Latest
Story
14 August 2024
Summit of the Future presents a key opportunity to galvanize political will and turbocharge the achievement of SDGs - H.E. Dennis Francis
Learn more
Video
09 August 2024
Farewell message - Yeşim Oruç, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator
Learn more
Press Release
07 August 2024
Ms. Yeşim Oruç, United Nations Resident Coordinator departs Guyana
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Guyana
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity.
Kindly note that the data visualizations show an aggregate of the Caribbean. To view the disaggregated data for Guyana, please select it from the dropdown menu.
Video
02 August 2024
Summit of the Future Dialogue
On 24 July, 2024, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the Summit of the Future featuring Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
1 of 4
Publication
24 May 2024
UN Guyana Annual Results Report 2023
The 2023 Annual Results Report reflects on and highlights the UN System’s continued commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights for all. The publication also marks the culmination of the two-year Country Implementation Plan of the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The Guyana Annual Results Report highlights results across four key pillars: Shared Prosperity and Economic Resilience, Equality and Well-being, Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management, and Peace, Safety, Justice, and the Rule of Law. In 2023, Guyana's global influence grew as it joined the UN Security Council, focusing on climate change and food security. The country showcased progress through its Second Voluntary National Review of the SDGs, where it highlighted achievements in SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17. National policies prioritized healthcare, education, water, and social services aligned with the SDGs for inclusivity. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and various other ministries, UN programming prioritized key areas, including social protection, food systems transformation, labor, employment, migration, and gender equality, as well as women’s empowerment. These initiatives were facilitated by strengthened partnerships with civil society organizations, academia, media, and other stakeholders. UN programmes were executed with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring considerations for gender, youth, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, migrant populations, and other vulnerable groups.
1 of 4
Video
07 February 2024
Programme - Guyana's role on the UN Security Council
In January 2024 Guyana assumed its seat as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term 2024-2025.
Mr. Robert Persaud, Guyana's Foreign Secretary and High Representative for Guyana's UN Security Council Affairs and Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator discussed the importance of Guyana's role on the Security Council.
1 of 4
Story
14 August 2024
Summit of the Future presents a key opportunity to galvanize political will and turbocharge the achievement of SDGs - H.E. Dennis Francis
During his visit to Georgetown, the PGA highlighted that amidst the challenges being experienced by the multilateral system the Summit of the Future presents a pivotal opportunity to revitalize global frameworks, making them more inclusive, adaptable, effective, and equitable. The PGA held bilateral meetings with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and other senior government officials. He commended Guyana's unwavering commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, evidenced by the country's active role in the UN Security Council. The PGA also engaged with the UN Resident Coordinator, Representatives of UN Agencies resident in Guyana, the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the diplomatic corps and stakeholders, where he highlighted the upcoming Summit of the Future in September as a pivotal moment for reinforcing the international multilateral system. During his visit to UN House, the PGA had an interactive discussion with youths during a session on 'Misinformation/Disinformation for Youth in the Digital Era'. He used the opportunity to share the Universal Declaration of Human Rights booklet, stressing its undiminished relevance in shaping a just digital space. He encouraged participants to continue working towards making the digital space safer and more inclusive for everyone. The PGA's visit also saw engagement with Women’s Groups and NGOs where he noted that barriers that prevent women from fully participating in every aspect of society must be dismantled. He urged the inclusion of men and boys in discussions on gender equality and women's empowerment.At an Open Forum with representatives from academia, the private sector, and civil society groups the PGA emphasised the significance of other upcoming events during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, such as the High-Level Meeting on sea-level rise, as crucial for supporting Small Island Developing States and low-lying coastal regions affected by climate change. The PGA also visited the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and made a guest appearance on a television programme, organised by the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, to discuss the UN’s commitment to promote the rights of people living with disabilities.The official visit concluded with a media briefing at the UN House.
