9 May 2024: Launch of the UNTFHS multimedia exhibition
On 9 May 2024, the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), in partnership with Member States of the Group of Friends of Human Security, will launch a transformative multimedia exhibition titled “MULTIPLICITY: Threats, Partnerships, and Stories of Success” at United Nations Headquarters. The exhibit will transform the visitor’s lobby to raise awareness on the complex challenges we face and the pivotal importance of human security and its application in promoting solidarity and collaboration across and within countries to better serve people, planet, peace, prosperity, and partnerships. Through technology-driven immersive experiences, “MULTIPLICITY” highlights real-world examples of ongoing efforts from the local to the national, regional, and global level to advance Sustainable Development Goals, promote peace and stability, and address current and emerging challenges through the human security lens. The exhibit will be on display from 9 May to 21 June 2024.
2 April 2024: Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly on Human Security
The meeting of the plenary of the General Assembly on human security, the first in ten years, brought together about 120 Member States to exchange perspectives on the Report of the Secretary-General on Human Security. Forty Member States took the floor, the majority of whom noted that human security is even more important today than when General Assembly resolution 66/290 was adopted in 2012. Member States underscored that human security helps break siloes, promote integrated approaches and, by focusing on people, unlocks synergies across stakeholders. The framework was highlighted as important for achieving the SDGs, addressing the impacts of climate change on people and communities and in the context of HDPN, preventing crises and ensuring that people and societies are more resilient to multidimensional challenges. A significant number of countries expressed the importance of having a strong reference to human security in the Pact for the Future.
26 JANUARY 2024: UN Secretary-General Issues Report on Human Security
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has released his report on human security (A/78/665), spotlighting its application by governments, regional entities, the UN system and others in addressing today’s current and emerging challenges.
Emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches, the report positions human security as a unifying framework across diverse challenges faced by nations, aligning with Our Common Agenda and the Summit and the Pact for the Future. The report underscores how human security based on an emphasis on solidarity of vision and action can mark a turning point for the multilateral system.
Providing an update on developments since the last report ten years ago, it addresses the paradox of heightened insecurity amid overall progress and brings new insights on how best to respond to today’s cascading crises, including our concerted efforts to accelerate the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Read the report in full here and stay tuned for further updates on human security.26 JANUARY 2024
10 JANUARY 2024: Thailand Programme Launches Handbook on Human Security and PVE
In an effort to strengthen the prevention of violent extremism (PVE) through human security, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Office of the National Security Council (NSC) have published a comprehensive handbook. This marks a significant achievement for the UNTFHS Thailand programme, highlighting human security as a key tool to tackle PVE challenges.
Developed collaboratively by UN agencies, lecturers from Chulalongkorn University, government agencies, and civil society organizations, the handbook provides practical insights from training sessions, forums, and case studies involving both governmental and civil society sectors in Thailand. It serves as a valuable guide for applying the human security approach to prevent violent extremism in Thailand.
Read the full document here.
27 DECEMBER 2023: LAUNCH OF WINTER EDITION OF THE HUMAN SECURITY NEWSLETTER
The Winter 2023 edition of the Human Security Newsletter highlights the imperative of human security in a world marked by complex, intersecting crises from natural disasters to violent conflicts, and the lingering aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. With a forward-looking focus, it illustrates how applying human security can help prevent conditions that result in growing vulnerability, strengthen the resilience of people and governments, and promote solidarity and trust in a world fractured on many fronts.
This edition tackles important emerging issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the value of human security for enabling innovation to flourish while protecting rights and privacy in the context of the risks and opportunities brought about by digital transformation. It unpacks lessons learned from successful UNTFHS programmes in Egypt, the Pacific Islands, Mexico and South Africa to inform discussions on global priorities such as enhancing solidarity between people and governments to accelerate sustainable development, improving regional cooperation to tackle climate mobility, and strengthening tools for multidimensional risk analysis in urban areas on the frontlines of today’s complex crises. Read the newsletter in full here.
To stay updated on human security activities, check our website regularly, follow us on twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter.
18 DECEMBER 2023: LAUNCH OF HS4A DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
The December 2023 edition of the HS4A Global Campaign Newsletter showcases the sweeping landscape of human security initiatives worldwide. It emphasizes the growing influence of the human security approach to address the complexities of our times. It covers a spectrum of actions, from showcasing HS4A’s notable presence at CES to highlighting the campaign’s engagement at COP28 in Dubai. Additionally, it delves into emerging topics such as Artificial Intelligence, science diplomacy, and biohydrogen production, offering valuable insights into these discussions and their connection to human security.
For more information, read the full newsletter here.
01 November: Launch of Paper on Human Security in Community Development by UNTFHS Armenia Programme
In a concerted effort to bolster regional and community development planning, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform of Armenia fund (DRRNP) have introduced a new publication. Funded by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), the publication constitutes a pivotal element of the Mainstreaming Human Security Approach in Policy-Making to Support Syunik Region’s Recovery programme dedicated to the inclusion of human security principles into established norms, institutional relationships, and planning procedures. Leveraging the human security approach and its analytical framework, the programme evaluates factors that erode community security, fostering more efficient development planning and response mechanisms for addressing immediate and emerging challenges. The documment encompasses the communities of Sisian, Goris, Kapan, and Meghri within the Syunik region, where local stakeholders, in collaboration with UNDP and DRRNP experts, are analyzing existing development plans through the application of human security. Read the full document here.
22 OCTOBER 2023: In Remembrance: Sadako Ogata’s Enduring Legacy
In October 2019, the world bid farewell to the esteemed Madame Sadako Ogata, leaving behind a profound legacy that forever altered the landscape of international aid and the UN’s mission. Breaking barriers in 1991 as the first female High Commissioner for Refugees, she revolutionized the organization by extending support not only to millions of refugees crossing borders but also to those internally displaced. Her relentless efforts underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive framework to protect the well-being, livelihoods, and dignity of all individuals, paving the way for her instrumental role in advancing the practical approach to human security. As the Co-Chair of the Commission on Human Security and subsequently as the Chair of the Advisory Board on Human Security, Madame Ogata’s visionary leadership led to the groundbreaking report “Human Security Now” in 2003, which continues to provide essential guidance on integrating efforts to shield and empower those facing complex threats. Her enduring impact resonates in the continued commitment of the UN Trust Fund for Human Security to carry forward her vital work, striving to expand the application of human security both within and beyond the UN framework. In 2023, we continue to honor her remarkable legacy.
