UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter – June 2023

PDF

New UN websites & publications

UN in General

Our Common Agenda: Policy Brief 4: Valuing What Counts – Progress Beyond Gross Domestic Product
English: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-beyond-gross-domestic-product-en.pdf
French: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-beyond-gross-domestic-product-fr.pdf
Spanish: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-beyond-gross-domestic-product-es.pdf
German: https://www.un.org/Depts/german/gs/OCA-PB4.pdf

A/77/CRP.1/ADD.3 in English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/A/77/CRP.1/ADD.3
A/77/CRP.1/ADD.3 in German:
https://www.un.org/Depts/german/gs/a77-crp1-add3.pdf

“Summary: The challenges we face can only be addressed through stronger international cooperation. The Summit of the Future in 2024 is an opportunity to agree on multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow, strengthening global governance for both present and future generations (General Assembly resolution 76/307). In my capacity as Secretary-General, I have been invited to provide inputs to the preparations for the Summit in the form of action-oriented recommendations, building on the proposals contained in my report entitled “Our Common Agenda” (A/75/982), which was itself a response to the declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (General Assembly resolution 75/1). The present policy brief is one such input. It elaborates on the ideas first proposed in Our Common Agenda, taking into account subsequent guidance from Member States and over one year of intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder consultations, and rooted in the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments. In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Our Common Agenda, it is recognized that a harmful anachronism exists at the heart of global policymaking, which is that our economic models and measurements overlook many aspects that sustain life and contribute to human well-being, while perversely placing disproportionate value on activities that deplete the planet. The intention of the proposals presented in the present policy brief is not to replace gross domestic product but to outline a path to develop complementary metrics in which what matters to people, the planet and the future is more fully recognized.”

Our Common Agenda: Policy Brief 5: A Global Digital Compact: An Open, Free And Secure Digital Future For All
English: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-gobal-digi-compact-en.pdf
French: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-gobal-digi-compact-fr.pdf
Spanish: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-gobal-digi-compact-es.pdf

A/77/CRP.1/ADD.4 in English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/A/77/CRP.1/ADD.4

“Summary: … The present brief proposes the development of a Global Digital Compact that would set out principles, objectives and actions for advancing an open, free, secure and human-centred digital future, one that is anchored in universal human rights and that enables the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. It outlines areas in which the need for multi-stakeholder digital cooperation is urgent and sets out how a Global Digital Compact can help to realize the commitment in the declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (General Assembly resolution 75/1) to “shaping a shared vision on digital cooperation” by providing an inclusive global framework. Such a framework is essential for the multi-stakeholder action required to overcome digital, data and innovation divides and to achieve the governance required for a sustainable digital future.”

Our Common Agenda: Policy Brief 6: Reforms to the International Financial Architecture
English: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-international-finance-architecture-en.pdf
French: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-international-finance-architecture-fr.pdf
Spanish: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-international-finance-architecture-es.pdf

A/77/CRP.1/ADD.3 in English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/A/77/CRP.1/ADD.5

“Introduction: … The present policy brief sets out action-oriented recommendations for reforming the international financial and tax architecture in six areas: (a) Global economic governance; (b) Debt relief and the cost of sovereign borrowing; (c) International public finance; (d) The global financial safety net; (e) Policy and regulatory frameworks that address short-termism in capital markets, better link private sector profitability with sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and address financial integrity; (f) Global tax architecture for equitable and inclusive sustainable development.”

Our Common Agenda, Policy Brief 7: For All Humanity – the Future of Outer Space Governance
English: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-outer-space-en.pdf
French: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-outer-space-fr.pdf
Spanish: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-outer-space-es.pdf

A/77/CRP.1/ADD.6 in English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/A/77/CRP.1/ADD.6

“Summary: … The present policy brief contains an examination of the extraordinary changes under way in outer space and an assessment of the sustainability, safety and security impacts of these changes on present and future governance. The brief also contains an outline of major trends that are impacting space sustainability and the positive impact that these trends could have on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Also contained in the brief is an outline of major trends affecting the security of outer space activities and the risks to humanity that could materialize if these challenges are not solved. Lastly, it provides a practical set of governance recommendations for maximizing the opportunities of outer space while minimizing short-term and long-term risks.”

