News
Follow the newest trends and news in GCED.
1,659 Results found
الابتكار يتصدى للتحديات: افتتاح المنتدى العالمي لرواد الأعمال والاستثمار في البحرين 7 June 2024 The Forum* is held under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the Investment and Technology Promotion Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.Through a strong coalition of stakeholders driving the agenda, the International Forum paves the way for dialogue and action-oriented initiatives aimed at reshaping the global economic landscape while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Critical roleIn an interview with UN News, Ms. Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director-General of UNIDO and Director-General of the Department of Global Partnerships and External Relations, emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in economic development, especially in the developing world.She stressed that “the private sector has a critical role when it comes to economic development and small, micro, and medium enterprises, especially in the developing world. This demonstrates the importance of the Forum not only for the private sector, but also for all actors, policy makers, academia, investment and financial institutions to come together and consider how "We can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals."Haidara stressed the need for collective action, stressing that "the challenges we face today cannot be addressed by one entity or group. We need a collective effort."By focusing on strengthening partnerships, the Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum aims to stimulate international cooperation and unite Arab and African stakeholders to promote investment and entrepreneurship development. Six transitional paths for investmentDuring the opening session of the forum, Rula Dashti, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), explained the forum’s commitment to translating sustainable development goals into tangible results.“Our forum’s theme, Six Transitional Investment Pathways to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, challenges us to rethink and reshape our approaches across policy sectors, such as energy and digital connectivity,” she said.Dashti urged stakeholders to benefit from digital transformation and strengthen education systems to combat climate change and create inclusive job opportunities, stressing the urgent need for strategic partnerships to confront pressing global challenges."Architects of the next revolution"Dashti highlighted the pivotal role of young leaders and entrepreneurs in advancing global development. She explained that they are "the architects of the next revolution in global development. Let us be inspired by the collaborative spirit of this forum and remember that our work does not end here."She encouraged participants to harness their ideas to bridge the digital divide, create sustainable environments, and formulate pathways out of poverty. The role of academiaThe Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum emphasizes the importance of partnerships across sectors, including academia.Dr. Lydia Taki, Professor at Akinten Abia-Minka University (Ghana), emphasized the importance of the forum’s timing in addressing the employment challenges faced by graduates, and highlighted the university’s investment in entrepreneurship and skills training.She stressed the importance of providing students with entrepreneurship skills, access to smart financing, and networking opportunities, also emphasizing the role of academic institutions in promoting innovation and economic growth.The Global Forum also calls on academic institutions to step up investment in research and development, as such a strategic move could generate new technologies capable of tackling some of the world's most difficult challenges. Tanzanian experienceSokwene University of Agriculture in Tanzania is doing this because it has found ways to empower its students even before they graduate. It established a cooperative association for graduate entrepreneurs, which serves as an incubator for them.In an interview with UN News on the sidelines of the forum, Refukatos Kimariu, Executive Director of the cooperative, said, “We want to commercialize agriculture; we have the students. Now we are providing them with entrepreneurship skills in addition to technology.”Currently, the Sokoin University Graduate Entrepreneurship Cooperative has established a solar-powered irrigation system. This technology allows the association's members to farm sustainably, and this has enabled them to secure a market for sweet lemons in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.“We want to make agriculture the first choice and not the last choice for university graduates,” said Kimario, who attended the forum in his capacity as a businessman.Benefit from African resourcesPromoting entrepreneurship by providing access to smart finance and networking opportunities is another approach cited by UNIDO as a way to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.Olive Olive Kigongo, president of the Uganda Chamber of Commerce, says what African countries are doing now is sending their resources abroad.She added during a panel discussion on building sustainable partnerships and creating a brighter future for Arab and African entrepreneurs, “We give our resources to developed countries, and we export jobs and resources. Many Ugandans work abroad because they cannot be employed in Uganda.”She stressed, "We must add value to our resources. Without that, small and medium enterprises will never grow. Let us join hands, because two minds are better than one. You have the money and we have the resources." Bahrain's roleKhaled Al-Maqoud, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, said, “The timing of holding the forum this year coincides with the Arab League summit, which will be attended by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.” He explained that "the coincidence of the two events reflects the increasing role played by Bahrain in the multilateral platform and its positioning as an active player," adding that "holding the Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum this year coincides with the formulation of the United Nations framework for