Dubai, New York (October 23, 2021) 24 October will be observed as the United Nations “Honor Day” at Expo 2020 in Dubai. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed will join the ceremony in person and deliver opening remarks. Ms. Mohammed will join dignitaries from the Government of the United Arab Emirates and Expo leadership, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo Maher Nasser, the UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE Dena Assaf, UN Country Team leadership, the diplomatic community and representatives of national pavilions in commemorating the 76th anniversary of the United Nations. “We mark 76 years of hope creation, solidarity and working together to overcome common challenges. Challenges that have grown and multiplied with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inequality and the climate emergency. As the challenges rise, so has our level of determination to work together to create a better future. A future that Expo 2020 explores: keeping the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals for people and planet,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. The official ceremony will start at 10:15 am GST on Sunday 24 October on the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Dome. In addition to welcoming and open remarks, the ceremony will feature a cultural performance by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO). “The UAE has always been a supporter of the United Nations’ global, regional and local efforts. We are happy to have the opportunity to celebrate this special day with the world from Expo 2020 Dubai, which only deepens our strong relationship with the UAE government as we continue to work together to realize our shared vision of a better world for all.”, said Dena Assaf, the UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE and Deputy Commissioner-General for Expo2020 Dubai. As part of the UN Day celebrations across the site of Expo 2020, visitors are encouraged to visit the UN Hub, which is in the Mission Possible-Opportunity Pavilion, to discover a unique depiction of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through artworks of local and international artists. Additionally, an outdoor photo exhibition titled “#TheWorldWeWant”, will display curated photographs from more than 50,000 images from over 130 countries, expressing hopes and dreams for the future. The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra will also be performing for the public, a special “Hymn to the United Nations”, which was composed 50 years ago by legendary cellist, composer and conductor Pablo Casals to commemorate the work of the United Nations on 24 October, 1971. “Our presence at Expo 2020 offers the opportunity to build awareness about and support for the SDGs, the importance of individual actions, solidarity, hope and engagement. To build a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet, we need to work together”, said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020. Audiences from all over the world can virtually join the Honor Day ceremony, which will be livestreamed across the UN YouTube channel and UN Web TV.  United Nations Day is observed on Sunday, 24 October, annually; it marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of the UN Charter, the UN’s founding document, the United Nations officially came into being. UN Day offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 76 years. - End –   Media Contact: Sara Chatila, Communications and Advocacy Officer, Resident Coordinator’s Office, United Arab Emirates. +971 50 438 4167, sara.chatila@un.org - - - About the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai: Expo 2020 opened its doors on 1 October and will continue to run until 31 March 2022, with 200 pavilions in total for visitors to explore. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and, with 192 participating nations, each with their own dedicated pavilion. Over the six months, the United Nations is planning a series of events and activities that reflect the values of multilateralism and showcase the role of international cooperation and joint actions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Hub and other engagements in the Opportunity Pavilion are being programmed by the UAE UN Country Team and Resident Coordinator’s Office. For more information, please visit: www.un.org/en/expo2020 Social Media: @UN_UAE #UNxExpo #UNDay #UNinUAE #UNHub

New York / Dubai, 27 September 2021 After years of preparations and engagement, and a postponement of one full year due to COVID-19, Expo 2020 will open its doors to in-person visitors on 1 October 2021 for six months. In keeping with past practice and the great value of convening at world Expos, and at the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations will be present at Expo 2020 in Dubai.   The United Nations presence at Expo 2020 in Dubai is focused on programming and activities around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international days, and thematic weeks. In addition, and with thanks to the generous support of Expo 2020 and the UAE Government, the United Nations will have a dedicated space, #UNHub, in the thematic pavilion dedicated to the SDGs. Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, is one of three thematic pavilions curated by Expo 2020 that showcases how small actions can make a big impact on communities and inspires visitors to become agents of change for a better future. In addition to a relatively small team led by Maher Nasser, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2020 and Dena Assaf, Deputy Commissioner-General and United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE, relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes are taking the lead on international days and thematic events and activities during the six months of Expo 2020. Expo 2020 is an opportunity to showcase how the United Nations System works to deal with global challenges and to create a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. The United Nations has invited participating countries to highlight their own work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially during the planned Global Goals week from 16 to 22 January 2022. Ahead of the day on which Expo 2020 doors will open to the public, Expo has organized multiple virtual events and activities in which several UN agencies have taken part. An upcoming Virtual Majlis event on 29 September 2021 will bring together female leaders from around the world to discuss “The World’s Priorities for People and Planet” that will include United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020. The Virtual Majlis will be moderated by CNN Anchor Becky Anderson and broadcasted live on CNN.   Known as the ‘Great Exhibition’, the first World Expo was held in London in 1851. World Expos are now held every five years, under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), with different countries taking responsibility to host. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and, with 192 participating nations, each with their own dedicated pavilion, Expo 2020 is the most diverse in the history of the event. - - - -  - For further information, please contact: Sara Chatila, Communications and Advocacy Officer, Resident Coordinator’s Office, Abu Dhabi, +971 50 438 4167, sara.chatila@un.org; and Maurizio Giuliano, Programme Officer, Department of Global Communications, New York, +1 332 2031690, giuliano@un.org

For more updates: @UN_UAE #UNHub , www.un.org/en/expo2020

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the United Arab Emirates have signed a US$ 2 million agreement to support more than 26 thousand Venezuelan refugees and migrants, Colombian returnees, internally displaced persons, and host communities in Colombia. The agreement was signed by Jozef Merkx, UNHCR Representative in Colombia, and His Excellency Salem Rashid Al Owais, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia, in the presence of Her Excellency Marta Lucia Ramirez, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital, Bogota. Through this contribution, UNHCR and its partners will be able to carry out empowerment initiatives and provide critical protection assistance, particularly to women, gender-based-violence survivors, children and youth. The contribution also aims to scale up emergency shelter and reception capacities for new arrivals at border areas between Colombia and Venezuela, and community centres for internally displaced persons. “UNHCR appreciates today’s donation by the UAE, that comes at a critical time for our operations in Colombia, which is facing a dire funding gap, and will certainly support our efforts to address the most urgent needs of displaced Venezuelans and host communities in Colombia. This contribution demonstrates UAE’s historical commitment towards supporting UNHCR’s operation and the most effected population worldwide” said Nadia Jbour, Head of UNHCR’s office in the UAE.  On this occasion, His Excellency Salem Rashid Al Owais, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia, said: "The UAE, with significant and sustained support from its wise leadership, affirms its unwavering humanitarian position on refugee issues around the world and commitment towards working to improve their humanitarian and living conditions, both through direct support and cooperation with specialized UN bodies and organizations such as UNHCR.” He added: "The aim of UAE support provided today is to improve the humanitarian conditions and livelihoods of Venezuelan refugees in Colombia, especially in such difficult conditions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated challenges in the delivery of humanitarian aid.” His Excellency explained that the UAE has supported the Women’s House initiative by Her Excellency Marta Lucia Ramirez, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia. This initiative is an important space for social transformation and contributes to promoting women's economic independence, job creation, productive participation, and access to training programs, in addition to providing a wide range of comprehensive services that guarantee the protection and rights of Colombian women. The Women's House, built by the state through the UNHCR in Colombia, will provide a special helpline for Venezuelan immigrant women in order to enable them to adapt to the new needs of the labor market in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Colombia is the country most impacted by the arrival of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, currently hosting over 1.7 million Venezuelans. Despite its generosity, the country is facing enormous challenges to respond to the increasing humanitarian needs of refugees and migrants, while battling through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, those internally displaced continue in need of assistance and durable solutions. In Colombia, UNHCR collaborates with government institutions and local authorities to strengthen protection capacities, respond to basic needs, and work towards sustainable livelihoods and peacebuilding. UNHCR also coordinates with other UN agencies, NGOs and civil society organizations to deliver a comprehensive and sectorized response to refugees and migrants, Colombian returnees, host communities and internally displaced persons.   FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Ola Anan Public Information Associate +971 50 621 3660 anan@unhcr.org   About UNHCR UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.