12 October 2023: Caribbean Programme Event “Strengthening Resilience & Empowering Women in Agriculture.”
On October 12th, during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, a panel discussion unfolded, focusing on “Strengthening Resilience & Empowering Women in Agriculture.” This event, supported by the UNTFHS and organized by the Caribbean Programme, underscored the connection between the resilience of agricultural systems and the empowerment of women, both pivotal elements of human security. Distinguished expert Ms. Vermaran Extavour, an International Value Chain Specialist representing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), played a significant role in enriching the discourse. The discussion, accessible via live-streaming on CARICOM’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including members of National Steering Committees, in a concerted effort to advance agricultural progress in the Caribbean region. Watch the full event here.
29 SEPTEMBER 2023: International Conference on “Artificial Intelligence and Human Security in the Black Sea Region”
The International Conference on “Artificial Intelligence and Human Security in the Black Sea Region,” held on September 29, 2023, in Varna, Bulgaria, and online, addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human security.
The conference, in collaboration with the HS4A Campaign, provided a platform for stakeholders to explore the implications of AI on human security, specifically how AI can be utilized in a manner that respects human rights, prevents misinformation, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.
Organized by the Black Sea Universities Network, the event highlighted the growing recognition of the need for regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI deployment. It brought together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and experts, fostering collaboration to shape policies that prioritize human security in the context of AI in the digital era.
26 SEPTEMBER 2023: Highlighting Achievements and Lessons: Official Closing Session of UNTFHS Cabo Verde programme
Stakeholders gathered in Praia, Cabo Verde, to commemorate the successful conclusion of the Joint Programme by UNODC and UN-HABITAT, funded by the UNTFHS.
Firmly rooted in human security principles, the programme played a pivotal role in addressing pressing challenges in Cabo Verde’s vulnerable communities. Cabo Verde’s reliance on trade, tourism, and food imports made it particularly susceptible to Covid-19 pandemic related disruptions. Nonetheless, the UNTFHS programme demonstrated its potential in responding to complex challenges.
The legacy of this programme is one of innovation and collaboration, employing technology and a block-by-block methodology to engage vulnerable urban communities in local development planning. Human security has been at the forefront of these efforts. It has fostered comprehensive, inclusive, and integrated strategies, uniting stakeholders at all levels of governance. As the programme concludes, there is optimism about the potential integration of the human security approach into Cabo Verde’s national development plan, setting an example for nations worldwide.
For additional insights into the programme and its lasting impact, visit the Cabo Verde programme page.
13 SEPTEMBER 2023: Inauguration of recently rehabilitated Markazouna Community Centre in Tripoli
On September 13, the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the Government of Japan, and the Municipality of Tripoli, inaugurated the “Markazouna” Multipurpose Community Centre in Shalfeh, Tripoli. This collaborative initiative underscores the commitment to human security by providing a secure and inclusive space for Tripoli’s vulnerable communities.
After extensive renovation, the Markazouna Community Centre is now fully operational. Rehabilitation efforts included restoring the entire center, upgrading the playground, installing solar panels for renewable energy, ensuring accessibility, and providing necessary furniture and electrical equipment. Ahmad Kamareddine, Mayor of Tripoli, described Markazouna as “an oasis of ambition and confidence, providing psychological, educational, and social support.”
Mehrnaz Mostafavi, Chief of the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, highlighted the center’s alignment with the human security approach, promoting solutions in housing, education, health, economic and social inclusion for communities and vulnerable individuals.
For more information, visit the Lebanon programme page.
20 AUGUST 2023: Promoting National Awareness and Empowerment in Moldova
To address pressing issues including energy, food and economic insecurities that have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, the UNTFHS programme in Moldova has launched a human security campaign.
The campaign shines a spotlight on the critical contributions being made by national and local counterparts in advocating for human security. Moreover, the campaign aims to broaden the understanding and efforts to enhance human security for vulnerable communities in Moldova.
The campaign’s strategy comprises of a range of activities including interactive webinars, presentations, policy dialogues, and promotional materials to facilitate a deeper understanding of human security, its application, and relevance to those in Moldova. To further extend the reach of its activities, resources are provided in Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian.
If you want to learn more about human security and its added value in responding to today’s interlinked and varied challenges, please check out the Human Security e-Course.
27 JULY 2023: Webinar “Human Security and Parliaments”
The Human Security For All (HS4A) campaign, a global initiative led by the UNTFHS and the World Academy of Art and Science, hosted a webinar in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The webinar highlighted the human security framework as it reaches its 30th anniversary. It underscored how in a world where individuals and communities are faced with multifaceted challenges, the application of human security can be a valuable tool for parliamentarians in assessing, prioritizing and planning policies and actions.
The webinar yielded promising outcomes, deepening the participants’ understanding of human security and its role in addressing interlinked and complex threats from pandemics to climate change, food insecurity, economic and financial challenges. The event also provided practical recommendations for translating the human security approach into action, offering guidance to parliamentarians interested in integrating this framework into local, national, regional, and global policies and practice.
Through advocacy and collaboration, this event contributed to the pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development. For further insights, please visit the HS4A campaign’s website. You can also find the complete statement from the Chief of the UN Human Security Unit and the UNTFHS, here.
27 JUNE 2023: Inter-Agency Dialogue on the Implementation of a Handbook on Promoting Human Security Approach on the Prevention of Violent Extremism in Thailand
On June 27, 2023, the Inter-Agency Dialogue on Promoting Human Security Approach to Prevent Violent Extremism event took place in Thailand, emphasizing the vital role of the Human Security Approach in creating a fear-free and peaceful society. The event, funded by the UNTFHS and organized by UNDP in collaboration with UNODC and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, brought together representatives from key Government sectors such as education, health, and law enforcement. The focus was on combatting violent extremism in Thailand, recognizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses underlying causes.
Grounded in the belief that everyone deserves dignity and security, the Human Security Approach tackles various interconnected challenges, including socio-economic development, health, and human rights. By integrating this approach, participants sought to meet individuals’ needs and prevent extremist ideologies from taking root.