cooperation in the field of sustainable development for the period from 2025 to 2029." “What we did this year was to hold a series of consultations and negotiations with the government and national stakeholders at different levels so that we could formulate the new cooperation framework.”Al-Muqod said that this year is the first time that civil society has been included as part of national stakeholders, in addition to the private sector and other development partners in Bahrain.He added, "National ownership was reflected in the discussions as the Government of Bahrain embraced consultations and negotiations, and we reached the basic pillars of the new cooperation framework, which will be the cooperation framework for Bahrain."Message to women entrepreneursReem Siam, President of the Economic Businesswomen Council of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and a member of the Board of Directors of the World Federation of Chambers, is among the beneficiaries of UNIDO’s training programmes.Speaking to UN News, Siam said, “I am one of the female entrepreneurs who have benefited from UNIDO programs. I received UNIDO training in 2015 here in Bahrain, through the organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office. I really benefited from this training. It helped me a lot in My work opened doors to financial institutions and banks. My message to female entrepreneurs is to believe in yourself.”Orange economyThe second day of the forum focuses - among other things - on how to harness agricultural technology to achieve food security, and the role of the orange economy, also known as the creative economy, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Felipe Buitrago, former Minister of Culture of Colombia, also known as the founding father of the Orange Economy, will be among the keynote speakers on the second day's events.According to the United Nations, the creative economy is an evolving concept that relies on the contribution and potential of creative assets to achieve economic growth and development.The orange economy includes economic, cultural and social aspects that interact with technology, intellectual property and tourism objectives. It is a group of economic activities based on knowledge and of a more local nature, and has a development dimension and comprehensive links at the macro and micro levels of the overall economy.*The Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum received the support of a group of influential partners, including the League of Arab States, the Union of Arab Chambers, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and the Schengen Union for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship, in addition to many local, regional and international entities. URL: https://news.un.org/ar/story/2024/05/1130956 
UN Honors Blue Helmets 7 June 2024 In the first event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres laid a wreath at a memorial honoring the lives of more than 4,300 military, police and civilian peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty since the UN deployed its first missions in 1948.76 years of service and sacrificeFor 76 years, UN peacekeepers have worked to save lives and change the lives of people living in the world's most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries transition from war to peace. Today, more than 76,000 men and women from 121 countries are deployed in 11 UN peacekeeping operations.This year's celebration comes under the slogan: “Ready for the future, we build better together.” It highlights the valuable contributions made by military, police and civilian peacekeepers over the past seven decades, and embodies the spirit of progress and collective work towards creating a more equal, just and sustainable world.In the second event, the Secretary-General also presented the “Dag Hammarskjöld Medal” in honor of the memory of 61 women and men, from 33 countries, who are peacekeepers, who gave their lives, during the past year, while performing their duty in peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world.The Secretary-General also presented Major Radhika Sen, of India, with the prestigious 2023 UN Military Gender Advocacy Award. Different in their destinations but united in their goalBefore beginning his speech at the event, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres asked the audience to stand for a minute of silence, in honor of the peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace. He extended his deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the peacekeepers and victims. He stressed, "We will never forget them."He said that the memory of the fallen Blue Berets reminds us of the tragic human cost of the conflict, and every loss of life underscores the urgent need to prevent violence, protect the most vulnerable groups, and spare no effort to end these deadly conflicts. He explained that the Blue Berets come from all over the world but are united in their mission for peace, doing their essential work in some of the most dangerous places in the world.The Secretary-General said that peacekeepers are a true model of multilateralism. “They have shown us what peace looks like by protecting the most vulnerable. Maintaining fragile ceasefire agreements. Defusing local conflicts. Clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war. Strengthening local institutions and systems.” Democracy on which peace and development depend. Listening to women's voices, supporting and protecting themNearly 25 years ago, the Security Council adopted historic Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The resolution reaffirmed the vital role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts. He recognized that the full and equal participation and inclusion of women was essential for peace.Since then, the Secretary-General said that UN peacekeeping forces have made unremitting efforts to achieve this commitment, and have made progress to ensure that the voices of women living in conflict areas are heard, supported, protected and empowered.In this regard, the Secretary-General congratulated Major Radhika Sen on winning the Gender Advocacy Award, praising her work in an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu (Democratic Republic of the