UN Climate Change News, 1 February  – The UN Climate Change Secretariat today announced Regional Climate Weeks in 2021 and 2022, key meetings that will help build regional momentum for the annual UN Climate Change Conferences and drive forward regional implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. The Regional Climate Weeks will provide a platform for representatives of national and subnational governments, cities, the private sector, financial institutions and civil society to jointly discuss opportunities to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying opportunities to deploy ambitious measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life across the world. The recovery from this crisis has to be sustainable, cleaner, healthier and more resilient. For this deep transformation, we need the efforts of all stakeholders, at all levels of government and in all sectors of society. The Climate Weeks can galvanize crucial climate action at the regional level and therefore make a significant contribution to more ambition globally.” Regional Climate Weeks are open to all stakeholders as a ‘go-to’ hub to build partnerships and to showcase groundbreaking action in the regions. They are also designed to encourage and facilitate the implementation of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, along with the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Long-Term Low greenhouse gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), and Global Climate Action and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In light of COVID-19, the Regional Climate Weeks in 2021 are planned in different segments and will mainly take place virtually, with the option of some physical meetings if the status of the pandemic allows, with different levels of in-person participation according to the region. The Climate Weeks in 2021 are (in alphabetical order): Africa Climate Week 2021 (ACW2021), hosted by the Government of Uganda Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2021 (APCW2021), hosted by the Government of Japan Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2021 (LACCW2021), hosted by the Government of the Dominican Republic The year is to kick off with virtual regional roundtables 3-4 March in all three regions to set the scene in terms of regional priorities, challenges and opportunities for climate action. A series of virtual thematic sessions will take place focusing on partnering for the whole society engagement in implementation, managing climate risks, and seizing transformation opportunities. These events, which will include workshops, virtual exhibitions and side events, will take place from May to July (11-13 May for LACCW2021, 15-18 June for ACW2021 and 6-9 July for APCW2021). Ministerial sessions, which are to include interactions with civil society, are to be convened in each host country (9 -10 August for ACW2021, 23-25 August for LACCW2021 and 6-7 September for APCW2021). These events are to take stock of discussions held during the Climate Weeks and prepare key inputs for the Regional Climate Weeks wrap-up event at COP26 in Glasgow in November. A Regional Climate Week for the Middle East and North Africa (MENACW2022), hosted by the government of the United Arab Emirates, is planned to take place 2-3 March 2022. For this event, there is to be a series of preparatory roundtables and related events during 2021 to build momentum towards MENACW2022, benefitting from collaboration during the other climate weeks taking place this year. It is expected that the Government of the United Arab Emirates will attend the virtual regional roundtable on 3-4 March 2021 with the other host Governments. The core organizing partners are UN Development Programme, UN Environment Programme, UN Climate Change, and World Bank Group. The Regional Climate Weeks in 2021 and 2022 will build on the success of the 2019 Regional Climate Weeks, held in Accra, Ghana; Salvador, Brazil; and Bangkok, Thailand. Further quotes: Shinjirō Koizumi, Japan’s Environment Minister, said:
“Global collective actions are necessary to overcome the climate crisis. Among all the regional efforts to encourage and facilitate the implementation of ambitious NDCs, the Asia-Pacific region should play a particularly active role as a key driver of the world economic growth for the coming decades. Japan, as a country which pledged net-zero emissions by 2050, is pleased to host the Asia Pacific Climate Week 2021. I look forward to welcoming all actors in the region this year in the hope of enhancing collaboration for redesigning our socio-economic system through decarbonization.” Sam Cheptoris, Uganda's Minister of Water and Environment, said:
“Hosting the Africa Climate Week presents an excellent opportunity for Uganda to showcase the different in-country climate change initiatives we are undertaking, but most importantly to raise the country’s profile at regional and international level and strengthen partnerships to deliver on our commitments.” Max Puig, Executive Vice President of the National Climate Change and CDM Council of the Dominican Republic, said:
“This year’s Regional Climate Weeks will come with added relevance. They will be a scenario where the proposals for post-COVID economic recovery and the strategies for increasing resilience to face the climate crisis, converge, taking into account the three axes of sustainability, social, economic and environmental. The Dominican Republic invites and supports the countries of the region to draw up these green recovery strategies together and thus guarantee the citizen security of our vulnerable peoples.” Orlando Jorge Mera, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, said:
“Despite the fact that warnings about the climate crisis have circulated for more than 30 years, human activity, far from reducing the pollution by gases that cause it, has doubled its emissions worldwide in such a way that its long-term effects will affect all countries. Some more than others - but ours, undoubtedly, in greater proportion and intensity, due to our condition as an island.“ Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said:
“The UAE has welcomed 2021 with new hope and a resolve not only to defeat the deadly coronavirus, but to turn this challenge into an opportunity to come out of this crisis stronger than ever. With a positive outlook, we will continue to reinforce the role of the green economy as the cornerstone of COVID-19 recovery, and we hope that our experience can serve as a source of inspiration for the region. The UAE is proud to host the first Climate Week in the MENA region to boost collaboration on swift, bold actions to address the challenge of climate change. We look forward to welcoming climate leaders from the region in Dubai for this historical event in March 2022.”

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), said:
“While the unprecedented events in 2020 posed new challenges to our lives, economies, and societies, climate change continues to be the biggest threat to our efforts to advance sustainable development. The urgency of climate action remains a key priority, and the current crisis will not deter us from achieving our goals. Our path to recovery based on the green economy principles offers us an opportunity to relaunch our efforts. The Regional Climate Weeks have become an imperative international collaborative platform to consolidate national and regional climate action, bringing together diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors. We look forward to meeting you all in Dubai, UAE.” Gonzalo Muñoz, COP25 High-Level Champion of Chile, said:
"Against the odds, 2020 has been a year of unprecedented climate action. We have seen this especially from non-State actors, who have mobilized around the north star of net-zero by 2050 and now represent over 12% of the global economy with credible climate commitments. Now, as we race towards COP26, we must pick up the pace." Nigel Topping, COP26 High-Level Champion of the United Kingdom, said:
"Radical collaboration is how we will successfully tackle climate change, and it has been greatly encouraging to see it in action this year. The pace is accelerating in the #RacetoZero carbon emissions, but we need everyone, everywhere, to join us in building a healthy, resilient, zero-carbon future."   Niklas Hagelberg, Climate Change Coordinator, UNEP, said:
“According to the latest UNEP emissions gap report, despite a brief dip in carbon dioxide emissions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is still heading for a temperature rise in excess of 3°C this century. This is far beyond the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing 1.5°C. The 2021 Regional Climate Weeks will offer a chance to encourage and facilitate the implementation of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and help deliver on the much-needed mitigation and adaptation action to get to a climate-proof world.” Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNDP, said:
"We must embark on a new pathway so that in ten years, we can look back on the 2020s as a Decade of Positive Transformation. We have the technology, the finance, and the ingenuity to deal with the climate crisis. And we have a plan -- the Paris Agreement. We must go further: To tackle the climate emergency head-on, post-pandemic recovery plans need to trigger long-term systemic shifts that will change the trajectory of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Indeed, we are starting to see the emergence of collective will -- by governments, philanthropists, businesses, financial institutions, communities, and civil society -- to realise this greener future." Dr. Venkata Putti, Program Manager, Climate Change Group, The World Bank, said:
“Regional Climate Weeks have become an indispensable platform to showcase climate action at the regional and national levels and are reflective of the best of multilateral partnerships. Even as the ongoing pandemic and its aftermath present enormous challenges for the countries in their recovery in the short and medium terms, the upcoming Regional Climate Weeks can be used to facilitate discussion and collective action on sustainable solutions and low carbon pathways.” For more information about the Regional Climate Weeks, please see here.

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Alexander Saier Communications and Outreach
UN Climate Change (mobile) +49 172 179 8835; E-mail: asaier(at)unfccc.int About the UNFCCC With 197 Parties, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep a global average temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The ultimate objective of all agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.