The dialogue emphasized the necessity of collective action and cooperation across sectors. It highlighted how collaboration can strengthen prevention efforts, engage communities, and empower individuals to counter violent extremism effectively.
Amid evolving challenges, the Human Security Approach emerges as a potent tool to build an inclusive and safer society. By addressing multifaceted issues, the event underlined its significance in preventing extremism and fostering hope for a dignified and secure future. Participants underscored the importance of the UNTFHS as a catalyst Fund for integrated programming and an essential and powerful instrument for fostering stability and addressing today’s threats in a preventive and context-specific manner in Thailand and beyond.
21 JUNE 2023: Launch of Spring Edition of the Human Security Newsletter
The Spring 2023 edition of the Human Security Newsletter is a testament to the global momentum building around human security. This edition underscores how the concept of human security is gaining traction and driving innovative approaches to address the complex challenges of our times. From the United Nations’ renewed focus on human security to regional initiatives like Sustainable Solutions for Human Security by the League of Arab States and Colombia’s integration of human security into their peace efforts, it’s clear that human security is reshaping traditional practices and fostering innovation in multi-sector responses to 21st-century challenges.
This edition highlights efforts to ensure that sustainable development benefits everyone and addresses the unique challenges faced by small island developing states due to climate change. Moreover, it explores the operationalization of the Triple Nexus through human security, offering insights into cooperation among humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors. Read the full newsletter here.
To stay updated on human security activities, check our website regularly, follow us on twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter.
20-21 JUNE 2023: Tec de Monterrey and London School of Economics Host Roundtable on Achieving Social Impact through Collaborations
In a bid to explore innovative ways for businesses to create positive societal change, the London School of Economics (LSE) as part of the UNTFHS supported programme on Human Security Business Partnerships is co-hosting a two-day roundtable event with Tec de Monterrey. The event aims to delve into the realm of multi-stakeholder collaborations that actively engage with local communities, emphasizing the significance of achieving social impact alongside economic goals.
Amidst mounting pressures on corporations to uphold sustainable practices and contribute to resolving societal challenges, the roundtable will draw insights from the successful Campana Altamira Initiative. This initiative has paved the way for understanding how businesses can align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives as well as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also developing frameworks for measuring their social impact.
On the first day, participants will immerse themselves in lessons derived from the Campana Altamira Initiative’s social investments. This will facilitate discussions on novel approaches to community engagement that can amplify value creation. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to visit social investment projects in Campana Altamira to witness real-world impacts. The second day of the roundtable will concentrate on strategies for gauging social impact, effectively utilizing local impact data, and fostering collaboration with external stakeholders.
For more information on the event and the impactful initiatives discussed, interested parties can find details on the UNTFHS programme website.
19-23 APRIL 2023: Advancing Human Security for a Sustainable Future – HS4A Attends Earthx
The EarthX event held in April 2023 served as a powerful platform for advancing the Human Security for All (HS4A) campaign, igniting a global movement dedicated to ensuring human security for a sustainable future. EarthX, known for promoting environmental awareness and impact, attracted thousands of attendees, leaders, and exhibitors passionate about addressing the multidimensional challenges affecting humanity.
At the heart of the HS4A campaign is the understanding that human security and environmental sustainability are closely intertwined. As the world faces increasing threats from climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, HS4A emerges as a beacon of hope, mobilizing diverse stakeholders to collaborate and seek innovative solutions.
Garry Jacobs, President and CEO of the World Academy of Art and Science, emphasized the need for a global and transnational effort involving everyone from various disciplines, professions, and sectors of society. By addressing climate change challenges, HS4A not only safeguards human security but also paves the way towards a more peaceful world.
Mehrnaz Mostafavi, Chief of the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, highlighted the urgency of the campaign’s mission, underscoring the importance of coordinated action to address the complex challenges posed by climate change. The event showcased visionary projects and initiatives, inspiring others to join the movement and work towards inclusivity, social justice, and a safer, more sustainable world for all.
EarthX and its HS4A focus left an indelible mark on the landscape of human security, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and the determination to create a better world. The event’s success resonated with attendees, igniting their commitment to drive positive change and shape the future of human security. Together, they embarked on a journey to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable world for everyone.
2 APRIL 2023: West Africa Localization Mini-Campaign
During the ninth session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, held under the theme “Accelerating the Inclusive and Green Recovery from Multiple Crises and the Integrated and Full Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063”, the UNTFHS promoted a social media campaign to highlight the relevance of localizing the SDGs in West Africa to further advance the attainment of the global goals in the region.
The mini-campaign illustrated how the human security approach has been a key avenue for progress and implementation of the 2030 agenda by moving the focus below the national level to the subnational level, including cities and communities. The content showcased how countries in West Africa are leveraging innovation and initiatives that build on existing capacities and fit the needs of local contexts to accelerate progress.
For the full content of the mini-campaign, click here.
28 MARCH 2023: Forum: “Assessing Human Security Innovation: Impact on Violence Prevention”
Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Human Security Unit, the Forum “Assessing Human Security Innovation: Impact on Violence Prevention” took place in Bangkok, Thailand. The Forum is part of the UNTFHS programme “Promoting a Human Security Approach to Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in Thailand,” launched in September 2021.
The gathering brought together members of the National Security Council, government officials, United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations. UNODC and UNDP presented the key achievements from the programme. They reviewed the Guidelines prepared on the topic and sought feedback from the participants who emphasized how PVE requires a multifaceted approach and underscored the importance of the human security approach as an effective entry point to broaden the understanding of the drivers and enablers of violent extremism, both at the policy and community levels.
The event contributed to global efforts in reducing violent extremism, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 5, 10 and 16. For more information, please visit the programme page.
21-22 MARCH 2023: Regional Workshop On Disaster Displacement And Environmental Policies In The Eastern Caribbean
From 21 to 23 March, the UNTFHS-funded Eastern Caribbean programme held a 3-day hybrid regional workshop with key decision-makers and stakeholders to increase awareness of the human security approach and promote its application in addressing human mobility issues linked to climate change, disasters, and environmental degradation within the region.
