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UNESCO and Global Media Networks Unite to Advance Media and Information Literacy 2025-10-24 16 October 2025On 26 September 2025, UNESCO convened a meeting of global media networks working on Media and Information Literacy (MIL). The online event brought together senior representatives of regional and international private, public, and community media and journalist networks across all regions. Collectively, these partners represent over 800 members, reaching an audience of over 7 billion people. The event aimed to foster greater collaboration, exchange of best practices, and build media networking around MIL in media. "MIL is a commitment to audiences. It goes beyond informing, it’s about enabling citizens to think critically, to discern truth from dis and misinformation, and to participate actively in society. Together, we can advance the Global Media Partnership on Media and Information Literacy."Sylvie CoudrayDirector of the Division of Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy Integrating Media and Information Literacy in Media Policies and PracticesParticipants agreed that media are powerful platforms for public discourse and lifelong learning, reaching audiences beyond formal education. To fulfill this potential, media organizations increasingly recognize the strategic importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL). Integrating MIL into editorial policies and operations is vital to rebuild public trust in journalism and encourage public engagement in MIL initiatives.Media can contribute by developing dedicated MIL programming, joining awareness campaigns, and partnering with diverse stakeholders. However, current efforts often remain fragmented and lack a systematic approach. To address this, UNESCO, in collaboration with Thomson Media and global media networks, has developed a new resource: the Multimedia MIL Toolkit for Media and MIL Indicators for Media.This resource stems from cooperation with 13 major media and journalist networks, including the African Union of Broadcasting, World Association of News Publishers, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Federation of African Journalists, and International Association of Community Radio/Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, these networks have developed MIL policies, strengthened the capacities of 1,875 media leaders and journalists, and mentored over 140 media outlets in 50 countries to integrate MIL into their editorial strategies.Unveiled during the event, the Multimedia MIL Toolkit for Media is built around nine indicators to guide media organizations in planning, implementing, and monitoring MIL initiatives. It provides adaptable templates, case studies, and multimedia resources and will be officially presented during Global MIL Week in Cartagena (22–24 October 2025). The toolkit also serves journalism schools, media regulators, and civil society actors working with media on MIL. Advancing a global media partnership on MILA key takeaway from the meeting was the need for stronger collaboration among media actors. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to build partnerships, share best practices, and coordinate joint advocacy to advance MIL globally.The event gathered partners such as African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), International Association of Broadcasting (AIR-IAB), Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACMW), Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Eurovision News Exchange for Southeast Europe (ERNO), International Association of Community Radio/Latin America and the Caribbean (IMARC/LAC), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Federation of African Journalist (FAJ), World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), and International Center of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ). 
UNESCO Almaty and APCEIU jointly hosted a Regional Workshop on GCED in Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan 2025-06-17 A regional workshop on Global Citizenship Education took place in Almaty on 19-21 May. 26 May 2025 - Last update:29 May 2025 The UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty and the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) hosted the Regional Workshop on Implementation of UNESCO 2023 Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development with the Focus on Global Citizenship Education (GCED). The regional seminar was held as part of the implementation of the 2023 Recommendation. It is a revision of the 1974 Recommendation adopted by the UNESCO Member States in November 2023, reflecting shifts in the global and educational landscape in the 21st century, particularly the requirements of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education. Following the 2024 Asia-Pacific Policy Dialogue and Launch of the Recommendation on Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, which was convened in Bangkok, Thailand, this regional forum in Almaty represents an important step in efforts to fulfil the 2023 Recommendation and achieve sustainable development across Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan. “All the seminar sessions were incredibly useful and inspiring. Each one contributed to a deeper understanding of Global Citizenship Education (GCED). One highlight was the visit to the Nazarbayev Intellectual School — the exchange of ideas with students and the presentation of their projects left a lasting impression on us. We also gained many new ideas not only from the trainers, but also from fellow participants from neighboring countries, which made the overall experience even more valuable and multifaceted.”Aborjon Uktamov, Head of Department, Methodology and Textbooks Department, Ministry of Preschool and School Education This onsite workshop was attended by about thirty representatives from Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, such as officials from Ministries of Education, educational policymakers, curriculum experts, teacher trainers, teachers and civil society representatives. “Participating in the regional seminar deepened our understanding of UNESCO’s 2023 Recommendations on education for peace, human rights, global citizenship, and sustainable development. We received valuable practical tools and strategies that will support the effective integration of these principles into national education systems. Such seminars are extremely important, as they create a shared space for dialogue and cooperation between countries. They foster the implementation of cross-country initiatives in the field of education for peace and global citizenship.”Ayaulym Torebekova, Chief Expert, Center for Strategy and Analysis, Y. Altynsarin National Academy of Education under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan UNESCO and APCEIU equipped educators and policymakers with the strategies and tools necessary to foster resilience within societies through teaching and learning, thereby promoting a more just, inclusive and peaceful future in the seven countries. “In cooperation with the UNESCO Almaty Office, APCEIU will support the participants to implement their own GCED activities in their local context. The action plans designed during the workshop are mentioning necessary support from APCEIU, such as support for the integration of GCED into their curriculum or programmes, organization of GCED workshop, and co-development of GCED material, etc. APCEIU will thoroughly review these requests, identify intersections between the requests and APCEIU's programmes, and carry out possible collaboration with the participants. Considering that one of the goals of APCEIU is to promote GCED particularly in Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, APCEIU would like to provide its support as much as it can for the region.”Jay Jaehong Kim, Head of Education and Training, APCEIU URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-almaty-and-apceiu-jointly-hosted-regional-workshop-gced-central-asia-iran-and-pakistan?hub=66921 
Sub-regional Workshop on GCED in Almaty, Kazakhstan: Connecting UNESCO 2023 Recommendation and the Asia-Pacific Road Map to Central Asia’s Educational Aspirations 2025-05-29 APCEIU hosted a three-day sub-regional workshop from 19 to 21 May in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to promote the implementation of the UNESCO 2023 Recommendation and the Asia-Pacific Regional Road Map. The workshop aimed to build the capacity of participating countries to effectively integrate these frameworks into their national education systems. Co-organized with the UNESCO Almaty Office, the workshop brought together over 30 education officials from seven countries — Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Key speakers from UNESCO Category 1 institutes, such as UNESCO MGIEP and UNESCO IITE, also joined, raising expectations for expanded future collaboration.On the first day, participants shared country-specific challenges and opportunities, deepening mutual understanding of current educational contexts. This was followed by sessions that offering an in-depth overview of the UNESCO 2023 Recommendation and Asia-Pacific Road Map, as well as the theoretical foundations of GCED and related pedagogical strategies emphasizing democratic communication. The second day featured presentations of regional case studies aligned with key action areas and themes highlighted in the UNESCO 2023 Recommendation, such as learning environments, teacher education, media and information literacy (MIL), social and emotional learning (SEL), and climate change. These sessions encouraged peer learning and cooperation among countries. Later, participants visited local schools to observe real-life examples, including school management models and student-led initiatives. On the final day, based on the content covered in earlier sessions, participants worked collaboratively to develop and present a draft regional action plan focused on five priority areas: Curriculum and pedagogy, Assessment and evaluation, Learning environments, Development of teachers and education personnel, and Regional collaboration and partnership. The draft action plan, shaped through multiple rounds of group discussions, outlines actionable and contextually relevant strategies. It will undergo further review before being submitted to the respective Ministries of Education. This workshop served as a valuable platform not only to deepen understanding of the UNESCO 2023 Recommendation, the Asia-Pacific Road Map, and GCED, while simultaneously fostering regional education cooperation and networks. In particular, it is significant not only from a regional perspective of Central Asia but also for APCEIU that this workshop laid the groundwork for the implementation and cooperation of GCED in Central Asia—a region that has had relatively limited opportunities for collaboration with APCEIU until now. Moving forward, APCEIU plans to continue providing tailored support and cooperation for Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan, centered around the action plan developed through this workshop. URL: https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/5337 
