Actions for Small Island Developing States are the focus of the world

World leaders, CEOs, United Nations and civil society representatives will seek to galvanize renewed action for Small Island Developing States, and articulate small island priorities for the next 20 years at the Third International Conference on SIDS, which begins on 1 September in Appia, Samoa. They are expected to announce major new commitments and initiatives on a range of issues that will have measurable impact in advancing the economic, social, and environmental well-being of SIDS. Read more

Realizing population and development commitments beyond 2014

Civil society, the UN system and other partners will join Governments at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday, 22 September, for the Special Session of the General Assembly on Population and Development. The Governments will gather at the highest political level to follow up on the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, to assess the status of implementation of the Programme of Action and to renew political support for actions required for the full achievement of its goals and objectives. Read more

Rights, resources and lands at the centre of the First World Conference on Indigenous Issues

“The interests of the indigenous peoples must be part of the new development agenda in order for it to succeed.  As we prepare for the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in September, I urge all Member States to work in full partnership with indigenous peoples and their representatives to improve their lives and opportunities. Together, let us recognize and celebrate the valuable and distinctive identities of indigenous peoples around the world.  Let us work even harder to empower them and support their aspirations”, said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the 2014 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Read more

Technical reports

MDG Gap Task Force Report 2014: The State of the Global Partnership for Development

To be launched on 18 September, the report serves to review the experiences of recent years in pursuing a global partnership for development. Its analysis is particularly important as the international community focuses on formulating the post-2015 development agenda.

The MDG Gap Task Force was created by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in May 2007 to improve monitoring of the global commitments contained in MDG 8, the Global Partnership for Development. Read more

Mr. Manoel Sobral Filho was appointed Director of the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat (UNFFS/DESA) effective on 1 September 2014. A Brazilian national, Manoel Sobral has extensive experience on global forest issues, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainable forest management, partnerships, capacity building and stakeholder engagement. He has published widely on issues related to tropical forestry, deforestation, climate change, and wood-based bio energy. Read more