What’s New

15 April 2025: Why Youth Engagement in Decision-Making Matters More Than Ever in the Digital Age

From 15 to 17 April 2025, young leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the ECOSOC Youth Forum, the largest annual UN gathering of young people. This year’s theme, Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development, underscores that young people are not only key stakeholders in global development but vital architects of the future we all share.

The ECOSOC Youth Forum is a platform for policy dialogue and a powerful affirmation of the right of young people to participate meaningfully in shaping their future. It reflects a core principle of human security – that protecting and empowering people requires top-down policies to be deeply connected with community-driven, bottom-up solutions. In this spirit, youth engagement is not a symbolic gesture, it is a strategic imperative.

Today’s young people are digital natives, social entrepreneurs, climate activists, and innovators. They are creating solutions at the grassroots and global levels, often using digital tools in ways that traditional actors have yet to fully harness. From driving a global climate movement to leveraging digital technologies to address public health challenges and reduce gender inequality, young people are bringing both knowledge and a deep sense of urgency to solve pressing global issues.

As the world faces intersecting crises, the leadership, insights, and digital fluency of youth will be indispensable. The ECOSOC Youth Forum is creating space for young people to be co-creators of solutions and agents of transformation, offering a platform where their ideas can flourish, their innovations can be supported, and their leadership can take root. As we navigate the uncertainty ahead, the perspectives and engagement of young people will be essential in forging a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

7 April 2025: A Human Security Approach to Health: Beyond Access to Care

On World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization will launch a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, will aim to enhance efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.

Reflecting on health through the human security lens, we recognize the need to understand health as more than access to medical care. Rather, health is shaped by the conditions in which people live, work, and grow. A mother’s health is determined not only by the quality of health services but also by her economic stability, access to education, and protection from harmful events. A child’s well-being depends not only on vaccines and neonatal care but also on clean water, adequate nutrition, and a safe home environment.

The human security approach recognizes these interconnections and calls for comprehensive, people-centered strategies that address the root causes of health insecurity. It focuses attention on the structural and behavioral factors that influence health, promoting coordinated efforts across multiple sectors for more effective and sustainable solutions. It combines strategies to improve health systems and inclusive social protection policies with efforts to equip individuals and communities with the resources and knowledge they need to safeguard their own well-being.

Despite significant progress in global health, disparities persist within and between countries. The most vulnerable populations – those affected by poverty, conflict, displacement, and discrimination – continue to face the greatest health risks. By prioritizing the interconnected drivers of health from education to economic stability, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, among others, we can move beyond short-term interventions toward lasting improvements.

On this World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a vision of health that is truly inclusive, addressing the full spectrum of conditions that allow individuals and communities to thrive.

To learn more about UNTFHS programmes on health, visit: Senegal, Timor Leste and Mali (upcoming) programme pages.

3 April 2025: Supporting Syria through the Human Security Approach

In Syria, recovery is about more than rebuilding infrastructure, it’s about empowering communities to shape their future. A UNTFHS-supported programme is doing just that, bringing together returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities to take an active role in reshaping their futures and strengthening social cohesion. Recently, as part of the programme, UNDP, in coordination with UNHCR and other UN agencies and partners, facilitated community dialogue sessions in Halfaya and Muhradah, Hama Governorate, where residents came together to identify and prioritize Quick Win initiatives to address urgent needs while fostering long-term resilience. With a strong focus on women and youth, these sessions aimed to improve access to essential services, restore trust, and promote social cohesion. By engaging communities in decision-making, the programme ensures that recovery efforts are inclusive, locally driven, and sustainable.

This initiative comes at a pivotal time, as international efforts to support Syria’s recovery evolve. The European Union and its Member States have recently reaffirmed their commitment to a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition, pledging financial support for socio-economic recovery, humanitarian needs, and long-term stability in 2025 and 2026.

