As the world unifies amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations recently launched ‘Verified’ -- an initiative aimed at delivering trusted information, life-saving advice and stories from the best of humanity. The initiative also invites the public to help counter the spread of COVID-19 misinformation by sharing fact-based advice with their communities.

Can bicycles be a solution to the challenges of the post-COVID-19 recovery? European member countries of the United Nations recently created a taskforce to take this question further and discuss ways to make ‎post-COVID-19 mobility more environmentally sound, healthy ‎and sustainable.

Concerns are growing that being cooped up indoors all day due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns is creating greater risks for high blood pressure, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and mental illness. From Olympians to Hello Kitty, influential figures are collaborating with the United Nations to help people stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As COVID-19 has brought tourism to a complete standstill, the United Nations is working closely with international organizations, Governments and the private sector to support the responsible and timely recovery of the sector, on which millions of small businesses and jobs depend.

As COVID-19 spreads to countries with poor health systems, the United Nations and its partners are racing against time to ensure that life-saving personal protective equipment and other supplies reach frontline health workers in need. What has come to be known as the “Solidarity Flight” is part of the UN’s response to the pandemic, helping to bolster broken supply chains.

From the eradication of smallpox to the fight against Ebola, global efforts to end infectious diseases evolved over time. But there are timeless lessons the United Nations can draw from past experiences to fight the novel coronavirus.

As instances of hate speech, stigma, discrimination and xenophobia continue to rise as a result of COVID-19, the United Nations and its partners are working to ensure that solidarity prevails during the pandemic.

During the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak more people died from measles, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis due to health system failures than from Ebola. To avoid a similar outcome, the United Nations is working to ensure that essential health services, including vaccination campaigns, remain accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when billions of people are separated from one another, the voices of artists - and the role of cultural and creative industries – is being leveraged to raise awareness and foster solidarity in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations is working with and supporting artists to use their talents and diverse forms of cultural expression to engage people in the pandemic response.

From sharing vital health information about COVID-19 to providing educational programmes during school closures, radio stations operated by United Nations peacekeeping missions are now offering vital services amid the coronavirus crisis.