1 of 5
Story
07 August 2024
Yeşim Oruç, United Nations Resident Coordinator departs Guyana
H.E. Yeşim Oruç, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Guyana, will end her assignment on 9th August 2024, after serving in this position since August 2021.During her tenure, Ms. Oruç has sought to lead the United Nations system to support the government and people of Guyana to ensure that no-one, regardless of their circumstances, status or identity, is left behind from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ms. Oruç has coordinated the UN System’s support to national authorities in key areas, including gender equality and women’s empowerment, social protection, food systems transformation, labor, employment, and migration. These initiatives were facilitated by strengthened partnerships with development partners, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, academia, civil society, youth, the media, among others.Ms. Oruç has worked to align the UN’s programmatic portfolio in Guyana in support of national development priorities for achieving the SDGs. In so doing, she put inclusivity at the center of the UN’s work. This has resulted in a renewed focus on the situation of women and girls, young people, persons living with disabilities, Guyana’s indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV/AIDS, migrant populations, and other vulnerable groups living in Guyana.“It has been the privilege of my life to serve in a country where a dynamic commitment to global goals is embodied in the national Low Carbon Development Strategy, backed by successive SDG-enabling national budgets. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to have accompanied this remarkable country on its amazing journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I am also fortunate to have worked with some incredible people who are committed to helping Guyana to honour its human rights commitments. In recent months, it has been inspiring to witness Guyana take up its place on the UN Security Council, where today it is striving to ensure that topics like food security and climate security are placed right at the very top of the global agenda,” said Oruc.Ms. Oruç’s successor will be announced in another release.
1 of 5
Story
02 August 2024
Guyana to advocate recognition of climate change as threat to global peace and security at Summit of the Future negotiations
Climate change is “the defining issue of our time,” said Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, emphasizing Guyana’s intent to advance the notion of climate change as a threat to global peace and security at September’s Summit of the Future negotiations.The Ambassador, whose country is currently serving a two-year term on the UN Security Council [2024–2025], was participating in UN Guyana’s town hall-style ‘Summit of the Future Dialogue’ where she urged the embrace of an “expansive model” to the concept of peace and security, encompassing factors from climate change to development, human rights and gender equality.The Summit takes place against the backdrop of increasing global challenges including deepening geopolitical divisions and conflict. "It’s all about making sure the international global multilateral system is able to weather the challenges we're facing... from artificial intelligence to climate change to human rights...," said Yeşim Oruç UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana and event moderator. She highlighted the need to emerge from the Summit with a reinvigorated United Nations system that will be "fit for purpose" in today's world. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said the aim of world leaders gathering for the Summit, in September at UN Headquarters in New York, is to mend mistrust and enhance effective global cooperation. Guyana, she said, will prioritize climate security, food security and energy security in the negotiation process. The agenda of the Summit will be spread across five thematic chapters and the outcome of the negotiations will be reflected by the outcome document called the Pact for the Future.Chapter I: Sustainable Development and Financing for DevelopmentAmbassador Rodrigues-Birkett said the Summit was urgently needed to “turbocharge" implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — the UN's blueprint for securing the well-being and prosperity of everyone on Earth by the year 2030. The 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report shows, however, that only a mere 17% of the targets are currently on track as the deadline draws closer.To correct course, she said that development finance and climate finance needs to be unlocked for the developing world."Many countries have not been able to make progress in SDG implementation because of financing and we believe that the developed countries should shoulder their historic responsibilities and fulfill their commitments."One example she raised is the Paris Agreement, which called for the mobilization of USD $100 billion per year for developing countries by 2020 — an unkept promise."There's no shortage of commitments really on climate but we're not seeing them implemented," she stressed. The Ambassador highlighted data showing that 280 million people are food insecure globally and said Guyana would be advocating for global agrifood systems transformation at the Summit.She expressed hope that the Pact for the Future, could carry the world, "further than where we are right now," on achieving the SDGs.Chapter II: International Peace and Security“The Security Council is the most undemocratic organ of the United Nations,” said Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett, urging the abolition of the veto, which allows any one of the five permanent members of the Council to unilaterally block decisions receiving majority support.She said that Guyana would advocate, through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), for the creation of a rotating permanent seat on the Council for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and also emphasized the historical injustice of Africa not having a permanent seat on the Security Council. On the likelihood of these reforms being achieved at the Summit, the Ambassador cautioned about the difficulty.