In Vienna, Jagjit Pavadia, President of the International Narcotics Control Board launched its Annual Report for 2022, which focuses on the trend towards legalizing the non-medical use of cannabis and analyses the various policy approaches from the perspective of the drug control conventions.
Noon Briefings
On International Women’s Day, the Secretary-General, celebrating all women and girls around the world, called for gender equality in innovation and technology, as well as for the digital gender divide to be closed and women and girls’ representation in science and technology be increased.
In Mongolia, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are appealing for an additional $3.5 million for a humanitarian response plan to reach 53,000 people in communities affected by Dzud — a severe winter weather event that follows a summer drought, freezing or starving large numbers of livestock to death.
Six months after devastating floods struck Pakistan, the United Nations and its partners have reached more than 7 million people with food and other essential services, including life-saving interventions for children. Yet only 30 per cent of the Floods Response Plan has been funded so far.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, through the Resident Coordinator in Fiji, offered support to Vanuatu amid a state of emergency sparked by Tropical Cyclone Judy. A second storm system is now bearing down on the country, and may impact 95 per cent of the population.
Costa Rica will be the first country in Latin America to have a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, having concluded a Government agreement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on an ethical approach supportive of human rights.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in China today said he is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and destruction caused by the 5 September earthquake in Sichuan Province. He said the Organization stands ready to assist and support the Government of China’s valiant rescue efforts.
In Iraq, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair reports that is has launched a humanitarian transition overview to encapsulate critical residual humanitarian needs and help donors and agencies prioritize support in 2023.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is in Niger for the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Government of Niger. As Africa Regional Coordination Platform Chair, she will also meet with United Nations regional directors and coordinators.
The Secretary-General, noting the International Court of Justice’s Order regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan, welcomed their trust placed in the World Court and expressed hope both parties will implement the Orders, including ensuring unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.