GCED CDI Capacity-Building Workshop in Nepal: Strengthening GCED Through Curriculum and Textbook Development 2025-05-29 A five-day Capacity-Building Workshop on GCED Integration was held from 18 to 22 May 2025 in Kathmandu as part of the second year of the Global Citizenship Education Curriculum Development and Integration (GCED CDI) Project. Co-organised by the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) and the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), the workshop aimed to provide technical guidance for textbook writers, curriculum specialists, and educators engaged in reviewing the revised Social Studies curriculum for Grades 8 and 10 and working to development textbooks based on the revised curriculum. Around 40 participants, including textbook writers, educators, and core members of the GCED CDI Committee, attended the workshop. Sessions were facilitated by international resource persons Dr. Esther Care, Ms. Lea Espallardo, and Ms. Jeongmin Eom, Deputy Head, Institute of GCED, APCEIU. The workshop began with an opening session with opening remarks from Mr. Purushottam Ghimire (Director, CDC), then remarks from Ms. Jeongmin Eom, Mr. Rameshwor Prasad Yadav (Deputy Secretary General, Nepal National Commission for UNESCO), Mr. Yubaraj Poudel (Director General, CDC), and Mr. Shiva Kumar Sapkota (Joint Secretary and Chief of Planning and Monitoring Division, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology). A progress report on the Social Studies curriculum revision was presented by Mr. Dinanath Gautam, Director, CDC, outlining legal frameworks, stakeholder feedback, and how GCED competencies were incorporated. This was followed by sessions on introduction to the GCED conceptual framework and its relevance to Nepal’s curriculum revision. Day 2 explored the shift toward competency-based learning and transformative pedagogy, with discussions on interdisciplinary approaches, learner-centered practices, and socio-emotional development. Participants then reviewed the revised Social Studies curricula for Grades 8 and 10, analysing GCED alignment and identifying areas for improvement in pedagogy and assessment. On Day 3, the focus shifted to identifying gaps in areas such as socio-emotional learning and value-based assessment. These insights guided the start of write-shops, where participants began drafting textbook content linked to GCED competencies. During the write-shops, examples from countries such as South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines were presented, highlighting their experiences and current practices in integrating GCED into curricula and developing textbooks. These examples sparked meaningful discussions and inspired teachers with new ideas. Collaborative drafting continued into the fourth day, with participants refining unit plans, learning activities, and assessment ideas. A group brainstorming session was held to consolidate insights and identify the support needed in the next phase. Participants reflected on the week’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to aligning GCED competencies with curriculum and textbook objectives.Nepal is preparing to develop new textbooks based on the revised Social Studies curriculum. The outcomes of this workshop will directly inform the writing process, ensuring that GCED principles are meaningfully reflected throughout. As the GCED CDI project moves forward, continued collaboration is expected to play a key role in advancing GCED integration in Nepal’s education system. URL: https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/5338 
Capacity Building Workshop for GCED CDI Project in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan embarked their Year 1 of the GCED CDI Project 2025-05-20 The Capacity Building Workshop on GCED CDI Project in Uzbekistan was held from 28 April to 1 May 2025 at the Republican Education Center under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education in Tashkent, Uzbekistan In partnership with APCEIU, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan has commenced the first year of the Global Citizenship Education Curriculum Development and Integration (GCED CDI) Project. Following its official launch in April, a Capacity Building Workshop on GCED was held for the Curriculum Development Committee (CDC) members and other key stakeholders from 28 April to 1 May 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Launched in 2016, the GCED CDI Project has been one of the flagship initiatives of APCEIU, aiming to mainstream Global Citizenship Education in the partner countries while adapting to their context. Uzbekistan joined as the 6th Round countries in the 3-year GCED CDI Project and has now taken its first official steps toward implementation. Approximately 40 participants attended the workshop, including the representatives from the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE), the Republican Education Center (REC), the National Institute of Pedagogical Skills named after A.Avloniy, other relevant institutions, APCEIU and international experts. The workshop opened with a ceremony, featuring welcoming remarks from Mr Sardor Radjabov, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education; Ms Jeongmin Eom, Deputy Head of IGCED at APCEIU; and Ms Dilshoda Norboyeva, Head of the Department of Methodology and Textbooks at the Ministry. The first session began with an ice-breaking session led by Lea Espallardo, who engaged participants in energizing exercises to prepare them for a collaborative learning experience. This was followed by three thematic sessions under the overarching topic of “Rethinking Education”: GCED as a transformative initiative in challenging times, competence-based curriculum and learning, and changing relations of curriculum, textbooks and teachers. Day 