UN News stories

38 stories found over the past 45 days
New UN study highlights huge potential for generating clean energy in Africa

13 May 2013 – Less than 1 per cent of all patent applications relating to clean energy technology (CET) have been filed in Africa, according to a new United Nations study, which also highlights the opportunity for the continent to leapfrog existing fossil-fuel energy sources and, in the process, cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.

The latest buzz: eating insects can help tackle food insecurity, says FAO

13 May 2013 – While insects can be slimy, cringe-inducing creatures, often squashed on sight by humans, a new book released today by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says beetles, wasps and caterpillars are also an unexplored nutrition source that can help address global food insecurity.

On World Migratory Bird Day, UN calls for greater protection of habitats

11 May 2013 – As an estimated 50 billion birds commence their annual migrations, the critical staging areas they need to complete these journeys continue to be degraded or are disappearing completely, the United Nations today warned on this year's World Migratory Bird Day.

Upcoming UN forum highlights vital contribution of forests to food security and nutrition

10 May 2013 – The crops, animals and trees found in forests can play a crucial role in improving food security and nutrition around the world, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is hosting a gathering on the issue in Rome next week.

UN event highlights integrated, ‘human security’ approach to meeting threats

08 May 2013 – Recognizing that today’s interlinked, complex challenges to well-being – from civil conflicts to climate change, financial crises and health pandemics – must be met in tandem, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other leaders met today to consider practical ways to advance an integrated ‘human security’ framework for that purpose.

Countries focus on ‘concrete solutions’ to build new UN-backed global climate accord

03 May 2013 – Delegates from more than 160 countries have agreed on a set of climate change policy measures as part of an ongoing United Nations-led effort to create a new, universal climate accord by 2015 to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from pre- industrial levels.

UNESCO and China highlight role of culture in post-2015 development agenda

03 May 2013 – The United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and China announced today an international congress on the role that culture plays in achieving sustainable development.

UN chief: Member States must strengthen democracy, preserve fundamental freedoms

29 April 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed efforts by the world’s democratic nations in working to strengthen their foundations, while calling on all global leaders to guarantee fundamental freedoms and listen to their people.

Diverse partnerships key to solving sustainable development challenges, UN forum told

24 April 2013 – The United Nations is looking to harness the benefits of science, technology and innovation to create jobs, end poverty, reduce inequality and address other challenges in sustainable development, senior officials today told UN partners in a special event during the 1,000 Days of Action for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

UN-backed Asian forum highlights transportation’s role in sustainable development

23 April 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed efforts by Asian countries meeting at a United Nations-backed regional forum to address transportation as part of the effort to fight climate change and achieve sustainable development.