As Syria moves forward, the human security approach provides a crucial framework for ensuring that recovery efforts are people-centered and tailored to the unique needs of communities. It promotes coordinated, conflict-sensitive solutions that address overlapping challenges like poverty, social tensions, and a lack of basic services, while fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships between local authorities, civil society, and international actors. Through holistic, community-led initiatives like those supported by the UNTFHS, Syria’s recovery can be more resilient and inclusive, helping to break cycles of insecurity and lay the groundwork for lasting peace and development.

Read more about the Trust Fund’s work in Syria here.

27 March: Strengthening Resilience and Social Cohesion in South Kordofan

In the heart of South Kordofan, Sudan, crisis-affected communities are finding new pathways to stability and resilience. Through targeted Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) initiatives in Al-Rahama, the UN Country Team, with support from the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), is implementing solutions that not only address immediate humanitarian needs but also lay the foundation for long-term social and economic recovery, helping vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities, and returnees, build a more secure and sustainable future.

A key component of the programme focuses on equipping IDPs, returnees and host community members with sustainable, income-generating skills. In partnership with local organizations, the initiative provided hands-on training in food processing, blacksmithing, and sewing—practical skills that directly contribute to household income and economic stability. Participants were also provided with essential start-up kits to help them launch small businesses, as well as specialized training in project management and market linkages, enabling them to better access and navigate economic opportunities. Beyond economic benefits, this initiative promotes social cohesion by integrating IDPs, host communities, and returnees into shared livelihood activities. In a region where competition over resources often fuels tensions, fostering collaboration and self-reliance helps build trust and stability.

By addressing food security, economic opportunity, and social cohesion together, this programme exemplifies a human security-driven approach—one that prioritizes people’s long-term well-being. As communities in South Kordofan continue to face challenges, this initiative offers a model for how development efforts can strengthen local resilience in crisis-affected regions. As global crises continue to drive displacement and economic instability, innovative, community-led solutions like this serve as a model for how international support can be translated into meaningful change in people’s daily lives. For more information, visit the programme webpage.

20 March: News Update – Leave No One Behind

In today’s world, inequality is more than a gap in income, it is a set of interconnected challenges that shape people’s daily lives. The latest edition of the Human Security News Update sheds light on how the human security approach offers a transformative way to address inequality by recognizing its complexity and tackling it at multiple levels. More than just policy reform, real change requires context-specific, community-driven solutions that empower individuals and strengthen societal resilience. By analyzing risks across multiple dimensions—such as health, environment, and political participation—governments, development partners and affected communities can identify entry points for inclusive and participatory action that drives meaningful progress.

The cases highlighted from Armenia and Paraguay illustrate how this works in practice. In Armenia, a deep dive into regional disparities uncovered hidden vulnerabilities that standard economic indicators might overlook, paving the way for more tailored and effective interventions. In Paraguay, a participatory approach integrating traditional knowledge with modern development strategies is not only improving livelihoods but also fostering greater social cohesion between indigenous and rural communities. These examples reinforce a crucial insight: development efforts are most effective when they reflect local realities, build on existing strengths, and foster collaboration across sectors.

As the global conversation on inequality evolves, this edition of the Human Security News Update provides a compelling case for rethinking how we approach the commitment to leave no one is behind.

Read the full News Update here.

To stay informed of human security activities, check our website regularly, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our news updates.

10 March: CSW and Human Security

As the 2025 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) gathers global leaders, advocates, and policymakers at the United Nations, the urgency of advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment has never been clearer. This year’s discussions emphasize the need for systematic, multi-dimensional solutions that address the deep-rooted barriers women and girls face worldwide. The human security approach offers a powerful framework for tackling these challenges holistically and promoting solutions that create long-term pathways for inclusion, opportunity and resilience. By analyzing risks and impacts across eight key dimensions – economic, food, health, environmental, community, personal, technological and political – human security provides a comprehensive, risk-informed lens that identifies vulnerabilities early and drives sustainable, transformative change.