“I'm not seeing the end of this road on reform very close, but we have to continue to speak on it.” With Guyana serving as one of the ten non-permanent members elected to the Council for a two-year term, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana chaired a high-level open debate at the Council on climate change and food insecurity during Guyana’s Presidency in February.Highlighting this event, Rodrigues-Birkett said Guyana would continue to advance its position linking climate change and food security to global peace and security at Summit negotiations and beyond.Chapter III. Science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation“AI, I think it's a force for good and it's a force for bad,” said Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett, supporting the Summit's call to regulate Artificial Intelligence. Rodrigues-Birkett pointed out, however, that the current conversation surrounding AI is not accessible for all countries. “For many small developing countries, it’s not even an issue fully understood,” she said. She added that these countries must build their capacity to contribute to the AI discussion and protect their interests.The Ambassador pointed to the anticipated Global Digital Compact outcome document at the Summit of the Future as essential to bridging digital divides. As an annex to the Pact for the Future, the document will serve as a framework for digital governance centered on collective principles and priorities, aiming to better manage the risks associated with digital advancements while leveraging their benefits for all rather than just few.Chapter IV: Youth and Future GenerationsAmbassador Rodrigues-Birkett said an objective of the Summit is to "embed young people at the heart of decision making." She emphasized that youth would have a voice at the Summit of the Future discussions where a "Declaration on Future Generations" is being developed as an annex to the Pact for the Future. This declaration aims to ensure that data, foresight, and science are used to assess the impact of today’s actions for the ten billion people yet to be born in this century.She explained that the new United Nations Youth Office is playing a central role in the Summit's engagement with youth. "We know what the issues are in terms of what young people are calling for from the discussion that we've had with youth in the process of establishing the office," she shared, having co-facilitated the intergovernmental process for the establishment of the Youth Office.Chapter V: Transforming Global GovernanceAmbassador Rodrigues-Birkett said that Guyana is advocating for reform of the international financial architecture address the development challenges faced by SIDS and other vulnerable regions. "Because you're classified as a middle-income country you have to borrow at very high interest rates and some countries that might be at your same level, in terms of GDP per capita, can borrow at a less cost than you,” she said, calling the system, “unfair.”She, however, praised the UN’s recent adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), a comprehensive measure of economic vulnerability, and called for international financial institutions to integrate these measures into their lending practices.The Ambassador emphasized the need to create an emergency platform that would facilitate access to concessional finance for SIDS that are vulnerable to external shocks."COVID came and we also see hurricanes come and go, we see floods come and go and the UN does not have an emergency platform to deal with these."She pointed to Hurricane Beryl's impact on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada as the most recent example.The multi-stakeholder Summit of the Future dialogue saw the participation of development partners, youth, civil society, women’s groups, national commissions, academia, the media, among others. View more photographs from this event here.This story was first published on the UN Caribbean website with editorial support provided by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana.
1 of 5
Story
27 June 2024
National ‘Countering Hate Speech’ campaign launched
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the United Nations in Guyana launched a national ‘Countering Hate Speech’ campaign in observance of the International Day to Counter Hate Speech. The campaign will feature the dissemination of public service announcements, social media message and workshops with various stakeholders including youth, influencers, and disc jockeys. Delivering remarks at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Yeşim Oruç said, “Hate speech is a marker, an early warning sign of discrimination, abuse, violence, conflict, and even of crimes against humanity.” She noted that in 2019 Secretary-General António Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which highlights the UN’s ongoing commitment to promote peaceful, inclusive and just societies. She said “addressing hate speech does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. Nipping hate speech at the bud is as much about education and positive messaging intended to keep hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous that is prohibited under criminal law. #NoToHate campaigns and the work that the ERC is embarking on today is precisely about that.” Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon. Gail Teixeira, highlighted the need for familial involvement in public education efforts against hate speech. She said, “to build a society rooted in respect and tolerance, we must start with teaching values that celebrate diversity as something good and exciting.”Chief Executive Officer of ERC, Gomin Camacho stated that the "campaign aims to educate and inform individuals to be more aware that certain words and statements carry negative connotations, which hurt, disrespect, and in some cases lead to violence.” In attendance at the launch were representatives from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and development partners.The campaign will be supported by OHCHR, UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, UNESCO, and IOM.
