Category: United Nations

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s Wong condemns ‘abhorrent, outrageous’ Israeli comments over blocked aid

    Asia Pacific Report

    Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has released a statement saying “the Israeli government cannot allow the suffering to continue” after the UN’s aid chief said thousands of babies were at risk of dying if they did not receive food immediately.

    “Australia joins international partners in calling on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza,” Wong said in a post on X.

    “We condemn the abhorrent and outrageous comments made by members of the Netanyahu government about these people in crisis.”

    Wong stopped short of outlining any measures Australia might take to encourage Israel to ensure enough aid reaches those in need, as the UK, France and Canada said they would do with “concrete measures” in a recent joint statement.


    An agreement has been reached in a phone call between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, reports Al Jazeera.

    According to the Palestinian news agency WAM, the aid would initially cater to the food needs of about 15,000 civilians in Gaza.

    It will also include essential supplies for bakeries and critical items for infant care.

    ‘Permission’ for 100 trucks
    Earlier yesterday, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office in Geneva said Israel had given permission for about 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza.

    However, the UN also said no aid had been distributed in Gaza because of Israeli restrictions, despite a handful of aid trucks entering the territory.

    “But what we mean here by allowed is that the trucks have received military clearance to access the Palestinian side,” reports Tareq Abu Azzoum from Deir el-Balah, central Gaza.

    “They have not made their journey into the enclave. They are still stuck at the border crossing. Only five trucks have made it in.”

    Israel’s Gaza aid “smokescreen” showing the vast gulf between what the Israeli military have actually allowed in – five trucks only and none of the aid had been delivered at the time of this report. Image: Al Jazeera infographic/Creative Commons

    The few aid trucks alowed into Gaza are nowhere near sufficient to meet Gaza’s vast needs, says the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF.

    Instead, the handful of trucks serve as a “a smokescreen” for Israel to “pretend the siege is over”.

    “The Israeli authorities’ decision to allow a ridiculously inadequate amount of aid into Gaza after months of an air-tight siege signals their intention to avoid the accusation of starving people in Gaza, while in fact keeping them barely surviving,” said Pascale Coissard, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Khan Younis.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 21 May 2025 Departmental update Message by the Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO – May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Kate O’Brien, Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO

    In a time when vaccine preventable disease outbreaks are surging and the health of millions is in jeopardy, World Immunization Week 2025 served as a powerful reminder of what is “Humanly Possible”. Vaccines stand as proof that less disease, more life, is achievable through collaboration. Decades of collective efforts between governments, aid agencies, scientists, healthcare workers, communities and parents got us to where we are today –– a world where vaccines save at least 6 lives every minute and protect people of all ages against more than 30 life-threatening diseases.  

    Despite incredible progress, we must confront a painful reality: trust in vaccines is under threat, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are rising, and funding reductions, may leave millions without vital immunizations. 

    There is a growing issue of misinformation and misrepresentation about vaccines. False claims, distortion of scientific evidence, and vaccine revisionism are undermining decades of progress. This is not just wrong — it’s dangerous. It threatens public trust, puts lives at risk, and jeopardizes the immunization programmes that have protected millions for decades.  

    WHO is a scientific organization, committed to using high-quality scientific evidence to inform vaccine development and recommendations. High-quality clinical trials and rigorous safety assessments are at the core of vaccine development and authorization for use. We call on the global immunization community – including world leaders, national governments and medical providers – to stand firm in following the evidence to inform policies and decisions. It is vital that parents and people who are due for vaccination have accurate information about disease vaccines are designed to prevent and about the safety, performance and impact of vaccinations. 

    WHO is actively supporting countries and partners on vaccine confidence by developing tools to counter misinformation, promoting the proven safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and strengthening the bridge between science and public trust. But this is not a task for WHO alone. Leaders across sectors — from ministries of health to faith leaders and community influencers — should speak clearly and consistently about why vaccines matter and how they are safe. 

    This week, WHO Member States are gathering for the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), where the progress report on the Global Road Map for Defeating Meningitis by 2030, will be discussed by all Member States. This marks an important moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to eliminating meningitis as a public health threat, with a focus on equitable vaccine access, rapid diagnostics, early detection, and outbreak prevention. 

    On May 20, Member States at the 78th WHA formally adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement—a milestone after three years of negotiations prompted by the global impacts of COVID-19. The agreement aims to strengthen global cooperation, equity, and preparedness, including fair access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. But its success depends on more than commitments—it must reinforce what already works: public trust, science, strong immunization systems, and timely, accurate information. As recent outbreaks of measles, cholera, and polio remind us, no agreement can protect us if confidence in vaccines falters or health systems are too fragile to respond. 

    Over 100 side events are being held on the remits of the WHA including: 

    • “Outsmarting Outbreaks: Innovation, Integration, and Investment” – Tuesday, 20 May 2025, will explore how smarter systems, better surveillance, and collective action can stop outbreaks before they start. 
    • “Integrating Solutions to Defeat Malaria, Meningitis, and Polio” – Tuesday, 20 May 2025, will highlight how disease programs can work together to maximize efficiency and reach vulnerable communities. 
    • “New perspectives for the world without tuberculosis” – Wednesday, 21 May 2025, will review progress toward the End TB Strategy, highlight national innovations in TB care, and emphasize the need for integration, funding, and political commitment to eliminate TB by 2030. 
    • “Tuberculosis in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations” – Thursday, 22 May 2025, will spotlight the challenges of TB programming in crisis settings and explore innovative, integrated approaches to strengthen TB responses in fragile contexts. 
    • “The Power of Prevention: Immunizing for a Safer, Healthier World” – Friday, 23 May 2025, will emphasize the urgent opportunity to eliminate measles and rubella through system strengthening and the introduction of universal rubella vaccination. 
       

    A common thread connects these critical issues: sustained progress relies on strong, equitable, and trusted immunization systems. The stakes are high. Misinformation is on the rise. WHO is undergoing reform. And the immunization community is being asked to do more with fewer resources. 

    But we are prepared. We have the knowledge. We have the tools. Now, we need unity — to act together, grounded in evidence — to safeguard vaccines and the future they enable. 

    Let’s use this World Health Assembly as a moment to double down on what works, confront the threats that risk reversing our hard-won gains, and reaffirm the promise of immunization for all. 

    It is humanly possible to ensure even more children, adolescents, adults – and their communities – are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.  

    Click here for the full list of official side events, and here for other side events and convenings occurring around the 78th World Health Assembly.

    Click here to subscribe to the Global Immunization Newsletter.

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    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Digital Product Passport Symposium on Textiles, Batteries, and Other Strategic Sectors

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Background

    In the face of accelerating global demand for transparency, traceability, and sustainability, the UNECE and ISO have partnered to advance international standardization through the Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative. At the core of this effort is ISO 25534-1, the first international project jointly launched to define foundational principles for interoperable DPP systems.

    Building on the success of the Kick-off and Ad-hoc meetings, this Industry-Specific DPP Symposium aims to deepen dialogue with key sectors—textile, batteries, and others—to align on requirements and ensure the resulting standards meet real-world needs.

    Objectives

    This symposium series will:

    • Clarify regulatory frameworks, business needs, and data requirements for DPP implementation.

    • Identify sector-specific challenges and opportunities.

    • Facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovations.

    • Address open questions raised in previous meetings.

    • Inform and strengthen the ISO 25534-1 and future standardization efforts.

    Expected Outcomes

    • Agreement on common and sector-specific DPP elements

    • Contributions to ISO 25534-1 content

    • Identification of gaps and key themes for future standardization

    • Publication of findings and recommendations

    Target Audience

    • Government authorities and regulators

    • Industry and supply chain stakeholders

    • Technology solution providers

    • Research institutions and academia

    • International and development organizations

    Structure & Focus Areas

    🧭 Session 1: Scenario-setting 
    Cross-sector DPP requirements – Interoperability, business needs, and regulatory compliance.

    👕 Session 2: Textile Sector 
    Focus: Textile, garment, and fashion industries

    • Traceability of materials and processes

    • Eco-design, recyclability, and digital labelling

    • Consumer engagement through DPP

    🔋 Session 3: Battery Sector 
    Focus: Batteries for EV and energy storage

    • Lifecycle tracking of critical raw materials

    • Second-life use, recycling, and regulatory alignment

    • Integration with EV passports and EU Battery Regulation

    🔄 Session 4: Other Sectors & Wrap-Up
    Cross-sector and legal perspectives

    • Interoperability and governance

    • Legal frameworks and international alignment

    • Brainstorming on future standard components

    Note: If speaker representation is limited in Session 4, it will be merged into the wrap-up session.

    Contact

    For further information, please contact: 📧 Kevin Bishop[email protected]

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 21 May 2025 Departmental update WHO unveils groundbreaking global dashboards for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In time for the 78th World Health Assembly, WHO launched the first-ever WHO Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) Dashboards, on 21 May 2025 featuring comprehensive global and country-level profiles.

    This milestone builds on insights from the Third WHO Global Survey on TCIM, conducted between April 2023 and March 2024, and marks a significant leap forward in WHO’s data modernization agenda.

    The new dashboards transform static survey data into a dynamic, real-time digital platform, empowering Member States to continuously update and manage their national TCIM data. Key benefits include:

    • Real-time monitoring of national policies, regulatory frameworks, and integration of TCIM services
    • Timely and relevant global reporting on TCIM developments
    • Enhanced data accessibility for policymakers, health professionals, and researchers

    Users can explore the data through two distinct views:

    1. Default View – Aggregates the most recent data from all WHO global TCIM surveys, and
    2. Third Global Survey Only – Filters results exclusively from the latest survey via a simple toggle.

    This launch underscores WHO’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation to advance evidence-based policymaking, promote transparency, and strengthen global collaboration in the field of TCIM.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of ECOSOC Segment on Operational Activities for Development [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Vice-Chair, Excellencies,
    Thank you very much, our Vice-Chair of ECOSOC.
    Excellencies,
    I continue to deeply appreciate the opportunity to join this segment – as the DSG, but much more importantly as the chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, that represents over 38 agencies, funds and programs, and does an enormous amount of work to try to fulfil those ambitions of the SDGs and many more. Therefore, this segment really does embody the partnership needed to strengthen the UN development system. 
    I would like to thank the ECOSOC Bureau, especially the Vice-Chair Ambassador Szcserski, and its members for your continued engagement and leadership. I would also like to give a special welcome to our youth representative, Chelsea Antwan. We look very much forward to hearing your voice.
    The Operational Activities for Development segment of the Economic and Social Council still remains one of the most significant segments of ECOSOC.
    This segment plays a vital oversight role in reviewing how the United Nations development system is delivering on the promise to support countries in delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals.
    We are meeting at a pivotal moment, where the stakes could not be higher. Last year, member States were united in the Pact for the Future and in their commitment to strengthen collective efforts to turbocharge the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
    Following this momentous signal of unity, Member States adopted the 2024 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review, the QCPR—a landmark resolution that sets the strategic direction for the UN development system over the next four years.
    The QCPR reflects a shared ambition to build on the progress that has been achieved since the 2018 repositioning of the development system.
    The 2024 QCPR reaffirms the central role of sustainable development in the work of the United Nation – and, of course, the urgency of accelerating action to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of countries. 
    Member States gave critical guidance to strengthen coordination across the system; challenged us to deepen transparency and accountability and sought to breathe new life into the ECOSOC OAS Segment.
    We will rise to your challenge. And in return, we ask that you continue to deepen your engagement in this session.
    OAS is a critical platform for Member States to hold the system accountable for results, and to share the lessons learned, and offer guidance that helps translate policy into impact on the ground.
    This segment is key to ensuring that Resident Coordinators have the tools and the backing they need to lead, and that UN Country Teams are equipped to deliver coherent support, and that development system is more strategic, efficient, effective, and results oriented.
    I would like to underscore here that Resident Coordinators coordination, convening and leveraging for the scale and the urgency that is needed to achieve the SDGs. But at the same time, the kind of support we would need for UN Country Teams that will have to rise to operationalize that support that is needed for our countries.
    We hope to see UN80 in the coming weeks and months playing a role in making that more efficient and effective. 
    Quality funding and financing continue to be significant enablers of a unified country team. The 6 transformative pathways are a means of enabling an effective and strategic response in any country.
    Critical investments with a catalytic impact are needed across food systems, energy access and affordability, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The reverberating impact of these investments are needed now more than ever.
    UN80 is a further opportunity to strengthen our work in this respect.
    I look forward to your engagement throughout this week as we collectively seek to drive forward ambition on the SDGs that will leave no one behind.  
    Together, we have the opportunity—and we have the responsibility—to ensure that the UN development system delivers fully on the promise for people, for planet, as we work towards a safer, more sustainable and prosperous world.
    Over the course of the next year, there are further opportunities for the international community to ground multilateral ambition.
    Through the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we seek to agree steps that will unlock large-scale SDG investment to put the goals back on track, and to reform the international financial architecture to make it more inclusive and effective in dealing with the shocks and the crises. And we are watching closely the ambitions that we hope will come out of the current G7 finance ministers meeting in Canada.
    The Food Systems Stocktake +4 countries will come together to discuss how to move from plans to action, unlocking strategic investments for food systems transformation across all its dimensions –jobs, nutrition, adaptation to climate change in partnership with the private sector and IFIs. Our co-hosts in Italy and Ethiopia are driving this forward on the continent and beyond.
    In the World Social Summit, we look to go beyond what was agreed in Copenhagen and agree to commitments to strengthen the three pillars of social development, as articulated in the SDGs. And we look forward to seeing all of you in Doha.
    At COP 30 later this year, we seek to bridge the gap between Baku and Belem by agreeing on actions that can mobilize the $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035. We will build on the updated Nationally Determined Contribution plans presented by Member States, mainstreaming climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience plans across all sectors of the economy.
    Our host, Brazil, has already begun that strategic push with getting the economies, and the green economy, effectively up and running.
    I hope that you take most out of this segment, as we will be listening and we will be taking onboard your concerns, your reflections, your ideas, asking us the hard questions, sharing your guidance, and pressing us to go even further.
    As I come out of Angola where we held a meeting of all the RCs in Africa, it was evident that progress has been made, but the expectations are so much higher given the crisis that we find ourselves in. I believe we have the tools, we have the Members States commitments and frameworks to help us navigate this.
    We are determined to work with you on this as we move forward towards achieving Agenda 2030.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Environmental Research Communications (IOP Science)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Environmental Research Communications™ (ERC) is a high-quality, open access journal covering all branches of environmental research. ERC welcomes submissions from all domains of the Earth’s system, including atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere as well as interdisciplinary studies between these. All environment-related research aimed at both disciplinary-specific and broad, multidisciplinary areas, and both global and regional, national, or even local studies (like case studies) are within the scope.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: One Ecosystem

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    One Ecosystem is an innovative Open Access scholarly journal which provides a forum for studies in the field of ecology and sustainability. In addition to conventional research papers, the journal welcomes contributions documenting the entire research cycle, including data, models, methods, workflows, results, software, perspectives, and policy recommendations.

    The journal will specifically address the following topics: Ecosystem services, Climate change, Landscape ecology, Land use change, Marine and freshwater ecology, Forest ecology and forestry, Agriculture, Tourism, Urban ecology, Restoration ecology, Environmental impact assessment, Health, Waste and water management, Sustainable land development, Environmental economics and policy, and Urban development.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences (JIES)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences (JIES) publishes international research on social and natural sciences, focusing on significant environmental issues. JIES is published on behalf of the VVM, a network of environmental professionals in the Netherlands.

    Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences aims to provide a stimulating, informative and critical forum for intellectual debate. It features perspectives on the processes responsible for environmental change, the impact of that change on nature and society, and possible solutions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Polaris Market Research

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. Polaris provides unmatched quality of offerings to clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises.

    Polaris is obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. Polaris strives to provide customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 Departmental update Strengthening acute care systems saves lives, but urgent action is needed

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, Tore Laerdal and WHO Foundation Chair, Thomas Zeltner announced a US $12.5 million commitment from Laerdal Global Health. This contribution includes support for WHO Basic Emergency Care training in 400 hospitals across three African countries, as well as specially designed training kits for ongoing workplace-based training.  

    In association with this core commitment, the WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health have also established a funding consortium – Lifeline: the Acute Care Action Fund – and are already in active discussions with other private and public partners to reach a total of $25M to bring this program to 1,000 hospitals in five or more countries, saving an estimated 50,000 lives every year.  

    The Basic Emergency Care (BEC) program was developed in 2016 by WHO, with the collaboration of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation for Emergency Medicine. Since that time, tens of thousands of health workers have been trained in BEC across more than 60 countries.  

    “Strengthening health systems and supporting health workers to deliver effective acute care is essential to UHC and health security. This support to bring the Basic Emergency Care program to scale— particularly at this time of constricting resources— will have critical impact around the world,” said Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course. 

    Prior studies in first level hospitals across Africa and Asia showed a 34 to 50 percent reduction in mortality from acute conditions –- including pneumonia, road injuries, diabetic crisis and post-partum haemorrhage – following the implementation of the BEC program. 

    This effort will be a key part of the upcoming Global strategy for integrated emergency, critical and operative care 2026-2035 to be presented to the World Health Assembly in 2026. 

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    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release Global leaders reaffirm commitment to WHO with at least US$ 170 million raised at World Health Assembly 2025 pledging event

    Source: World Health Organisation

    World leaders pledged at least an additional US$ 170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) at a high-level pledging event Tuesday at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva. Amid rising global health challenges, leaders reaffirmed their support for multilateral cooperation through these contributions to WHO’s Investment Round (IR). Earlier in the day, Member States approved an increase in Assessed Contributions, adding a separate US$ 90 million a year of income, and marking another important step on WHO’s journey towards sustainable financing.

    The IR is raising funds for WHO’s strategy for global health, the  Fourteenth General Programme of Work, which can save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years. The pledges made today represent significant contributions from both governments and philanthropic partners.

    “I am grateful to every Member State and partner that has pledged towards the investment round. In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”

    Both long-standing allies and new contributors stepped up at today’s pledging event, broadening WHO’s donor base with fresh voluntary funding. Moderated by Mr Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK, the event and the World Health Assembly featured pledges from Angola, Cambodia, China, Gabon, Mongolia, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, ELMA Philanthropies (with the WHO Foundation), Fondation Botnar, Laerdal Global Health (with the WHO Foundation), the Nippon Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation announced an additional US$ 13 million and committed to further increases in funding.

    Among the announcements at least US$ 170 million is for the Investment Round, meaning that the funding supports WHO’s base budget from 2025–2028. Eight of the donors included a flexible contribution to WHO, the most valuable sort of funding, and four were first time donors.

    WHO’s fundraising reach has also been extended through individual giving. Through the One World Movement, almost 8000 people from across the world have signed on as ‘Member Citizens’, contributing almost US$ 600 000 in donations, many monthly – a powerful expression of global solidarity and an affirmation that every voice counts.

    The event’s speakers emphasized not only the need for continued investment, but the strategic value of flexible and diversified financing to keep WHO responsive, country-focused, and aligned with national health priorities – as it evolves into a leaner, more agile institution. The event was a pivotal moment in WHO’s journey to more sustainable funding.

    As the IR continues, today’s event is a testament to the role of partnership in times of uncertainty. Contributions from each donor made at today’s pledging event can be found below. Each contribution to WHO brings us one step closer to better health for all united in the mission of “One World for Health”.

    Contributor Additional amount for WHO Investment Round
    Angola US$ 8 million
    Cambodia US$ 400 000
    China Contribution to Investment Round to be confirmed.
    Gabon US$ 150 000
    Mongolia US$ 100 000
    Qatar US$ 6 million
    Sweden €12 million = US$ 13.5 million
    Switzerland Sw.fr. 33 million = US$ 40 million
    Tanzania US$ 500 000 (in addition to US$ 500 000 already announced)
    CIFF US$ 13 million and commitment to further increase
    ELMA Philanthropies US$ 2 million
    Foundation Botnar Sw.fr. 8 million = US$ 9.6 million
    Laerdal Global Health US$ 12.5 million 
    Nippon Foundation, Mr. Sasakawa, (Chairman) US$ 9.2 million
    Novo Nordisk Foundation DKK 380 million = US$ 57 million

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the 2025 ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment [bilingual as delivered, scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Thank you for taking part in this important forum in an important year.

    We’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.   

    But this milestone is tempered by a stark, undeniable reality that resonates on every page of the report I am presenting today.

    With less than five years to go to the 2030 deadline, we are facing nothing short of a development emergency.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    And some of the hard-won gains made in recent years are getting derailed.

    Progress is too slow in the fight against poverty, hunger, inequality, the climate crisis, decaying infrastructure, and under-resourced education, health and social protection systems.

    We must never forget that a development emergency is, at its root, a human emergency.

    The lives and futures of millions of people hang in the balance.

    This development emergency is also a funding emergency.

    Resources are shrinking across the board — and have been for some time.

    For example, as detailed in my report, total financial contributions to the UN development system dropped by $9 billion — or 16 per cent — in 2023 from the year before.

    We can imagine the number of 2024 taking into account what we have witnessed in the recent decisions.   

    Our organization is increasingly asked to do more with less — a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future.

    This year, donors are pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

    But the report we’re discussing today also carries an important message of hope.

    Hope found in the progress we’ve achieved together to reform and reposition the UN development system, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

    Hope in the UN80 initiative to build on these reforms, and drive more of the change we need across the system for a more impactful, cohesive and efficient organization.

    Hope in your continued strong support of, and engagement with, our Resident Coordinators and Country Teams.

    And hope that lies in the potential of the Pact for the Future to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — a Pact that secured consensus at the Summit of the Future.  

    Let me be clear.

    While the context has shifted since the Pact’s adoption, its commitments are more important than ever.

    This includes its bold calls for action on all the elements required to boost progress on sustainable development — including financing for development, the provision of debt relief, and strengthening the international financial architecture.

    We cannot allow headwinds to blow these commitments off course.

    We will continue working closely with all Member States and partners to keep our agenda on track, deepen our ongoing transformation, and to do so in the context of the UN80 initiative to drive progress across the system.

    And we will ensure we can fully deliver and maximize the benefits of every single mandate of the landmark General Assembly resolution 72/279 that ushered in the reforms of the UN development system.

    Excellencies,

    In this spirit, and guided by the report under discussion today, I’d like to highlight four areas where we are making progress, where more is needed, and how Member States can support this work.  

    First — we must hold fast to our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

    This is a critical year for development.

    But across the board, we face a crisis in the means of implementation — from financing to trade, governance and institutional capacity to accelerate progress. 

    Acceleration means Member States keeping alive the bold commitments they made in adopting the Goals in 2015, as well as through the Pact for the Future.

    These include easing the debt burden on developing countries, scaling innovative sources of finance, and pushing forward on reforms to the international financial architecture.

    The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla will be a key moment in driving the change we need.

    Acceleration requires bold transformations.

    We must continue traveling the clear pathways to progress outlined in the report — key areas where we can spur progress across all the Goals, such as food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, and supporting economic growth through trade. 

    Now is the time to build more political will and institutional capacity to support these essential shifts and drive progress.

    Second — we will continue tailoring our operations to the needs and priorities of host countries.

    We know we’re on the right track.

    In the last year alone, Resident Coordinators supported over 160 countries.

    Our work across the system and with governments is becoming more integrated and coordinated every year.

    87 per cent of host governments — and 83 per cent of donor country governments — agreed that UN entities are working more collaboratively than before the reform.

    And 98 per cent of host governments agreed that the UN activities, as articulated in our Cooperation Frameworks, are closely or very closely aligned to national priorities.

    The evidence is clear.

    The reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system we have built together is fast-becoming a launchpad for providing deeper development impact for people and planet alike:

    By gathering partners together to shape policy and financing solutions to accelerate development…

    By supporting countries’ efforts on financing, data-collection, trade and sustainable economic growth…

    And by constantly striving to find efficiencies and innovations, and drive accountability and results across our work together.

    We are rightly proud of our work, and we will protect and build on this as we move forward.

    We know we can do better. And we will.

    Despite high levels of support, the report shows worrying gaps between the priorities of our Cooperation Frameworks and the operational, governance and financial tools to bring them to life.

    Moreover, the Management Accountability Framework established to ensure greater accountability in collective UN efforts is not being applied evenly across the system.

    Our newly established evaluation office for the development system is now preparing its first independent report to this body this year to continue driving accountability and results, and ensure greater alignment of UN configuration and programming with country needs.

    I ask all Member States to support this important work.

    Third — funding.

    I am deeply concerned about the system’s funding situation.  

    Core contributions to development agencies are insufficient, plunging to 16.5 per cent of total funding, with these contributions declining to 12 per cent for some agencies. 

    This is a far cry from the 30 per cent target countries committed to in the Funding Compact.

    In December, the General Assembly agreed to my proposal to secure $53 million from the regular budget for the Resident Coordinator system — a much-needed boost at a critical time.

    To be entirely frank, I have to say that the proposal was much higher but at least this compromise was found. 

    But this minimum level of support is insufficient to reach the maximum ambition we need.

    Our ability to drive development and deliver support in a sustained way is at risk — at a moment when countries need us most.

    For our part, we will continue working closely with you to close funding gaps, and ensure joint programming is well-funded and directed to the most vulnerable people and communities.

    But more than ever, we need flexible, sustainable, predictable and innovative sources of funding. 

    I urge Member States to implement the new Funding Compact, without delay.

    In the current context of shrinking resources, the Funding Compact becomes even more fundamental — in particular, its emphasis on pooled funds that allow for more strategic resource allocation depending on actual needs and priorities on the ground.  

    Enfin quatrièmement, nous continuerons de chercher à optimiser l’utilisation des ressources consacrées au développement.

    Le rapport démontre que nos réformes portent leurs fruits : nous avons réalisé plus de 592 millions de dollars d’économies en 2024, soit bien plus que notre objectif initial de 310 millions de dollars.

    Ces économies ont été rendues possibles grâce aux efforts déployés par chaque entité pour rationaliser les services et les chaînes d’approvisionnement, ainsi qu’à un recours accru aux services partagés, notamment s’agissant des voyages, des services de conférence et des fonctions administratives, et à d’autres gains d’efficacité importants.

    Mais nous pouvons et devons en faire plus.

    Dès le début de mon mandat, nous avons lancé un programme de réforme ambitieux destiné non seulement à améliorer nos méthodes de travail et nos résultats, mais aussi à explorer toutes les pistes possibles pour réaliser des économies et des gains d’efficacité.

    L’Initiative ONU80 offre une excellente occasion de poursuivre sur cette lancée.

    En dégageant rapidement des moyens de gagner en efficacité et d’améliorer nos méthodes de travail.

    En consacrant une plus grande partie de nos ressources aux programmes de développement plutôt qu’aux coûts administratifs.

    En procédant à un examen rigoureux de l’exécution des mandats qui nous sont confiés par les États Membres – et dont le nombre a considérablement augmenté ces dernières années.

    Et en menant un examen stratégique des changements plus profonds et plus structurels ainsi qu’un réalignement des programmes au sein du système des Nations Unies.

    L’Initiative ONU80 n’est pas une réponse aux coupes budgétaires mondiales…

    Mais une réponse aux besoins mondiaux.

    Aux besoins des populations du monde entier.

    À la nécessité de faire en sorte que ces personnes soient soutenues comme il se doit, à travers des programmes adaptés au contexte national.

    Et à l’impératif de travailler de façon aussi efficace, rationnelle et utile que possible.

    Là encore, nous aurons besoin de l’appui de tous les États Membres pour rendre nos activités plus efficientes.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Alors que nous poursuivons ce chemin de réforme et de renouveau, nous devons garder à l’esprit le plus important : 

    Celles et ceux qui, dans le monde entier, comptent sur nous.

    Le rapport que nous examinons aujourd’hui ne se limite pas aux chiffres.

    Le rapport concerne les services et l’aide que nous apportons à certaines des personnes et des communautés les plus vulnérables et défavorisées de la planète.

    Il concerne les contribuables du monde entier, dont le dur labeur finance notre important travail.

    Il concerne notre capacité à mieux répondre aux attentes des États Membres et agir conformément aux priorités de chaque pays.

    Et il concerne notre quête constante d’efficacité, d’efficience et de responsabilité – tout en restant fidèles aux valeurs fondamentales qui nous animent depuis le tout début.

    Continuons d’œuvrer dans l’unité et la solidarité pour construire une ONU encore plus forte et encore plus efficace – prête à relever les défis d’aujourd’hui et de demain.

    Une ONU adaptée à sa mission et prête à agir.

    Nous comptons sur le plein soutien des États Membres pour continuer à aller de l’avant.

    Je vous remercie.

    *****
    [all-English]

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Thank you for taking part in this important forum in an important year.

    We’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.   

    But this milestone is tempered by a stark, undeniable reality that resonates on every page of the report I am presenting today.

    With less than five years to go to the 2030 deadline, we are facing nothing short of a development emergency.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    And some of the hard-won gains made in recent years are getting derailed.

    Progress is too slow in the fight against poverty, hunger, inequality, the climate crisis, decaying infrastructure, and under-resourced education, health and social protection systems.

    We must never forget that a development emergency is, at its root, a human emergency.

    The lives and futures of millions of people hang in the balance.

    This development emergency is also a funding emergency.

    Resources are shrinking across the board — and have been for some time.

    For example, as detailed in my report, total financial contributions to the UN development system dropped by $9 billion — or 16 per cent — in 2023 from the year before.

    We can imagine the number of 2024 taking into account what we have witnessed in the recent decisions. 

    Our organization is increasingly asked to do more with less — a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future.

    This year, donors are pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

    But the report we’re discussing today also carries an important message of hope.
    Hope found in the progress we’ve achieved together to reform and reposition the UN development system, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

    Hope in the UN80 initiative to build on these reforms, and drive more of the change we need across the system for a more impactful, cohesive and efficient organization.

    Hope in your continued strong support of, and engagement with, our Resident Coordinators and Country Teams.

    And hope that lies in the potential of the Pact for the Future to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — a Pact that secured consensus at the Summit of the Future.  

    Let me be clear.

    While the context has shifted since the Pact’s adoption, its commitments are more important than ever.

    This includes its bold calls for action on all the elements required to boost progress on sustainable development — including financing for development, the provision of debt relief, and strengthening the international financial architecture.

    We cannot allow headwinds to blow these commitments off course.

    We will continue working closely with all Member States and partners to keep our agenda on track, deepen our ongoing transformation, and to do so in the context of the UN80 initiative to drive progress across the system.

    And we will ensure we can fully deliver and maximize the benefits of every single mandate of the landmark General Assembly resolution 72/279 that ushered in the reforms of the UN development system.

    Excellencies,

    In this spirit, and guided by the report under discussion today, I’d like to highlight four areas where we are making progress, where more is needed, and how Member States can support this work.  

    First — we must hold fast to our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

    This is a critical year for development.

    But across the board, we face a crisis in the means of implementation — from financing to trade, governance and institutional capacity to accelerate progress. 

    Acceleration means Member States keeping alive the bold commitments they made in adopting the Goals in 2015, as well as through the Pact for the Future.

    These include easing the debt burden on developing countries, scaling innovative sources of finance, and pushing forward on reforms to the international financial architecture.

    The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla will be a key moment in driving the change we need.

    Acceleration requires bold transformations.

    We must continue traveling the clear pathways to progress outlined in the report — key areas where we can spur progress across all the Goals, such as food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, and supporting economic growth through trade. 

    Now is the time to build more political will and institutional capacity to support these essential shifts and drive progress.

    Second — we will continue tailoring our operations to the needs and priorities of host countries.

    We know we’re on the right track.

    In the last year alone, Resident Coordinators supported over 160 countries.

    Our work across the system and with governments is becoming more integrated and coordinated every year.

    87 per cent of host governments — and 83 per cent of donor country governments — agreed that UN entities are working more collaboratively than before the reform.

    And 98 per cent of host governments agreed that UN activities, as articulated in our Cooperation Frameworks, are closely or very closely aligned to national priorities.

    The evidence is clear.

    The reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system we have built together is fast-becoming a launchpad for providing deeper development impact for people and planet alike:

    By gathering partners together to shape policy and financing solutions to accelerate development…

    By supporting countries’ efforts on financing, data-collection, trade and sustainable economic growth…

    And by constantly striving to find efficiencies and innovations, and drive accountability and results across our work together.

    We are rightly proud of our work, and we will protect and build on this as we move forward.

    We know we can do better. And we will.

    Despite high levels of support, the report shows worrying gaps between the priorities of our Cooperation Frameworks and the operational, governance and financial tools to bring them to life.

    Moreover, the Management Accountability Framework established to ensure greater accountability in collective UN efforts is not being applied evenly across the system.

    Our newly established evaluation office for the development system is now preparing its first independent report to this body this year to continue driving accountability and results, and ensure greater alignment of UN configuration and programming with country needs.

    I ask all Member States to support this important work.

    Third — funding.

    I am deeply concerned about the system’s funding situation.  

    Core contributions to development agencies are insufficient, plunging to 16.5 per cent of total funding, with these contributions declining to 12 per cent for some agencies. 

    This is a far cry from the 30 per cent target countries committed to in the Funding Compact.

    In December, the General Assembly agreed to my proposal to secure $53 million from the regular budget for the Resident Coordinator system — a much-needed boost at a critical time.

    To be entirely frank, I have to say that the proposal was much higher but at least this compromise was found. 

    But this minimum level of support is insufficient to reach the maximum ambition we need.

    Our ability to drive development and deliver support in a sustained way is at risk — at a moment when countries need us most.

    For our part, we will continue working closely with you to close funding gaps, and ensure joint programming is well-funded and directed to the most vulnerable people and communities.

    But more than ever, we need flexible, sustainable, predictable and innovative sources of funding. 

    I urge Member States to implement the new Funding Compact, without delay.
    In the current context of shrinking resources, the Funding Compact becomes even more fundamental — in particular, its emphasis on pooled funds that allow for more strategic resource allocation depending on actual needs and priorities on the ground.  

    And fourth — we will continue pushing for efficiencies that maximize the use of development resources.

    The report demonstrates that our reforms are achieving results — with over $592 million in efficiencies in 2024, well above our initial target of $310 million.

    These savings were achieved through individual agency efforts to streamline services and supply chains, as well as through the increased use of shared services across entities — including travel, conference and administrative functions, and other key efficiencies.

    But we can and must do more.

    From the very beginning of my mandate, we embarked on an ambitious reform agenda to strengthen not only how we work and deliver — but how we leave no stone unturned in finding cost-savings and efficiencies.

    The UN80 initiative is an important opportunity to carry this work forward.

    By rapidly identifying efficiencies and improvements in the way we work.

    By ensuring that a greater share of our resources are allocated for development programmes rather than administrative costs. 

    By thoroughly reviewing the implementation of all mandates given to us by Member States, which have significantly increased in recent years.   

    And through a strategic review of deeper, more structural changes and programme realignment in the UN System.

    UN80 is not about responding to global cuts.

    It’s about responding to global needs.

    The needs of people around the world.
    The need to ensure that we support them in the right way, with the right programmes and country configurations.

    And the need to be as efficient, streamlined and impactful as we can be.

    Again, the support of all Member States will be critical as we strive to become more cost-effective in our operations.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    As we continue travelling this road to reform and renewal, we must keep our focus where it belongs:  

    On the people around the world who are counting on us to get this right.

    The report we are discussing today is not just about numbers.

    It’s about the services and support we provide to some of the most vulnerable and underserved people and communities on earth.

    It’s about hardworking taxpayers around the world who underwrite our important work.

    It’s about responding more effectively to the expectations of Member States and aligning with national priorities.

    And it’s about our constant pursuit of efficiency, effectiveness and accountability, while staying true to values that have driven our mission from the very start.

    Let’s continue working as one, in solidarity, to build an even stronger and more effective United Nations — one that is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

    One that is fit for purpose and ready to serve.

    We count on the full support of Member States as we move forward.

    Thank you.

    ******

    [all-French]

    Excellences, Mesdames, Messieurs,

    Je vous remercie de prendre part à cette manifestation de premier plan en cette année importante.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies fête cette année ses 80 ans.

    Mais cet anniversaire est tempéré par une réalité dure et indéniable, qui transparaît à chaque page du rapport que je présente aujourd’hui.

    À moins de cinq ans de l’échéance de 2030, nous sommes face à une véritable crise du développement.

    La réalisation des objectifs de développement durable accuse un retard alarmant.

    Et certains des gains durement acquis ces dernières années risquent d’être réduits à néant.

    Face à la pauvreté, à la faim, aux inégalités, à la crise climatique, aux infrastructures en déclin et au manque de ressources dans l’éducation et la protection sociale, les progrès demeurent trop lents.

    Il ne faut pas perdre de vue qu’une crise du développement est, avant tout, une crise humaine.

    La vie et l’avenir de millions de personnes sont en jeu.

    Cette crise du développement est aussi une crise du financement.
    Dans tous les secteurs, les ressources se réduisent comme peau de chagrin, et ce depuis un certain temps.

    Ainsi, comme indiqué dans mon rapport, les contributions financières versées en 2023 au système des Nations Unies pour le développement ont chuté de 9 milliards de dollars US – soit 16 % – par rapport à l’année précédente.

    On peut imaginer les chiffres de 2024 en tenant compte de ce que nous avons constaté dans les décisions récentes.

    Notre Organisation est de plus en plus appelée à faire plus avec moins, et cela ne devrait pas changer de sitôt.

    Cette année, plusieurs bailleurs de fonds mettent un coup de frein sans précédent à leurs engagements en matière d’aide sur le terrain.

    Cela étant, le rapport que nous examinons aujourd’hui est également porteur d’un vrai message d’espoir.

    Cet espoir repose sur plusieurs éléments : sur les progrès que nous avons accomplis ensemble dans la réforme et le repositionnement du système des Nations Unies pour le développement, le rendant plus efficace et plus économique ;

    Sur l’Initiative ONU80, qui, dans le prolongement de ces réformes, induira les changements dont nous avons besoin à travers l’ensemble du système pour une organisation plus efficace, plus cohésive et plus efficiente ;

    Sur l’appui résolu que vous continuez de manifester à nos coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents et à nos équipes de pays, et sur votre détermination à travailler à leurs côtés dans un esprit de collaboration ;

    Et sur le potentiel qui réside dans le potentiel du Pacte pour l’avenir d’accélérer les progrès vers les Objectifs de développement durable – un Pacte qui a fait l’objet d’un consensus lors du Sommet de l’avenir.

    Soyons clairs.

    Le Pacte a beau avoir été adopté dans un contexte différent, les engagements qui y sont énoncés demeurent plus importants que jamais.

    Ils exigent notamment de l’audace dans tous les aspects propices au développement durable – y compris le financement du développement, l’allègement de la dette et le renforcement de l’architecture financière internationale.

    Nous ne pouvons laisser les difficultés du moment nous faire dévier de ces engagements.

