United Nations in Egypt

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Egypt:

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06 February 2025

Sustainable Development Goals in the Spotlight as UN Egypt makes debut participation at the Cairo International Book Fair

For the first time, the UN Egypt family participated in the Cairo International Book Fair, one of the most significant and influential book fairs in the Middle East.Throughout the event, the UN in Egypt's booth welcomed visitors of all age groups, offering them a chance to explore a selection of key UN and international publications and reports available at the UN Information Center in Cairo’s library—one of the oldest and most prominent libraries of its kind in the region.The UN Egypt booth also provided visitors with a diverse range of printed publications, digital materials, and videos aimed at raising awareness and sharing success stories, all highlighting the UN’s impactful contributions and its partnership with the Egyptian government to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).These resources reflect the collective efforts of various UN agencies in Egypt, including UNICEF, FAO, UNHCR, WFP, ILO, IOM, UNFPA, OCHA, UN-Habitat, UNV, UN Women, and UNRWA.Moreover, UN Egypt booth curators and communication officials engaged in insightful, SDG-focused discussions with the visitors, along with other interactive awareness raising activities designed for visiting children. Additionally, young people had the opportunity to learn about UN volunteering opportunities and the application process., filtered_html

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10 November 2024

WUF12: Egypt’s National Initiative for Smart Green Projects highlighted as model for localizing climate action and promoting sustainable urbanization

As part of the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, a high-level session highlighted Egypt’s National Initiative for Smart Green Projects (Egypt SGP) as a leading model for localizing climate action and promoting sustainable urban development through local solutions and innovations.The session was moderated by Ambassador Hisham Badr, the National Coordinator of the initiative, and attended by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation; Michal Mlynár, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat; Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; and Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt. Speakers at the session emphasized the need to scale up successful projects like the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects to achieve a broader global impact, with Minister Mashat emphasizing the significance of multi-sector collaboration to ensure that sustainable solutions are scalable and aligned with global climate goals.Mr. Mlynár commended Egypt SGP as reflecting Egypt’s commitment to localizing climate action and promoting sustainable urban development, noting that the initiative provides local solutions “and we need local solutions.” Ms. Panova congratulated the Government of Egypt for the Egypt SGP, adding that highlighting the initiative at WUF means it can be a model for other countries. She also noted that the UN wide-ranging support to the initiative throughout its three phases. Addressing attending representatives of the winning projects in the initiative, Panova said, “your commitment, your expertise, and your vision shows us how much knowledge, innovation, and passion exists here in Egypt that can be tapped to help address the challenges of climate change.”For his part, Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, underscored the broader importance of SGP Egypt, stating, "By partnering with SGP Egypt, we are not only driving local climate action but also setting a model for the rest of the world."“By highlighting the achievements of SGP Egypt’s winners, we aim to inspire other countries and regions to adopt a similar model—one that empowers local communities, fosters innovation, and ensures broad participation in the global effort to combat climate change,” said Amb. Hisham Badr, National Coordinator of SGP Egypt. The 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the Government of Egypt in Cairo, is focusing on transformative solutions for sustainable urban development. This year’s forum is especially significant as it returns to Africa, with Cairo, a city grappling with both rapid urbanization and climate challenges, providing the backdrop. A key feature of the forum is Egypt’s National Initiative for Smart Green Projects (SGP Egypt), which incorporates green solutions such as sustainable urban design, low-carbon transportation, and energy-efficient buildings into urban planning. The initiative also prioritizes empowering women and youth, acknowledging their vital role in advancing climate action. SGP Egypt is showcased as a global model for climate action, illustrating the effectiveness of local partnerships in addressing urban sustainability issues. The initiative has already supported innovative projects across all 27 of Egypt’s governorates, tackling challenges such as renewable energy, waste management, and low-carbon transportation. These solutions, while tailored to local contexts, are scalable and can serve as inspiration for cities worldwide. The initiative’s success in engaging youth is particularly noteworthy, with many youth-led projects focusing on climate solutions and it offers a global model for addressing climate change through collaborative, local, and innovative solutions., filtered_html

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05 March 2024

"Voices of Impact" podcast opening episode features UN Egypt Resident Coordinator

