

    At the heart of the initiative is a collaborative surveillance approach that connects health and security sectors to reduce biological risks and strengthen surveillance systems nationally and internationally.
    “HSPA represents an important step forward in building stronger partnerships for health security in Africa. By bringing together global, regional and national actors, this initiative supports countries in strengthening Collaborative Surveillance through mutual exchange and practical action. WHO remains committed to working alongside Member States to ensure that these collective efforts are well-coordinated, responsive, and rooted in national priorities,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa; Deputy Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

    The partnership is supporting countries to strengthen capacities in biorisk management, event and indicator-based surveillance, genomic surveillance and epidemic intelligence. This is achieved through training, guidance development, co-creation of implementation roadmaps, and hands-on technical assistance to ensure that implementation is aligned with country priorities, embedded within broader national systems, and built for long-term sustainability.
    “Within the framework of this project, Africa CDC will work with the Member States in mobilizing political will for biosecurity and surveillance, establishing regional frameworks for bio-surveillance of high-consequence biological agents and toxins, and coordinating event-based surveillance. The collaboration with other partners and coordination with Member States is crucial especially in the current context of limited resources to strengthen the continent’s capacity for early detection, response, and management of biological threats,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa CDC.

    The HSPA initiative has been supported from the start by the Government of Canada through its Weapons Threat Reduction Program, with additional funding in phase two from the Government of the United Kingdom.

    Building on the achievements in phase one, the participating countries, with support from WHO and partners, will accelerate implementation to build a healthier, safer and more resilient Africa. 

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘We are women like you’: UN honours peacekeepers for work in gender empowerment

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    In early summer 2024, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana ventured into sector North of Abyei, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan where she was deployed as a military gender advocate with the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA).

    There, alongside civilian gender units, Ms. Syme met a group of local community members – both men and women. Partway through, she realised something was different.

    “The women were not talking,” she told UN News. “They were very quiet.”

    Then she remembered that local cultural norms dictated women do not speak in public.

    “We are women like you. We want to be able to help, but we don’t know how we can help you,” she told them in a separate meeting. “Can you please tell us what your problem is so we can see how we can help?”

    It is for this sort of work founded in community trust building and a relentless belief in the importance of gender perspectives and empowerment in peacekeeping, that the UN will honour two exceptional women peacekeepers on Thursday as part of International Peacekeepers’ Day.

    Ms. Syme is this year’s winner of the UN Military Gender Advocate of 2024 Award.

    “[Ms. Syme’s] dedication has not only improved the effectiveness of UNISFA’s operations but also ensured that the mission is more reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

    The other honouree is Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla of Sierra Leone who has been named Woman Police Officer of the year for her work with UNISFA.

    “Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the work of the United Nations to improve lives and shape futures,” said Mr. Lacroix.

    Continue reading this story on UN News.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General extends his warm congratulations to the people of West Africa on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
     
    The Secretary-General notes that, over the past five decades, ECOWAS has played a vital role in advancing economic cooperation, regional integration, and peace and stability in this rich and vibrant region. From free movement of people and trade liberalization to regional infrastructure projects, conflict resolution, and contributions to peacekeeping, ECOWAS has made remarkable strides towards achieving its vision of an integrated Community of peoples in a peaceful and prosperous region.
     
    The Secretary-General recognizes the strong institutional partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS, as exemplified by several joint initiatives in the region, including through the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the broader United Nations system.   
     
    He encourages continued cooperation to preserve hard-won regional gains and mobilize international support to address the challenges and needs of the region.
     
    The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to ECOWAS, including in support to regional efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ECOWAS Vision 2050 of an “ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All”.
     

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Europe steps up wildfire preparedness with new integrated strategy

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    A model for anticipatory action and integrated risk governance emerges in Brussels

    Brussels, 27 May 2025 — As wildfire seasons grow longer and more destructive across Europe, driven by climate change and land-use pressures, a new strategy unveiled in Brussels last week aims to transform the continent’s approach to wildfire risk management.

    At the heart of this shift is the Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy for Europe, launched during a high-level event convened on 20–21 May by the Firelogue project and the EU Research Executive Agency (REA). The strategy is the result of a multi-year collaboration between leading scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors, supported by the European Green Deal through projects such as FirEUrisk, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS. 

    Framed by the urgency of increasing fire severity and shifting hazard patterns, the event brought together approximately 150 participants—from EU institutions and national governments to fire services, NGOs, and research networks—to explore how Europe can move toward a more proactive and integrated approach to wildfire risk.

    Integrated and systemic governance

    While wildfires have long been considered an issue for the Mediterranean, their geographic spread and intensity are now testing response systems across the continent. In this context, the IWRM Strategy signals a fundamental pivot: away from isolated emergency response toward systemic risk governance, in line with global resilience agendas such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    The strategy offers a common framework for Member States and stakeholders to align efforts around shared goals, risk metrics, and governance structures. It emphasizes the need to build fire-resilient landscapes, improve coordination across sectors, and strengthen the capacity of local authorities to plan and act before disaster strikes.

