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Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on Myanmar – in response to questions

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar as the devastating earthquake has greatly exacerbated an already dire situation. She is heartbroken by first-hand accounts of the magnitude of the suffering. Many victims still cannot be reached due to severe damage.

    The earthquake has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing Myanmar’s people and underscored the need for sustained international attention to the broader crisis. All sides must urgently allow space for humanitarian relief and ensure that aid workers can operate in safety.

    Continuing military operations in disaster-affected areas risks further loss of life and undermines the shared imperative to respond.

    The Special Envoy condemns any form of violence and calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and focus their efforts on the protection of civilians, including aid workers, and the delivery of life-saving assistance.

    With her visit to India last week, the Special Envoy has concluded her first tour of all Myanmar’s neighboring countries. These consultations highlighted both a shared regional concern and the potential for greater coordination to support access and assistance.

    The Special Envoy will return to the region very soon to advocate for a coherent, inclusive and principled response to the fall-out from the earthquake and the widening regional implications from the political crisis. She will continue to cooperate closely with the ASEAN Special Envoy.

    The Special Envoy remains in close contact with the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Myanmar who are working in partnership with neighboring countries and others, supported by the UN’s regional and global network.

    A number of countries including Myanmar’s neighbors and ASEAN mechanisms have provided immediate support. The Special Envoy appeals to Member States and other donors to swiftly provide flexible funding to scale up the response.

    Safe and unimpeded access to affected populations and areas must be provided through all available channels and actors in line with international humanitarian principles, and regardless of territorial control. Community-based responders – many operating in hard-to-reach areas – will play a critical role in the days ahead. A pathway to reconciliation requires an end to violence and unfettered access for the UN and its partners to address humanitarian needs, especially among the most vulnerable and marginalised.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 31 March 2025 Departmental update WHO calls for urgent action on dementia among refugees and migrants

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new report, Dementia in refugees and migrants: epidemiology, public health implications and global health responses, which synthesizes the latest global evidence on the factors affecting the health and care of displaced populations and offers policy considerations to address these challenges. This is the sixth report in the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series.

    Dementia: A growing public health challenge

    Dementia affects over 57 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. It is the seventh leading cause of death and a major driver of disability among older people. While no cure exists, physical activity, social engagement, and some medications can help manage symptoms. However, people with dementia frequently face discrimination and barriers to care, highlighting the need for robust policies that safeguard their rights and ensure access to support services.

    Refugees and migrants with dementia face greater barriers to care

    For refugees and migrants, these challenges are even more pronounced. Many face limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care, disrupted support networks, and the compounded effects of migration-related stressors. A lack of cross-cultural assessment tools and limited specialist training for health care professionals contributes to underdiagnosis and undertreatment among refugees and migrants.

    As migration and forced displacement due to economic factors, conflict, climate change, and food insecurity intensifies, the number of older refugees and migrants is rising. Yet dementia in these populations remains largely overlooked in health policies and crisis response plans.

    Data and research on dementia prevalence and risk factors among refugees and migrants are scarce, making it difficult to design effective interventions. Without comprehensive, disaggregated data, health systems cannot tailor services to meet the needs of refugees and migrants.

    “Dementia care must be an integral part of migration and public health policies. Refugees and migrants have the same right to health as everyone else, yet too often face systemic barriers to care” said Dr Santino Severoni, Director of WHO’s Department of Health and Migration. “Urgent action is needed to ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate support for both individuals and their carers.”

    Urgent action needed to address dementia in refugees and migrants:

    “Refugees and migrants, already vulnerable due to displacement, face additional risks when it comes to dementia” said Dévora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department of Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use. “The report highlights the critical need for health systems and emergency responses to be equipped to address the unique barriers these populations face in accessing timely and appropriate dementia care”.

    The report synthesises available global evidence on dementia in refugees and migrants and puts forward a series of policy considerations to governments, policymakers, and programme managers in Ministries of Health and other ministries.

    • Policy and legislation: Ensure inclusion of refugees and migrants in national and regional dementia-related policies, legislation, and frameworks, and position dementia within broader health agendas addressing refugee and migrant populations.
    • Awareness and inclusion: Launch national and local campaigns and policy engagement to raise awareness of dementia in refugee and migrant communities. Develop dementia-friendly and dementia-inclusive environments, including in emergency displacement settings.
    • Risk reduction: Design and implement culturally and linguistically sensitive, evidence-informed interventions to lower dementia risk among refugees and migrants. Integrate dementia risk reduction into broader noncommunicable disease prevention policies and strengthen research on risk and protective factors.
    • Diagnosis, treatment, and care: Improve access to healthcare by addressing barriers to dementia diagnosis and treatment, particularly among refugees and migrants. Develop integrated care pathways and provide training for health and social care professionals working with refugees and migrants.
    • Support for carers: Implement training and legal protections for carers of refugees and migrants with dementia. Ensure access to care and support services, particularly in emergency settings, and involve family caregivers in care planning and policymaking.
    • Health information systems and monitoring: Strengthen national surveillance and monitoring systems to include data on dementia in refugees and migrants. Expand the evidence base on dementia prevalence and its public health implications in these populations, including addressing the priority evidence gaps brought forward in this Global evidence review.
    • Research and innovation: Prioritize dementia in refugees and migrants within the global research agenda. Increase investment and collaboration to develop innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.

    This sixth report of the GEHM series was developed by WHO Health and Migration, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, Brain Health, and Substance Use. The GEHM series provides policymakers with evidence-based insights and policy considerations to address the health needs of refugees and migrants

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: In Barbados, Multi-Hazard Early Warning System saves lives

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, left a trail of destruction across multiple Caribbean islands. At major Category 4 strength, Beryl was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in June. Entire communities were left in ruins, with infrastructure crippled and thousands displaced in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Despite the damage incurred, compared to the 176 homes damaged and one fatality caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the destruction in 2024 was slight. That Beryl’s impact in Barbados was not far greater is largely due to the country’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS).

    The importance of MHEWS, which safeguard lives and reduce the impact of disasters, cannot be overstated. The EW4All initiative exemplifies the power of combining advanced technology, effective communication strategies and local knowledge. EW4All enhances community preparedness and response capabilities, fostering resilience across vulnerable populations.

    Barbados recently approved its MHEWS policy, establishing clear roles, sustainability and financing. The Barbados Meteorological Service, the Department of Emergency

    Management and Government Information Service collaborated effectively to provide timely warnings. Advanced technology, including satellite imagery leveraged through partnerships with Microsoft and MapAction, enabled swift, targeted responses to infrastructure damage.

    The lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl will guide future efforts to improve preparedness, response and recovery, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the region. Barbados’ success is now being shared globally, with peer-to-peer learning exchanges extending to African Indian Ocean Island countries. This highlights the importance of engagement and coordination among national sectors and regional entities.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: Resilient infrastructure

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Infrastructure is the backbone of modern society. It powers cities, connects communities and supports economic activity. Yet every year, disasters wreak havoc on infrastructure worldwide, causing economic losses that exceed US$700 billion.

    The impact is disproportionately felt by poorer nations, where fragile infrastructure can mean the difference between recovery and years of lost development. UNDRR is at the forefront of the mission to help countries fortify their infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth and safeguarding lives.

    The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals emphasize infrastructure resilience, urging nations to integrate risk reduction into their development strategies. However, resilience is more than just withstanding disasters – it means designing systems that can adapt, recover and even improve in the face of adversity. With climate change intensifying risks, countries need innovative solutions and stronger governance to protect their infrastructure investments.

    In collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, UNDRR has pioneered an innovative approach. Through tailored interventions, UNDRR has enabled nations to identify weaknesses across critical sectors such as transport, energy, water and telecommunications. By conducting stress tests, infrastructure vulnerabilities have been pinpointed using satellite imagery and geolocalized data, allowing governments to take pre-emptive action. Benchmarking national infrastructure policies against global best practices, such as the Principles for Resilient Infrastructure, has helped align national strategies with proven methodologies. Furthermore, strategic road maps have been developed to guide planning, construction and long-term operations, ensuring resilience is embedded throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

    UNDRR’s impact is already evident across the globe:

    • Bhutan has integrated resilience measures into its five-year strategic plan, shaping national infrastructure policy for years to come.
    • In Chile, UNDRR’s stress testing prompted national authorities to recognize drought and water scarcity as critical threats, leading to strengthened institutional capacity for risk management.
    • Costa Rica has developed a new data platform, ensuring that future infrastructure investments are informed by risk analysis.
    • Ghana is institutionalizing a technical working group on critical infrastructure to coordinate national disaster resilience efforts more effectively.
    • In Madagascar, a review of regulatory frameworks has led the Government to consider new resilience standards in energy and telecommunications.
    • The Government of Panama is overhauling infrastructure procurement processes and establishing a resilience commission to mainstream risk management in national policies.
    • In Tonga, a deep analysis of the water sector has led to enhanced emergency planning, better water security and improved monitoring of groundwater resources, ensuring communities have access to clean water even during crises.

    UNDRR’s efforts in these countries have significantly strengthened national policies and institutional frameworks for resilient infrastructure. This will positively impact the reduction of disaster damage to critical infrastructure – Sendai Framework Target D – by integrating risk analysis into infrastructure planning, enhancing resource allocation through improved coordination mechanisms, and strengthening construction and maintenance practices. Combined, these actions reduce the likelihood of infrastructure failures and protect economic investment and activity. Infrastructure resilience requires cross-sectoral collaboration to manage interdependencies and prevent cascading failures. Engaging stakeholders across public and private sectors and civil society fosters inclusive and sustainable resilience strategies. Finally, data-driven decision-making ensures that infrastructure investments are both sustainable and secure.

    The time to act is now. As climate change continues to challenge global stability, resilient infrastructure will be the foundation upon which sustainable, inclusive and disaster-ready societies are built. UNDRR’s continued leadership and global collaboration can ensure that our lifeline in times of crisis remains strong in an uncertain world.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: Empowering women and transforming disaster resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The need for gender-responsive and inclusive DRR has never been more urgent. Hazards and risks are not experienced equally; women, in particular, face unique challenges that compound the impacts of disasters. Yet amid these challenges, UNDRR is championing a transformative approach that ensures no one is left behind, not only reducing risks but also empowering communities to build a more resilient future.

