UN News stories

40 stories found over the past 45 days
FORESTS: Amazon treaty body hailed as model for regional conservation efforts

18 April 2013 – An eight-member grouping of countries working to ensure sustainable development and improve the lives of local communities in South America’s Amazon – home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest – has been hailed as a model for regional cooperation at the tenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF10).

FEATURE: Private sector emerges as key potential funder of sustainable forest management

17 April 2013 – As countries around the world struggle to find the necessary funds to sustainably manage their forests, the private sector is emerging as a key source of financing that, if tapped properly, could result in benefits for the environment along with profits for businesses.

FORESTS: Investing in healthy forests vital for transition to green economy, UN says

17 April 2013 – Investing in healthy forests is not only vital for human and environmental well-being but also crucial in the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient green economy, says the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

UN General Assembly focussing on current and future development agenda, its president says

16 April 2013 – The United Nations General Assembly is focused on achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and fostering a successor development agenda, the President of the UN body said today, highlighting upcoming events to increase momentum as the 2015 deadline for both efforts approaches.

At forum, Ban highlights need to work towards sustainable energy for all

15 April 2013 – Calling it “one of the most critical issues of our time,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the importance of strong partnerships to achieve universal access to sustainable energy.

Production sectors cost trillions in damages to world environment – UN-backed study

15 April 2013 – Primary production and processing in such sectors as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, oil and gas exploration and utilities cost the world economy $7.3 trillion a year in damage to the environment, health and other vital benefits for humankind, a new United Nations-backed report warned today, calling for stricter ecological sustainability.

Ahead of Day of Human Space Flight, UN encouraged to spur women to enter math, sciences

12 April 2013 – The United Nations can be a catalyst for getting more young women and girls to consider careers in math and science, particularly in space sciences, according to aerospace professionals who participated in a UN event on the eve of the International Day of Human Space Flight.

Sustainable development of oceans key to ending hunger, says UN official at Pacific meeting

12 April 2013 – The fight against hunger and climate change will hinge on the success of sustainable development of oceans and fisheries, a top United Nations official stressed today, adding that there can be “no truly ‘green economy’ without a ‘blue economy.’”

FEATURE: One woman’s heroic efforts to restore more than just Rwanda’s forests

12 April 2013 – As her nation emerged from crisis, and in the face of great personal tragedy, Rose Mukankomeje took the initiative to bring Rwandans together to protect their natural resources and, in the process, restore communities devastated by conflict.

FEATURE: Young creative minds raise awareness of critical forest-related issues

11 April 2013 – They are gifted storytellers who are using stunning visual imagery and powerful narratives to raise awareness of the challenges affecting forests and those who dwell within them, as well as to spur action to protect this vital resource. They are international award winners. And, they are all under the age of 30.