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Story
01 March 2024
“Rights for All” - International Day of Zero Discrimination observed in Accra.
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Story
29 February 2024
Migration and societal resilience in a multipolar world order- 3rd Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum held in Accra.
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Press Release
28 February 2024
Ghana: Türk alarmed as parliament passes deeply harmful anti-gay bill
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ghana:
Publication
13 August 2023
UN Ghana 2022 Annual Report
The report captures the UNCT’s collective achievements along the four results areas of the UNSDP꞉ shared prosperous economy; social investment in people; protected and safe environment, and; inclusive, accountable governance, along with the UNCT’s cross-cutting priorities.
The report reflects the work done by the UNCT in partnership with the Government and people of Ghana to help the country achieve the ambitious goals set in the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (CPESDP), 2017–2024, as well as to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s (AU) 2063 Agenda. UN agencies, working jointly and leveraging their collective comparative advantage in various fields, have boosted Ghana’s resilience and drive towards further recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine and climate challenges. For instance the UNCT helped advance Ghana’s agriculture and industrial sectors by supporting policy and capacity building initiatives leading to greater agricultural productivity, the adoption of climate-action and deforestation-free production strategies, and inclusive rural development. It enabled 5,000 smallholder farmers to use improved seed, thereby cutting post-harvest losses to less than 5%, and supported agricultural-sector players’ participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The UNCT strengthened systems to deliver quality, sustainable, and transformative social services in health, education, nutrition and social protection sectors, which helped improve services and financing. It advocated the protection of social spending, supported the continuity of essential health services and improved access for underserved and vulnerable communities. This led to a sustained decline in disease-specific and child mortality. The UNCT supported the introduction of free technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which sharply increased TVET school enrolment from 13 000 in 2021 to 47 000, among others.
The report reflects the work done by the UNCT in partnership with the Government and people of Ghana to help the country achieve the ambitious goals set in the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (CPESDP), 2017–2024, as well as to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s (AU) 2063 Agenda. UN agencies, working jointly and leveraging their collective comparative advantage in various fields, have boosted Ghana’s resilience and drive towards further recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine and climate challenges. For instance the UNCT helped advance Ghana’s agriculture and industrial sectors by supporting policy and capacity building initiatives leading to greater agricultural productivity, the adoption of climate-action and deforestation-free production strategies, and inclusive rural development. It enabled 5,000 smallholder farmers to use improved seed, thereby cutting post-harvest losses to less than 5%, and supported agricultural-sector players’ participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The UNCT strengthened systems to deliver quality, sustainable, and transformative social services in health, education, nutrition and social protection sectors, which helped improve services and financing. It advocated the protection of social spending, supported the continuity of essential health services and improved access for underserved and vulnerable communities. This led to a sustained decline in disease-specific and child mortality. The UNCT supported the introduction of free technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which sharply increased TVET school enrolment from 13 000 in 2021 to 47 000, among others.
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Publication
23 October 2023
UN Ghana Newsletter - October 2023
In this edition of the UN in Ghana Quarterly newsletter, UN Ghana harnesses engagement opportunities to support Ghana achieve the SDGs, United Bank for Africa (UBA) supports UN Ghana to boost inclusive and greenentrepreneurship in Ghana, UN forges partnership with the Government to boost child nutrition, launch of new EU-funded project to boost food security in northern Ghana and many more.
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Publication
24 October 2023
Celebrating the United Nations at 78 – Accelerating action towards the SDGs
When the penholders of its founding document signed the Charter that birthed the United Nations some 78 years ago in 1945, they imagined a world of peace, prosperity, progress and development; a world where the rights of all people are entitled to them, without discrimination; a world where the benefits of our collective efforts are evenly shared. Their imagination is far from reality today.
