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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 
UN Regrets US Exit from Global Cooperation on Health, Climate Change Agreement 2025-02-10 21 January 2025 - Humanitarian Aid UN agencies responded on Tuesday to President Trump’s executive orders ending US membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the massive potential negative impact on public health and efforts to curb global warming.“The WHO regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization…We hope the United States will reconsider,” said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, hours after the new President signed an executive order at the White House, bringing US involvement in the UN agency to an end in 12 months. The US joined WHO in 1948 after a joint resolution was passed by both chambers of Congress. The resolution requires the country to provide one year’s notice to leave the organization. President Trump took steps to withdraw from the WHO in 2020 during his first term – but the move was reversed by the Biden administration. Responding to journalists’ questions in Geneva, Mr. Jasarevic insisted that WHO “plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.” Asked about the impact of the US withdrawal, Mr. Jasarevic pointed out that he saw the executive order “this morning like everyone else” and that further analysis will be needed. He confirmed that the US was WHO’s largest single donor, accounting for 18 per cent of the agency’s budget in 2023. Also in Geneva, UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) spokesperson Jens Laerke highlighted the UN health agency’s importance, saying that “the world lives longer, healthier, perhaps a little bit happier because of WHO”. “WHO is in places where others cannot go,” Mr. Laerke said, including Gaza, Yemen, Afghanistan and Sudan. “It is an indispensable part of the international humanitarian system,” he insisted. Climate shock From the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), spokesperson Clare Nullis reacted to President Trump’s vow to quit the universally adopted 2015 Paris Agreement - marking an immediate return to the policies of his first presidential term, which ended in January 2021. The need for all countries to respect the accord was “pretty obvious”, she said, given that 2024 “was the hottest year on record”, at about 1.55°C above the pre-industrial era. “It is the defining challenge of our time,” she insisted. In the wake of the recent devastating and deadly massive wildfires that ripped through Los Angeles, the WMO spokesperson also noted that the US had suffered the bulk of global economic losses from weather, climate and water-related hazards. “It has sustained 403 weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion. The total cost of these 403 events exceeds $2.915 trillion, according to US figures,” Ms. Nullis said. Her comments echoed those of the UN Spokesperson’s Office late on Monday which responded to journalists’ questions insisting that “the transformation envisaged in the Paris Agreement is already underway”, with a renewable “energy revolution” offering opportunities for jobs and prosperity. “The Secretary-General remains confident that cities, states and businesses within the United States - along with other countries - will continue to demonstrate vision and leadership by working for the low-carbon, resilient economic growth that will create quality jobs and markets for 21st century prosperity," the statement continued. “It is crucial that the United States remains a leader on environmental issues,” it concluded. URL: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/01/1159211 
世卫组织将在联合国大会上呼吁采取高级别紧急行动以消除全球抗微生物药物耐药性危害 2024-10-04 The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners will call on world leaders to address critical global health challenges, and invest in global public health, at meetings throughout the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), to be held in New York from 20 to 30 September 2024. The second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on 26 September 2024 will be the principal official, health-focused event during the UNGA high-level week. Without decisive action, such as that outlined in the final text of the draft political declaration for the meeting, AMR will cause even more global suffering, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making people sicker and increasing the spread of infections that are difficult to treat, leading to illness and deaths. The intergovernmental negotiations for the declaration were co-facilitated by Malta and Barbados. The first UN High-level Meeting on