1 of 5
Story
28 June 2024
UN Secretary-General launches UN Global Principles for Information Integrity
The world must respond to the harms caused by the spread of hate and lies online while vigorously defending human rights, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said at the launch of the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity, 24 June 2024.One year after launching his report on information integrity on digital platforms, the Secretary-General presented a framework for coordinated international action to make information spaces safer and more humane, one of the most urgent tasks of our time.Misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and other risks to the information ecosystem are fueling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and undermining public health and climate action. Their proliferation is now enhanced by the rapid rise of easily accessible Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, increasing the threat to some groups often targeted in information spaces, including children. "The United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity aim to empower people to demand their rights," said the Secretary-General. "At a time when billions of people are exposed to false narratives, distortions, and lies, these principles mark a clear way forward, firmly rooted in human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and opinion." The UN chief urgently called on governments, technology companies, advertisers, and the public relations industry to take responsibility for disseminating and monetizing harmful content.The erosion of information integrity is compromising the UN's missions, operations, and priorities, including vital peacekeeping operations and humanitarian efforts. In a global survey of UN staff, 80% of respondents said that damaging information puts them and the communities they serve at risk.The principles result from extensive consultations with member states, the private sector, youth leaders, media, academia, and civil society. The recommendations in this document are designed to foster healthier and safer information spaces that promote human rights, peaceful societies, and a sustainable future.The 5 Global Principles for a more humane information ecosystem are: What do these principles include?Governments, technology companies, advertisers, media, and other stakeholders should refrain from using, supporting, or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.Governments should facilitate timely access to information, ensure a free, viable, independent, and pluralistic media landscape, and ensure robust protection for journalists, researchers, and civil society.Technology companies should ensure security and privacy by design in all their products, along with consistent application of policies and remedies across countries and languages, with particular attention to the needs of groups often targeted online. They must improve their response and take steps to support the integrity of information during elections.All parties involved in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies must take urgent, immediate, inclusive, and transparent steps to ensure that all AI applications are designed, implemented, and used safely, responsibly, and ethically to respect human rights.Technology companies must develop business models that do not rely on programmatic advertising and that do not prioritize engagement over human rights, privacy, and security. These models must allow users greater choice and control over their online experience and personal data.Advertisers should demand transparency in the technology sector's digital advertising processes to help ensure that advertising budgets do not inadvertently fund disinformation, hate, or undermine human rights.Tech companies and AI developers should ensure meaningful transparency, allow researchers and academics access to data while respecting user privacy, commission publicly available independent audits, and co-develop accountability frameworks for the industry.Governments, technology companies, AI developers, and advertisers should take special measures to protect and empower children, and governments must provide resources to parents, guardians, and educators."Everyone should be able to express themselves freely without fear of attack. Everyone should be able to access diverse opinions and sources of information. No one should be at the mercy of an algorithm that they do not control, that was not designed to safeguard their interests, and that tracks their behavior to collect personal data and keep them hooked," stressed the Secretary-General during the presentation of the Global Principles, placing particular emphasis on the situation of vulnerability in which millions of girls and boys find themselves."The UN listens to your pleas for guidance and support. Do not be discouraged: raise your voice. Demand accountability, demand choice, demand control. You are the majority. And this is a fight we can win together," concluded António Guterres (Read the Secretary-General's entire message).For her part, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communication Melissa Fleming also urgently called on people to respect the integrity of information, especially those who create artificial intelligence."AI creators: make sure you don't make the same mistakes as social network creators. Make sure you are safe by design, make sure you make branded content, and remove content that fails to comply with the principles," he said.Background:The UN Global Principles for Information In "AI creators: make sure you don't make the same mistakes as social network creators. Make sure you are safe by design, make sure you make branded content, and remove content that fails to comply with the principles," he said. integrity arises from a proposal in Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General's 2021 report outlining a vision for the future of global cooperation and multilateral action. The Principles are a resource for member states ahead of the Summit of the Future to be launched next September.-----The Universal Principles for Information Integrity are available at:https://www.un.org/es/information-integrityView a video presentation of the Universal Principles at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c1nfpy8n
1 of 5
Press Release
07 August 2024
Ms. Yeşim Oruç, United Nations Resident Coordinator departs Guyana
During her tenure, Ms. Oruç has sought to lead the United Nations system to support the government and people of Guyana to ensure that no-one, regardless of their circumstances, status or identity, is left behind from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ms. Oruç has coordinated the UN System’s support to national authorities in key areas, including gender equality and women’s empowerment, social protection, food systems transformation, labor, employment, and migration. These initiatives were facilitated by strengthened partnerships with development partners, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, academia, civil society, youth, the media, among others.Ms. Oruç has worked to align the UN’s programmatic portfolio in Guyana in support of national development priorities for achieving the SDGs. In so doing, she put inclusivity at the center of the UN’s work. This has resulted in a renewed focus on the situation of women and girls, young people, persons living with disabilities, Guyana’s indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV/AIDS, migrant populations, and other vulnerable groups living in Guyana.“It has been the privilege of my life to serve in a country where a dynamic commitment to global goals is embodied in the national Low Carbon Development Strategy, backed by successive SDG-enabling national budgets. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to have accompanied this remarkable country on its amazing journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I am also fortunate to have worked with some incredible people who are committed to helping Guyana to honour its human rights commitments. In recent months, it has been inspiring to witness Guyana take up its place on the UN Security Council, where today it is striving to ensure that topics like food security and climate security are placed right at the very top of the global agenda,” said Oruc.Ms. Oruç’s successor will be announced in another release.
