Category: United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY

Keynote: Daniel Jones (Europe)

Panel
Moderator: Hana Saemon-Beck (Asia)
Dr. Emile Gouws (Africa)
Dr. Tony Llyod (Europe)
Aditi Sowmyanarayan (Asia)

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTxS7meGDks

Source: United Nations (video statements)

INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE

Keynote: Ben Branson (Europe)

Panel
Moderator: Victoria Burnip (Europe)
Alan Day (North America)
Liani Baylis (Oceania)
Kate Wardle (Africa)
Melisa Muñoz (Latin America)

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUkghU7h8qQ

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The UNDP in Ukraine is leading a comprehensive 5-year mine action programme to address the extensive contamination of Ukraine with landmines, cluster munition remnants (CMRs), improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and explosive remnants of war (ERW). These hazards pose a considerable and growing threat to the civilian population and significantly impede Ukraine’s economic potential.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCHN1iwzS68

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Welcome and Opening Remarks:

Speakers
Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Charlotte Valuer, founder and CEO, Institute of Neurodiversity ION

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sVqfLowD9I

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Syria’s new chapter is beginning — but beneath the soil of war, landmines and explosive remnants still threaten every step toward recovery, reconstruction, and economic development. No More Mines. Mine action is the silent enabler that makes rebuilding possible — clearing the path for communities, development, recovery, reconstruction and a lasting peace. Invest in mine action. Invest in Syria’s future.

#NoMoreMines #Syria #SyriaRecovery #MineAction #InvestInPeace #Reconstruction #SyriaRebuild #HumanitarianAction #UNMAS #PostWarSyria #OneUN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS0ESzgC3lk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

REFRAMING THE NARRATIVE: FROM CURE TO SHARED FUTURE

Keynote: Brian Bird (Europe)

Panel
Moderator: Charlotte Valuer (Europe)
Dr. Clarisse Fortes (Latin America)
Shaheda Moosa (Africa)
Sudhansu Grover (Asia)

Keynote: Fatima de Kwant (Europe)

WAAD CHINA
Keynote: Damien Green (Asia)

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgU5BPBet1A

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Welcome and Opening Remarks:

Speakers
Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
Charlotte Valuer, founder and CEO, Institute of Neurodiversity ION

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.

Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development. When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

The 2026 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sVqfLowD9I

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
– UN80
– New York City Mayor
– Middle East
– UNDP
– Lebanon/Israel
– UNRWA
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Yemen
– Syria
– Sudan
– Venezuela
– Financial Contribution

UN80

This afternoon, the General Assembly will meet to consider a resolution that will move the UN80 initiative forward. The resolution focuses on Workstream II – the mandate lifecycle – and it’s important to note that this process has been led by Member States – through a working group co-chaired by New Zealand and Jamaica.

In his remarks this afternoon, the Secretary-General is expected to express his gratitude to the working group, and will remind us that the UN80 initiative included a recognition of the central role of the work of Member States in examining how mandates are created, implemented, and reviewed.

This was essential, he will add, not only to ease the burden on Member States who face an overwhelming volume of reports and meetings.

But also to help the Secretariat avoid duplication, fragmentation and inefficiency.

In that spirit, the resolution presented today reflects a shared understanding of the full mandate lifecycle – and a shared commitment to strengthen each step of it.

NEW YORK CITY MAYOR

The Secretary-General welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani this morning at UN Headquarters.

The Secretary-General thanked the Mayor for the outstanding relationship and support received from the host city.

Noting the critical role that cities play in today’s world, the Secretary-General discussed with the Mayor how to deepen the cooperation with the City of New York.

The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing the dialogue between the United Nations and New York City.

MIDDLE EAST

The Secretary-General’s Personal Representative on the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, is in New York, where he has been holding extensive briefings and consultations internally and with Member States on ways the United Nations can be helpful in de-escalating the conflict and paving the way for a peaceful way forward through dialogue and negotiations.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-03-31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m-s5GZLQSY

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The Secretary-General welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani this morning at UN Headquarters. The Secretary-General thanked the Mayor for the outstanding relationship and support received from the host city.

Noting the critical role that cities play in today’s world, the Secretary-General discussed with the Mayor how to deepen the cooperation with the City of New York.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SPOY08L9dmI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The event will convene iconic women leaders and allies at the forefront of entertainment, science, media, and business to highlight the impact of gender-based violence on the trajectories of women and girls across the globe. This event aims to build powerful coalitions across sectors to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Join us for a high-level event recognizing trailblazing women worldwide at the close of Women’s History Month.

Together, we will build powerful coalitions to help end violence against women and girls.

Featuring:

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed
Audrey Nuna (of HUNTR/X)
Sandra Kwon, Comedian, @jeenieweenie Tatyana McFadden, American Paralympic Athlete
Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME Magazine
Fereshteh Forough, Founder of Code to Inspire
Amanda Nguyen, Astronaut, Founder & CEO of Rise
Katya Echazarreta, Astronaut
Dr. Sian Proctor, Astronaut

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wtV1jn2X1c