The following remarks have been delivered by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, in her capacity as Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group during the ECOSOC Segment on Operational Activities for Development.
The UN has launched a Debris Taskforce in Lebanon to manage the aftermath of the 2024 conflict through a sustainable, rights-based approach. Coordinating with the government and local partners, the initiative prioritizes safe debris removal, recycling, and environmental protection. It also promotes job creation, public health, and cultural preservation. This effort aims to turn devastation into an opportunity for long-term, resilient recovery.
UNFPA’s project to strengthen Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) in Timor-Leste is saving lives, including Oliviana’s. Trapped by floods during labor, she reached safety thanks to trained midwives equipped through the UNFPA-supported programme. Their swift, skilled response ensured a safe delivery for both mother and baby.
Maria Adams, a fashion entrepreneur in Accra, Ghana, faces challenges common to many women led MSMEs such as limited digital skills, funding, and market access. A new UN-backed programme aims to change that by empowering 25,000 such businesses with digital tools and financial support.
Around the world, 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water. As we mark World Water Day on 22 March, it is a moment to recognize the central role that water plays in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN Resident Coordinators bring together UN country teams and partners to support the work of governments and communities in boosting access to safe water. They mobilize resources to tackle water scarcity challenges, ensuring that access to safe water remains a top policy priority. Their engagement focuses on several fronts, from tackling the impact of climate change on water resources to water conservation to boosting public health and community resilience.
For Nino Kavtaradze, the income which she makes using her skills and decades of experience producing dried fruits, jams and distinctive Georgian cheeses has literally meant the difference between sickness and health.
Thirty years ago, the world pledged "equality for all" in Beijing. Yet, today, for many women and girls around the world, this remains elusive. Ahead of International Women’s Day, a new progress report of the UN Secretary-General released by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), titled Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, points to an uneven trajectory to secure women’s rights and full participation in all aspects of society.
Social justice in action means dismantling systemic barriers, equipping workers with future-ready skills, and ensuring every voice – especially women, youth, and marginalized communities – is heard in the global economy. UN Country Teams, led by Resident Coordinators, have been at the forefront of championing social justice as a fundamental pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
