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Stretching 5,000 kilometers from Africa’s Atlantic coast to the Red Sea, the Sahel is a vibrant region below the Sahara Desert that includes nations

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.

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. 

To address deep-seated issues of gang violence and women's lack of safety and security, the UN in El Salvador partnered with the Government to launch the "De Una! Transforming My Community" programme, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. Recognizing that sustainable peace requires the active involvement of everyone, "De Una!" empowered residents to take ownership of peacebuilding in their communities. Its objectives were to address the root causes of conflict, foster social cohesion, and create economic opportunities.

In July of this year, Mauritania's presidential election took place amidst a peaceful atmosphere. With a spotlight on various social, economic and governance issues affecting the country’s population, the smooth organization of the electoral process signaled that national authorities were better prepared than in previous elections to meet the complex context.

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.

The pervasive issue of hate speech, particularly its online manifestation, poses a significant threat to peace, stability, and human rights across regions. The United Nations' efforts to combat hate speech in South and Southeast Asia have yielded valuable insights that can inform future initiatives in the region and beyond.