News
United Nations report warns rising energy demand will stress fresh water resources
The world’s fresh water resources will suffer from efforts to meet the growing global demand for energy, concludes the 2014 United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR).
Launched in Tokyo, on the occasion of World Water Day, the report critically reviews the lack of coordination and planning between the two domains and urges improved management and planning at all levels to avoid shortages in energy and water supplies, and the further deterioration of natural resources.
20th Anniversary UNFCCC - celebrating 20 years of efforts and achievment
21 March 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This is a moment to celebrate the far-sightedness of the Convention and all of the investment in its implementation that so many thousands of people have made over the last two decades.
Energy production and water supply interdependent, and both at risk, shows new UN report
Demand for energy production will increase significantly in coming decades, especially in emerging economies.
This may have a negative impact on water resources unless the management and coordination between both domains is dramatically improved. This is one of the key findings of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2014 (WWDR), which will be launched in Tokyo (Japan) on 21 March, World Water Day.
Former New York Mayor Bloomberg named Ban’s envoy for cities and climate change
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg as Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change to galvanize urban action to reduce greenhouse emissions ahead of the United Nations climate summit this coming September.
“Mr. Bloomberg will assist the Secretary-General in his consultations with mayors and related key stakeholders, in order to raise political will and mobilize action among cities as part of his long-term strategy to advance efforts on climate change, including bringing concrete solutions to the 2014 Climate Summit that the Secretary-General will host in New York on 23 September 2014,” the announcement said.
Addressing General Assembly, Ban urges political, financial support for UN priorities
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for action to address underlying threats in world hotspots, promote development and to protect the planet, in his first address of the year to the entire United Nations membership, in which he also expressed grave concern at the ‘immoral and irresponsible actions’ of some global leaders.
“I will urge world leaders to rise above national interests for our collective future,” Mr. Ban said in his address to the 193-member General Assembly. “We are capable of this spirit of global citizenship.”
Secretary-General appoints special envoys on climate change to engage global leaders ahead of 2014 Climate summit
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of two Special Envoys on Climate Change. The Special Envoys are John Kufuor, former President of Ghana, and Jens Stoltenberg, former Prime Minister of Norway.
The Secretary-General has asked the Special Envoys to assist in engaging Heads of State and Government around the world in order to mobilize political will and action, and raise ambition in advance of the 2014 Climate Summit that he is hosting in New York on 23 September 2014.
Gratitude letter of the Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova
37th session of General Conference sets the compass for UNESCO from 2014 to 2021
UNESCO’s General Conference has set the direction for UNESCO’s work over the next eight years.
The new Medium Term Strategy (2014-2021) adopted by the Conference positions UNESCO to play a leadership role in defining the development objectives that will replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the areas of education, science, culture, communication and information.