What makes human security particularly valuable is its ground-up, localized approach, ensuring that solutions are shaped by the lived experiences of women and girls, including those facing intersecting forms of disadvantage. By prioritizing participatory and inclusive processes, this method strengthens women’s leadership, builds community resilience, and fosters collective action through partnerships that align policies with real-world needs. From legal frameworks to capacity-building initiatives, the integration of protection and empowerment strategies ensures that gender equality efforts lead to measurable improvements in daily lives, while also advancing broader global commitments. As CSW 2025 continues, embracing this approach will help create a future where every woman and girl has the resources and opportunities to thrive.

Watch the video to learn more about Gender Equality and Human Security.

21 February: Workshop on Cities and Human Security Explores Links Between Urbanization, Housing, and Stability

On 21 February, UN-Habitat and the Global Cities Hub co-organized a high-level workshop on Cities and Human Security: Urbanization and Housing in an Unstable World in Geneva, bringing together leading experts and practitioners to examine the intersection of urbanization, sustainable development, urban safety and human security. The event provided a unique forum for in-depth discussions on the challenges posed by diverse challenges from violent conflicts to climate change, economic hardship, and organized crime in urban spaces. . Discussions centered on positioning adequate housing at the core of human security policies, developing tools for human-centered urban safety, and establishing a global hub in Geneva to facilitate best practices and city-to-city learning on these pressing issues.

In her opening remarks, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach underscored the importance of participatory multilateralism, emphasizing the need for reliable data, research, and collaboration to tackle challenges such as homelessness, housing affordability, and climate risks. She advocated for a holistic approach to investments in these areas and committed to raising these issues on the international agenda.

Throughout the workshop, participant – including representatives from UN entities, academic institutions, and city networks – explored critical issues such as the growth of informal settlements, urban violence, and climate-induced migration. Thought-provoking discussions examined the role of criminal organizations in urban governance, particularly in areas where they provide essential services, and stressed the need for robust local and regional governance in defining human security-based approach to sustainable urbanization.

A key outcome of the workshop was the agreement to establish a partnership hub on housing and human security, serving as a collaborative space to support international efforts in linking adequate housing to peacebuilding, violence prevention, and climate risks. Participants reaffirmed that housing is a multidimensional issue requiring sustained, multi-level action.

UN-Habitat will produce a report summarizing key insights from the workshop, laying the groundwork for the hub’s establishment. To learn more, visit Home – Global Cities Hub.

23 January: High-Level Meeting Marks Key Milestone in UNTFHS Programme in the Dominican Republic

A high-level meeting in the Dominican Republic marked the successful conclusion of the UNTFHS-funded programme, “Strengthening Human Security and Resilience to Transnational Organized Crime in Coastal Communities”. Implemented by UNODC and FAO, the initiative has worked to enhance community resilience, economic security, and crime prevention in the fishing communities of Barahona, Palmar de Ocoa, and Pedernales. Bringing together key stakeholders—including the Ministries of Economy, Defense and Agriculture, the Dominican Fisheries Authority, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Dominican Navy—the meeting provided a platform for technical and political discussions to consolidate results and determine the next steps for strengthening human security in these vulnerable coastal areas.

Participants recognized the programme’s impact in empowering fishers to take greater control over their livelihoods by improving sustainable fishing practices, economic opportunities, and local governance. The initiative also played a crucial role in enhancing cooperation between the Navy and local communities, leading to stronger crime prevention efforts and new partnerships in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal fishing. A major highlight of the meeting was a historic agreement for the Dominican Navy to donate boats to Civil Associations and Fishermen’s Cooperatives, further strengthening local resilience and economic independence. This milestone underscores the programme’s legacy in fostering long-term collaboration among institutions and communities, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future for Dominican coastal regions. To learn more about the programme, visit here or watch this video.

14-15 January: Inception Workshop on Integrating Human Security in Development Programming

On 14-15 January 2025, the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub Disaster Resilience Team hosted an Inception Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, to launch the UNTFHS programme, “Integrating Human Security in Development Programming for Building Resilience to Address Multi-Dimensional Risks in Asia and the Pacific.” Bringing together policymakers, experts, and practitioners from Nepal and Bangladesh, the workshop focused on developing risk-informed, people-centered strategies to strengthen resilience against poly-risks.

