Environmental issues and sustainable development

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to advance the use of host country-generated renewable energy in peacekeeping missions.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the high-level Dialogue on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought, today:

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it has received alarming reports of clashes between insurgent groups and Nigeria’s Armed Forces in Dikwa in Borno state, as well as those involving armed groups and military personnel attacking and harassing internally displaced people living in camps.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned today that a further escalation in violence is unfolding across Myanmar, saying there appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation, but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to commitments the military made to end the violence.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ closing remarks to the Insurance Development Forum, held today:

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the Euronext ESG European Conference, on “Financing the Blue and Green Economy”, in Lisbon from 8 to 9 June:

More than 271,000 people have been impacted and over 26,000 displaced by monsoon-related flash floods and landslides in south-western Sri Lanka, humanitarian affairs officials say.  The impacts of the south-west monsoon come as Sri Lanka works to mitigate the environmental impact of a sinking cargo ship near Colombo.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said it continues to receive reports of systematic forced return of Mozambican families from the United Republic of Tanzania.  The Agency urged Mozambique’s neighbours to respect access to asylum for those fleeing widespread armed conflict in the northern part of the country.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Bicycle Day, observed today:

The Federal Government of Somalia, in consultation with the United Nations, declared a drought on 25 April, with moderate to severe drought conditions impacting 80 per cent of the country.  Seasonal rains then began in late April and early May, triggering flash flooding that impacted 400,000 people, of whom 101,300 were displaced.