    Nous continuerons de collaborer étroitement avec tous les États Membres et tous les partenaires pour poursuivre la bonne mise en œuvre de nos priorités, parfaire la transformation de l’Organisation et, dans le cadre de l’Initiative ONU80, encourager des progrès concrets dans l’ensemble du système.

    Nous veillerons également à exécuter pleinement et de manière optimale tous les mandats prévus dans la résolution 72/279 de l’Assemblée générale, texte majeur qui a ouvert la voie à la réforme du système des Nations Unies pour le développement.

    Excellences,

    Dans ce contexte, et dans le droit fil du rapport qui est à l’examen aujourd’hui, je voudrais souligner quatre points pour récapituler les progrès que nous accomplissons, les domaines où nous devons redoubler d’efforts et l’aide que les États Membres peuvent apporter en ce sens.

    Premièrement, nous devons garder le cap sur les objectifs de développement durable.

    Cette année est cruciale pour le développement.

    Pourtant, nous assistons à une crise généralisée des moyens de mise en œuvre, qui touche aussi bien le financement que le commerce, la gouvernance ou la capacité institutionnelle à accélérer les progrès.

    Si l’on veut accélérer la cadence, il faut que les États Membres honorent les engagements ambitieux qu’ils ont pris en 2015 en adoptant les ODD et dans le cadre du Pacte pour l’avenir.

    Cela inclut notamment l’allègement du fardeau de la dette des pays en développement, la mobilisation de sources de financement innovantes et de faire avancer la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.

    La quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, constituera un moment clé moment clé dans la conduite des changements nécessaires.  

    Pour passer à la vitesse supérieure, il faut engager une transformation audacieuse.

    Nous devons poursuivre la stratégie que nous avons clairement définie en vue de la réalisation de tous les Objectifs, notamment dans les domaines des systèmes alimentaires, de l’accès à l’énergie, de la desserte numérique ainsi que du commerce au service de la croissance économique.

    Le moment est venu de mobiliser une plus grande volonté politique et de renforcer les capacités institutionnelles pour accompagner ces transformations essentielles et insuffler une dynamique de progrès.

    Deuxièmement, nous continuerons d’adapter nos opérations aux besoins et aux priorités des pays hôtes.

    Nous savons que nous sommes sur la bonne voie.

    L’année dernière, les coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents ont apporté un appui concret dans plus de 160 pays.

    Le travail mené dans les entités du système et avec les gouvernements gagne chaque année en intégration et en coordination.

    87 % des pays hôtes – et 83 % des pays donateurs – considèrent que les entités des Nations Unies collaborent plus qu’avant la réforme.
    Et 98 % des pays hôtes estiment que les activités de l’ONU prévues dans nos plans-cadres de coopération concordent bien ou très bien avec les priorités nationales.

    Les faits sont là.

    Le système redynamisé des coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents que nous avons mis en place ensemble est en passe de devenir un outil encore plus efficace au service du développement, tant pour les populations que pour la planète.

    À cet égard, il réunit les partenaires pour définir l’action à mener et trouver des solutions financières visant à accélérer le développement…

    Il accompagne les pays dans les domaines du financement, de la collecte de données, de la réglementation, du commerce et de la croissance économique durable…

    Et il cherche continuellement à faire des économies, à innover, à faire respecter le principe de responsabilité et à encourager les progrès dans tous les aspects de notre action commune.

    Nous sommes profondément fiers de ce que nous faisons, et nous continuerons sur notre lancée tout en préservant les acquis.

    Nous pouvons faire mieux, nous le savons. Et nous le ferons.

    Malgré l’adhésion que suscite notre action, le rapport fait apparaître un contraste inquiétant entre les priorités fixées dans nos plans-cadres de coopération et les moyens opérationnels et financiers et les outils de gouvernance qui permettent de les concrétiser.

    En outre, le cadre de gestion et de responsabilité, établi pour renforcer la responsabilité dans l’action collective des Nations Unies, n’est pas appliqué de manière uniforme dans toutes les entités du système.

    Notre bureau chargé des évaluations dans le système pour le développement, récemment établi, rédige actuellement son premier rapport indépendant, qu’il présentera au Conseil économique et social cette année, et poursuivra son action pour favoriser la définition des responsabilités, concourir à l’amélioration des résultats et faire en sorte que la présence et les programmes des Nations Unies soient mieux adaptés aux besoins de chaque pays.

    Je demande à tous les États Membres d’appuyer ce travail essentiel.

    Troisièmement, le financement.

    Je suis très préoccupé par la situation financière du système.

    Les contributions aux ressources de base des organismes de développement sont insuffisantes : elles ne représentent plus que 16,5 % du financement total, voire 12 % pour certaines entités.

    On est bien loin de l’objectif de 30 % que les pays se sont engagés à atteindre dans le cadre du pacte de financement.

    En décembre, l’Assemblée générale a accepté la proposition que j’ai faite de prélever sur le budget ordinaire un montant de 53 millions de dollars pour le système des coordonnatrices et coordonnateurs résidents. C’est un coup de pouce indispensable à un moment critique.

    Pour être tout à fait franc, je dois dire que la proposition était beaucoup plus élevée, mais au moins ce compromis a été trouvé.

    Mais ce modeste niveau de soutien n’est pas à la hauteur de l’ambition nécessaire.

    Notre capacité à stimuler le développement et à apporter une aide durable est compromise, or c’est maintenant que les pays ont le plus besoin de nous.

    Nous continuerons à collaborer étroitement à vos côtés pour que les déficits de financement se résorbent et pour que la programmation conjointe soit dotée de moyens financiers suffisants et profite aux personnes et aux populations les plus vulnérables.

    Néanmoins, nous avons plus que jamais besoin de sources de financement souples, durables, prévisibles et novatrices.

    J’invite instamment les États Membres à mettre en œuvre sans délai le nouveau pacte de financement.

    À l’heure où les ressources s’amenuisent, le pacte de financement s’impose comme un dispositif incontournable, notamment par l’importance accordée aux fonds de financement commun, qui permettent d’allouer les ressources plus stratégiquement, en fonction des priorités et des besoins réels sur le terrain.

    Enfin quatrièmement, nous continuerons de chercher à optimiser l’utilisation des ressources consacrées au développement.

    Le rapport démontre que nos réformes portent leurs fruits : nous avons réalisé plus de 592 millions de dollars d’économies en 2024, soit bien plus que notre objectif initial de 310 millions de dollars.

    Ces économies ont été rendues possibles grâce aux efforts déployés par chaque entité pour rationaliser les services et les chaînes d’approvisionnement, ainsi qu’à un recours accru aux services partagés, notamment s’agissant des voyages, des services de conférence et des fonctions administratives, et à d’autres gains d’efficacité importants.

    Mais nous pouvons et devons en faire plus.

    Dès le début de mon mandat, nous avons lancé un programme de réforme ambitieux destiné non seulement à améliorer nos méthodes de travail et nos résultats, mais aussi à explorer toutes les pistes possibles pour réaliser des économies et des gains d’efficacité.

    L’Initiative ONU80 offre une excellente occasion de poursuivre sur cette lancée.

    En dégageant rapidement des moyens de gagner en efficacité et d’améliorer nos méthodes de travail.

    En consacrant une plus grande partie de nos ressources aux programmes de développement plutôt qu’aux coûts administratifs.

    En procédant à un examen rigoureux de l’exécution des mandats qui nous sont confiés par les États Membres – et dont le nombre a considérablement augmenté ces dernières années.

    Et en menant un examen stratégique des changements plus profonds et plus structurels ainsi qu’un réalignement des programmes au sein du système des Nations Unies.

    L’Initiative ONU80 n’est pas une réponse aux coupes budgétaires mondiales…

    Mais une réponse aux besoins mondiaux.

    Aux besoins des populations du monde entier.

    À la nécessité de faire en sorte que ces personnes soient soutenues comme il se doit, à travers des programmes adaptés au contexte national.

    Et à l’impératif de travailler de façon aussi efficace, rationnelle et utile que possible.

    Là encore, nous aurons besoin de l’appui de tous les États Membres pour rendre nos activités plus efficientes.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Alors que nous poursuivons ce chemin de réforme et de renouveau, nous devons garder à l’esprit le plus important : 

    Celles et ceux qui, dans le monde entier, comptent sur nous.

    Le rapport que nous examinons aujourd’hui ne se limite pas aux chiffres.

    Le rapport concerne les services et l’aide que nous apportons à certaines des personnes et des communautés les plus vulnérables et défavorisées de la planète.

    Il concerne les contribuables du monde entier, dont le dur labeur finance notre important travail.

    Il concerne notre capacité à mieux répondre aux attentes des États Membres et agir conformément aux priorités de chaque pays.

    Et il concerne notre quête constante d’efficacité, d’efficience et de responsabilité – tout en restant fidèles aux valeurs fondamentales qui nous animent depuis le tout début.

    Continuons d’œuvrer dans l’unité et la solidarité pour construire une ONU encore plus forte et encore plus efficace – prête à relever les défis d’aujourd’hui et de demain.

    Une ONU adaptée à sa mission et prête à agir.

    Nous comptons sur le plein soutien des États Membres pour continuer à aller de l’avant.

    Je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 Departmental update African health leaders and global partners unite to confront rising threat of antimalarial drug resistance

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Health leaders from malaria-endemic African countries and global partners called today for intensified action to counter antimalarial drug resistance – a growing challenge that threatens to undermine hard-won progress against one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.

    Meeting on the margins of the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, the high-level gathering turned a spotlight on the urgent need for coordinated action to contain the spread of resistance to frontline malaria medicines.

     “Antimalarial drug resistance is a threat to every community on this continent, noted Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda. “It demands a shared response, rooted in science, solidarity and speed.”

    Led by the Government of Rwanda, the side event brought together a powerful coalition of co-hosts, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Namibia, South Sudan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. Supporting partners included World Health Organization (WHO), Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    A race against time to preserve life-saving malaria treatments

    Containing antimalarial drug resistance is a critical public health priority – particularly in the African Region, which shoulders 95% of the global malaria burden. According to WHO’s latest World malaria report, 4 East African countries – Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania – have confirmed the presence of partial resistance to artemisinin, the core compound of the most effective treatments for P. falciparum malaria. Resistance is also suspected in other countries, including Ethiopia, Namibia, Sudan and Zambia.

    Drug resistance has been driven by several factors, such as the use of substandard or counterfeit medicines and treatment regimens that are not followed to completion. Protecting the efficacy of artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs is now a race against time. With heavy dependence on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Africa, full-blown treatment failure could have very serious consequences.

    In 2022, WHO released a dedicated strategy to confront antimalarial drug resistance in Africa. It reinforces the critical need for close collaboration with National Malaria Programmes, research institutions, and other partners to map the presence of antimalarial drug resistance, monitor drug efficacy and ensure patient access to effective treatments.

    “Drug resistance is a growing threat that demands urgent, collective action,” said Dr Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “We must act decisively and in solidarity to preserve the tools we have and to ensure access to effective – treatments for all in need.”

    Urgent need to diversify malaria treatment options

    In most malaria-endemic countries in Africa, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) accounts for more than 80% of the malaria treatment market in the public sector. To protect efficacy of AL and other artemisinin-based therapies, WHO has called for diversification of currently used ACTs (see box below). One approach is the use of multiple first-line therapies, which could reduce drug pressure and delay resistance. Next-generation therapies may include triple ACT combinations or non-artemisinin-based drugs.

    However, some alternative ACTs with favorable safety and efficacy profiles are more expensive than AL, placing them out of reach for many endemic countries. Innovation must not only deliver next-generation treatments but also ensure they are accessible and affordable.

    “Innovation is critical in the fight against drug resistance,” said Dr Martin Fitchet, CEO of MMV. “With our partners, we’re developing next-generation antimalarials that could reach patients by 2027 – while acting now to preserve the power of today’s treatments. Both are vital to outpace resistance and keep saving lives.”

    Together with countries and other partners, global funders are working to expand access to alternative treatments and bolster efforts to detect and mitigate resistance. In a joint donor statement issued in September 2024, the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund, UNITAID and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative noted that time is of the essence:

    “It’s all too easy with a sweeping problem like resistance to only wake up to the scale of it too late,” notes Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund and a panelist in today’s discussion.

    WHO-recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies

    ACTs combine an artemisinin derivative (artesunate, artemether or dihydroartemisinin) with a partner drug. The role of the artemisinin compound is to reduce the number of parasites during the first 3 days of treatment, while the role of the partner drug is to eliminate the remaining parasites and cure the infection. WHO currently recommends 6 ACTs as first and second-line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria:

       ●   artemether-lumefantrine (AL)
       ●   artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ)
       ●   artesunate-mefloquine (AS-MQ)
       ●   artesunate-pyronaridine (AS-PY)
       ●   artesunate+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS+SP)
       ●   dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ)   

    Momentum builds for national action on antimalarial drug resistance

    Panelists in today’s discussion echoed the commitments of the 2024 Yaoundé Declaration for strong leadership in malaria-endemic countries, greater regional collaboration and sustained support from global partners. These actions will not only help to accelerate reductions in malaria mortality, but also contribute towards curbing drug resistance.