    “We are no longer dealing with exceptional events, but with recurring climate-driven risks that demand long-term, integrated solutions,” said Claudia Berchtold, one of the lead authors of the strategy paper.

    Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice

    Throughout the two-day event, attendees engaged in knowledge exchange and hands-on demonstrations that showcased how innovation can enhance preparedness. Tools presented included drone-based fire monitoring, mobile applications for rapid response, and immersive training environments using virtual reality.

    Importantly, these technological advances are not stand-alone solutions. They are embedded within the strategy’s broader emphasis on data-informed decision-making, community engagement, and institutional learning. These align closely with UNDRR’s call for whole-of-society approaches and multi-stakeholder coordination in disaster risk reduction.

    One keynote focused on the importance of stakeholder inclusion, particularly the empowerment of local and regional authorities who often bear the brunt of wildfire impacts. Another panel addressed the challenge of integrating early-warning systems with planning processes, land management, and social protection policies—key to reducing vulnerability and exposure.

    Collaborative Risk Governance in Action

    The event’s high-level roundtable included participation from the European Commission’s DG Environment, DG ECHO, and the Joint Research Centre, as well as international partners such as the World Bank. Discussions underscored the importance of interoperability between national systems and the role of cross-border partnerships in managing transboundary risk.
    To foster long-term collaboration, the strategy proposes integrated risk assessments, the creation of better collaboration at multiple scales e.g by the means of regional Fire Forums—multi-stakeholder platforms designed to facilitate joint planning, capacity-building, and peer learning across Europe. These would support the goals of both the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and global DRR frameworks by connecting practitioners, scientists, and policymakers in a continuous cycle of preparedness and adaptation. 
     

    Toward Fire-Smart Landscapes and Societies
     

    In its closing session, the event turned toward the future. Project representatives reflected on four years of EU-funded research and laid out priorities for the coming decade: from scaling risk-reduction solutions to embedding wildfire preparedness into broader climate adaptation strategies.

    “We need to act on the knowledge we’ve built—to invest in fire-smart landscapes, strengthen local capacities, and accelerate knowledge transfer,” said Krishna Chandramouli, another key contributor to the strategy.

    For UNDRR and its partners, the IWRM Strategy offers not only a blueprint for Europe, but also a replicable model of how countries and regions can integrate disaster risk reduction into climate action, land management, and sustainable development planning. “It connects closely with the Making Cities Resilient 2030 Initiative and its recent report Flames of change: Innovating heat and wildfire governance for inclusive communities” say Andrew Mackey Bower, UNDRR Programme Management Officer who joined the event.

    A Regional Strategy with Global Relevance

    The Brussels event marked more than the launch of a new policy—it was a demonstration of what anticipatory action and collaborative risk governance can look like in practice. As wildfires grow more complex and interconnected, Europe’s strategy stands as a timely and relevant contribution to global DRR efforts.

    To access the full strategy proposal working document, visit: An Integrated Wildfire Risk Management Strategy for the EU: developing resilient landscapes and safer communities

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Extreme heat risk reduction: Towards a common global framework

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This report summarizes the proceedings of the 17-19 December 2024 Expert Consultation ‘Extreme Heat Risk Reduction Towards a common global framework’, convened by the Global Heat Health Information Network, World Meteorological Organization, and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). 

    The consultation on heat risk governance successfully resulted in three key outputs:

    • Consensus from participants on the need for a common governance framework that can enhance local coordination among sectors, institutions and levels of government, align actors and policies, and guide investment in heat risk reduction.
    • Definition of essential components of heat risk governance including for example cross-sectoral data integration, coordinated decision-making, and investment, financial and technical capacity building, and multi-level policy alignment.
    • Agreement on a roadmap for next steps, including the drafting of a common framework for extreme heat risk governance, consultation, and its planned launch at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) in June 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna was founded in 1767 as the world’s third school for veterinary medicine by Milan’s Ludovico Scotti, originally-named k. k. Pferde-Curen- und Operationsschule.

    It is the only veterinary, academic educational and research facility in Austria and at the same time the oldest in the German-speaking area.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: CYENS Centre of Excellence

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    CYENS Centre of Excellence is the Research Centre of Excellence in Cyprus focusing on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies aiming to empower knowledge and technology transfer in the region.

    It is a joint venture between the three public universities of Cyprus – University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, and, Open University of Cyprus- , the Municipality of Nicosia, and two renowned international partners, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany, and, the University College London, United Kingdom.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE supports e-mobility development in Belarus and beyond

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    As countries across the UNECE region move towards cleaner and more efficient transport systems, UNECE energy and transport experts have been working to advance electric mobility through the implementation of a regional project that has delivered tangible results, including a comprehensive regional study and subsequent national-level activities.  

