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The Sustainable Development Goals in Türkiye
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Türkiye:
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22 April 2024
Heat-related deaths increased across almost all Europe in 2023, says UN weather agency
Climate change shocks caused record levels of disruption and misery for millions in Europe in 2023 with widespread flooding and severe heatwaves – a new normal which countries must adapt to as a priority, the UN weather agency said on Monday.New data published jointly by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed fears that that 2023 was the joint warmest or second warmest year on record in Europe, depending on the dataset selected.In practical terms, this led to a record number of days with “extreme heat stress” across Europe, with “an increasing trend” in the number “strong heat stress” days on the Continent.“2023 was the joint warmest or second warmest year on record depending on the dataset,” WMO said. “Heat-related mortality has increased by around 30 per cent in the past 20 years and heat-related deaths are estimated to have increased in 94 per cent of the European regions monitored.”Concretely, the 2023 European State of the Climate report indicates an increase in the number of “adverse health impacts” caused by extreme weather and climate events.The findings reflect increasing wider climate change shocks beyond Europe, but they are particularly significant because the continent is the fastest-warming, WMO said.“The climate crisis is the biggest challenge of our generation,” said Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General. “The cost of climate action may seem high but the cost of inaction is much higher. As this report shows, we need to leverage science to provide solutions for the good of society.”Researchers who tracked back a decade found that members of the public and some health providers also had “a low-risk perception” of the dangers of heat exhaustion. To counter this, early warning systems including the WMO’s Regional Climate Centre’s Climate Watch are designed to raise awareness of impending extreme weather events and encourage preparedness.According to the UN agency, land temperatures in Europe were above average for 11 months of the year in 2023, including the warmest September on record. Rainfall was also seven per cent higher than average, WMO’s weather report found, with European rivers flowing at record levels in December and “exceptionally high” flow in almost a quarter of the river network. This meant that during 2023, “high” flood thresholds were crossed in one third of the European river network, while close to one in seven exceeded “severe” flood thresholds.‘Beyond extreme’ sea heat spikeRecord sea surface temperatures around Europe also reflected the deeply worrying warming trend on land, with an alarming “marine heatwave” present in June, in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland and around the United Kingdom. The event was classified as “extreme” and in some areas “beyond extreme”, WMO said, with sea surface temperatures as much as 5 Celsius above average.“For the year as a whole, the average sea-surface temperature for the ocean across Europe was the warmest on record,” WMO said. “Parts of the Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean saw their highest annual average sea-surface temperature on record.”In a focus on sustainability and resilience to climate change shocks, the UN agency report underscored a record increase in electricity generation using renewable technology in Europe.This was linked to higher-than-normal storm activity from October to December, which resulted in above-average wind power production. Also significant was above average hydroelectric power generation across much of Europe over 2023, linked to above-average rainfall and river flow.On the other hand, solar panel power generation was below average in northwestern and central Europe, but above average in southwestern Europe, southern Europe and Scandinavia.Fewer snow daysWMO’s State of the Climate update also confirmed suspicions that much of Europe experienced fewer days with snow than average, particularly across central Europe and the Alps over the winter and spring.This resulted in “exceptional” glacier ice loss in the Alps, made worse by strong summer melt caused by heatwaves, with glaciers losing around 10 per cent of their remaining volume over 2022 and 2023.Arctic shockData for 2023 did little to allay concerns about the earth’s poles, with Arctic temperatures the sixth warmest on record. For Arctic land, it was the fifth warmest, closely behind 2022. The five warmest years on record for Arctic land have all occurred since 2016.Arctic Sea ice extent remained below average through most of 2023. At its annual maximum in March, the monthly extent was 4% below average, ranking fifth lowest on record. At its annual minimum in September, the monthly extent ranked sixth lowest, at 18% below average.Total wildfire carbon emissions from the sub-Arctic and Arctic regions were the second highest on record. Most high-latitude wildfires occurred in Canada between May and September.
