The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today released its annual Adaptation Gap Report, which finds that progress on climate adaptation is slowing on all fronts. The adaptation finance needs of developing countries are 10 to 18 times as big as international public finance flows.

In Ukraine, an Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs official, briefing the Security Council today, said that more than 9,900 civilians have been killed since the start of the invasion and damage to infrastructure continues to impact civilians’ access to electricity, heating, water and telecommunications.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Tsunami Awareness Day: “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future”, observed 5 November:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on 2 November:

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the United Nations Day Concert, in New York today:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Cities Day, observed on 31 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for United Nations Day, observed on 24 October:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that this past September was the hottest on record — putting 2023 on track to be the warmest year on record. September saw a record-high monthly global ocean surface temperature and Antarctica also had its warmest September with sea ice remaining at record lows.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that 220,000 internally displaced people are sheltering in 88 UNRWA schools across the Gaza Strip, also noting that numerous personnel, teachers and students have been killed. Agency staff are working around the clock, caring for the people in the shelters.

In Afghanistan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that aftershocks continue three days after the earthquake which struck Herat Province and affected over 12,000 people. The UN and its partners are on the ground providing emergency food, shelter, health care and household aid.