Over the course of nearly eight decades of its journey, the United Nations has indeed faced and continues to address a wide range of challenges. These challenges include issues of international conflict, humanitarian crises, environmental issues, social and economic development. According to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the challenges we face are universal and they “require universal solutions and cannot be solved through small groupings of states or coalitions of the willing.” As the only forum where this can happen, the United Nations continues to engage Member States to take action to ensure peace, freedom, development, equality and human rights throughout the world for the good of its peoples. These basic principles on which the UN was established still hold true today, as they did years back.
Regrettably, we are far from realizing the vision of the founders of the UN. Our world continues to grappleT with a wide range of crises and challenges that have profound impacts on societies, economies, and the global order. The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts and climate change continue to create a web of challenges with significant global ramifications. Coupled with inequalities and injustices, these watersheds are giving rise to new grievances and a deep sense of unease among nations and people.
Halfway to the deadline for the 2030 Agenda, the SDG Progress report reveals we are leaving more than half the world behind; and have stalled or gone into reverse on more than 30 percent of the SDGs. It shows the number of people living in extreme poverty is higher than it was four years ago. Hunger has also increased and is now back at 2005 levels, and gender equality seems to be some 300 years away. With current trendsit is estimated that, only 30 percent of all countries will achieve SDG 1 on poverty by 2030. Simultaneously, inequalities are at a record high, and growing.
Transforming the Sustainable Development Goals into a tangible reality for people worldwide, the UN will hold the Summit of the Future in September 2024, a high-level event that will bring world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. To provide more detail on certain proposals contained in the Secretary-General’s vision for the future of international cooperation (Our Common Agenda) and to support world leaders in their deliberations as they prepare for the Summit of the Future, the UN Secretary-General has issued 11 policy briefs. The briefs cover areas including youth, digital compact, international financial architecture, information integrity on digital platforms, education, and peace.
In Ghana, the UN continues to support the country’s participation in many of these engagements. This past April, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, its partnership agreement with the Government and people of Ghana, was signed. This partnership agreement demonstrates the UN in Ghana’s collective contributions to the country’s development process. The 3-year partnership focuses on Economic Transformation, Access to equitable social services and Durable peace and security in Ghana and in the sub-region, with climate action, data, digitalization, human rights and gender as cross-cutting issues. The UN will spend some 500 million dollars over the period of the Cooperation Framework to provide support that is catalytic and transformative to enable Ghana to realise its development goals.
This year, the UN has put its best foot forward, determined to influence critical thinking and policy decisions in areas that are vital and aligned to the Government priorities and the Cooperation Framework. By exploring unique engagement opportunities and collaborating with key partners, both new and old, the UN continues to leverage its collective thought leadership to stimulate discussions around some critical areas, including climate action, resource mobilization, innovative financing solutions for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises, digitalization and human rights.
The UN’s support to Ghana’s engagement in the SDGs Summit recently, engagement with civil society and the private sector on food systems, as well as its support to actors towards their participation in the African Climate Summit this year, ahead of COP28 later this year, are but a few of the catalytical and transformative support to the Government.
The UN has further provided financial resources and technical support to catalyze institutional strengthening efforts and capacity enhancement of state institutions across various sectors. It has supported the productive capacity of MSMEs and value chain development through capacity building and access to finance as well as various digital initiatives.
Support for the social sector to enhance basic services including support for the review of the inclusive education policy, development of Ghana’s first Food-based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) and ongoing work to expand social protection social coverage are notable.
On sustaining peace, the UN is working assiduously with stakeholders to safeguard Ghana's peace through a 3-million US Dollar Peacebuilding fund programme to support women and youth empowerment and engagement in peacebuilding in Northern Ghana. Additionally, through the ‘I Pledge for Peace Campaign’, which was launched recently, and election round tables initiatives, the UN is supporting the work of the National Peace Council ahead of the 2024 elections to secure stakeholder commitments to preserve the peace of the country.
As we mark #UN78, we must bring a new urgency to national efforts, and a shared sense of common purpose to drive the positive change that we all want to see. The UN extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ghana on her leadership role at the United Nations.
