GalleryNew global survey shows E-government emerging as a powerful tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
The United Kingdom, followed by Australia and the Republic of Korea, lead the world in providing government services and information through the Internet, according to a new survey released today by the United Nations showing […]
First report card maps scope of SDGs progress
Report reveals that benefits of development are not equally shared by all
New York, 19 July 2016 – As the world begins the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development […]
GalleryPress briefing: Business engagement on SDGs
The briefing will address the reasons why the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action are important to business, and how the private sector is engaging in the 2030 Agenda.
GalleryPress Release: UN Secretary-General invites all Member States to event on 21 September aimed at accelerating Paris Agreement entry into force
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited leaders from all countries to attend a special event on 21 September to deposit their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Paris Agreement on climate change. The event will also provide an opportunity to other countries to publicly commit to joining or ratifying the agreement before the end of 2016.
Press release: UN to shine spotlight on SDGs efforts
For the first time since last year’s historic adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals, countries will meet in New York at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development from 11-20 July.
GalleryGlobal conference sets health action agenda for the implementation of the Paris Agreement
Participants attending the Second Global Conference on Health and Climate proposed key actions for the implementation of the Paris Agreement to reduce health risks linked to climate change.
Press briefing: Forum to examine early SDG implementation efforts
The 2016 High-level Political Forum will see 22 countries — developed and developing— presenting an overview of their plans to achieve the Goals during the ministerial segment on 18-20 July.
GalleryBan Ki-moon announces Common Ground initiative with advertising’s ‘Big Six’ to support SDGs
“Today, the communications industry is taking a historic, first-of-its-kind step to beat poverty, injustice and inequality,” said the Secretary-General, speaking at the Lions Festival of Creativity, Cannes.
GalleryUN highlights role of public service in achieving SDGs
Emphasizing the critical role that public institutions must play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN marked 2016 Public Service Day today by focusing on how to mobilize public institutions for the implementation of the SDGs.
Gallery
GalleryUN Women announces Anne Hathaway as Goodwill Ambassador
The United Nations entity tasked with promoting gender equality today announced the appointment of Academy Award-winning American actor Anne Hathaway as global Goodwill Ambassador.
GallerySustainable Energy for All shifts gear to speed delivery of affordable, clean energy
Sustainable Energy for All – the global, multi-stakeholder platform that played a core role in putting universal access to modern energy services at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris climate agreement – is shifting gear with a new five-year strategy that will drive action and deliver on those promises.
GalleryEqual Rights for Persons with Disabilities Key to Achieve New Development Agenda
Implementing the new Sustainable Development Agenda for all persons with disabilities will be the main focus of the Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as they meet in New York from 14-16 June.
UN Secretary-General to Visit Solar Impulse at JFK Airport
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will meet with the pilots and founders of the Solar Impulse, the first solar plane capable of flying day and night without using a drop of fuel that is attempting to circumnavigate the globe, on Monday, 13 June, during the expedition’s stopover in New York City.
‘Science of Cities’ Tool Measures Impact of Cities on People
UN-Habitat will release details of a new scientific tool that measures the rate of global urbanization, its characteristics, and the potential effect of urban sprawl on the quality of life for city dwellers.
GalleryMonitoring World Urbanization Trends and Conditions with a Global Sample of Cities
UN Habitat’s Global Urban Observatory has created a new UN Global Sample of Cities to monitor, report, and advise on world urbanization trends, conditions and developments.
GalleryBold new Political Declaration on Ending AIDS adopted in New York
A progressive, new and actionable Political Declaration on Ending AIDS has today been adopted by Member States at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, taking place in New York, United States of America. The Political Declaration includes a set of specific, time-bound targets that must be reached by 2020 to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.
High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS
More than 30 cities playing a leading role in the AIDS response meet to discuss ongoing strategies and innovations in their cities that are improving health and development
GalleryConcern about marine ecosystems at center of World Oceans Day observances
Growing concern over the health of marine ecosystems is at the center of United Nations observances to mark World Oceans Day 2016 on 8 June.
GalleryRate of Environmental Damage Increasing Across Planet but Still Time to Reverse Worst Impacts
The environmental change sweeping the world is occurring at a faster pace than previously thought, making it imperative that governments act now to reverse the damage being done to the planet, says the most authoritative study that UNEP has ever published on the state of the global environment.
GalleryGovernments Enter New Era of Collaboration on Climate Change
Speaking at the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn (16 to 26 May), the UN’s top climate change official Christiana Figueres said that following the successful conclusion of the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement in Paris last year, governments are leaving behind the phase of negotiations and entering a new era of collaboration.
GalleryLaunch of World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-2016 Report
Economic activity in the world economy remains lacklustre, with little prospect for a turnaround in 2016, says the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2016 report, launched today.
