Calling the United Nations System to Action on Disability Inclusion
When it comes to diversity and inclusion, we must challenge ourselves to push beyond our historical focus on gender and geography. We must address the inclusion of other underrepresented groups more intentionally in our workforce, including persons with disabilities.
Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion through Volunteerism
Leaving no one behind is not an empty mantra; it is a statement of our collective responsibility and accountability.
Strengthening Family Relationships Improves Children’s Well-Being
Given all the additional challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we should recognize and focus on the need to strengthen and mend family relationships.
Integrating Security into Sustainable Development to Build More Peaceful Societies
The development of conflict-sensitive approaches highlights how sustainable development can be made more effective through a consideration of peace and security.
Education in Afghanistan: Decades of Progress Provide Hope for the Future
Despite numerous challenges and obstacles, which are far greater now than prior to the events of August 2021, there are still many ways for the international community to help education move forward in Afghanistan.
On Our Path to Global COVID-19 Recovery, We Must Focus on Literacy
As we find ourselves in the greatest education crisis of our generation, literacy interventions can act as an antidote to the long-term effects of COVID-19.
A World in Crisis Needs International Cooperation
Despite the clear evidence that investing in disaster risk reduction (DRR) brings great benefits, only a small fraction of international cooperation is being channeled to support such efforts.
The Pandemic Accelerant: How COVID-19 Advanced Our Mental Health Priorities
There is no health without mental health, and we must address physical and mental wellness in equal measure.
Celebrating the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Our oceans have never played a more significant role in all spheres of human life and endeavour as they do today. It is only through sound governance of the oceans that we will continue to reap the benefits of this common good while preserving it for generations to come.
Advancing Universal Access to Information within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
At a time when we are all trying to find efficient solutions to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more essential than ever that we put forward universal access to information as a key pillar to building back better with resilient and inclusive knowledge societies capable of achieving sustainable development.
The Centrality of Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes
When young people engage and interconnect within all three layers of negotiations—inside, around and outside the room—they have more positive influence in the development of agreements than if they are simply provided a seat at the table.
Unsafe and Disrespectful Health Practices Continue to Harm the Most Vulnerable Women and Newborns
Providing respectful care means meeting the needs of communities and individuals, and taking women’s views and preferences into full account.
The United Nations Response to Enforced Disappearance—No Victim Left Behind
The universality of ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and continuous awareness-raising should be seen as the most powerful preconditions of an efficient fight against enforced disappearance.
In the Fight to End Human Trafficking, Let Survivors Lead the Way
We must listen to survivors who managed to escape their abusers and successfully found their way back into society, as they can provide us with unique insights into this crime.
Survivors Can Play a Key Role in Combating Human Trafficking
It is high time that we take to heart the wisdom expressed in the theme of this year's World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and let “victims’ voices lead the way”.