Environmental issues and sustainable development

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today released its World Forests report, which says that forests face increasing climate-related stress amid growing demand for their products. The report also warns that climate change is making our forests more vulnerable to stressors such as wildfires and pests.

In Afghanistan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs today said that it, along with its partners, are coordinating with the de facto authorities there on the response to the heavy rainfall and flash flooding that have impacted the east and north-east of the country earlier this week.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development concluded its three-day ministerial segment today, with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration and the Forum’s procedural report.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened on day two today of its three-day ministerial segment.  It heard messages from the UN Environment Assembly and held an interactive session on “Messages from the regions”, which showcased regional challenges, innovative pathways and opportunities for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and presented transformative policies and actions for the remaining six years until the established deadline for the SDGs in 2030.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Global Business Forum, held virtually today:

The General Assembly today adopted three texts — including a resolution in support of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States — and conducted a debate on building peace, with speakers applauding the work of the Peacebuilding Commission and calling for resources to increase its engagement.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s opening remarks for the high-level political forum special event, in New York today:

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, delivered by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, at the opening of the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, in New York today:

Beginning its second week of meetings, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development began its three-day ministerial segment today.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s closing remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the occasion of the High-Level Political Forum special event “Keeping the SDG Promise: Pathways for Acceleration”, in New York today: