When I arrived in Libreville in mid-2021 to lead the work of the United Nations in Gabon as the Resident Coordinator, I could not have imagined the intensity, complexity and richness the assignment would bring. Leading the UN Country Team as the most senior UN official in the country and representative of the UN Secretary-General on development, during such a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, I have strived to ensure that we, as the UN, effectively support Gabon’s aspirations to deliver durable peace and sustainable prosperity for its people.
The United Nations works with several partners to develop a comprehensive approach to support refugees, including Ukrainian nationals whose lives have been disrupted by the conflict.
Digital transformation is a top priority for the Vietnamese Government, with the Politburo Resolution 57 calling for breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation.
Caribbean nations face climate threats and economic drain from fuel imports. Electric mobility offers dual benefits: reducing dependence on imported oil while enabling vehicle-to-grid integration that supports renewable energy adoption.
Costa Rica is at a crossroads: inequality and food insecurity remain significant challenges. A joint programme supported by the Joint SDG Fund and bringing together UNICEF and FAO, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator's Office is aiming to improve agricultural practices and dietary habits among communities, promoting more sustainable production and building capacities.
The Joint SDG Fund’s joint programme is paving the way for sustainable economic empowerment in The Bahamas, focusing on women, youth, and people with disabilities. By enhancing access to financial mechanisms, fostering knowledge sharing, and supporting capacity building, this initiative addresses key barriers to achieving gender equality and inclusive development.
Having completed a year in the role of UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Eritrea, Nahla Valji reflects on the complex context of the country, the unique position of the UN to partner with Eritrea on its development journey, and the immense potential to be unlocked in the country.
"In these perilous times for women’s rights we must rally around the Beijing Declaration.", urged the UN Secretary-General in his remarks at the Opening of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
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.