1 of 5
Press Release
24 July 2024
New UNAIDS report shows Caribbean AIDS epidemic can be ended by 2030, but only if leaders boost resources to prevent new infections and put people on treatment and human rights are protected
Kingston, 22 July 2024—A new report released today by UNAIDS shows the world is at a critical moment that will determine whether world leaders meet their commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The report, ‘The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads’, brings together new data and case studies which demonstrate that the decisions and policy choices taken by world leaders this year will decide the fate of millions of lives and whether the world’s deadliest pandemic is overcome. While the end of AIDS is within our grasp, the data show the world is off track. Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV globally, 9.3 million, nearly a quarter, are not receiving life-saving treatment. Consequently, a person dies from AIDS-related causes every minute. In the Caribbean, there has been substantial progress against HIV since 2010, but the reduction in the annual number of new HIV infections slowed down over the past five years. At the end of 2023, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica, the larger countries in the region, accounted for almost 90% of new infections—with Haiti alone accounting for more than one third (38%) of new HIV infections. People from key populations and their sex partners continued to account for 47% of new infections in 2022.The report finds that if leaders take the bold actions needed now to ensure sufficient and sustainable resourcing and protect everyone’s human rights, the number of people living with HIV worldwide, requiring life-long treatment, will settle at around 29 million by 2050 but if they take the wrong path, the number of people who will need life-long support will rise to 46 million (compared to 39.9 million in 2023). “World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030, and they can uphold their promise, but only if they ensure that the HIV response has the resources it needs and that the human rights of everyone are protected,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “Leaders can save millions of lives, prevent millions of new HIV infections, and ensure that everyone living with HIV can live healthy, full lives.” The report shows treatment coverage continued to expand in the Caribbean, but significant challenges remain as it relates to late diagnosis and enrolling and keeping people living with HIV in care. At the end of 2023, an estimated 85% of people living with HIV knew their status, 70% of all people living with HIV were on treatment, and 61% of all people living with HIV were virally suppressed. The percentage of people living with HIV who were on treatment and virally suppressed rose from 79% in 2018 to 87% in 2023. Treatment coverage was 78% among women (aged 15+ years) and 65% among men (aged 15+ years). Paediatric treatment coverage, at 39%, was, however, much lower than adult treatment coverage in 2023 and late diagnosis of advanced HIV disease (AIDS) remains a significant challenge in the region.The expansion of people accessing treatment is a landmark public health achievement that has seen AIDS-related deaths in the Caribbean fall by 57% since 2010—but a worrying increase has been reported in Belize, Cuba, Guyana, and Suriname.“Prioritising targeted interventions, community-led responses, and integration to leave no one behind; bolstering treatment accessibility and retention in care; advocating for legal reforms; and challenging harmful gender and other social norms will go a long way to address the root causes of risk and vulnerability of people living with, and most affected by, HIV,” said UNAIDS Multi-Country Director for the Caribbean, Dr Richard Amenyah. “There is a great need to strengthen partnerships with communities and enhance the role of civil society to reach vulnerable and at-risk groups that are hard to reach with HIV services or find it difficult, for whatever reason, to engage our health facilities.”The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads, shows that decisions taken this year will determine if global targets are met, AIDS is ended as a public health threat by 2030, and a sustainable HIV response is built. The report demonstrates that HIV prevention and treatment services will only reach people if human rights are upheld, if unfair laws against women and against marginalized communities are scrapped, and if discrimination and violence are tackled head on.“Like the title of the report tells us, we are at a crossroads. We can take the road that continues to punish people for who they are, who they love, how they work, and that is the road through which we can never end aids as a public health thread”, says Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Or we can choose the road of rights protections, of respecting others, of following the science and the evidence. This is the road that has led to reductions in new infections and to healthy lives.”ContactUNAIDS Caribbean | Jaevion Nelson | tel. +1 876 459 3211 | nelsonj@unaids.orgUNAIDS Latin America & the Caribbean | Daniel de Castro | tel. +507 6998 3175 | decastrod@unaids.org UNAIDSThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
1 of 5
Press Release
28 June 2024
With less than one fifth of targets on track, world is failing to deliver on promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, warns new UN report