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Story
04 March 2024
“Rights for All” - International Day of Zero Discrimination observed in Accra.
The multi-sectoral stakeholder dialogue was held with key partners including the Ministry of Justice and Office of the Attorney General, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and Ghana AIDS Commission, among others to further advance the national commitment to eliminate all forms of stigma and discrimination and foster inclusivity, as in line with the UN Cooperation Framework and principle of Leave No One Behind. This event climaxes the ten-day-long social media campaign on the same theme.Delivering the keynote address, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani reiterated the basic right of all humans was to life, existence, respect, and continuity devoid of any form of discrimination and that nobody should be excluded from this. “We are committed here at the UN to support Ghana to ensure that each citizen can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development” he echoed. The Commissioner for Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Mr. Joseph Whittal highlighted that although all humans are born free and equal as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights people still suffered discrimination. “The vast majority of our society… are stigmatized, discriminated against and abused… global patterns and prevalence of stigma and discrimination suggest that this is a widespread endemic global problem, and Ghana is no exception.” Additionally, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mr. Kyereme Atuahhene stressed on how HIV stigma affected every form of human existence from basic needs to healthcare. “HIV-related stigma and discrimination undermine life-saving treatment protocols and the likelihood of use of health services throughout the country. Stigma and discrimination towards new HIV infections tend to make some communities operate underground and prevent them from accessing human health services” he stated. He reiterated how “persons affected and infected by HIV continue to suffer various points of discrimination such as eviction from family homes or rented houses denial of employment denial of property denial of maintenance for their children denial of education denial of food denial of public spaces, denial of health services, violation of rights and physical abuse, divorce, and separation, including sexual harassment”. The event also served as an occasion to launch the Global Partnership (GP) for Action to Eliminate all forms of stigma which Ghana joined in December 2023
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Story
01 March 2024
Migration and societal resilience in a multipolar world order- 3rd Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum held in Accra.
The 3rd edition of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum (KAPS) organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) unfolded over two days from February 28 to 29, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. With over two hundred high-level participants, including delegations from various nations and international bodies. Themed "Migration and Societal Resilience in a Multipolar World Order: Addressing Conflicts and Building Peace in Africa," the forum received special patronage from His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, and was chaired by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas. The forum analyzed the root causes of migration in Africa - poverty, inequality, and conflict. It also explored innovative approaches to promote peaceful coexistence, build sustainable solutions, and address migration challenges.Addressing the delegates, the Special UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and the chairman of Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), H.E Leonardo Santos Simao lauded Ghana for its stability and highlighted the intricate relationship between climate change and migration. “Climate change directly impacts agriculture, when crops fail and pastures dwindle, families are forced to make difficult choices. Migration becomes not just an option but a necessity for survival” he stated. The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored migration's complex challenges, recognizing it as a paramount issue. “Migration represents one of the most important and pressing issues in the contemporary world, and there can be no doubt that it will be a major challenge for the development of the global developments and security agenda over the next few decades” he noted.“A responsible migration policy …where every migrant’s right as a person, will have to be honored and respected when they migrate. Migrants have rights and they should be respected” emphasized the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns and the distinguished Chairman for the KAPS forum. He iterated how conflicts affected African countries and halted their growth and development and a need for a highly universal migration policy that is applicable everywhere and sees to the well-being of migrants. Thought-provoking and insightful panel discussions including a dynamic session led by the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Ms Angela Lusigi with diverse panelists including the Chief of mission, Ghana, Togo, and Benin for IOM and the Special envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Mrs Hanna Serwaah Tetteh expatiating on the theme “Building Regional Capacity to Migration and Conflicts in Africa”. Panelists delved into pragmatic approaches to address migration challenges across the continent. The Kofi Annan Forum brought together over two hundred high-level delegates and diplomats from governmental and intergovernmental organizations (including the United Nations in Ghana, the African Union and its Regional Economic Communities, and the European Union), Security professionals and representatives from policy and research think tanks, development partners, training institutions, and civil society groups to participate in the dialogues.
