For millions in Sri Lanka, accessing basic services—obtaining the passport, enrolling a child in school, receiving social protection—starts with a simple yet essential step: having the right documents. But for too many, the civil registration system, which provides such crucial documents, is slow, outdated, and full of roadblocks. Led by the Government of Sri Lanka with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and funding through the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund, the country is aligning its CRVS modernization with its broader digital transformation agenda.
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.
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.
Over the last two decades, Viet Nam has made remarkable strides in providing its population with access to quality education and paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future. Learn how UN entities are joining hands to close the gaps and provide quality education for girls, ethnic minorities and students with disabilities.
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.
Launch of a global road safety campaign, #MakeASafetyStatement, aiming to halve road-related fatalities by 2030. In collaboration with celebrities and partners, the campaign raises awareness and mobilizes political will for action. UN teams in Guatemala and South Africa are implementing targeted initiatives to address local challenges and foster safer roads.
Organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) from 27 to 30 March, the Forum brought together a cross-section of key development actors, including senior government and UN officials, the private sector, youth and civil society representatives to share their experiences and mobilize regional action to rescue the SDGs.