Previously issued policy briefs are available here:
Englishhttps://www.un.org/en/common-agenda/policy-briefs
Frenchhttps://www.un.org/fr/common-agenda/policy-briefs
Spanishhttps://www.un.org/es/common-agenda/policy-briefs
Germanhttps://www.un.org/Depts/german/de/oca.html

 

Summary of Proceedings by the President of the General Assembly: United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water For Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028
https://www.un.org/pga/77/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2023/05/PGA77-Summary-for-Water-Conference-2023.pdf
The UN Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development” (UN Water Conference) was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 22 to 24 March 2023. This summary of proceedings is presented by President of the 77th session of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 75/212.

 

Economic Growth and Sustainable Development

Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels Report of the Secretary-General (E/2023/78, 5 May 2023)
English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/E/2023/78
“Introduction: The present report highlights strategies that countries could consider with a view to accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID -19) pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report offers analysis and policy recommendations to inform the discussions at the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council in 2023. It has benefited from substantive contributions made by United Nations system entities and is complemented by the report of the Secretary -General entitled “Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: towards a rescue plan for people and planet” (A/78/80-E/2023/64). It should also be read in conjunction with the Secretary-General’s report entitled “Long-term future trends and scenarios: impacts on the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals” (E/2023/89).”

Assessing the value of urban green and blue spaces for health and well-being (WHO/Europe technical document)
https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2023-7508-47275-69347
A growing body of evidence demonstrates the potential of urban green and blue spaces to support and promote health and well-being. These impacts can be used to value the multifunctional benefits (and risks) derived from these spaces. Valuing green and blue spaces is particularly important for policy-makers and practitioners owing to land scarcity and competing land usages. These constraints call for the efficient resource allocation of natural and financial capitals. Therefore, urban planning and design should take account of the value of nature – for environmental, social and health benefits, and in economic terms. This report outlines the range of benefits from urban green and blue spaces and the different approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, that policy-makers and practitioners can use to assess the value of urban green and blue spaces and their impacts on health and well-being.

Building Climate Resilience: Lessons from the 2021 Floods in Western Europe
http://collections.unu.edu/view/UNU:9123#viewAttachments
Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of floods across the globe. As recent severe events in Italy, Brazil, Croatia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Malawi, the Philippines, Somalia, and Western Australia have shown, floods affect nature and society, leaving communities, cities, and entire regions devastated. Jointly produced by United Nations University institutes in Germany (UNU-EHS), Belgium (UNU-CRIS), and the Netherlands (UNU-MERIT), a new report provides five key recommendations for strengthening climate resilience based on lessons from the 2021 floods in Western Europe. In July 2021, the Rhine-Meuse region experienced catastrophic floods resulting in significant loss of life and billions of Euros in damages. The floods received global attention and highlighted the link between climate change and gaps in the region’s preparedness for extreme events. In response, UNU-EHS, UNU-CRIS, and UNU-MERIT launched the “UNU Climate Resilience Initiative” to share knowledge, shape policy, and drive proactive adaptation and transformation. As a part of this initiative, researchers organized the two-day Flood Knowledge Summit 2022 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, to bring together various stakeholders to discuss lessons from floods across the globe to strengthen climate resilience. The summit aimed to address knowledge gaps and governance issues related to climate change risks and adaptation, fostering regional cooperation and multidimensional efforts. Based on the research and outcomes of the summit, the UNU Climate Resilience Initiative identified five key areas for further research and action to address risks and promote climate resilience. These concern the need for better understanding of current and future risks, strengthening emergency response preparedness and coordination, insuring losses, strengthening risk governance, and developing transformative recovery pathways from extreme flood events. Ultimately, the report urges collective efforts to promote multi-stakeholder and regional collaborative actions, and drive transformative change.