2 and 3 continued with the comprehensive and informative sessions on the overview of GCED, including the GCED CDI Project, GCED Integration and Pedagogy, featuring in-depth discussions. The second day started with the presentation by Mr Arabboy Akhmadullaev, Chief Specialist at the Department of Methodology and Textbook, Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan. Facilitated by Mr Andy Smart, the session shared the current state of Uzbekistan’s education system, highlighting the ongoing curriculum revision process and initiatives aimed at the improvement of the school management and teacher development. Building on the foundational knowledge from the previous workshop days, participants actively analyzed the existing education framework in Uzbekistan and explored ways to incorporate GCED themes into their work. The sessions to present and discuss the GCED CDI Project by Ms Jeongmin Eom, the GCED integration sessions by Dr Esther Care, and the GCED Pedagogy sessions by Lea Espallardo followed, encouraging participants to engage in dynamic discussions and share their perspectives. Day 3 focused on practical application, featuring in-depth sessions on textbook development for GCED integration and the role and empowerment of teachers in implementing GCED. APCEIU also made a visit to the local school to observe the classes and learn about the local schools in Uzbekistan. The last day of the workshop provided more intense sessions only for the CDC members, who will be the core members of the GCED CDI Project in Uzbekistan. Starting with the introduction on the curriculum mapping for GCED integration, the exercise of curriculum mapping followed by. The four-day workshop concluded with the closing ceremony, rewarding the participants with the certificate and the encouragement message for the successful implementation of the GCED CDI Project in Uzbekistan. The four-day Capacity Building Workshop for the GCED CDI Project in Uzbekistan has provided the platform for the Curriculum Development Committee members and other relevant stakeholders to deepen their understanding of GCED and the CDI Project, while further enhancing their capacity through the various activities and informative sessions for the implementation of the project. URL: https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/5329 
Beyond the Headlines: A Call for Gender, Inclusion, and Safer Digital Spaces 2025-05-20 Empowering women in media is not just a goal – it is a necessity 15 May 2025From the newsroom floor to digital platforms, the call to amplify women’s voices in media took center stage during World Press Freedom Day 2025 in Arusha, Tanzania. A standout moment came during the session “Breaking Barriers – Gender, Media, and the Digital Age,” co-organized by UNESCO Dar es Salaam office, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT), and the Journalists Workers Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA). The session created a safe and inclusive space for women journalists to share their lived experiences—shining a light on the realities of online harassment, gendered disinformation, editorial gatekeeping, and systemic underrepresentation. These powerful accounts underscored a fundamental truth: press freedom cannot exist without gender equality. True press freedom cannot exist without gender equality. As we shape the future of media in a rapidly changing digital world, we must ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but also lead the conversation. This dialogue is about more than representation - it's about transforming power structures to build a media landscape that is inclusive, ethical, and resilient.Nancy AnguloCommunication and Information Sector, UNESCO Tanzania The conversation did not stop at identifying problems. Participants put forward bold, strategic recommendations to foster gender equity in the media and digital landscape, including: Adopting gender-sensitive digital safety protocols across media platforms. Implementing gender audits in newsrooms and AI systems to detect and reduce bias. Strengthening oversight and developing ethical frameworks for AI and algorithmic content regulation. Increasing the representation of women in media content, leadership roles, and tech innovation. Building stronger ties between media professionals and human rights defenders to enhance coordinated responses to threats against journalists, improve access to legal and psychosocial support, and strengthen collective advocacy for press freedom and journalist safety. Raising awareness about legal services available to journalists, especially at the grassroots level, to ensure timely protection and support, particularly in rural and marginalized environments. @ UNESCO Participants urged a shift from simply empowering women in media to enabling agency—giving women the tools, confidence, and platforms to lead. This includes investing in media literacy, public speaking, and digital skills training that allow women to participate fully and safely in public discourse. “It’s not just about training media to give women a voice,” one speaker noted. “It’s about training women to have the confidence and tools to use that voice.” While building capacity in newsrooms is vital, it is equally important to equip women leaders to step confidently into the media spotlight. “Capacity building for journalists is crucial,” said one participant, “but equally important is empowering women with the courage and tools to be heard.” This call for intersectional inclusion—spanning women, youth, and persons with disabilities—resonated across other sessions on AI governance, child-friendly media, and election coverage. These voices were not treated as vulnerable beneficiaries, but as critical agents of democratic transformation. UNESCO’s support for bridging gender equity and digital transformation is at the heart of its commitment to building inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking media systems. Through its ongoing partnerships, UNESCO is helping to establish a new norm—one where gender, disability and youth inclusion are not side issues, but core pillars of media development and foundations of democratic and development discourse. As Tanzania continues to advance in AI integration, media innovation, and policy reform, the message from Arusha is clear: A strong, resilient media sector depends on inclusive participation, ethical standards, and a collective commitment to safeguarding press freedom. URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/beyond-headlines-call-gender-inclusion-and-safer-digital-spaces 
UNESCO Institutes Join Forces to Support Thirty Youth Leaders from ODA Countries to Tackle Global Challenges 2025-05-15 NEW DELHI – Over thirty young changemakers from around the world have converged in New Delhi this week for the 11th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED). A four-day Youth Leaders Workshop (YLW) brought together promising young leaders to explore the intersection of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Hosted by UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), this comprehensive programme ran from April 14-17, 2025, in India.Since 2015, the Workshop has engaged over 400 young leaders worldwide, fostering a community of changemakers. This year’s workshop will bring together 40 youth leaders to explore how SEL and GCED can inspire collective action for peace and sustainability. Through discussions, activities, and networking, participants will deepen their understanding of how SEL and GCED address global challenges and promote peace. This journey of empowerment invites youth to raise their voices as peacebuilders, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities and beyond. View event album "Social-emotional learning provides young people with the foundational skills needed to become effective global citizens. This workshop offers a crucial platform for youth to develop both the emotional intelligence and global perspective required to address our world's most pressing challenges," said Prof Obijiofor Aginam, Director, UNESCO MGIEP. Throughout the workshop, regular reflection periods allowed participants to process their learning experiences, while carefully designed breaks, including a guided forest walk, offered opportunities for informal connections. Feedback sessions concluded each day, ensuring continuous improvement of the program. This holistic approach to youth leadership development blended theoretical understanding with practical skills, combining UNESCO's expertise in global citizenship education with cutting-edge social-emotional learning techniques. By bringing together these complementary frameworks, the workshop equipped youth leaders with the tools needed to navigate personal challenges while fostering positive change in their communities and beyond."From rising temperatures and escalating conflicts to growing inequality and a deepening mental health crisis, we need the energy and innovative solutions of young people more than ever. Empowering youth with the tools to navigate both personal and global challenges is essential to achieving the SDGs. This workshop represents the kind of empowering approach to education we need for peaceful, inclusive societies," said Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India. URL: https://mgiep.unesco.org/article/unesco-institutes-join-forces-to-support-thirty-youth-leaders-from-oda-countries-to-tackle-global-challenges 
UN Youth Forum brings fresh perspectives on sustainable development 2025-04-17 15 April 2025 | SDGs Young people from across the globe are meeting at UN Headquarters this week to share their recommendations to transform the world into a fairer, greener and more sustainable place. Putting sustainable change and social inclusion at the forefront of its effort, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum is the UN’s yearly largest gathering of young people. “The urgency of shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and just future for all has never been clearer,” said the President of ECOSOC, Bob Rae, during the opening plenary session. Convened by the ECOSOC President and organised by various UN departments, the forum provides a platform for young people to meaningfully engage in a dialogue with UN Member States and UN system entities. “You are today’s leaders. We cannot wait for tomorrow, we need you to start participating and taking charge today,” Mr. Rae told the youth in attendance. Youth at the Forefront This year’s theme, “Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development,” presents innovative ideas and initiatives led by youth and others to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. “It is very important to represent the voices of people who do not have the chance or privilege to raise their voice on important topics,” Selvican Sahin, a Youth attendee from Germany, told UN News. Social Inclusion Faced with a series of complex crises, the world needs the voices of young people. As agents of change, youth are contributors to social justice, sustainable development and global security. The forum emphasises how crucial social inclusion is to sustainable development. “Getting as many people at the table is really important because then you can hear their concerns,” Ryan Li from Canada, told UN News. Essential Voices Bringing fresh