AMR took place in 2016. “Antimicrobial resistance threatens a century of medical progress and could return us to the pre-antibiotic era, where infections that are treatable today could become a death sentence,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, who will address the high-level meeting on AMR. “This is a threat for all countries at all income levels, which is why a strong, accelerated and well-coordinated global response is needed urgently.” UNGA79 takes place at a crucial moment as the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerates efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite significant strides, progress towards health targets remains off track, exacerbated by ongoing humanitarian, social, and climate crises. Millions of people still lack access to life-saving health services, highlighting the link between health and sustainable development. The Summit of the Future, which will take place on 22 and 23 September, will bring together world leaders to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver better in the present, including ensuring global decision making is guided by science, achieving the SDGs and safeguarding the future. During the Summit, Heads of State and high-ranking government officials are expected to endorse the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. Health priorities are well-reflected in the outcomes, including the importance of access to health services and achieving universal health coverage. During the week, WHO officials will participate in official and informal health-focused events ranging from digital health, maternal, child and adolescent health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and mental health, to action on climate change, advancing progress toward Universal Health Coverage, and pandemic preparedness and response. “Strong health systems, equitable access to health services, and robust pandemic preparedness are vital for a safer and healthier world,” Dr Tedros said. “We must harness the power of digital technologies to bridge gaps in access to health services and build resilient systems that can meet the multiple overlapping health challenges of our world, from outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics to climate change and the burden of noncommunicable diseases.” The UN General Assembly takes place during WHO’s first Investment Round, a series of engagements and ongoing efforts to secure sustainable financing for WHO’s core work for the period of 2025-2028. Dr Tedros and WHO representatives will be conveying the importance of investing in global health and of a robust and fully funded WHO to work with countries in advancing health for all. On 23 September, Dr Tedros and European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño will hold a live-streamed fireside chat moderated by Suzanne Lynch of Politico on why investing in primary healthcare is critical at a time of increased shocks caused by disease outbreaks like mpox. This will be followed later in the day by the European Investment Bank and WHO co-hosting a high-level roundtable under the new Health Impact Investment Platform, which will spotlight country level action to boost vaccination and community-based health. Both meetings will be streamed via WHO and Dr Tedros’ social media channels. On 24 September, WHO will host the Third Annual Gathering of the Heads of State and Government for the prevention and control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), to catalyze commitment at the highest levels of Government, and bolster engagement by partners ahead of the UNGA high-level meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in 2025. From 22-29 September, 2024, WHO will participate in key events, panels and initiatives during Climate Week NYC. Bringing together world leaders, businesses, policymakers and activists, the events will consider solutions to urgent climate challenges ahead of critical international summits. WHO experts will make it a priority to ensure that the health argument for climate action takes centre stage in global discussions. They will underscore how climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a pressing health crisis, directly affecting millions of people worldwide. Rising temperatures, poor air quality, and disrupted ecosystems are contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, and malnutrition. During UNGA, WHO will engage in a number of events and discussions focusing on pandemic preparedness and response, even as Member States continue their negotiations for a new convention, agreement or international instrument or accord. URL: https://www.who.int/news/item/19-09-2024-who-at-unga-call-for-urgent--high-level-action-to-address-global-scourge-of-antimicrobial-resistance 