    In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Network for Disaster Risk Reduction has over 1,535 active members. Operating through autonomous working groups and guided by a robust long-term strategic plan, the network is redefining disaster resilience in the region. Liliam Patricia Cuevas Berrio from the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction affirmed:

    The Women’s Network for Disaster Risk Reduction is a unique platform that highlights the vital role women play in disaster risk management. It fosters a sense of shared commitment and responsibility among its members, providing an opportunity for collaboration, learning and empowerment. Initiatives like these are essential to advancing resilience and ensuring inclusive governance in the region.

    The Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities: Addendum for Gender Equality and Intersectionality has enabled local governments to diagnose gaps in their DRR strategies and implement tailored, gender-sensitive actions. This tool not only identifies weaknesses but also highlights opportunities for growth, ensuring that disaster response plans incorporate the perspectives and needs of all community members. Such initiatives are laying the groundwork for systemic change by transforming data into actionable insights and making gender equity a central pillar of disaster governance.

    Beyond the Americas, the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila broke new ground by establishing the first-ever Help Desk on gender-responsive and socially inclusive DRR. Its findings are already steering future interventions towards more meaningful dialogue and action.

    Perhaps the most ambitious of these efforts is the Sendai Gender Action Plan (GAP), launched in March 2024. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has integrated the GAP into its National DRR Action Plan, directly addressing the unique risks faced by women and girls. As one Lao People’s Democratic Republic government representative stated, highlighting the transformative impact of this global initiative: “The Sendai GAP has been instrumental in helping us integrate gender-responsive strategies into our DRR action plan. It ensures that the needs of all our people are addressed during every step of the process.”

    Similarly, in Cambodia, collaborative efforts between UNDRR and UN-Women have enriched national strategies with diverse gender perspectives. In Samoa, enhanced capacities for collecting disaggregated data have provided clearer insights into how disasters affect different groups, leading to more targeted DRR interventions. Initiatives in Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan have further bolstered gender-responsive governance.

    The journey towards gender-responsive DRR is not without challenges. Persistent gender inequalities and entrenched social biases continue to pose risks that are often magnified during disasters. However, UNDRR is fostering environments where women and girls can lead the way in building safer, more resilient communities.

    In 2024, UNDRR also made strides in championing disability inclusion, advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in DRR at international events and in key discourses. Key moments included presentations at the thirtieth session of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Summit of the Future high-level event on disability inclusion and the Equality Conference in Ankara.

    Closer to home, UNDRR implemented its disability inclusion policy, achieving milestones such as recruiting staff with disabilities, developing guidelines for reasonable accommodation, and ensuring participation of persons with disabilities in regional DRR platforms. Awareness was raised through publications and social media, and the UNDRR United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy focal point actively supported policy implementation.

    Efforts extended to making workshops and webinars accessible, updating conference registration templates and ensuring accessible options for Disability Inclusion Scorecard workshops globally. UNDRR’s communication and knowledge management activities featured numerous content pieces on disability, garnering significant engagement on social media, to further spread the important message of inclusive DRR and how to make it happen.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: Efficiency and pooled funding

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    UNDRR’s operations are guided by the goal of achieving the highest impact by strategically allocating resources, streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment with implementing partners to access specialist skills as needed. 

    UNDRR ensures that every initiative delivers measurable results, which are reported in Annex 1 to the Annual Report. UNDRR has a dedicated team consisting of staff, Junior Professional Officers, secondees from national governments (Non Reimbursable Loans) and United Nations Volunteers and interns who work together seaLearn more about UNDRR’s work from 2024 in the Annual Report.mlessly, leveraging diverse expertise to swiftly and effectively deliver on a broad work programme. Through its unwavering focus on accountability, establishing long-term contracts to ensure that recurrent services provide the best value for money, and continuous improvement, UNDRR maximizes the reach and benefits of its programmes, ultimately driving sustainable change through its work.

    UNDRR has worked with several pooled funding mechanisms and partnerships to increase effectiveness and efficiency. CREWS was an important partner to UNDRR in 2024, bringing together UNDRR, WMO and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery to enhance EWS. The Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund brought together UNDRR, the World Health Organization and the International Organization for Migration for work in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency made a contribution to UNDRR for EW4ALL, and UNDRR shared a portion with the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to ensure that all four pillars could accelerate work in a coordinated manner. The Netherlands used the same formula for the Water at the Heart of Climate Action initiative, and Denmark made a contribution to WMO that was shared with the other pillar leads, including UNDRR. In short, 2024 saw significant efforts to enhancing efficiency and impact on the ground through working with key partners in a joined-up way.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: Cultivating resilience through strong governance in Colombia

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    In a world where climate change and food insecurity loom large, national governments across the Americas and the Caribbean are rallying to localize DRR efforts. Colombia stands out as a dynamic example, leveraging the Sendai Framework to build resilience from the ground up. With 178 cities already engaged in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative, Colombia is inspiring neighbouring nations to accelerate local DRR actions.

    At the heart of Colombia’s approach is its National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). One of 10 national DRR departments in the region and a core partner of MCR2030, UNGRD has been instrumental in forging strong national–local linkages since the initiative’s launch in 2020. Working hand in hand with local governments, UNGRD has equipped communities with the tools and expertise needed to understand disaster risks and implement effective solutions. “Colombia is advancing local DRR to overcome the three main challenges of the Amazon region in terms of State presence, infrastructure, and the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to disaster risks,” explains Nelson Hernández of UNGRD, underscoring the critical role of local action in regions where government reach has historically been limited.

    Nowhere is this more evident than in the small Amazonian town of Puerto Nariño, home to nearly 7,000 inhabitants – and highlighted as a “Green Getaway” by the BBC for its locally driven conservation efforts. Recently, an extreme drought dramatically lowered river levels, disrupting fishing and subsistence agriculture, a stark reminder of how climate change can upend traditional food systems. In response, UNGRD, alongside the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Environment Programme, conducted an integrated assessment of the town’s food systems and disaster resilience.

    This equipped Puerto Nariño to craft a comprehensive local DRR strategy, weaving together climate change adaptation and robust food security measures. “WFP and UNDRR embrace an integrated vision for cross-border challenges in the Amazon region in the face of historic floods and droughts. Short supply chains that rely on forest products are being prioritized to foster environmental preservation, resilience and social benefits,” noted Raphael Leão, Programme Officer at WFP.

    Colombia’s strategy of strengthening national–local linkages is more than a policy framework – it is a lifeline for communities.

    As nations prepare for COP30 in Brazil, the lessons from Colombia offer a road map for resilience. By aligning local actions with national priorities and tailored United Nations methodologies, Colombia’s efforts pave the way for communities to better withstand climate shocks, secure food supplies and protect their way of life. The journey ahead is challenging, but with regional collaboration and innovative strategies, a sustainable future for the Amazon is within reach.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: Regional platforms raising the bar on DRR financing

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Asia and the Pacific

    The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on DRR was held in Manila, the Philippines, with 7,000 ministers and participants in attendance. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who opened the event, emphasized funding as a priority issue of the conference and called for greater access for developing and least developed countries to financial resources. “We must significantly increase our investments and develop financing mechanisms in disaster risk reduction,” he said.

    Throughout the week, participants engaged in discussions on key themes, including financing, inclusion and local-level engagement for disaster and climate resilience. The official deliberations were accompanied by major events and exhibitions, “Are You Ready? and Tsunami: Sea Change for Resilience”, engaging thousands of children and youth in prevention, as well as awards on women’s leadership in DRR.

    Africa

    After three days of discussions, the Ninth Session of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Namibia concluded with the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration on advancing the Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 in Africa. This ambitious document sets the direction for the next three years, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to reducing disaster risks and building resilience across the continent.

    Financing efforts were at the heart of the discussions. The Windhoek Declaration calls on Member States to increase budgetary allocation and establish innovative financing solutions, with support from regional and international partners to access funding, including for loss and damages and the EW4ALL initiative.

    The Windhoek Declaration also reiterates the call for inclusivity, especially in legislation and policies, but also through better national systems for gathering disaggregated data. The event called for mainstreaming of DRR in development programmes, and aligned DRR strategies with sustainable development and climate resilience policies, ensuring coherent and comprehensive approaches across all levels of governance as climate-related disasters continue to grow.

    Europe

    The 2024 Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Budva, Montenegro, bringing together over 700 participants, including ministers, civil protection leaders and diverse stakeholders from 55 United Nations Member States.

    In a show of unity, Member States endorsed a political declaration that committed to strengthening DRR and addressing the growing impacts of climate change in the region, ahead of COP29.

    They acknowledged the escalating risks across the region, exacerbated by climate change, economic vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions, and committed to four targeted actions in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction Roadmap 2021–2040: integrated action on DRR and climate resilience; inclusive risk governance; increased financing for resilience; and enhanced EWS.

    Additionally, the Platform launched the Montenegro Call for Action on Earthquake Risk, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, improving technical capacity, and driving investments towards earthquake resilience.

    Outcomes from these events, and the Regional Platform in the Arab States, will all feed into the Global Platform in Geneva in June 2025.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Interface – Comunicacao, Saude, Educacao

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Interface – Comunicacao, Saude, Educacao is an open, interdisciplinary, on-line journal published by Unesp (Health Education and Communication Laboratory – Public Health Department, School of Medicine of Botucatu). It focuses on Education and Communication in health practices, education of health professionals (both university-based and inservice education) and Collective Health in its articulation with Philosophy, Arts and the Social and Human Sciences. Critical and innovative approaches are prioritized and qualitative research is emphasized.

    The Journal was launched in August 1997 with the aim of stimulating debate and disseminating knowledge about the contemporary issues that challenge the field of Health and its articulation with Communication and Educatio

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: How media and risk communication save lives

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    UNDRR has long championed the critical role of communication in DRR. In 2024, the Media Saving Lives project conducted in partnership with the World Broadcasting Unions highlighted the importance of media as a vital component of MHEWS.

    With a clear focus on ensuring that risk information reaches the last mile, the initiative strengthened linkages across national disaster management agencies, meteorological offices and national broadcasters. These collaborations ensured coordinated messaging during crises, fostering a more responsive and efficient early warning chain.