and bold perspectives, young people serve a crucial and unique role, acting as a force for sustainable development, and driving innovation and progress at local, national and global levels. When asked about the importance of young people’s representation at the UN, attendee Chaïmane Ribani told UN News that young people “want to be part of the change”, and “want to be shaping these national and international policies.” Acting as a strong foundation for a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for generations to come, the active engagement of young people in such discussions is essential. “Empowering our young people is an investment that delivers sustained benefits across society and the future they shape,” said Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, during the opening plenary session. The ECOSOC Youth Forum is taking place from Tuesday to Thursday, and will comprise eight different thematic sessions dedicated to advancing the UN 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
Myanmar earthquake: Search and rescue efforts continue in race against time 2025-03-31 30 March 2025 | Humanitarian Aid The human toll of the earthquake which devastated central Myanmar continues to rise, UN humanitarians warned on Sunday, putting more pressure on nearly 20 million people who were already in need of aid. According to news reports citing Myanmar’s military leader, around 1,700 are confirmed dead from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake, with some 3,400 injured and hundreds still missing.In the Thai capital Bangkok which was also rocked by the seismic event, 76 construction workers are reportedly still missing following the collapse of an unfinished skyscraper. The death toll there now stands at 17.The search and rescue effort in Myanmar is focused on the major cities of Mandalay and the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Some survivors continue to be pulled from the rubble and multiple international aid teams have reached the stricken areas – although the aid effort is being hindered due to damage to airports. Shelter, medicine, water “People urgently need shelter, medical care, water and sanitation support. This disaster puts more pressure on already vulnerable people facing an alarming crisis,” the UN aid coordination office in the region, OCHA, said on X.Burmese civilians are also stuck between forces of the military junta and numerous armed militia battling for control of the country since the February 2021 coup. More than three million have been displaced by the fighting.The National Unity Government which represents the democratically-elected civilian administration overthrown by the coup, called on rebel fighters to observe a two week ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.But the military regime is reportedly continuing to carry out airstrikes, including in areas close to the epicentre of the earthquake Call for ‘immediate ceasefire’ The Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert who monitors the situation in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said in a social media post on Sunday that the junta should follow opposition forces and declare an immediate ceasefire.“Military conscription should be suspended; aid workers should not have to fear arrest and there should be no obstructions to aid getting to where it is most needed. Every minute counts,” he added.The UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is one of the agencies on the ground urgently working with partners and local communities to assess critical needs and deliver life-saving aid – particularly for women and girls. Women and girls face ‘increased risks’ In an update, UNFPA said early assessments highlight significant damage to health facilities, population displacement and the disruption of essential services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare.“In emergencies like this, women and girls face increased risks, from compromised access to life-saving maternal healthcare to heightened risk of gender-based violence, " said Jaime Nadal Roig, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar.“UNFPA is committed to supporting relief efforts, placing the well-being of women and girls – including pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents – at the heart of our humanitarian response efforts.”UNICEF Myanmar's Ko Sai, said in a post on X from Mandalay, that the quake was “an absolute catastrophe” for children in the region, with many youngsters and families in Mandalay still missing.“We need urgent assistance, especially for the children, who often suffer the most in this kind of situation,” he added. Lifesaving medical supplies The UN World Health Organization, WHO, has rushed nearly three tonnes of medical supplies from its emergency stockpile in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, to hospitals in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Daw.The UN World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Myanmar, Michael Dunford said in a tweet that the agency carried out its first emergency food distribution in Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday which included high energy biscuits “and we're about to scale up our assistance.”WHO on Sunday issued a 30-day flash appeal for $8 million to deliver trauma care, prevent disease outbreaks and restore essential services that have been decimated by the quake. Click here to donate to the UN emergency appeal for Myanmar © UNICEF / A major road in Nay Pyi Taw shows severe structural damagefollowing the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar. URL: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1161716