Press Releases

New York, 13 June 2021 Every year on 21 September, the United Nations invites people around the world to celebrate peace by observing 24 hours of ceasefire and non-violence. As we strive to heal from the COVID-19 pandemic and…

New York, 8 June 2021 This year’s observance of World Oceans Day falls as the world wrestles with the COVID-19 pandemic, a climate crisis and humankind’s continuing assault on oceans, seas and marine resources. The recently…

New York, 3 June 2021 Bikes are freedom; bikes are fun. They are good for one’s health -- physical and mental -- and good for our one and only planet. Bikes are popular and practical, providing exercise and transporting us…

New York, 29 May 2021 The world is experiencing a growing pandemic of obesity. It affects people of all ages in all regions. Particularly concerning are the young people affected. In the past four decades, the percentage of 5…

New York, 29 May 2021 The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers honors the more than one million women and men who have served on the frontlines of conflict and the more than 4,000 who have lost their lives in the…

New York, 26 May 2021 I send my warmest greetings to Buddhists all over the world on Vesak, when we honour the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Today, we recognize the contributions Buddhism has made to human…

New York, 25 May 2021 This year’s Africa Day highlights arts, culture and heritage as levers for building the Africa we want. Africa’s rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage is important for sustainable development…

New York, 22 May 2021 A healthy planet is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate, and the pressures are intensifying. We are depleting…

New York, 21 May 2021 Culture is the flower of the human being – the fruit of our minds, the product of our traditions, the expression of our yearnings. Its diversity is wondrous, part of the rich tapestry of civilization…

New York, 17 May 2021 LGBTIQ+ people around the world face discrimination simply because of who they are. The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the situation. Since the start of the pandemic, the United Nations has documented…