国际民主日：让人工智能成为促进良好治理的工具 2024-10-04 9月15日是国际民主日。今年的主题重点关注人工智能作为促进良好治理工具的重要性。秘书长古特雷斯指出，人工智能具有推动公众参与、促进平等、增强安全和助力人类发展的潜能。然而，如果“不加以控制”，则可能产生很大的风险，“可能对民主、和平和稳定产生严重影响”。 古特雷斯在为国际民主日发表的致辞中表示，国际民主日为大力强调必须维护言论自由、公民自由和法治、确保机构责任到位以及保护和促进人权提供了机会。这在今年尤为关键，因为今年有50多个国家举行选举，它们的人口占全球人口的一半。然而，古特雷斯指出，这些权利和价值观在世界各地受到打击。自由正在被侵蚀，公民空间正在缩小，两极分化正在加剧，而不信任正在增加。 人工智能与治理古特雷斯表示，人工智能构成的危险如果不加以控制，可能对民主、和平和稳定产生严重影响。“这可能始于错误和虚假信息的扩散、仇恨言论的传播和所谓的‘深度伪造’的利用。“与此同时，他指出，人工智能具有促进和加强充分和积极的公众参与、平等、安全和人类发展的潜能。它可以促进民主进程方面的教育，塑造更具包容性的公民空间，使人们在决策中有发言权，并可使决策者承担责任。 有效治理人工智能古特雷斯指出，为了抓住这些机会，必须确保在国际等各个层面有效治理人工智能。具有包容性和地域多样性的秘书长人工智能高级别咨询机构已发布一份报告，就如何利用人工智能的惠益、同时降低风险提出了建议。所发出的信息明确清晰：人工智能必须公平、安全地服务于人类。本月联合国将举行的未来峰会为加强国际合作、建立信任、保护今世后代提供了一个重要机会。 女性的政治参与率仍然较低根据联合国妇女署的数据，今年，全球至少有63个国家将举行总统和议会选举，将有16亿人参加投票。目前，有107 个国家从未有过女性国家元首；女性在国家议会中仅占27%的席位。截至 今年 1 月，只有 7 个国家的妇女政治参与率介于 40% 至 49.9%之间，它们是奥地利、白俄罗斯、比利时、莫桑比克、纳米比亚、北马其顿和南非，而 6 个国家的政治参与率为 仅5% 至 8%，这包括伊朗、基里巴斯、马尔代夫、帕劳、所罗门群岛和图瓦卢。 URL: https://news.un.org/zh/story/2024/09/1131421 
聚焦未来：科技创新与数字合作——应对AI威胁，弥合数字鸿沟的竞赛 2024-10-04 人工智能技术的迅猛发展正改变着我们的生活，同时也带来了对监管的迫切需求。随着越来越多的领导人意识到AI潜在的风险，全球急需建立有效的监管机制，以确保AI在安全发展的同时，真正造福全人类。上半年，在日内瓦的一场会议中，观众们的目光被屏幕上的一幕深深打动了。屏幕中出现了一名25岁患有“闭锁综合征”的葡萄牙男子，这种可怕的神经系统疾病让他完全失去了对身体的控制，患病两年后，他甚至无法活动或说话。然而，借助一个数字化的AI工具，他的大脑能够直接将想法转化为文字，用自己的声音与观众进行交流。这一幕令在场的许多人为之动容，甚至有人潸然泪下。联合国数字技术机构国际电信联盟的战略负责人弗雷德·维尔纳感慨道：“AI确实在拯救生命。”维尔纳补充说，联合国从未忽视AI的积极作用。“在联合国系统内，已有超过400种AI应用广泛用于自然灾害管理、人权监测等与可持续发展相关的领域。”尽管AI展示了其在日内瓦对生活的积极影响，维尔纳也承认，AI发展带来的风险不容小觑。“AI发展如此迅速，我们没有时间可以浪费。我们该如何应对深度伪造和虚假信息？我们必须携手制定国际AI标准。”在今年9月的联合国未来峰会上，联合国会员国将通过一项《全球数字契约》，警示AI被恶意利用可能带来的严重后果，这些后果可能会激化国内外的分裂，增加不安全感，侵犯人权，加剧不平等。这一契约旨在为互联网构建更高的信任度，提供给人们对数据使用的更多选择权，并明确对歧视性和误导性内容的问责机制。这标志着联合国在推动国际AI监管方面又迈出了重要一步。2021年，联合国教科文组织的193个会员国通过了首个以人为本的AI全球协议——《AI伦理建议》，为各国政府制定AI法律和战略提供了指导方针，力求保护人权和自由。两年后，联合国秘书长安东尼奥·古特雷斯召集了来自公共和私营部门的顶尖科技人才，成立了AI咨询机构。该机构的38名成员在报告中指出，AI“迫切需要治理制度，不仅要应对挑战和风险，还要确保其潜力能够惠及所有人，不让任何人掉队。”这也促成了《全球数字契约》的制定，契约涵盖了一系列承诺和行动。其中之一是解决“数字鸿沟”：全球仍有26亿人无法上网，这使他们无法享受数字工具带来的机遇。契约呼吁在联合国支持的千兆倡议基础上，为所有学校和医院接入网络，并开展数字素养培训。同时，将成立AI国际科学小组，并在每年举行AI治理全球对话，目标是在2030年前制定出有利于全人类的全球AI标准。 聚焦未来在这个日益不确定的世界中，如何保护平民？如何缩小贫富差距，确保我们留给子孙后代的世界比今天更加美好？《聚焦未来》将深入探讨这些关键问题，并解读今年9月联合国未来峰会将如何应对这些挑战。 URL: https://news.un.org/zh/story/2024/09/1131351 
Global assessment underway seeks solutions to environmental crisis 2024-10-04 About 250 environmental scientists are gathering this week in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss an advanced draft of the latest Global Environment Outlook, a landmark report expected to showcase solutions to some of the planet’s most-pressing environmental challenges. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has issued a call to enlist reviewers from around the world, and ensure the report presents robust science and peer-reviewed evidence and data. This will be the seventh edition of the report, known as GEO-7, since 1995. The series has become a go-to scientific resource for policymakers, providing them with peer-reviewed data and evidence-based analysis on everything from pollution to climate change. GEO-7 is produced by hundreds of experts from around the world under the stewardship of UNEP. The United Nations Environment Assembly, the world’s top decision-making body on the environment, requested the latest edition in 2022. Expected to be published in December 2025, it will be the first report in the series to focus on solutions to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Its long-term goal is to help humanity live more sustainably. Putting together such a wide-ranging report is an immense undertaking and the GEO-7 drafting process has not been without its fair share of challenges. One has been enlisting the expertise of reviewers from around the globe. We recently sat down with Nyovani Madise, the GEO-7 co-chair and a director at the African Institute for Development Policy, to discuss the importance of GEO-7 and the vital role that reviewers play in the drafting process. What is the Global Environment Outlook and why is it important? Nyovani Madise (NM): This is a truly global assessment of the state of the environment. It takes stock of where we are now and how the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste are impacting our lives, our livelihoods and the world’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. When we look at where things are, especially with respect to the triple planetary crisis, we are not where we should be. And more worryingly, we are not moving in the right direction if we want to live in peace with nature. How will GEO-7 help countries be more sustainable? NM: GEO-7 will be a solution-focused