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Story
22 February 2024
New UNESCO Representative for Ghana presents credentials to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Accra, Ghana - The newly appointed UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Mr Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo has presented his Letter of Credence to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, represented by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong. Amidst an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, Hon. Ampratwum- Sarpong warmly welcomed Mr Moukala to Ghana and affirmed the Government's dedication to continuously partnering with UNESCO to make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and to preserve Ghana's rich cultural heritage. “We the Ministry will do whatever we can to make sure that your stay is successful” he said. Hon. Ampratwum- Sarpong urged the UNESCO Ghana Head to build upon the achievements of his predecessors to leave an indelible ink at the end of his tenure. In response, Mr. Moukala expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve Ghana, a country “I have known through history and through personal encounter with well-meaning and notable Ghanaians across the globe”. He emphasized his commitment to fostering deeper collaboration during his tenure between UNESCO and the Government of Ghana in advancing issues of education, culture, environment, communications and information technology. Adding that “A great Ghana for us will make a great Africa.” Mr. Moukala is poised to strengthen existing ties and explore new avenues for cooperation between Ghana and UNESCO. The presentation of credentials signifies the official commencement of his tenure as the Head of UNESCO Ghana office.
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Story
22 February 2024
Building a Better System: Ghana Prison Service prioritizes compliance with Nelson Mandela Rules
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS), has procured vital medical equipment as part of a three-year prison project focused on strengthening the compliance of the GPS with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (also known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’).Given the challenges faced by the GPS in meeting these standards, UNODC is actively engaged in supporting the service in various areas. This includes enhancing capacity of prison staff, improving facilities, providing healthcare services, and enhancing rehabilitation pathways. By addressing these areas, the project aims to benefit not only prisoners but also the whole of Ghanaian society, ultimately contributing to making it a safer nation.At the handover ceremony, the Minister of Interior of Ghana, Ambrose Dery, emphasized the importance of working in partnership:‘The collaboration between UNODC and the Ghana Prisons Service exemplifies the commitment to enhance the quality of healthcare in prisons, ensuring that prisoners receive the same level of care as those in the outside community.’ TrainingAlongside this logistical support, UNODC has organized a series of three week-long training workshops in 2023. These workshops were specifically designed for trainers, with the aim of equipping officers from every prison in Ghana with the necessary skills and knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, drug treatment, and mental health.‘By providing vital medical equipment to prisons, we are upholding the right to healthcare for all individuals, even those incarcerated, and working towards a more compassionate and just society’, noted Mr. Isaac Egyir, Director-General of Prisons of Ghana.The wider pictureThis three-year project incorporated a broader set of objectives aimed at enhancing overall standards and practices within the Ghanaian prison system. These objectives included a comprehensive training program on the Nelson Mandela Rules which focused on both understanding the details of the rules and implementing them effectively. This training also entailed a revised approach to the classification of prisoners.In addition, the project provided support for the infrastructure improvements required to facilitate its implementation. A thorough assessment of the current state of prisons was conducted, leading to the development of sustainable prison-based rehabilitation programmes.The impact of UNODC's involvement has been recognized by Superintendent Adamu Latif Abdul of Ghana's Prison Service. He acknowledged personal growth in his knowledge, professional outlook, and approach to work as a result of UNODC's support. Moreover, he highlighted:‘UNODC’s efforts are helping to bring the Ghanaian prison system up to the level where we can compare ourselves to other advanced jurisdictions in terms of best practices." Read ahead.
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Story
01 February 2024
Solar grandmas powering communities in Ghana
Salamatu, Dakota, and Afia, all in their 60s live in Dupari and Zukpuri in the Upper West region of Ghana. The women, popularly called the ‘solar grandmothers’, are the first solar engineers in their communities. They joined two other women to successfully electrify 150 households in their off-grid communities, and are championing a renewable energy revolution.
The ‘solar grandmothers’, five in five villages in the region, received training in Barefoot College in India, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility Small Grant Programmme (UNDP GEF-SGP). The Barefoot College trains rural women to install and maintain solar lighting and power in their villages.
Overcoming the Odds
Traditionally, Dupari, Zikpuri and other communities without electricity in Ghana mostly use kerosene lanterns to light their homes.
“When they selected us to go to India, we were afraid because we have never travelled abroad before. Our biggest fear was that we only speak our local language and haven’t been to school, so going to school in another country sounded odd”, Dakota noted.
With the desire to light-up their homes and communities, Dakota, Salamatu, and Afia took up the challenge to honour the confidence the communities reposed in them by selecting them. They embarked on the “unknown” journey with the hope of exchanging darkness with light in return.
Leaving their region and country for the first time in their lifetime, the women joined other women from different countries at the Barefoot College for a six-month practical training in applied solar technology. Given that they have no formal education, they were taught with sign language and color-coded circuits to build solar-powered lamps and chargers, and to install solar power in their communities.
“Everyone is happy with us because we have connected several homes to electricity. It is such a great joy to have light, charge our phones, watch TV, and do other basic things with the power”, Salamatu stated.
Why older women solar engineers?
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 calls for gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls at all levels. In line with this, the UNDP GEF-SGP solar power initiative falls under a bigger forest conservation project. This project prioritizes women empowerment with different initiatives including women dry season vegetable farming and shea butter processing.
Moreover, women are the focus of solar power projects that Barefoot College runs. They believe that men and young people are likely to migrate from their village in search of other opportunities after training. Older women, on the other hand, have their roots in the communities and mostly remain to serve.
“We have been installing solar power for houses who need it and maintain it. Maintenance mostly requires change of fuse or batteries”, said Afia.
The women have since imparted the knowledge particularly to their children who support them with the installation.
‘I trained my youngest son who used to help me but now he is gone to school in the city. He supports when he comes for vacation”, Salamatu added.
Ghana’s electricity access rate per World Bank’s 2021 data, stands at 86.63 percent, with 74 percent of rural residents and 95 percent of urban residents connected to the electricity grid. Though Ghana’s electricity access is said to be the highest in Sub Sahara Africa, there is the need to bridge the remaining gap, particularly the rural-urban divide.
The success story of the ‘solar grandmothers’ is an inspiration and can be replicated. The use of solar energy in the communities is contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel use and pollution. It is estimated that about 3,000 litres of kerosene that were consumed monthly by the people, have been replaced with solar lights. Not only is this healthier for the people in the communities but also good for the planet. Moreover, mobile phones usage has increased, and school children are able to learn in the evening with the solar light.
To lift out remaining communities living in the dark, public-private partnerships remain critical. This way, we can unlock more investments to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
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Press Release
28 February 2024
Ghana: Türk alarmed as parliament passes deeply harmful anti-gay bill
“The bill broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual and queer people – simply for being who they are – and threatens criminal penalties against perceived allies of LGBTQ+ people,” said Türk.“I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”The High Commissioner also expressed deep alarm that the Bill criminalizes the legitimate work of human rights defenders, teachers, medical professionals, landlords, as well as people seeking healthcare, and unduly restricts freedom of association and expression of everyone in Ghana.“The bill is contrary to Ghana’s own Constitution and freely-undertaken regional and international human rights obligations and commitments – including to leave no one behind in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said the High Commissioner.“Criminal sanctions for consensual same-sex conduct not only violate key international human rights norms and standards on equality, non-discrimination, privacy and equal protection of the law, among others – there is extensive evidence that they legitimize prejudice, expose people to hate crime, police abuse, harassment, intimidation, blackmail and torture. They also perpetuate discrimination and denial of access to basic services, including in healthcare, education and housing,” he added.Türk stressed that the bill is corrosive and will have a negative impact on society as a whole.He restated his Office’s commitment to work with the Government of Ghana and its national partners to ensure that Ghana fulfils its human rights commitments and obligations.Ghana: Türk alarmed as parliament passes deeply harmful anti-gay bill | OHCHR
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Press Release
28 February 2024
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima responds to the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in Ghana’s parliament
If the bill does become a law, it will affect everyone. Ghana is respected as a stable country where the rule of law prevails, a member of the Human Rights Council, and a global leader in fighting inequality. African values and principles of Ubuntu, dignity, non-discrimination, equality, empathy, protection from violence and care for each other shaped Ghana’s independence struggles, and have continued to be at the heart of Ghana’s society and constitutional democracy. Approaches rooted in inclusion of all people have been crucial to Ghana’s progress in the HIV response. To achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, it is vital to ensure that everyone has equal access to essential services without fear, stigma or discrimination, and that providers of life-saving HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services are supported in their work. If Human Sexual rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill becomes a law, it will exacerbate fear and hatred, could incite violence against fellow Ghanaian citizens, and will negatively impact on free speech, freedom of movement and freedom of association.If it becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardize Ghana’s development success.Evidence shows that punitive laws like this Bill are a barrier to ending AIDS, and ultimately undermine everyone’s health.”UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima responds to the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in Ghana’s parliament | UNAIDS
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Press Release
22 February 2024
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIPS AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
The fellowships are open to journalists who are native to the mainly developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania and are currently working for media organizations. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the U.N. to their readers and audiences. They must also have approval from their media organizations to spend up to three months in New York to report from the U.N. The program is not intended to provide basic skills training to journalists; all fellowship recipients must be media professionals.Journalists are selected each year after a review of all applications and given the incomparable opportunity to observe international diplomatic deliberations and to gain a broader perspective and understanding of matters of global concern. Many past fellowship recipients have achieved prominence in their professions and countries. Fellowship eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, as well as the fellowship application, can be found on the Fund’s web site at www.unjournalismfellowship.org. Questions about the program, eligibility and the application process can be directed by email to fellowship2024@unjournalismfellowship.org.Although the Fund is based at the U.N., it does not receive financial support from the world organization. The Fund was established as an independent entity by U.N. journalists over 60 years ago as a living memorial to the legacy of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. It continues to be operated by U.N. journalists and relies on financial support from U.N. Missions, foundations, organizations and individuals.
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Press Release
14 February 2024
The Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship (RAF) Invites Applications for the 2024 Programme
Established in 1981, the RAF Fellowship has a rich history of empowering talented young journalists, having awarded 652 fellowships to journalists from 168 countries, including Ghana. Fellows selected for the programme gain unprecedented access to senior UN officials, exclusive interviews, briefings with UN experts, and training courses with renowned media institutions. They will have the opportunity to produce high-quality coverage of UNGA, High-Level and side events, and various issues related to the UN. They also benefit from networking opportunities with journalists from diverse backgrounds, leading to positive impacts on their careers and professional growth.
Deadline for applying is March 15, 2024. Interested journalists are encouraged to apply online at https://www.un.org/en/raf/application2024.
"This is indeed a great opportunity for Ghanaian journalists to gain first-hand insight into the work of the UN," said the National Information Officer of the UN Information Centre, Ms. Cynthia Prah. "By supporting and recognizing deserving journalists from our communities, we contribute to building their capacities, fostering greater awareness of global issues and strengthening partnerships with the media."
About the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship (RAF):
The RAF Fellowship aims to enhance understanding of the UN's work and foster more accurate reporting on global issues among journalists worldwide. It receives broad support across the UN Secretariat, and senior UN officials featured in past RAF programmes include the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, President of the UNGA and SG Spokesperson, among others. For more information about the RAF Fellowship and application guidelines, please visit https://www.un.org/en/raf.