data.who.int – WHO’s new digital destination for open health data
https://data.who.int/
For 75 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable. The use of data as the foundation for evidence-based decision-making has been central to WHO’s mission. Today, there are more opportunities than ever to harness the power of data. Yet progress is uneven, with global disparities in capacity for health data collection, communication and access. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the urgent need for the public and policymakers to have access to timely, robust and reliable data.
Recognizing these challenges, WHO is proud to announce a transformative digital platform, data.who.int, a one-stop shop for health data. Data.who.int fulfills WHO’s commitment to provide health data as a public good; it is powered by the ambitious technologies of WHO’s World Health Data Hub, delivering an end-to-end solution for WHO data processes. From collection to use, the World Health Data Hub provides a world class experience leveraging innovative technology to address data challenges.

EU Regular Economic Report: Energizing Europe—Inclusive Growth: Inflation Chipping Away Income Gains (World Bank)
https://bit.ly/3qxeBsV
The EU Regular Economic Report (RER) is an annual publication of the World Bank, which presents economic developments and prospects in the European Union (EU), with a special focus on countries most engaged with the World Bank in EU Central and Eastern European countries (EU-CEE). Following a strong recovery after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, growth in the EU is expected to sharply decelerate in 2023 as high inflation and increasingly tight monetary policy dampen economic activity. Despite considerable resilience, the EU economy is in a weakened spot following the string of overlapping crises since 2020, which have eroded macroeconomic buffers and left the economy vulnerable to additional negative shocks. Although the labor market remains strong, with unemployment rates near record-lows in the EU, the recovery in employment remains uneven, leaving some populations behind. High inflation has eroded real incomes, with the sharp rise in food prices hitting the poorest households the hardest — chipping away earlier gains in inclusion. The report finds that coordinated policy efforts are needed to mitigate the risk of recession, rebuild fiscal buffers, and support vulnerable households. Fiscal policy support, going forward, will need to be timely, targeted, time bound, and transparent to eventually support gradual fiscal consolidation.

Global Economic Prospects, June 2023 (World Bank)
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/39846
Global growth is projected to slow significantly in the second half of this year, with weakness continuing in 2024. Inflation pressures persist, and tight monetary policy is expected to weigh substantially on activity. The possibility of more widespread bank turmoil and tighter monetary policy could result in even weaker global growth. Rising borrowing costs in advanced economies could lead to financial dislocations in the more vulnerable emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). In low-income countries, in particular, fiscal positions are increasingly precarious. Comprehensive policy action is needed at the global and national levels to foster macroeconomic and financial stability. Among many EMDEs, and especially in low-income countries, bolstering fiscal sustainability will require generating higher revenues, making spending more efficient, and improving debt management practices. Continued international cooperation is also necessary to tackle climate change, support populations affected by crises and hunger, and provide debt relief where needed. In the longer term, reversing a projected decline in EMDE potential growth will require reforms to bolster physical and human capital and labor-supply growth.

Global Trade Data Portal (WTO)
https://globaltradedata.wto.org/
A new Global Trade Data Portal now available on the WTO website provides access to real-time data on trade, allowing users to monitor supply chain activities and providing advance warning of potential disruptions. This information can be helpful in determining appropriate policy action. The Portal was launched by the WTO on 31 May with the release, among other things, of new dashboards on seaborne trade in wheat and other grains and oil seeds aimed at improving market transparency at a time of food insecurity.

Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and HACCP Toolbox for Food Safety (FAO)
https://www.fao.org/good-hygiene-practices-haccp-toolbox/en
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a comprehensive, practical and accessible toolbox designed to help all those operating in the food sector adhere to international food hygiene standards. The toolbox, whose release on 7 June coincides with World Food Safety Day 2023, is based on the Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “food code”), a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practice managed by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.

