United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

With the Amazon at the crossroads of climate action, biodiversity, and inclusive development, UN Resident Coordinator in Brazil Silvia Rucks reflects on how community-driven solutions, backed by the Brazil–UN Fund with support from Canada, are fostering resilience, equity, and hope across the region. 

For women and children in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province in eastern Indonesia, the wait for drinking water has transformed from an obstacle to an opportunity, thanks to a joint UN 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.

On the sidelines of the 2025 Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake, Resident Coordinators are driving global progress on food system transformation; leading efforts in countries like Ethiopia, Guyana, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Togo, and the Central Sahel.

As a key institution of governance, the PNTL has been instrumental to Timor-Leste’s pride in being a model of democracy, good governance and human rights in Southeast Asia. Over the years, PNTL has been collaborating and adopting coordinated approaches with UN agencies in Timor-Leste, to strengthen its ability in crime prevention, investigations, and digital forensics to ensure that officers are prepared to handle the needs of modern policing.

With UNESCO's support, over 60 women artisans from Peru and Mexico came together for the first time to exchanged knowledge on living heritage, creativity and innovation, and community organization.

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.

For Nino Kavtaradze, the income which she makes using her skills and decades of experience producing dried fruits, jams and distinctive Georgian cheeses has literally meant the difference between sickness and health.

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. 

Social justice in action means dismantling systemic barriers, equipping workers with future-ready skills, and ensuring every voice – especially women, youth, and marginalized communities – is heard in the global economy. UN Country Teams, led by Resident Coordinators, have been at the forefront of championing social justice as a fundamental pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the foothills of the Accursed Mountains in Kosovo, where nature and tradition intertwine, two women have turned their passions into resilient livelihoods.

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.

UN teams around the world are working to ensure that people with disabilities are not just heard but empowered – a constant reminder that true progress means inclusion for all.

To address deep-seated issues of gang violence and women's lack of safety and security, the UN in El Salvador partnered with the Government to launch the "De Una! Transforming My Community" programme, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. Recognizing that sustainable peace requires the active involvement of everyone, "De Una!" empowered residents to take ownership of peacebuilding in their communities. Its objectives were to address the root causes of conflict, foster social cohesion, and create economic opportunities.