END
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Press Release
07 December 2023
57 countries make new pledges to strengthen peacekeeping operations at 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial
At the first Peacekeeping Ministerial held in Africa, 57 Member States announced new pledges to meet current and future challenges and needs, in line with ongoing reform under Action for Peacekeeping and A4P+, key priorities to improve peacekeeping effectiveness.
“The concrete pledges generated by this historic event will provide the cushion UN peace operations require to execute complex mandates in complicated environments,” said Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
“We are grateful to the Republic of Ghana for hosting this Ministerial and their ongoing contributions to UN Peacekeeping. As missions navigate unprecedented challenges, the political support and concrete pledges received today will help strengthen our effectiveness,” said Under-Secretary-General, Jean-Pierre Lacroix. “Ultimately, the goal of peacekeeping is to help parties end conflict by securing and implementing peace agreements and related political processes. In a world that is more divided than ever, the united and active engagement of Member States in this process is critical,” he added.
The Ministerial produced significant new commitments in high-need areas, such as aviation and infantry units, including quick reaction forces and rapidly deployable units to help our missions become nimbler and more robust in responding to threats. Member States also pledged reconnaissance and critical enabling units, such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal units. Together, these specialized capabilities will contribute to the protection of civilians and improve the safety and security of peacekeepers.
These include:
33 Member States made pledges of over 110 new military and police units to UN peacekeeping.
Partnerships, through training and capacity-building of troop and police contributing countries, were also a key commitment from many Member States.
45 Member States pledged specialized trainings on an array of critical issues such as peacekeeping-intelligence, protection of civilians, gender responsive leadership and the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
In line with the meeting’s core themes, Member States recommitted to deploying more women in peacekeeping operations, including in leadership roles. Pledges were also announced to improve environmental management of missions by harnessing new technologies and switching to renewable energy as well as leaving a positive environmental legacy in host countries. In addition, Member States provided new support to strengthen mental health services for uniformed peacekeepers, the digital transformation of peacekeeping and resources to bolster strategic communication and address mis- and disinformation.
14 Member States made environment related pledges, including to deploy with or help other countries deploy with renewable energy.
12 Member States made pledges to support the UN’s strategic communications efforts, including resources to address mis- and disinformation.
“I congratulate the Government of Ghana on the resounding success of the Peacekeeping Ministerial. I am particularly grateful for wide ranging pledges from those that strengthen partnerships to build the capacity of uniformed peacekeepers to others that improve our logistics and health support as well as reduce our environmental footprint in the field. It underscores the pivotal role that partnership plays in UN peacekeeping. We are fully committed to do our utmost to support Member States in implementing their pledges to make peacekeeping more effective, efficient and impactful, said Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, Atul Khare.
“Every peacekeeper must serve with honour, upholding our standards and the reputation of the United Nations. This is an essential requirement for acceptance by local communities and to effectively implement our mandates. We work in close partnership with troop and police contributing countries to ensure those standards are met, and I thank all Member States who pledged their commitment to work with us to manage the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse, in particular, with a focus on prevention. I also thank those Member States who have voluntarily contributed to the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and welcome any further contributions,” said Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, Catherine Pollard
At the closing on Wednesday, Ghana passed the baton to Germany, who will host the next UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in 2025.
“The relationships formed and the commitments made during this Ministerial Meeting are not transient; they are seeds planted for a more peaceful and secure world, the harvest of which we will reap in the years ahead,” said Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul.
More than 70,000 peacekeepers, who currently serve in 12 missions around the world, are helping to save lives, prevent conflict and creating conditions for lasting peace.
More information on the meeting, including statements and the list of pledges, can be found on the UN Peacekeeping website and on @UNPeacekeeping digital channels.
For further information, contact: Aditya Mehta on +1 917 7754249; mehta2@un.org
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