Guidelines on the definition and characterization of extreme weather and climate events (WMO)
https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/guidelines-definition-and-characterization-extreme-weather-and-climate-events
The guidance in this publication consists of generic definitions and methodologies for the characterization of extreme weather and climate events. This publication contribute to ensuring consistent exchange of information that underpins the WMO State of the Climate Reports, Climate Watches, climate change studies and other emerging applications. The purpose of the present guidelines is not to change the practice at the national level. Instead, it provides guidance for generic definitions, which are useful in contributing to WMO State of the Climate reports, climate watches, climate change studies and other emerging applications, including the recently adopted methodology for cataloguing hazardous events (WMO-CHE). These applications require regional and/or international exchange of information on extreme events.

Health for All: Transforming economies to deliver what matters; Final report (WHO)
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/health-for-all–transforming-economies-to-deliver-what-matters
In the first-ever report of its kind, the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has outlined a bold new path to reorient economies to deliver what matters – health for all. The Council, created by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in November 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and chaired by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, has spent that last two years rethinking the economy from a health for all perspective, and pushing forcefully the principle that human and planetary health must be at the heart of how we design our social, health and economic systems and policies. The Council has put forward a bold new narrative grounded in new economic wisdom to reorient economies to deliver health for all across four interrelated themes: 1. Value – valuing and measuring what matters through new economic metrics; 2. Finance – how to finance health for all as a long-term investment, not a short-term cost; 3. Innovation – how to advance health innovation for the common good; 4. Capacity – how to strengthen dynamic public sector capacity to achieve health for all.

Health-enhancing physical activity: WHO/Europe database
https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/datasets/hepa/
On Move for Health Day (10 May), WHO/Europe presents a new database dedicated to physical activity in the European Union (EU) and policies that have been implemented to promote healthy active lifestyles. The latest data shows that 1 in 3 people in the EU are not active enough. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. Physical activity is not only a great way to stay healthy. It’s uplifting, improves well-being and – simply put – makes people happier. If everyone in the EU would achieve the 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, as recommended by WHO, it could significantly decrease the number of cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in the region, reduce health-care costs and save EU countries around €8 billion every year, collectively.

The importance of bee-ing pollinators – FAO publication list
English: https://www.fao.org/publications/home/news-archive/detail/the-importance-of-bee-ing-pollinators/en
French: https://www.fao.org/publications/home/news-archive/detail/the-importance-of-bee-ing-pollinators/fr
Spanish: https://www.fao.org/publications/home/news-archive/detail/the-importance-of-bee-ing-pollinators/es
For World Bee Day (20 May) FAO publications showcases a selection of guidance, tools and analysis available on pollinators and beekeeping.

Myanmar at a Crossroads: Past Trends of Human Well-being and a Future Outlook
https://www.undp.org/publications/myanmar-crossroads-past-trends-human-well-being-and-future-outlook
Myanmar’s current crisis is derailing the progress it had been making in terms of economic growth, reducing poverty, creating jobs and reaching Sustainable Development Goals targets. This report aims to help improve the understanding of the nature and pace of the impacts on Myanmar’s development amid an extremely complex and volatile context and help organisations better target activities that best meet people’s needs. The publication’s analysis explores data from 2005-2017 – a period of developmental progress that is well-captured by comprehensive data – and estimates of regression post-2020, based on smaller surveys in the absence of comprehensive national level data. The report’s methodology harnesses a modified version of UNDP’s Human Development Index that uses information on health, education and income, as well as inequality and gender development from household surveys.