Participants engaged in exercises to analyze multi-dimensional risks and develop protection and empowerment solutions. They explored strategies for mainstreaming human security in development planning, emphasizing prevention, inclusivity, and multi-sectoral collaboration. The workshop also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, local governance, and evidence-based policymaking in fostering resilience and addressing interconnected risks.

Key outcomes included (i) human security methodology for risk reduction, (ii) country-specific recommendations and follow-up plans for Nepal and Bangladesh, and (iii) a roadmap for pilot projects integrating humanitarian response, development, and peacebuilding. By aligning resilience-building efforts with human security principles, the workshop laid the groundwork for sustainable, community-driven solutions across the region. For more information, visit the programme webpage.

14-15 January: Inception Workshop on Integrating Human Security in Development Programming

19 DECEMBER 2024: NEWS UPDATE – Applying Human Security to Navigate Uncertainty in the 21st Century

The December 2024 edition of the Human Security News Update explores how the Human Security framework is essential for navigating complex shocks and strengthening resilience in an interconnected world. As technological transformations, climate change, and geopolitical shifts intensify vulnerabilities, the need for proactive and integrated solutions becomes more urgent. This edition emphasizes how Human Security empowers communities to anticipate risks, build local capacities, and foster collaboration across governance levels, ensuring a more resilient and inclusive future.

This edition spotlights the use of Human Security Assessments as a preventive tool for better decision-making. By applying people-centered analysis, these assessments reveal root causes and interconnected risks, guiding tailored solutions that address both local needs and broader drivers of insecurity. Through UNTFHS programme examples in Turkana, Kenya, Tunisia and Mauritania, this edition illustrates how human security integrates foresight methods and other analytical tools to improve comprehensive and proactive action to protect and empower communities facing multifaceted risks and insecurities.

The edition also highlights the growing importance of data-driven solutions to navigate uncertainty. By leveraging advanced analytics and people-centered data frameworks, policymakers can design impactful initiatives that reduce inequalities and enhance community resilience. Read the full News Update here.

To stay updated on human security activities, check our website regularly, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter.

12 December: UNTFHS and LSE Event “Together for Sustainability” Event Explored Business Role in Human Security

The United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) and LSE IDEAS co-hosted the high-level event “Together for Sustainability,” showcasing the Human Security Business Partnership (HSBP) framework. The event marked the culmination of a six-year collaboration focused on leveraging business engagement to tackle global challenges through the lens of human security. By bringing together stakeholders from the diplomatic corps, the private sector, and leading institutions, the event explored how businesses can drive transformative change for people and the planet. Discussions on responsible business practices, as well as commitments to the SDGs, highlighted the critical role that businesses can play in creating innovative, prosperous and sustainable solutions for all.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly, emphasized the HSBP framework as a vital tool for fostering cross-sector collaboration. She underscored its potential to create a common language and shared objectives around human dignity and well-being, particularly by aligning business operations with ESG goals. For businesses, she stressed, the framework offers “a win-win strategy that not only enhances business sustainability but also contributes to peace, development, and prosperity.” Other speakers and panelists included renowned figures such as Professor Chris Alden, Director of LSE IDEAS and Per Saxegaard, Founder and Excecutive Chairman of Business for Peace Foundation, as well as leading voices from academia, the private sector, and international organizations, all united by the shared goal of advancing sustainable business practices.

In her closing remarks, Mehrnaz Mostafavi, Chief of the UN Human Security Unit, highlighted the HSBP framework as a pathway to transform relationships, foster trust, and forge partnerships that prioritize human and social capital, long-term prosperity, and sustainable development. She called for expanding the framework’s implementation to become a cornerstone of business practice and community engagement worldwide.

Read more about the event on the event page.