    UNECE continues to provide countries with the tools and insights needed to accelerate the decarbonization of inland transport, as well as with technical and policy support through the development of targeted knowledge resources. At a recent national workshop in Minsk, dedicated to assessing the readiness of the energy sector to implement smart digital energy-efficient technologies in Belarus in view of climate change mitigation, UNECE experts presented two recent publications, aimed at supporting the informed decision-making on electric mobility. 

    The workshop was co-organized by UNECE, UNDP Belarus, and the Department for Energy Efficiency of the State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus. The event brought together government officials at the national and local levels, and other national stakeholders to explore strategic options for advancing e-mobility in Belarus, drawing on lessons from the UNECE region. 

    Advancing e-mobility through regional experience 

    The “Electrification of Mobility” publication, developed under the UNECE Working Party on Transport Trends and Economics (WP.5), provides a consolidated overview of regional trends and practical policy insights for the electrification of road, rail, and inland waterway transport. It examines: 

    • Common challenges such as infrastructure readiness, vehicle affordability, and supply chain resilience 

    The publication was developed with extrabudgetary support from the Netherlands, contributing both funding and technical input to UNECE’s broader work on sustainable transport. 

    Compendium on charging infrastructure and energy integration 

    The “E-Mobility Compendium: Best Practices and Case Studies on EV Charging Infrastructure Deployment and Energy System Integration”  brings together practical, real-world case studies that demonstrate how countries are advancing the deployment of charging infrastructure and its integration with energy systems. 

    The compendium showcases diverse examples, including: 

    • Strategic placement of charging infrastructure in urban and rural areas 

    • Governance, financing, and public-private collaboration models 

    Although regional in scope, the compendium is designed to be adaptable to national contexts, including that of Belarus, offering valuable guidance to countries that are shaping their own e-mobility frameworks.  

    Strengthening the knowledge base through UNECE E-Mobility Task Force 

    Recognizing the need for continued knowledge exchange and coordination across transport and energy systems, the UNECE E-Mobility Task Force was launched in 2024. It is mandated by the UNECE Inland Transport Committee (ITC) and the Committee on Sustainable Energy (CSE), and co-chaired by the Chairs of WP.5 and the Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Systems. 

    Organized into thematic workstreams, the initiative supports the advancement of EV technology, charging infrastructure, and clean energy integration. It facilitates the exchange of best practices and coordinates efforts to guide long-term planning and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) deployment. Key areas of focus include smart and bidirectional charging, regulatory frameworks that ensure affordability and transparency, harmonized technical standards, and enhanced cybersecurity. The initiative also promotes user-friendly payment systems, accessible grid connections, and effective communication of charging capabilities. 

    In addition, it provides guidance for national infrastructure planning, supports the convergence of existing protocols into de jure standards to enable international interoperability of charging systems, and explores how land use strategies can improve accessibility and reduce mobility needs. With broad engagement from governments, industry, academia, and civil society, the initiative ensures inclusive and actionable progress toward a sustainable e-mobility future. 

    This informal Task Force serves as a collaborative platform to: 

    • Support the development and sharing of policy-relevant knowledge to guide national efforts in the transition to electric mobility 
    • Promote regulatory and technical coherence across the UNECE region to enhance interoperability, standardization, and cross-border coordination 

    The UNECE E-Mobility Task Force will continue to play a central role in enriching the E-Mobility Compendium with new case studies and practical examples. These will be incorporated into an upcoming online quick-start guide designed to support policymakers and practitioners with accessible, actionable insights adaptable to national contexts in specific countries. 

    Photo credit: Adobe Stock Images by Nitiphol

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 Departmental update WHO launches a framework on climate change and tuberculosis

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent, coordinated action to tackle the dual threats of tuberculosis (TB) and climate change. In a newly released framework, WHO highlights how climate change is creating conditions that could intensify the global TB epidemic.

    The framework outlines how rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation are intensifying key TB risk factors. Populations already grappling with poverty, malnutrition, displacement and limited access to health care are expected to be hit hardest, as TB – one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases – gains ground in a changing climate.

    The report highlights three key pathways through which climate change exacerbates TB risk:

    • Migration and displacement: Climate-related disasters and slow-onset environmental degradation are forcing millions to relocate, often into overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments that facilitate TB transmission and situations that reduce their access to care. In 2023, 20.3 million people were displaced by weather-related hazards, with projections estimating up to 216 million climate-displaced persons by 2050.
    • Food and water insecurity: Increasing frequency of droughts, floods and extreme heat is intensifying malnutrition – an established risk factor for TB contributing to nearly 10% of TB cases globally.
    • Health system disruptions: Climate-induced disasters are undermining health infrastructure and disrupting essential TB services, including diagnosis, treatment and continuity of care. Natural hazard-related events affected an estimated 93.1 million people in 2023. Without treatment, TB has a mortality rate of up to 50%.

    “Climate change is not only a planetary crisis – it’s a major health threat,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Programme on TB and Lung Health. “TB remains the world’s top infectious killer, and climate change threatens to reverse decades of progress in fighting this disease. We must integrate the TB response into climate adaptation efforts to protect the most vulnerable.”