Congo), where her forces actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including in particular women and girls.He added: “Major Sen is a true leader and role model. Her service represents a real source of pride for the entire United Nations. I thank her and all peacekeepers for their service, leadership and commitment to the women, peace and security agenda.” Gender perspective in peacekeeping operationsMajor Radhika Sen worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from March 2023 to April 2024, where she amplified women's voices, created safe spaces for men and women to work together, and strengthened gender-sensitive peacekeeping operations. She is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this award. At the event, a short film was shown about her work in the field.Speaking at the event, Major Sen said: “This award is special to me because it recognizes the hard work of all peacekeepers working in a challenging environment.”She added that through her work, she had the opportunity to engage and interact with local communities on topics ranging from women, health, education, child care, gender equality, women’s employment, and combating sexual violence in conflict, in addition to various skills development programs to enhance self-reliance.She stressed that a gender perspective in UN peace operations is essential for an effective, comprehensive and sustainable peace process, noting that women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict, and face increasing risks and violations. From Lebanon to South Sudan, peacekeepers are making a differenceFor his part, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said that peacekeeping forces make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.He added: “In southern Lebanon, peacekeepers play a critical role between the IDF and the Lebanese Armed Forces to help prevent current dangerous tensions from escalating further. They protect hundreds of thousands of civilians in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, we salute more than 4,300 men.” and women who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag since 1948.” URL: https://news.un.org/ar/story/2024/05/1131351 
Ocean protection: In Barcelona, Audrey Azoulay welcomes the “significant efforts” made by the international community 1 June 2024 Since the start of the UNESCO-led Ocean Decade in 2021, more than 500 projects have been launched in all regions of the world to improve knowledge and protection of the ocean. Bringing together the international community in Barcelona, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, welcomed these significant efforts and called for this positive momentum to continue.Since 2021, much has been accomplished based on our three pillars: understanding, educating, protecting. More than 500 projects are being implemented in around 60 countries and more than a billion dollars has been mobilized. But there is still much that remains to be done. We must continue to invest in science, continue to educate, alert, raise awareness. Maximum mobilization is our only alternative to save the ocean. “Cities with the Ocean”: a new initiative to mobilize coastal cities and portsAt the conference, UNESCO and 13 cities1 announced the creation of the "Cities with the Ocean” platform, a new alliance between the Organization and coastal cities and ports, complementing the work already underway between UNESCO and its 194 Member States. With 75% of megacities around the world situated along the coast, their population is among the most affected by natural and human-caused ocean hazards – including tsunamis, ocean pollution, and the effects of climate disruption – yet they are also the first responders and best placed to implement decisions on a local level to deal with these issues.UNESCO will support these cities by developing programs suited to their needs, such as enhancing UNESCO’s Tsunami Ready Programme, training urban planners to anticipate the risks of coastal erosion, or collecting essential scientific data for tools developed by UNESCO such as Global Ocean Observing System. A first international coastal cities symposium will bring this network together in Qingdao, one of China's largest coastal cities, next year. This initiative will also be highlighted in Nice, as part of the discussions at the United Nations Ocean Conference, in June 2025. A new center of the Ocean Decade dedicated to the blue economy During his meeting with Audrey Azoulay on Wednesday morning, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni presented the city’s candidacy to host a new collaborative center for the Ocean Decade, focusing its activity on the development of a sustainable blue economy. The Center will build on the investments and activities already underway in Barcelona to promote innovation and technology in relation to a sustainable blue economy. This sector already represents 4.3% of the city’s GDP and 1.4% of it’s employment. UNESCO will conduct a feasibility study by September 2024, with a view to opening the center before the end of the year. Since 2021, 12 collaborative centers have already been created under the auspices of UNESCO, enabling the coordination of research and protection actions set by the Ocean Decade. Understanding, educating and protectingUNESCO's priority is to advance scientific knowledge. Thanks to the Decade, vast amounts of data and knowledge have already been generated – on diverse issues ranging from ocean acidification and oxygenation, rising sea levels, to biodiversity and bathymetry. With the International Hydrographic Organization, UNESCO has already mapped 25% of the ocean floor in high resolution – compared to just 6% in 2017. It has also advanced the mapping of ocean species, through its Ocean Biodiversity Information System, compiling 126 million observations on more than 180,000 species. While less than one in two school curricula mentioned ocean protection in 2021, UNESCO is currently supporting 100 of its Member States to add environmental and ocean education to their curricula – and adapt teacher training accordingly. In parallel, UNESCO has trained nearly 200,000 young people and adults on ocean education. The Organization is leading a global ocean educational programme with Prada, involving more than 34,000 students in 56 countries this year.Through its global programs and networks, UNESCO also protects ecosystems. The Organization has listed 240 island and coastal biosphere reserves in 82 countries, as well as 50 marine World Heritage sites in 37 countries, protecting 21% of the world's blue carbon ecosystems – specifically the kelp forests, the mangroves, and the salt meadows that absorb carbon. URL:https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ocean-protection-barcelona-audrey-azoulay-welcomes-significant-efforts-made-international-community 