The United Nations Information Centre in Cairo announced the launch of its new podcast, "Voices of Impact: UN in Egypt", with the UN in Egypt Resident Coordinator, Elena Panoa, being its first guest. This flagship podcast is set to shed light on the significant work carried out by the United Nations in Egypt, marking an important milestone in the enduring and successful partnership between the United Nations and Egypt, as a founding member of the international organization.“Voices of Impact: UN in Egypt" serves as an inspiring platform to explore and highlight the impactful initiatives, programs, and collaborations led by the United Nations within the Egyptian context. Through engaging discussions, interviews, and narratives, the podcast aims to showcase the multifaceted efforts undertaken to address pressing global challenges while fostering development, sustainability, and peace in Egypt and beyond.A wide array of perspectives will be presented, including UN officials, governmental and non-governmental organization representatives, experts, influencers, beneficiaries, and community leaders. The podcast will provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of the United Nations' invaluable contributions to Egypt's development journey and its commitment to leaving no one behind.As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, the podcast will underscore the significance of multilateralism and international cooperation in tackling global issues effectively, by highlighting success stories, innovations, and collaborative partnerships. "Voices of Impact: UN in Egypt" aims to inspire individuals, communities, and stakeholders to actively contribute to positive change and sustainable development efforts. , filtered_html

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29 May 2025

Standing Between Conflict and Hope: Time to Equip UN Peacekeepers for Tomorrow's Challenges