09 DECEMBER 2024: NEWS UPDATE – Human Security: Promoting Innovation to Tackle the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow Human Security News Update

The December 2024 edition of the Human Security News Update showcases the pivotal role of the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) in addressing today’s interconnected challenges, from poverty and climate change to displacement, conflict, and inequality. At a time of increasing uncertainty and rapid technological change, the UNTFHS continues to pioneer comprehensive frameworks that foster stability, prosperity, and human dignity through proactive and impactful solutions.

This edition highlights the UNTFHS’s innovative funding model that blends seed funding with pooled investments, creating opportunities to scale up successful initiatives and foster sustainable societal transformations. It also features the transformative impact of the UNTFHS programme in Uzbekistan, where integrated efforts by multiple UN agencies, the Government, private companies, multilateral funds, and development cooperation partners have improved livelihoods, strengthened community development, and reduced health and environmental risks in the Aral Sea region. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships grounded in the human security approach to foster long-term resilience and be scaled for much greater impact. Read the full News Update here.

To learn more about the transformative work of the UNTFHS and stay updated on human security activities, check our website regularly, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our news updates.

24-27 November: First Arab Regional High-Level Forum on Investment and Sustainability: From Vision to Action

24-27 November 2024, the First Arab Regional High-Level Forum on Investment and Sustainability under the theme, “De-risking Investments in the Arab Region – From Vision to Action” was held in Cairo. The event brought together governments, investors, development partners and experts to tackle the region’s critical challenges, including economic instability, climate insecurity, displacement, and conflict. It underscored the urgency of collaborative and sustainable investment to drive stability and resilience across the region.

During the session on “SDGs in Conflict-Affected Countries: Operationalizing the Triple Nexus,” Ms. Mehrnaz Mostafavi, Chief of the Human Security Unit (HSU), spoke on the added value of human security and its application in the programme entitled “Supporting the SDGs in Conflict Affected Countries: Operationalizing the Triple Nexus through a Risk Informed Human Security Approach.” Supported by the UNTFHS, the programme is implemented by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the HSU, under the leadership of the League of Arab States, to illustrate the transformative power of the human security approach in enhancing integrated action across humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors. The programme is playing a key role in transitioning rhetoric into actionable strategies by enabling governments and partners to reduce vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and build resilient communities in the Arab region. For more information, visit the programme webpage.

6-7 November: Building capacities to deliver inclusive social assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Jordan

To mainstream human security in social policy in Jordan, the UN Country Team conducted a two-day training (6–7 November 2024) in Amman for 19 representatives from the National Aid Fund (NAF). Supported by the UNTFHS, the initiative bolsters Jordan’s efforts to strengthen national response and recovery models, ensuring equitable social assistance through a people-centered approach.

The training deepened participants’ understanding of human security—covering economic, health, environmental, and community dimensions—while equipping them with practical skills for needs assessments, strategy development, and progress measurement. A key focus was integrating human security principles into Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants explored how achieving the human security lens helps achieve the SDGs and how this approach can be integrated into local and national development strategies.

Through interactive sessions, case studies, and real-world applications, NAF officials explored how to apply human security concepts in policy and program design. The training strengthened their capacity to foster inclusive growth, resilience, and a more effective social safety net for Jordan’s most vulnerable populations. By enhancing awareness and practical application of human security, this initiative lays the foundation for stronger, more equitable communities that leave no one behind. To learn more, visit the programme webpage.

15 October: EXPLORING THE MEANING OF SOCIAL IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES

The Human Security Business Partnership programme by LSE IDEAS in partnership with the Human Security Unit is engaging the private sector as a partner and mobilizer to help advance peace and sustainable development outcomes, particularly at the local level. As part of this initiative, LSE IDEAS recently engaged with leading companies and investors to share their experience putting sustainability and impact into action.