Thriving: Making Cities Green, Resilient, and Inclusive in a Changing Climate (World Bank)
http://hdl.handle.net/10986/38295
Globally, 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions emanate from cities. At the same time, cities are being hit increasingly by climate change related shocks and stresses, ranging from more frequent extreme weather events to inflows of climate migrants. This report analyzes how these shocks and stresses are interacting with other urban stresses to determine the greenness, resilience, and inclusiveness of urban and national development. It provides policymakers with a compass for designing tailored policies that can help cities and countries take effective action to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report
Report & Executive Summary: https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/downloads
A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), released on 6 June 2023, finds that the world is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030. This year marks the halfway point for achieving SDGs by 2030. SDG 7 is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. The goal includes reaching universal access to electricity and clean cooking, doubling historic levels of efficiency improvements, and substantially increasing the share of renewables in the global energy mix. Attaining this goal will have a deep impact on people’s health and well-being, helping to protect them from environmental and social risks such as air pollution, and expanding access to primary health care and services. The 2023 edition of the report warns that current efforts are not enough to achieve the SDG 7 on time. There has been some progress on specific elements of the SDG 7 agenda – for example, the increased rate of using renewables in the power sector – but progress is insufficient to reach the targets set forth in the SDGs.

Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy (UNEP)
https://www.unep.org/resources/turning-off-tap-end-plastic-pollution-create-circular-economy
Plastic pollution could reduce by 80 per cent by 2040 if countries and companies make deep policy and market shifts using existing technologies, according to a new report by UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The report was released on 16 May 2023 ahead of a second round of negotiations in Paris on a global agreement to beat plastic pollution, and outlines the magnitude and nature of the changes required to end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. The report is a solutions-focused analysis of concrete practices, market shifts, and policies that can inform government thinking and business action.

UIL Learning Hub
https://learninghub.uil.unesco.org/
The UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning (UIL) has launched the UIL Learning Hub, a one-stop online multimedia portal for policy development support, capacity development and knowledge sharing on lifelong learning. The Learning Hub promotes quality provision of learning opportunities throughout life. Its training resources cover thematic areas such as planning for lifelong learning, green skills, digital skills, family learning, and monitoring and assessment of lifelong learning. The Learning Hub features resources on building learning cities, managing community learning centres and strengthening libraries for lifelong learning. It supports training through self-learning and instructor-led courses, virtual workshops, and communities of practice. Through the Learning Hub, UIL supports UNESCO Member States and all interested stakeholders in making lifelong learning a reality across the globe! All stakeholders are invited to use these resources and collaborate with UIL to provide everyone with an opportunity to learn throughout life.

Use of non-sugar sweeteners: WHO guideline
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073616
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), which recommends against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Results of the review also suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults. The recommendation applies to all people except individuals with pre-existing diabetes and includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars found in manufactured foods and beverages, or sold on their own to be added to foods and beverages by consumers. Common NSS include acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives. The WHO guideline on NSS is part of a suite of existing and forthcoming guidelines on healthy diets that aim to establish lifelong healthy eating habits, improve dietary quality and decrease the risk of NCDs worldwide

 

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Deliver, together: Partnerships to deliver vaccines in a pandemic – Learning from COVID-19 vaccine delivery (WHO)
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/deliver–together–partnerships-to-deliver-vaccines-in-a-pandemic—–learning-from-covid-19-vaccine-delivery
This document provides recommendations for a medical countermeasures delivery support mechanism based on lessons learnt from the COVID-19 vaccine delivery support model.

Final Communication of the WMO COVID-19 Task Team
https://library.wmo.int/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=22271
The World Meteorological Organization’s COVID-19 Task Team has issued its final report, confirming and updating its findings that meteorology and air quality played a secondary role on disease transmission. Lessons learned from the pandemic showed how environmental data can and cannot be used when predicting the spread of a respiratory virus. It is therefore critical that researchers continue to study the role of meteorological and air quality factors in COVID-19, given the potential to use such knowledge to prepare for and respond to future international health emergencies. The updated umbrella review was commissioned by the WMO Research Board’s COVID-19 Task Team and it updates findings released in May 2022 regarding Meteorological and Air Quality (MAQ) Services for COVID-19 Risk Reduction and Management.