    The project further supported broadcasting organizations to enhance their readiness and resilience in times of disaster. Six media organizations established new Standard Operating Procedures to ensure their continuity plans, so these can remain a lifeline for disaster-affected communities.

    On the twentieth anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, six broadcasting houses collaborated on the production of a regional documentary series in the lead-up to the commemoration. The initiative culminated in an hour-long documentary, which examined lessons learned, technological advancements and the resilience of communities that experienced the tsunami’s devastating impact.

    Through compelling storytelling, expert interviews and survivor testimonies, the documentary highlighted successful early warning interventions in high-risk coastal regions and reinforced the need for continuous investment in education, public awareness and coordinated DRR efforts.

    A key milestone in 2024 was the first regional summit in Africa on DRR and climate change, alongside the launch of the Global Media Network for DRR in Bali. These events brought together media professionals to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and share good practices in disaster risk communication and disaster coverage.

    In collaboration with BBC Media Action, the Risk Communication for Early Action project explored challenges and opportunities for media and communication to contribute to DRR. This initiative focused on three pilot countries: Cambodia (hard-to-reach populations), Somalia (conflict-affected communities) and Barbados (fisherfolk and elderly citizens).

    In Maldives, UNDRR carried out a joint risk communication campaign with the National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, and the Maldivian Red Crescent that was informed by a nationwide assessment of Maldivians’ understanding of disaster risks, early warning messages, and actions to reduce future losses and damages from hazardous events. Global tools, including a Pocket Guide for planning disaster risk communication to support early warning and early action and a Guide for Essential Research, were developed and piloted across the three countries, ensuring their real-world applicability.

    Global tools, including a Pocket Guide for planning disaster risk communication to support early warning and early action and a Guide for Essential Research, were developed and piloted across the three countries, ensuring their real-world applicability.

    The knowledge and materials produced through the Risk Communication for Early Action project have informed the development of the Disaster Risk Communication Hub on PreventionWeb. This global platform consolidates the best practices, research and tools to enhance disaster risk communication strategies worldwide. As a living knowledge platform, the hub ensures that the lessons learned through this initiative continue to shape future DRR efforts, inspiring collaboration and driving innovation in risk communication.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    02

    Strategies, governance and capacity-building

    Target E of the Sendai Framework calls for a substantial increase in the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies by 2020.

    Though a strategy is not the end goal, UNDRR has found that countries with national DRR strategies tend to have more robust DRR governance and a higher prevalence of EWS, demonstrating the value of investment in this fundamental DRR pillar.

    The Government of Jordan has developed its National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2023–2030) in a participatory manner involving different governmental entities, ministries and municipalities, and the Public Security Directorate (Civil Defense), with support from UNDRR and the United Nations Development Programme country office. The strategy also integrates biological hazard risk reduction with the aim of building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Within the framework of Jordan’s efforts to deal with increasing threats and risks, the National Centre for Security and Crises Management has played a major role in developing two integrated risk registers; the national risk register and the local register for governorates. Both registers aim to improve the kingdom’s capacity to respond to disasters through accurate identification of risks, and enhanced coordination between the local and national levels for improved risk governance.

    Through this effective coordination between the national and local risk registers, Jordan has made great strides in reducing risks and enhancing community resilience, making the kingdom a role model for disaster management and risk reduction at the regional level.

    Morocco, too, has taken concrete steps to strengthen its risk governance. It established the Directorate of Natural Risk Management under the Ministry of Interior as its national DRR coordination mechanism. Morocco also established the National Risk Observatory to collect, analyse and share data on natural hazard risk. Furthermore, Morocco established a National Risk Forecasting Centre for monitoring and alerting, and an Operational Risk Anticipation Centre for forecasting, alerting and risk management assistance systems. Another successful project comprised the generalization of coverage of the entire national territory using multiscale and multi-hazard risk maps (for natural hazards).

    Albania’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy demonstrates widespread integration of concerns related to climate change and triggers the engagement of new sectors, particularly tourism.

    The vision statement explicitly brings together DRR, climate change and sustainable development using the language of resilience, while the document includes a detailed plan of action for DRR implementation that integrates institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

    In particular, it articulates the implementation of the ALBAdapt project Climate Services for a Resilient Albania. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is identified as the lead institution for implementation of a set of activities that offer compounding co-benefits for both DRR and climate change adaptation, including the development of a people-centred MHEWS, the creation of a fully functional and well-resourced National Meteorological and Hydrological Service.

    This integration is supported by articulations elsewhere in the country’s strategic profile, with the National Adaptation Plan 2019 including a priority area entitled “upgrading civil defence preparedness and DRR”. Elsewhere, the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Albania (2023–2028) addresses risks ranging from national security threats to climate change impacts, emphasizing resilience to disasters, while the National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) 2022–2030 includes the integration of DRR and climate change adaptation planning among its priorities.

    National DRR strategies are the bedrock for multi-hazard risk governance and the achievement of Sendai Framework targets. These strategies help transform risk knowledge into actions and programmes that save lives and livelihoods. In addition, they serve as guides for mobilizing resources, delegating roles and responsibilities within government, and identifying entry points for non-governmental stakeholder engagement, all leading to more inclusive, sustainable development.

    With 131 countries now reporting having national DRR strategies, and 30 receiving technical support from UNDRR to develop them, this is just a snapshot of the progress being made globally in this important area.

    Under Brazil’s presidency, the Group of 20 (G20) recognized DRR as a critical component of economic resilience. Collaborating closely with UNDRR, Brazil facilitated the adoption of the first-ever G20 Ministerial Declaration on DRR. This landmark declaration emphasized the necessity of accelerating the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’s implementation, aiming to reduce disaster losses by 2030, and called for the development of high-level principles for DRR financing. The work of the G20 DRR Working Group, with UNDRR as the lead knowledge partner, further reflected a comprehensive approach to integrating DRR into economic and social policies.

    UNDRR’s capacity-building continues to go from strength to strength, with nearly 10,000 DRR practitioners being trained in 2024, 77 per cent of whom reported having a better understanding of DRR as a result. At one such workshop in the Global Education and Training Institute in Incheon, Republic of Korea, a remarkable collaboration unfolded – a pioneering workshop uniting experts from UNDRR and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to empower government stakeholders from Mongolia and Bhutan to mobilize relevant partners and stakeholders and obtain funding for their DRR measures. This joint training begins a process of transforming the daunting challenges of climate change into opportunities for proactive DRR.

    Delegates were empowered by not only technical insights, but also the forging of lasting partnerships. The workshop’s training modules, co-designed by UNDRR and GCF specialists, delved deep into practical tools such as the EW4All Checklist for Gap Analysis, equipping participants to critically assess their national capacities and pinpoint vulnerabilities. “Early warning systems are important components for our national climate change adaptation strategy,” noted Ms. Tserendulam Shagdarsuren, Director General of the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Mongolia, emphasizing how the training illuminated the next steps for their evolving EWS.

    This pilot UNDRR–GCF initiative is part of a broader strategy to replicate capacity-building endeavours in developing countries. Future workshops are planned for countries that are in very different geographic contexts yet face similar challenges (particularly those resulting from climate change), such as Somalia, Togo and the SIDS. These workshops aim to accelerate access to climate finance and enhance DRR measures worldwide.

    In a continuation of the Media Saving Lives programme, UNDRR and partners trained 520 journalists and media practitioners in DRR and risk communications, bringing the total to over 2,500 from 80 countries. Media are an integral part of the EWS delivery chain, and engaging them to build trust between government and communities can be the difference between life and death when disaster hits.

    The rise in global temperatures and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events are rapidly becoming central challenges for nations worldwide. Yet many Member States, cities and societies remain ill-prepared to address this escalating threat. The imperative for enhanced extreme heat risk reduction, governance and management is clear. Without urgent and coordinated action, extreme heat will continue to endanger billions of lives, amplify health risks and threaten the ecosystems upon which we depend.

    In response, the UNDRR/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience – together with the Global Heat Health Information Network, Duke University and WMO Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience partners – has developed an extreme heat decision-support package for countries tackling this global threat. The package includes: international organization resource and ecosystem mapping, readiness reviews and profiles; national best practice analytics; evaluations of heat action plans; and materials for development of an extreme heat maturity index for self-assessment. These materials can enhance collaboration, integrated heat risk governance and policy responses to extreme heat.

    UNDRR’s work and that of United Nations system partners, coupled with increasing demands for assistance from Member States, prompted and informed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, issued in July 2024, in which he emphasized the need for urgent action if a future characterized by even more devastating heat impacts on lives, economies and ecosystems is to be avoided.

    This work is in turn informing the development of a Common Framework for Heat Risk Governance, led by UNDRR with the Global Heat Health Information Network, and Member States, international organizations and stakeholders. The Framework will receive inputs from (and is designed to bring together) multiple sectors, domains and scales – from agriculture and food systems, to energy systems, transportation, construction materials and design, and urban cooling. It is expected to assist national and subnational decision makers in designing and resourcing integrated actions to reduce extreme heat risk to people, urban and rural ecosystems, and the environment, preventing the loss of lives and livelihoods.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Remote sensing (MDPI)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Remote Sensing is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal about the science and application of remote sensing technology, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI.

    Remote Sensing (ISSN 2072-4292) publishes regular research papers, reviews, technical notes and communications covering all aspects of remote sensing science, from sensor design, validation/calibration, to its application in geosciences, environmental sciences, ecology and civil engineering. Its aim is to publish novel/improved methods/approaches and/or algorithms of remote sensing to benefit the community, open to everyone in need of them.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR Annual Report 2024

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    02

    Strategies, governance and capacity-building

    Target E of the Sendai Framework calls for a substantial increase in the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies by 2020.

    Though a strategy is not the end goal, UNDRR has found that countries with national DRR strategies tend to have more robust DRR governance and a higher prevalence of EWS, demonstrating the value of investment in this fundamental DRR pillar.

    The Government of Jordan has developed its National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2023–2030) in a participatory manner involving different governmental entities, ministries and municipalities, and the Public Security Directorate (Civil Defense), with support from UNDRR and the United Nations Development Programme country office. The strategy also integrates biological hazard risk reduction with the aim of building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Within the framework of Jordan’s efforts to deal with increasing threats and risks, the National Centre for Security and Crises Management has played a major role in developing two integrated risk registers; the national risk register and the local register for governorates. Both registers aim to improve the kingdom’s capacity to respond to disasters through accurate identification of risks, and enhanced coordination between the local and national levels for improved risk governance.