Joint Op-ed by Ambassador Khaled El Bakly, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs for Multilateral & International Security Affairs Elena Panova, UN Egypt Resident Coordinator As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the legacy of UN peacekeeping stands as one of the clearest and most enduring expressions of multilateral cooperation. For nearly eight decades, the service and sacrifice of Blue Helmets have saved and changed lives—helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.From Cyprus to Lebanon, and from the Central African Republic to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 76,000 civilian, military, and police personnel currently serve in 11 missions around the world. These men and women offer a lifeline to millions living in some of the world’s most fragile political and security environments.In light of these growing pressures, it is essential to rethink the role of peacekeeping within the broader international peace and security architecture. As President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has rightly asserted “peacekeeping—while a vital tool of the international community—should not be viewed as the sole means of maintaining peace”. H.E further emphasized that “it cannot substitute preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding, or the political, economic, and social measures necessary to address root causes and mend societal fractures”, underscoring that “peacekeeping must not become the default or immediate response to every crisis”.This year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed under the theme “The Future of Peacekeeping”—a theme that could not be more timely or relevant. Peacekeeping today faces mounting and unprecedented challenges. Conflicts are growing longer, deadlier, and more complex. They increasingly spill across borders and are exacerbated by terrorism, organized crime, cyber warfare, disinformation, and the weaponization of technology. Climate change, meanwhile, deepens instability in already-vulnerable regions. And divergent views within the UN Security Council have made consensus more elusive — slowing the pace of action, precisely when urgency is most needed.As UN Secretary-General António Guterres bluntly put it: “Trust is in short supply among—and within—countries and regions… This is a grim diagnosis, but we must face facts.” Among the most urgent issues is the growing and persistent mismatch between what peacekeeping missions are asked to achieve and the resources that are not available to do so. This undermines effectiveness and places peacekeepers in situations “where there is little or no peace to keep”.The Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future, offers a moment of reckoning—and opportunity. It affirms that peace operations can only succeed when backed by political will and accompanied by inclusive strategies that address the root causes of conflict. It rightly emphasizes the need for peacekeeping missions to be supported by predictable, adequate, and sustained financing.The Pact also mandates a comprehensive review of UN peace operations—a chance to rethink and reform the peacekeeping model. Today’s high-risk environments demand that missions be equipped with the right tools, partnerships, and strategies to protect civilians and support peacebuilding effectively.Egypt, through its 65 years of active participation in United Nations peacekeeping has long demonstrated a strong, sustained and unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Since it first deployed troops to the UN Operation in the Congo in 1960, Egypt has contributed over 30,000 of its sons and daughters to 37 missions across 24 countries and has consistently remained one of the top contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping. Egypt currently has 1205 peacekeepers, including women, serving across five missions in AfricaEgypt’s longstanding record of service and sacrifice in peacekeeping is globally recognized. This is reflected in its re-election as Rapporteur of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, its recent election to the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and its appointment as co-facilitator for the upcoming 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review in both the General Assembly and the Security Council.Egypt’s leadership in peacekeeping is not limited to troop contributions. It plays an active role in shaping strategic thinking around reform. Through the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA)—an African Union Center of Excellence. Egypt has championed context-sensitive, innovative, and inclusive peace operations. The CCCPA emphasizes prevention, civilian protection, and regional partnerships while strengthening the participation of women in peacekeeping, in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Through the CCCPA annual Aswan Forum, Egypt further promotes African-led solutions and stronger peacekeeping–peacebuilding synergies. This work, carried out in close cooperation with the UN in Egypt, is a prime example of effective South-South cooperation and the value of locally driven solutions. Egypt also actively contributes to training African and international uniformed peacekeepers through specialized facilities operated by the Ministry of Interior via the Egyptian Center for Peacekeeping Operations, and by the Ministry of Defense through its Liaison Agency with International Organizations (LAWIO).Egypt is also a staunch supporter of the UN Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative. In 2018, Egypt convened a landmark high-level international conference aimed at improving peacekeeping effectiveness. The event led to the “Cairo Roadmap for Peacekeeping Operations,” a concrete framework of shared commitments that was later endorsed by the African Union in 2020. This year, as we remember the 4,430 peacekeepers who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace, we must go beyond commemoration by upholding the principles for which they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Over 60 Egyptian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives while serving as part of UN operations across the globe. Their sacrifice is a sobering reminder of the growing risks peacekeepers face, and our collective duty to ensure they are provided with the necessary means to fulfill their mandates.At the recently concluded 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin this May, Egypt reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing UN peacekeeping through planned deployments, the preparation of well-trained officers, and expanded training efforts. It pledged to provide specialized capabilities, deploy qualified personnel to UN missions, and enhance training in coordination with international partners. Egypt also highlighted the importance of integrating technology, drawing on lessons from regional transitions, and promoting gender parity—underscoring its intention to surpass the UN’s targets for women's participation in uniformed roles.As the United Nations continues to face significant challenges and in the context of a region affected by multiple conflicts, Egypt has stood firm as a staunch and reliable partner to global peace and security. Furthermore, Egypt has expressed its readiness to provide all necessary support for the UN80 initiative this year in order to help make it a success to achieve effectiveness and rationalization to help meet the acute financial challenges faced by the United Nations and peacekeeping. In that regard, Egypt’s readiness and preparedness to host United Nations’ agencies, programs and offices that might be up for relocation as per the UN80 initiative is to be highly commended. Egypt’s strategic location—at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—positions it as a natural hub for connectivity and cooperation. Its central time zone and proximity to key regions make it an ideal and cost-effective location, reducing travel time and facilitating seamless coordination. With direct access to both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal - a vital artery of global trade - Egypt offers unmatched maritime connectivity. It’s highly connected international airports and geographical proximity to conflict zones further enhances its relevance as a center for diplomacy, crisis response and peacekeeping efforts.Egypt’s vast experience with peacekeeping and related provision of humanitarian assistance are certainly also worth highlighting as advantageous. As host to multiple international and regional organizations and offices including the seat of the League of Arab States and with over 140 represented embassies in Cairo, Egypt remains a geo-political hub with an already strong United Nations’ presence, a modern infrastructure, and well-recognized levels of safety. As the Secretary-General has said: “Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations—and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.” Peacekeeping missions are under strain. However, with renewed multilateral resolve, adequate resourcing, and bold reforms, we can empower UN peacekeepers to remain a vital force for peace, stability, and hope in a troubled world, and Egypt, in cooperation with the United Nations remains at the forefront of nations providing such support. , filtered_html

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23 May 2025

Reimagining Development in a Complex World: UN Egypt retreat mulls new strategies and partnerships to advance national priorities and the SDGs

