Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Cabo Verde face unique challenges in their pursuit of sustainable development. However, their vibrant blue economies offer immense potential for growth and innovation. The United Nations, under the guidance of Resident Coordinator Patricia Portela de Souza, has mobilized a collaborative effort to support Cabo Verde’s path towards sustainable development.
The UN Development System achieves significant efficiency gains, saving half a billion dollars in 2023. By streamlining operations, consolidating functions, and embracing innovative solutions, the UN is maximizing resources to better serve people and the planet.
From 14-16 May 2024, the United Nations headquarters in New York was abuzz with discussions as representatives of Member States, UN entities, and Resident Coordinators from various countries gathered for the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Segment on Operational Activities for Development.
Involving women and youth is at the heart of this movement. Resident Coordinators (RC) play a pivotal role in orchestrating a unified approach within the UN system and its specialized agencies to advance this inclusive vision. They draw on the strengths of each UN entity – at global, regional and country level—to craft a comprehensive response that addresses local needs to ensure no one is left behind, with development actions deeply rooted in local realities.
Five years on, the reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system has become the beating heart of the UN’s development efforts.
Together, we have realized the vision of the historic development system reforms. And the dividends are tangible.
The 2024 UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) Chair Report shows how UN Resident Coordinators, at the helm of UN Teams, are using their leadership to make the most of the UN’s offer, driving smarter investments and a greater focus on impact, efficiency, transparency and accountability.
On World Press Freedom Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted an uptick in violence faced by journalists covering environmental issues, which has made the profession increasingly dangerous.
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.
The world faces multiple complex interconnected challenges. And Africa is being hit hard by a devastating series of global shocks, and their impact on our people, environment and economies.
The Alternative Development Programme, led by UNODC, has restored thousands of hectares of lush green forests in the Southern Shan State affected by the expansion of opium cultivation.