The workshop highlighted the Environmental Migration, Disaster Displacement and Human Security Assessment Tool developed under the programme, as well as the rich and actionable information it provides for national policymakers based on the assessments undertaken to date. It also provided an opportunity to finalize non-binding regional OECS guidelines to facilitate the harmonization of national practices to enable a human security approach to disaster displacement and draft protocols for cross border evacuations.
The multi-stakeholder discussions illustrated the value of the human security approach for promoting regional policy coherence in a manner that recognizes the specific national and local vulnerabilities and challenges related to climate change, disasters and sustainable development in the OECS region. As mentioned during the opening ceremony by Joseph Taylor-Farrell, Premier of Montserrat & Chairman of the OECS, “collaborations such as this one can go a long way in supporting [the region’s] national and collective responses to human mobility due to environmental migration”.
For more information on the UNTFHS Eastern Caribbean programme, please visit the programme website.
5-9 MARCH 2023: Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5)
The Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) took place from 5-9 March with countries adopting concrete measures to implement the Doha Programme of Action, which aims to renew and strengthen commitments between LDCs and their development partners – marking a transformative turning point for the world’s most vulnerable countries.
During the conference, the League of Arab States (LAS), ESCWA and the HSU launched the UNTFHS programme to operationalize the triple nexus through the human security approach in nine countries in the Arab region. Building upon a previous initiative with LAS to draft a regional report on advancing the SDGs in conflict-affected countries, this programme will develop concrete human security tools to support national governments and their partners in analyzing complex crises, elaborating collective outcomes, and preparing plans to support the transition from humanitarian response to longer-term development.
In a world of multiple and intersecting crises, “operating within narrow silos is ineffective, flawed and costly. Instead, what is required is a holistic and integrated framework that brings together all key stakeholders from governments to civil society” said Ms. Mehrnaz Mostafavi, Chief, HSU. Enhancing the implementation of the triple nexus will help usher in a new era of solidarity toward reducing vulnerability, building resilience and safeguarding sustainable development in all countries facing complex challenges, including LDCs. Click here to read the full statement.
1-2 MARCH 2023: UNTFHS-funded 2-day Regional Workshops in Mexico and South Africa
In March 2023, the UNTFHS-funded Habitat Safer Cities programme held 2-day regional workshops in Mexico and South Africa, bringing together a wide range of local and international stakeholders to exchange lessons learned and reflect on how the human security approach promotes coherence in their efforts to enhance security and safety for all, especially in the most vulnerable communities in both cities.
During the workshop in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on 1-2 March, the participants discussed how they can help position the city as a center of innovation in the development of an integrated and multidimensional approach to the safety of its citizens. Speakers provided an overview of the analytical and practical value of the human security approach for improving comprehensive and preventive policies and interventions at the city level. Participants highlighted the human security appraisals for cities and communities as an important platform for engaging with civil society and citizens in the co-production of urban safety.
With opening remarks by His Worship, Councilor Mxolisi Kaunda, Mayor of Durban, and Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator, the workshop in Durban, South Africa on 23-24 March, underscored the importance of human security as a tool to improve urban safety in the country. Key community leaders and residents of KwaNdengezi participated on the second day of the workshop to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities to improve safety and security for vulnerable groups, including youth, women, and people living in informal settlements, which will be incorporated into the local appraisal process being undertaken by the programme.
For more information on the UNTFHS Habitat Safer Cities programme, please visit the programme website.
March 1, 2023: Launch of the JICA HS Report
On March 1, 2023, the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development (JICA Ogata Research Institute), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a seminar to introduce the English version of the first issue of its flagship report “Human Security Today.” International experts gathered to deepen the discussion on the concept and practice of human security.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of JICA and member of the Advisory Board on Human Security, stressed the importance of human security in today’s world of compounded crises. Speakers highlighted the need to expand the application of human security as a transcultural value that applies to all people of the world and better equips governments and other stakeholders with the tools to respond to the complexity of challenges and their multidimensional consequences.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Mehrnaz Mostafavi, Chief of the Human Security Unit shared lessons learned from programmes supported by the UN Trust Fund from Human Security and illustrated how human security is a framework to assess, develop and implement comprehensive responses to complex challenges in communities, countries or regions. Attorney Raissa Herradura Jajurie, Deputy Floor Leader, Bangsamoro Transition Authority in the Philippines provided a concrete illustration of human security’s application to post-conflict recovery and transition to sustainable development. Mr. Tetsuo Kondo, UNDP, emphasized the crucial contribution of human security toward bolstering solidarity to address shared global challenges.
To watch the seminar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13zCqYCiesI)
5-8 JANUARY 2023: HS4A Campaign to Advance Human Security Launched at CES2023 With a Focus on Tech Innovation
On January 5, as part of a global human security initiative, the UN Trust For Human Security (UNTFHS) and the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) launched the Human Security For All (HS4A) campaign towards a vision of a safe, peaceful and healthy planet.
The campaign kickstarted through a landmark partnership with CES, the largest consumer technology conference in the world. CES 2023 took place in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, attracting over 115,000 attendees, 3,200 exhibitors, including 1,000 startups, and showcasing the next era of innovation. At the event, the HS4A campaign illustrated technology’s potential to effectively address human insecurities.
HS4A’s inaugural event showcased key dimensions of human security, opening the door to discuss cutting edge applications of technology to improve the lives of individuals, communities, and societies around the globe. In the coming year, the HS4A Global Campaign will engage with different sectors and stakeholders to galvanize a global constituency to advance human security for all.
12-13 DECEMBER: REGIONAL SUMMIT ON HUMAN AND CLIMATE SECURITY CHALLENGES AND FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT RESOLUTION
On the third week of December 2022, a two-day regional summit was held, marking the conclusion of the UNTFHS-funded programme ‘Transitioning from Humanitarian Relief to Long-term Development: Addressing the Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict in Nigeria’. The Summit on Human and Climate Security Challenges and Farmer-Herder Conflict Resolution created an opportunity for global, regional and national stakeholders—academic, private, non-governmental and governmental entities—to gather and discuss how best to promote stability in affected regions of Nigeria.
