Category: Development

Speaking to UN News, Amina Mohammed said that the global crisis unleashed by the virus could and should kickstart efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, the 17 globally agreed targets to eradicate poverty, create a more equal and peaceful world and protect the planet. UN News: How concerned are you that global inequalities will deepen as a result of… Read More

The recommendation was among the outcomes of the latest meeting of the Emergency Committee on the new disease, established under global health regulations. “We accept the committee’s advice that WHO works to identify the animal source of the virus through international scientific and collaborative missions, in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization… Read More

Should the worldwide slump drag into the third quarter of 2020 or later, that number could soar to 1.124 billion to 1.54 billion travellers, as airlines slash the number of seats on offer by 49 to 72 per cent. Planes grounded; billions lost If that is the case, air carriers could find themselves grappling with $198 billion to $273 billion… Read More

I had a wonderful call with @CaptainTomMoore, who has raised over £31m for the UK National Health Service – and today celebrated his 100th birthday! Captain Tom is a symbol of solidarity in the face of #COVID19, and an inspiration to us all. Happy birthday Captain Tom! pic.twitter.com/r3YMj61QJo — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 30, 2020 “Our response to COVID-19 must… Read More

Governments, the private sector, the airline industry, and others have been approached to free up freight space at an affordable cost, “and to work with us to find ways around the transport disruptions we face”, said UNICEF spokesperson Marixie Mercado. “Compounding the challenge is the exorbitant cost of securing flights, with freight rates at 100 to 200 per cent above… Read More

“We mourn the lives lost – more than 200,000”, Secretary-General António Guterres said in a virtual press conference on Thursday. “We despair that many more will follow, particularly in places least able to cope”.  He ran through the multiple ways the Organization is working to combat the virus on the ground, and said that on Friday, a new UN policy… Read More

The artists were originally set to perform in Cape Town, South Africa, but have united for an online concert that will be streamed live starting at 4 pm Eastern Standard Time. Audrey Azoulay, head of the UN cultural organization, UNESCO, pointed out that music is bringing people together and helping to keep hope alive during the global crisis. “It is… Read More

“The time is now, there isn’t a day to lose. We must unite together in this fight.” Thank you @GretaThunberg and Human Act for supporting our COVID-19 response. Join Greta and help vulnerable children and families today. ? — UNICEF (@UNICEF) April 30, 2020 “The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest struggle the world has seen in generations”, said UNICEF Executive… Read More

Launched in March by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Bank, the Coalition works to foster inclusive learning opportunities. “Rising inequality, poor health outcomes, violence, child labour and child marriage are just some of the long-term threats for children who miss out on school”, said UNICEF Executive Director… Read More

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the Emergency Committee meeting will mark three months since members agreed that the new coronavirus disease was an international global health emergency. “In the three months since the Emergency Committee last met, WHO has worked day in, day out to sound the alarm, support countries and save lives”, he said. The Emergency Committee consists… Read More