    The report urges governments to:  

    • integrate TB services into climate and health strategies
    • strengthen health systems to withstand climate shocks
    • secure sustainable financing for TB, including through climate and health funds.

    It also stresses the need for cross-sector collaboration across health, agriculture, migration, social protection and disaster preparedness to confront the shared drivers of TB and climate vulnerability.

    With the UN Climate Change Conference on the horizon, WHO emphasizes that building climate-resilient health systems and including TB in universal health coverage and social protection plans will be essential to safeguarding global health gains and minimizing emerging risks.

    WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Programme (GTB) is collaborating with Member States and key stakeholders to advance a TB response that is resilient in the face of climate change. In partnership with the Pan American Health Organization and Brazil’s Ministry of Health, WHO’s GTB co-hosted a side event on “Climate Change and TB” alongside the G20 Health Working Group meeting in Natal, Brazil, on 2–3 September 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness among G20 members, donors and technical partners about the current and projected impacts of climate change on the TB epidemic and emphasized the importance of coordinated action across and beyond the health sector. WHO and the Government of Brazil also co-organized a high-level side event on TB and climate change during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Held on 23 September 2024, the event focused on the urgent need to combat climate change and its severe consequences on global efforts to end TB.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: U.S. Soccer Legend Jozy Altidore Named WFP High-Level Supporter

    Source: World Food Programme

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27, 2025) — On the heels of World Football Day, the World Food Programme (WFP) has named Jozy Altidore, renowned Haitian-American professional soccer player and philanthropist, as its newest High-Level Supporter. In this role, Altidore will work to raise awareness and funds for WFP’s emergency food assistance and nutrition programs around the world, including Haiti, his parents’ homeland.

    “Being named a High-Level Supporter of WFP is more than a title, it’s a personal mission. With deep roots in Haiti, I’ve seen how hunger can devastate entire communities,” said Altidore. “I’m committed to using my voice and platform to help WFP bring hope and lasting change where it’s needed most.” 

    Altidore—known as a powerhouse striker for both the U.S. Men’s National Team and Major League Soccer (MLS)’s Toronto FC— is also part-owner of the Buffalo Bills. A steadfast supporter of WFP, Altidore has brought attention to WFP’s life-saving programs in Haiti and recently donated the equivalent of 100,000 school meals as part of World Food Program USA’s ERASE HUNGER® campaign. To learn more about Altidore’s work with us, visit wfpusa.org/jozy-altidore.  

    “We are thrilled to welcome Jozy to our esteemed team of High-Level Supporters,” said Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO. “Jozy brings tremendous passion and an infectious energy and enthusiasm to our mission that we hope will inspire younger Americans, athletes, and sports fans alike to join us in fighting global hunger.” 

    Beyond WFP, Altidore’s philanthropic work has focused on providing children across the globe with access to education, healthcare, and the nutrition necessary to thrive. He partnered with the Saint Luke Foundation for Haiti and served as an ambassador for Hope for Haiti. Altidore supported Haitian development programs and helped fundraise for pediatric medical research and treatments. He is also a founding member of LeBron James’ More Than a Vote campaign. 

    Altidore joins a respected roster of High-Level Supporters, including American celebrity chef Eitan Bernath, Bolivian mountain climbers Cholitas Escaladoras Maya, Congolese soccer player Distel Zola, Brazilian celebrity chef Rita Lobo and Congolese artist Innoss’B. 

    About the United Nations World Food Programme  

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.  

      

    About World Food Program USA   
    World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C., proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. To support or learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit www.wfpusa.org.   

      

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 News release Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly concludes: historic outcomes, consequential highlights

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The  Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78), the annual meeting of World Health Organization’s (WHO) Member States, came to a close Tuesday, as health leaders lauded vast accomplishments and global solidarity.

    The Assembly, WHO’s highest decision-making body, convened from 19 May to 27 May, under the theme “One World for Health”. Member States considered approximately 75 items and sub-items across all areas of health, engaging in lively debate and adopting consequential resolutions to improve health for all.

    “The words ‘historic’ and ‘landmark’ are overused, but they are perfectly apt to describe this year’s World Health Assembly,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and the approval of the next increase in assessed contributions, along with the numerous other resolutions that Member States adopted are a sign to the world that we can achieve cooperation in the face of conflict, and unity amid division.”

    World’s first pandemic agreement: equity for all

    On 20 May, Member States adopted the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement. The moment was met with heartfelt applause, celebrating over three years of intense negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, comprising WHO’s Member States.

    The adoption of the Agreement is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard the world from a repeat of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Agreement aims to enhance global coordination and cooperation, equity and access for future pandemics, all while respecting national sovereignty.

    Over the next year, Member States will build on the Resolution, by holding consultations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS), an annex to the Agreement which would enhance equitable access to medical advancements.

