Unric Info Point Library Newsletter August 2024

Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization (A/79/1) English, French & Spanish: https://undocs.org/A/79/1 “Introduction: I am enormously proud of the staff of the United Nations, who are operating and delivering on... Despite the obstacles in their way, their commitment to a better, brighter future shines through in all that they do. Their resolve is to achieve results for the people of the world and to deliver the help and the hope that every person deserves – and that the human family needs today, more than... The past has tested humanity in every way. Crises and challenges have placed the better future people want and need further out of reach. Conflicts, deepening poverty and inequality, hunger and poor economic prospects for developing countries are being made worse by widening geopolitical divides and mistrust.

The climate emergency reached terrifying new heights, with 2023 being the hottest on record. Human rights abuses, discrimination against minorities, women and girls, rising extremism and a surge of hate speech online and in the streets are sowing discord and mistrust across communities, countries and entire regions. …” United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat <img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-262309" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/extreme-heat.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="227" />English: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/extreme-heat French: https://www.un.org/fr/climatechange/extreme-heat Spanish: https://www.un.org/es/climatechange/extreme-heat Call to Action in English: https://tinyurl.com/4622uw3u Crippling heat is everywhere. Billions of people around the world are wilting under increasingly severe heatwaves driven largely by a fossil-fuel charged, human-induced climate crisis. More than 70 per cent of the global workforce – 2.4 billion people – are now at high risk of extreme heat.

The most vulnerable communities are hit hardest. In response to the rapid rise in the scale, intensity, frequency and duration of extreme heat, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 25 July 2024 called for an urgent and concerted effort to enhance international... Heat at work: Implications for safety and health; A global review of the science, policy and practice (ILO) https://www.ilo.org/publications/heat-work-implications-safety-and-health <img decoding="async" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/heat-at-work-212x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="247" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/heat-at-work-212x300.jpg 212w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/heat-at-work.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px"/> This... The new data reveals that regions previously unaccustomed to extreme heat will face increased risks, while workers in already hot climates will confront ever more dangerous conditions. Heat stress is an invisible and silent killer that can quickly cause illness, heatstroke or even death. Over time it can also lead to serious heart, lung and kidney problems for workers, the study underlines.

Overall, the report indicates that workers in Africa, the Arab states and Asia and the Pacific are most often exposed to excessive heat. In these regions, 92.9 per cent, 83.6 per cent and 74.7 per cent of the workforce are affected, respectively. The figures are above the global average of 71 per cent, according to the most recent figures available (2020). The fastest changing working conditions are seen in Europe and Central Asia, says the report. From 2000 to 2020 the region recorded the largest increase in excessive heat exposure, with the proportion of workers affected rising by 17.3 per cent, almost double the global average increase. Meanwhile, the Americas and Europe and Central Asia are witnessing the largest rise in workplace injuries from heat stress since the year 2000, with increases of 33.3 per cent and 16.4 per cent respectively.

This is possibly due to hotter temperatures in regions where workers are unaccustomed to heat, the report notes. The report estimates that 4,200 workers globally lost their lives to heatwaves in 2020. In total, 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves in 2020, marking a 66 per increase from 2000. Nonetheless, the report stresses that nine out of ten workers globally were exposed to excessive heat outside of a heatwave and eight in ten occupational injuries from extreme heat happened outside of heatwaves. <img decoding="async" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/beat-the-heat-212x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="247" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/beat-the-heat-212x300.jpg 212w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/beat-the-heat.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px"/> Beat the heat: Child health amid heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia (UNICEF Policy Brief) https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/beat-heat-2024 https://www.unicef.org/eca/media/35706/file/Beat%20the%20Heat%202024.pdf Half of all... More than 92 million children are already exposed to frequent heatwaves in a region where temperatures are rising at a faster rate than in any other region worldwide.

Heatwaves are set to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years as a result of accelerated global warming. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the risk of heat stress in children in 23 countries across Europe and Central Asia, and urgent measures are needed to protect the most vulnerable people of all:... Synergy Solutions for Climate and SDG Action: Bridging the Ambition Gap for the Future We Want https://sdgs.un.org/publications/synergy-solutions-climate-and-sdg-action-bridging-ambition-gap-future-we-want-56106 <img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-262307" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/synergy-solutions-229x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="229" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/synergy-solutions-229x300.jpg 229w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/synergy-solutions-321x420.jpg 321w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/synergy-solutions.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw,... On 16 July, the 2024 report of the Expert Group on Climate and SDG Synergy – co-convened by UN DESA and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) – was presented to delegates at a special event... The report, a practical response to uncovering challenges and opportunities for revitalizing action towards just and equitable societies on a healthy planet, comes at a crucial time. By 2025, all parties to the Paris Agreement are scheduled to submit new NDCs, which must be more ambitious and build adequate resilience to climate change.