New York, 28 June 2024 – With just six years remaining, current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without massive investment and scaled up action, the achievement of the SDGs — the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive, warns The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, launched today.A world in great upheavalThe report reveals that only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third stalled or regressing. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing climate chaos have severely hindered progress.According to the report, an additional 23 million people were pushed into extreme poverty and over 100 million more were suffering from hunger in 2022 compared to 2019. The number of civilian deaths in armed conflict skyrocketed in 2023. That year was also the warmest on record, with global temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold.A moment of choice and consequence“This report highlights the urgent need for stronger and more effective international cooperation to maximize progress starting now,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “With more than six years left, we must not let up on our 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.”Urgent priorities:Financing development: The SDG investment gap in developing countries now stands at $4 trillion per year. Developing countries require more financial resources and fiscal space. Reforming the global financial architecture is crucial to unlocking the volume of financing required to spur sustainable development.Peace and security: The number of forcibly displaced people has reached an unprecedented level, nearly 120 million by May 2024. Civilian casualties spiked by 72 per cent between 2022 and 2023 amid escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for peace. Resolving ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy is essential.Implementation surge: Massive investment and effective partnerships are needed to drive critical transitions in food, energy, social protection, digital connectivity and more.Success stories and opportunities for actionThe report spotlights examples of success and resilience that can be built upon through decisive action.The remarkable recent strides in deploying renewable energy, for example, highlight a clear pathway to a just energy transition. Girls in most regions have achieved parity and even pulled ahead of boys in completing schooling at all levels. Increasing internet access by about 70 per cent in just eight years also illustrates how rapid transformative change is possible. Similarly, decades of progress against HIV/AIDS provide a template for overcoming other pandemics through global solidarity and funding for scientific breakthroughs.“Time and again, humanity has demonstrated that when we work together and apply our collective mind, we can forge solutions to seemingly intractable problems,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.Key moments for the SDGsThe Summit of the Future, taking place on 22 to 23 September at UN Headquarters in New York, will be pivotal to getting the world back on track to achieving the SDGs. Deliberations at the Summit will include addressing the debt crisis that is holding so many developing countries back and the urgent need for reform of the international financial architecture.According to the report, both the Financing for Development Conference and the World Summit for Social Development in 2025 will be key moments to drive SDG momentum. But as Mr. Li stressed: “The time for words has passed – the political declarations must urgently translate into actions. We must act now, and act boldly.”Key findings:• For the first time this century, per-capita GDP growth in half of the world’s most vulnerable nations is slower than that of advanced economies.Nearly 60 per cent of countries faced moderately to abnormally high food prices in 2022.Based on data collected in 2022 in 120 countries, 55 per cent of the countries lackednon-discrimination laws that prohibit direct and indirect discrimination against women.Increased access to treatment has averted 20.8 million AIDS-related deaths in the pastthree decades.Progress on education remains of grave concern, with only 58 per cent of studentsworldwide achieving minimum proficiency in reading by the end of primary school.Global unemployment hit a historic low of 5 per cent in 2023, yet persistent roadblocksremain in achieving decent work.Global capacity to generate electricity from renewable energy has begun expanding atan unprecedented rate, growing at 8.1 per cent annually for the past five years.Mobile broadband (3G or higher) is accessible to 95 per cent of the world's population,up from 78 per cent in 2015.Record high ocean temperatures have triggered a fourth global coral bleaching event.External debt stock levels have remained unprecedentedly high in developing countries.About 60 per cent of low-income countries are at high risk of debt distress or already experiencing it.More Information:For more information, please visit: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/ Hashtags: #SDGreport #SDGs #GlobalGoalsMedia contacts (interviews available upon request):
Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org
Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org
Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org
Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
24 June 2024
University of Guyana Hosts Panel Discussion on Inclusion and Acceptance for World Refugee Day
The event at the University of Guyana aimed to foster communication and information sharing about global displacement and in Guyana. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Coreen Jacobs-Chester, Director of the International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies; Adriana Negry, Head of UNHCR National Office; and Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor XI of the University of Guyana.Dr. Coreen Jacobs-Chester stated that “International Days are occasions to educate, inform, explain, and raise awareness among the public. World Refugee Day, 2024, is no different, as the University of Guyana, international organizations, and civil society use this day as a springboard to raise awareness of the ever-present issue of forced displacement globally. Overall, World Refugee Day is a day to recognize the dignity and humanity of refugees and commit to building a world where everyone can live safely and in peace”.In her speech, Ms. Adriana Negry emphasized the crucial role of solidarity and unity in addressing the forced displacement crisis. She stated, “World