    Many speakers recognized the urgent need for robust surveillance systems and timely sharing of data on drug-resistant malaria. As Professor Dyann Wirth, Chair of the WHO Malaria Advisory Policy Group, noted:

    “Data needs to be shared in a timely way so that researchers share it with policymakers – and then policymakers are able to use that data to make decisions.”

    Health leaders also called for more predictable, sustainable financing to close critical gaps in health services and surveillance – including through increased domestic resource mobilization and continued support from international partners.

    Stepping up collective action, aligned with country priorities

    To bolster country-driven efforts, coordinated support from global partners is vital. The “Big Push” initiative is bringing together governments, communities and other partners in a shared effort to revitalize malaria control.

    “The Big Push represents a new era of partnership – one that is country-driven and community-led,” said Dr Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.

    The Big Push calls for a clear accountability mechanism and increased investment in malaria responses. It further highlights the critical role of data-driven decision-making, resilient primary health care systems and meaningful community engagement.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 20 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement to make the world more equitable and safer from future pandemics

    • Agreement’s adoption follows three years of intensive negotiation launched due to gaps and inequities identified in national and global COVID-19 response.
    • Agreement boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics.
    • Next steps include negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system.

    Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics.

    Related documents

    A78/10 Add.1, Outcome of informal consultations of Member States, Draft resolution on the WHO Pandemic Agreement

    World Health Assembly commits to historic 20% increase in Assessed Contributions (membership fees), approves WHO’s Base Programme Budget for 2026–2027 of US $4.2 billion

    Delegates at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) approved the base programme budget of US$ 4.2 billion for 2026–2027, the first to be fully developed based on the Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028 (GPW 14), the global health strategy for the next four years. GPW 14 prioritizes advancing health equity and strengthening health systems resilience. 

    The budget presented to WHA78 committee A was decreased from the initial US$ 5.3 billion presented to the executive board in February given the challenging financial context. While decreasing some regional budgets and headquarters budgets, Member States agreed to try to preserve country level budgets to the extent possible. The budget will allocate resources to enhance technical cooperation, foster partnerships and support the achievement of national and global health targets. The proposed programme budget 2026–2027 also reaffirms the indispensable role of multilateralism in addressing today’s complex and interconnected health challenges. 

    Member States also approved the gradual second 20% increase of the assessed contributions (AC), or membership fees which had been previously adopted by the Member State Working Group on sustainable financing. This ensures that WHO funding is not only predictable, but also resilient and flexible, which is critical given the rapidly changing financial landscape. 

    Member States also had the opportunity to review the implementation of governance reform. In a time of geopolitical tension and rising inequalities, WHO remains a vital platform for cooperation, solidarity and coordination in global health

    World leaders pledged significant contributions to the WHO Investment Round at a high-level pledging event Tuesday evening, another key step in WHO’s journey to sustainable financing. 

    Related documents

    A78/6, Proposed programme budget 2026–2027 (Corrigendum 1) (Add.1)

    A78/37, Report of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the
    Executive Board to the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly

    A78/INF./8, General Programme of Work, 2025–2028: baselines and
    targets for outcome and output indicators

    A78/4, Consolidated report by the Director-General

    A78/5, Governance reform (Add.1)

    A78/39, Governance reform, Process of handling and investigating potential allegations against WHO Directors-General

    High Level Segment and Director-General Awards

    During the high-level segment, delegates heard from H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union; H.E. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia; and H.E. Liu Guozhong, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China. Video statements were made by a number of world leaders across the globe.

    Egyptian opera singer Farrah El-Dibany and Soprano singers Elaine Vidal and Eunice Miller of the Philippines performed at the Health Assembly on Tuesday morning.

    The Director-General also presented Global Health Leader’s awards to Professor Sir Brian Greenwood and Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck for their pivotal work in malaria control and beyond. 

    The Assembly started on Monday 19 May 2025 under the theme “One World for Health”.

    The election of officials took place on Monday morning. Dr Teodoro Herbosa of the Philippines became the President of the Health Assembly. The elected Vice-Presidents are Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan of Bahrain, Dr Sayedur Rahman of Bangladesh, Mr Jaime Hernán Urrego Rodríguez of Colombia, Dr Judit Bidlo of Hungary and Dr Louise Mapleh Kpoto Liberia.

    H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councilor of the Swiss Confederation, addressed the Health Assembly on behalf of the host country.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, WHO Director-General, delivered his report to the Assembly.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release In historic move, WHO Member States approve 20% funding increase and 2026–27 budget

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In a show of support for a sustainably financed World Health Organization, WHO Member States today approved a 20% increase in assessed contributions (membership dues) as they endorsed the Organization’s 2026–27 budget of US$ 4.2 billion.

    This is the second such 20% increase in assessed contributions to WHO, the previous being agreed as part of the 2024–25 budget. It comes as governments are facing financial constraints and economic headwinds and demonstrates Member States’ fundamental support for global health solidarity and the critical role of WHO.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, and other senior leaders thanked Member States for their support and partnership, noting their profound vote of confidence in WHO’s mission and their commitment to health security and resilience worldwide.

    Insufficient levels of predictable funding of WHO has hindered its ability to carry out long term projects and support its global operations to promote health for all. This, in addition to over reliance on funding from a small set of traditional donors, was identified as a major organizational challenge in WHO’s Transformation initiative that launched in 2017.

    In 2022, WHO Member States agreed an historic increase in their assessed contributions by gradually increasing their membership dues to represent 50% of WHO’s core budget by the 2030–2031 cycle, at the latest. In the 2020–2021 biennium, assessed contributions represented only 16% of the approved programme budget.

    While this work began years ago, due to recent changes in the global financial landscape, sustainable financing is more important than ever before. WHO’s originally approved 2026–27 programme budget was downsized 22% (from US$ 5.3 billion to US$ 4.2 billion) due to financial constraints.

    Today’s approval of WHO’s base programme budget of US$ 4.2 billion for 2026–2027 is the first to be fully developed based on the Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028 (GPW 14), its global health strategy for the next four years.

    Note to editor

    At its meeting in January 2021, WHO’s Executive Board established the Sustainable Financing Working Group to begin work on a path towards resolving the widening gap between the world’s expectations of WHO and the financial resources available to us to meet them.

    In addition to increasing Member State assessed contributions to WHO, several other resource mobilization initiatives are being undertaken to support WHO’s activities. These include the establishment of the WHO Foundation, diversification of WHO’s donor base, and staging of its first Investment Round, including today’s high-level pledging event.

    Ensuring WHO has sustainable levels of financing is critical for it to continue responding to health emergencies, increasing health-care access, and ensuring people are living healthy lives.

    The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly marks a key moment in the transformation of WHO to become a more efficient and effective organization, made possible by contributions from partners across the globe.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 Departmental update WHO launches global accelerator for Paediatric Formulations Strategic Roadmap 2025–2030

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the launch of the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f) Strategic Roadmap 2025–2030, a comprehensive five-year plan to transform the development and delivery of essential medicines for children worldwide.

    Unveiled during a high-level side event at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, the roadmap outlines an ambitious “30 by ’30” commitment to assess priorities in 10 high-burden diseases, accelerate 10 priority medicines, and strengthen paediatric medicine ecosystems in 10 countries by 2030.

    “Children have been waiting too long for medicines that meet their specific needs,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist at WHO. “This strategic roadmap represents a turning point in our collective efforts to ensure that no child is denied access to life-saving treatments simply because appropriate medicines don’t exist or aren’t accessible.”

    Addressing critical gaps in paediatric medicines

    Despite significant advances in global health, children continue to face substantial barriers in accessing appropriate medications. The GAP-f network, founded in 2020, aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among stakeholders to identify gaps, set priorities and accelerate the research, development and delivery of high-quality, affordable and accessible medicines for children.

    The five-year strategy focuses on two main strategic axes:

    1. aligning and coordinating: unifying global efforts around shared priorities with structured coordination
    2. enabling and collaborating: translating priorities into impact through partnerships and innovation.

    These approaches will be applied across four critical lifecycle areas: portfolio prioritization, clinical research, product development and regulatory processes, and access and delivery. Disease areas of focus will be expanded through applying an agile prioritization framework driven by unmet needs and opportunity for impact. Across the life cycle, GAP-f will continue to engage with an ecosystem approach, forging new collaboration and partnerships with the private sector, funders, regulators, countries, civil society and health-care workers around the world.

    “Closing the paediatric medicines gap is not just a matter of innovation – it’s a matter of equity, efficiency and shared responsibility,” said Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive Director, Unitaid. “The new GAP-f strategy sets a bold course toward systemic change, but we will only succeed through strategic coordination, aligned investments and strong partnerships. Unitaid is proud to stand with GAP-f and our global partners to turn innovation into access, and to ensure that no child is left behind.”

    Collaborative implementation

    The GAP-f model has already demonstrated sound progress. Its approach is anticipated to accelerate access to certain medicines by more than 10 years, as inspired by work in the HIV community on paediatric dolutegravir.

    The initiative brings together around 30 key global health organizations and builds on a broad range of skills and expertise resulting from longstanding commitment to child health, innovation and access.

    The roadmap outlines specific objectives, including:

    • using data-driven frameworks to identify unmet paediatric needs
    • improving clinical trial design and throughput
    • promoting accelerated matching of technologies for paediatric drug delivery
    • fostering regulatory efficiencies and harmonization
    • strengthening product introduction and demand generation.

    Accelerating access to save lives

    In alignment with GAP-f strategic direction, WHO is launching a three-year initiative to strengthen the paediatric medicines ecosystem across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Undertaken in partnership with Temasek Foundation, this work will drive innovation and improve access to essential paediatric treatments for high-burden conditions.

    This initiative presents a unique opportunity to pivot to an integrated national and regional approach, ensuring tangible improvements in countries while generating insights for other regions. By documenting and scaling successful models, WHO and its GAP-f partners will collaborate with national programmes, academic institutions and child health centres to accelerate impact. Efforts will be staged for rapid, measurable improvements, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, while shaping a sustainable framework for broader regional and global collaboration and adoption.

    “This meaningful initiative will accelerate the development and availability of child-friendly medicine formulations – crucial in improving health outcomes for millions of children affected by treatable and preventable diseases,” said Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation. “The programme will also promote data and knowledge sharing, that can inspire more partnerships and follow on funding. We look forward to more such collaborations that not only strengthen the work of institutions like WHO, but also help close urgent health gaps across Asia and beyond.”

    About GAP-f

    The Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f) is a multi-stakeholder initiative that contributes to universal health coverage by fostering collaboration to identify gaps, set priorities and accelerate the research, development and delivery of high-quality, affordable and accessible medicines for children.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release Director-General’s Award for Global Health given to Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck and Professor Sir Brian Greenwood

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In recognition of their lifetime achievements in global health, specifically in malaria elimination and beyond, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has given his Award for Global Health this year to Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck and Professor Sir Brian Greenwood.  

    The Director-General’s Award for Global Health, established in 2019, was conferred during the High-Level segment on Tuesday, 20 May, at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly and this year included an honorary lifetime achievement award to each recipient.  

    “Their invaluable contributions have helped to alleviate the burden of malaria and other vaccine-preventable diseases and to build sustainable health system capacity in Africa,” said Dr Tedros.

    Noting Professor Coll Seck’s achievements, Dr Tedros said, “While serving as Senegal’s Minister of Health, Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck led landmark reforms, expanded universal access to care and integrated disease control programmes.” 

    In addition to making significant contributions to scientific literature, Professor Coll Seck was, from 2004–2011, the Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria (RMB) partnership, where she mobilized political will to accelerate malaria interventions in low-income countries.  

    She has also been active on several high-profile boards and advisory groups, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, PATH, and other international NGOs and initiatives working on health financing, vaccines, and health system strengthening. She is currently the President of Forum Galien Afrique.

    Professor Coll Seck was born in Senegal and trained as a physician with a specialization in infectious diseases. She earned her medical degree from the University of Dakar and pursued further specialization in bacteriology and virology in France.

    “I’ve had the privilege of contributing to notable progress but I’ve also borne witness to ongoing challenges and emerging emergencies whether they be in terms of climate, demography or technology. This prize is all the more important in that it symbolizes trust in the values that I defend: solidarity between peoples, science in the service of humanity and the leadership of women in the health system,” said Professor Coll Seck.

    Professor Greenwood is best known for his pivotal work in malaria control. He has also played a central role in shaping global health policy and research strategies, serving on numerous advisory boards, including those of WHO.

    “Over the last five decades, Professor Sir Greenwood performed pioneering research and made major contributions to infectious disease control. His work on malaria has been instrumental in shaping modern approaches to control this devastating disease. His contributions range from the introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets to groundbreaking trials for the RTS,S malaria vaccine, the first vaccine to be recommended for widespread use,” said Dr Tedros.

    Professor Greenwood’s early career focused on infectious disease research in Nigeria and The Gambia, where he lived for decades and led a multidisciplinary programme targeting diseases like malaria, pneumonia, measles, and HIV2. In The Gambia, he demonstrated the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets in reducing child mortality and morbidity and contributed to malaria control through seasonal antimalarial drug administration.

