Press Releases

New York, 6 May 2020 The COVID-19 crisis is affecting every aspect of our societies, revealing the extent of exclusion that the most marginalized members of society experience. Today, I would like to highlight how the…

Excellencies, distinguished panel members, dear friends, Good morning, good afternoon and good evening. It is a great pleasure to speak to you, and I hope you are all keeping safe and well. We mark World Press Freedom Day…

New York, 3 May 2020 Journalists and media workers are crucial to helping us make informed decisions. As the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic, those decisions can make the difference between life and death. On World Press…

New York, 1 May 2020 In many countries around the world, today is a day to celebrate workers. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic unfolding around us, we are truly seeing workers who too often toil unseen. Perhaps as never…

New York, 1 May 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic is causing untold fear and suffering for older people across the world. The fatality rate for older people is higher overall, and for those over 80, it is five times the global…

Early signs are that the COVID-19 virus poses a greater direct health risk to men, and particularly older men. But the pandemic is exposing and exploiting inequalities of all kinds, including gender inequality. In the long…

New York, 25 April 2020 We mark this first observance of International Delegates Day at a time when international cooperation has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic demands united responses from all, without…

New-York, 24 April 2020 The COVID19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are. The virus knows no borders and is a quintessential global challenge. Combatting it requires us to work together as one human…

New York, April 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency — but it is far more. It is an economic crisis. A social crisis. And a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis. In February, I launched…