    Through this effective coordination between the national and local risk registers, Jordan has made great strides in reducing risks and enhancing community resilience, making the kingdom a role model for disaster management and risk reduction at the regional level.

    Morocco, too, has taken concrete steps to strengthen its risk governance. It established the Directorate of Natural Risk Management under the Ministry of Interior as its national DRR coordination mechanism. Morocco also established the National Risk Observatory to collect, analyse and share data on natural hazard risk. Furthermore, Morocco established a National Risk Forecasting Centre for monitoring and alerting, and an Operational Risk Anticipation Centre for forecasting, alerting and risk management assistance systems. Another successful project comprised the generalization of coverage of the entire national territory using multiscale and multi-hazard risk maps (for natural hazards).

    Albania’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy demonstrates widespread integration of concerns related to climate change and triggers the engagement of new sectors, particularly tourism.

    The vision statement explicitly brings together DRR, climate change and sustainable development using the language of resilience, while the document includes a detailed plan of action for DRR implementation that integrates institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

    In particular, it articulates the implementation of the ALBAdapt project Climate Services for a Resilient Albania. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is identified as the lead institution for implementation of a set of activities that offer compounding co-benefits for both DRR and climate change adaptation, including the development of a people-centred MHEWS, the creation of a fully functional and well-resourced National Meteorological and Hydrological Service.

    This integration is supported by articulations elsewhere in the country’s strategic profile, with the National Adaptation Plan 2019 including a priority area entitled “upgrading civil defence preparedness and DRR”. Elsewhere, the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Albania (2023–2028) addresses risks ranging from national security threats to climate change impacts, emphasizing resilience to disasters, while the National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) 2022–2030 includes the integration of DRR and climate change adaptation planning among its priorities.

    National DRR strategies are the bedrock for multi-hazard risk governance and the achievement of Sendai Framework targets. These strategies help transform risk knowledge into actions and programmes that save lives and livelihoods. In addition, they serve as guides for mobilizing resources, delegating roles and responsibilities within government, and identifying entry points for non-governmental stakeholder engagement, all leading to more inclusive, sustainable development.

    With 131 countries now reporting having national DRR strategies, and 30 receiving technical support from UNDRR to develop them, this is just a snapshot of the progress being made globally in this important area.

    Under Brazil’s presidency, the Group of 20 (G20) recognized DRR as a critical component of economic resilience. Collaborating closely with UNDRR, Brazil facilitated the adoption of the first-ever G20 Ministerial Declaration on DRR. This landmark declaration emphasized the necessity of accelerating the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’s implementation, aiming to reduce disaster losses by 2030, and called for the development of high-level principles for DRR financing. The work of the G20 DRR Working Group, with UNDRR as the lead knowledge partner, further reflected a comprehensive approach to integrating DRR into economic and social policies.

    UNDRR’s capacity-building continues to go from strength to strength, with nearly 10,000 DRR practitioners being trained in 2024, 77 per cent of whom reported having a better understanding of DRR as a result. At one such workshop in the Global Education and Training Institute in Incheon, Republic of Korea, a remarkable collaboration unfolded – a pioneering workshop uniting experts from UNDRR and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to empower government stakeholders from Mongolia and Bhutan to mobilize relevant partners and stakeholders and obtain funding for their DRR measures. This joint training begins a process of transforming the daunting challenges of climate change into opportunities for proactive DRR.

    Delegates were empowered by not only technical insights, but also the forging of lasting partnerships. The workshop’s training modules, co-designed by UNDRR and GCF specialists, delved deep into practical tools such as the EW4All Checklist for Gap Analysis, equipping participants to critically assess their national capacities and pinpoint vulnerabilities. “Early warning systems are important components for our national climate change adaptation strategy,” noted Ms. Tserendulam Shagdarsuren, Director General of the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Mongolia, emphasizing how the training illuminated the next steps for their evolving EWS.

    This pilot UNDRR–GCF initiative is part of a broader strategy to replicate capacity-building endeavours in developing countries. Future workshops are planned for countries that are in very different geographic contexts yet face similar challenges (particularly those resulting from climate change), such as Somalia, Togo and the SIDS. These workshops aim to accelerate access to climate finance and enhance DRR measures worldwide.

    In a continuation of the Media Saving Lives programme, UNDRR and partners trained 520 journalists and media practitioners in DRR and risk communications, bringing the total to over 2,500 from 80 countries. Media are an integral part of the EWS delivery chain, and engaging them to build trust between government and communities can be the difference between life and death when disaster hits.

    The rise in global temperatures and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events are rapidly becoming central challenges for nations worldwide. Yet many Member States, cities and societies remain ill-prepared to address this escalating threat. The imperative for enhanced extreme heat risk reduction, governance and management is clear. Without urgent and coordinated action, extreme heat will continue to endanger billions of lives, amplify health risks and threaten the ecosystems upon which we depend.

    In response, the UNDRR/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience – together with the Global Heat Health Information Network, Duke University and WMO Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience partners – has developed an extreme heat decision-support package for countries tackling this global threat. The package includes: international organization resource and ecosystem mapping, readiness reviews and profiles; national best practice analytics; evaluations of heat action plans; and materials for development of an extreme heat maturity index for self-assessment. These materials can enhance collaboration, integrated heat risk governance and policy responses to extreme heat.

    UNDRR’s work and that of United Nations system partners, coupled with increasing demands for assistance from Member States, prompted and informed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, issued in July 2024, in which he emphasized the need for urgent action if a future characterized by even more devastating heat impacts on lives, economies and ecosystems is to be avoided.

    This work is in turn informing the development of a Common Framework for Heat Risk Governance, led by UNDRR with the Global Heat Health Information Network, and Member States, international organizations and stakeholders. The Framework will receive inputs from (and is designed to bring together) multiple sectors, domains and scales – from agriculture and food systems, to energy systems, transportation, construction materials and design, and urban cooling. It is expected to assist national and subnational decision makers in designing and resourcing integrated actions to reduce extreme heat risk to people, urban and rural ecosystems, and the environment, preventing the loss of lives and livelihoods.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: How Somalia is advancing disaster preparedness through EW4All and beyond

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    For decades, Somalia has faced devastating droughts, floods and conflict. Today, thanks to coordinated efforts spearheaded by UNDRR, Somalia is making significant strides towards more effective, integrated DRR and EWS.

    In 2023/24, Somalia worked with UNDRR and key international partners to establish an MHEWS. A road map developed in 2023 identified weaknesses in data collection, risk assessment and communication networks. This laid the groundwork for Somalia’s participation in EW4All, significantly strengthening national capacities in risk knowledge, anticipatory action and community-based preparedness.

    In July 2024, a capacity-building workshop in Nairobi brought together national and international stakeholders. Somali officials later travelled to Italy, exchanging best practices with the Italian Civil Protection and the CIMA Research Foundation. These experiences helped refine Somalia’s early warning framework.

    “The EW4All initiative was launched in 2023, and throughout this time, the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) project has supported capacity-building and risk management in Somalia”, said Khadar Sh. Mohamed Nur, Director of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency. “It has changed the way we think about DRR.”

    The impact was evident during the heavy Gu rains of April–June 2024. While floods affected 160,000 people and displaced 37,000, the damage was significantly less severe compared to 2023. The key difference was timely, accurate and widely disseminated early warnings and early action.

    Through text messages, radio broadcasts and community meetings, vulnerable populations received crucial information. Additionally, data from the DesInventar system improved impact-based forecasting, enabling proactive interventions such as fortification of riverbanks and pre-positioning of emergency supplies.

    A critical component of Somalia’s DRR strategy has been inclusivity. “[Persons] with disabilities in Somalia did not previously have access to information”, said Mawlid Abdul Qadir Badal, Director of the National Disability Agency Somalia. “After the workshops and consultations led by UNDRR, we are sure that disability aspects are included in the EW4All road map.” In a three-day training on gender- and disability-inclusive EWS in Nairobi in November 2024, UNDRR brought together officials from Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti.

    UNDRR has also played a pivotal role in integrating disaster risk analysis into broader humanitarian and development planning. In 2024, UNDRR facilitated a joint analysis effort among stakeholders from across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. This informed the development of Somalia’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and Common Country Analysis for the 2026–2030 Cooperation Framework.

    In addition, the Early Warning Systems and Early Action in Fragile, Conflict-affected and Violent Contexts handbook provides strategies for implementing EWS where governance is weak or absent. Employed by practitioners across the globe, it emphasizes cross-sectoral coordination, regional collaboration and adaptation to local challenges.

    Somalia’s disaster preparedness journey is far from over. But through strategic partnerships, technological advancements and inclusivity, Somalia is steadily building a more resilient future. While challenges remain, the EW4ALL initiative and UNDRR’s broader support highlight what is possible when governments, international agencies and communities work together.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 30 March 2025 Departmental update Evaluating Somalia’s humanitarian crisis (2021–2024): lessons for future action

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The evaluation praised timely early warnings and life-saving interventions, yet highlighted critical weaknesses in accountability, inclusion, and sectoral balance—particularly in WASH services. Protection efforts and outreach to marginalized communities showed progress, but gender and disability inclusion were largely overlooked. The response also revealed unintended consequences, such as aid-linked displacement and increased aid diversion risks. 

    Coordination mechanisms enabled innovation but were hampered by complexity, limited follow-up, and underuse of strategic foresight. The evaluation calls for better data, simplified coordination structures, and stronger accountability to affected communities. As Somalia continues to face overlapping crises, the lessons from this evaluation offer vital insights for shaping more effective, inclusive, and resilient humanitarian responses—both in Somalia and across future global emergencies. 

    To read the evaluation report, click here. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-03-30T13:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/cover-images/who-documents/evaluating-somalia-humanitarian-crisis-image.jpg?sfvrsn=86be63ab_5″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-03-30T13:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2025-evaluating-somalia-s-humanitarian-crisis-(2021-2024)–lessons-for-future-action”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 31 March 2025 Medical product alert WHO information notice for users of malaria IVDs 2025/1

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Product name All malaria rapid diagnostic tests  
    WHO document identifier   2025/01

    Date: 19 March 2025

    Affected countries:  Global

    Type of action: Advice regarding use of the device

    Description of the problem:

    In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed that various malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) showed faint positive test lines for patients with confirmed malaria infection. Incidents were reported in several countries for various products detecting both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, and products detecting Plasmodium falciparum and pan species.