    In 1996, Professor Greenwood returned to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, continuing his research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He contributed to the successful use of the MenAfriVac vaccine in the African meningitis belt, which helped stop epidemics in Chad. He also advocated for combining seasonal vaccination with seasonal malaria chemoprevention. 

    Reflecting on his career, which began in Nigeria as a young doctor about 60 years ago, Professor Greenwood said, “The pediatric wards were full of measles, meningitis, malaria, polio, there were still even occasions with smallpox coming to hospital. The under-5 child mortality was about 400 per thousand in parts of west Africa. So, how that’s changed in one person’s lifetime. Many of those diseases are not gone but are much reduced and there has been a dramatic improvement in under-5 child mortality. In The Gambia where I also worked, that’s now 40, a 10-fold drop.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Maritime Security [bilingual, as delivered. Scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [All-English]

    I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    And third — throughout, we need partnerships.

    We must involve everyone with a stake in maritime spaces. 

    From coastal communities to governments and regional groups.

    To shipping companies, flag registries, the fishing and extraction industries, insurers and port operators.

    To this very Council, which has drawn attention to maritime security and the need for collective action, de-escalation, and cooperation. 

    And to civil society groups focused on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by challenges like piracy and human trafficking.

    As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.

    Mr. President, 
     
    The UN system stands ready to continue to support this Council and all Member States in ensuring peaceful, secure and prosperous maritime spaces for generations to come. 
     
    Let’s take action to support and secure maritime spaces, and the communities and people counting on them.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [All-French]

    Je remercie la présidence grecque d’avoir organisé le débat public d’aujourd’hui sur l’importance du renforcement de la sûreté maritime par la coopération internationale aux fins de la stabilité mondiale.

    Ce débat souligne tout d’abord que la condition fondamentale pour préserver la sécurité maritime est le respect par tous les pays de la Charte des Nations unies et du droit international tel qu’il est reflété dans la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer. 

    Monsieur le Président,

    Depuis des temps immémoriaux, les routes maritimes unissent le monde.

    Elles sont depuis toujours le principal vecteur d’échanges commerciaux et de transport des personnes, des biens et des marchandises, mais aussi de diffusion des cultures et des idées.

    L’humanité tout entière dépend des océans et des mers de la planète, non seulement pour l’oxygène que nous respirons et la biodiversité qui permet à la vie d’exister, mais aussi parce qu’ils sont vitaux pour les économies, le commerce et les emplois liés aux industries maritimes.

    Le débat d’aujourd’hui met en lumière un fait fondamental :

    Sans sûreté maritime, il ne saurait y avoir de sécurité mondiale.

    Mais les espaces maritimes sont de plus en plus menacés par des périls anciens et nouveaux.

    Des difficultés liées à des frontières contestées…

    À l’épuisement des ressources naturelles de l’océan…

    En passant par l’escalade des tensions géopolitiques qui attisent les flammes de la concurrence, des conflits et de la criminalité.

    Au fil des ans, ce Conseil s’est efforcé de répondre à une série de menaces qui compromettent la sûreté maritime et la paix mondiale.

    La piraterie, le vol à main armée, le trafic et le crime organisé…

    Les actes de destruction visant le transport maritime, les installations situées au large des côtes et les infrastructures critiques…

    Mais aussi le terrorisme maritime, qui fait peser une terrible menace sur la sécurité internationale, le commerce mondial et la stabilité économique.

    Aucune région n’est épargnée.

    Et le problème ne cesse de s’aggraver.

    Après une modeste diminution des actes de piraterie et des vols à main armée signalés à l’échelle mondiale en 2024, un fort regain a été enregistré au premier trimestre de 2025.

    Selon l’Organisation maritime internationale, le nombre d’attaques a augmenté de près de moitié (47,5 %) par rapport à la même période en 2024.

    En Asie, il a presque doublé, en particulier dans les détroits de Malacca et de Singapour.

    En mer Rouge et dans le golfe d’Aden, les attaques menées par les houthistes contre des navires commerciaux ont perturbé les échanges mondiaux et accru les tensions dans une région déjà instable.

    Le golfe d’Aden et la mer Méditerranée restent des itinéraires périlleux utilisés pour le trafic de migrants et d’armes et pour la traite des personnes.

    Le golfe de Guinée demeure aux prises avec la piraterie, les enlèvements, les vols à main armée en mer, le vol de pétrole, la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée, et le trafic de drogues, d’armes et d’êtres humains.

    L’héroïne en provenance d’Afghanistan continue d’arriver en Afrique de l’Est par l’océan Indien.

    La cocaïne passe par les côtes des Amériques et traverse l’océan Atlantique pour atteindre l’Afrique de l’Ouest et les ports européens.

    Les cyberattaques, qui sont en pleine expansion, constituent une menace pour la sécurité des ports et des compagnies maritimes.

    Alors que se multiplient les périls, des routes maritimes du monde et des populations qui en dépendent nous parvient un message de détresse.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Les organismes des Nations Unies soutiennent de nombreuses initiatives régionales qui rassemblent des partenaires du monde entier autour de la sûreté maritime.

    Il s’agit notamment de projets de lutte contre l’insécurité maritime, du golfe d’Aden à la mer Rouge, et du golfe de Guinée au golfe Persique…

    Des efforts visant à garantir la sécurité de la navigation en mer Noire…

    De l’action que nous menons pour aider les pays à bâtir leurs forces maritimes et à se doter de systèmes juridiques solides…

    Des efforts déployés pour lutter contre les vols à main armée dont sont victimes des navires en Asie et contre la piraterie qui sévit au large des côtes somaliennes…

    Et du soutien que nous apportons à l’Architecture de Yaoundé pour la sécurité maritime, mécanisme de coordination interrégional à plusieurs niveaux destiné à combattre la piraterie en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique centrale, qui a permis de porter le nombre d’actes de piraterie de 81 en 2020 à seulement 18 l’année dernière.

    L’Organisation maritime internationale continue en outre de jouer un rôle fondamental pour ce qui est de désamorcer les tensions en mer et d’aider les États Membres et le secteur du transport maritime à trouver des solutions concertées.

    Pour l’avenir, des mesures devront être prises dans trois domaines clés.

    Premièrement, le respect du droit international.

    Le respect du droit international est la condition première de la sûreté maritime.

    Le régime juridique international en la matière, fondé sur la Charte des Nations Unies et la Convention sur le droit de la mer, établit un équilibre délicat entre les droits souverains, la juridiction et les libertés des États, d’une part, et leurs devoirs et obligations, d’autre part.

    Il constitue également un cadre de coopération solide permettant de lutter contre les crimes commis en mer et de veiller à ce que les responsabilités soient établies.

    Toutefois, son efficacité dépend de la volonté des États d’en assurer la mise en œuvre pleine et effective.

    Tous les États doivent respecter leurs obligations.

    Et ils doivent résoudre tout différend relatif à la sûreté maritime conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Deuxièmement, nous devons redoubler d’efforts pour nous attaquer aux causes profondes de l’insécurité maritime.

    On ne saurait conjurer les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime sans affronter également des problèmes tels que la pauvreté, l’absence de moyens de subsistance, l’insécurité et la faiblesse des structures de gouvernance.

    L’ensemble du système des Nations Unies s’emploie, aux côtés des communautés côtières pauvres, à créer de nouvelles possibilités de travail décent et durable.

    Collectivement, nous devons faire davantage pour réduire la probabilité que des personnes désespérées se tournent vers la criminalité et d’autres activités qui menacent la sûreté maritime et dégradent notre environnement océanique.

    Nous devons aider les pays en développement à renforcer leur capacité de faire face à ces menaces par la technologie, la formation, le renforcement des institutions et la mise en œuvre de réformes judiciaires, ainsi que par la modernisation des forces navales, des unités de police maritime, de la surveillance maritime et de la sécurité portuaire.

    Et nous devons veiller à ce que nos océans et nos mers puissent continuer de prospérer et de soutenir le développement économique, social, culturel et environnemental de l’humanité pour les générations à venir.

    La prochaine Conférence sur l’océan, qui se tiendra à Nice, sera pour les pays du monde entier une occasion décisive de passer à l’action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM and 115 Aid Organizations Call for Immediate Action to Pull Yemen Back From Brink Of Catastrophe

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/ Sana’a, 20 May 2025 – After more than a decade of severe crisis and conflict, people in Yemen are facing what may be their toughest year so far. Conflict, economic collapse and climate shocks continue to drive humanitarian needs. Aid is drying up due to severe funding cuts. Airstrikes have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and damaged critical infrastructure.

    As leaders gather tomorrow for the seventh Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting (SOM VII), UN agencies and international and national NGOs operating in Yemen call on the international community to take urgent, collective action to prevent catastrophic conditions from taking hold.

    Almost five months into 2025, the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is less than 10 per cent funded, preventing critical aid delivery to millions of people across the country, including women and girls, displaced communities, children, refugees, migrants and other vulnerable and marginalized groups who are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

    Despite funding shortfalls and other challenges such as insecurity, access constraints and the continued detention of humanitarian personnel by the de facto authorities, aid agencies are on the ground and delivering. With support from donors, we are fighting hunger, disease and deprivation, and providing life-saving assistance and services including protection, education, shelter and clean water. Local NGOs and civil society organizations play a critical role in these efforts, often serving as the first and sometimes only responders in remote and hard-to-reach areas, having gained the trust of communities over years of engagement.

    Time and again, we have seen how donor support saves lives. Their generous contributions have prevented famine, alleviated suffering and protected the most vulnerable. Today, this solidarity is even more critical. We urgently appeal to donors to scale up flexible, timely, and predictable funding for the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Without immediate action, the vital gains achieved through years of dedicated assistance could be lost.

    We also urge the international community to seize the opportunity presented by the SOM to help Yemenis rebuild their lives in dignity. In addition to sustained humanitarian aid, development assistance must be scaled up to prevent communities from sliding into more acute levels of humanitarian needs, ensure access to essential services and generate economic and livelihood opportunities.

    Strengthened engagement is also essential to stop the conflict that has destroyed so many lives and put Yemen back on a path toward peace and recovery. In the meantime, it is critical to minimize the impacts of conflict on civilians, and we appeal for action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians and humanitarian access to all those in need.

    Now more than ever, swift and resolute support is crucial to prevent Yemen from sliding deeper into crisis and move towards a lasting peace.

    Signatory Organizations

    •  Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
    •  International Organization for Migration (IOM)
    •  United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
    •  United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
    •  United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
    •  United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
    •  United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
    •  United Nations Resident Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC)
    •  World Food Progamme (WFP)
    •  World Health Organization (WHO)
    •  Accept International
    •  Action For Humanity
    •  Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
    •  Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development
    •  Caritas Poland
    •  Center for Civilians In Conflict (CIVIC)
    •  Concern Worldwide
    •  Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
    •  Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
    •  Gift of the Givers Foundation
    •  International Rescue Committee (IRC)
    •  INTERSOS
    •  Médecins du Monde (MdM)
    •  MedGlobal
    •  Medical and Healthcare Action for Development
    •  Mercy Corps
    •  Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
    •  Oxfam
    •  Polish Humanitarian Action
    •  Première Urgence – Aide Médicale Internationale
    •  Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) – Yemen Office
    •  Relief International
    •  Save the Children International
    •  Solidarités International
    •  Triangle Génération Humanitaire
    •  ZOA International
    •  Abductees Mothers Association (AMA)
    •  Abs Development Organization (ADO)
    •  Adan Network for Humiliation work (ANHW)
    •  Ahdaf Assosiation for Development & Work Humanitarian (ADWH)
    •  Al Baraka Foundation for Development (ABDF)
    •  Al Nokhbah Agriculture Cooperative Association (AAC)
    •  Alakhar Center for Peace and Development (ACPD)
    •  Al-Atta Institution for Social Development and Charity (AISDC)
    •  Aljood Foundation For Development (AFD)
    •  Altadhamon Foundation For Development (AFD)
    •  Al-Talib Society for Development (TSD)
    •  Altwasul for Human Development
    •  Al-Walaa Foundation for Development and Humanitarian Work (AWF)
    •  Al-Wed Development Foundation (WDF)
    •  Assistance for Response and Development (ARD-Y)
    •  Banan Benevolent Corporation for Development
    •  Basamat Development Foundation (BDF)
    •  Bena Charity for Humanitarian Development (BCFHD)
    •  Best Future Foundation (BFF)
    •  Building Foundation for Development (BFD)
    •  Child Protection Care Organization (CPCO)
    •  Coalition of Humanitarian Relief (CHR)
    •  DEEM for Development Organization
    •  Diversity Organization
    •  Empower Foundation for Development and Humanitarian Response (EFSD)
    •  Enqath Foundation for Development (EFD)
    •  Estijabah Foundation for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (EFHAR)
    •  Experts Organization For Development
    •  Field Medical Foundation (FMF)
    •  For Human Development Foundation (FHD)
    •  Future Pioneers Foundation for Training and Development (FPF)
    •  HETEEN Developmental and Charitable Foundation
    •  Human Access for Partnership and Development
    •  Humanitarian Organization for Women and Children (WKF)
    •  Iqra Development Association (IDA)
    •  Jannat Development Foundation (JDF)
    •  Jeel Albena Association for Humanitarian Development (JAAHD)
    •  Joodn Organization for Development and Peace (JODP)
    •  Khudh Beyadi Foundation Development (KBFD)
    •  Life Makers Meeting Place Organization (LMMPO)
    •  Light Foundation for Development
    •  Maali Foundation for Development (MFD)
    •  Medical Mercy Foundation Yemen (MMF)
    •  Mona Relief and Development Organization
    •  Mwatana Organization for Human Rights
    •  Nahda Makers Organization (NMO)
    •  Namaa Development Foundation (NDF)
    •  National NGOs Forum
    •  National Union for the Development of the Poorest
    •  Neda’a Foundation for Development (NFD)
    •  Rawabi Al-Nahdah Developmental Foundation (RADF)
    •  Rawafid Social Charity Foundation (RSD)
    •  Rawahel Foundation for Development (RFD)
    •  Read Foundation Yemen (RFY)
    •  Reduction of Humanitarian Disaster Organization (RHD)
    •  Relief and Development Peer Foundation (RDP)
    •  Reyadah for Development Foundation
    •  Safe Road for Peace and Development (SRPD)
    •  Sawaed Al-Khair Humanitarian Foundation (SKHF)
    •  School Feeding and Humanitarian Relief Project (SFHRP)
    •  Shibam Social Association for Development (SSAD)
    •  Social Coexistence Foundation (SCF)
    •  SOS Foundation For Development
    •  Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF)
    •  Tamdeen Youth Foundation (TYF)
    •  Together Foundation For Human Development (TFHD)
    •  Yamany Foundation for Development and Humanitarian Work (YDH)
    •  Yanabia Al-Khair Charity Foundation (YKF)
    •  Yemen Al-Khair for Relief and Development (YARD)
    •  Yemen Development Foundation (YDF)
    •  Yemen Displacement Response Consortium (YDR)
    •  Yemen Family Care Association (YFCA)
    •  Yemen General Union of Sociologists, Social Workers and Psychologists (YGUSSWP)
    •  Yemen Ghawth Foundation for Humanitarian Work (YRFH)
    •  Yemen International Agency for Development (YIAD)
    •  Yemen Karam Organization (YEKO)
    •  Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS)
    •  Yemen Women Union (YWU)
    •  Youth Association for the Development of Popular Neighborhoods
    •  Youth of Aden Ambition Foundation (APYF)
       

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release Croatia donates sculpture to WHO

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today welcomed the donation of a sculpture from the government of the Republic of Croatia in a ceremony held at WHO headquarters in Geneva. The bronze sculpture, Shape of Space, created by celebrated Croatian artist Ivan Kožarić, pays tribute to health workers around the world. It also honours Dr Andrija Štampar, the first President of the World Health Assembly (WHA), and a founding figure in modern public health.

    The initiative to install the sculpture was launched by Croatia in 2021, during the International Year of Health and Care Workers, which recognized the essential role of health and care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Speaking at the unveiling, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the sculpture as a powerful symbol of solidarity and resilience. “This donation reflects our shared commitment to honouring the courage and dedication of health workers, and to carrying forward the vision of Dr Štampar, who believed that health is a fundamental human right.”

    The ceremony was attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, WHO senior leadership, Member State representatives, and invited guests. In his address, Prime Minister Plenković emphasized Dr Štampar’s global impact and the sculpture’s message: “Open and flowing in form, Shape of Space embodies the compassion and protection that health workers provide. It stands here as a beacon of international cooperation and shared values.”

    The sculpture, which is more than 2.5 metres tall and is situated at the main entrance of the WHO building, will serve as a lasting symbol of the contributions of health and care workers everywhere, and of the Republic of Croatia’s commitment to the global health community.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: KSrelief-funded nutrition support reaches more than 6,000 vulnerable women and children in South Sudan

    Source: World Food Programme

    JUBA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reached more than 6,000 vulnerable mothers and children in flood-affected Bentiu, Unity State, with lifesaving nutrition assistance, thanks to generous funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).

    The US$400,000 contribution enabled WFP to procure and distribute specialized nutritious foods, including Super Cereal Plus – fortified blended food – and Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements – Plumpy Doz. These products are designed to prevent acute malnutrition in children aged six months and above, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

    Malnutrition levels in Bentiu remain alarmingly high following years of severe flooding that have submerged vast areas of land, displaced entire communities, and heightened exposure to waterborne diseases—factors that significantly increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among children.

    “As hunger and malnutrition continue to outpace available resources, support for nutrition programmes is more vital than ever,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan. “Getting the right nutrition to young children and mothers at the right time not only saves lives—it gives children a chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Our partnership with KSrelief is helping make that possible.”

    This intervention comes at a time when nearly 7.7 million people across South Sudan face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above)—a near record high – including an estimated 2.1 million children who are at-risk of malnutrition this year.

    WFP and KSrelief have been global partners for a decade, since KSrelief was established in 2015 in Riyadh. The two organisations have collaborated in South Sudan since 2018, with this latest contribution reinforcing their shared commitment to improving health and nutrition outcomes for the most vulnerable.

    #                    #                      #

    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_SouthSudan

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement to make the world more equitable and safer from future pandemics

    Source: World Health Organisation

    • Agreement’s adoption follows three years of intensive negotiation launched due to gaps and inequities identified in national and global COVID-19 response.
    • Agreement boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics.
    • Next steps include negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system.

    Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics.

    “The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our Member States to adopt the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The Agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats. It is also a recognition by the international community that our citizens, societies and economies must not be left vulnerable to again suffer losses like those endured during COVID-19.”  

    Governments adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement today in a plenary session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s peak decision-making body. The adoption followed yesterday’s approval of the Agreement by vote (124 in favour, 0 objections, 11 abstentions) in Committee by Member State delegations.

    “Starting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments from all corners of the world acted with great purpose, dedication and urgency, and in doing so exercising their national sovereignty, to negotiate the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement that has been adopted today,” said Dr Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Health, and President of this year’s World Health Assembly, who presided over the Agreement’s adoption. “Now that the Agreement has been brought to life, we must all act with the same urgency to implement its critical elements, including systems to ensure equitable access to life-saving pandemic-related health products. As COVID was a once-in-a-lifetime emergency, the WHO Pandemic Agreement offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on lessons learned from that crisis and ensure people worldwide are better protected if a future pandemic emerges.”

    The WHO Pandemic Agreement sets out the principles, approaches and tools for better international coordination across a range of areas, in order to strengthen the global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. This includes through the equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

    Regarding national sovereignty, the Agreement states that: “Nothing in the WHO Pandemic Agreement shall be interpreted as providing the Secretariat of the World Health Organization, including the Director-General of the World Health Organization, any authority to direct, order, alter or otherwise prescribe the national and/or domestic law, as appropriate, or policies of any Party, or to mandate or otherwise impose any requirements that Parties take specific actions, such as ban or accept travellers, impose vaccination mandates or therapeutic or diagnostic measures or implement lockdowns.”

    Notes for editors

    The resolution on the WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted by the World Health Assembly sets out steps to prepare for the accord’s implementation. It includes launching a process to draft and negotiate a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The result of this process will be considered at next year’s World Health Assembly.

    Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the WHO Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies. After 60 ratifications, the Agreement will enter into force.

    In addition, Member States also directed the IGWG to initiate steps to enable setting up of the Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to “enhance, facilitate, and work to remove barriers and ensure equitable, timely, rapid, safe, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products for countries in need during public health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic emergencies, and for prevention of such emergencies.”

    According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO “rapid access targeting 20% of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.”  The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out on the basis of public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries.

    The WHO Pandemic Agreement is the second international legal agreement negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, the first being the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was adopted in 2003 and entered into force in 2005.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel slammed over ‘cynical’ sidestep of global rulings on Gazan humanitarian aid

    Asia Pacific Report

    Israel has been accused of “manipulation” and “cynical” circumvention of global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the besieged Gaza enclave.

    “In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip — covering both the devastated north and south,” said Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) co-chair Maher Nazzal.

    “This paltry number of trucks represents a deliberate and cynical attempt to circumvent global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian access,” he said in a statement as Britain, France and Canada threatened Israel with sanctions and 22 other countries — including New Zealand — jointly condemned Israel over its siege.

    “Under the guise of permitting aid, this token gesture is being used to claim compliance while continuing to suffocate more than two million Palestinians trapped under siege.

    “It is a tactic designed to deflect international criticism and ease diplomatic pressure without meaningfully alleviating the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians.

    “This is not aid — it is manipulation.”

    Nazzal said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza demanded immediate, full, and unhindered access to food, water, medical supplies, and shelter for all areas of the Strip.

    “The international community must see through these performative measures and act decisively,” he said.

    “We call on governments, humanitarian agencies, and civil society around the world to intensify public and political pressure on the occupying state.

    “It is imperative that world leaders hold it accountable for its ongoing violations and demand an end to the blockade, the siege, and these deceptive, life-threatening tactics.”

    Every minute of delay cost lives, Nazzal said.

    “Nine trucks are not enough. Gaza needs justice, not crumbs.”


    UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions.   Video: Al Jazeera

    Time to expel ambassador
    Letters to the editor in New Zealand newspapers have become increasingly critical of Israel’s war conduct and “atrocities”.

    In one letter headed Time to Act in The New Zealand Herald today, Liz Eastmond said it was time for the government to apply sanctions and expel the Israeli ambassador.

    “The daily average number of those Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza is 90 plus, and the United Nations states that 70 percent are women and children,” she wrote.

    “After 16 months of brutal onslaught, now including starvation, inside a walled enclave, isn’t it about time our government spoke up regarding this great atrocity of our time? At the very least, by demanding a ceasefire, applying sanctions and expelling the Israeli ambassador?

    “That is the obvious route for a last-ditch attempt to be on ‘the right side of history’.”

    In another letter, headed Standing by Helpless, Allan Bell or Torbay wrote:

    “Countries stand by helpless as the Israelis bomb and shell Palestinians at will in Gaza.

    “Rather than negotiate the peaceful return of the hostages, Israel has cynically used them to justify this slaughter.

    “The use of starvation and destruction amounts to eradication and annihilation.

    “We have protested through the United Nations (an organisation long ignored by the Israelis) to no effect. It’s time to send their ambassador home and close their embassy. A token gesture maybe, but at least we can say we did something.”

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 May 2025 News release Member States approve WHO Pandemic Agreement in World Health Assembly Committee, paving way for its formal adoption

    Source: World Health Organisation

    World Health Organization Member States, meeting today in Committee A of the World Health Assembly, approved a resolution that calls for the adoption of an historic global compact to make the world safer from future pandemics. The WHO Pandemic Agreement will next be considered for final adoption by the Assembly on Tuesday during the plenary session.

    Monday’s approval of the Pandemic Agreement resolution follows a more than three-year process, launched by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, to negotiate the world’s first such accord to address the gaps and inequities in preventing, preparing for and responding to pandemics. This watershed agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. It aims to foster stronger collaboration and cooperation among countries, international organizations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics occurring in the first place, and to better respond in the event of a future pandemic crisis.

    “Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “I congratulate WHO‘s Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat.”

    The Pandemic Agreement and the resolution calling for its adoption will be taken up by the full plenary of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday, 20 May. Immediately after, there will be a High-Level segment featuring statements from Heads of States of multiple countries.

    “The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a demonstration of the shared desire by all people to be better prepared to prevent and respond to the next pandemic, with a commitment to the principles of respect for human dignity, equity, solidarity and sovereignty, and basing public health decisions to control pandemics on the best available science and evidence,” said the Honorable Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Chair of the Committee A meeting that adopted today’s resolution. “The costs that COVID inflicted on lives, livelihoods and economies were great and many, and we – as sovereign states – have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic. It is our duty and responsibility to humanity.”

    The resolution sets out several steps for taking the world forward and preparing for the Pandemic Agreement’s implementation. It includes the launch of a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the Agreement that would establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The result of this process will be considered at next year’s World Health Assembly. Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies. After 60 ratifications, the Agreement will enter into force.

    In addition, Member States also directed the IGWG to initiate steps to enable setting up of the Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to “enhance, facilitate, and work to remove barriers and ensure equitable, timely, rapid, safe, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products for countries in need during public health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic emergencies, and for prevention of such emergencies.”

    According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO “rapid access targeting 20% of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.”  The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out on the basis of public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries and those supported through the GSCL.

    The Pandemic Agreement aligns with the International Health Regulations, amendments to which were adopted by governments at last year’s World Health Assembly to bolster international rules to better detect, prevent and respond to outbreaks.

    Dr Tedros thanked the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) that coordinated and facilitated the process to draft and negotiate the Pandemic Agreement. The WHO Director-General also praised the tireless work and excellence of the WHO Secretariat team that supported the Bureau and Member States, led by Dr Michael Ryan and Dr Jaouad Mahjour.