Emphasizing the centrality of human security in all business endeavors, Ketan Patel, Chair of Force for Good, the CEO of Greater Pacific Capital (GPC) and a board member of the World Academy of Art and Science, describes social impact as the effort to improve people’s lives by making a measurable difference in livelihoods and well-being through capital solutions. Similarly, Abi Gooch, Global Corporate Responsibility Strategy Activation Leader for EY, stresses social impact as a commitment to creating meaningful change that directly affects the lives of individuals and communities.

Watch the full interviews here: Ernst & Young (EY) interview and Ketan Patel interview.

21 September: APPLYING THE HUMAN SECURITY LENS TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) INDICATORS

A recent publication from the Human Security Business Partnership (HSBP) programme led by LSE IDEAS in partnership with the UNTFHS highlights the critical role of the HSBP in enhancing cooperation among the private sector, governments, and the UN system. It explores the influence of the Human Security approach on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policymaking and practice. The study examines how major ESG risk and SDG impact frameworks align with the Human Security approach and identifies opportunities for improving corporate accountability and responsibility standards. To achieve this, the authors conducted a mapping study, aligning Human Security-informed local engagement mechanisms with nine major ESG frameworks. The analysis assessed these frameworks across four value creation areas: Learning, Relational, Instrumental, and Financial, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the Human Security approach. Read the main findings and recommendations of the study here.

20 September: INTERACTIVE DIGITAL BROCHURE ON MULTIPLICITY EXHIBIT

The UNTFHS released an e-brochure extending the impact of the groundbreaking exhibit, MULTIPLICITY: Threats, Partnerships, and Stories of Success, which was on display at the United Nations Secretariat in New York earlier this year. Co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica, Italy, Japan, Romania, Senegal, and Slovenia, and organized in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Human Security, the exhibit – and now the brochure – offers an immersive exploration of today’s complex and interconnected global challenges.

Through powerful visuals and examples, the e-brochure demonstrates the essential role of human security in addressing threats that transcend borders and impact us all. It provides insights into how human security strategies are fostering partnerships to drive progress toward peace, prosperity, and sustainability in the context of contemporary crises from climate change to conflict and looming pandemics.

We invite you to explore the brochure and discover the transformative power of human security.

12 September: UNTFHS Gambia Programme Launches Training and Support Centres to Empower Vulnerable Communities

UNFPA and ITC, in partnership with local organizations, held a graduation ceremony at the newly opened Hospitality Training Centre in Mansakonko, marking the conclusion of the programme, “Localizing the SDGs: Improving the Livelihoods of Vulnerable Women and Youth around the Senegambia Bridge.” This UNTFHS-funded programme aimed at strengthening the capacities of local authorities to protect the rights of communities and create sustainable income opportunities for vulnerable groups negatively affected by the construction of the Senegambia Bridge. It led to the establishment of two key facilities: the Hospitality Training Centre in Mansakonko and the One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship Centre in Farafenni.

The Hospitality Training Centre will serve as a hub to provide income-generating opportunities for women and youth in the Lower River Region. It will improve the delivery of high-quality services to local communities, leading to a sustainable increase in livelihood and job opportunities for the most vulnerable. The One-Stop Shop Entrepreneurship Centre, which integrates a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) One-Stop Centre—the first of its kind in the country—will address GBV in an integrated manner and ensure that survivors have access to business and financial support.

By leveraging the combined expertise of UNFPA, ITC, and local government and organizations, the UNTFHS programme ensures a comprehensive response to the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable groups around the bridge. Skill development is coupled with essential support to translate new capacities into sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, the root causes of vulnerability and major risks to derailing human capital development are addressed to promote sustainable and transformative change.