Cairo - Against the backdrop of rapidly changing global and regional landscape—marked by socio-economic uncertainty and a redefined approach to financing for development—representatives from across the United Nations system in Egypt convened for their annual UN Country Team (UNCT) retreat. The gathering served as a critical moment for reflection and renewed commitment to advancing national priorities and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the course of two days, participants engaged in a series of strategic discussions focused on the changing global and regional socio-economic, political, and security landscape and its implications for UN operations in Egypt. The sessions offered an opportunity to reassess current approaches and explore new strategies for delivering on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)—the central instrument guiding the UN’s development work in Egypt – and supporting Egypt to progress further on the human rights agenda. Taking place only weeks ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), in Sevilla, Spain, the sessions included a high-level intervention, by Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, who spoke about the global shifts and emerging trends in the development financing landscape and their impact on Egypt’s sustainable development trajectory. While acknowledging existing challenges for Egypt that require a new comprehensive approach for development, Mohieldin also highlighted key advantages for the country when it comes to localization, digitalization and data, along with the potential to benefit from the demographic dividend, encouraging all stakeholders to invest more in human capital as well as in digital infrastructure, in partnership with the private sector. The discussions also underscored the UN’s role in supporting the implementation of Egypt’s Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), a key tool for mobilizing and aligning resources with national priorities. Deepening engagement with top UNSDCF partners was also on top of the meeting’s agenda, with a high-level discussion including the Ambassadors of Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Canada, along with EU Head of Development Cooperation and USAID Country Director for Egypt – weighing on the repercussions of the announced Official Development Assistance (ODA) cuts and shifting partner’s priorities globally and in Egypt. The session further reflected on the evolving development cooperation landscape and discussed ways to enhance collective impact. Furthermore, the retreat featured a high-level exchange with H.E. Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek, Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who shared valuable insights into Egypt’s global engagement priorities and opportunities for strengthened collaboration with the UN system, including on the UN80 initiative.The UN Country Team also took time to reflect internally on how to adapt its coordination and partnership strategies in response to these shifting dynamics. This included a review of UN positioning on key country transitions that highlighted the need to put youth at the center of UN programming and advocated for expanded dialogue with the private sector. Throughout the retreat, the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) played a central role in facilitating strategic dialogue and coordination, highlighting the RC system’s ability to convene diverse actors and improve the effectiveness of the UN’s country-level work.“The challenges are immense, but only with our collective ability to lead and come together around key national priorities can we deliver for the people we serve. We will continue to mobilize the UN system and leverage our convening power and work hand in hand with our development partners to support the government of Egypt in its journey to deliver for its people. Our commitment remains clear: to ensure that no one is left behind,” said the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova. , filtered_html