The upcoming COP29 in Baku later this year is an opportunity to set a new target for climate finance and ensure a just transition to keep the average temperature rise under the 1.5-degree threshold... This report offers a roadmap for breaking down fragmentation and achieving the deep transformative changes required. Focusing on synergies between climate action and sustainable development is vital to overcoming challenges, providing win-win solutions, and minimizing trade-offs. <img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-270197" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="219" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-240x300.jpg 240w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-768x960.jpg 768w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-336x420.jpg 336w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-150x188.jpg 150w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-300x375.jpg 300w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-696x870.jpg 696w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies-1068x1335.jpg 1068w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/era-renewable-energies.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px" />UN Secretary-General António Guterres’... He outlined a compelling and evidence-backed case for why a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy is inevitable – and the vast benefits it will bring for people and economies. Underlining the importance of seizing this moment of opportunity, the Secretary-General outlined the key action areas and steps required to turbocharge a renewables revolution that can deliver clean and affordable energy for all.

see also: UN News Story in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese Special Website “A Moment of Opportunity” in English, French, Spanish <img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-270216" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/seizing-the-moment-231x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="227" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/seizing-the-moment-231x300.jpg 231w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/seizing-the-moment-324x420.jpg 324w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/seizing-the-moment-150x195.jpg 150w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/seizing-the-moment-300x389.jpg 300w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/seizing-the-moment.jpg 507w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px" />Seizing the moment of opportunity: Supercharging the new energy era of renewables,... The report was prepared by the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Team with the support of UN specialized agencies, funds and programmes as well as leading international institutions. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2025/ <img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-270215" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/sdgreport2025-228x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="230" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/sdgreport2025-228x300.jpg 228w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/sdgreport2025-319x420.jpg 319w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/sdgreport2025-150x197.jpg 150w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/sdgreport2025-300x395.jpg 300w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/sdgreport2025.jpg 396w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px" />The Sustainable Development Goals Report... With the 2030 deadline only five years away, the report delivers a stark assessment: the Sustainable Development Goals have improved millions of lives, but the current pace of change is insufficient to fully achieve... The report reveals real and substantial development gains during the past decade.

Since 2015, the world has made notable strides in expanding access to education, improving maternal and child health, and bridging the digital divide. Effective prevention efforts have significantly reduced the burdens of infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria. Access to electricity has continued to grow, and renewable energy is now the fastest-rising source of power worldwide. Yet progress has been fragile and unequal. Millions still face extreme poverty, hunger, inadequate housing, and a lack of basic services. Women, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities continue to face systemic disadvantages.

Escalating conflicts, climate chaos, rising inequalities, and soaring debt servicing costs are holding back further advancements. <img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-270222" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-300x166.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="175" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-300x166.jpg 300w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-1024x568.jpg 1024w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-768x426.jpg 768w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-758x420.jpg 758w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-150x83.jpg 150w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-696x385.jpg 696w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative-1068x592.jpg 1068w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/08/un80-initiative.jpg 1351w" sizes="(max-width: 316px) 100vw, 316px" />UN80 Initiative – new website https://www.un.org/un80-initiative/en... UN80 Initiative: Workstream 2 – Report of the Mandate Implementation Review https://www.un.org/un80-initiative/en/report-mandate-implementation-review The United Nations has released this report examining how its mandates are created, delivered and reviewed, and offering proposals for the consideration... The report forms part of the UN80 Initiative, which overall seeks to support a more aligned, efficient, and results-oriented UN system. * New websites and publications of the UN system; * New information material available for download. Get our latest up-to-date backgrounders on the most topical UN subjects.

TOPIC OF THE MONTH: 79th Session of the General Assembly General Assembly High-level Week 2024 English: https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2024 French: https://www.un.org/fr/high-level-week-2024 Spanish: https://www.un.org/es/high-level-week-2024 <img decoding="async" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-300x136.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="159" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-300x136.jpg 300w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-1024x464.jpg 1024w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-768x348.jpg 768w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-1536x696.jpg 1536w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-926x420.jpg 926w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-150x68.jpg 150w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-696x316.jpg 696w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-1068x484.jpg 1068w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/high-level-week-2024-500x227.jpg... This one-stop-shop provides useful information on key events during the high-level week of the 79th General Assembly: the Summit of the Future, the General Debate, the High-level Meetings on: Sea-Level Rise; Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR);... Each section will be updated as more information becomes available. <img decoding="async" src="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79-300x97.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="145" srcset="https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79-300x97.jpg 300w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79-768x247.jpg 768w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79-150x48.jpg 150w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79-696x224.jpg 696w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79-500x161.jpg 500w, https://e4k4c4x9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/unga79.jpg 839w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px"/> The 79th regular session of the General Assembly will open on 10 September 2024, the General Debate will commence on 24 September 2024.

Agenda of the 79th session English: https://www.un.org/en/ga/79/agenda/ French: https://www.un.org/fr/ga/79/agenda/ Spanish: https://www.un.org/es/ga/79/agenda/

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