The world’s largest biodiversity summit, known as COP16, concluded this weekend in Colombia, with several landmark decisions, including first ever agreements on nature’s genetic data and on recognising people of Africa descent and Indigenous Peoples as key stewards in conservation efforts.
The Deputy Secretary-General addressed the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in Manila, emphasizing the critical role of women in achieving peace. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women and girls and called for increased women's participation in peace processes and decision-making.
The transformative power of energy access is undeniable. It is more than just keeping the lights on—it's a catalyst that accelerates progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly for women and youth in rural communities. To address this critical need, the UN in Guinea is working with the government to support rural electrification initiatives and improve the living conditions of communities.
On a sunlit afternoon at the Resistance Museum in Timor-Leste, a quiet but powerful reunion took place. Several remarkable women, veterans of the Timorese resistance, began to trickle into the exhibition hall. As they entered, their eyes were drawn to the canvases on the walls. There, captured in striking portraits, were their own faces, reminders of the courage they displayed decades ago.
In Viet Nam, women entrepreneurs and farmers are dealing with the first hand impacts of climate change. A joint UN programme is helping them access finance and technology to cope better with disasters and safeguard their livelihoods.