    The faint test lines were predominantly observed for patients with low parasitemia (200 parasites/µl). However, some patients with higher parasitemia also generated faint test lines. More recent reports indicated that faint test lines have led to misdiagnosis and therefore delayed appropriate treatment. The manufacturers’ investigations have followed internationally recognized practices.                                                                                          

    Description of risks:

    Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria can give false negative results, even for products found to have satisfactory performance based on criteria established by WHO. Faint test lines increase the risk of false negative test results being reported, which may lead to misdiagnosis, delay to diagnosis, and delay to treatment. In circumstances where misdiagnosis occurs, the potential for harm, such as death or serious deterioration in health, is increased.

    Actions to be taken by users/healthcare professionals:

    1. Carefully follow the instructions for use of the product, specifically:

    •  Read any test line as positive, no matter how faint the test line.
    •  Fully fill and dispense completely the blood from the specimen transfer device.

    2. Respect storage conditions for the test kit.

    3. If the RDT results are negative and no alternative diagnosis is found, advise patients to return for re-evaluation or re-testing if their symptoms worsen or their condition does not improve.

    4. Report any unusual testing results to the manufacturer, via their local authorized representative.

    Action to be taken by national malaria control programmes:

    1. Ensure conditions for transport and storage of RDTs respect manufacturer’s instructions for use throughout the lifespan of the product.
    2. Ensure up-to-date training and supervision of RDT users, and ensure users are specifically sensitized to the issues outlined in this information notice.
    3. Ensure end-users have normal or corrected visual acuity.
    4. Proactively reach out to testing sites to seek feedback on any unusual trends.
    5. Support manufacturers to conduct investigations of unusual testing results.

    For further information:

    Incidents and Substandard/Falsified Medical Products Team, Regulation and Safety Unit, Regulation and Prequalification Department, World Health Organization, e-mail: rapidalert@who.int

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 30 March 2025 Departmental update Enhancing evaluation in the UN: 2025 UNEG Annual General Meeting

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The 2025 AGM, held on 13–14 February, served as a platform for strategic discussions on advancing evaluation practices, sharing innovations, and strengthening inter-agency coordination. The event aligned with efforts across the UN to promote effective, impactful evaluations and enhance evidence-based decision-making. 

    One session featured a presentation on UN-commissioned evaluations, highlighting how evaluation has evolved into a dynamic tool for supporting decision-making at all levels. Key lessons shared included the importance of high-quality deliverables, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and evaluation teams that reflect diversity in geography and gender. These practices contribute to creating a strong value proposition for evaluation—shifting the perception from a procedural requirement to a meaningful opportunity for learning, accountability, and ownership. 

    These insights support broader organizational goals of improving performance, strengthening impact at the country level, and advancing priorities such as health emergencies, Universal Health Coverage, and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. 

    Participants also discussed the need to streamline evaluation processes to ease operational burdens, particularly at the country level. Practical examples were presented, including strategies used in recent Country Programme Evaluations, to reduce overlap and enhance efficiency in evaluation management. 

    Another focus area was the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming evaluation methodologies. Sessions explored how AI-assisted tools can improve data collection, analysis, and dissemination, ultimately supporting more timely and relevant insights. These innovations are of interest for integrating advanced digital and data solutions into evaluation practices and broader public health work. 

    The evaluation function continues to play a vital role in supporting organizational transformation, enhancing results delivery, and ensuring value for money. Guidance and technical support are available to help strengthen the use of evaluation in advancing public health outcomes and organizational performance. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-03-30T13:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/cover-images/who-documents/20240601_wha77_closing_pal_5083_021.jpg?sfvrsn=424a2c6e_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-03-30T13:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2025-enhancing-evaluation-in-the-un–2025-uneg-annual-general-meeting”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 31 March 2025 Departmental update Membership of the Guideline Development Group for the treatment of maternal peripartum infection

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or the postpartum period. It is the third leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and a significant contributor to overall sepsis-related deaths. In addition to posing severe risks to the mother, maternal infections and sepsis can lead to neonatal infections and other adverse neonatal outcomes.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously published the WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. The primary objective of WHO’s recommendations is to provide a foundation for the strategic policy and programme development needed for sustainable implementation of effective interventions for improving provision and uptake of quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care for all women and newborns.

    Efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal sepsis are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing global health initiatives. With a view towards promoting the best-known clinical practices in labour and childbirth, and improving maternal and newborn outcomes worldwide, including for the prevention of peripartum infections, WHO will review the evidence for a recommendation related to Antibiotic prophylaxis during labour for vaginal birth. The development of this new recommendation has been prioritized.  

    A Guideline Development Group (GDG) meeting will be held on 9–10 April 2025 to review the evidence base on this recommendation. In keeping with the requirements of the WHO Guidelines Review Committee and the WHO Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics Office, we are posting online short biographies of the GDG members. The listed candidates have also submitted a Declaration of Interest form stating any conflict of interests. WHO has applied its internal processes to ensure that the performance of the above tasks by members of this group will be transparent and without any significant conflict of interests (academic, financial, or other) that could affect the credibility of the guideline. 

    Nevertheless, WHO invites the general public to review the experts and stakeholders involved and provide feedback regarding any member deemed to have a significant conflict of interest with respect to the terms of reference for this group. Comments and feedback should be cordial and constructive, and sent to srhmph@who.int.

    This WHO normative meeting is by invitation only.

    NOTE:

    The GDG members are participating in the meeting on their invidual capacity. Affiliations are presented only as a reference. The participation of experts in a WHO meeting does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO nor does it create a binding relationship between the experts and WHO. The biographies have been provided by the experts themselves and are the sole responsibility of the inpiduals concerned. WHO is not responsible for the accuracy, veracity and completeness of the information provided. In accordance with WHO conflict of interest assessment policy, expert’s biographies are published for transparency purposes. Comments and perceptions are brought to the knowledge of WHO through the public notice and comment process. 

    Comments sent to WHO are treated confidentially and their receipt will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender. Please send any comments to the following email: srhmph@who.int. WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management of conflicts of interests in accordance with its policies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 30 March 2025 Departmental update Membership of the Guideline Development Group for the treatment of maternal peripartum infection

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or the postpartum period. It is the third leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and a significant contributor to overall sepsis-related deaths. In addition to posing severe risks to the mother, maternal infections and sepsis can lead to neonatal infections and other adverse neonatal outcomes.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously published the WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. The primary objective of WHO’s recommendations is to provide a foundation for the strategic policy and programme development needed for sustainable implementation of effective interventions for improving provision and uptake of quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care for all women and newborns.

    Efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal sepsis are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing global health initiatives. With a view towards promoting the best-known clinical practices in labour and childbirth, and improving maternal and newborn outcomes worldwide, including for the prevention of peripartum infections, WHO will review the evidence for a recommendation related to Antibiotic prophylaxis during labour for vaginal birth. The development of this new recommendation has been prioritized.  

    A Guideline Development Group (GDG) meeting will be held on 9–10 April 2025 to review the evidence base on this recommendation. In keeping with the requirements of the WHO Guidelines Review Committee and the WHO Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics Office, we are posting online short biographies of the GDG members. The listed candidates have also submitted a Declaration of Interest form stating any conflict of interests. WHO has applied its internal processes to ensure that the performance of the above tasks by members of this group will be transparent and without any significant conflict of interests (academic, financial, or other) that could affect the credibility of the guideline. 

    Nevertheless, WHO invites the general public to review the experts and stakeholders involved and provide feedback regarding any member deemed to have a significant conflict of interest with respect to the terms of reference for this group. Comments and feedback should be cordial and constructive, and sent to srhmph@who.int.

    This WHO normative meeting is by invitation only.

    NOTE:

    The GDG members are participating in the meeting on their invidual capacity. Affiliations are presented only as a reference. The participation of experts in a WHO meeting does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by WHO nor does it create a binding relationship between the experts and WHO. The biographies have been provided by the experts themselves and are the sole responsibility of the inpiduals concerned. WHO is not responsible for the accuracy, veracity and completeness of the information provided. In accordance with WHO conflict of interest assessment policy, expert’s biographies are published for transparency purposes. Comments and perceptions are brought to the knowledge of WHO through the public notice and comment process. 

    Comments sent to WHO are treated confidentially and their receipt will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender. Please send any comments to the following email: srhmph@who.int. WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management of conflicts of interests in accordance with its policies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Furious kickback against equality’ must end, UN chief tells women activists as conference adopts landmark declaration

    Source: United Nations 4

    “A surge in misogyny, and a furious kickback against equality threaten to slam on the brakes, and push progress into reverse,” he said.

    “Let me be clear: This is unacceptable, immoral, and self-defeating. We must stop it – and we must stop it together.”

    The event, marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and 25 years since the landmark Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, saw civil society leaders raise concerns about shrinking civic space, underfunding of feminist movements and rising gender-based violence.

    Backsliding on rights

    While acknowledging progress in maternal health and education, the Secretary-General warned that hard-won gains are at risk.

    “Women’s organizations and civil society played a major role in securing those gains. I applaud your efforts. Yet, women and girls still face an appalling array of wrongs,” he said.

    The threats facing women’s rights defenders were a major concern. “Around the world, women’s rights defenders face harassment, threats and violence – even murder.”

    “They face shrinking civil space and shrinking funds. The result: the erosion of rights and a deficit of accountability,” he warned.

    Linda Sestock of the Canadian Federation of University Women asked the UN chief how civil society could be better integrated into CSW negotiations.

    Mr. Guterres acknowledged the challenge, noting that “power is never given, it must be taken” and urged feminist movements to mobilise.

    Power and parity

    The Secretary-General emphasised the structural inequalities that persist. “We still live in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture,” he said.

    Highlighting progress within the UN system, he stated that “the UN system has reached, and sustained, gender parity at leadership level.”

    Women now hold 53 per cent of senior management positions, though he admitted challenges remain in field offices in conflict zones, where representation is lower.

    Speakers also highlighted male dominance in technology and engineering.