report. It will say to governments and policymakers: here are the range of options that you can adopt to achieve agreed targets as well as socio-economic goals. Yes, we need more energy. Yes, we need more development. Yes, we need more natural resources. But here are ways we can provide all those more efficiently and more sustainably, and not at the expense of nature and not by continuing business as usual, which is how we got ourselves into this mess. Hundreds of scientists and experts have gathered in Nairobi this week. What are they doing? And can you give us a peek into the report drafting process? NM: What is taking place in Nairobi is the third writers’ workshop where they are working not only on their respective chapters but also working together. They are discussing and responding to the comments and questions from a first set of reviewers. The same way that the environmental crises facing us are interdependent, the report will be made up of chapters that are interconnected, so that the solutions the report proposes will be holistic. What has been the biggest challenge so far in putting together the GEO-7 report? NM: It takes time and a great deal of effort to bring together this team of more than 250 scientists and experts to author one document that is innovative and solutions-oriented. Another big challenge has been the availability of new and fresh empirical research. We are using existing models that need to be updated. The Global Environment Outlook is traditionally peer-reviewed by experts from across the globe. Where does that process stand? NM: Right now, we need more expert reviewers from around the world that can ask: “Is this document scientifically sound? Does this resonate with me given what I know about this subject?” The more diverse the pool of reviewers, the better the report will be. Are there groups of reviewers you need more of? NM: I would like to encourage scientists, especially women and those who are in universities and think tanks in the Global South, to heed our call for reviewers and participate. As the co-chair of GEO-7 and as a scientist, the reason why I accepted to be part of this process is because I wanted to know that there is representation from my part of the world. Why is it important to have expert feedback from around the globe? NM: The document is advocating for specific solutions and the reviewers will tell us if the solutions being proposed will work in their specific contexts. That evidence is important because we can incorporate it into the final report. If we are going to encourage policymakers to adopt a set of solutions, they need the assurance that the science is robust and peer-reviewed. The Global Environment Outlook is UNEP's flagship report. It is an integrated assessment that looks at environmental themes holistically, examines the effectiveness of policy responses to date and provides an outlook for the medium to longer term. The next round of expert reviews for the report’s seventh edition will take place from November 2024 to January 2025. It will be the last chance for reviewers to offer their insights ahead of the report’s publication. Those interested in participating in the review process should apply through this website by 15 October. URL: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/global-assessment-underway-seeks-solutions-environmental-crisis 
2024 "Focusing on Forest, Exploring Mount Wuyi" Youth Forest Nature Education Activity was successfully held in the Wuyishan National Park 2024-10-02 To promote the implementation of the 300 million Youth Forest Research and Education activities, and improve their understanding of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. 23 August 2024 On the morning of 16th August, the launching ceremony was held at the south entrance of Wuyishan National Park. Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and UNESCO Representative to China, DPRK, Japan Mongolia, and ROK, attended the launching ceremony and delivered a speech. He said that UNESCO is committed to promoting international cooperation in education, science, and culture among member states, and to forest protection through the Man and Biosphere Reserve Program. By carrying out nature education activities for young people in forests, we aim to enable them to understand the importance of forest conservation through immersive field visits and indoor courses, acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become effective forest ambassadors, and establish connections and collaborations, gradually involving young people in practical actions to promote science, enhance scientific awareness, and pursue sustainable development. At the