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18 May 2022
The 2022 Global Goals Week at the UN Hub at Expo 2020 Dubai: We All Can Drive Global Change for a Sustainable Future
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24 March 2022
How Are Youth Volunteers Playing a Dynamic Role with the United Nations at Expo 2020 Dubai?
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22 March 2022
50 Years of Strategic Partnership: The United Nations and the United Arab Emirates Working Together for a Better Future
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The Sustainable Development Goals in United Arab Emirates
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the United Arab Emirates:
Photo
18 May 2021
UN Day 2020
UAE Landmarks light up to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.
Abu Dhabi - ADNOC Headquarters
Dubai - Burj Khalifa
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20 May 2021
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Speech
20 May 2021
Women leadership in multilateralism and international diplomacy
Good evening Excellencies, and good evening to all who have joined today’s UN75 Dialogue.
It’s an exciting event to host today as this session marks the first of a series of dialogues the United Nations in the UAE will be conducting in partnership with MBC Hope. I would like to thank Mariam for their support and collaboration.
Today’s dialogue will also commemorate United Nations Day that will be on 24 October. It is an especially significant milestone this year as we mark the 75th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations.
Launched by the UN Secretary-General early this year, the UN75dialogues are part of a wider, global conversation the UN is having with all segments of society to not only listen to your views and ideas but also to remind people why multilateral cooperation is important in ensuring that global and local decision-making as well as governance is more inclusive and accountable. And we collectively determine the Future We Want and the UN We Need.
COVID-19 was an unexpected disruption to our lives and our daily interactions. Technology and creativity, thankfully, has enabled us to carry out the UN75 consultations. And, if anything, the pandemic only highlighted the need to work together to overcome the great challenges humanity faces. It reminded us we all have a role to play for a safer, more prosperous future.
The UAE Government is also commemorating UN75 with a virtual event under the auspices of the World Government Summit titled “75 Minutes for Global Collaboration”. It will be held next Monday 26 October with the participation of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres.
And additionally, as a gesture to showcase the strong support and partnership with the UN, the SDGs, and multilateralism, the UAE Government will be lighting up the ADNOC HQ Building (Abu Dhabi) and the Burj Khalifa (Dubai) and with the UN logo commemorating UN75 on the evening of Saturday 24 October. I invite you all to visit these landmarks on that day.
In the words of the UN Secretary-General in his statement for UN Day
“The United Nations not only stands with you…
The United Nations belongs to you and is you: “we the peoples”.
Together, let us uphold the enduring values of the United Nations Charter.
Let us build on our advances across the decades.
Let us realize our shared vision of a better world for all. “
I’m looking forward to what will surely be a stimulating and inspiring discussion today and also hope you can join us for other UN75 Dialogues in the coming weeks.
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18 May 2022
The 2022 Global Goals Week at the UN Hub at Expo 2020 Dubai: We All Can Drive Global Change for a Sustainable Future
Led by the United Nations, the Global Goals Week brought the world together at Expo 2020 Dubai from 15 to 21 January 2022 to mobilize and accelerate momentum to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and drive global change for a more sustainable future for all by 2030, spurring Expo 2020’s visits to cross 10 million and attracting visitors to join the week’s events considering that it was held outside of New York for the first time in its history.
The 17 SDGs are the world’s ‘to-do’ list. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth, while also tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests.
“The pandemic must be a wake-up call to jolt us into action to rescue the SDGs. Over the past two years, we have seen how vulnerable and unjust our social-economic systems are, but we have also seen that when the political will is there, governments and societies are capable of profound change in an incredibly short period,” said Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations in the inaugural tribute of the Global Goals Week, which illuminated the iconic Al Wasl Dome, the heart of Expo, with a 360-degree projection.
The Sustainable Development Goals were designed to address the very fault lines that the pandemic laid bare. At its core, Agenda 2030 promises to create peace and prosperity while preserving the planet, leaving no one behind.
