United Nations Human Settlements Programme

A joint programme, "Localize to Realize" (L2R),  spearheaded by the United Nations Philippines is empowering Sama Bajau and informal settler families in Surigao City to drive progress for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pave the way for a better future.

Mangrove forests are a unique wetland ecosystem often found where land and sea meet. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and also help in protecting shorelines from erosion, acting as natural storm barriers. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and climate-induced changes have threatened their survival. Recognizing the importance of mangroves, the United Nations is working with national authorities, communities and other partners to support initiatives that aim to restore and protect these critical habitats.

Digital entrepreneurship has the tremendous potential to create jobs, bridge inequalities and unlock new opportunities for a sustainable future. The Joint SDG Fund is directing investments towards digital solutions for enterprises to flourish and boost economies.

A survey was conducted with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and conservationists is showing a jump in Royal Bengal Tiger numbers, boosted by ecosystem restoration and conservation measures with communities.

The report, approved during a week-long session in Interlaken, brings in to sharp focus the losses and damages we are already experiencing and will continue into the future, hitting the most vulnerable people and ecosystems especially hard. Taking the right action now could result in the transformational change essential for a sustainable, equitable world.

Our UN teams are on the ground in 162 countries and territories, coordinating joint programmes and tackling a range of priorities and initiatives — from climate action and food security to gender equality and safety of civilians.

Last year, UN teams on the ground reached thousands of people and supported governments on a myriad of objectives. They boosted countries' COVID-19

Women are in public decision-making roles more than ever before, but equality is far off: women hold only about 21 percent of ministerial positions globally, and only 22 countries are headed by a woman. At the current rate of progress, gender equality will not be reached among Heads of Government until 2150, another 130 years.  Yet, women persist, and continue to prove that when they lead, they bring transformative change to their communities and the world. Such change is vital in an era of COVID-19, climate change, deepening inequalities, conflict and democratic backsliding.  

In January, tropical storm Eloíse killed at least 6 people in Mozambique. That number might seem low, but the true impact is much greater. The storm also displaced 18,000 people and has affected a total of 250,000. It also caused considerable damage to 76 health centres and 400 classrooms.

After six months of lockdown, the Namibian government ended travel restrictions and curfews, in light of a drop in new COVID-19 cases. But Namibia’s economy, which depends heavily on wildlife tourism, has taken a major hit during the period, and the future of the country’s wildlife reserves is far from certain.

Together with national authorities, the private sector and other partners, the UN teams serving 162 countries and territories continue to prioritize the fight against COVID-19. Today, we highlight some of their work as of 19 June 2020. 

UN teams worldwide have come together with governments and partners to address COVID-19 and flatten the curve. We spotlight some of the coordinated response efforts as of 5 June 2020.