Together we can create a healthier future
Obesity is a global problem, 800 million of us are living with the disease, with millions more at risk. We know the roots of obesity run deep, and the only way we can make progress is by working together. This World Obesity Day (4 March) ‘Everybody Needs to Act’ to improve the world’s understanding, prevention, and treatment of obesity. WHO calls for action at the local, national, and global levels to support healthy diets and regular physical activity. Tackling the roots of obesity benefits everybody and will give us all the chance to lead happier, healthier, and longer lives.
UNEP combats pollution, restores ozone and protects seas – UN chief tells 50th anniversary session
3 March 2022 — For 50 years, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has offered the world a way forward “based on a vision for a better, healthier Earth built on the pillars of international...
Bachelet leads calls for ceasefire in Ukraine during urgent debate at UN rights council
3 March 2022 — Russia’s military attack on Ukraine has “opened a new and dangerous chapter in world history,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet told an urgent debate on...
Over one billion people at risk of hearing loss: WHO
2 March 2022 — Alerting that over one billion people aged 12 to 35, risking losing their hearing due to prolonged and excessive exposure to loud music and other high volume recreational noise, the...
UN Sustainable
Development Goals
17 Goals to transform our world
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries — poor, rich and middle-income — to promote prosperity while protecting the planet
Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals! On our student resources page you will find plenty of materials for young people and adults alike. Share with your family and friends to help achieve a better world for all.
Featured stories from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of
agencies, funds, and programmes.
Ukraine: Conflict compounds the vulnerabilities of women and girls as humanitarian needs spiral
In response to the Russian military offensive in Ukraine which began on 24 February, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are scaling up the delivery of life saving support to people affected by the conflict. Guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity and independence, UN staff are working on both sides of the contact line, to provide humanitarian relief to people in need, particularly women, children, elderly people and those with disabilities. The United Nations launched coordinated humanitarian appeals. Follow the latest developments in the Security Council and General Assembly.
Ukraine: Conflict compounds the vulnerabilities of women and girls as humanitarian needs spiral
In response to the Russian military offensive in Ukraine which began on 24 February, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are scaling up the delivery of life saving support to people affected by the conflict. Guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity and independence, UN staff are working on both sides of the contact line, to provide humanitarian relief to people in need, particularly women, children, elderly people and those with disabilities. The United Nations launched coordinated humanitarian appeals. Follow the latest developments in the Security Council and General Assembly.
Updates on nuclear safety, security and safeguards implications of the conflict in Ukraine.
World Hearing Day, 3 March, with the theme “To hear for life, listen with care,” focuses on the importance and means of hearing loss prevention through safe listening.
Four United Nations organizations have issued a joint statement calling for continued global collaboration to address the crew change crisis that, at times during the COVID-19 pandemic, has left more than 400,000 seafarers stranded at sea.
In Focus: International Women's Day
This International Women’s Day, 8 March, join UN Women and the world in coming together under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”
What we do
Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, including:
Maintain international peace and security
Protect human rights
Deliver humanitarian aid
Promote sustainable development
Uphold international law
As the world’s only truly universal global organization,
the United Nations has become the foremost forum to
address issues that transcend national boundaries and
cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone.
PHOTO:WFP / Giulio Dadamo
Helping people adapt to climate change
The climate crisis is destroying lives and livelihoods all over the world. Emission reductions to mitigate the rise in global temperatures are crucial, but we cannot wait for this to happen. Communities on the frontlines of the crisis need urgent support to adapt. And the World Food Programme (WFP) is doing just that! Here are some of the ways WFP is working with some of the most vulnerable communities to adapt to one of the greatest threats humanity has ever faced.
PHOTO:UNDP / Enjojo Wildlife Foundation
The Queen, the Crown and Conservation
In recognition of Covid-19’s world-altering effects, The Lion’s Share, and the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP, made a call for proposals to support communities dependent on wildlife-based tourism. Grants and the projects they’ve facilitated, have been working to build resilience in communities in wildlife-rich areas and support the continued protection of threatened wildlife in their remaining strongholds despite pandemic hardships.