    “An immensely talented, experienced and driven WHO team was assembled to support the vision of governments to develop this historic Pandemic Agreement,” Dr Tedros said. “This group of individuals, representing so many countries and regions of the world, deserve enormous credit and thanks from the international community for what they have done to help make the world safer for future generations.”

    The INB was established in December 2021, at a special session of the World Health Assembly. WHO Member States were tasked to develop a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the WHO Constitution to strengthen pandemic preparedness, prevention and response. Members of the INB Bureau that guided the process were Co-Chairs Ms Precious Matsoso (South Africa) and Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou (France), and Vice-Chairs Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes (Brazil), Ambassador Amr Ramadan (Egypt), Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien (Thailand); and Ms Fleur Davies (Australia). Past members included former Co-Chair, Mr Roland Driece (the Netherlands), and former Vice-Chairs Ambassador Honsei Kozo (Japan), Mr Kazuho Taguchi (Japan), and Mr Ahmed Soliman (Egypt).

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 May 2025 News release Papua New Guinea eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In a landmark public health achievement, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer poses a public health threat in the country.

    “I congratulate the government and people of Papua New Guinea on this incredible achievement, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,” WHO Director-General. “This success demonstrates what can be achieved when science and sustained partnerships come together to serve the health and dignity of communities.”

    Official recognition was made during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, following a comprehensive review of PNG’s elimination dossier.

    Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge and contact with infected surfaces. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately irreversible blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

    Papua New Guinea’s success story

    “Papua New Guinea’s achievement is an example of medical science in action,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “It reflects a deep understanding of local epidemiology and a commitment to using the right interventions for the right reasons. We commend the National Department of Health, health workers, researchers, and partners for their persistent efforts.”

    In PNG, population-based surveys conducted in 2015 found signs of active trachoma in children but very low levels of Chlamydia trachomatis, as well as negligible levels of trachomatous trichiasis – the advanced stage of the disease that causes blindness. A follow-up ancillary survey in 2020 further confirmed that affected children were not progressing to more severe disease. This epidemiological pattern, shared with other Melanesian countries, provided the foundation for PNG’s successful claim to have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.

    Unlike many other countries where trachoma elimination has required surgery campaigns, antibiotic mass drug administration and targeted improvements in access to water, sanitation and hygiene, PNG’s success was driven by robust disease surveillance. The country’s National Department of Health, with the support from partners, oversaw a series of rapid assessments, prevalence surveys, and community-level investigations. These efforts confirmed that community-wide interventions for trachoma were not warranted.

    PNG’s trachoma elimination programme received technical and financial support from WHO, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sightsavers, PNG Eye Care, and several other organizations. The programme also benefited from scientific collaborations with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, Collaborative Vision, Tropical Data and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, among many others.

    Since 2016, 13 countries in the Western Pacific Region have been validated by WHO for eliminating at least one NTD. Trachoma elimination is part of broader progress on NTDs in PNG and the Western Pacific Region.

    Trachoma is the first neglected tropical disease eliminated in PNG. Following this successful validation, globally, 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, including 22 others that have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. PNG joining these groups enhances our collective momentum toward the targets of the NTD road map 2021–2030.

    WHO continues to support countries in their efforts to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring healthier lives for all, particularly the most disadvantaged.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Global Investigative Journalism Network serves as the international hub for the world’s investigative reporters. Its core mission is to support and strengthen investigative journalism around the world—with special attention to those from repressive regimes and marginalized communities.

    At the heart of GIJN is an international association of nonprofit journalism organizations. From its founding in 2003, GIJN has grown to include 251 member groups in 95 countries. Today, with a staff based in more than 20 countries, GIJN works in a dozen languages to link together the world’s most enterprising journalists, giving them the tools, technology, and training to go after abuses of power and lack of accountability.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDMST)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (South Dakota Mines, SD Mines, or SDSM&T) is a public university in Rapid City, South Dakota.

    It is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and was founded in 1885. South Dakota Mines offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Assessment Report (GAR) 2025 virtual launch

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Time

    15.00 – 16.00 CET

    09.00 – 10.00 EDT

    About

    The Global Assessment Report (GAR) 2025: Resilience Pays: Financing and Investing for our Future highlights how smarter investment can reset the destructive cycle of disasters, debt, uninsurability and humanitarian need that threatens a climate-changed world.

    Disaster risk is increasing as more frequent and intense hazard events, unsafe urbanisation, and ineffective development put more people and assets in harm’s way. Disasters have profound macroeconomic impacts, with direct losses estimated at $202 billion. When cascading and ecosystem costs are taken into account, escalating disaster costs now surpass $2.3 trillion annually.

    There is an urgent need to transform how disaster risk is addressed amid a rapidly changing climate. Risk is no longer a peripheral issue but a systemic challenge that affects financial stability, sustainability, and equity. By embedding risk reduction into core policy and investment decisions, it is possible to break the recurring cycle of shocks, losses and debt. With the right choices, resilience can become a foundation for long-term prosperity, enabling societies not only to withstand disasters but to thrive despite them.

    The launch event will be chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction with a video message from the United Nations Deputy Secretary General (UN DSG). In the panel discussion, we will learn about the key findings of the GAR 2025 as well as how key actors are smartly investing in resilience.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 May 2025 News release WHO recognizes four countries with life-saving trans fat elimination policies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized four countries – the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Norway, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Singapore – for their exemplary efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies. These countries have implemented best-practice policies alongside effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to promote public health.

    The WHO validation certificates were officially presented by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly. “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats are a major contributor to preventable deaths each year, particularly due to their impact on heart health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “These countries are not only protecting the health of their populations, but also setting an exemplary standard for other countries to follow.”

    This recognition marks another significant milestone in the global effort to eliminate trans fats, reflecting not only policy commitments but also the concrete actions being taken to remove trans fat from the food supply.

    Trans fat clogs arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease – responsible for over 278 000 deaths each year globally. Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated fatty acids that come from either artificial (industrial) or natural sources. Industrially produced trans fats are often found in many baked goods such as biscuits, pies and fried foods, as well as margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, among many others. Both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fats are equally harmful.

    “Recognizing the incredible harm caused by industrially produced trans fats, we became the second country to introduce measures to eliminate it. An EU-wide regulation is now in place, and Austria acknowledges its pioneering role in this important development. Bold, evidence-based policies can deliver real public health impact, and we are proud to be among the countries leading this global effort,” said Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria.

    Seven years ago, WHO called for the global elimination of industrially produced trans fats. At that time, only 11 countries covering 6% of the global population had best-practice trans-fat elimination policies in effect. Today, nearly 60 countries have best-practice policies in effect, covering 46% of the global population.

    “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats marks a significant milestone in our commitment to protecting our population’s health. We are proud to be among the 60 countries implementing this lifesaving policy, and especially honored to be recognized as one of the nine countries leading the way in eliminating this harmful ingredient,” said Dr Hilal bin Ali bin Hilal Alsabti, Minister of Health, Oman.

    WHO recommends that governments implement best-practice trans fat elimination policies either by setting a mandatory limit of 2 grams of trans fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods and/or by banning the production and use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) as an ingredient in food products. The WHO validation programme for trans fat elimination recognizes countries that have gone beyond introducing best practice policies by ensuring that rigorous monitoring and enforcement systems in place. Monitoring and enforcing compliance with policies is critical to maximizing and sustaining health benefits.

    “Our efforts to implement robust, best-practice trans fat elimination policies are showing clear, measurable results. The latest monitoring data confirms that it is not only possible to reduce trans fat intake but to virtually eliminate it,” said Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Health and Care Services, Norway.

    Replacing trans fats with healthier oils and fats is a low-cost intervention that yields high economic returns by improving population health, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. Governments can eliminate the cause of 7% of cardiovascular disease globally with a low-cost investment aimed at reducing or eliminating trans fats from the food supply.

    “Our journey towards eliminating industrially produced trans fats began over a decade ago. Today, we have made significant progress. This is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through applying a consistent public health policy, across countries and regions, and working collaboratively with the industries. We are proud to stand alongside other countries in building a healthier and safer food environment for all,” said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, Singapore.

    WHO remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts and to recognizing their achievements. By working with national nutrition and food safety authorities, WHO can better support governments not only in developing and adopting trans fat elimination policies, but also in monitoring and enforcing them to ensure lasting impact.

    The next application cycle for the TFA elimination validation programme is now open and countries are welcome to apply by 31 August 2025 to be considered for the third cycle.
     

    Note to editors

    The World Health Organization has partnered with Resolve to Save Lives, a not-for-profit organization, to support the development and implementation of the REPLACE action package. Launched in 2018, the WHO’s REPLACE action package provides a strategic approach to eliminating industrially produced trans fat from national food supplies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: Joint communiqué by African Union Commission, League of Arab States and United Nations High-Level Consultation on the margins of the Arab League Summit [scroll down for Arabic]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    1- This high-level consultation meeting between the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), had the scope of unifying their peace efforts, achieving a more robust coordinated international response to halt the fighting and violence in Sudan, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and reach a durable comprehensive ceasefire.

    2- While the meeting recalled the history of their successful efforts to resolve conflicts in Sudan over decades, hand in hand with other key member states and multilateral institutions, it recognized the challenges of ensuring effective multilateral coordination and a clear outlined division of labour which has impacted confidence among stakeholders and
    affected mediation efforts.

    3- The organisations reiterated their strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Sudan, preventing the collapse of Sudanese national institutions, as well as building their efforts on relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, Jeddah Declaration, as well as the AU and LAS relevant Resolutions.

    4- This meeting outlined the need to define a coherent vision and approach to respond to the crisis in Sudan in a manner that is anchored in complementarity, comparative advantages
    and focused on strategic action underpinned by active cooperation.

    5- The meeting also recognized the need to strengthen multilateral coherence, through ensuring high-level agreement on a broader grouping configuration, to be developed and
    agreed upon, involving key multilateral institutions that could provide political support and leverage to their efforts. At the same time, agreeing to ensure coordination and
    complementarity with existing Member States configurations.

    6- The meeting agreed that upcoming UN General Assembly, AU and LAS Summits offer an opportunity for the heads of the relevant multilateral organizations to reconvene, sustaining high-level engagement, assessing the development of the situation in Sudan and agreeing on steps to enhance the efficiency of their concerted action.
    ***********
    بيان مشترك 
    مفوضية الاتحاد الأفريقي – جامعة الدول العربية – الأمم المتحدة اجتماع تشاوري رفيع المستوى 
    على هامش قمة جامعة الدول العربية في بغداد

    يهدف هذا الاجتماع التشاوري رفيع المستوى فيما بين رئيس مفوضية الاتحاد الأفريقي والأمين العام لجامعة الدول العربية والأمين العام للأمم المتحدة، توحيد جهود منظماتهم لصالح السلام، وتحقيق استجابة دولية أقوى وأكثر تنسيقاً من أجل وقف القتال والعنف في السودان، وتخفيف معاناة الشعب السوداني، وضمان وصول المساعدات الإنسانية دون عوائق، والتوصل إلى وقف دائم وشامل لإطلاق النار.

    وقد استذكر الاجتماع التاريخ الطويل والناجح لجهودهم من أجل حل النزاعات في السودان على مدار عقود، يداً بيد مع الدول الأعضاء الرئيسية الأخرى والمؤسسات متعددة الأطراف، و اعترف في الوقت نفسه بالتحديات التي تواجه ضمان فعالية التنسيق متعدد الأطراف وتقسيم العمل بشكل واضح؛ وهو الأمر الذي انعكس على مستوى الثقة فيما بين أصحاب المصلحة وأثّر على جهود الوساطة.

    جددت المنظمات التزامها القوي بسيادة السودان ووحدته واستقلاله وسلامة أراضيه، وتفادي انهيار المؤسسات الوطنية السودانية، وأن تُبنى جهودها على قرارات مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة ذات الصلة، وإعلان جدة، وكذلك قرارات الاتحاد الأفريقي وجامعة الدول العربية ذات الصلة.

    أكد الاجتماع على الحاجة إلى وضع رؤية ومقاربة متسقة تستجيب للأزمة في السودان بطريقة تعتمد على التكاملية والمزايا النسبية، وتركز على العمل الاستراتيجي المدعوم بالتعاون النشط. 

    اعترف الاجتماع بالحاجة إلى تعزيز الترابط متعدد الأطراف، من خلال اتفاق رفيع المستوى حول تشكيل تجمع أوسع، يتم تطويره والتفاهم بشأنه، بمشاركة المؤسسات متعددة الأطراف التي بإمكانها تقديم الدعم السياسي وتطوير الجهود. وفي الوقت نفسه، ضمان التنسيق والتكامل مع آليات الدول الأعضاء.
    اتفق الاجتماع على الاستفادة من فرص القمم المقبلة للجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة، والاتحاد الأفريقي وجامعة الدول العربية، للاجتماع مجدداً على مستوى رؤساء المنظمات متعددة الأطراف ذات الصلة، للحفاظ على المشاركة رفيعة المستوى، والعمل على تقييم تطورات الأوضاع في السودان والاتفاق على الخطوات اللازمة لتعزيز كفاءة اتساق عملهم.

    2025/05/16
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News