    Sustainable financing: protecting the future of global health

    In a changing financial landscape, Member States united to protect WHO’s critical work by approving the second 20% increase in assessed contributions (ACs). By 2030–2031, ACs will make up 50% of WHO’s core budget, providing more predictable, resilient, and flexible funding.

    The Assembly’s commitment to sustainable financing did not stop there; at a high-level pledging event during WHA78, health leaders pledged at least US$ 210 million for WHO’s Investment Round, the fundraising campaign for the Organization’s global health strategy for the next four years (the Fourteenth  General Programme of Work). In addition to the US$ 1.7 billion already raised for the Investment Round, these pledges mark a significant step toward sustainable financing of WHO. Since launching in May 2024, the Investment Round has attracted 35 new contributors – moving WHO closer to the broader donor base envisioned in the Director-General’s ongoing transformation agenda.

    Action for health: major decisions and resolutions

    WHA 78 was steadfast in addressing ongoing health issues and adaptable in targeting threats and conflicts. The accomplishments of the Assembly spanned many areas of health as Member States 

    • adopted a new resolution highlighting the global health financing emergency;
    • endorsed first-ever resolutions on lung and kidney health, highlighting the upcoming UN General Assembly focus on noncommunicable diseases;
    • adopted a new resolution on science-driven norms and standards for health policy and implementation;
    • adopted a new target to halve the health impacts of air pollution by 2040; 
    • adopted an innovative resolution to promote social connection with growing evidence linking it to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of early death; 
    • adopted a resolution for a lead-free future;
    • adopted a resolution to address rare diseases, protecting the over 300 million people globally who live with one of more than 7000 rare diseases;
    • agreed to expand the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to tackle the digital marketing of formula milk and baby foods; 
    • adopted a resolution to accelerate the eradication of Guinea worm disease.

    The Assembly adopted other resolutions on digital health, the health and care workforce, medical imaging, nursing and midwifery, sensory impairment, and skin diseases, among others. Two new official WHO health campaigns were established: World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and World Prematurity Day.

    Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response

    The World Health Assembly also discussed WHO’s work in health emergencies. Over the last year, WHO responded internationally to 51 graded emergencies across 89 countries and territories, including global outbreaks of cholera and mpox – a public health emergency of international concern – as well as multiple humanitarian crises. Working with over 900 partners across 28 health clusters, WHO helped provide health assistance for 72 million people in humanitarian settings. Nearly 60% of new emergencies were climate-related, highlighting the growing health impacts of climate change.

    During the Assembly, Member States

    • considered matters pertaining to WHO’s work in health emergencies and commended the Organization’s leadership in this space;
    • noted the Director-General’s report on implementation of the health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience (HEPR) framework and expressed their support for the strengthening of the global architecture;
    • considered the health needs of people in Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian territory;
    • noted the Director-General’s report on progress made in implementing the International Health Regulations (2005); and
    • approved a decision to strengthen the research base on public health and social measures to control outbreaks.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 Departmental update Member States endorse World Prematurity Day as official global health campaign

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Preterm births – defined as births that occur before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy – are the leading cause of death amongst children aged under 5 years. Complications such as difficulties breathing, infections and hypothermia are common, while survivors can face significant and long-term disability and ill health.  

    The WHA decision document urges countries to expand access to proven, high-impact interventions, like special newborn care units, support for affected families and kangaroo mother care (KMC), which combines exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. For prevention, the document highlights the need to strengthen antenatal services and more broadly, improve women’ underlying health. 

    “Recognizing this is a crucial issue increasingly shaping child health and survival, WHO welcomes the decision to incorporate World Prematurity Day into its official calendar,” said Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. “It will be an important opportunity to educate, raise awareness and advocate for action to tackle this leading cause of child mortality, while highlighting the need for additional practical, financial and policy support for affected families.” 

    In 2022, WHO released new clinical guidelines for care of preterm and low birthweight infants, with new guidance to help countries expand kangaroo mother care expected later this year. Alongside partners, the Organization also supports countries to deliver comprehensive newborn care packages, including special services for small and sick babies. 

    World Prematurity Day has been observed for over a decade, driven by advocacy from families, civil society, and health professionals. Its formal recognition by WHO is expected to further galvanize global attention and action to this critical issue for maternal and child health. 

    The decision was agreed following discussions on the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030). It aligns with the 2023 WHA Resolution to accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child survival, as well as the 2025 World Health Day theme: “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.” 

    World Prematurity Day will be officially marked by WHO, Member States, and partners on November 17, starting in 2025. 

    Related document: 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-05-28T08:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/mca/maternal-nb/who_20210325_eth_240-min.jpg?sfvrsn=797b47ff_12″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-05-28T08:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2025-member-states-endorse-world-prematurity-day-as-official-global-health-campaign”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 Departmental update WHO announces the development of recommendations on doxycycline prophylaxis for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO is convening a Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the development of evidence-based Clinical guidelines on doxycycline prophylaxis for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    WHO estimates that 374 million new cases of curable STIs occur annually. To reduce the burden of infection and its associated complications, the Global health sector strategy 2022-2030 lists the identification and implementation of novel evidence-based strategies for STI prevention as one of the key action items. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, i.e. doxycycline taken after unprotected sex, is such a novel intervention that could be considered for STI prevention.