 

International Peace and Security

Afghanistan’s Security Landscape under the Taliban and its Effects on Regional and International Stability (UNICRI)
https://unicri.it/News/Report-Afghanistan-Security-Landscape-Post-Taliban-Takeover
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) announces the release of a comprehensive new report offering a critical analysis of the evolving security landscape in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The report identifies key trends and examines the implications for regional and global peace, security, and stability. This timely assessment is essential for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and all stakeholders in addressing the complex challenges associated with the current Taliban rule. The report details three major security trends in Afghanistan: (1) fragmentation within the Taliban; (2) the presence of regional and global terrorist and violent extremist organizations; and (3) the emergence of anti-Taliban resistance groups. The report underscores the concern about the long-term control of the de facto authorities amid internal tensions and power struggles.

Concept note for the Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict on the theme “Ensuring the security and dignity of civilians in conflict: addressing food insecurity and protecting essential services”
English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/S/2023/307
During the presidency of Switzerland, the Security Council held a high-level open debate on the theme of “Ensuring the security and dignity of civilians in conflict: addressing food insecurity and protecting essential services” in connection with the item entitled “Protection of civilians in armed conflict” on 23 May. Switzerland prepared this concept note to guide discussions on the topic of the debate.

Cybersecurity Digest (World Bank)
https://www.worldbank.org/en/data/interactive/2023/06/02/cybersecurity-digest
The Digest is a periodically updated compilation of recent laws, regulations, guidelines, and other significant documents such as communication of initiatives or research and analysis on cybersecurity for the financial sector. The growing collection of resources aims to assist financial sector authorities primarily, but also the industry, cybersecurity professionals, and others interested in financial system stability, to navigate the cross section of cybersecurity and the financial sector. Cyber risk is not a problem for IT specialists only; it is everybody’s problem in any organization. Several documents in the Digest can help a much wider audience understand what cyber risk is, why it matters for financial stability and everyone’s role in adequately managing it.

 

Development of Africa

United Nations system support for Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want; Report of the Secretary-General (E/AC.51/2023/8, 6 April 2023)
English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/E/AC.51/2023/8
“Summary: The present report provides an overview of the main activities undertaken by the United Nations in support of the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, of the African Union. In preparation for the United Nations Food Systems Summit stocktaking moment, to be held in July 2023 in Rome, the report is focused on the role of food systems in sustainable development in Africa. The report provides an overview of the projects and activities implemented by the United Nations system to support African countries in unleashing food systems’ potential for economic growth through agro-industrialization, innovation and job creation. It contains a review of efforts to strengthen human capital through enhanced nutrition and the leveraging of agricultural projects for the inclusion of women, youth and vulnerable populations. It provides an overview of initiatives implemented to promote social cohesion, peace and stability, as well as to increase resilience and respond to emergencies. It presents innovative financing opportunities to enable the transformation of food systems and includes a summary of major advocacy efforts. The report contains highlights of progress made in promoting stronger
coordination among United Nations entities and with the African Union.

 

Human Rights

Rapport sur les évènements de Moura du 27 au 31 mars 2022 (OHCHR)
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/mali/20230512-Moura-Report.pdf
A fact-finding report from the UN Human Rights Office has concluded there are strong indications that more than 500 people were killed – the vast majority summarily executed – by Malian troops and foreign military personnel during a five-day military operation in the village of Moura in the Mopti region of central Mali in March 2022. The report is the result of an extensive human rights fact-finding mission conducted over several months by UN staff in Mali. Malian authorities denied requests by the team to access the village of Moura itself. The report is based on interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as forensic and other information sources, such as satellite imagery. The report details how events unfolded day-by-day in Moura.

