For years, female students and health workers in Kyrgyzstan's medical institutions have endured the injustice of sexual harassment quietly, fearing the consequences of speaking out. A UN Women partnership, through the Spotlight Initiative is helping change that.
Countries worldwide are accelerating progress towards the SDGs by embracing transformative approaches, with RCs and UN teams supporting national governments to drive systemic change.
Across the globe, we witness the transformative power of quality education. UN Country Teams, led by Resident Coordinators, play a critical role in supporting Governments in different social and economic contexts in driving progress through policy shifts, more and better investments, and innovative solutions, recognizing that education is not just a goal in itself, but a catalyst for achieving other development transformations.
The latest Sustainable Development Goals Report reveals a concerning lack of progress and urges for urgent action to address poverty, hunger, climate change, and conflict.
In Saudi Arabia, land stewardship is an indispensable part of economy and identity. Over the years, rapid development and overgrazing, combined with rising temperatures have threatened soil quality and biodiversity, and exacerbated water scarcity.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Cabo Verde face unique challenges in their pursuit of sustainable development. However, their vibrant blue economies offer immense potential for growth and innovation. The United Nations, under the guidance of Resident Coordinator Patricia Portela de Souza, has mobilized a collaborative effort to support Cabo Verde’s path towards sustainable development.
From 14-16 May 2024, the United Nations headquarters in New York was abuzz with discussions as representatives of Member States, UN entities, and Resident Coordinators from various countries gathered for the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Segment on Operational Activities for Development.
Involving women and youth is at the heart of this movement. Resident Coordinators (RC) play a pivotal role in orchestrating a unified approach within the UN system and its specialized agencies to advance this inclusive vision. They draw on the strengths of each UN entity – at global, regional and country level—to craft a comprehensive response that addresses local needs to ensure no one is left behind, with development actions deeply rooted in local realities.
Five years on, the reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system has become the beating heart of the UN’s development efforts.
Together, we have realized the vision of the historic development system reforms. And the dividends are tangible.
