The human family and our planet all depend on water for our survival. Yet, 2 billion people lack safe water today. To raise awareness about this critical resource, the world comes together every year on 22 March to celebrate: World Water Day. This year is all about groundwater – making the invisible, visible. Here are 4 things you need to know about groundwater and the Day: 1. Core Focus is to Achieve Water and Sanitation for All World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness … [Read more...]
World population projected to reach 11.2 billion by 2100
July 3, 2017 by
World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100 The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a new United Nations report launched on 21 June. With roughly 83 million people being added to the world’s population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline. The World … [Read more...]
Tracking gender statistics in pursuit of SDG 5
November 1, 2016 by
To deepen the understanding of the different challenges women and men face in today’s world, statisticians use disaggregated data and gender statistics to allow for a unique insight into gender issues. The 6th Global Forum on Gender Statistics, organized by UN DESA’s Statistics Division and Statistics Finland, focused on data and statistical methods for the follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was an opportunity to take stock of progress towards the … [Read more...]
Disarmament Week, OCT 24-30
October 20, 2016 by
The annual observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, was called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament. The annual UN observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of … [Read more...]
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
July 1, 2016 by
The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development last year marked a watershed year for sustainable development. Its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets are expected to stimulate action over the upcoming years in areas of critical importance for people and the planet. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), meeting under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly, is the UN’s central platform for the follow-up … [Read more...]
World Refugee Day 2016, June 20
June 19, 2016 by
"Our responses to refugees must be grounded in our shared values of responsibility sharing, non-discrimination, and human rights and in international refugee law, including the principle of non-refoulement." — UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon Each day war forces thousands of families to flee their homes. People like you, people like me. To escape the violence, they leave everything behind – everything except their hopes and dreams for a safer future. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency … [Read more...]