    GDG members will contribute to the review of evidence and will propose recommendations through the GRADE methodology. They will participate in the GDG meeting, which will be held in a series of virtual sessions on 25 and 26 June 2025.

    The general objective of this meeting is to develop recommendations on use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea) for men who have sex with men and transgender people. The specific objectives include:

    • to review the evidence and support the evidence-to-decision process through the GRADE methodology including benefits versus harms, values and preferences, feasibility, resource use, equity and cost; and
    • to formulate recommendations based on the evidence review including potential implementation considerations and the research gaps.

    Guideline Development Group composition

    In accordance with WHO guidelines for developing recommendations, the GDG is composed of members from all WHO regions, serving in their individual capacities rather than as representatives of affiliated organizations. GDG members were selected by WHO technical staff based on their technical expertise, their role as end-users (e.g., programme managers and healthcare providers), and their representation of affected communities. Members do not receive financial compensation for their contributions to this process.

    Call for public comments

    To ensure transparency and inclusivity, WHO invites members of the public and interested organizations to review the biographies of the GDG members and provide feedback. Comments can be submitted via email to hiv-aids@who.int by latest 11 June 2025. This feedback helps WHO develop high-quality guidelines that reflect diverse perspectives and respond to the needs of communities worldwide.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE and ESCAP Convene Regional Stakeholder Consultations on Energy Connectivity in Central Asia

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    As part of the joint Programme on Energy Connectivity in Central Asia and the Caucasus, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) hosted regional stakeholder consultations in Astana, Kazakhstan, to explore pathways for financing enhanced energy connectivity in Central Asia. 

    Held in a hybrid format on the margins of the Astana International Forum (AIF), the consultations gathered more than 50 policymakers and energy experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to discuss achievements made to date within the programme and to examine strategies for strengthening regional energy integration, improving system resilience, and advancing low-carbon transitions. It featured discussions on financing cross-border infrastructure, implications of fossil fuel subsidies and carbon pricing, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the impact of water availability on energy transition in Central Asia. 

    Preliminary programme findings suggest that improved energy connectivity in the region could yield up to USD 1.4 billion in annual electricity production savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3% per year by 2050.  

    “As emphasized by ESCAP’s Regional Road Map on Power System Connectivity, regional energy connectivity with a focus on power grids is key strategy for advancing energy sustainability and security” emphasised Hongpeng Liu, Director of Energy Division ESCAP.   

    “Deeper integration of energy systems has clear economic and environmental benefits for Central Asian countries. Add to this a matter of energy security and greater opportunities for economic growth – and you will get an important piece of the energy transition puzzle which we will encourage our member States to adopt in their national and regional development strategies focusing on unlocking investments for renewables and cross-border infrastructure,” says Dario Liguti, Director of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division. 

    The event built on two ongoing projects under the UN Development Account and with the support of the GIZ on behalf of the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). This joint UNECE-ESCAP initiative forms part of broader efforts under the cross-Regional Commissions’ work to enhance energy security and resilience through regional integration, technical cooperation, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+29+Apr+25/3365762_MSG+SG+UN+PEACEKEEPERS+29+APR+25.mp4

    With unwavering courage, United Nations peacekeepers step into danger – to help protect those who need protection, preserve peace, and restore hope in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.

    Today, we honour their service.

    We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. 

    And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

    More than 4,400 peacekeepers have died in service – 57 last year alone.

    We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward.

    The focus of this year’s International Day of Peacekeepers is on “the future of peacekeeping”.

    Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world:

    Growing polarization and division around the globe …

    Operations made even more dangerous from a multiplicity of threats such as terrorism…

    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation…

    And challenges that transcend borders – from the climate crisis to transnational crime. 

    As we look ahead, it is essential that peacekeepers have what they need to do their jobs.

    This is the shared responsibility of the United Nations and Member States.

    The Pact for the Future – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world.

    This challenge is also an opportunity:

    To analyse what makes peacekeeping operations successful…

    To better understand what hinders them…

    And to help design new future-focused models that are anchored in political solutions, adequately resourced, and have mandates that are achievable, with clear exit strategies.   

    The first step – reviewing our peace operations – is underway.

    And together, we will keep pushing this vital effort forward.

    Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations — and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    ***

    C’est avec un courage inébranlable que les soldates et soldats de la paix des Nations Unies bravent le danger pour aider à protéger celles et ceux qui en ont besoin, préserver la paix et restaurer l’espoir, dans des contextes parmi les plus difficiles au monde.

    Aujourd’hui, nous rendons hommage à leur travail.

