According to a recent UN report, climate change is happening at a faster pace than previously thought. That’s nothing new in the Western Balkans, which is considered one of the world’s hotspots of climate change.
When one thinks of Mauritania, the first thing that comes to mind is its sumptuous sand dunes, its emblematic nomadic camel-breeding tribes, and its beautiful Atlantic coastline.
But Mauritania is much more than that…
The pandemic has put many people to the test, and journalists are no exception. Coronavirus has waged war not only against people's lives and well-being but has also spawned countless hoaxes and scientific falsehoods.
In a nutshell, there is no easy way around this new normal derived from the pandemic. But amid so many challenges, Peru has also given some important lessons. First, democracy is a pillar for sustainable development. This is particularly important to stress as we mark the International Day of Democracy, 15 September, only three months after Peru’s electoral process, indicative of a vibrant democracy.
The people of Afghanistan need a lifeline. After decades of war, suffering and insecurity, they face perhaps their most perilous hour. Now is the time for the international community to stand with them.
COVID-19 and other challenges continue to jeopardize the health and well-being of people across the globe. UN country teams are not standing down. They continue the fight with continued determination. Today, we highlight some of the coordinated efforts.
Life was hard for Violeta and her family in their little village Kabash, a two-hour drive from the town of Puka. Everything was far away — the health clinic, the hospital, the local administrative offices.
With tears in her eyes, she remembers the time when her little daughter collapsed and just barely regained consciousness, with no nearby hospital to take her. She also learned that both her daughters had been born with mental health issues and congenital heart disease. They needed specialized medical care, which was accessible only in town.
While the prospect of vaccines in 2021 provides hope in defeating this virus, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s message that ‘there is no panacea in a pandemic’ is clear. Robust public health measures centred around the scientifically proven steps that prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain the most practical response. To its credit, China has set a good example by adopting this approach, as I have witnessed firsthand.
