The writer is special adviser on Africa to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and former finance minister of Cabo Verde.
Viral Facts Africa, a first of its kind African initiative to combat health misinformation online, was launched recently by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a network of fact-checking organizations and leading public health bodies.
UNITED NATIONS, May 7 2021 (IPS) - In rebuilding after COVID-19, policymakers must invest in innovative technology to leapfrog obstacles to inclusive development. Africa has enjoyed strong economic growth for most of the 21st century, mainly because of robust global demand for primary commodities.
But the “Africa Rising” narrative that accompanied this growth is mostly a story of rising GDP, which is overly one-dimensional. In fact, Africa’s economic growth has failed to generate many good jobs postponing, once again, the benefits of the demographic dividend of a large working-age population.
Usha Rao-Monari assumes role as new Associate Administrator for the United Nations Development Programme
Posted On April 6, 2021
New York - Ms. Usha Rao-Monari of India officially began in her role today as Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), following her appointment by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres last February. I warmly welcome Ms. Rao-Monari to UNDP” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “I am very pleased that we will have the opportunity to benefit from the breadth and depth of her professional experience to date at this significant point in time.”
Ms. Rao-Monari comes with 30 years of investment experience and has held several senior positions, notably as Director of the Sustainable Business Advisory Group at the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group. She has until recently served on the Boards of a number of organisations in the field of susta
Largest virtual gathering of world leaders tackles climate crisis
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United States President Joe Biden invited 40 world leaders to a virtual Leaders Summit on Climate from April 21–22. Country representatives included the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, or the 17 countries with the largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters.
“Thank you @POTUS @JoeBiden for convening the #LeadersClimateSummit,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, in a tweet. “Europe will be the 1st climate neutral continent. But it does not want to be the only one. Let’s all commit to ambitious emission reductions by 2030, on the way to net-zero by 2050.”
Coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic undp.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from undp.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Secretary-General Appoints Silvia Rucks of Uruguay United Nations Resident Coordinator in Brazil
On 1 May, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Silvia Rucks of Uruguay as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Brazil, with the host Government s approval.
Ms. Rucks brings more than 30 years of experience to the position, which she acquired throughout a career focused on leading strategic initiatives supporting national planning of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She also coordinated inter-agency work to advise Governments on the design of public policies and reform proposals related to international development, human rights and peace and security issues.
Within the United Nations, Ms. Rucks most recently served as Resident Coordinator in Chile, where she led the Organization s work during a challenging period, including after the COVID-19 outbreak. She was also the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UN