    Leur résilience, leur dévouement et leur courage nous inspirent.

    Et nous nous souvenons de ces femmes et de ces hommes courageux qui ont consenti le sacrifice ultime au service de la paix.

    Plus de 4 400 Casques bleus sont morts en service, dont 57 rien que l’année dernière.

    Nous ne les oublierons jamais et nous poursuivrons leur œuvre.

    Cette année, la Journée internationale des Casques bleus des Nations Unies a pour thème « l’avenir du maintien de la paix ».

    Les soldates et soldats de la paix font face à des situations de plus en plus complexes, dans un monde de plus en plus complexe :

    Une polarisation et des divisions de plus en plus marquées partout dans le monde…

    Des opérations rendues plus dangereuses encore par la multiplicité des menaces, dont le terrorisme…

    Une mésinformation qui peut avoir des effets meurtriers pour les Casques bleus…

    Et des défis qui dépassent les frontières – de la crise climatique à la criminalité transnationale.

    Pour l’avenir, il est essentiel de s’assurer que les Casques bleus disposent des moyens nécessaires pour s’acquitter de leur mission.

    Il s’agit là d’une responsabilité partagée de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et de tous les États Membres.

    Dans le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté l’an dernier au Siège de l’ONU, les États Membres se sont engagés à adapter le maintien de la paix à un monde en mutation.

    Ce défi est également l’occasion :

    D’analyser ce qui fait le succès des opérations de maintien de la paix…

    De mieux comprendre ce qui leur fait obstacle…

    Et d’aider à concevoir de nouveaux modèles tournés vers l’avenir, fondés sur des solutions politiques, dotés de ressources suffisantes et associés à des mandats réalisables et à des stratégies de sortie claires.

    La première étape, à savoir le réexamen de nos opérations de paix, est en cours.

    Ensemble, nous poursuivrons cette action indispensable.

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, le monde a besoin de l’ONU – et l’Organisation a besoin d’un maintien de la paix pourvu de tous les moyens nécessaires pour s’adapter aux réalités d’aujourd’hui et relever les défis de demain.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Headquarters to Observe International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    NEW YORK, 27 May — The United Nations Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 29 May.

    In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.

    Since that time, more than 2 million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations around the world.  Today, some 68,000 women and men serve as military, police and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.  119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel.

    During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General António Guterres will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.  He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, at which Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year.

    The Secretary-General will also present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana, and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone.  Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA).

    This year’s theme for the Day is “the Future of Peacekeeping”.  The theme emphasizes that the Pact for the Future — adopted last year at the United Nations — includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world, as expressed by Member States’ pledges presented to fill capability gaps and help adapt UN peacekeeping to emerging challenges and new realities at the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin.

    In his message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said:  “Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world…  Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations — and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.”

    “Today, we honour their service,” Mr. Guterres stated. “We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage.  And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.  We will never forget them — and we will carry their work forward.”

    “Our personnel are our most important capability.  The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations.  “Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results.  The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it’s needed most,” he added.

    The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

    For media inquiries and further information, please contact:  Department of Global Communications:  Douglas Coffman, at email:  coffmand@un.org; Department of Peace Operations:  Sophie Boudre, at email:  boudre@un.org, or Hector Calderon, at email:  hector.calderon@un.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Peacekeepers in Abyei Win Top United Nations Military, Police Awards

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    NEW YORK, 27 May — The United Nations has announced the 2024 recipients of the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.

    Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana will receive the Military Gender Advocate Award and Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone will receive the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May.

    The awards will be presented at United Nations Headquarters in New York by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

    Sharon Syme of Ghana has been named the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls during her tour of duty with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

    Since her deployment in 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser, Ms. Syme’s work has directly impacted local communities, ensuring the voices and needs of women and girls are integrated into security and peacebuilding initiatives.

    As part of her efforts, she conducted an intensive health campaign for the women and men of the local communities on the dangers and health implications of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices like child marriage.

    Ms. Syme also helped strengthen the gender awareness and capacity of UNISFA’s military components, spearheading patrols composed of men and women able to address diverse community needs, and engaging with local women’s groups to promote trust and collaboration.  Her approach emphasized inclusivity, respect and cultural awareness, setting a benchmark for gender-responsive peacekeeping operations.

    “Squadron Leader Syme exemplifies the principles of gender advocacy in peacekeeping,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.  “Her dedication has not only improved the effectiveness of UNISFA’s operations, but also ensured that the mission is more reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves.”

    “Applying gender perspectives into daily tasks is the responsibility of every peacekeeper,” Ms. Syme said.  “Success comes through diversifying military representation at checkpoints, operating bases and on patrols it also comes from having gender-responsive leaders, who listen and respond to the voices of their male and female peacekeepers”.

    Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone has been named the Woman Police Officer of the Year for her innovative community engagement initiatives that helped strengthen relations between host communities and the mission while establishing new crime-reporting channels in Abyei, where there is no functional police service.

