Having commenced my role as UN Resident Coordinator in China almost one year ago, it is a privilege to lead the United Nations in China in this new year and at this auspicious moment as the Games return to Beijing.
As the world marked the fourth International Day of Education on 24 January, we need a renewed engagement to transform education and build a better future for our children in line with the promises of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is well established that the key to a better future for children in any country lies in quality education. It is no different for Lesotho, a demographically young lower-middle-income country where nearly 40 percent of the population is under 18.
The UN team in Afghanistan has launched its One-UN Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF) to assist Afghans in 2022. The TEF is the overarching strategic planning document, ensuring the coordination of the UN team’s work to reduce the suffering of the people of Afghanistan by saving lives, sustaining essential services—such as health and education—and preserving essential community systems.
Today, on International Day of Education, let us take a moment to reflect on the value of learning, and consider, through the lenses of five stories of people from different regions, cultures, age groups, and abilities, how we could support the work of UN country teams established across 162 countries and territories around the world on making education accessible for all.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Senegal, Siaka Coulibaly, went with the UN country team on a field mission to the regions of Saint Louis and Matam in Northern Senegal from 15 to 19 November 2021. He shares his perspectives.
In the Arab region, the rate of female labour force participation is 18% compared to the global average of 48% . Women are often reporting that they are facing discrimination in training and jobs, patriarchal norms and stereotypes, workplace harassment, low wages, and limited labor rights.
On 1 January, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Amanda Khozi Mukwashi of Zambia as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, with the host Government’s approval.