    “Clear male predominance in areas like technologies, engineering and mathematics (…) can be seen in many of the algorithms produced by the tech industry being biased against women,” he noted.

    Funding gaps

    A representative from the youth movement Restless Development called for dedicated funding for young feminists, particularly those living in conflict zones.

    “True inclusion requires co-creation, dedicated funding and decision-making power for young people at every level,” she said.

    The Secretary-General agreed, pointing to the limited resources available. “Let’s be clear, the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund has raised $100 million since 2023 for this purpose, which is completely insufficient to support adequately the civil society.”

    Civil society leaders pressed for concrete commitments, urging the UN and Member States to revitalise CSW by decentralising consultations and improving accessibility, and guarantee sustainable funding for feminist organizations.

    A woman Secretary-General?

    As the event concluded, a representative from the Sociologists for Women in Society asked the question many have long posed:

    “When are we finally going to have the first woman, female UN Secretary-General?”

    Mr. Guterres responded candidly. “Now, I’m not going to apologise for the fact that I’m not a woman,” he said as the Assembly responded with laughter, but he suggested he had been determined to “act decisively against the routine and to promote an effective mechanism of gender parity for the UN.”

    He reaffirmed the UN’s goal of full gender parity by 2028, with steady progress already made, and expressed “hope” that those who will choose the next Secretary General “will be wise.”

    “We share a common vision: a world of equality, where the human rights of women and girls are realised in full. Let’s keep working together to make that vision a reality,” he concluded.  

    Political Declaration adopted

    Later in the day, Member States adopted by consensus a powerful Political Declaration reaffirming their commitment to advancing the rights, equality and empowerment for all women and girls.

    Recognizing that 2025 presents a significant opportunity to intensify efforts toward the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, originally adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women, Member States reaffirmed that gender equality is essential for sustainable development and for fulfilling the pledge to leave no one behind.

    Welcoming its adoption, Sima Bahous, Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women said that “at a time when hard-fought gains for gender equality are under attack the global community has come together in a show of unity for all women and girls, everywhere”.

    2025, ‘a pivotal moment’

    The Declaration reinforces commitments to women, peace, and security, emphasising the need to integrate women’s voices and leadership into all stages of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.

    It recommits Member States to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, including emerging forms such as digital violence, online harassment, and cyberbullying.

    “No nation has yet fully achieved gender equality”, Ms. Bahous added, stating that the Declaration “makes clear that the world’s governments recognize 2025 as a pivotal moment, where promises made 30 years ago can no longer be deferred”. 

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar quake: Search and rescue efforts continue in race against time

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Humanitarian Aid

    The human toll of the earthquake which devastated central Myanmar continues to rise, UN humanitarians warned on Sunday, putting more pressure on nearly 20 million people who were already in need of aid.

    According to news reports citing Myanmar’s military leader, around 1,700 are confirmed dead from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake, with some 3,400 injured and hundreds still missing.

    In the Thai capital Bangkok which was also rocked by the seismic event, 76 construction workers are reportedly still missing following the collapse of an unfinished skyscraper. The death toll there now stands at 17.

    The search and rescue effort in Myanmar is focused on the major cities of Mandalay and the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. 

    Some survivors continue to be pulled from the rubble and multiple international aid teams have reached the stricken areas – although the aid effort is being hindered due to damage to airports.

    Shelter, medicine, water

    “People urgently need shelter, medical care, water and sanitation support. This disaster puts more pressure on already vulnerable people facing an alarming crisis,” the UN aid coordination office in the region, OCHA, said on X.

    Burmese civilians are also stuck between forces of the military junta and numerous armed militia battling for control of the country since the February 2021 coup. More than three million have been displaced by the fighting.

    The National Unity Government which represents the democratically-elected civilian administration overthrown by the coup, called on rebel fighters to observe a two week ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

    But the military regime is reportedly continuing to carry out airstrikes, including in areas close to the epicentre of the earthquake.

    Call for ‘immediate ceasefire’

    The Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert who monitors the situation in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said in a social media post on Sunday that the junta should follow opposition forces and declare an immediate ceasefire.

    “Military conscription should be suspended; aid workers should not have to fear arrest and there should be no obstructions to aid getting to where it is most needed. Every minute counts,” he added.

    The UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is one of the agencies on the ground urgently working with partners and local communities to assess critical needs and deliver life-saving aid – particularly for women and girls.

    Women and girls face ‘increased risks’

    In an update, UNFPA said early assessments highlight significant damage to health facilities, population displacement and the disruption of essential services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare.

    “In emergencies like this, women and girls face increased risks, from compromised access to life-saving maternal healthcare to heightened risk of gender-based violence, ” said Jaime Nadal Roig, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar.

    “UNFPA is committed to supporting relief efforts, placing the well-being of women and girls – including pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents – at the heart of our humanitarian response efforts.”

    UNICEF Myanmar’s Ko Sai, said in a post on X from Mandalay, that the quake was “an absolute catastrophe” for children in the region, with many youngsters and families in Mandalay still missing.

    “We need urgent assistance, especially for the children, who often suffer the most in this kind of situation,” he added.

    Lifesaving medical supplies

    The UN World Health Organization, WHO, has rushed nearly three tonnes of medical supplies from its emergency stockpile in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, to hospitals in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Daw.

    The UN World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Myanmar, Michael Dunford said in a tweet that the agency carried out its first emergency food distribution in Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday which included high energy biscuits “and we’re about to scale up our assistance.”

    WHO on Sunday issued a 30-day flash appeal for $8 million to deliver trauma care, prevent disease outbreaks and restore essential services that have been decimated by the quake. 

    Click here to donate to the UN emergency appeal for Myanmar 

    © UNICEF

    A major road in Nay Pyi Taw shows severe structural damage following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to the sixth and final meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World Without Nuclear Weapons

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+26+Mar+25/3355310_MSG+SG+INT+GROUP+OF+EMINENT+PERSONS+26+MAR+25.mp4

    Distinguished members of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons,

    I am pleased to address you on your sixth, and final, meeting.

    You have carried out your work during a period of deepening geopolitical divisions.

    The nuclear threat is at heights not seen since the Cold War – with escalating rhetoric and another nuclear arms race taking shape.

    Meanwhile, the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture – so carefully constructed over decades – is at risk of collapse.

    Dialogue is sorely needed.

    But talk is not enough. We need solutions and action.

    This is why your work over the past two years has been so important.

    You come from all parts of the world – including nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

    And you are united in your commitment to ensure that humanity walks a path toward a world without nuclear weapons.

    We are running out of time to make progress.

    I look forward to your recommendations – and wish you every success in your final meeting.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

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

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: 
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Zero+Waste+7+Feb+25/3336952_MSG+SG+INTL+DAY+OF+ZERO+WASTE+07+FEB+25.mp4

    This year’s International Day of Zero Waste puts the focus on fashion and textiles.

    And rightly so.

    Earth is a fashion victim.

    Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment. 

    It devours resources, like land and water.

    And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.

    Yet clothes are being produced at a staggering rate.

    And textile wastage is huge: every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill. 

    We need a different approach:

    One that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

    There are signs of hope.

    Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

    Important initiatives are bringing together business, industry associations, civil society, and more to drive sustainability across the sector.

    They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action – convened by the United Nations – and the Fashion Pact, launched by the Government of France.

    And the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste is uniting partners to end waste – including from textiles – and to help meet the SDGs.

    But we must do more to secure change:

    Consumers through their choices;

    Young people and civil society through advocacy;

    Governments through regulations promoting sustainability and decent jobs;

    And businesses through embracing circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

    On this International Day for Zero Waste, let’s all commit to ensure fashion sense makes good sense for people and planet.

    ***

    Cette année, la Journée internationale du zéro déchet est consacrée à la mode et aux textiles.

    Et pour cause !

    La Terre est victime de la mode.

    La fabrication des textiles fait souvent appel à des milliers de substances chimiques, dont beaucoup sont nocives pour les êtres humains et l’environnement.

    Elle dévore les ressources telles que la terre et l’eau.

    Et émet des gaz à effet de serre, aggravant la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, on produit des vêtements à un rythme effréné.

    Le gaspillage textile est énorme : chaque seconde, l’équivalent d’un camion à ordures rempli de vêtements est incinéré ou mis en décharge.

    Nous devons adopter une approche différente,

    qui permette de tenir les promesses des objectifs de développement durable en matière de production et de consommation.

    Il y a des lueurs d’espoir.

    Les consommateurs exigent de plus en plus des pratiques durables.

    D’importantes initiatives rassemblent les entreprises, les associations industrielles, les acteurs de la société civile et d’autres acteurs afin de promouvoir la durabilité dans l’ensemble du secteur.

    Il s’agit notamment de la Charte de l’industrie de la mode pour l’action climatique, établie par l’ONU, et du Fashion Pact, lancé par le Gouvernement français.

    À l’ONU, le Conseil consultatif pour le zéro déchet réunit actuellement des partenaires pour mettre fin à la production de déchets, notamment textiles, et contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

    Mais nous devons faire plus pour ancrer le changement :

    les consommateurs, par leurs choix ;

    les jeunes et la société civile, grâce à des activités de sensibilisation ;

    les gouvernements, au moyen de réglementations favorisant la durabilité et les emplois décents ;

    les entreprises, en embrassant l’économie circulaire, la réduction des déchets et l’emploi efficace des ressources dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement.

    En cette Journée internationale du zéro déchet, engageons-nous à faire en sorte que la mode ait du sens pour les populations et pour la planète.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Looking beyond GDP to reach the Sustainable Development Goals

    Source: United Nations 2

    Economic Development

    Countries should consider looking beyond Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, as the key measure of economic growth to achieve the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN policymakers have suggested.   

    The initiative is in line with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s longstanding assertion that “moving beyond GDP is fundamental to building an economic system that gives value to what counts – human well-being – now and in the future, and for everyone”.

    While GDP has become the gold standard by which economic development is judged, it was never intended to encompass the overall wellbeing and progress of any single nation.  

    Neither does it capture the value of human, social or nature capital, explained Özge Aydogan, Director of UN Geneva’s Beyond Lab, which takes a lead thinking about social innovation and sustainability. 

    UN Geneva/Emma Schneider

    Özge Aydogan, Director of UN Geneva’s Beyond Lab.