Recognizing that climate change is inducing new security threats and intensifying farmer-herder tensions through reduced availability of water, feed and pasture, participants reflected on the value of the human security approach for strengthening governance frameworks, identifying win-win strategies for farmer and herder communities, and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Given the success of the Summit, participants recommended making it a bi-annual event and extending participation to neighboring countries for more effective regional cooperation on climate security issues.
For more information about the UNTFHS programme in Nigeria, visit the programme website and watch this video about the programme.
25 OCTOBER 2022: SUDAN PROGRAMME AT THE GLOBAL PROTECTION FORUM
On October 25, the UNTFHS-funded programme ‘Recovering from Conflict: Integrated Support for Most Vulnerable Communities in South Kordofan’ was showcased during a virtual event at the Thematic Segment of the 2022 Global Protection Forum. This yearly conference gathers key stakeholders to discuss contemporary and emerging protection challenges, with the latest session reaching over 3,600 people from 135 different countries. The virtual event had the objective to highlight how the UNTFHS programme has been able to use the human security approach as a powerful tool to enable access for protection; the theme of the Forum.
The region of South Kordofan, Sudan, was inaccessible for years because of insecurity and the presence of landmines. Apart from explosives remnants of war, the population faces food scarcity, lack of health care, and other threats to security. The event illustrated the importance of using the human security approach to facilitate a well-coordinated and integrated response between the different agencies to address the multidimensional threats faced by the affected communities in South Kordofan. Due to its multi-sectoral and comprehensive structure, the UNTFHS programme has provided critical support to restoring human dignity, safety, and social cohesion amongst targeted communities. Furthermore, by identifying the root causes of challenges, the human security approach has facilitated the development of early warning mechanisms, mitigating current threats while aiming to prevent future challenges, hence creating sustainable and resilient solutions.
Click here for further details on the event. For more information on the UNTFHS programme in Sudan, please visit the programme page.
21 OCTOBER 2022: Supporting Women and Young Farmers Through Digitalization in the Caribbean
To celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, the Caribbean programme team organized a handover event to provide tablets to women and young farmers as part of the programme entitled Building Effective Resilience for Human Security in the Caribbean Countries: The Imperative of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Strengthened Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors.
The ceremony was held in Bridgetown, Barbados, in the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Kayoko Fukushima, Ambassador of Japan to Barbados and Ms. Tonni Brodber, UN Women. Speakers highlighted the key role of rural women in promoting and sustaining the agricultural sector, while also underscoring their multidimensional vulnerabilities. They noted the value of human security for guiding the elaboration of targeted strategies to bolster the role of women in the broader context of revitalizing rural economies.
Jointly managed by UN Women, UNDP, FAO and ILO, the programme has been working in five Caribbean countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and Saint Lucia. It has supported information technology and business development training, as well as the development of agricultural cooperatives for women and young farmers to create more opportunities and spark innovation within key sectors of Caribbean economies. Through the programme more women and young farmers are now equipped to operate and strengthen their own businesses and engage interactively to further promote the sustainability of the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
More information on this joint regional initiative is available on the programme page.
11-12 OCTOBER 2022: Webinar on the 2022 UNTFHS Call for Proposals
On 11-12 October, the Human Security Unit organized two webinars to provide an overview of the 2022 UNTFHS Call for Proposals and support UN Country Teams in preparation for their submissions. With over 200 UN staff in attendance, the webinars highlighted the priority areas for this year’s Call for Proposals that are in line with the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Human Security. The webinars also clarified the requirements and criteria under Window II of the UNTFHS and outlined the application process and expected timelines. They concluded with an interactive Q&A session to answer additional inquiries from the participants.
If you were unable to attend the webinar, please send a message to humansecurity@un.org for a recording. Please also visit the FAQ page of the UNTFHS website and take the e-course on human security.
4 OCTOBER 2022: Launch of Arabic, French and Spanish Versions of the Interactive Human Security E-Course
On 4 October, the Human Security Unit and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSCC) launched the Arabic, French and Spanish versions of the free e-course Human Security: From Principles to Practice. Building on the successful launch of the English version of the e-course in late 2021, the new language versions will greatly expand the reach of this innovative and interactive human security training. Through dynamic learning methods and case study applications, the e-course provides participants with the tools to examine multidimensional challenges in a more comprehensive way with the aim of developing integrated, people-centred, context-specific and preventive solutions to today’s complex and intersecting challenges. It will enable participants to apply the human security approach in their work as we galvanize momentum to deliver on the SDGs and prevent complex crises that so often derail peace and development progress. Read a news article on the launch here.
The full course in all four languages is available through the UNSCC website. For those short on time, the first two modules are available separately on the HSU website for an introduction to the approach (Module 1: Understanding the human security approach), and insights on its implementation (Module 2: Getting started with human security programming).
27-28 AUGUST 2022: Acknowledging the Relevance of Human Security for the Development of Africa
On August 27 and 28, the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) took place in Tunis, Tunisia. Co-hosted by the Government of Japan, the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission, the conference gathered more than 50 heads of state, 300 business leaders, and representatives from national and local governments, the international community, civil society, and academia to exchange ideas and experiences around the three pillars of growth, society, and peace in Africa.
The closing declaration of the conference, the Tunis Declaration, underscored the importance of human security as a framework for understanding global vulnerabilities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis and as an objective to build back better in a world faced with interlocking challenges. It highlighted how human security and its application can help accelerate local ownership and promote people-centered and prevention-oriented solutions that engage vulnerable groups and the private sector, among others, to come together and collectively contribute to the recovery and future of a resilient, prosperous and peaceful Africa. To learn more about this year’s conference, visit the TICAD 8 website and read the full Tunis Declaration.
18 AUGUST 2022: Launch Of Summer Edition Of The Human Security Newsletter
The new edition of the Human Security Newsletter reminds us of the increasing relevance of the human security approach, acknowledged by its inclusion in global agendas and demonstrated through its ability to answer evolving and emerging challenges. It showcases a handful of initiatives that illustrate the practical utility of the human security approach in the context of promoting sustainable urbanization – from redefining what it means to be a ‘smart city’ in Cambodia to broadening traditional approaches for preventing and addressing crime and violence and driving forward community-based strategies to promote safety and security in Africa. This edition also provides an overview of new UNTFHS programmes being approved in 2022 and upcoming events and activities on human security. To stay updated on human security activities, check our website regularly, follow us on twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter.