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25 March 2025

Funding cuts threaten the lives of Sudanese refugees in Egypt

The global humanitarian funding crisis has forced UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to suspend key life-saving support to refugees in Egypt, leaving tens of thousands of people – including many who fled the war in Sudan – without access to vital medical treatment, child protection services and other forms of aid.The lack of available funds and deep uncertainty over the level of donor contributions this year has forced UNHCR to suspend all medical treatment for refugees in Egypt except emergency life-saving procedures, affecting around 20,000 patients. The suspensions include cancer surgery, chemotherapy, heart surgery and medication for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.Among the worst affected will be refugees from Sudan who fled to Egypt following the outbreak of a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. Egypt has welcomed over 1.5 million Sudanese escaping what is now the world’s worst humanitarian crisis – more than any other country – including some 670,000 registered with UNHCR. Overall, more than 12.5 million Sudanese have been forced from their homes, including over 3.7 million refugees who fled to other countries.‘Many will die’One of those now fearing for their future because of the cuts is 54-year-old Abdelazim Mohamed, who fled Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, with his wife during the first months of the war, in part because treatment for his serious and long-standing heart condition became impossible to find.“When life became unbearable back home, especially because there were no health facilities operating and finding medicine was very difficult, I felt that staying in Sudan with my condition would be suicide,” he said.UNHCR Public Health Officer Jakob Arhem, based in Cairo, explained that in addition to escaping conflict and violence, access to health care was a key factor for many Sudanese refugees who have arrived in Egypt. “The Sudanese health system was one of the first things that collapsed after the onset of fighting, and many of the families who fled did so with sick members who could no longer find treatment in Sudan,” he said. However, while refugees have been granted access to Egypt’s national health system, very few can afford the fees that come with it, Arhem added.“UNHCR set up programmes that make certain health services available to refugees that they otherwise would not afford,” he explained. “The consequences for people who will no longer get our support are hard to measure, [but] many of them will not be able to find the means to pay for health care themselves and they will get sicker, weaker and many will die.“To shut down activities that you know are life-saving is very hard, and the very opposite of what anyone wants to do who has chosen to work as a humanitarian.”‘I don’t know if I’ll make it’After leaving their comfortable home and lives behind, Abdelazim and his wife now live in a small, rented apartment in the sprawling Faisal neighbourhood of Cairo, midway between downtown and the ancient pyramids of Giza.After registering with UNHCR in Cairo shortly after their arrival, Abdelazim was referred to the agency’s health partner and diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease. He had two successful procedures to place stents in his coronary arteries. “I was slowly dying, and I knew it, but after the interventions, I could finally see myself living healthily for as long as I am meant to.”But with UNHCR currently unable to provide the medication that keeps his underlying condition in check, he worries that his time is running out. “I fought so hard to survive, but now, I don’t know if I’ll make it. If I can’t afford my medicine, what happens to me? What happens to my wife if something happens to me?”Last year, UNHCR received less than 50 per cent of the $135 million it needed to help more than 939,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers from Sudan and 60 other countries now living in Egypt. But the drastic reduction in humanitarian funding since the start of this year has led to critical shortages, forcing UNHCR to make impossible choices over which life-saving programmes to suspend or maintain. At present, UNHCR is prioritizing critical life-saving activities and helping the most vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children and survivors of sexual violence and torture. Yet without an urgent increase in funding, even these programmes are under threat.UNHCR Child Protection Officer in Egypt, Farah Nassef, described one case involving a young Sudanese man who had arrived as an unaccompanied minor. He was receiving full-time care for his mental and physical disabilities, but the support was recently withdrawn due to the current funding situation.“Despite him having no family, no community support, it means that he will be left in an extremely dire and difficult situation,” Nassef said. “We see such cases day in and day out … You see people on some of the worst days of their lives, and often you cannot help them with everything they ask for, or the support you can provide is simply not enough.”UNHCR is calling on all donors – including governments, private companies and individuals – to urgently support refugees and displaced people around the world who are already suffering the devastating impact of reduced funding and support.“The needs of refugees fleeing Sudan are growing by the day, but funding is not keeping pace,” said Marti Romero, Deputy Representative at UNHCR Egypt. “Egypt is under immense strain, and essential services are being pushed to the limit. Without immediate international action, both refugees and host communities will face even greater hardship. We need urgent and sustained support to prevent this crisis from worsening.” Millions of refugees and displaced people worldwide risk losing access to life-saving aid due to brutal cuts in global humanitarian funding. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has the expertise, experience and determination to keep protecting people forced to flee, but we urgently need donors – individuals, businesses and governments – to step up. Please donate today to help us reach the most vulnerable. Lives depend on it.
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01 December 2024

UN Egypt Resident Coordinator Participates in Arab League Event Commemorating International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, participated in the Arab League's celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, organized by the General Secretariat of the Arab League. Panova delivered the UN Secretary-General's message on this occasion, in which he reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.In her speech, Panova conveyed the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who noted that this year’s commemoration is especially painful as the fundamental goals of dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people are as distant as they have ever been. The Secretary-General’s message, read by the UN's highest-ranking representative in Egypt, stated: “It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.” The Secretary-General also called for full support for life-saving humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people, specifically through the work of UNRWA, the agency that serves as an indispensable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (resolution 32/40 B). On that day, in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine (resolution 181 (II))In resolution 60/37 of 1 December 2005, the Assembly requested the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights, as part of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November, to continue to organize an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.The resolution on the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People also encourages Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of the Day of Solidarity., filtered_html

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Press Release

05 June 2025

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- VIDEO MESSAGE FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 5 June 2025

Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife. And as it breaks-down into smaller and smaller parts, it infiltrates every corner of Earth: from the top of Mount Everest, to the depths of the ocean; from human brains; to human breastmilk. Yet there is a movement for urgent change. We are seeing mounting public engagement… Steps towards reusability and greater accountability… And policies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management. But we must go further, faster. In two months, countries will come together to hammer-out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year. One that covers the life-cycle of plastic, through the perspective of circular economies… That responds to the needs of communities… That aligns with broader environmental goals, the sustainable development goals, and beyond… And that is implemented fast and in full. I urge negotiators to return to talks in August determined to build a common path through their differences and deliver the treaty our world needs. Together, let’s end the scourge of plastic pollution and build a better future for us all. Thank you., filtered_html

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Press Release

01 June 2025

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL -- REMARKS AT LEADERS’ ROUNDTABLE SESSION II: MAKING 2025 THE TIPPING POINT TO PRESERVE GLACIERS WITH 1.5C – CONSISTENT NDCs AT COP30

Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection, Mr. Bahodur Sheralizoda, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon and welcome to this distinguished group of delegated. It is especially important to see so many Ministers of Environment around the table, to which I belonged when I was Minister of Environment in Nigeria. It is great to see all of you here. This morning, we heard the devastating impact of global warming on glaciers and related eco-systems. We all agree that 2025 must be the tipping point - not towards their collapse - but towards preservation. We enter the second half of this decisive decade with a sobering truth: the world is not on track to meet the SDGs nor limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. I saw this first hand flying over the Fedchenko glaciers yesterday, and we also heard this play out with destructive force as a Glacier collapsed in the Swiss Alps last week. We are already seeing 1.2 degrees of warming—and with it, record-breaking heatwaves, rising seas, vanishing glaciers, and intensifying storms. The WMO last week projected a 70% chance that the average temperature across the next 5 years will be above 1.5 degrees Celcius. Glaciers, which sustain over two billion people with freshwater, are often among the first casualties of a heating planet. Their disappearance is not a distant threat – it is a lived reality for many today from around the world, as we heard this morning. And we know that every tenth of a degree matters. The difference between 1.5 and 2 degrees is the difference between preservation and irreversible loss of ecosystems, food systems, water security, and for some, national existence. Alarmingly, our mountain ecosystems are warming at twice the global average, triggering the fastest glacier retreat in recorded history. And yet, the global response remains deeply inadequate. Despite progress made under the landmark Paris Agreement – signed in hope and grounded in science – temperatures still continue to rise. The Paris Agreement still remains our North Star. It reflects a global consensus that we must limit global warming to well below 2 degrees—and we strive for 1.5. But whilst we must be honest about the current context – we must also see the opportunities. Around the world, we are seeing growing pushback against climate ambition: Calls to delay action in the name of economic growth. Fossil fuel interests distorting facts and sowing doubt. Political cycles undermining long-term commitments. In this environment, leadership is not the absence of resistance. It is the ability to act despite it. It is time to translate our climate promises into policy—and policy into progress. To preserve our glaciers and secure a livable future, I urge world leaders to prioritize three critical areas—each requiring not only technical solutions but sustained political will. First, the 2035 NDCs, as we just heard from the Chairman, are our most immediate lever to alter our trajectory. They must represent a radical upgrade in ambition and credibility. And so we are calling on all governments – particularly major emitters – to: Submit enhanced NDCs aligned with science-based pathways to 1.5 degrees. Integrate the guidance from the UAE consensus to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels Include transition roadmaps with policies that support workers and communities. And we hope to being able to seize the benefits of the clean energy transition. There is no alternative. The cost of inaction is incalculable. Second, finance is the foundation of climate action. Without it, ambition will not be achieved. We urge governments and financial institutions to: Fulfil the New climate finance goal agreed in Baku. Mobilize private capital in clean energy and adaptation and de-risking investment for development countries, will be essential. Support climate-vulnerable countries—particularly glacier-dependent nations—with grants and concessional finance. We also call for a reform of international financial institutions to make access faster, fairer, and more inclusive. No country should be denied protection from climate chaos because of lack of liquidity or credit rating. And third, preserving glaciers must move from the periphery to the core of global climate strategy. I urge to strengthen coordination on sciences, funding, and policy action for glaciers’ preservation. Investing in early warning systems, glacial monitoring, and local adaptation strategies in mountainous regions. Recognize of indigenous and community-led knowledge in shaping responses. The melting of glaciers is not only a symptom – it is a signal and if we fail to act, these warning signs will become tipping points. Excellencies, We understand the pressures leaders face. The path to 1.5 degrees is narrow. The politics are hard. But the science and economics are unequivocal – and the consequences of delay are intolerable. We must be clear-eyed: preserving glaciers is not a niche issue. It is central to global water security, disaster resilience, and planetary stability. It is also about equity, it is about intergenerational justice, and about defending the rights of the most vulnerable. Let us reject false choices between economic development and environmental protection. The technologies, the solutions, and the resources do exist. What is needed is the political will to deploy them—urgently and at scale. Let 2025 be remembered as the year the world turned the tide. Not with declarations alone, but with real decisions.
Not by defending the status quo, but by defining a new trajectory. I believe if we choose to act—with honesty, urgency, and solidarity—then even at this late hour, the story of glacier loss can still be a story of human resilience. The ice is melting. The window is closing.
But the future is still ours to shape. Thank you. *****Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-GeneralUnited Nations T: +1 212 963 7160New York, USA www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson X.com / Instagram / Whatsapp , filtered_html

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Press Release

29 May 2025

UN Headquarters Observes International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on 29 May

New York-The United Nations Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 29 May 2025. In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Since that time, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations around the world. Today, some 68,000 women and men serve as military, police and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel. Egypt is the 13th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 1,200 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and the Western Sahara. During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General, António Guterres, will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, at which Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year. Among the peacekeepers to be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal are two from Egypt: WO Abdelkawy Mohamed Abdelkawy Sourour who served with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO); and Mr. Moataz Ibrahim Abdelsalam Abdelhamid who served in a civilian capacity with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Secretary-General will also present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). This year’s theme for the Day is “the Future of Peacekeeping”. The theme emphasizes that the ‘Pact for the Future’ – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world, as expressed Member States’ pledges presented to fill capability gaps and help adapt UN peacekeeping to emerging challenges and new realities at the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin.
In his message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world... Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations -- and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.” “Today, we honour their service,” Mr. Guterres stated. ‘We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward.” “Our personnel are our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. “Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it’s needed most,” he added.The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. # # # Note to Editors: Schedule of Events at Headquarters on 29 May (all times EST):12:00 (Noon) - Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix will be the guest at the noon briefing. It will be webcast live at https://webtv.un.org/en14:45 - The Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honour of fallen peacekeepers at the Peacekeepers Memorial Site on the North Lawn. (If inclement weather, the ceremony will be held near the Chagall window in the Visitors’ Lobby). While UN Photo and UN TV will cover the ceremony, members of the UN press corps are invited. It will not be webcast live, but will be available on demand soon after the event: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1f/k1f11sh2qc 15:00 - The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, UN Woman Police Officer of the Year and UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year ceremonies will be held in the ECOSOC Council Chamber and transmitted live on UN Webcast: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1d/k1d4vtib13 All digital assets and additional information are available on a dedicated Trello board. For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Department of Global Communications: Douglas Coffman: coffmand@un.orgDepartment of Peace Operations: Sophie Boudre: boudre@un.org and Hector Calderon: hector.calderon@un.org , filtered_html

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Press Release

29 May 2025

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- VIDEO MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS 29 May 2025

Today, we honour their service. We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. More than 4,400 peacekeepers have died in service – 57 last year alone. We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward. The focus of this year’s International Day of Peacekeepers is on “the future of peacekeeping”. Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world: Growing polarization and division around the globe … Operations made even more dangerous from a multiplicity of threats such as terrorism… Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation… And challenges that transcend borders – from the climate crisis to transnational crime. As we look ahead, it is essential that peacekeepers have what they need to do their jobs. This is the shared responsibility of the United Nations and Member States. The Pact for the Future – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world. This challenge is also an opportunity: To analyse what makes peacekeeping operations successful… To better understand what hinders them… And to help design new future-focused models that are anchored in political solutions, adequately resourced, and have mandates that are achievable, with clear exit strategies. The first step – reviewing our peace operations – is underway. And together, we will keep pushing this vital effort forward. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations -- and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. ***, filtered_html

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