launching ceremony, the relevant officials of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Wuyishan National Park Administration, the Green Camp, as well as students' parents and student representatives made speeches respectively. Wuyishan National Park is one of the first five national parks and the only national park that is not only a World Biosphere Reserve but also a mixed World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. This national park boasts stunning landscapes of Danxia landforms and the most complete, typical, and largest subtropical forest ecosystem in the same latitude zone as Earth. It is a gene bank for rare and unique wildlife and plants and is known as the "paradise of birds," "kingdom of snakes," "world of insects," and "key to studying Asian amphibians and reptiles. The good ecological environment, long history and culture, and rich species diversity make Wuyishan National Park the most beautiful classroom and the ideal place to carry out the youth forest nature education activities.Wuyishan National Park is one of the first five national parks and the only national park that is not only a World Biosphere Reserve but also a mixed World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. This national park boasts stunning landscapes of Danxia landforms and the most complete, typical, and largest subtropical forest ecosystem in the same latitude zone as Earth. It is a gene bank for rare and unique wildlife and plants and is known as the "paradise of birds," "kingdom of snakes," "world of insects," and "key to studying Asian amphibians and reptiles. The good ecological environment, long history and culture, and rich species diversity make Wuyishan National Park the most beautiful classroom and the ideal place to carry out the youth forest nature education activities.During the activity, under the guidance of the nature education tutors, the students inspected the representative Danxia landform landscape scroll of Mount Wuyi along the way, climbed the Xianfeng Ridge watchtower, looked down on the spectacular geological fracture zone of the Wuyi Grand Canyon, visited the National Park Propaganda Hall, learned about the biodiversity of Wuyishan National Park. During field nature observation, nature tutors vividly introduced to the students the arduous and lengthy process of cicadas transforming into adults in a sit-up posture; The students tasted the flavors of tea, Houttuynia cordata, Baijiang Grass and Drinking Grass, touched the fuzz of loquat leaves and purple pearls, and the rich diversity of plant species and their unique characteristics aroused many students' curiosity and exploration. From deciphering insects to interesting stories about plants, the nature education tutors' brilliant answers have greatly benefited the students. The encounters and visits of Tibetan macaques, as well as different types of birds and insects, have excited the students. In Taoyuan Valley, students embark on a journey to explore the secrets of nature with the Nine Palace Grid Nature Notes task assigned by their mentor, Professor Li Zhenji. “Teacher, I found two oval-shaped golden turtles, their color is as beautiful as jade! ", " We only walked a short distance and found many 'little cuties'. Nature is really interesting”, exclaimed the “Egret” student from Yichang City, exclaiming in amazement. Arriving at Dazhulan, the birthplace of the world's biological type specimen, students encountered different types of insects and were deeply impressed. They expressed their desire to record them in their nature notes. What I recorded is the Wangshi silk moth discovered in Dazhulan. This is the first time I have seen such a large moth with such beautiful wing patterns. The bean lily that I recorded was also discovered in Dazhulan. After crawling over its skin, it becomes red, swollen, and blistered. When encountering it in the wild, special attention should be paid, "shared" Peach "from Beijing and" Clear Dew "from Kunming. A student named "Bamboo" from Beijing said, "What I recorded is the bamboo sea of Dazhulan, because I really like bamboo. They are upright and symbolize the integrity of iron bones, and are deeply loved by ancient literati. This is also the reason why I chose 'Bamboo' as my natural name. In the outdoor experience class of bamboo raft drifting in Jiuqu River, the cultural heritage of "military fish", "white striped fish", and "jade spotted snake" in the stream, as well as cliff carvings and hanging coffins along the river, left a deep impression on students. However, the most eye-catching thing was the white egret parked by the stream. I saw the process of the egret catching fish! ". They