Protecting the rights of children on the move in times of crisis
https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/sites/violenceagainstchildren.un.org/files/advocacy_brief_protection_of_children_on_the_move_in_times_of_crisis.pdf
This advocacy brief reflects on lessons arising from past and ongoing crises worldwide, outlines principles to guide action in response to similar crises in the future, and proposes policy actions to strengthen the effective protection of children8. It is issued jointly by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children (OSRSG-VAC), in close partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

Toolkit: Ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
English: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/EN-OP-CEDAW-Ratification-Toolkit.pdf
Spanish: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/ES-OP-CEDAW-Ratification-Toolkit.pdf
This toolkit presents the benefits of ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (OP CEDAW), answers questions on its content and application, and provides a simplified version of the provisions of the Optional Protocol.

Toolkit: Ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communication Procedure
English: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/EN-OPIC-CRC-Ratification-Toolkit.pdf
Spanish: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/SP-OPIC-CRC-Ratification-Toolkit_0.pdf
This toolkit presents the benefits of ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on Communications Procedure (OPIC-CRC), answers questions on its content and application, and provides a simplified version of the provisions of the Optional Protocol.

 

Humanitarian Affairs

Afghanistan Crisis update: Women and Girls in Displacement; Factsheet III – May 2023
https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/100885
The fall of Afghanistan to Taliban rule in August 2021 continues to contribute to the deterioration of the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls. Existing limitations on their freedom of movement and access to secondary education, livelihoods and work have worsened in the past few months, as the erosion of freedom has extended further into the suspension of university education for women and the bans on female staff working with humanitarian organizations, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN Agencies. This continues to have significant consequences on women’s livelihoods and limits the delivery of protection and humanitarian assistance for women and girls in most parts of the county. Available data are presented in this factsheet to shed light on some of the specific challenges that Afghan women in displacement are already facing. In particular, evidence shows that women remain in displacement longer than men, they struggle disproportionately to access livelihoods to support themselves and their children, and, given the lack of alternatives, they tend to cope with not having insufficient income by reducing food intake. This factsheet is the third in a series that examines the changing situation in Afghanistan. It was produced by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), using 2022 data from UNHCR and other sources as indicated. Given the rapidly shifting situation in the country, estimates will change over time. Trends or events taking place after December 2022 will be reflected in future factsheets of this series. As such, the majority of 2022 data presented in this factsheet were collected prior to the ban on women NGO workers issued by the De Facto Authorities on 24 December 2022, as well as the order issued to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan in April 2023.

From Promises to Practice: Towards the Effective Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (UNU-CPR Research Paper)
http://collections.unu.edu/view/UNU:9117
This policy brief summarizes the key themes and recommendations that emerged from a migration policy roundtable held in Geneva in November 2022, six months after the International Migration Review Forum. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on progress related to the implementation of the GCM and discuss challenges that lay ahead to turn the Compact’s promises into practice. Discussions focused on four cross-cutting and interdependent guiding principles underpinning the GCM: 1) Respecting, protecting, and fullfilling the human rights of all migrants (regardless of their migrant status, across all stages of the migration cycle); 2) Eliminating all forms of discrimination (including racism, xenophobia, and intolerance) against migrants and their families; 3) Implementing a ‘whole-of-government’ approach – to ensure horizontal and vertical policy coherence (across all sectors and levels of government); and 4) Implementing a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to address migration in all its dimensions. These principles and relevant policy recommendations are discussed in more detail in proceeding sections.

Migration and Decent Work: Challenges for the Global South (UNU-CPR Research Paper)
http://collections.unu.edu/view/UNU:9118
This policy brief builds on discussions during a UNU-CPR migration policy roundtable, held in New York in 2023, which brought together representatives from the United Nations, Member States, international organizations, and civil society to examine the challenges of ensuring that migrants in the Global South have both the right to work and decent working conditions. The recommendations it advances target Member States and the achievement of SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all).