10 September: SUMMER EDITION HUMAN SECURITY NEWSLETTER

The Summer Edition of the Human Security Newsletter reflects on a significant year for human security at the United Nations to set the foundation for the developments to come. It begins with the issuance of the Secretary-General’s fourth report on human security (A/78/665) in January, which positioned human security as a key framework for addressing global challenges. Based on concrete examples and lessons learned from governments and the international community, the report offers the tools, strategies and partnerships that have proven to reduce risks, enhance trust and, wherever possible, mitigate and prevent the scale and scope of current and emerging challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, poverty and inequality, and violence, conflict and displacement. This edition highlights the 2 April 2024 informal meeting of the plenary of the General Assembly, where over 120 Member States discussed human security’s relevance in addressing global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It showcases the multimedia exhibit “MULTIPLICITY: Threats, Partnerships, and Stories of Success,” which ran from 20 May to 21 June, highlighting human security’s role in tackling contemporary crises and fostering global cooperation. The newsletter closes by forecasting activities to reflect on the strategic orientation of the UN Trust Fund for Human Security moving forward.

Read the newsletter here and stay informed by subscribing to updates and following developments on social media.

5 SEPTEMBER 2024: JICA WEBINAR ON HUMAN SECURITY AND THE SDGS

The JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development hosted a webinar titled ‘Accelerating Actions Toward the SDGs and Human Security: The Summit of the Future and Beyond.’ This event contributed to the preparations for the United Nations’ Summit of the Future, a pivotal gathering focused on how international cooperation can advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address emerging global challenges.

The webinar began with opening remarks by Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of JICA, followed by a video message. Mine Yoichi, Executive Director of the JICA Ogata Research Institute, delivered the keynote speech on the importance of human security in today’s increasingly complex global landscape. He highlighted findings from the English version of the report, Human Security Today No. 2 – Human Security, Politics, and Society under Compounded Crises, initially launched in Japanese in March 2024.

A panel discussion, moderated by Chie Miyahara, Director General of the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, followed. Panelists included Carsten Staur, Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC); Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at UNDP; Siriporn Wajjwalku, Professor at Thammasat University; and Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of JICA. The session explored strategies for accelerating progress toward the SDGs through the lens of human security.

The webinar may be viewed on the JICA Ogata Research Institute’s website or YouTube channel here.

23 AUGUST: Promoting Human Security Through Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Resettlement in Zambia

A closing event highlighted the progress, challenges, and key insights from the UNTFHS programme, “Promoting Human Security through Sustainable Resettlement,” implemented by UNDP and UNHCR in collaboration with the Government of Zambia. Running from April 2019 to April 2023, this programme marked a crucial shift from humanitarian assistance to a climate-conscious, long-term development strategy aimed at integrating former refugees and host communities into Zambian society.

Recognizing the growing threats of climate change—such as prolonged droughts, intensified floods, and environmental degradation from nearby mining activities—alongside social exclusion, discrimination, and violence, the programme empowered communities in the Meheba and Mayukwayukwa resettlement schemes to tackle the interconnected food, health, economic and environmental security challenges they face. It created processes to engage local actors in national and local planning processes, ensuring climate-resilient solutions to foster sustainable livelihoods and promote social inclusion and peaceful coexistence in the resettlement schemes and surrounding regions. It helped move the country away from a humanitarian-focused response to refugee resettlement towards socioeconomic integration aligned with Zambia’s development priorities.

Watch out the video of the closing event here.

18 July 2024: High-Level Dialogue on Human Security and Resilience in Coastal Communities, Dominican Republic

Held in Santo Domingo, this High-Level Dialogue was convened as part of the joint UNODC-FAO programme “Strengthening Human Security and Resilience Against Transnational Organized Crime in Coastal Communities,” funded by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security. The programme aims to enhance and promote public policies to address challenges faced by fishermen, their families, and local youth in southwestern coastal communities from climate change and limited socio-economic opportunities, and their interlinkages with drug trafficking.

The dialogue aimed to encourage dialogue among key stakeholders on these critical human security challenges toward improving processes and mechanisms for inter-ministerial coordination. It introduced new tools and approaches through the human security lens to support policymakers in better addressing the needs of artisanal fishermen and other community members. The event focused on finding synergies between current and proposed policies, in alignment with government proposals and programme recommendations, for more comprehensive and integrated responses.

Watch the summary video of the programme here.

20 MAY 2024: MULTIMEDIA EXHIBIT ON HUMAN SECURITY

Between 20 May and 21 June 2024, the groundbreaking exhibit MULTIPLICITY: Threats, Partnerships and Stories of Success was on display in Gallery A of the Visitor’s Lobby at the United Nations Secretariat in New York. The exhibit was organized by the UNTFHS and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica, Italy, Japan, Romania, Senegal and Slovenia, in partnership with Member States of the Group of Friends of Human Security.

Leveraging technology, the exhibit shed light on the multifaceted crises facing our world today and the indispensable role of human security in fostering cooperation to ensure the survival, livelihood and dignity of people. In a year that has seen pivotal developments in human security discussions, the exhibit helped redefine the narrative around contemporary challenges and the power of collaboration through the lens of human security. It showcased real-world examples from the local, national, regional and global levels, affirming the promise of the future to promote peace and stability, accelerate sustainable development, and address current and emerging challenges by harnessing the power of the human security approach. Stay tuned for the electronic version to allow you to experience the exhibit.

8 MAY 2024: SYMPOSIUM ON THE SDGS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ogata Research Institute and UNDP Human Development Report Office, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica, Japan and Senegal, the HSU organized a symposium entitled “The SDGs and local communities: The evidenced-based human security approach to accelerate SDG implementation at the sub-national level” at UN Headquarters in New York. Building upon the groundbreaking work to develop local human security indicators for Japan as captured in the book SDGs and Local Communities (2024) translated by the JICA Ogata Research Institute, the symposium deepened the understanding of how the human security approach help realize the commitment to leave no one behind. The meeting featured presentations from Japan to West Africa and the Sahel and beyond that illustrated the value of human security for ensuring an evidence-based and localized approach to designing policies and initiatives to achieve the SDGs. The discussion explored diverse avenues for more broadly applying human security to accelerate SDG achievement as we head towards 2030. Please visit the event page to watch a recording of the meeting and to view the presentations.

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. To read the full PGA-issued summary of the Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly on Human Security, click here.

14 March 2024: Highlights from Accelerating the SDGs at the local level from West Africa

In West Africa, the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) has been working closely with Resident Coordinators and United Nations Country Teams, national and municipal governments, and local champions to develop initiatives that mobilize the capacities and ingenuity of local actors and advance inclusive, multi-stakeholder partnerships towards achieving the SDGs at the local and national levels. These programmes, launching in seven West African countries – Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone – were developed subsequent to the recommendations offered at the Banjul Forum, organized in October 2019. Today, the seeds planted at the Forum have grown into comprehensive, integrated programmes across the subregion. These programmes embody the human security approach by responding to the multifaceted development challenges at the local level, building on the resources and assets that already exist within communities, and laying the foundation for scale-up and replication. Notable achievements can be viewed for Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Guinea.

20 February 2024: A Human Security Lens For Navigating Technological Frontiers

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming our societies and with it comes great promise to improve lives and livelihoods, as well as considerable potential to cause new risks and exacerbate divisions and grievances. As AI blurs the lines between human and machine, it sparks new ethical considerations about how best to balance the drive for progress with the responsibility to safeguard people, institutions, and critical systems. Taking a human-centered approach to assessing the risks and opportunities brought about by digital transformation can help ensure that rights are protected while allowing innovation to flourish. It can focus attention on making meaningful connections that deepen trust. And it can help reduce inequalities as the landscape of education and work is fundamentally altered. The United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) is at the forefront of efforts aimed at exploring innovative digital strategies to effectively navigate the complexities of technology. In Liberia, the Smart Village Initiative leverages ICT and digital tech to enhance access to essential SDG services, with a focus on community-led e-agriculture and healthcare. The United Nations Country Team in Cabo Verde has been using Minecraft to design public spaces in a participatory manner. In Cambodia, the programme empowers youth to become ambassadors of digital transformation by equipping them with the skills and tools needed to bridge the digital gap, while also fostering inclusive, smart, and sustainable urban development

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)