Source: United Nations (video statements)
Visiting Haiti, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community to stand with the country’s people.
12th International Day of Yoga at the United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
This year marks the 12th International Day of Yoga with the theme “ Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, which emphasizes the importance of Yoga for all ages. Yoga can be a valuable practice for healthy aging because it supports many of the abilities that help people stay active, independent, and engaged as they grow older. By combining gentle movement, stretching, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and stress management. Because yoga can be adapted to different fitness levels and health conditions, it offers an accessible way for many older adults to maintain their physical and emotional health. These benefits support several goals of the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), including promoting independence, reducing fall risk, enhancing quality of life, and encouraging person-centered approaches to health and well-being.
#UNICEF’s new “Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026” raises alarms
Source: United Nations (video statements)
"Almost every child in the world is now exposed to at least one climate hazard, such as floods, droughts, storms or extreme heat," said Tom Slaymaker of UNICEF at a press briefing at the United Nations Office at Geneva.
"This is not a warning of what is to come. It’s a recognition of our current reality,"
Stories from the UN Archive: Artists against Apartheid | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
On Tuesday, 16 June, 1976 in Soweto, South Africa, thousands of children marched to protest the poor quality of their education and the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. The South African police at that time under the control of the Apartheid administration, shot and killed hundreds of boys and girls. For some 20 years, South Africa was suspended from the General Assembly following opposition to its regime. On the 50th anniversary of this massacre, a look back at the ‘Artists against Apartheid’ concert.
International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The United Nations Headquarters’ observance in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York on Thursday 9 July 2026, of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
The United Nations Headquarters’ observance of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica takes place on Thursday, 9 July 2026. Mr. Chaloka Beyani, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide will host the proceedings. The observance includes survivor testimony, remarks delivered by the CdC on behalf of the Secretary-General, remarks delivered by the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (via video) and a senior representative of Bosnia Herzegovina.
Force of good is much stronger than Force of evil, with Kelly Clements | UNHCR DHC | Awake at Night
Source: United Nations (video statements)
From Bangladesh to Kosovo, Syria to Sudan, Kelly Clements has spent more than 30 years helping to save lives during some of the biggest refugee and humanitarian crises in recent times. Now the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner at the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, she’s making an impassioned case for a more humane world.
“How can we convince those that continue to wage wars that continue to treat people badly? How can we show what’s possible with a little hope, compassion, and more peace? The force of good is much stronger than the force of evil.”
Global refugee needs are surging as wealthy nations turn away from helping the most vulnerable people on earth. In this episode, Kelly Clements reflects on her deep frustration at the devastating cuts to life-saving UN services, on the lasting power of helping just one person, and shares how the love of her family always gives her strength to serve.
[00:00] Introduction
[01:08] Discovering refugee protection
[08:54] The upbringing that shaped her worldview
[14:03] Choosing public service over private sector
[15:52] Why refugee protection became her life’s work
[17:02] A defining image from Albania
[18:57] Joining UNHCR
[21:28] A kernel of hope in Syria
[23:01] Refugee needs rising as funding collapses
[24:06] The human cost of humanitarian cuts
[25:08] Losing 6,500 UNHCR colleagues
[26:11] Making the case for refugee protection
[26:34] Sudan’s devastation up close
[31:45] Witnessing Ukraine’s resilience
[33:24] What people need most in crisis
[34:19] The heartbreak of protracted exile
[36:09] What keeps Kelly awake at night
[37:19] Leaving UNHCR after a lifetime of service
[38:27] Why she still believes the world can improve
Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
#podcast #UnitedNations #AwakeAtNight #Refugees #UNHCR
About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.
Force of good is stronger than Force of evil w/ Kelly Clements | UN ‘Awake at Night’ podcast teaser
Source: United Nations (video statements)
From Bangladesh to Kosovo, Syria to Sudan, Kelly Clements has spent more than 30 years helping to save lives during some of the biggest refugee and humanitarian crises in recent times. Now the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner at the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, she’s making an impassioned case for a more humane world.
“How can we convince those that continue to wage wars that continue to treat people badly? How can we show what’s possible with a little hope, compassion, and more peace? The force of good is much stronger than the force of evil.”
Global refugee needs are surging as wealthy nations turn away from helping the most vulnerable people on earth. In this episode, Kelly Clements reflects on her deep frustration at the devastating cuts to life-saving UN services, on the lasting power of helping just one person, and shares how the love of her family always gives her strength to serve.
Listen to the full episode: https://youtu.be/qm747kvVrPU
#podcast #UnitedNations #AwakeAtNight #Peacekeeping
About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.
Secretary-General Candidate – Maria Fernanda Espinosa | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Candidate for UN Secretary-General, during the Informal interactive dialogue for the position of the next Secretary-General.
Next UN Chief Candidate – Media Stakeout | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Informal comments to the media by Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, Candidate for the next Secretary-General, after the Interactive dialogue for the position of the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Race to Lead the United Nations Heats Up #UN
Source: United Nations (video statements)
María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés participates in an interactive dialogue with Member States and civil society as part of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.