17 AUGUST 2022: Release Of 2022 UNTFHS Call For Proposals
On 17 August, the UNTFHS released the 2022 Call for Proposals. In this year of dedicated institutional reflection on human security, the Call for Proposals will focus on advancing the application of human security in priority areas as highlighted in the recent recommendations of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Human Security in order to accelerate the SDGs and work under Our Common Agenda, including the New Agenda for Peace and plans towards the Summit of the Future. It will support the development of concrete knowledge products, strategies or tools to help the UN system and/or national and local governments to better deliver on promises, promote greater integration of operations and expertise, and develop new perspectives and approaches to longstanding challenges such as redressing inequality, overcoming obstacles to implementing the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, and prioritizing prevention in all areas of the Organization’s work with the aim to advance the SDGs. For more information, please review the 2022 UNTFHS Call for Proposals and the FAQ page of our website. The deadline for submissions is 12 December 2022, 11:59 pm EST.
15 AUGUST 2022: Guide to Promote Youth Participation with a Human Security Approach in Public Policy Processes in Mexico
Aiming to raise awareness among decision-makers on the importance of youth participation and human security, the UNTFHS programme in Mexico applies the human security and gender approaches to foster the protection, empowerment and economic inclusion of at-risk youth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.
To this end, the programme has produced a guide on how to mainstream youth participation in public policy processes. Along with other advocacy materials, this guide intends to increase the knowledge and skills of local leaders so that they can apply the human security approach in youth-related policies and programmes. Apart from explaining concepts such as human security, gender mainstreaming, and economic inclusion, the guide provides an overview of the challenges, opportunities and capacities of local youth towards a road map for the implementation of prospective human security initiatives. Most importantly, it highlights the added value of the human security approach and youth participation, as well as illustrates how they are mutually reinforcing. First, as an analytical tool, the human security framework helps policymakers identify, bring to attention and prioritize the specific experiences, needs and vulnerabilities of young people. Second, as a programmatic framework, human security considers the interconnected challenges affecting youth, providing a comprehensive and coordinated response to current and future challenges. Finally, youth participation reinforces the effectiveness of the human security approach, assuring that interventions are sustainable and preventive in nature. Securing the needs of young people today means providing human security for their community tomorrow.
The Youth Participation Guide can be accessed here.
12 AUGUST 2022: Promoting Human Security Through Intergenerational Dialogue in Turkmenistan
On the occasion of the International Youth Day, the UNTFHS programme in Turkmenistan launched its first intergenerational dialogue to strengthen social ties and empower youth and older persons to work together. Held in the Dashoguz Velayat, the dialogues offered youth a space to share their challenges and aspirations and learn from the experience of elders in their communities. The participants also exchanged ideas on what it means to live free from fear, want and indignity, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives. Stories from the dialogues will be compiled by youth volunteers and published in a book entitled “Leave Your Mark: Life Stories” to promote intergenerational solidarity and social inclusion.
With a view toward ensuring that all members of society have the opportunity to play a role in defining the priorities for and the development trajectory of their communities, including COVID-19 recovery, the programme will continue to expand the role of intergenerational dialogue. This will help reinforce community connections, support youth in becoming agents of change in their communities and representatives in local decision-making processes, and bolster efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the advancement of sustainable development.
To learn more about the programme’s objectives and activities, please visit the programme page.
19 JULY 2022: Inception Workshop For UNTFHS Programme In Timor Leste To Advance Recovery From Covid-19 In Remote Border Communities
On 19 July, the Ministry of Interior of Timor Leste, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNICEF and IOM hosted a workshop to launch the UNTFHS programme Assessing vulnerabilities and resilience in border communities in Timor-Leste through the human security approach in the context of COVID-19. With opening remarks by H.E. António Armindo, Vice Minister of the Interior, and UN Resident Coordinator, Roy Trivedy, the workshop brought together officials from the target municipalities, the National Police, and the UN to discuss a framework for the multisectoral human security assessment. The assessment will enable stakeholders to better understand vulnerabilities faced by people in the border communities of Bobonaro, Covalima, and the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse. Findings from the assessment will inform the elaboration of interventions by the government and development partners to help strengthen the resilience of border communities and prepare them for future epidemics, floods, and other insecurities.
The UNTFHS programme will contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive COVID-19 response and recovery in Timor-Leste by ensuring that the specific needs and vulnerabilities of remote border communities are better understood and incorporated into the planning and implementation of the UN Framework for the Immediate Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19 and the Government of Timor-Leste’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (2020-2023). In addition, by ensuring a participatory approach to the human security assessment, the programme will help create opportunities to promote dialogue and enhance trust between communities, local organizations and government authorities.
18 JULY 2022: Improving Migrants’ Access to Health Services in the Northern Triangle of Central America and Mexico
On 18 July, representatives from PAHO and IOM held the inaugural meeting of the programme entitled, “Applying the Human Security Approach to Advance an Integrated Response to Health and Migration in the Northern Triangle of Central America and Mexico.” This 18-month programme in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico aims to improve equitable access to comprehensive and quality health services for migrants and host communities by (i) enhancing local, national and international coordination across sectors, (ii) optimizing the collection and use of health data and (iii) building awareness of human security and the importance of integrated solutions.
The virtual launch meeting gathered members of the Joint Programme Team constituted by national focal points from both organizations, as well as regional senior-level representatives. Participants exchanged perspectives on their respective national contexts to identify commonalities, differences and potential challenges for implementing the programme in the four countries. Discussions also focused on the establishment of multi-level working groups at the local, national and regional levels, in close collaboration with Ministries of Health, local authorities and civil society actors. To learn more about the programme’s objectives and activities, please visit the programme page.
5-6 JULY 2022: African Conference On Human Security Through Community-based Policing
On 5 July, Special Adviser Yukio Takasu presented the value of the human security approach in the context of community-based strategies and prevention of crime and violence at the African Conference on Human Security through Community-based Policing. The conference was organized by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior of Tunisia and brought together representatives from 54 African countries to exchange experiences and discuss the socio-economic and political potential of the community-based policing model as a tool to ensure human security.
