Do People Still Care About Human Rights?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on 10 December 1948, inspired peoples across the world and laid the foundation for governance and institutional reforms, for progressive, people centred legislation and education that reverberates from generation to generation.
The Case for Connectivity, the New Human Right
This year鈥檚 Human Rights Day theme focuses on the need and opportunity to build back better in the wake of the pandemic by ensuring that human rights are central to recovery efforts. And make no mistake about it, digital connectivity should be a human right.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Women
Among other measures to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, the United Nations could develop gender-sensitive monitoring and impact checklists to assist countries with follow-up and assessment of their achievements in all sectors during the crisis.
Connecting the World in Its Time of Need: International Aviation's Pandemic Response
By severing our international connections by air in this manner, COVID-19 has cut off businesses from clients and tourists from destinations and posed disproportionate threats to the poor and vulnerable.
Media and Information Literacy in an Age of Uncertainty
In order to protect democracy, the transition to a digital society and economy must be accompanied by a media and information literacy revolution.
Making Industrialization in Africa Sustainable
Industrial development in Africa needs to be inclusive and sustainable: inclusive so that all sectors of society can participate and benefit from industrialization, and sustainable so that the environment does not suffer.
Addressing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Violence Against Women and Girls
Violence against women and girls was a pandemic long before the outbreak of COVID-19. The underlying causes are not the virus itself or the resulting economic crisis, but rather an imbalance of power and control.
Creating Our Future by Documenting Our Living History
The energy of the United Nations lies in the transformative power of ideas brought to life. This call to action has been answered by the East Stroudsburg Area School District in Pennsylvania, United States, which recognizes that despite mandated school closures, learning and education must never cease.
COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health
Not only would failing to address the mental health impact of the pandemic potentially undo years of work and effort to improve access to and the quality of mental health services, it also creates the possibility of a mental health epidemic that could impact generations to come.
No Persistence鈥擭o 91麻豆天美: A Reflection on the United Nations Contribution to 91麻豆天美 in Colombia
Thanks to its large field presence and decades of work on the ground, the United Nations country team in Colombia knew that for local communities, peace meant much more than the absence of war. Addressing some of their expectations and concerns was critical for peace to be sustainable.
We All Must Take Action
As the United Nations celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, which has been marked by a global pandemic and global fear, we are all called to renew our sense of solidarity and hope.
Data, Partnerships and a Strengthened Food System: Accelerating Progress Towards Zero Hunger
The United Nations Secretary-General鈥檚 Policy Brief on 鈥淭he Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security and Nutrition鈥 points to several opportunities to lessen the impact of a food crisis during this pandemic. These opportunities are interlinked and speak to better data collection, building partnerships and strengthening the food system.
The Digital Mask
Our global society has evolved to become increasingly dependent on digital technology. When the technology fails, this reliance can lead to a range of cascading negative effects.
Harnessing Urbanization to Accelerate SDG Implementation in a Post-COVID-19 World
The United Nations Secretary General鈥檚 Policy Brief on 鈥淐OVID-19 in an Urban World鈥 is an important confirmation of the centrality of urban areas and urbanization to a holistic, local-to-global response to the pandemic. It appropriately emphasizes the need to address inequality and multidimensional development challenges; strengthening local capacities and responses, especially those of local governments; and accelerating inclusive, green economic recovery.
Commentary: Policy Brief on COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism
The Policy Brief: COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism, issued recently by the United Nations Secretary-General, describes the severe, negative effects of the pandemic on global tourism, including job loss, the depletion of natural resources, worsening quality of life for women in the workforce and a lack of world heritage site protection.