‘Investing in youth is investing in peace’, UN Security Council hears 31 May 2024 The UN’s top political and peacebuilding official on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of societies, stressing the need to involve them in decision-making on issues ranging from conflict to climate change.“The potential and opportunity for renewal that young people represent means…that they must be part of the broader discussions shaping our societies,” UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told ambassadors in the Security Council.With youth constituting 55 per cent of the population in the southern and eastern Mediterranean, their voices cannot be ignored, she said.Reflecting on the 2011 demonstrations that swept across some Arab nations in the region, she highlighted that “youth were at the forefront of these movements, protesting disenfranchisement and the lack of economic opportunity and employment.”Ms. DiCarlo’s was briefing the Security Council debate on the theme, The role of young persons in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean, convened by Malta in its capacity as the President of the 15-member Council for April. Disproportionate impactsDespite their resilience, young people face disproportionate impacts from conflicts and climate crises.The brutal 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza have taken a devastating toll, where 70 per cent of the enclave’s population is under 30 years old. Furthermore, all schools across the Strip are closed, impacting more than 625,000 students.The trauma, violence, and food insecurity resulting from such conflicts underscores the urgent need for peacebuilding efforts that prioritize youth involvement, Ms. DiCarlo said.“We have witnessed this spirit of innovation in our special political missions where we have increasingly deployed new technologies to organize digital consultations with youth,” she added, citing examples from Libya and Lebanon, where such dialogues helped provide better understanding of young people’s views and aspirations, and to reflect them in the UN’s work. Climate changeThe climate crisis further compounds the challenges faced by Mediterranean youth, Ms. DiCarlo continued, especially as the region is warming around 20 per cent faster than the global average.She underscored the importance of youth-led climate action, citing their active participation in international forums such as the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings.“Young women are often at the forefront of these movements, advocating for a gender lens at all stages of policy and decision-making related to climate risks,” she said. Harness the potentialTo harness the potential of youth as positive agents of change, the senior UN official also called for increased investment and support from regional and multilateral organizations.“Investing in youth is investing in peace,” she stressed, urging greater interactions between Security Council members and young people.Concluding her remarks, she called on the Council “to continue to champion the youth, peace and security agenda, which is critical for the Mediterranean region and beyond.” URL:https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148671 
Meaningful Youth Engagement at the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum: On the Path Towards the Summit of the Future 27 May 2024 Last update: 16 May 2024 At the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum, SDG4 Youth & Student Network members engaged in intergenerational dialogues, promoting youth-led solutions ahead of key global summits. The ECOSOC Youth Forum, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York between April 16th and 18th 2024, provided numerous opportunities for discussions between Member States, civil society and youth. These intergenerational discussions were key for illuminating the ideas, challenges, visions, and youth-led solutions for policymakers and other stakeholders. It was also a time to pave the path for Y20 (ahead of the G20 in Brazil) and the Summit of the Future, where a youth day is foreseen for Friday 20 September 2024. Hailing from the regions of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe/North America and Latin America and the Caribbean, 18 members of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network were in attendance and participated in plenary sessions, side events, high-level breakfast meetings with Ministers as moderators, speakers, facilitators, and rapporteurs. Below is a brief outline of several key sessions where young leaders of the network took the lead. Youth Shaping Transformative Human Rights Education The session on Digital Technology, Environment, and Gender Equality: Youth Shaping Transformative Human Rights Education was co-organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UNESCO, UN Youth Office, and the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY). Moderated by Network member Taibat Hussain, with a keynote by Arissa Roy, the interactive discussions were facilitated by Barbara Beltran, Christina Williams, and Juliette Gudknecht. The discussion highlighted that human rights education is not just a moral imperative, but a necessary tool for building a more just and equitable society. The inputs from the consultation will feed into the action plan for the fifth phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, which will be submitted to the Human Rights Council for adoption in September. "What struck me most was the sense of empowerment and ownership that permeated the event. Young people were not just passive participants but active contributors, shaping the agenda and driving the conversation. It was a powerful reminder that human rights