    “That’s something that GDP measures very poorly – or not at all, in fact,” Ms. Aydogan said, “so, the whole movement around ‘Beyond GDP’ is to look into ways of moving from an extractive economy – which we are on right now – into an economy where capital…is not only created for economic purposes that only benefit a few, but actually for people and planet.” 

    In a bid to integrate untapped human capital, natural resources and wellbeing into how a country’s wealth might be calculated in future, the Beyond Lab has been brainstorming with government officials, researchers and thought leaders in sustainability.

    Regenerative economies 

    But what policymakers still haven’t worked out is what a post-GDP economy would look like – neither have they agreed on the best path to get there. 

    For Ms. Aydogan, an ideal scenario for 2050 would be a regenerative economy – one that isn’t only extracting resources to derive revenue, but rather, creating wealth through untapped virtual assets.

    In practical terms, countries would factor in other wealth-creating assets, such as a country’s natural resources. 

    “You replenish nature, for instance,” she explained, adding that more holistic metrics would not necessarily replace GDP. “What we’re really actually looking into is to complement GDP.”

    © UNICEF/Karin Schermbrucker

    An mother and her baby are among those benefiting from services offered at a UNICEF-supported health centre in Malawi.

    Measuring happiness

    Alternative economic metrics have been around for some time. In 1972, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of the small, landlocked Asian state of Bhutan coined the Gross National Happiness index.  

    It captures four areas: sustainable development, conservation of the environment, preservation and promotion of culture – and good governance.

    Likewise, the Human Development Index is often cited as another alternative to evaluate the overall development and well-being of a nation, taking into account life expectancy, standards of living, and education. 

    An increasing amount of research reveals that the GDP model is insufficient, says Nathalie Bernasconi of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) – and change-makers must find ways to translate the scientific evidence into national policies. 

    They should also create incentives for governments to move away from an outdated, GDP-heavy paradigm that was created in the 1930s, in the aftermath of the Great Depression, by the economist Simon Kuznets to measure economic output and help policymakers respond to the crisis.

    “GDP alone cannot guide us towards this future,” said Ms. Bernasconi, who is Vice-President of Global Strategies and Managing Director for Europe at IISD.

    Not sustainable

    GDP is not necessarily a reliable indicator of sustainability and can even increase after costly accidents such as oil spills, owing to intensive clean-up operations, as was the case with the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in 2010.

    Another environmental disaster in Alaska in 1989 – the Exxon Valdez spill – temporarily  boosted GDP in the United States, thanks to job creation and a rise in demand for services.

    But while the tragedy initially inflated GDP, it also caused pervasive harm to the ecosystem and local communities – long-term losses not captured by the indicator.

    “Why do we value dead things? Why value a dead tree, rather than the living tree providing oxygen?” said Bingying Lou of the Beyond Lab, citing an indigenous environmental activist.

    © WHO/Anna Kari

    The SDGs focus on eliminating poverty and providing people with opportunities to prosper.

    Multilateralism can fix debt crisis

    Among those supporting calls to think creatively about reforming GDP and to “recommit to multilateralism” to find solutions for heavily indebted countries held back by classic financial models created after the Second World War, is Ambassador Matthew Wilson of the Permanent Mission of Barbados to the UN in Geneva.

    “Recent months have shown that when you think you’re beyond – something, or someone, pulls you right back in,” he said.

    Mr. Wilson added that while multilateralism has not worked perfectly, the world would be in a worse position without it.  

    We need to be forward-thinking but also active in solving issues like debt and development assistance, the ambassador stressed.

    ‘Status quo not viable anymore’

    Whether politicians will venture away from campaigns focused on how much they have grown GDP and adopt other measurements, remains to be seen, said Ms. Aydogan.

    “We have been taught a certain way to look at the economy,” she said. “But at the same time, the fact that we’re hitting all these planetary boundaries…shows us that the status quo is just simply not viable anymore.”

    To take the discussion one step further, policymakers will convene at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain from June 30 to July 3, 2025, and at the World Social Summit in Doha, Qatar in November 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Drug traffickers running routes through war zones, top UN official warns

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Law and Crime Prevention

    A “new black market” for synthetics and drug trafficking through war zones are fuelling instability around the world, the chief of the UN drugs and crime office said on Monday.

    “Today, the illicit drug market is becoming more unpredictable, driven by the impact of synthetic drugs,” Ghada Waly, Director-General of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said, addressing the opening of the latest session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna.

    “Trafficking routes run through war zones and rule of law vacuums, from Haiti to the Levant to the Golden Triangle, fuelling instability.”

    Tracking the global illicit drug trade

    With over 2,000 participants and 179 side events, the commission’s session takes place from 10 to 14 March, with experts from around the world taking stock of the narcotic drugs trade as countries grapple with deadly tides of opioids like fentanyl while also highlighting gains made through joint operations.

    For its part, UNODC supports more than 180 border control units in 87 countries to intercept drug flows. In 2024, UN-facilitated seizures included 300 tonnes of cocaine, 240 tonnes of synthetic drugs and 100 tonnes of precursors.

    “We are facilitating backtracking investigations, bringing together law enforcement agencies and prosecutors from source, transit and destination countries,” Ms. Whaly explained.

    Watch the opening session here:

    A new black market

    She also warned of emerging threats. Technology is radically transforming and accelerating how drugs are sold and distributed, with the dark web having created a “new black market” for synthetic drugs and precursors, Ms. Whaly said.

    “Cryptocurrencies allow traffickers to move illicit profits undetected, and social media platforms have become major channels for promoting and advertising drugs online, particularly targeting young people and vulnerable users,” she said.

    She also cautioned that drug trafficking networks are capitalising on these changes to expand their reach.

    Chasing the most urgent threat

    One of the biggest threats is synthetic drugs, she said. Synthetic manufacturing labs are being uncovered in new countries and regions. Indeed, more than 1,300 distinct psychoactive substances have been reported to UNODC to date.

    At the same time, amphetamine-type stimulants and pharmaceutical opioids are registering record seizures. Synthetic opioids of the nitazine class are on the rise, with 26 different substances reported to UNODC so far, she added.

    “Synthetic drugs have become one of the most urgent and elusive drug challenges that we face,” Ms. Whaly said. “They are evolving every day, expanding in reach and growing in potency.”

    Clandestine labs

    Clandestine production laboratories are emerging in parts of the world typically not known to produce synthetic drugs, Ms. Whaly said.

    The methods to manufacture drugs and the means to traffic them are constantly evolving. Now, the internet is growing as a marketplace for drugs as well as a platform to exchange knowledge on how to make them.

    Unlike plant-based substances, synthetic drugs can be manufactured quickly, at a low cost, almost anywhere in the world. They can also be moved across borders in bulk, often concealed in legitimate exports or in such large quantities that individual seizures “barely make a dent”, Ms. Whaly said.

    “Simply put, they are harder to identify, intercept and interrupt,” she added.

    UNODC

    A drug seizure operation in South Africa.

    Fuelling instability

    Every region has suffered from the spread of synthetic drugs, she said, citing several examples:

    In the Middle East and Africa, the captagon trade – a highly addictive stimulant popular on the battlefield – has been fuelling instability, with production and smuggling now deeply intertwined with conflict, Ms. Whaly said.

    In Iraq, seizures of the drug surged by more than 3,300 per cent between 2019 and 2023, with authorities seizing 4.1 tonnes in a single year.

    Large stockpiles were discovered in Syria, she said, adding that the situation following the fall of Assad requires close monitoring and attention.

    In Southeast Asia, authorities seized a record 190 tons of methamphetamine in 2023, with criminal networks exploiting the region’s porous borders to move their product. Meth products are often found in heroin, vapes and counterfeit tablets and can be even more potent than fentanyl.

    The Commission on Narcotic Drugs was established by Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 to assist in supervising the application of the international drug control treaties.  Learn more about the commission here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Afghanistan: Opium prices approach historic peaks, crime syndicates benefit

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Law and Crime Prevention

    Prices for opium in Afghanistan have increased tenfold since the de facto authorities imposed a drug ban in 2022 following their takeover in Kabul, latest UN data shows.

    One kilogramme of opium cost $750 last year, up from $75 just three years ago, compensating sellers for the loss in overall production and poppy fields, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

    “Heroin and opium seizures are down about 50 per cent in weight since 2021,” the UN agency reported, highlighting that the post-ban decrease in production in Afghanistan has led to a decline in opiate trafficking.

    Opium is the naturally occurring primary active ingredient used in the production of heroin, a more potent, synthetic drug. The three main global sources of illegal opium are Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar.

    Because of the higher prices, “massive profits are still being made, primarily benefiting high-level traders and exporters in organised crime groups,” UNODC noted.

    Dwindling stockpiles

    The UN agency estimates that opiate stocks at the end of 2022 totalled 13,200 tonnes, enough to potentially meet demand for Afghan opiates until 2027.

    “The surge in opium prices and the substantial stockpiles mean that drug trafficking in Afghanistan remains a highly profitable illicit trade,” said UNODC executive director Ghada Waly.

    “The profits are being channeled to transnational organised crime groups, destabilising Afghanistan, the region and beyond. We need a coordinated counter-narcotics strategy that targets trafficking networks while at the same time investing in viable economic livelihoods for farmers to provide long-term stability for Afghanistan and its people.”

    Afghanistan’s stockpiles before the drop in opium cultivation are believed to have been worth between $4.6 billion and $5.9 billion, or roughly 23 to 29 per cent of the country’s economy in 2023. This may have helped some ordinary Afghans to withstand the crippling economic problems the country has faced since the return of the de facto authorities, UNODC said.

    Farmers’ struggle

    Nevertheless, with 60 per cent of stockpiles likely in the hands of large traders and exporters and only 30 per cent of farmers holding “small to modest” reserves in 2022, “most farmers who previously cultivated opium are likely experiencing severe financial hardship,” the UN agency warned.

    Sustainable economic alternatives are urgently needed to discourage them from returning to poppy cultivation, particularly given today’s high opium prices.

    The UN agency also warned that the continued shortage of opium may motivate buyers and sellers to look to alternative drugs that are potentially even more harmful than heroin, such as fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN chief strongly condemns killing of Kenyan peacekeeper in Central African Republic

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN Secretary-General on Saturday strongly condemned an attack on peacekeepers serving with UN mission MINUSCA in the Central African Republic which left one Kenyan ‘blue helmet’ dead.