GalleryMedia advisory: Briefing to present World Economic Situation and Prospect as of mid- 2016 Report
Economic activity in the world economy remains weak with little prospect for a turnaround in 2016, says an updated UN report to be released 12 May.
GalleryCities Define Key Obstacles to Achieving Climate Goals & Solutions to Overcome Them
For the first time, representatives from more than 80 of the world’s largest cities have revealed the barriers that are limiting their ambitions to tackle climate change, in a new analysis released today by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40). Unlocking Climate Action in Megacities also presents a corresponding set of innovative and replicable solutions to overcome these challenges.
GalleryCall for applications for US$1M sustainable energy grant
Applications are open to individuals, institutions or partnerships based on past and current achievements.
GalleryBan intends to appoint Erik Solheim new UNEP director
The Secretary-General informed the General Assembly of his intention to appoint Erik Solheim of Norway as the new Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.
GalleryPress briefing: UN Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific
The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific is the most comprehensive annual review of economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific.
UN launches partnership initiative to promote South-South cooperation on climate change
A new initiative that will build partnerships that help developing countries to assist other developing countries implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Development Agenda was launched in New York by the United Nations in the margins of last week’s Climate Signing event.
GalleryRecord support for advancing Paris Climate Agreement entry into force
In an extraordinary show of support for the Paris climate agreement adopted last December, 175 countries signed the Paris Agreement at a ceremony at UN Headquarters today that far exceeded the historical record for first-day […]
Media advisory: Press briefing on civil society and Paris Agreement
At this press briefing, civil society leaders from a wide sector of stakeholders will react to the signing, report on what’s been happening since December, and discuss steps forward for climate action.
GalleryMedia advisory: Press briefing on the impact of the Paris Agreement on business
The press briefing will highlight how the Paris Climate Agreement has already begun to impact private sector operations and investments.
Media advisory: List of 22 April press conferences
All press conferences and briefings will take place in the Press Briefing Room (S-237) except where noted. This schedule is subject to change.
GalleryMore than 165 Countries Expected to Sign Climate Change Agreement at Ceremony on 22 April at United Nations Headquarters
More than 165 countries have indicated that they will sign the historic climate change agreement reached in Paris last December at a signature ceremony hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tomorrow, Friday, 22 April.
GalleryIndigenous Mbororo woman to speak at Paris Agreement signing ceremony on 22 April
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an Indigenous woman from the Mbororo pastoralist community of Chad, is the speaker selected to represent civil society at the 22 April signing ceremony of the historic climate agreement that was reached in Paris last December.
GalleryMedia advisory: 19 April press briefing on Paris Agreement signing ceremony
MEDIA ADVISORY
18 April 2016
Press briefing on the Signing Ceremony for the Paris Climate Agreement
19 April, UN Headquarters in New York
More than 150 countries have indicated that they will sign the Paris Agreement on climate change […]
Media Advisory: High-Level Thematic Debate on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Seeking to drive forward implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and taking into account its strong interlinkages with the Paris Climate Agreement, President of the UN General Assembly H.E. Mogens Lykketoft will convene […]
GalleryMedia advisory: ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development
The 3-day Forum aims to track progress and identify gaps and challenges to the means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), monitor the financing for development outcomes and promote the sharing of lessons from experiences at the national and regional levels.
GalleryMedia advisory: Briefing on ‘Water and Jobs’ report
Briefing on the 2016 UN World Water Development Report, “Water and Jobs”
1:15 p.m., Thurs., 14 April
Three out of four jobs worldwide are water-dependent. Water shortages and lack of access may limit economic growth in the […]
GalleryUN stresses demographic data as key to achieving SDGs
A report of the UN Secretary-General notes that well-maintained, centralized population registers are one of the best sources of information on fertility, mortality and migration.
GalleryRecord number of signatures expected for climate change agreement on 22 April
More than 130 countries have confirmed that they will sign the Paris Agreement on 22 April, the first day that the agreement will be open for signature.
GallerySecretary-General commends US-China commitment to Paris Agreement
The Secretary-General commends the announcement that China and the United States will sign the Paris Agreement at a special ceremony at the UN on 22 April.
Media advisory: Press briefing on ECOSOC Special Meeting on Inequality
Recognizing that addressing inequalities within and between countries is critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, H.E. Mr. Oh Joon, the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is convening […]
Countries to begin negotiations on elements for a binding instrument to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity
The first negotiating session of a Preparatory Committee established by the General Assembly to discuss the elements of a draft text of a legally binding instrument to improve the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in the world’s oceans in areas beyond national jurisdiction will take place from 28 March-8 April 2016.
GalleryWMO report: 2015 shattered temperature records
State of the Climate: Record Heat and Weather Extremes
World Meteorological Day: Hotter, Drier, Wetter. Face the Future
Geneva 21 March 2016 (WMO) – The year 2015 made history, with shattered temperature records, intense heatwaves, exceptional rainfall, […]
GalleryMedia advisory: World Meteorological Day press briefing
The theme “Hotter, Drier, Wetter. Face the Future” highlights the challenges of climate change and the path towards climate-resilient societies.
GalleryUN Women unveils new Media Compact for gender equality
The Step it Up for Gender Equality Media Compact brings together a broad coalition of media outlets to ensure wide reach and robust efforts towards women’s rights.
GalleryBusinesses show SDG support with new #WASHforWork initiative
11 leading organizations introduced a new initiative called WASH4Work, aimed at mobilizing greater business action to address water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) challenges in the workplace, communities where workers live, and across supply chains.
GalleryThreats to forests could imperil global freshwater supplies
Safeguarding forests is essential for sustainable management of global freshwater resources and avoiding water shortages, according to United Nations officials and forest experts at an event today marking the International Day of Forests.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon honoured with ‘Delivering for Girls and Women’ Award
The first-ever ‘Delivering for Girls and Women’ award was given today to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in recognition of his work and achievements to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.
UN Statistical Commission agrees on global indicator framework
As the final piece of the architecture for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the proposed global indicator framework for the SDGs was agreed by the 47th Session of the United Nations Statistical Commission which closed today.
GalleryMedia advisory: 8 April deadline to request accreditation for Paris Agreement Signature Ceremony
Media members applying for accreditation must submit a request on official letterhead of a media organization, signed by the Publisher, Editor-in-chief, or Assignment Editor.
GalleryApplications for 2016 Momentum for Change Awards open now
Submit Your Climate Solution and be Celebrated at the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco
Starting today, organizations, cities, industries, governments and other key players that are taking the lead on tackling climate change can […]
GalleryMedia advisory: Two events to end Female Genital Mutilation
To mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), officially celebrated on 6 February, an event will take place at UN headquarters on 8 February.
Special event: Towards a Cervical Cancer Free World
On World Cancer Day, join us to shed light on cervical cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries, which kills over 250,000 women annually.
Ban appoints group to support tech facilitation mechanism
The Mechanism comprises a UN interagency task team on science, technology and innovation, an annual multistakeholder forum and an online platform.
Ban appoints Pasztor senior adviser on climate change
Pasztor most recently served as the Assistant Secretary-General on Climate Change in the lead up and successful conclusion of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement.
GalleryPress briefing with Janos Pasztor, ASG on Climate Change
Press briefing will cover recent developments on climate change issues after the Paris agreement.
GalleryYouth Forum to explore youth role in sustainable development agenda
More than 800 youth leaders from around the world will gather at the ECOSOC Youth Forum to examine the role of young people in implementing, communicating and realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
GalleryMedia advisory: ‘No Impact Man’ Colin Beavan to speak at UN
The “No Impact Man” set to speak about his latest book on how to increase happiness through living sustainably.
GalleryBan Ki-moon’s remarks at Investor Summit on Climate Risk
"The investor community is of critical importance if we are to move from aspirations to action," Ban says.
GalleryGlobal investors mobilize action in wake of Paris Climate Agreement
Ceres and the UN Foundation convene some 500 financial leaders at the UN to scale clean energy opportunities and manage the fossil fuel risks from the low-carbon transition.
World leaders invited to Paris Agreement signing ceremony on April 22
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited all world leaders to a signing ceremony on 22 April for the historic climate agreement that was reached in Paris in December last year.
GalleryWMO confirms 2015 as hottest year on record
The World Meteorological Organization has confirmed that the global average surface temperature in 2015 broke all previous records by a strikingly wide margin, at 0.76° Celsius above the 1961-1990 average.
Full text of ground-breaking assessment highlighting threats to world’s oceans from human activities made public
Report warns that a failure to quickly respond to problems poses greatest threat to oceans.
GallerySecretary-General announces High-Level Advisory Group for Every Woman Every Child
Secretary-General announces High-Level Advisory Group for Every Woman Every Child. The Group includes leaders from governments, business community, philanthropists, young people’s network and civil society to champion women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health.
Secretary-General appoints advocates to build widespread support for the Sustainable Development Goals
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today the appointment of a group of eminent persons to assist in the campaign to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that world leaders unanimously adopted last September.
244 million international migrants living abroad worldwide, new UN statistics reveal
The number of international migrants -- persons living in a country other than where they were born -- reached 244 million in 2015 for the world as a whole, a 41 per cent increase compared to 2000, according to new data presented by the United Nations today. This figure includes almost 20 million refugees.
Media advisory: Press briefing on trends in international migration
UN to hold a press briefing to present “Trends in International Migrant Stock: The 2015 Revision.”