education is not just about imparting knowledge but about creating a sense of agency and responsibility."Taibat Hussain Bridging Education and Inclusion, Greening, and Peace Youth and students were also invited to speak in two sessions led by UNESCO-IESALC. During the session on The Right to Higher Education of Students with Disabilities, Juliette Gudknecht, who recently wrote a book on autism, emphasized the importance of listening to those who are marginalized. "Amplifying disabled voices in all forms of education is super important, especially marginalized ones. We need marginalized youth's voices to be centered, especially those who could not come to the forum due to the selection process, cost, and visa issues."Juliette Gudknecht Moazzam Syed, who spoke in the session on Greening Higher Education Institutions: Bridging SDG4 and 13, shared valuable insights on the importance of quality data in tracking progress towards the SDGs. He emphasized that the drive to provide evidence for national and international SDG targets requires us to work, learn, and research differently and focus on measurable impact to better translate new knowledge into action. The network organized a session titled “Dare Alla Luce / To Give the Light: Impetus and Skills for Peacebuilding and Justice”, which convened youth, academia, policymakers, and civil society in an intergenerational, engaging and open dialogue. Facilitated by network members Vivian Shaima, Max Amanu, Roberto Hernandez Juarez, Azra Hodzic and Musa Carew alongside other experts in their respective field, the breakout room discussions focused on how youth, teachers, families, policymakers, and community leaders can leverage their knowledge, skills, and competencies to promote peace and peacebuilding. Throughout the week, youth and students were advocating for education as a foundation for all other SDGs while involved in important meetings for the planning of the Y20 Summit, to be held 10-17 August 2024 in Brazil, the Summit of the Future to be convened 22-23 September 2024 and COP29 planned for 11-22 November 2024 in Azerbaijan. The discussions at ECOSOC Youth Forum are just one step of many in ensuring the youth voice in these upcoming high-level meetings. Providing inputs into the Pact of the Future was another. If the ECOSOC Youth Forum - an event where youth such as Wendy Civil had conversations with Ministers, Christina Williams discussed the future for youth alongside the UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs and Felipe Gomez Gallo contributed not only to the discussion on Youth Climate Champion for COP29 but also to the planning of the Forum itself – serves as any indication, then we are indeed on a promising trajectory. This global gathering of young leaders sparked fruitful discussions that resulted in significant insights that members will carry forward to amplify youth voice, advance their work, and the work of achieving the 2030 SDG4 goals and targets. URL: https://www.unesco.org/sdg4education2030/en/articles/meaningful-youth-engagement-2024-ecosoc-youth-forum-path-towards-summit-future 
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan calls for removal of restrictions on Afghan women 18 May 2024 The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, expressed concern about the numerous negative trends observed, including the denial of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of the population, repressive policies and measures against women and girls, public manifestations of violence including corporal punishment and death penalties, and the lack of Inclusive governance and marginalization of minorities.In her briefing before a Security Council session held today, Wednesday, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, Otunbayeva added that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will continue to work to maintain its communication with the de facto authorities there (the Taliban) regarding respect for human rights and ways to increase consultations. With the local population, as well as their participation in political decision-making, so that all available resources in Afghanistan can be deployed to achieve the interests of the country.She explained that the mission will continue to call for more funding to be directed towards basic humanitarian needs to build more social and economic resilience, adding that assistance with basic services is “a lifeline for the most vulnerable Afghans, as women constitute the majority of beneficiaries.”She also said that they will encourage donors to identify areas where they can provide long-term sustainable assistance that “directly benefits the Afghan people,” which includes measures to reduce the effects of climate change, reduce the effects of the opium ban, and support the demining process in Afghanistan. In cooperation with the de facto authorities.She added, "We will work to strengthen measures aimed at supporting economic stability as a basis for reducing poverty."The importance of the Doha meetingsThe Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan said that in the next phase, UNAMA will begin preparations for the next meeting in Doha, adding that “the next meeting should have a practical agenda and should involve the de facto authorities as well as other Afghan stakeholders.”Otunbayeva stressed the importance of the recent meeting held in the Qatari capital, Doha, of special envoys concerned with Afghanistan, in which the Secretary-General of the United Nations participated.She said that despite the de facto authorities' decision not to attend, the meeting was "important" for several reasons, including reaffirming the international consensus reached at the first Doha meeting in May last year on ensuring that the needs of the Afghan people remain met. top the international agenda, allowing special envoys to hear the views of Afghan civil society, and reaffirming the international community's ongoing concerns about human rights in Afghanistan.The UN official explained that during her discussions with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan after the Doha meeting, “they made clear that their decision not to attend was not a rejection of their declared desire to deal with the international community, but rather a reflection of their concern that they would not be treated as full stakeholders in the discussions on Afghanistan,” stressing that The mission will do its utmost to encourage their participation in the next meeting in this way.Serious harm to girls and womenThe Special Representative noted that although the daily security situation has improved for millions of people since the Taliban took power, “this has come at an enormous cost.” Just two days away from International Women's Day, which this year highlights the need to invest in women, "what we are seeing in Afghanistan is exactly the opposite," she said.She added that denying women and girls access to education and work, and keeping them out of many aspects of public life, has caused serious harm to their mental and physical health and livelihoods. “The recent arbitrary arrests for alleged violations of the Islamic dress code amount to another human rights violation, and carry an enormous stigma for women and girls,” Otunbayeva said.She warned that this matter has a horrific impact among women on a broader scale, as many of them now fear moving around in public places. She called on the de facto authorities to abolish these restrictions, adding that the longer these restrictions continue, the greater the harm.Independent evaluationThe Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan touched on the independent assessment presented by the United Nations Special Coordinator for Afghanistan, Feridun Sinirlioglu, at the end of last year, which calls for Afghanistan to be fully reintegrated into the international system by accepting its international obligations and pledges.Some de facto powers are not convinced of the need for this, she said, “however, many recognize that Afghanistan would benefit from full implementation of the recommendations of the independent assessment.”The UN official spoke about the role that the international community has played in supporting the Afghan people since the collapse of the republic, including donors providing nearly $8 billion to finance humanitarian needs and basic humanitarian services, ensuring that vital assistance is provided to about 32 million Afghans so that they can have enough. Of food, water, adequate shelter, and income opportunities. URL: https://news.un.org/ar/story/2024/03/1128992 
KAICIID Hosts Pivotal 2024 Spring Leadership Meeting in Lisbon: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Development through Interreligious Dialogue 10 May 2024 Bridging Faith and Development: In the picturesque city of Lisbon, from February 27th to 29th, 2024, the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID, a key player in fostering global interreligious and intercultural dialogue, proudly hosted the annual governance meeting of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) as the co-chair of its Steering Board, on behalf of the multilateral organizations’ constituency. The 2024 Spring Leadership Meeting of PaRD, not only set the tone for the year's collaborative efforts but also was a testament to the collective resolve to harness the potential of religious and faith-based organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).At the heart of the discussions was the willful spirit of cooperation and shared vision among the close to 170 members of PaRD. The meeting, primarily an internal leadership gathering, was a vibrant forum for the Steering Board members, co-leads of workstreams, and task forces to deliberate on PaRD's Operational Plan for 2024, budget and financial planning, and the identification of key engagements and initiatives in the coming year. “As an international actor, KAICIID has embarked on the journey to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 which have inspired multi-stakeholder partnerships. An example of such a transformative partnership is our work with PaRD which started in 2016. KAICIID is currently a co-chair of the Steering Board, on behalf of the multilateral organizations’ constituency and is actively contributing in different Workstreams with a focus on Women Empowerment, Climate and Peacebuilding.” Said, Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, Secretary General of KAICIID.Mr Khushwant Singh, Head of Secretariat at PaRD, added by saying, “The PaRD leadership meeting is an annual tradition which reflects the inclusive nature of our partnership. A tradition, where we discuss collegially and strategically amongst the Steering Board, the Leads of the Workstreams and Taskforces our key priorities for the current year. I thank our long-standing member KAICIID for hosting this fruitful meeting in wonderful Lisbon”. The meeting's agenda was comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics from financial planning to strategic decision-making regarding PaRD's Annual Forum. The diverse representation on the Steering Board, including members from governments, multilateral entities, academia, and civil society, particularly religious and faith-based actors, underscored the multifaceted approach PaRD takes towards development challenges. One of the highlights of the meeting was the focus on thematic workstreams such as Gender Equality and Empowerment and SDG16 where KAICIID has a co-leading role, Health, and Water, Environment, and Climate Action (WECARE). These workstreams are pivotal in directing the partnership's energy and resources towards critical areas of the SDGs. The co-leads and task forces discussed their annual work programs, setting the stage for a year of concerted action and mutual support. KAICIID hosted a reception, coinciding with the Leadership Meeting, where attendees engaged with influential stakeholders in Lisbon, including members of PaRD's Steering Board, diplomats, and religious leaders. This gathering served as a significant platform for attendees to gain insights into KAICIID's collaborations with external entities like PaRD and to connect with local stakeholders keen on the Centre's initiatives.Looking ahead, the leadership meeting laid a solid foundation for PaRD’s activities in 2024, including the much-anticipated Annual Forum to be held in conjunction with the G20 Interfaith Forum event in Brazil from August 19th to 22nd. This upcoming forum represents a significant opportunity for PaRD to further its mission on a global stage, engaging with an even broader spectrum of stakeholders, including those from Latin America, in the pursuit of a just world and a sustainable planet.The PaRD leadership has collectively determined the priority themes for 2024, which will guide the partnership’s collaborative efforts throughout the year, focusing on crisis response and preparedness, with particular attention to addressing hunger, pandemics, and conflict.This thematic framework underscores the importance of strategic religious engagement and emphasizes the critical role of local engagement in effective crisis response and preparedness initiatives. Furthermore, it will inform collaborative efforts across PaRD's Workstreams and Taskforces, fostering synergies among cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, well-being and health, environmental protection, climate action, and FoRB. It will also serve as a guideline for defining priorities and concrete activities in the framework of policy processes, including the Annual Forum.By prioritizing these themes and emphasizing collaboration and strategic engagement, PaRD aims to enhance its impact and effectiveness in addressing pressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.As the participants left Lisbon, they carried with them not just the plans and commitments for the year ahead but also the enduring spirit of collaboration that defined the 2024 Spring Leadership Meeting. The path forward is clear, with faith and sustainable development intertwined in a shared journey towards a better future for all.URL: https://www.kaiciid.org/stories/features/kaiciid-hosts-pivotal-2024-spring-leadership-meeting-lisbon-shaping-future 
Mikati unveils plaque at the Rachid Karami International Fair (RKIF) as UNESCO World Heritage site and receives the UNESCO Conservation Management Plan 10 May 2024 Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, announced on Friday to Pedro Sanchez, President of the Spanish government, her decision to entrust Spain with the organization of the next edition of MONDIACULT, the international forum for ministers of culture. The event will be held in Barcelona during the second semester of 2025. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, met Pedro Sanchez, President of the Spanish government, on Friday at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid. During the meeting, she announced that Spain had been selected by UNESCO to host MONDIACULT 2025. MONDIACULT is a major event during which the 194 member states of UNESCO work together to define the global agenda for culture. Following the success of the 2022 edition in Mexico City, I am delighted to announce that the 2025 edition will be held in Barcelona. During this ministerial forum, UNESCO will present the first-ever global report on the state of culture, the fruit of three years' work. Together with the President of the Spanish government, we have also decided to place particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, a technology that while rich in opportunities is also a source of great concern for artists. MONDIACULT 2025 will be an opportunity to develop common solutions to ensure that the use of AI is fully respectful of their rights, both in terms of intellectual property and compensation. In early 2025, UNESCO will launch a call for projects dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence on culture. The winners will present their innovative solutions for artists at MONDIACULT 2025. Barcelona: city that champions UNESCO valuesSpain is particularly committed to UNESCO programs. It is the country in the world with the most biosphere reserves and UNESCO Chairs, as well as the third most sites on the World Heritage List. It is also the fifth largest European contributor to the Organization's regular budget. Barcelona's candidacy was proposed by the Spanish government in October 2023. The candidacy made all the more sense as Barcelona is itself a city that champions UNESCO values. With nine heritage sites protected by the Organization and a UNESCO Category 2 Center dedicated to research in human and social sciences, Barcelona has also been a UNESCO Creative City for Literature since 2015. It has also been designated World Capital of Architecture 2026.Barcelona also has solid experience in organizing international UNESCO events. It hosted the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education in 2022, and will host the Conference of the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (April). URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/spain-host-mondiacult-2025 
Empowering Women Judges in Kazakhstan through International Exchange 8 May 2024 Judge Rsaldy Kakisheva presenting on advantages of creating a women judges association during the interactive session of the workshop for women judges, Astana, 14-15 March 2024 (OSCE) Photo details On 14-15 March 2024, women judges from Kazakhstan and around the world convened for a two-day hybrid workshop in Astana entitled “Women judges: professional exchange of experience and international co-operation” in Astana. Aligned with the International Day of Women Judges on 10 March, the event was dedicated to fostering collaboration and sharing expertise to promote gender equality within the judicial system and enhance the rule of law. The workshop, organized in co-operation with the Supreme Court, commenced with an official opening by Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Dr. Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana; Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan; and Yelena Maksyuta, judge of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan. The first day of the workshop featured two engaging sessions, providing an opportunity for insightful discussions among esteemed women judges and legal experts. The first session centered on the importance of international collaboration among women judges and the establishment of their national associations. Robyn Tupman, Secretary/Treasury of the Australian Association of Women Judges, shared methods of international support for national associations, while Jacob Bonnevie, OSCE/ODIHR Rule of Law Adviser, offered insights on gender dynamics within the judiciary. Dr. Sabina Garahan, lecturer at Essex School of Law (UK), presented recommendations from a comparative study of women judges’ associations across the OSCE region, while Dr. Khalida Azhigulova, human rights defender and gender expert in the justice sector (Kazakhstan), emphasized the role of women's associations in the justice system. The subsequent session explored experiences in establishing and managing national associations of women judges. Chinara Aidarbekova, judge of the Constitutional Court of the Kyrgyz Republic, shared insights from the Kyrgyz Association of Women Judges, focusing on strategies for improving access to justice for vulnerable groups. Margaret Glentworth, a retired District Judge and Nominated Judge of the Court of Protection (UK), discussed effective organizational practices of the Association of Women Judges in the United Kingdom. Adisa Zahiragic, judge of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), highlighted the influence of the Association of Women Judges on judicial proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, Nazgul Rakhmetullina, judge of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, led a discussion on media engagement strategies among judges in Kazakhstan. The second day featured interactive discussions facilitated by experienced judges and legal experts. Discussions explored the advantages and challenges faced by women judges’ associations and delved into the contribution of these associations to equal access to justice for vulnerable groups. Amongst discussions, participants showcased presentations of statutes of national associations of women judges, outlining their missions and objectives. The workshop was organized under the extrabudgetary project of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana “Improving the effectiveness of the justice system in Kazakhstan” and aimed to promote gender equality, empower women in the judicial system, and enhance the effectiveness of the judicial system through the exchange of knowledge and best practices between associations of women judges. ContactsOSCE Programme Office in Astana10 Beibitshilik StreetZ10K8H4 AstanaKazakhstanOffice: +7 7172 580070Fax: +7 7172 328304media.kz@osce.org URL: https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-astana/564830 
The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic and United Nations Development Programme Strengthen Partnership to Combat Climate Change 8 May 2024 Bishkek, 11 April 2024 – In a significant step towards bolstering disaster management and resilience capabilities in Central Asia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) handed over IT equipment to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. This ceremony, held under the Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia project funded by the European Union (EU), symbolizes a strengthened collaboration between the two entities in the shared pursuit of enhancing climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the region. Mr. Boobek Azhikeev, Minister of Emergency Situations, expressed his gratitude for the equipment provided and comprehensive support in increasing the capacity of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and expressed hope for further cooperation. Ms. Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the important nature of this collaboration in her opening remarks: “Climate change presents the Central Asian region with significant challenges, and it is critical that the bodies responsible for forecasting, monitoring and response are equipped with the necessary tools to successfully overcome these challenges. Today we are handing over IT equipment as an integral part of the overall system for monitoring natural processes related to climate change to ensure sustainability. These tools will make a huge difference in all aspects of emergency response, enabling informed decisions to be made at critical moments." Hans Farnhammer, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Kyrgyzstan said: “European Union and Kyrgyzstan partner up for climate resilience in Fergana valley. This aligns with the European Union’s commitment to improve disaster management and enhance climate resilience in Central Asia”. The Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia project, funded by the European Union, is an initiative that underscores the joint commitment of UNDP and regional stakeholders to enhance cooperation and resilience in the face of climate challenges. The project concentrates on improving knowledge, integrating climate considerations into policy-making, fostering regional cooperation, and demonstrating effective early warning and prevention strategies. Its efforts are particularly crucial in the Ferghana Valley, aiming to build a more secure and climate-resilient future for the communities there. Building on these efforts, the UNDP has outlined plans to provide additional support to MES KR. This includes transferring early warning system equipment and crisis management tools to the Ministry's Crisis Management Centre. By focusing on enhancing early warning and prevention measures at specific pilot sites, this initiative demonstrates a commitment to fortify regional preparedness and response capacities against climate-related risks. The handover ceremony served as a platform for UNDP and the Ministry of Emergency Situations KR to express their united stance on continuing their collaborative efforts toward a more secure and resilient future. This event highlighted the essential role of collaborative action and a unified vision in effectively tackling the complex challenges posed by climate change. The Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia project aims to strengthen cooperation and resilience among local and regional stakeholders. With a focus on advancing knowledge, facilitating policy integration, promoting regional cooperation, and demonstrating early warning and prevention measures, the project is pivotal for building a more secure and climate-resilient future, especially in the Ferghana Valley. More information about the project: https://www.undp.org/eurasia/projects/climate-change-and-resilience-central-asia URL:https://www.undp.org/kyrgyzstan/press-releases/ministry-emergency-situations-kyrgyz-republic-and-united-nations-development-programme-strengthen-partnership-combat