Progress in protecting the world’s forests — and the people who rely on them — is at risk due to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus and the escalating climate and biodiversity crises, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, observed on 24 April:

The World Food Programme (WFP) said it will launch an operation to reach up to 2 million vulnerable people in Myanmar’s main cities and other areas where people have recently been uprooted.  WFP estimates that 3.4 million more people will be hungry within the next six months, amid the ongoing effects of poverty, COVID-19 and political crisis.

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message for the International Day of Mother Earth today:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, observed on 26 April:

United Nations staff report that, despite recent improvements in humanitarian access, the situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray remains alarming, with conflict in some areas restricting humanitarian movement and response.  Insecurity in Tigray’s east zone last week reportedly impacted the movement of more than 20 relief trucks.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for International Girls in ICT Day 2021, observed on 22 April:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Malaria Day, observed on 25 April:

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for International Mother Earth Day, observed on 22 April:

The United Nations team in Timor-Leste, led by Roy Trivedy, the Resident Coordinator, is supporting local authorities following floods that have impacted Díli and other parts of the country.  The Government says there have been more than 30 deaths and over 13,500 people are living in evacuation sites.