    A statement from the UN Spokesperson’s Office on behalf of António Guterres said the peacekeeper had been killed on Friday by so-far unknown assailants when his unit was on a long-range patrol near the village of Tabane in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, in the southeast of the country.

    “The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government and the people of Kenya,” the statement continued.

    Possible war crime

    “The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”

    The Central African Republic, or CAR, has been in a state of internal conflict along sectarian lines since 2012 when predominantly Muslim militia began battling mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia, resulting in thousands of deaths and leaving many more dependent on aid.

    In 2013, armed groups seized the capital forcing President François Bozizé to flee. After a brief period of reduced violence in 2015, and elections held in 2016, fighting intensified.

    Peace talks got underway in early 2019 under the auspices of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR, led by the African Union (AU) with UN support. A deal was agreed in Khartoum and formally signed in CAR’s capital, Bangui.

    ‘Heinous attack’

    The head of the MINUSCA, Valentine Rubwabiza,  said in a statement she was “extremely shocked by this heinous attack on peacekeepers whose mission is to protect civilians.”

    A rapid intervention team has been deployed to the site of the incident to secure the area, she added.

    The MINUSCA chief – who also serves as UN Special Representative in the country – called on authorities in CAR “to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”

    She said cowardly attacks would not diminish peacekeepers’ determination to carry out their mandate “in service of peace and stability”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar quake: More than 1,600 reported killed, as UN aid operation supports rescue efforts

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    Humanitarian Aid

    Latest news reports indicate that over 1,600 have been killed in Myanmar with thousands injured following two powerful earthquakes on Friday which have left hundreds trapped under rubble.

    The earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude struck Myanmar in central Myanmar northwest of Sagaing. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported on Saturday that hospitals in the area are overwhelmed with extensive damage to health infrastructure.

    The areas affected are Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Northeastern Shan and Sagaing.

    Internet communications are down in the main city of Mandalay, with land and air routes heavily disrupted.

    Health partners are preparing to deploy mobile surgical and medical teams, as well as field hospitals to the affected areas, to deliver life and limb-saving medical interventions to earthquake victims.

    News reports indicate that hundreds of people are trapped under rubble in multiple collapsed buildings, including at least 50 construction workers in the Thai capital Bangkok who are so far unaccounted for.

    More than 90 people are reportedly trapped in the rubble of one apartment block in Mandalay.

    Myanmar has been mired in a brutal civil war since a severe military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators by military authorities, who overthrew the government in a military coup in February 2021.

    The military has called on the international community to provide emergency assistance amid the widespread destruction and loss of life. Meanwhile, opposition forces are reporting that some airstrikes have continued following the quake, including one in the Sagaing region.

    UN aid response ramps up

    The World Health Organization (WHO is looking to move Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) into Myanmar amid reports of insufficient medical supplies, including trauma kits to treat injured people, blood bags for transfusion, anaesthetics, assisted devices, other essential medicines, and tents for health workers.

    Marcoluigui Corsi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, issued a statement on Saturday expressing his unwavering solidarity with the Burmese people “during this tragic time.”

    “The UN and its partners are urgently mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and stand ready to assist all affected communities wherever they are,” he said.

    Myanmar had already been “reeling from an alarming humanitarian crisis, largely driven by persistent conflict and recurrent disasters. At this critical time, the people of Myanmar urgently need the steadfast support of the international community,” he added.

    Pre-positioned aid

    In an interview with UN News from Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, Mr. Corsi said that around 20 million people have been impacted by the quake.

    He stressed that the UN and partner agencies have a “significant presence” in the disaster-affected areas around Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw, and crucially, the immediate aid effort can draw stockpiles already in place.

    “I would say that although the logistical challenges for the first few days continue, at least we will be able to deliver and assist.”

    The country is grappling with multiple crises, he stressed, with 19.9 million people in need of assistance even before the earthquake. Only five per cent of the 2025 humanitarian response plan has been funded.

    He reminded that the Burmese had endured major flooding around seven months ago, and a devastating cyclone in 2023, so “we see that the resilience of the people and the resilience of the communities, continue to be eroded.”

    He said that “at this critical time you know the people of Myanmar needs the support of the entire international community – now more than ever.”

    Children face ‘even greater hardship’

    Trevor Clark, the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF’s regional chief of emergency operations, warned that the devastating quake “has left children facing even greater hardship in an already dire crisis.

    “Homes and critical infrastructure are damaged, and urgent aid is needed. UNICEF is delivering lifesaving supplies but requires immediate support to scale up its response.

    He said UNICEF was sending lifesaving supplies including tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, recreational kits and health supplies: “We are ready to bring in even more, but we need the support of our partners.”

    Some $5 million has already been released by the head of OCHA from the Central Emergency Relief Fund and on Saturday UN procurement agency, UNOPS, announced that thanks to donors it was releasing $10 million to aid partners in the emergency response.

    More to come on this developing story…

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Fifth Committee Concludes Resumed Session amidst Concerns Over Working Methods, Meagre Results

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Note: Full coverage of today’s meeting of the Fifth Committee will be available Tuesday, 1 April.

    While the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) concluded the first part of its resumed seventy-ninth session today with the consensual approval of five texts, several delegates expressed concern that the results were disappointing and minimal.

    At the outset of the meeting, the Committee approved — without a vote — draft resolutions titled “Special subjects relating to the programme budget for 2025” (document A/C.5/79/L.31); “Human resources management” (document A/C.5/79/L.33); “Joint Inspection Unit” (document A/C.5/79/L.32); and “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218 B, 54/244, 59/272, 64/263, 69/253 and 74/257” (document A/C.5/79/L.30).  It also approved, without a vote, the draft decision titled “Questions deferred for future consideration” (document A/C.5/79/L.34).

    Speaking afterwards, the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, pointed to the Committee’s role in addressing budgetary matters and providing a platform for Member States’ to discuss substantive administrative issues that keep the Organization operating smoothly.  “However”, she emphasized, “we must acknowledge that we have not been successful in providing the needed guidance, which should make us think about how we — as a Committee — can become more efficient and effective.”  

    While recognizing delegates’ efforts to reach consensus, she said that it was disappointing that no resolutions pertaining to the Organization’s efficiency were approved, particularly in the areas of accountability and supply-chain management.  This stark outcome raises serious questions about the Committee’s organization of work.  “Clearly, extending this session from four to five weeks — at considerable cost for the Organization and for ourselves — was wasteful”, she said, stating that the Committee does not need more time, but earlier, more active and constructive engagement.

    The representative of the United States echoed this disappointment, noting that delegates had invested five weeks of time with minimal results.  He expressed particular concern over the lack of action on supply-chain management, organizational resilience and the annual review of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).  Stressing that the Committee must exercise proper oversight to ensure the Organization keeps pace with changes, he added:  “The UN80 Initiative is a clear message that the UN must do better to streamline processes and ensure our time together turns into action.”

    The representative of the United Kingdom, too, expressed regret over the lack of action, deferrals and “retractable attitudes”, noting that a single delegation blocked agreement on some issues.  While the Committee did agree on revised estimates to finance a General Assembly resolution to combat Islamophobia, it did not identify sustainable solutions to deal with the liquidity crisis.  Stating that the Committee has strayed from its technical responsibilities, she said:  “It can do better — and must do better — to deliver technically informed outcomes.” 

    Also dissatisfied with the Committee’s meagre results, Japan’s delegate said that the body missed the opportunity to present its collective views to the Secretariat.  “We tell the UN to be more efficient, and yet our working methods are probably the least efficient,” he observed, emphasizing:  “We tell the UN to cut costs and, yet, we fail to provide the guidance to do so.”  While recognizing efforts made to reach compromises and avoid votes in this resumed session, he underscored:  “We all have to do better.”

    The representative of Israel also noted delegates’ constructive engagement despite the difficulty of the issues under consideration.  On that, she pointed to consensus on the resolution to provide additional funding to support a General Assembly resolution that aims to combat Islamophobia.  “Intolerance has no place in the Organization,” she stressed, adding that concrete measures should be taken to combat all forms of religious discrimination — including a dangerous increase in anti-Semitism.

    Pakistan’s delegate also welcomed the consensual outcome on that resolution, spotlighting the “pleasant coincidence” that it was negotiated during the month of Ramadan. “The adoption of this resolution carries spiritual meaning for our delegation,” he noted.  “We look forward to working with all delegation members in the upcoming sessions in the same spirit,” he added.

    While pleased that consensus was reached on many issues, Iraq’s representative, speaking for the Group of 77 and China, expressed concern that a substantive resolution was not reached on comprehensive agreements for human-resources management and accountability.  On that, he expressed support for more opportunities for interns from developing countries.  Concluding, he pointed out that the Organization’s liquidity crisis can only be resolved if Member States pay their assessments in full and on time.

    Closing the meeting, Egriselda Aracely González López (El Salvador), Chair of the Fifth Committee at its seventy-ninth session, said: “I know it wasn’t easy — I know that many of you would have wanted more — but we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that results are the result of collective effort.”  Thanking those present — and acknowledging that “some hours of sleep were lost”, but that it is important to “see the glass half-full, rather than half-empty” — she said:  “We have agreements that are relevant for the Organization to continue implementation of its mandates.”

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Appoints James Swan of United States Special Representative, Head of United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of James Swan of the United States as his Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).  The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to Mr. Swan for acting as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)/UNTMIS since May 2024, and is pleased that Mr. Swan accepted to continue to lead the United Nations in Somalia during this critical period.

    Mr. Swan is an experienced diplomat with a long career in African countries facing complex political transitions.  Prior to serving as acting Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM/UNTMIS as well as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM (2019-2022), he worked in the United States Government as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-2016), Special Representative for Somalia (2011-2013) and Ambassador to Djibouti (2008-2011).

    In his earlier career, Mr. Swan was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2006-2008) and Director of African Analysis in the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (2005-2006).  Before assuming these positions, Mr. Swan held various assignments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Cameroon, Nicaragua and Haiti.

    Mr. Swan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, a Master of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and a master’s degree in security studies from the National War College, all in the United States. He is fluent in English and French.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –