In Nairobi, headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted the city’s unique role as the only UN headquarters in the Global South – and highlighted UNEP‘s long-standing work on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Youth participation has also been recognized as a driver of environmental action and future leadership.
In Naqoura, Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) marked this milestone on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
Force Commander, General Diodato Abagnara, said peace “is not built by a few, it is built by everyone,” stressing that inclusion is at the heart of peacebuilding.
Afghan ancestry
In Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission (MANUA) reflected on his decades-long presence in favor of peace, human rights and development. Deputy Special Representative Georgette Gagnon reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity with Afghans, particularly women and girls, amid persistent humanitarian challenges.
Across the Americas, United Nations offices highlighted progress in the field Sustainable Development Goalsclimate action and youth engagement, reaffirming the role of the UN in promoting equality, resilience and cooperation in the region.
Eighty years later, the UN continues to bring people and nations together to “save future generations from the scourge of war” and work towards a fairer and more sustainable future for all.
Nearly a million people affected by floods in South Sudan
Nearly a million people have been affected by devastating floods in South Sudan, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Friday.
Since last month, flooding has affected more than 140 health facilities, disrupting access to essential services for thousands of people, at a time when South Sudan is grappling with epidemics including cholera and malaria.
In fact, last week the World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 104,000 malaria cases, including 16 deaths across the country, representing a 15 percent increase in cases from the previous week, mainly due to ongoing flooding.
Worse still, the ongoing floods are compounded by ongoing conflict and acute food insecurity.
Agencies step up their aid
Despite significant difficulties in accessing parts of the country, the UN and partners continue to provide lifesaving assistance to those affected by the floods and assess needs to ensure the response remains focused.
The World Food Program (PAM) is on the ground providing food and nutritional assistance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have delivered more than 50 tonnes of medical supplies to support response efforts in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. More help is on the way, including tents, cholera kits and emergency health kits.
Other weapons discovered in Lebanon but hope of recovery persists
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to uncover caches of unauthorized weapons and munitions in the south of the country, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a press briefing on Friday.
UNIFIL soldiers found mortar shells, fuses and a cannon in one of their areas of operation on Wednesday, as well as small improvised explosive devices on Thursday.
Since October 15, UNIFIL has been working in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israeli Defense Forces to refurbish the “Blue Line” markers that were damaged during the conflict – the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces came into effect last November.
Peaceful activity
Mr. Haq added that following a request from the army, the mission facilitated the harvest of olives by farmers near the Blue Line of Separation more than 40 times this month.
In addition to protecting agricultural activities in the event of ceasefire violations, peacekeepers conduct patrols with Lebanese forces in these areas to ensure the safety of farmers.
Earlier this month, a public school was reopened in Naqoura, where the UNIFIL headquarters is located, which constitutes a “clear sign of recovery and hope”, according to the mission.
