Children returning to schools, workplaces re-opening, and vaccines all seemed to point to a return to normal but like 2020, 2021 has been a year of hope, loss, and uncertainty for people around the world.
Today, we offer you a roundup of the content and themes that have defined the United Nations’ Country team’s efforts this year:
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Responding to the global pandemic. The United Nations was on the frontlines of the global pandemic. With the launch of the COVAX Facility millions of people gained access to the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine and In March, the United Nations delivered the first vaccines in Benin.
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Fighting against hunger. Current resources are not enough to meet critical needs or to hold back the massive famine. Two thirds of Yemenis need humanitarian assistance to survive. The United Nations has been on the frontline of the response but more needs to be done.
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Protecting women and girls against the “Shadow Pandemic.” Reducing inequalities between the genders has been paramount to the world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in India, the United Nations has helped make agricultural work safe and equal for all.
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Youth and innovation. Girls in Uzbekistan participated in Technovation, a UN-supported programme that help girls solve real-world problems through technology.
Staying and delivering in times of crisis
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In 2021, Afghanistan became the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. The United Nations teams are going through great lengths to leave no one behind, and ensure protection for all in the country.
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The UN remains on the ground supporting those impacted. Haiti has been experiencing a multi-dimensional crisis including an upsurge in violence, lack of resources and devastated infrastructure due to a shattering earthquake that killed thousands and affected hundreds of thousands of people.
Championing for all
UN Resident Coordinators across the globe advocate and help to accelerate progress to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
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Climate action in small islands. In Samoa, Simona Marinescu clearly outlines the multidimensional vulnerability of Small Island Developing States that indicates the uncertainty of their future if the world doesn’t address climate change.
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Gender parity at the forefront of the discussion. Valerie Julliand, makes a commitment to gender equality by pledging to end all-male panels, known as ‘manels’.
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A model of sustainable development. Pablo Ruiz Hiebra of Uruguay demonstrates how a coordinated, multidimensional and data-centric approach has been drawing attention to the opportunities and challenges that the UN is tackling to improve production, employment quality, education, health and the environment on daily basis.
Read the full article on the UN Sustainable Development Group website.