flew too fast, I only captured their backs. ". " The still water and flat pool were lonely and leisurely, fishing alone in the streams and fields with graceful movements. The visitors were lonely, afraid of startling the immortals on the river. "A student named" Cold Abyss " from Beijing even wrote a short poem for the egret. During the five-day education activity, the students' understanding of Wuyishan National Park's biodiversity, Wuyi tea culture, Danxia landform, spectacular geological fault zone, and smart management of national parks was enhanced. They not only learned ecological knowledge, and planted seeds of green hope, but also further established their awareness of respecting and loving nature in the "dialogue" with nature.The final stage of the event is the closing ceremony. Prof. Mu Jianxin, Senior Consultant of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Ms. Zhou Yi, Project Assistant of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, as well as Mr. Huang Hai, Deputy Director of the Forestry Information Center of Fujian Forestry Administration, and Mr. Xiao Fangyi, official of the Wuyishan National Park Administration, attended the closing ceremony and presented completion certificates to the students. Prof. Mu Jianxin said at the closing ceremony that our green journey does not end here, it is just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable living. She urged the students to share the knowledge and experience gained from this study and their passion for forests with others when they return to schools and communities, to inspire a new generation of forest guardians, protect our natural heritage, and benefit everyone.This is the second activity conducted in Wuyishan National Park after the first Youth Forest Nature Education Activity last October. The event was jointly hosted by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the Fujian Forestry Administration, organized by the Fujian Forestry Society and the Green Camp, co-organized by the Wuyishan National Park Administration and Wuyishan Culture and Tourism Group Co., Ltd., and funded by the China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund Fund-in-Trust. It was guided by the Office of the Executive Committee of National Forest Activities and the Propaganda Center of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and has positive significance for promoting young people to practice the concept of "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets" and jointly promote the building of ecological civilization. Read more: UNESCO “Accelerating Carbon Neutrality: Innovative Actions for Sustainable Development” Project Launched in 2022 with financial support from China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund, this project seeks to promote the practical actions of ecological civilization and build a sustainable future for all through innovative actions. Yearly, the project empowers stakeholders, particularly youth, with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to contribute to climate change mitigation, carbon footprint reduction, ecological protection and biodiversity conservation. URL: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/2024-focusing-forest-exploring-mount-wuyi-youth-forest-nature-education-activity-was-successfully?hub=701 
联合国秘书长古特雷斯：教育是所有国家所能做出的最重要的投资 2024-08-08 古特雷斯秘书长星期四在纽约总部举行的有关推动教育变革的特别活动上发表讲话指出，教育是所有国家所能做出的最重要的投资，是对人民的投资，也是对未来的投资。 他表示，教育不仅关乎知识和技能，也关乎未来，关乎儿童、青年、经济和地球的未来。严峻现实古特雷斯指出，到 2030 年，可能仍有约 8400 万儿童失学；在撒哈拉以南非洲地区，约 70% 的儿童在 10 岁之前无法阅读基础课文。与此同时，全世界每 10 人中就有 4 人所在国家的政府用于偿还债务的支出超过教育或卫生支出。 结束全球教育危机古特雷斯表示，世界各国领导人需采取行动，必须达到并尽可能超过将国内收入的 15%和国内生产总值的 4%用于教育的国际基准。捐助方必须增加教育发展支出，国际货币基金组织和其他多边开发银行应保护受债务困扰国家的教育支出。他指出，每个儿童和青年都应该接受教育，必须缩小受教育机会的差距。古特雷斯表示，全球教师短缺人数达 4400 万。成百上千万教师缺乏他们所需的支持、工具和持续培训。 这些工作在教育第一线的男女教师必须得到应有的支持。他同时表示，教育系统内部也许进行一场革命。应当培养所有年龄段学生的发展和好奇心，结束对考试和死记硬背的过度依赖，重点关注批判性思维和解决问题的技能，以及绿色和数字技术方面的技能。 将教育置于核心位置古特雷斯呼吁将教育放在全球议程的核心位置，包括今年 9 月即将召开的未来峰会，为每个国家制定解决方案和投资途径，发展真正的学习型社会，为每个人，无论老幼，实现一生的梦想、抱负和才能提供支持。 URL: https://news.un.org/zh/story/2024/07/1129866 
人权高专：土著人民仍然无法充分享受其应有人权 2024-08-08 联合国人权事务高级专员蒂尔克星期一表示，土著人民仍然无法充分享受其人权，包括发展权。他们祖先的土地、领地和资源被剥夺或军事化。土著人民和其他以土地和环境为生的人面临着生态系统濒临灭绝、枯竭的现实。 蒂尔克在于日内瓦举行的土著人民权利专家机制第十七届会议上发表讲话时同时指出，为捍卫自己权利挺身而出大声疾呼的土著人民也继续面临威胁。 维权受到打击联合国人权高专办汇编的数据显示，2023 年至少有 42 名土著人权维护者在 11 个国家被杀害，其中大多数人是因为维护他们的环境、土地、领土和资源而被杀害。与此同时，这些维权人士继续因为与联合国接触而面临恐吓和报复。蒂尔克表示，这是不可接受的，必须停止。他指出，需要对法律、政策和程序进行全面改革，重新思考如何承认土著人民并将其纳入国家结构，与所有其他人民一道，按照共同商定的公正条件，克服历史遗留的不公正。他强调，土著人民所承受的问责缺失，包括对他们所遭受的环境损害的问责缺失，也必须受到关注。他呼吁在充分尊重土著人民的习俗、传统和法律制度的情况下，确保土著人民的个人和集体权利受到侵犯时，包括受到企业侵犯时，能够获得补救。他敦促各国为土著人权维护者建立保护机制，并确保在有人试图压制他们的声音时全面追究责任。 URL: https://news.un.org/zh/story/2024/07/1129796