Former US Ambassador William vanden Heuvel, Chair Emeritus and founder of the Roosevelt Institute, discusses the legacy of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the United Nations in the context of the Organization's upcoming 75th Anniversary. Drawing on decades of scholarship and diplomatic experience, Ambassador vanden Heuvel recalls the founding principles and enduring objectives of the United Nations, and Roosevelt's role in the creation of this indispensable international body.

This most difficult and even overwhelming year has served to remind us of our ultimate dependence on the physical environment. It has confirmed the value of science as our most reliable instrument to understand and to overcome natural threats. It has proved that cooperation is the only way to address challenges that transcend borders.

Increasing Youth Participation in Climate Action
Young people, who constitute the majority of the population in many countries, are becoming a driving force in pursuing a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Reimagining Human Mobility in a Post-COVID-19 World
No phenomenon has been as affected by humanity’s reaction to COVID-19 as migration. Simply put, humans are the main vector for the transmission of the virus, so the mobility aspects of our response had to be factored in from day one.
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Do People Still Care About Human Rights?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on 10 December 1948, inspired peoples across the world and laid the foundation for governance and institutional reforms, for progressive, people centred legislation and education that reverberates from generation to generation.

The Case for Connectivity, the New Human Right
This year’s Human Rights Day theme focuses on the need and opportunity to build back better in the wake of the pandemic by ensuring that human rights are central to recovery efforts. And make no mistake about it, digital connectivity should be a human right.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Women
Among other measures to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, the United Nations could develop gender-sensitive monitoring and impact checklists to assist countries with follow-up and assessment of their achievements in all sectors during the crisis.
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Connecting the World in Its Time of Need: International Aviation's Pandemic Response
By severing our international connections by air in this manner, COVID-19 has cut off businesses from clients and tourists from destinations and posed disproportionate threats to the poor and vulnerable.

Media and Information Literacy in an Age of Uncertainty
In order to protect democracy, the transition to a digital society and economy must be accompanied by a media and information literacy revolution.

Making Industrialization in Africa Sustainable
Industrial development in Africa needs to be inclusive and sustainable: inclusive so that all sectors of society can participate and benefit from industrialization, and sustainable so that the environment does not suffer.

Addressing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Violence Against Women and Girls
Violence against women and girls was a pandemic long before the outbreak of COVID-19. The underlying causes are not the virus itself or the resulting economic crisis, but rather an imbalance of power and control.
Chronicle Conversations
Chronicle Conversation: Ambassador William vanden Heuvel, 28 February 2020
Youth Issues
The UN Chronicle interviews youth environmental activist Aditya Mukarji
Lyubov Ginzburg of the UN Chronicle interviews fifteen-year-old environmental activist Aditya Mukarji on the problem of plastic pollution and the first-ever United Nations Youth Climate Action Summit. 22 September 2019, New York
Legacy Showcase

New Technologies: Where To?
This issue focuses on new technologies and their potential benefits for humanity as well as their expanding use in advancing the 2030 Agenda. It explores the promise of our digital age, while posing important questions about where these technologies are leading us, and how their misuse could also lead to increased inequality and conflict.

2030 Agenda
This issue focuses on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, which commits United Nations Member States to work towards a sustainable future for all. The articles, by Senior Officials of the United Nations system, examine the Organization’s lead role in advancing the 2030 Agenda, and in promoting peace, social equality and human rights.
Latest Reports

Resource Efficiency and Climate Change: Material Efficiency Strategies for a Low-Carbon Future
This report conducts a rigorous assessment of the contribution of material efficiency to GHG abatement strategies. More concretely, it assesses the reduction potential of GHG emissions from material efficiency strategies applied in residential buildings and light duty vehicles, and reviews policies that address these strategies. It shows that increasing material efficiency is a key opportunity to achieve the aspirations of the Paris Agreement.
About the UN Chronicle
The UN Chronicle, produced by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, has served as the Organization’s flagship magazine since 1946, providing authoritative information and debate on the activities of the larger United Nations system. Learn more...
