Around the world, science and technology are helping drive new discovery, growth and innovation in countries. Yet, even as the world needs science, science needs women and girls.
Middle-income countries represent close to one-third of global GDP and they are major engines of global growth. Yet, vulnerabilities are not solely a function of and do not disappear with income level. Middle-income countries are also home to some 62% of the world’s poor.
More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. This year, nearly 4.4 million girls will be at risk of this harmful practice. This equates to more than 12,000 cases every day.
Our UN teams are on the ground in 162 countries and territories, coordinating joint programmes and tackling a range of priorities and initiatives — from climate action and food security to gender equality and safety of civilians.
For years, Ms. Yaoh held the belief that female genital mutilation (FGM) and the Sande Bush School — a secret society where young women and girls are initiated into womanhood — were essential for a girl's education, success and future as a respectable housewife. As the daughter-in-law of a prominent female Chief Zoe involved in FGM, she played an active role in the practice.
The UN supported the Government of Argentina with implementing a national early childhood strategy that helps break intergenerational cycles of poverty, ensures children's rights, and provides tools for bridging gender gaps.
As, the Secretary-General meets with 35 Member States, as well as the European Union today to discuss the Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, following serious allegations of collusion with Hamas. While the Secretary General will share actions being taken to deal with the allegation and will listen to Member States' concerns, he will again underscore the importance of the humanitarian work that UNRWA does every day in Gaza and in the region. A full and urgent investigation is underway and some of the staff allegedly involved have been dismissed by the agency.
When the pandemic hit Georgia, with forced lockdowns and overwhelmed hospitals, telemedicine had an opportunity to grow remarkably. The UN Resident Coordinator along with UN agencies is leading this transformation from the front, helping invest in critical health infrastructure and building capacity for nurses and doctors in Georgia to reach patients in remote locations.