At Expo 2020 Dubai, as the most significant global gathering to take place in the COVID-19 era, the Global Goals Week reignited the Decade of Action and emphasized the need for the world to work together to deliver the Global Goals by 2030 through a range of special events and inspiring activations for all ages and interests. It brought together world leaders, policy-makers, decision-makers, business leaders, partners, academics, scientists, stakeholders, activists, and advocates from around the world to connect, examine solutions, identify a path forward, and work toward achieving the Global Goals at a critical time and as we enter the second year of the Decade of Action.
“Expo 2020 Dubai’s timing is crucial. We are gathering more than 192 countries to urgently prioritise advancing equitable, inclusive, and sustainable recovery efforts and deliver the Global Goals by 2030,” said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai. “Everyone must work together and act now for the world to recover from the pandemic and deliver on our promises to future generations – to secure a future where everyone can thrive in peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet.”
United Nations Hub: A Story of Multilateralism and a To-Do List for the World
During the 6 months of Expo 2020 Dubai, the UN Hub provided millions of visitors a platform to engage in exhibits, films, advocacy campaigns, discussions, and other interactive experiences around topics related to the SDGs and beyond. The UN Hub highlighted the ideas and experiences that unite us and inspired visitors to take impactful action towards a thriving future for people and the planet.
The Global Goals Week at the UN Hub came to emphasize the values of multilateralism and showcase the role of international cooperation and joint actions to overcome global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, and achieve the SDGs.
The UN Hub provided the UN agencies an innovative and creative space to host events related to the SDGs, their partnerships and networks, and their work together in the UAE. Throughout the entire week, various events took place showcasing how the UN agencies work to achieve the SDGs.
The events included panel discussions by UN Women, UN-Habitat, UN Global Compact, UNICRI, FAO, UNDP, and the UNRCO and addressed global challenges and solutions ranging from climate action, innovative and sustainable cities, criminal justice and security, life underwater, and the role of girls, youth, and people of determination towards a more sustainable future that leaves no one behind.
SDG Media Zone: Everyone is a Change-Maker
The SDG Media Zone, launched during the Global Goals Week as a platform conveying messages of hope and solidarity, stressed the importance of communications and highlighted the role of every individual in driving positive change.
Throughout the Global Goals Week, the SDG Media Zone brought together UN principals, influencers, and industry leaders, who talked about innovative solutions and initiatives that address global challenges, such as inequalities, climate change, and gender disparity in interviews and panel discussions. Epsy Campbell, the Vice President of Costa Rica, Melissa Fleming, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Maher Nasser, the Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020, Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO & Executive Director of UN Global Compact, and Dena Assaf, the Resident Coordinator, UN UAE and Deputy Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020) were among the guests.
Arts and Advocacy Activities for the SDGs
The Global Goals Week featured two exhibitions at the UN Hub. The UN and UAE Exhibition “Working Together for a Better Future,” which illustrated the strategic partnership between the UN and the UAE, national engagements to date, and ambitious plans for the future ahead; and the SDGs Art Exhibit “Painting a Better World,” which showcased the work of resident artists and their creative interpretations of the SDGs.
Visitors of all ages had the chance to participate in fun and knowledgeable activities to test their knowledge and take actions for the SDGs. The games included the SDGs wheel trivia game and Expo’s SDGs treasure hunt where participants collected stamps and won SDGs card sets and other prizes.
Events and Panels Stretching Among Various Pavilions Reigniting the Decade of Action
The Global Goals Week featured events hosted by various pavilions and featured prominent speakers, such as the Global Goals for All Flagship panel, which addressed the facts and solutions needed to inspire action around the world’s most prominent issues, including gender inequality and the climate crisis; and the Walk for Climate Action with UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador Michael Haddad, which inspired collaboration for climate action and the Global Goals.
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24 March 2022
How Are Youth Volunteers Playing a Dynamic Role with the United Nations at Expo 2020 Dubai?
Nahyun Kwon, a young UN volunteer from South Korea with a background in Arabic studies, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the United Nations in UAE. She arrived for the first time in the UAE in September 2021, yet she has been supporting the UN team remotely since December 2020 and was part of all the preparations. Once the COVID19 restrictions were eased, Nahyun moved to UAE and started her incredible journey by joining the UN and Expo 2020 teams onsite. Every day, Nahyun would commute to the UN Hub at Expo 2020 to support the team and coordinate with different UN agencies in organizing events and exhibitions.
Home of the United Nations at Expo 2020, the UN Hub became the most visited UN premise in the world during 2021. Since its opening in October 2021, the UN Hub has featured a dynamic set of programs, celebrating International days and Expo-related thematic weeks. The UN Hub also featured examples of the UN’s impactful work globally, regionally, and locally towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Throughout the six months duration, the UN Hub has welcomed an estimated more than 100,000 visitors including Expo visitors, school groups, youth, people of determination, dignitaries from the United Arab Emirates, and beyond. Managed under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office and the UN Country Team in the UAE, the success of the UN Hub would not have been made possible without the support of over 300 part-time youth volunteers who helped the team in the day-to-day operations and welcomed visitors on a daily basis. The volunteers were assigned thanks to Emirates Foundation, UN Volunteers programme, Expo 2020, as well as UN staff members and personnel.
Nasser Murad, a young Emirati volunteer, was assigned by the UAE National Service Program to support the United Nations at the UN Hub, given his language proficiency skills including the Spanish language alongside Arabic and English. According to Nasser, this unique experience enabled him to communicate with various cultures of the world in one place. "My presence at the UN Hub contributed to the richness of this experience, as it increased my knowledge of the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as the importance of working together, with joint efforts and engagement of all in order to achieve them," said Nasser, expressing his gratitude for this experience, which enabled him to acquire additional skills in managing events and forums.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) at Expo 2020
Together with the UN Resident Coordinator’s office for the UAE, the UN Volunteers programme integrated qualified, and highly motivated international volunteers to support the UN in UAE team on-ground, providing the volunteers with a unique opportunity to gain lifelong skills and build connections, and promoting the value and global recognition of volunteerism.
Nahyun Kwon from South Korea and Jishen (Frank) Feng from China were among the 300 volunteers who joined the UN team, volunteering for the UN Hub full time. As Administration Officer, Nahyun commuted daily to the UN Hub and liaised with different UN agencies in organizing events at the Hub. “My work allows me to meet new people daily and engage in conversations with people from all over the world,” said Nahyun encouraging youth to never miss such opportunities. She chose to work with the UN team in UAE to practice her Arabic language skills, “I wish to perfect my Arabic language to be able to work in an Arabic-speaking environment,” she added.
As for Frank, he was always enthusiastic to engage visitors with the Hub activities and games and sensitize them on the Sustainable Development Goals. “It is crucial to let the next generation learn about the importance of sustainable development,” said Frank highlighting the importance of working together to create a better future.
The Commitment of the UN UAE Country Team to the Success of the UN Hub at Expo 2020
The volunteering services and commitment expanded to also include the United Nations Country Team for the UAE, whereby staff members from multiple UN agencies (including UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, and OCHA) offered support by volunteering at the UN Hub on multiple days. Furthermore, staff members from other UN agencies, like UNHCR, UNESCO, International Trade Center (ITC), and Global Compact also spent time at the UN Hub to support during their organized events at the UN Hub.
“It was a memorable experience for me to volunteer at the UN Hub in Expo 2020 Dubai and to engage with the visitors and explain the hub’s core theme,” said Lina ElKurd, Communications Specialist for UNICEF Gulf Area office. “I was happy to see people learning more about the United Nations and the SDGs in different artistic views, and to meet and work with a few of the young impressive and ambitious volunteers.”
As a UN Volunteer with UNFPA in UAE, Jianing Wang was thrilled to explain to people what the UN is about and to let the public know more about the UN's work. "Every time I check in to the UN Hub at Expo 2020, I expect something new and meaningful to learn, either from the events happening or the communications and exchanges with all the visitors," Jianing said.
While the countdown to the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai approaches, Emirates Foundation, a national organization in UAE, has successfully provided hundreds of volunteers assigned to the United Nations, serving as Expo ambassadors and providing all forms of support to visitors at the UN Hub. The deployment of volunteers by the Emirates Foundation in support of the UN Hub comes in agreement with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in the UAE and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.
A core aim of Expo 2020 – the largest event ever held in the Arab world – is to inspire and empower the world’s next generation through numerous initiatives and programming. It was integral for the United Nations in UAE to engage youth in this unique experience; realizing their potential as partners in today’s global society and recognizing their impactful contributions to the success of the UN’s presence at Expo 2020 Dubai and beyond. Through this skills-enriching experience, youth are giving back to the community and creating a meaningful legacy for the UAE and the world.
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22 March 2022
50 Years of Strategic Partnership: The United Nations and the United Arab Emirates Working Together for a Better Future
On 9 December 1971, just seven days after its formal nationalization, the United Arab Emirates’ flag was raised over the United Nations Square, after the country was accepted as the 132nd Member State of the United Nations. Since then, the partnership journey of the United Nations and the UAE continues to flourish, reflecting a deep commitment to achieving a better world.
More than 50 years into this compelling partnership and it has not lost its momentum, despite the challenges and turbulence the world has faced in recent years. There is still much to be achieved for the world and, if anything, the COVID19 pandemic has proved that across regions we all face common challenges.
The UAE and the United Nations work together through a set of programmes and initiatives under the umbrella of global humanitarian aid, peace and security, climate and biodiversity, partnerships for a better world, global participation and other engagements of national and global priorities.
The United Nations Country Team for the UAE engages with UAE counterparts focusing on policy-level technical cooperation and advisory support for the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); advocacy, outreach, and mobilization in support of shared objectives and internationally-agreed frameworks; and humanitarian relief operations.
Furthermore, the deep commitment to development and humanitarian assistance of the UAE is seen through significant contributions to relief and development projects around the world. The UAE's dedication to the SDGs is core to the work at home and abroad. The country works collaboratively with other member states to ensure that the United Nations body is representative of the world today and capable of addressing current and future challenges. Furthermore, as a current Security Council member, the UAE plays an active role in efforts concerning climate change, the women, peace, and security agenda, international law, and peacekeeping.
Together for a Better Future Exhibition
The breadth of the United Nations – United Arab Emirates partnership was illustrated in an exhibition, frequently put on display at the UN Hub in the Opportunity Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Visitors were taken on a visual journey, where key moments are exhibited to demonstrate the partnership and joint collaborations, as well as the UAE’s strategic support towards the impactful work of the United Nations agencies who are working on key thematic areas. These include environment and climate action, partnerships for a better world, global humanitarian aid and COVID-response, peace and security, innovation and technology, global participation and engagements, and future ambitions.
“We wanted to highlight to visitors at Expo2020, who may be wondering what the role is of the United Nations in the UAE, the key areas of our cooperation and the presence of the UN Country Team working in and with the UAE on various issues,” said Dr. Dena Assaf, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the United Arab Emirates and Deputy Commissioner General for the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai. “From working on climate action, to the role of women in peace and security, to working on humanitarian aid and global issues, our partnership is rooted in helping create a better world for all.”
The exhibition highlights the strategic alignment between the United Nations and the UAE and tackles the multiple efforts towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supporting the UAE’s strategic vision over the next 50 years.
Join us for a visual journey and take a glimpse at the many success stories over a period of 50 years and beyond.
You can find the online version of the Exhibition here.
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17 February 2022
COVID-19 Forces Relief Rethink at World’s Largest Humanitarian Hub
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the United Nations Country Team for the UAE, together with the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai, rose to the challenge and were able to respond immediately and extend support to people in distress and communities affected by the COVID-19 globally. To date, the COVID19 emergency continues to dominate the operations of IHC, where two-thirds of the response is dedicated to pandemic assistance. Whenever a disaster occurs, the UN system springs into action to send emergency relief.
How did UN Agencies in UAE respond to the COVID19 pandemic?
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses its warehouse and logistics office at IHC Dubai, to send out relief medical supplies to all 6 WHO geographic regions, supporting a total of 129 countries. During the initial 90 days of the pandemic, approximately 75-80% of WHO-procured PPE in response to COVID-19 was dispatched from WHO stockpiles within the IHC in Dubai. The WHO operations have expanded from 2,500 square meters to now nearly 10x the size with 20,000 square meters of storage infrastructure within the IHC; currently managing the arrival and dispatch of over 100 metric tons per week.
“We are roughly 10 times the size that we were in 2018 and the dollar values of supplies held has grown from 5 million to 70 million,” said Robert Blanchard, WHO Team Lead for Operational Support and Logistics. “We have basically completed more shipments to more countries across more regions than we ever have before.”
In their turn, the World Food Programme (WFP), operates in Dubai with the largest humanitarian response depot in its global network, leveraging the UAE’s unique position as a logistics gateway and commercial hub connecting all corners of the world. WFP is working closely with WHO and the UN system and is using its logistics capacity and expertise to provide emergency response and logistics and supply chain services, ensuring critical health and humanitarian cargo and personnel can move to where they are needed most.
Infrastructure for Global Response
The UAE provided the UN with 7 air freight flights at the start of the pandemic when global transport connections were disrupted as a result of lockdowns. WFP alone delivered 700 tons of health-related supplies valued at US$42 million, to 72 countries in the first few months of the pandemic, in addition to leveraging supply chain partners and other contributions. As a result, WFP can reach nearly 80 million people within a duration of 3 hours.
Additionally, WHO have also secured charter flights, strengthened partnerships with the UAE government, and consolidated medical supplies with other UN partners to maximize the efficiency of the response. For instance, WHO/Dubai Logistics Hub dispatched health commodities worth US$ 58.9 million to 116 countries. The volume, value, number of shipments, number of countries, and number of regions supported in 2020 exceeded the outputs of the previous 5 years combined.
Responding to Urgent Humanitarian Needs
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began as a health crisis and quickly became a human and socio-economic crisis, has shaken the foundations of our societies and economies and exposed the most vulnerable to unprecedented hardships. Due to the UAE’s strategic presence and support, multiple UN agencies are responding to urgent humanitarian needs to ensure that no one is left behind.
UNICEF, as a key delivery partner for COVAX, is rolling out the largest vaccine supply operation in history, navigating a complex web of logistics to ensure deliveries reach their destination on time. UNICEF has received a vital boost from the Abu Dhabi-based HOPE Consortium to transport life-saving supplies to countries battling the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a major in-kind contribution to COVAX announced by the UAE in 2021.
Additionally, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) utilizes one of its largest stockpiles globally, located at IHC Dubai, to reach displaced communities worldwide. The stockpile mostly consists of shelter materials and non-food items such as family tents, blankets, kitchen sets, and other relief items. It is equipped with Core Relief Items for more than 250,000 people, in addition to Safety and Security items for field operations and vehicles. With the support of the IHC, it can provide an immediate response to urgent humanitarian needs of displaced persons worldwide and provide functioning living conditions within days.
What happens when the next global emergency hits?
Conor Lennon from UN News visited the warehouses of WHO and WFP at the IHC in Dubai, for a podcast episode of “The Lid Is On” featured on UN News, to speak to some of those responsible for getting needed supplies as quickly as possible to those who desperately need them and to ask what happens when the next global emergency hits? Listen to the podcast here.
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18 February 2022
Online Volunteers reinforce the role and voice of youth in a virtual humanitarian community
Story originally published by UN Volunteers
The work of Online Volunteers in remote teams is creating a virtual humanitarian community that underscores the work of the United Nations.
Khaled Alyam, gladly responded to the need for translation support at the UNRCO. When he started volunteering, he was employed full time, going to school and already volunteering with two other organizations. Yet, this workload did not dissuade him.
"The aspect that is most exciting about this project is language and translation – two things about which I am very passionate. It was also exciting to be trusted to take on more and to be creating content." -Online Volunteer Khaled Alyami, Online Volunteer translator with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in UAE
Khaled represents a nascent group of youth and other volunteers who identify with the values of the UN and want to both positively impact their communities and support pandemic recovery.
In fact, over 1,000 UN Volunteers have been mobilized in the Arab region since COVID-19 started, and have been actively identifying needs, delivering services and producing creative web content. Their creativity and interest in remote teams especially, has provided increased capacity to the UNRCO, in turn helping to localize and implement the Communication Strategy more efficiently. This strategy is focused upon building trust in communities, awareness of important issues relevant to the SDGs and commitment towards collective action.
In addition, the new UN-wide management reform initiative has further decentralized communication mechanisms and positioned the UNRCO as a major funnel for information flows. The UNRCO has subsequently more involvement in production and translation and can promote content created by and for the region's youth to a greater extent. As a result, youth are activated and encourage positive change among their peers, whilst volunteering themselves.
This work has been particularly heartwarming for Online Volunteers like Shawqi Jazem, who found meaning in the success stories he translated for the UNRCO's new Arabic website, which he finds "not only important, but inspiring". These volunteers were part of a four-person team the UNRCO assembled for English-to-Arabic translation and to enhance the visibility of UN engagement in the UAE – with the intention to bolster critical partnerships and youth perspectives.
UN Communications and Advocacy Officer, Sara Chatila, recognizes "the impactful role of youth and volunteerism from our region" and the "responsiveness and proficiency" of Shawqi and Khaled's team in particular.
"We were able to work with Online Volunteers to develop new content and stories to be translated. This has really helped in enriching our Arabic site and engaging our stakeholders. We look forward to their support with future content and similar projects." -Sara Chatila, Communications and Advocacy Officer, UN Resident Coordinator's Office
Sara's views underscore the added value of Online Volunteers to the work of the UN and specifically, its aim to become more nimble and efficient in response to the world's most significant challenges and promote an inclusive, vibrant future for the next generation.
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Press Release
14 January 2022
Global Goals Week- Expo2020 Dubai
Sustainable Development Goals Background
The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are 17 Goals, to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. For more information, go to www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment.
Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, said: “At the core of the 2030 Agenda is the need for urgent action to tackle growing poverty and inequality, empower women and girls and address the climate emergency. The world has still not embraced the pace and scale of change required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Kicking off year two of the Decade of Action, Global Goals Week launching at Expo 2020 in Dubai presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate, at every level, our raised ambition and commitment to keeping alive and achieving the Global Goals, ensuring we leave no one behind and that we recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “The United Arab Emirates believes in the importance of global collective action to create a future where everyone can thrive in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. “By bringing the world together, Expo 2020 Dubai provides a launchpad to solve humanity’s greatest challenges, in the spirit of hope, resilience and optimism. Hosting the UN Global Goals at Expo 2020 is yet another further testament to our aligned vision for equitable, inclusive and sustainable communities for all.”
Hashtags: #UNxExpo, #GlobalGoals, #UNHub
Media contacts:
Sara Chatila, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office UAE, sara.chatila@un.org
Michelle Tong, UN Department of Global Communications, tong@un.org
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Global Goals Week Highlights:
SDG Media Zone – Saturday, 15 January – Thursday, 20 January
Hosted by the United Nations at the UN Hub, and in collaboration with the Pvblic Foundation and media partners, through a live format of interviews and panel discussions the SDG Media Zone will bring together UN principals, influencers and industry leaders to talk about innovative solutions and initiatives that address global challenges, such as inequalities, climate change and gender disparity. Speakers will include Epsy Campbell (Vice President of Costa Rica), Melissa Fleming (UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications), Maher Nasser (Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020), Sanda Ojiambo (CEO & Executive Director ofUN Global Compact) and Dena Assaf (Resident Coordinator, UN UAE and Deputy Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020).
United Nations Hub – Saturday 15 January – Saturday, 22 January
Throughout the entire week, various events will take place at the #UNHub to showcase how UN agencies work to achieve the SDGs relevant to their mandate. These include panel discussions by UN Women, UN Habitat, UN Global Compact, UNICRI, FAO, UNDP and the UNRCO and will address global challenges and solutions ranging from climate action, innovative and sustainable cities, criminal justice and security, life under water, and the role of girls, youth and people of determination towards a more sustainable future that leaves no one behind. Most events will be open to the public visitors and carried out in a hybrid format to allow speakers and participants to partake online. The #UNHub calendar for Global Goals Week can be accessed here.
Additionally, two exhibitions will be on display during the week: the “United Nations and the United Arab Emirates: Working Together for a Better Future” illustrating the strategic partnership between the UN and the UAE, national engagements to date and ambitious plans for the future ahead, and the SDG Art Exhibit - “Painting a Better World” showcasing the work of resident artists and their creative interpretations of the SDGs.
Visitors of all ages also have the chance to participate in fun activities to test their knowledge and take action for the SDGs. These include the SDG wheel trivia game and Expo’s SDG treasure hunt where participants can collect stamps and win SDG card sets and other prizes. Follow @UN_UAE for more details.
Al Wasl Show – Saturday, 15 January
With Global Goals Week moving for the first time outside of New York, an inaugural tribute featuring Amina Mohammed (United Nations Deputy Secretary-General) will be held with a 360-degree projection that will illuminate the heart of Expo, the iconic Al Wasl Dome.
Global Goals for All Flagship Event – Sunday, 16 January
The Global Goals for All flagship event, co-curated by Project Everyone, will feature Amina Mohammed (UN Deputy Secretary-General), H.E. Reem Al Hashimy (UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai) Jayathma Wickramanayake (UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth), Sanda Ojiambo (CEO and Executive Director of UN Global Compact), H.E. Mariam Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Dr. Alaa Murabit (Director, Program Advocacy and Communications, Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and others as well as virtual engagements by Richard Curtis (UN SDG Advocate) and Bill Gates (Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation). The panel will address the facts and solutions needed to inspire action around the world’s most prominent issues, including gender inequality and the climate crisis, on 16 January.
Water-Food-Energy Nexus Summit (co-organized by the UAE, the Netherlands & Jordan) – Tuesday, 18 & Wednesday, 19 January
Water, food, and energy security are central to sustainable development – particularly as demand for all three grows, driven by rising populations, urbanization, changing dietary patterns and economic growth. Featuring Jayathma Wickramanayake (UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth) and AY Young (UN Young Leader for the SDGs), this event provides a platform to exchange knowledge, best practice and lessons learned for greater water, food and energy security and strengthening regional and international policy coherence.
Global Goals Thematic Business Forum – Tuesday, 18 January
The Global Goals Thematic Business Forum calls upon business leaders to take full action in integrating the SDGs into core business strategies. Featuring Sanda Ojiambo (CEO and Executive Director of UN Global Compact) and Maher Nasser (Commissioner-General for the UN at Expo 2020), as well as female leaders from core industries to address gender equality and inclusive societies.
Co-Creating with Youth: Achieving the SDGs Together (co-hosted by Accenture and SAP) – Tuesday, 18 January
This panel discussion, featuring Jayathma Wickramanayake (UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth), Vladislav Kaim (UN Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change) and Kristeena Monteith (2018 UN Young Leader for the SDGs), considers youth as a major force for Sustainable Development and changemakers for balanced economic growth, social equality and technological innovations. Young leaders will enter into conversation with private industry and academic representatives to answer the question: “How can we support youth to accelerate progress on Agenda 2030”?
SDG Storytelling Lab – Wednesday, 19 January
As expert storytellers, the creative industry has a pivotal role in inspiring action to achieve the SDGs. Bringing together creatives and changemakers, the SDG Storytelling Lab will explore opportunities to uplift stories of progress and uphold human dignity. Stories can be a powerful tool to bring people together in our shared humanity, amplify voices and foster agency for marginalized identities as well as influence positive social change. With Melissa Fleming (UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications), Kristeena Monteith (2018 UN Young Leader for the SDGs) and industry leaders, the Lab will be followed by a showcase of stories from three changemakers, each proposing a solution to address the SDGs, discover ways to use your creative talents to tell stories that empower, inspire and help to achieve the global goals.
Expo Live: Helping Women Thrive – Wednesday, 19 January
A vibrant panel discussion, including Keiso Matashane-Marite (Officer in Charge of the Gender and Women Empowerment Section in Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division of UNECA), will be highlighting innovative solutions that improve the conditions and opportunities for women to thrive as workers and entrepreneurs.
Global Best Practice Programme Assembly – Thursday, 20 January
Featuring Melissa Fleming (UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications), Expo's Global Best Practice Programme celebrates local, simple and effective community-based initiatives that support the SDGs. This event will bring together young people, practitioners, intergovernmental organizations, startups, academics and awardees of Expo’s Global Best Practice Programme to share ideas, create networks and develop viable solutions for scale to create more impact and achieve the SDGs.
Women's Pavilion| Women in Arabia and Islam Practicing Sustainability – Thursday, 20 January
True stories and accounts of women leading the way in sustainable development, human and social development, and promoting human dignity and solidarity from various parts of the Arab and Islamic world will be narrated. Featuring Maher Nasser (Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo), this programme will highlight the catalytic role women in Islam and Arabia have played for centuries to ensure women from across the world reach new heights
Visions & Journeys Session – Thursday, 20 January
Featuring Melissa Fleming (Under-Secretary-General for UN Global Communications) and Maher Nasser (Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo), the session is designed to share, discuss and promote thoughtful visions, strategies and policies for a more gender equal future and to address two principal areas of focus: The transformative strategies and policies required to create a gender equal future, including best practices, lessons learnt and future aspirations; and personal journeys regarding the commitment to tackle gender-related barriers.
Global Goals Week Walk for Climate Action with Michael Haddad – Friday, 21 January
This walk led by UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador Michael Haddad across the Expo 2020 Dubai site aims to inspire collaboration for climate action and the Global Goals. Organized in collaboration with UNDP and Sweden.
END/
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Press Release
23 October 2021
The United Nations Observes the 76th Anniversary at Expo 2020 in Dubai
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.
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Media Contact:
Sara Chatila, Communications and Advocacy Officer, Resident Coordinator’s Office, United Arab Emirates. +971 50 438 4167, sara.chatila@un.org
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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
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Press Release
27 September 2021
The United Nations joins Expo 2020 in Dubai for six months of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”
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.
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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
For more updates: @UN_UAE #UNHub , www.un.org/en/expo2020
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Press Release
06 July 2021
UNHCR and UAE sign an agreement worth US$ 2 million in support of the Venezuelan situation in Colombia
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.
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Press Release
25 May 2021
Regional Climate Weeks to Drive Forward Climate Action in 2021 and 2022
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.
For media inquiries, please contact climate-week(at)unfccc.int
UNFCCC Press Office: press(at)unfccc.int
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.
“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.
For media inquiries, please contact climate-week(at)unfccc.int
UNFCCC Press Office: press(at)unfccc.int
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.
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