Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization

World Bank/Allison Kwesell

The post-2015 development and climate processes, which ultimately aim to eradicate poverty, improve people’s lives, and rapidly transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, are mutually reinforcing: when acted on together, they can provide prosperity and security for present and future generations.

UN Photo/Albert González Farran

The ultimate goal of peacekeeping — to support a political process and help a country to make the transition from conflict to lasting peace — remains the same. However, the context in which mandated tasks are implemented continues to evolve and the mismatch between the resources assigned to our missions and the complex security environments in which they operate has become increasingly glaring.

FAO/Believe Nyakudjara

Despite the persistence of security threats and the impact of climate change in some parts of [Africa], some progress was made in addressing election-related threats and in strengthening the nexus between peace, security and development.

UNHCR/Ivor Prickett

Many countries and subregions experienced armed conflict involving a variety of non-State actors who spread terror across borders, were often implicated in organized crime and perpetrated gross violations of the human rights of children and women. While such actions are unforgiveable, a deeper understanding of the root causes of violent extremism 
is required.

UNHCR/Andrew McConnell

Growing humanitarian needs continue to outpace the resources available to meet them… Millions of people remain without protection or adequate assistance, owing to hostilities, insecurity and obstacles to humanitarian access … Increased funding alone is not the answer, however… Without substantially higher political commitment to address the underlying causes, it will not be possible to cover constantly increasing needs. 

ICC-CPI

War crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and other gross violations of human rights undermine the very foundations of the rule of law at both the international and national levels… We continue to accord high priority to activities in support of strengthening national capacity to combat impunity for those crimes, in line with international law.

UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

Unregulated arms transfers to conflict zones, terrorists and organized crime groups should be a thing of the past. For the Arms Trade Treaty to be truly effective, universal participation in the treaty — as well as rigorous implementation by all — are essential. 

UNMIL Photo/Christopher Herwig

The connections between drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption and terrorism are becoming more diverse and sophisticated, and fuel insecurity and political instability globally… The recent tragic events resulting from migrant smuggling in the Mediterranean and Andaman Seas have further highlighted the shared responsibility of States in addressing these issues.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Multi-stakeholder initiatives… demonstrate the great potential in partnership to harness the strengths of various actors towards achieving the goals of the United Nations… The Organization should continue to seize the great potential of partnership, while ensuring oversight and accountability.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

In this seventieth anniversary year, I am convinced that the world needs the United Nations more than ever before.