n June 2022, Kenya launched a “National Action Plan Against Hate Speech”, as part of its long-term “Roadmap for Peaceful Elections”, which was designed to curb and prevent disinformation and inflammation via social media and to inform peaceful counter-messaging. Having helped Kenya to develop this milestone plan, the United Nations was equally determined to help find innovative ways to support its implementation.
Djibouti seldom garners the kind of international attention usually given to its neighbors- Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. Yet the country’s experience living through cycles of drought and food insecurity offers immense lessons to the rest of the world.
Since 2019, five consecutive failed rainy seasons across the Horn of Africa have created a devastating drought that has affected millions of people in the region. Water sources have dried up, crops and livestock have been decimated, and people’s capacities to support themselves have been eroded. Compounding the hardship, food prices have rocketed, partly as a result of the war in Ukraine, making it too expensive for most refugees and local communities to afford even basics.
The beauty of the province of Manabi is renowned throughout Ecuador. Stunning beaches, impressive rocky coastlines and breathtaking sunsets make the fourth largest and third most populous province in the country a popular vacation destination. The UN Resident Coordinator in Ecuador Lena Savelli visited the province to experience first-hand the rich culture and traditions for sustainability as well as see how UN entities are working together to protect nature, ensure food security, forge livelihoods and build resilience for communities.
Coupled with other extreme weather events, the ongoing drought caused widespread hunger and pushed thousands into near famine-like conditions. In the south of the country, where the land is arid and households more dependent on rain-fed agriculture, the issue of malnutrition is particularly acute. Crops are not only suffering from a lack of water, but have also been damaged by high winds and tiomena – sandstorms - which blow away the fertile topsoil. In these conditions, communities are struggling to grow key staples, including corn.
It is crucial to address the structural causes of displacement in the countries of origin, promoting human rights, peace, peaceful coexistence, and fostering sustainable development and social justice in the region. No country can face these challenges alone. Leaders must take serious steps to respond to this challenge and reach firm agreements which comply with international commitments. In this sense, multilateral cooperation is a transformative agent of change in tackling the challenges of human mobility.
Reforming the global financial system, moving beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of economic progress, and addressing technology challenges are crucial to achieving a more just and equitable future for all, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said this week.
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.