    In an area that had no schools when she arrived, she initiated an educational programme, providing materials and visual aids for teaching disadvantaged children.  She also established a mentorship programme for girls.  Projects she also initiated to support crop cultivation and livestock sale at the local markets gave the women sustainable sources of income, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in nearby Abyei town.

    Currently serving as UNISFA’s Chief Police Training Officer, Ms. Gbla spent her teenage years displaced within her home country of Sierra Leone and later as a refugee in Guinea — experiences that motivated her to enter the police service and to empower women affected, like her, by conflict.

    “Having been inspired by seeing the positive impact of the police first hand, including the rebuilding and restructuring of the Sierra Leone Police following years of conflict, Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the work of the United Nations to improve lives and shape futures,” said Under-Secretary-General Lacroix.

    “This award symbolizes the tireless work of the women in uniform who serve under the UN flag,” said Ms. Gbla upon hearing of her award.  “Each of us faces unique challenges in our respective missions, yet our collective goal remains the same:  to foster peace and protect the vulnerable.”

    About the Awardees

    Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla joined the Sierra Leone Police in 2002, where she has since held various roles in operations, training and leadership.  She has been serving with UNISFA since April 2023 as Officer-in-Charge of the Community-Based Disarmament Unit and UNPOL Chief Training Officer.  This is her third peacekeeping deployment, after serving with the United Nations – African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in 2010–2013 and 2020–2021.

    Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme graduated from the Ghana Military Academy after obtaining her first master’s degree in international health at Japan’s Tokyo University.  A year later, she joined the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Corps and is the Deputy Chief Dietician at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana.  Her first peacekeeping deployment, she joined UNISFA in March 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser.

    About the Awards

    The United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year award was established in 2011 to recognize the exceptional contributions of women police officers to UN peace operations and to promote women’s empowerment, in line with UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.  The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually since 2016 to a military peacekeeper — male or female — who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership in promoting the principles of resolution 1325 (2000).  The resolution calls on actors to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding and to ensure women’s participation in peace and political processes.  The resolution also calls for the protection from, and prevention of, conflict-related sexual violence and for an expansion of the role and contribution of women in UN operations, including of uniformed women peacekeepers.

    The awards ceremony will be held at UN Headquarters on 29 May from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and broadcast live on UN Web TV.

    More information, photos and digital assets on the awardees are available on a dedicated Trello Board.

    For media inquiries and further information, please contact:  Douglas Coffman, Department of Global Communications, at email:  coffmand@un.org; or Sophie Boudre, Department of Peace Operations, at email:  boudre@un.org and Hector Calderon, Department of Peace Operations, at email:  hector.calderon@un.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 27 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly approved a decision to update the Global action plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), for discussion at next year’s World Health Assembly (WHA79) in 2026.

    An estimated 4.71 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR as of 2021, according to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). The GAP update will offer a practical framework for the next 10 years to achieve the targets and commitments included in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024 – including a 10% reduction in global deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 2030.

    Since the global action plan was adopted in 2015, over 170 countries have developed multi-sectoral national action plans to address AMR. The updated plan will ensure the latest guidance is available to help countries accelerate implementation. It will reflect a multisectoral One Health approach, which aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

    WHO and the other Quadripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – will develop this update in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders.

    The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly also considered progress made in supporting countries to prevent infections; ensure universal access to quality and affordable diagnosis and appropriate treatment; strengthen surveillance, research and innovation; and enhance AMR awareness, governance and financing.

    Looking ahead, other WHO priorities include supporting countries to achieve efficiencies by integrating AMR interventions in health sector planning and financing, and enhancing coordination and governance of the AMR response at all levels, including with the Quadripartite.

    Related links

    Assembly adopts the Global action plan on climate change and health for 2025–2028

    At the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in 2025, Member States expressed support for the first-ever draft Global action plan on climate change and health, marking an important step forward in global health and climate policy. The draft Global action plan 2025–2028 (EB156(40)) acknowledged the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change, positioning health systems as part of the climate solution.

    It aims to provide a strategic framework to guide Member States, the WHO Secretariat and other stakeholders in developing climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems; enhancing surveillance and early warning systems; protecting vulnerable populations; and integrating health into climate policy and financing mechanisms.

    Building on commitments made at previous Conference of the Parties (COPs) and the outcomes of the Executive Board meeting in February 2025, this plan supports WHO’s work to promote health leadership in the global climate agenda and coordinate country-level action and implementation. By supporting this Global action plan, the Assembly affirmed that climate action is not only an environmental priority but also a strategic health priority.

    While recognizing this important progress, some Member States noted that more time and dialogue are needed to reach consensus on certain principles and language used in the action plan moving forward.

    Related links:

    • Climate change and health: Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health A78/4 Add.2
    • Documents A78/4, A78/4 Add.2 and EB156/2025/REC/1, decision EB156(40)
    • Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health as contained in decision EB156(40) and
    • EB156/25)

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