United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed called for greater ambition and leadership from African countries at her annual dialogue with Regional Directors of UN entities, at the Africa Regional Collaborative Platform’s (RCP) meeting held last week in Addis Ababa.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed called on heads of regional UN entities across Africa to accelerate the collective achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda in the region.

Celebrated annually on 8 September, International Literacy Day promotes the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and aims to advance global efforts towards a more literate, equal, and inclusive society. In recent years, digital literacy has become an increasingly important part of the education and learning process; providing a generation of learners the writing, reading and technical skills to navigate our digital world.

Our UN teams are on the ground, working with governments and key stakeholders to bolster countries’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping ensure a smooth recovery.

The Ukraine crisis may pose a threat to food security and living standards in Africa, but it could also provide incentives to boost intra-African trade. Those were the key messages from Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), during a recent online presentation to over 100 UN officials from all over the continent. Many UN Resident Coordinators chimed in with observations from the field.

"Investments in closing the digital gender divide yield huge dividends for all. The United Nations is committed to working with girls so that this generation, whoever they are and whatever their circumstances, can fulfil their potential." - UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues its deadly march around the world. How will countries be able to “build back better” from this calamity? We know, in this respect, that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are key. 

COVID-19 and other challenges continue to jeopardize the health and well-being of people across the globe. UN country teams are not standing down. They continue the fight with continued determination. Today, we highlight some of the coordinated efforts.

Last week, the world celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child. Progress for adolescent girls has not kept pace with the realities they face today, and COVID-19 has reinforced many of these gaps. Data shows women and girls are especially vulnerable in the face of COVID-19. UN teams across the globe recognize the urgency to protect and support women and girls, especially right now, and are taking every measure to do so.