Refugee Day theme of this year, “For a world where refugees are welcome,” highlights the crucial role of solidarity and unity, a reminder that our shared humanity binds us together. Building bridges creates pathways to understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect.”The panel discussion featured experts in protection and inclusion, including Francesca Tomasso and Jenel Greene from UNHCR, Lyn Morales from HIAS, and Sharon James, Founder of the Least of These Foundation. The discussion centered on key issues and opportunities for enhancing refugee support and integration in Guyana, focusing on gender and child-specific perspectives.During the event, organizers invited the winners of the UNHCR’s World Refugee Day Poetry Contest 2024, 13-year-old Guyatri Praimchan, with her poem “Refugees, they are just like you and me,” and 14-year-old Zariah Kowlessar, with her poem “Somewhere between Then and Now,” to read their poems on stage. The World Refugee Day Poetry Contest allows children and adolescents from the forcibly displaced and host communities to share their experiences and talents.About the University of Guyana: The University of Guyana is the leading higher education institution in Guyana, committed to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and community engagement. Through its various programs and initiatives, the University aims to contribute to the development and well-being of Guyana and its people. About UNHCR: UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect and assist refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.About World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees worldwide. It falls each year on June 20th and celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
1 of 5
Press Release
22 May 2024
Despite modest improvements, three million people in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean still face food insecurity - New Study
The Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods Survey, carried out jointly by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) found that43 percent of the population - or three million people - are estimated to be food insecure in 22 countries and territories.These Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to grapple with high costs of food and inputs for productive sectors, and the overwhelming majority of those surveyed (96 percent) reported rising food prices over the past three months. With a high dependence on imported goods, coupled with limited economies of scale, the unique challenges of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) mean that much of the population continues to struggle to afford a healthy diet. With a highly active Atlantic hurricane season forecast to kick off on 01 June, the threat of natural hazards on food security looms large for those living the region. More than a third of those surveyed reported having been affected in the last 12 months - mainly by heatwaves, floods, drought and tropical storms. This has further eroded their capacity to cope with yet another shock. These climate shocks, combined with the lingering socio-economic impact of the pandemic, combined with the ripple effect of the crisis in Ukraine, have created major challenges for people and their livelihoods. "In the face of persistent food insecurity, impactful investments in agriculture, finance, and social protection are urgently needed. Robust investments in disaster management are critical to fostering resilient food systems. Every individual in this region deserves consistent access to nutritious and affordable food for their families,” said Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director of WFP’s Caribbean Multi-Country Office. While levels of food insecurity have declined over the last two years, from 4.1 million in 2022 to 3 million in 2024, the overall picture remains deeply concerning. Those involved in productive sectors, farming and fishing, continue to bear the brunt of inflation. Livestock farmers reported increased feed prices and higher prices for tools and machinery. Meanwhile, nearly 80 percent of surveyed people engaged in fishing activities were affected by the rising cost of fuel for their operations."Continued investment in our regional food systems as SIDS is critical if we are to transform the regional food security position into one that creates equitable wealth and economic prosperity. The collective efforts of the region must address food production, distribution, food transportation, movement of capital, reform of sanitary and phytosanitary challenges, improving the use of technology and promoting investment has to position the region to becoming more food secure," said Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Integration, Innovation and Development at CARICOM Secretariat.As world leaders prepare to meet at the 4th International Conference on SIDS next week, this survey presents key data for a region that continues to call for greater equitable access to resources to achieve development goals. Overall, the survey’s findings indicate that there is hope for the region and highlights the need for greater international support to accelerate progress on Zero Hunger and help build pathways towards sustainable food systems. WFP’s Caribbean Multi-Country Office was opened in 2018 and covers 22 countries and territories across the English and Dutch Caribbean. In the region, WFP works with national governments and regional institutions like the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, to strengthen disaster management, social protection and food systems. These investments place the most vulnerable at the forefront with the aim of strengthening resilience at the individual, community and systems level. The survey was completed with the support of the Government of Canada, the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance. Notes to editor:The survey report can be found here.Dashboard featuring full survey findings available here.Photos available here.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
1 / 11