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To combat Ecuador's high rates of gender-based violence, the UN Resident Coordinator is leading collaborative efforts with government, civil society, and international partners through programmes like the Spotlight Initiative.

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. 

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).

From medical breakthroughs to new space discoveries, from advanced quantum computing research to new scientific methods to understand the natural world around us, women and girls are shattering glass ceilings. Yet structural barriers and social norms remain that limit women and girls from unlocking their full potential.

Mangrove forests are a unique wetland ecosystem often found where land and sea meet. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and also help in protecting shorelines from erosion, acting as natural storm barriers. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and climate-induced changes have threatened their survival. Recognizing the importance of mangroves, the United Nations is working with national authorities, communities and other partners to support initiatives that aim to restore and protect these critical habitats.

Brazil has concluded its G20 presidency, capping a year marked by intense negotiations during more than 140 meetings and dozens of working groups across 15 Brazilian cities.

UN teams around the world are working to ensure that people with disabilities are not just heard but empowered – a constant reminder that true progress means inclusion for all.

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.