Category Archives: Theme/Official observances

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

30 Jul

In Zimbabwe, where 60 per cent of the population is projected to be food insecure by the end of 2020, the World Food Programme appealed for $250 million to prevent a human catastrophe.  A nationwide COVID-19 lockdown has led to joblessness in urban areas, growing hunger in rural areas and hyperinflation that has made basic goods unaffordable.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

27 Jul

A new United Nations report released today says that, despite a drop in civilian casualties in Afghanistan, it remains one of the deadliest conflicts in the world for civilians.  Meanwhile, a deteriorating humanitarian situation persists amid rising cases of COVID-19, with more than 36,000 confirmed cases and 1,269 deaths.

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

20 Jul

Officials at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) say locust swarms linked to climate change remain a serious threat to food security in parts of East Africa, India and Pakistan.  United Nations agencies are helping affected areas by providing data on weather, climate and the desert locust life cycle. 

Against Fragile Global Backdrop, Secretary-General Calls for ‘New Social Contract’ in Spirit of Nelson Mandela, Marking International Day

20 Jul

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the General Assembly commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, observed on 18 July, and the United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize laureate recognition, in New York today:

General Assembly Honours Historic South African Leader with Announcement of United Nations Mandela Prize Laureates

17 Jul

NEW YORK, 17 July 2020 — In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations General Assembly will mark Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July) with a virtual informal meeting on 20 July.  The meeting will also feature official recognition of the laureates of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.