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15 May 2024
UN Resident Coordinator meets young people in Hatay
“Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just ideals but practical tools for rebuilding communities” said Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye at Mustafa Kemal University in Hatay, one of the cities most affected from the February 2023 earthquakes that shook southeastern Türkiye. More than 200 students, civil society organization respresentatives and academicians attended the “Talk with Youth” event at Mustafa Kemal University in Hatay to hear from and have discussions with the UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye on building back better. Professor Veysel Eren, President of Mustafa Kemal University and Buse Eren a medical doctor working for Doctors of the World joined him on the panel.Addressing the audience, the Resident Coordinator highlighted the SDGs as a blueprint for a better future, emphasizing their universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. Drawing a practical connection between the SDGs and earthquake recovery, Dr. Ahonsi pointed out how these goals are not just ideals but practical tools for rebuilding communities. Specifically, he highlighted Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities, stressing the importance of resilient infrastructure and inclusive urbanization in post-earthquake recovery.Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of Goal 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms, noting that investing in sustainable recovery efforts is crucial for ensuring that those most affected by the earthquake are not left behind. Ahonsi said the world knows how to end poverty; what is needed is the political will to implement the proven solutions. In a motivating message to the students, the Resident Coordinator highlighted their role in shaping the future, stating, "Your dreams, ambitions, and aspirations will become the future of the world." He also shared news about the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York, convened by the UN Secretary-General. The Summit aims to bring world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on delivering a better present and safeguarding the future.The Summit, described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, seeks to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that may emerge in the future.Mustafa Kemal University has 26,000 students and currently most of the departments are continuing their education online. During his opening speech at the event, MKU Rector Prof. Dr. Veysel Eren emphasized the duty incumbent upon all to rebuild and revive Hatay following the devastating earthquakes of February 6. He noted that the earthquakes had taught invaluable lessons in resilience and coping with challenges. Despite the challenges, Eren assured the students that all necessary efforts were being made to facilitate the return of students to their home campuses for face-to-face education. Dr. Buse Eren in her speech said she is actively involved in a project led by the Doctors of the World and UNFPA. Operating as mobile units, they reach remote regions and disadvantaged groups that would otherwise struggle to access essential healthcare services. Dr. Eren elaborated on the significance of the SDGs in advancing towards a more sustainable and inclusive world. Highlighting the pivotal role of SDG 3, which centers on health and well-being, Dr. Eren said they deliver crucial medical examinations, treatments, and informative sessions directly to areas where conventional healthcare services are scarce or non-existent.The impact of these efforts is profound, with tangible benefits such as improved health outcomes, heightened awareness about preventive care, and a sense of empowerment among communities previously marginalized in the healthcare landscape. Challenges of the WorldDuring the event an audience engagement platform was used, and the participants were asked what they think are the biggest challenges facing the world. Economy, wars, and global warming stood out among the answers received from the participants. Economy, wars, and global warming stood out among the answers received from the participants. The event served as a powerful reminder of the critical role of youth in driving sustainable development and rebuilding communities following natural disasters.
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09 May 2024
No aid getting into Gaza, says UN aid agency
Israeli military manoeuvres and shelling continued in and around eastern Rafah in southern Gaza on Wednesday morning as UN humanitarians stressed that “no fuel or aid” is getting into the enclave.“We’re not receiving any aid, the crossing area has ongoing military operations and is an active war zone,” said Scott Anderson, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in a post on X. “We are hearing continued bombardments in this area throughout the day. No fuel or aid has entered into the Gaza Strip and this is disastrous for the humanitarian response.”The development comes amid deepening international concerns including from the UN Secretary-General about a full-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, fuelled by the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing following a deadly rocket attack claimed by Hamas last weekend, and the seizure of Rafah crossing on Tuesday by Israeli forces, dashing ceasefire hopes.Forced to evacuateIn addition to concerns over dwindling supplies of fuel, food and other basic necessities in Gaza, UN humanitarians reported that tens of thousands of people in Rafah have been uprooted once more by Israeli evacuation orders.“Every day we are displaced. Every hour we are displaced," said Rafah resident Salah Rajab Gazan speaking to UN News inside the enclave. “We expected that the deal would be reached and we’d go [back] to Gaza City. But, what we expected did not happen, and the opposite happened.”Gaza ‘has no future’In another interview with our Arabic service correspondent there, a former resident of Jabalia camp in northern Gaza described his exhaustion and loss after seven months of war which had claimed the lives of his children.“I can’t find a mattress to sleep on," he said. "I used to have a house and floors. I am tired of life because there is no life in Gaza. Gaza has no future.”Guterres concernIn a bid to secure an end to the war and the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a direct appeal to the Government of Israel late Tuesday “to stop any escalation and engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic talks”.Posting on X late on Tuesday, the UN chief said that he was “disturbed and distressed” by the Israeli Defense Forces’ renewed military activity in Rafah, just as he called on Hamas leaders and Israel “to show political courage” and secure a ceasefire.“After more than 1,100 Israelis killed in the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October, after more than 34,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, haven’t we seen enough?” Mr. Guterres asked.
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06 May 2024
In the Words of Tümay Ulukaya: “CSW68 reminds me that we are not alone in our pursuit of gender equality”
Tümay Ulukaya, computer engineer with a high degree, is the board member of the Red Pepper Association, a civil society organization based in Istanbul, Türkiye. Participating for the first time in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York from March 11th to 22nd with the support of UN Women, Ulukaya highlights the importance of the network established among civil society organizations, women's groups, and activists, and the support and solidarity they provide to each other.“As the Red Pepper Association, we continue our efforts to create a more just world where gender equality is achieved. Our association was accredited with consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2017. We participate in the CSW meetings every year and we organize parallel events. This year, I attended the meetings representing our association for the first time in New York.Participating in CSW68 was an exciting and empowering experience for me. Working in solidarity with women across the globe for a better world and realizing that the problems we face are not unique to us but are experienced collectively by women worldwide, was truly extraordinary.At CSW68, along with the Women’s Coalition in Türkiye and the Association for Combating Sexual Violence, we organized a joint parallel event titled “Crisis as a Continuum: The Gender Implications, Issues, and Solutions of Disasters.” In our event, we discussed the impact of disasters on women, children, and disadvantaged groups based on our experiences with the February 6 earthquakes and discussed inclusive and effective solutions to overcome these impacts. The chairwoman of the US Women’s Caucus, Iranian women, and women from neighboring countries attended our event. This sense of solidarity and unity was very valuable.As an association, we are working to end all forms of discrimination and violence. We advocate for the implementation of important international agreements such as the Istanbul Convention, CEDAW, and the Lanzarote Convention. At the CSW, together with civil society organizations, we raised the issue of the Istanbul Convention. It was very exciting to receive support from women from every country.We plan to increase awareness on gender equality and women’s empowerment by sharing the knowledge and experiences gained at CSW sessions with our association members and stakeholders. The networks and relationships we established at CSW will help us to expand the activities of our association and to plan and implement our projects more effectively. These relationships are invaluable for developing joint projects, exchanging information, and obtaining financial support.I am very happy to be one of the 4,800 civil society representatives who participated in CSW68 this year. We established a communication network with civil society organizations from all over the world and conveyed messages of solidarity. All of these experiences reminded me, as an activist, that we are not alone in our pursuit of gender equality and that together we are much stronger.”The participation of Tümay Ulukaya to the CSW68 was supported by UN Women Türkiye through the “Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality” project funded by the European Union.
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01 May 2024
Guterres calls on Israel and Hamas to end Gaza war
With the situation in Gaza “worsening by the day”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on April 30th appealed for Israeli and Hamas leaders currently taking part in intense negotiations to reach a ceasefire agreement.“For the sake of the people of Gaza, for the sake of the hostages and their families in Israel and for the sake of the region and the wider world, I strongly encourage the Government of Israel and the Hamas leadership to reach now an agreement,” he said, speaking to journalists in New York.Mr. Guterres expressed fear that without an agreement, “the war, with all its consequences both in Gaza and across the region, will worsen exponentially”.Prevent Rafah escalation Nearly seven months have passed since the brutal Hamas-led attacks on Israel which sparked the current hostilities.Recent weeks have seen airstrikes on the Rafah area in southern Gaza, where more than 1.2 million people are now sheltering with limited access to food, medical care and other services and with nowhere safe to go.Mr. Guterres said a military assault there “would be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee”. Furthermore, it would have a devastating impact on Palestinians in Gaza, with serious repercussions in the occupied West Bank and across the wider region.“All members of the Security Council, and many other governments, have clearly expressed their opposition to such an operation. I appeal for all those with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to prevent it,” he said.Avert ‘human-made famine’ Turning to the north, where vulnerable people are already dying of hunger and disease, he urged the international community to “do everything possible to avert an entirely preventable human-made famine”.Although incremental progress has been made, much more is urgently needed, including the promised opening of two crossing points between Israel and northern Gaza, so that aid can be brought in from Ashdod Port and Jordan.Lack of security is a major obstacle to distributing aid across Gaza, and he stressed that humanitarian convoys, facilities and personnel as well as people in need “must not be targets”.“We welcome aid delivery by air and sea, but there is no alternative to the massive use of land routes,” he said, before again calling on Israel to allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, including for the UN’s Palestine relief agency, UNRWA.Health system ‘decimated’ Mr. Guterres also addressed how the war has “decimated” the health system in the enclave, where two thirds of hospitals and health centres are out of commission, while many of those remaining are seriously damaged.“Some hospitals now resemble cemeteries,” he said, voicing deep alarm over reports of the discovery of mass graves at several locations, including at Al-Shifa and Nasser hospitals.Mass graves and accountability More than 390 bodies reportedly have been exhumed at Nasser Hospital alone, and “there are competing narratives around several of these mass graves, including serious allegations that some of those buried were unlawfully killed,” he added.The UN chief said it is imperative that independent international forensic investigators are allowed immediate access to these sites to determine the precise circumstances under which hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives and were buried or reburied.“The families of the dead and missing have a right to know what happened, and the world has a right to accountability for any violations of international law that may have taken place,” he said.Praise for UNRWAThe Secretary-General ended his remarks by drawing attention to UNRWA and its “irreplaceable and indispensable work” supporting millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.“UNRWA’s presence across the region is a source of hope and stability. Its education, healthcare and other services provide a sense of normality, safety and stability to desperate communities,” he said.The agency recently appealed for $1.2 billion to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to respond to needs in the West Bank, where violence is rising.UNRWA largely depends on donors and some 16 countries halted their contributions earlier this year following Israeli allegations that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attacks. The UN appointed an independent body to review the agency's efforts to ensure the humanitarian principle of neutrality.The panel, headed by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, recently published its report which found that “the set of rules and the mechanisms and procedures in place [at UNRWA] are the most elaborate within the UN system”.Mr. Guterres said an action plan is being put in place to implement the report’s recommendations, and he appealed for cooperation from donors, host countries and staff.Step up supportMeanwhile, most countries that suspended contributions to UNRWA have resumed them, and the Secretary-General said “we are optimistic that others will join.” Additionally, some UN Member States have given to the agency for the first time, while private donors have also provided support.However, as a funding gap persists, he urged Member States and donors to pledge generously to ensure the agency’s work continues.“This is the moment to reaffirm our hope for and contributions to a two-State solution – the only sustainable path to peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region,” he concluded.
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26 April 2024
Seda Karakuş: “I firmly believe in the power and strength we gain when women come together, supporting and empowering each other.”
Seda Karakuş is a 27-year-old woman working as an early childhood education specialist in Gaziantep, a southeastern city of Türkiye affected by the earthquakes. Karakuş found herself helping people after the disaster and decided the pursue a career in civil society. After having received mentoring from INGEV, a partner organization of UN Women, she started to work in a civil society organization.“I am Seda Karakuş, a 27-year-old early childhood education specialist at OXFAM-KEDV. Since earning my degree in Preschool Education from Gaziantep University in 2019, my professional journey has been marked by various experiences. This includes establishing libraries in rural schools for vulnerable groups and providing educational support for children with special needs and disadvantages. Fluent in English, I learned the language through self-motivation, without professional assistance. I consider it a significant investment in myself.On February 6th, I experienced the earthquakes in Gaziantep. Stepping into action after the disaster, I volunteered to support survivors. The firsthand experience of working in the field, participating in collective efforts, and assisting people further motivated me to continue my career in the humanitarian sector within a civil society organization. I vividly remember telling myself during the earthquake, ‘If something is breaking, it is an opportunity for us to start again.’Believing in continuous self-improvement throughout one’s life, I explored ways to enhance my skills and, in doing so, encountered the mentoring support provided by INGEV. Recognizing the potential benefits of INGEV’s training for my personal development, I enrolled in their program.One of the most significant insights during this training was the difficulty I faced in highlighting my skills. With mentoring support and a clear roadmap, I gained a profound understanding of what I want, and more importantly, what I do not want. Crucially, I discovered what I am capable of achieving. The training served as a guide in bringing out my potential.I was born on August 19th, which also happens to be World Humanitarian Day. I believe that my mission is to help people, particularly contributing to the development of women. Pursuing a career in civil society perfectly aligns with this ideal of mine.By working for an organization that supports the economic empowerment of women in earthquake-affected areas, I have realized my goal. Providing support to other women in a civil society organization fills me with strength. I firmly believe in the power and strength we gain when women come together, supporting and empowering each other.”Seda Karakuş was a trainee at the training provided by the Human Development Foundation (INGEV) through the “Hand in hand” (Eleleyiz in Turkish) project. The project, centers on the needs of NEET women aged 18-29, aiming to enhance their vocational skills through online and on-site training activities. INGEV kicked off the project in November 2022 in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin within the “Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality” implemented by UN Women Türkiye with the financial support of the European Union.
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Press Release
16 May 2024
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous is visiting Türkiye
Sima Bahous, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of UN Women, is scheduled to visit Türkiye for a four-days mission focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment efforts. During her visit to Türkiye, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous will engage in discussions with the officials from both public and private sectors, women-led civil society organizations and United Nations representatives. Bahous will also hold strategic meetings with stakeholders of UN Women Türkiye to discuss and further galvanize support for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Türkiye. During her visit to Türkiye, Bahous will also engage with women survivors in the provinces affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes. The Executive Director will meet with UN Women partners and women affected by the earthquakes, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership in the response to the disaster and the need for continuous collaborative effort to ensure gender responsive recovery.
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Press Release
14 March 2024
Türkiye ranks 45th of 193 countries in human development, new UNDP report says
Ankara, 13 March 2024 - Türkiye ranks 45th among 193 countries in this year’s edition of the Human Development Index (HDI) released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Based on 2022 data, Türkiye lands in the “very high human development” category—the highest of four—for the fourth year in a row. But while the ranking offers good news for the most prosperous countries, it shows a worrying divergence in human development outcomes, with poorer countries failing to regain ground lost to the pandemic. Globally, the HDI hit a record high, rebounding from two years of pandemic declines. The average conceals widening inequality, however, as half of the world’s poorest countries failed to regain their pre-pandemic level. “Like most of the world’s wealthier countries, Türkiye has bounced back vigorously from pandemic setbacks,” said UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. “But this encouraging progress is overshadowed by resurgent inequality that threatens millions of people around the world with the risk of being left behind.” UNDP’s HDI was created 34 years ago to provide a fuller measure of human wellbeing than that afforded by financially focused indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP). It combines three key measures: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. Türkiye has shown remarkable improvement over three decades: the country’s HDI value rose from 0.598 in 1990 to 0.855 in 2022, a 43 percent increase. Türkiye has seen advances across all three dimensions of the HDI: life expectancy at birth increased by 10.8 years between 1990 and 2022; mean years of schooling increased by 4.4 years; and expected years of schooling increased by 10.8 years. And the country’s gross national income per capita surged by 154.3 percent in the same period. But Türkiye’s ranking slips when the HDI is adjusted for inequality. Overall men enjoy a higher level of human development than women, so when adjusted for gender equality, Türkiye’s ranking falls to 66th of 166 countries.The new ranking is based on national statistics and data reported in 2022, so it does not reflect the impact of the February 2023 earthquakes. Despite the huge loss of life and the vast scale of the damage caused by the disaster – a government assessment prepared with UNDP’s support estimated total damages and losses at US$103.6 billion, or 9 percent of forecast GDP for 2023 – the earthquakes are not expected to affect the country’s HDI ranking. The HDI rankings are a core part of the Human Development Report (HDR) published each year by UNDP. The 2023/24 edition, entitled Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World, warns that uneven development progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality and stoking polarization on a global scale. The report finds that international collective action is hindered by an emerging “democracy paradox”: while nine in ten people worldwide endorse democracy, over half of global survey respondents express support for leaders that may undermine it by bypassing fundamental rules of the democratic process. Half of people surveyed worldwide report having no or limited control over their lives, and over two-thirds believe they have little influence on their government’s decisions. Such feelings of powerlessness combined with growing political polarization are causing some countries to turn inward precisely when renewed cooperation is vital, the report concludes. Pronouncing “deglobalization” an irresponsible illusion, the report recommends collective action to create “a new generation of global public goods” to provide solutions to cross-border challenges such as climate change. “In a world marked by increasing polarization and division, neglecting to invest in each other poses a serious threat to our wellbeing and security,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “Protectionist approaches cannot address the complex, interconnected challenges we face, including pandemic prevention, climate change, and digital regulation. Our problems are intertwined, requiring equally interconnected solutions.”To learn more about the 2023/24 Human Development Report and UNDP’s analysis on navigating the new uncertainty complex, visit: https://www.undp.org/turkiye/publications/human-development-report-2023
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Press Release
05 March 2024
United Nations (UN) agencies in Türkiye will mark International Women's Day in Ankara with a collaborative event titled "Investing in Women for Progress"
Scheduled for 6 March 2024 at 9:15 am, the event will be held at the J.W. Marriott Ankara Hotel.The program features the Minister of Family and Social Services, Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, as the keynote speaker.This year's International Women's Day theme, "Investing in Wome: Accelerate Progress," highlights the crucial role of women in propelling social, economic, and cultural advancement worldwide.Members of the press are invited to cover the event.***Please inform unic-ankara@un.org about your participation in the event.
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Press Release
22 February 2024
Applications invited for journalism fellowships at the United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY. The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists is now accepting applications from professional journalists for its 2024 fellowship program. The application deadline is April 5, 2024. The fellowships are available to radio, television, print and web journalists, age 25 to 35, who are interested in coming to New York to report on international affairs during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly during the opening 10 weeks. Travel and living accommodations in New York, as well as a per diem allowance, are provided. The fellowships are open to journalists who are native to the mainly developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania and are currently working for media organizations. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the U.N. to their readers and audiences. They must also have approval from their media organizations to spend up to three months in New York to report from the U.N. The program is not intended to provide basic skills training to journalists; all fellowship recipients must be media professionals.Journalists are selected each year after a review of all applications and given the incomparable opportunity to observe international diplomatic deliberations and to gain a broader perspective and understanding of matters of global concern. Many past fellowship recipients have achieved prominence in their professions and countries. Fellowship eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, as well as the fellowship application, can be found on the Fund’s web site at www.unjournalismfellowship.org. Questions about the program, eligibility and the application process can be directed by email to fellowship2024@unjournalismfellowship.org.Although the Fund is based at the U.N., it does not receive financial support from the world organization. The Fund was established as an independent entity by U.N. journalists over 60 years ago as a living memorial to the legacy of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. It continues to be operated by U.N. journalists and relies on financial support from U.N. Missions, foundations, organizations and individuals.
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Press Release
05 December 2023
First-ever Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs takes the helm at newly established United Nations Youth Office
Following the recommendation in the Secretary-General's groundbreaking report "Our Common Agenda", Member States unanimously agreed to the establishment of the UN Youth Office as a dedicated entity for youth affairs within the Secretariat, building upon more than a decade of work led by the Secretary-General's Envoys on Youth, and marking a pivotal breakthrough for the revitalization and expansion of the UN's engagement with and for youth.
Over many decades, the UN has made significant strides in advancing the rights and opportunities of young people. Youth empowerment is not just a matter of equity; it holds immense social and economic potential. Empowering young people drives vibrant societies, fosters innovation, and accelerates progress.
Yet, disparities affecting youth persist in every corner of the world. Young people face challenges such as limited access to education, employment and health services, and their voices often go unheard in decision-making processes.
"We are establishing a United Nations Youth Office in the UN Secretariat — building on nearly a decade of important work done by the two Envoys on Youth — to advance efforts towards stronger advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The establishment of the UN Youth Office marks a pivotal breakthrough for the revitalization and expansion of the UN's engagement with and for youth, with a focus on addressing these challenges and opportunities.
Guided by the UN’s systemwide youth strategy, Youth2030, the UN Youth Office will lead efforts to enhance collaboration, coordination and accountability on youth affairs, ensuring that the United Nations works effectively and inclusively with young people in all their diversity.
Through the fostering of multi-stakeholder intergenerational solidarity, the UN Youth Office's mission focuses on strengthening meaningful, inclusive and effective youth engagement across all pillars of the UN’s work, including sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security.
On 28 October 2023, the Secretary-General announced Dr. Felipe Paullier as the first Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. Dr. Paullier officially assumes his mandate today, becoming the youngest ever senior appointment in the history of the UN.
“With the establishment of the UN Youth Office, we mark the start of a new era for the UN system,” said Dr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. “As I assume my mandate, I am eager to begin meeting with young people from all corners of the world, both virtually and on-the-ground in their communities. Learning from young people’s experiences over the coming months will be critical in helping me to shape an action plan for the new Youth Office that ensures no young person is left behind.”
Dr. Paullier was previously the Director General of the National Youth Institute of Uruguay, a position he held since 2020. Prior to that, he served in various political management positions, including as Deputy Mayor in the Municipality of the CH jurisdiction of Montevideo (2015-2020) and Alternate Counsellor in the Montevideo Departmental Legislative Court (2010-2015). Dr. Paullier is a Medical Doctor specialized in Pediatrics by training.
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About the UN Youth Office
As an unwavering champion and advocate for young people everywhere, the UN Youth Office envisions a world in which all young people are meaningfully engaged in the decisions that affect them most. We lead system-wide collaboration, coordination and accountability on youth affairs, harmonizing the ways the United Nations works with and for young people in all their diversity. By fostering multi-stakeholder intergenerational solidarity, our work focuses on strengthening meaningful, inclusive and effective youth engagement in the areas of sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security. For more information, follow @UNYouthAffairs on social media.
For press enquiries:
Matthew Hunter
matthew.hunter@un.org
+1 (631) 829-4275
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