Over the Tipping Point: How multiple, overlapping climate and environmental shocks and hazards on children in the East Asia and Pacific region are eroding their coping strategies, exacerbating inequality, and forever changing their futures (UNICEF)
https://www.unicef.org/eap/reports/over-tipping-point
More than any other region, children in the East Asia and Pacific region are having to survive multiple, often overlapping climate and environmental hazards and shocks, according to the latest UNICEF regional report ‘Over the Tipping Point’. The report highlights the urgent need to invest in climate-smart social services and policies to protect children. Children born in the region today are experiencing a six-fold increase in climate related disasters compared to their grandparents. Over the last 50 years, the region has witnessed 11 times increase in floods; 4 times increase in storms; 2.4 times increase in droughts and 5 times increase in landslides. With temperatures and sea levels rising and extreme weather such as typhoons, severe floods, landslides and droughts increasing, millions of children are at risk. Many children and their families face displacement and struggle to survive, with limited or no access to healthcare, education, and water and sanitation services.

 

Justice and International Law

OTPLink (Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court)
https://otplink.icc-cpi.int/
ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC announces launch of advanced evidence submission platform: OTPLink (Statement, 24 May 2023):
“I am pleased to announce the launch of OTPLink, a new application for online and email-based evidence submissions by all external stakeholders and witnesses to my Office. OTPLink will provide a clear, single-access point, replacing various systems and processes that were previously in use for the receipt of information, including submissions pursuant to Article 15 of the Rome Statute. This innovative application blends the use of advanced modern-day technology and international law, provides users with a seamless and secure method for submitting potential evidence in real-time from any web-enabled device, effectively bringing relevant events closer to the courtroom. The platform ensures that information is gathered quickly, safely, and securely. OTPLink streamlines the traditional manual review process by allowing the Office to handle larger information volumes utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to offer greater insights into the information received, significantly reducing the time required to review and act on it. The platform maintains compliance with international evidence handling standards by using a digital chain of custody trail that collects and preserves information. This preserves the integrity of the evidence and creates a dependable and tamper-proof record of the collection and handling process. …”

 

Nuclear, Chemical and Conventional Weapons Disarmament

The Global Reported Arms Trade: Transparency in Armaments Through the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms: A Guide to Assist National Points of Contact in Submitting Their National Reports (UNODA Occasional Papers – No. 39, April 2023)
https://disarmament.unoda.org/unoda-occasional-papers-no-39-april-2023/
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is publishing this paper on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. It aims to provide guidance in support of Member State participation in the Register. The text includes an overview of the Register for reference by Governments and the interested public, as well as original material to guide national points of contact in preparing and submitting reports for the Register. The second part of the paper contains the report of the 2022 Group of Governmental Experts on the continuing operation of the Register.

Guide to Implementing the Biological Weapons Convention (UNODA)
six official languages: https://disarmament.unoda.org/guide-to-implementing-the-biological-weapons-convention/
The Guide to Implementing the Biological Weapons Convention has been developed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), with the support of the European Union and Norway and the contributions of a wide range of BWC experts, to assist States Parties in their efforts to implement the Convention at the national level. The Guide is primarily intended to provide an overview of the national implementation process and obligations stemming from the BWC. Its primary audience is States Parties initiating or already engaged in the BWC implementation process or States Parties interested in assessing their implementing framework. The Guide outlines the types of legislative, regulatory and other measures that States Parties may consider developing and adopting in order to effectively implement the BWC.

 

Newsletter Archive: https://unric.org/en/unric-info-point-library-newsletter-archive

Latest newsletters

UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter: March 2024

monthly issue of the UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter featuring new UN websites and publications

UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter – ARCHIVE

Archive of the UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletters in pdf & html format.

UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter – February 2024

monthly issue of the UNRIC Info Point & Library Newsletter featuring new UN websites and publications, with a special focus on COVID-19 information

UNRIC Library Newsletter

* New websites and publications of the UN system;
* New information material available for download.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the footer of the newsletter you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected].

Get our latest up-to-date backgrounders on the most topical UN subjects.

Follow us on Facebook

0FansLike