Press Releases

New York, 28 July 2020 Urban areas are ground zero of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 90 per cent of reported cases. Cities are bearing the brunt of the crisis – many with strained health systems, inadequate water and sanitation…

Ne w York, 18 July 2020 Each year, on Nelson’s Mandela’s birthday, we pay tribute to an extraordinary global advocate for equality, dignity and solidarity. Madiba was a moral giant of the 20th century, whose timeless legacy…

New York, 4 July 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency have both revealed the fragility of our societies and our planet. These dual crises are disproportionately affecting the world’s most vulnerable countries and…

New York, 30 June 2020 The International Day of Parliamentarism is a timely occasion to honour the pivotal role of Parliaments in giving people a voice and influence to shape policy. As a former Parliamentarian, I am deeply…

New York, 26 June 2020 Torture is an egregious abuse of human rights. International law unequivocally prohibits torture in all instances. Yet, torture continues in many countries, even those where it is criminalized. On this…

New York, 26 June 2020 Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, I send my warmest greetings to “we the peoples”. Those first three words of our founding Charter, adopted 75 years ago today, give the United Nations…

New York, 25 June 2020 Seafarers are among the world’s unsung heroes. The International Day of the Seafarer is a time to honour the world’s two million seafarers whose dedication and professionalism keep the vast majority of…

New York, 25 June 2020 Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome. We mark tomorrow’s 75th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Charter at a time of colossal global upheaval and risk. From COVID-19 to climate disruption, from…

New York, 24 June 2020 Today we face a global pandemic. Worldwide, people rightly raise their voices against racism. Confronting problems is a start. But we also have to solve them. We have a timeless guide to tackle our…

New York, 23 June 2020 As the world continues to grapple with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, public servants have been on the frontlines of the crisis response. They are the nurses, doctors and paramedics who provide life…