During his presentation, Mr. Takasu emphasized the importance of the human security approach to tackle the multiple consequences of crime and violence on people’s health, livelihoods, communities and environment, as well as to identify gaps in systems of justice. He highlighted how prioritizing the most vulnerable and affected populations, adapting strategies to the local context, enhancing local ownership and women’s empowerment, and building trust between communities and the security sector were key contributions of the human security approach. This presentation provided a framework for more detailed discussions on community policing experiences and strategies to identify the core elements of an approach that will promote human security and align with broader sustainable development objectives. Click here to watch the human security session of the conference.
26-30 JUNE 2022: Human Security Social Media Mini-campaign To Support The World Urban Forum
In support of the 11th World Urban Forum, the Human Security Unit created a mini social media campaign to highlight how the human security approach can help promote a better urban future for all. Based on the good practices and lessons learned from UNTFHS programmes, the campaign highlighted concrete examples in which the approach promoted multi-sector collaboration, people-driven solutions, and whole-of-society strategies toward equitable, resilient and sustainable cities. For example, the campaign spotlighted how comprehensive neighborhood profiles in Tripoli, Lebanon integrated data collection on public safety, infrastructure, basic services, education and health provision, employment, and housing to enhance local development planning. It showcased how people-driven solutions in Soacha, Colombia helped foster partnership with the local government toward addressing community, economic, food and health security priorities. The campaign also emphasized the importance of creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration among communities, government, and other stakeholders for building the trust and cohesion necessary to take forward ambitious local and national development plans, including in Cabo Verde and Madagascar. Click here to see the elements of the campaign.
8 JUNE 2022: Launch Of The Programme “advancing Sustainable Development For Nine Local Communities In The Region Of Labé, Guinea
On 8 June, the UNTFHS-supported joint programme in Labé, Guinea was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and with the participation of government representatives, UN partners, local communities, the private sector and civil society organizations. This 3-year programme is building on a regional initiative by the UNTFHS to accelerate the SDGs at the local level in West Africa. It is applying human security to operationalize the humanitarian-development-peace nexus toward improving the resilience of nine local communities of the Districts of Koubia, Mali and Lélouma to humanitarian shocks and their broader socio-economic impacts.
During the launch, Mr. Lancine Condé, Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the importance of the human security approach in placing the individual “at the core of the analysis” while addressing a wide range of multidimensional and interrelated risks and challenges threatening one’s survival, livelihood, and dignity. He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthen relations between the Guinean Republic and its development partners. The UN Resident Coordinator in Guinea, Mr. Vincent Martin, applauded the strong mobilization of implementing partners and the value of an integrated strategy at the local level for promoting the transformation necessary to advance the SDGs. The next action by the programme will be capacity-building workshops on human security for partners from the target communities as well as technical support services at the regional and district levels. For more information on this programme, visit the programme page.
03 May 2022: Highlighting The Link Between Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment And Human Security In The Caribbean Countries
Launched in October 2019, the UNTFHS Caribbean joint programme has been advancing human security for farmers and small agro- and fisheries business entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, through a combination of policy reform advocacy, technical support and services. To this end, the UN Country Team recently developed a brochure to illustrate how a focus on human security, gender equality and women’s empowerment is pivotal for advancing progress on the SDGs and climate action. The brochure underscores how the application of human security can help advance gender equality and why gender equality is required to achieve human security. It also suggests practical actions to enhance the agency and inclusion of women in different countries and contexts.
A copy of the brochure can be downloaded here.
26 APRIL 2022: Jica Symposium On New Report ‘Human Security Today’
On 26 April, the JICA Ogata Research Institute for Peace and Development hosted an online symposium to launch the report Human Security Today as part of the webinar series they are co-hosting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The symposium opened with remarks from Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of JICA, who emphasized that human security is needed more than ever to address the deeply interlinked emerging threats that are a centerpiece of the current era. He highlighted how JICA will continue to disseminate the contemporary significance of human security globally, including by facilitating discussion and implementation through the new report. For more information on the symposium and activities related to the JICA-UNDP webinar series, please visit the JICA website.
19 APRIL 2022: Empowering And Engaging With Youth In Turkmenistan Through Building Capacity In Applying Human Security
Launched in August 2021, the UNTFHS programme in Turkmenistan led by UNFPA, UNICEF, IOM and UNODC aims to enhance the capacities of state bodies and public organizations to protect the population against the multidimensional risks of the COVID-19 pandemic and to empower youth to partner with local authorities in advancing an inclusive recovery. As part of the programme, in April, the UN partners launched a brochure and training manual on human security developed by the programme to explain the human security approach and how to integrate it into strategic planning processes. These tools were translated into Turkmen to raise awareness and usage among the local population as well. Training sessions on human security were organized for representatives of the national government and local municipalities, as well as youth organizations to build their capacity to apply the approach, particularly in implementing the COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery Plan. Building upon a baseline human security assessment of the impacts of the pandemic, the training enabled participants to better understand the root causes of vulnerability among different population groups and equipped them with tools to respond more collaboratively and proactively in recovery and in future preparedness. For more information on this programme, visit the programme page.
15 APRIL 2022: Launch Of The Programme “a Human Security Approach To Strengthening Prevention, Protection And Empowerment For Mixed Migration In Gabon
On April 15th, UNICEF, UNODC, UNHCR, and IOM in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the National Commission of Refugees launched a new initiative to define and implement a comprehensive approach to the management of mixed migration. While Gabon has policies to support refugees and long-term migration, new challenges have emerged with mixed migration flows and related organized crime, further exacerbated by the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This 18-month programme aims to apply the human security approach to develop a comprehensive framework for the management of mixed migration that will increase protections and reduce vulnerabilities through an improved normative and legal framework, and will build resilience and foster inclusivity amongst migrants, refugees and the Gabonese population.
After a short presentation of the programme, participants discussed topics such as how to define statelessness, the process for issuing refugee cards, the socioeconomic integration of refugees, and better knowledge-sharing across key stakeholders responsible for these interrelated issues. As a next step, the programme will elaborate a framework based on the human security approach to guide and shape a coherent and integrated response to mixed migration that is comprehensive and will promote strategies that better protect and empower migrants, refugees and victims of trafficking in persons. For more information on this programme, visit the programme page.
10 March 2022: Programme To Address Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict In Nigeria Enters Final Phase
In October 2018, UNDP, UNHCR and FAO began implementing a UNTFHS-funded pilot programme in the Nigerian states of Benue and Nasarawa. The primary goal of this programme was to understand and contribute to ending the ongoing conflict between herders and farmers in the country’s Middle Belt states. Due to the complex and multidimensional origins of these tensions as well as their threat to peace and development, the UN Country Team and partners recognized the need to develop an integrated initiative that applies the human security approach to leverage the humanitarian-development-peace nexus and enhance the ability of affected populations to identify and mitigate risks and threats in their own communities.
Entering its final phase, the programme has already reached important milestones, including the formation of 10 different community-based Protection Action Groups (PAGs) in addition to other peacebuilding architectures, the construction of 89 shelters to house over 500 displaced persons in the Guma region of Benue, and the training of 400 beneficiaries using livelihood and economic empowerment frameworks. The programme has also pursued an innovative outreach and communications strategy, which includes the recent production of a 12-part radio drama centered on the herdsman-farmers conflict. This radio series aired in Nigerian pidgin during primary listening hours incorporated the diverse viewpoints of several affected communities in an effort to raise community awareness on peaceful coexistence and increase local participation.
In the final phase, the programme is working towards organizing a regional conference where local representatives can participate in the development of a National and Regional Herdsmen-Farmers’ Framework as part of a larger effort to ensure peaceful coexistence. For more information on this programme, visit the programme page.
17 February 2022: Community-led Initiatives Strengthen Security And Local Cohesion In Sierra Leone’s Kono District
Last January marked the beginning of the 2-year joint programme in Sierra Leone which applies the human security approach to address development challenges and strengthen social cohesion in the country’s remote Kono District. This region, in recent years, has struggled with high levels of civil conflict and social tension which have inhibited the impact of local development and humanitarian programmes.
Recognizing that meaningful development cannot exist without comprehensive human security, the programme is designed to ensure transformational community governance through empowerment, knowledge, and diverse input to decision making, whilst enabling sustainable agriculture, food security, livelihood and economic diversity and resilience. Together, these mutually reinforcing protection and empowerment initiatives support the community’s cohesiveness, livelihood, and dignity.
Throughout the programme’s first year of implementation, the team has met their goals of establishing several community-led initiatives to strengthen security and local cohesion as a foundational element for economic empowerment. These efforts include conducting 11 youth-centered peacebuilding sessions, establishing a Grievance Resolution Committee in each chiefdom, and selecting and training 240 women peace ambassadors to help identify early warning signs of conflict and address grievances in their communities. These initiatives have intersected with other regional efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and improve WASH infrastructure, and will help to ensure the continued security, as well as development, of the Kono District. For more information on this programme, visit the programme page.
8 February 2022: Global Launch Of The 2022 Special Report On Human Security “New Threats To Human Security In The Anthropocene: Demanding Greater Solidarity”
On 8th February, UNDP launched the 2022 Special Report on Human Security with the aim to explore how a new generation of interacting threats, playing out in the Anthropocene context, affect human security and what to do about it.
Despite people on average living longer, healthier and wealthier lives, these advances have not succeeded in increasing people’s sense of security. This is true for countries across the development spectrum, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, with perceptions of insecurity worsening in several high-income countries.
Such disconnect between improvements in people’s wellbeing and declines in their perception of security is what the report seeks to address. Focusing on a cluster of threats that have shifted to become more prominent in recent years, including the downsides of digital technology, violent conflicts, horizontal inequalities, and the evolving challenges to healthcare systems, the report underscores the necessity for human security and how its application can be a unifying framework to help address unprecedented challenges that have been building over time, are interlinked, and confront all countries.
To kick off a global conversation on human security, the launch event brought together a diverse set of voices and perspectives from the UN system, governments and the academia. This event is the first in what will be an active calendar for human security in 2022.
For more on the report and the launch event here
11 January 2022: Online Global Event on Critical Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development
LSE IDEAS, in partnership with UNTFHS, organized an online event entitled: Critical Partnerships for Sustainable Development. In this keynote lecture, the head of UNDP, Achim Steiner, discussed the need to step up multi-stakeholder cooperation and collective efforts between public and private sectors to combat rising poverty and inequality, violence that particularly affects women and girls, and economic fragility, that are exacerbated by current crises like COVID-19 and climate change.
The lecture also marked the launch of the LSE IDEAS’ report ‘Maximising business contributions to sustainable development and positive peace. A human security approach.’ The report sets out what a human security approach means for business, and highlights issue areas such as information technology, impact investing, and migration, where the private sector can make a difference through helping to build resilient communities and delivering the SDGs.
Read more about the lecture on our event page and watch the full event here.
21 December 2021: Launch of the Guidance Note, Leave No One Behind: Harnessing lessons learned from implementing the human security approach
Today the Human Security Unit launches another guidance note entitled, Leave No One Behind: Harnessing lessons learned from implementing the human security approach. Based on 20 years of programmes supported by the UNTFHS, this guidance note aims to complement the UN Sustainable Development Group’s Operational Guide for UN Country Teams.
To leave no one behind is central to the transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This guidance note gathers lessons from the UNTFHS’ wealth of experiences in diverse contexts and outlines a methodology to identify who is furthest behind, unpack the root causes and drivers of multiple and overlapping deprivations and disadvantage, and guide the development of responses that can help reverse trends in inequalities over the long term. Moreover, it enriches the UNSDG’s Operational Guide on the analytical, planning and partnership processes that help operationalize the commitment to leave no one behind.
22 November 2021: Launch of the Online Interactive Training Course on Human Security
Human Security Approach: From Principles to Practice – An Interactive Training Course, developed by the Human Security Unit (HSU) and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is launched. This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the human security approach and how to apply it to develop policies and programmes that are better suited to prevent and respond to current and emerging challenges that limit people’s aspirations to live in peace and prosperity. The course combines dynamic learning methods and case study application broken down into six easy-to-follow modules. Upon completion of all six modules, a certificate will be provided. The entire course is available at the UNSSC website [link], and the first two introductory modules can be viewed on the HSU website [Module 1] and [Module 2]. Learn more [link].