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25 January 2023
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19 January 2023
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31 December 2022
UN Secretary-General's New Year's Message 2023
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The Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa
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 South Africa:
Press Release
31 October 2022
Celebrating 7 years of partnerships between the South African Government and the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)
PRETORIA: Following seven-year term in South Africa, PAGE’s core engagement in South Africa is coming to an end. PAGE UN Agencies and national partners are collaborated to hold a PAGE Transition Ceremony to facilitate continued long-term action towards building an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE).
The most important output of this Transition Ceremony was the sensitization and sharing of experiences of the work that PAGE has supported since 2015. The PAGE South Africa Transition Ceremony was not only be an event to showcase the progress made by national stakeholders towards IGE and a green recovery, but also a means of affirming sustainable development and climate change priorities. In addition, this event gave an opportunity for national stakeholders to be better informed on steps required to build further on the progress made so far. The event consisted of keynote addresses, closing remarks, presentations and feedback solicited from participants on sustainability planning.
The Transition Ceremony presented an opportunity for government to revisit the Sustainability Report for PAGE South Africa: 2022 and Beyond, which was submitted to government in 2020. The Sustainability Report highlighted the key results achieved through PAGE support at the three PAGE outcome levels: national multisectoral level, thematic or sectoral level, and capacity building, which outline various means of sustaining the achievement and bringing impact at scale. Through active input from its National Steering Committee, the Sustainability Report reflects the most recent progress of the country’s initiatives towards an IGE, and what could be further actions to achieve sustainability.
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) aims to put sustainability at the heart of economic policymaking. PAGE is the expertise and mandate of five UN agencies; UNEP, UNDP, ILO, UNIDO, and UNITAR, whose expertise and support assist and lead PAGE partner countries towards their transition to an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) by providing policy advice, assessments, capacity development and analytical tools outputs. In addition to support and outputs provided to member countries (22 countries as of March 2022), the PAGE also shares global knowledge products to reinforce the work done at the country level to advance the 2030 Agenda.
CONTACTS
Moipone Kgatle, Page National Coordinator
Email: kgatle@iloguest.org Tshepo Mohatle, Communication and Information Management Assistant, DWT/CO-Pretoria Office
Email: mohatle@ilo.org
Moipone Kgatle, Page National Coordinator
Email: kgatle@iloguest.org Tshepo Mohatle, Communication and Information Management Assistant, DWT/CO-Pretoria Office
Email: mohatle@ilo.org
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Story
12 October 2022
More than 31 per cent of 15–19-year-old females in South Africa overweight or obese, threatening a noncommunicable diseases epidemic
PRETORIA, 12 October 2022 – The persistent high rates of overweight and obesity, particularly among adolescent girls, is putting lives at risk, as the transition phase between childhood and adulthood is a critical period for the onset of obesity-associated morbidity. Some 31.3 per cent of 15-19-year-old females are overweight or obese, compared to 9.6 per cent of males in the same age range.
UNICEF South Africa has launched ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’, a campaign aimed at preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents and youth, coinciding with National Nutrition Week, 09 to 15 October. This supports the central theme of the Department of Health focus on ‘Making healthy food choices easier’ for all.
“The high rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in South Africa are extremely concerning,” said Muriel Mafico, Deputy Representative, UNICEF South Africa. “Investing in and enabling adolescents and young people to improve their mental wellbeing and physical lifestyles, particularly adolescent and young women, will save lives and ensure a more prosperous future for society as a whole,” added Mafico.
Young people’s choices to adopt healthier lifestyles are influenced by school and family environments, as well as peers and role models. Barriers to physical activity include time spent on social media and watching television, feeling tired, availability of facilities, safety, and having enough time all of which can prevent young people from being active – COVID-19 related lockdowns presented an additional challenge.
The My Body, My Health: My Wealth campaign, supported by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme (YHP), works to make NCD prevention a national priority and enable young people to live healthily. The campaign, co-created with the input of young people, meets adolescents and youth where they are: both online and offline. Creative design, engaging content, live challenges and inspiring role models will spearhead the campaign to lower the incidence of NCDs among youth in South Africa by investing in their health.
NCDs are chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes. Collectively, they are responsible for 70 per cent of deaths worldwide. NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa, carrying huge costs to patients, families, communities, the health system and the economy at large. Several NCDs can be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels.
UNICEF South Africa will leverage its extensive network of young volunteers across the country. Youth clubs, in and out of schools, have been invited to join the campaign, share their knowledge and encourage other young people to adopt healthy habits.
Notes to Editors
Statistics come from the South Africa Demographic Health Survey (SADHS 2016), as well as the UNICEF South Africa 2022 study on diet and physical activity among adolescents and youth in South Africa.
Childhood obesity among children under five is 13 per cent, more than two times that of the global average, while 60 per cent of 20–24-year-old women are overweight or obese, compared to about 14.5 per cent of men the same age.
The ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’ campaign supports the 2022 ‘National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases’ led by the National Department of Health.
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Press Release
08 October 2022
PRESS STATEMENT: Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivers this year’s Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture
Cape Town – In delivering this year’s annual 12th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, last night reminded her audience that as the world continues to mourn the late Archbishop’s loss, we “celebrate his legacy, which has never been more relevant in our world of great pain”.
She exalted the late Archbishop Tutu’s leadership qualities, describing him as a civil servant “who served throughout his life as a towering global figure for peace and an unwavering voice for the voiceless.” He stood above all for courageous hope and healing, based on principles rooted in pragmatism, she added.
This year’s lecture, under the theme, A Vision for Hope and Healing in a Time of Crisis, marked the first posthumous in-person address following the passing of Archbishop Tutu last year. Other leaders who gave previous lectures include the former South African first lady and human rights activist, Gracá Machel, the late and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
The lecture series, organized by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, aims to foster a meaningful dialogue on healing and reconciliation as South Africa strives to rise above its fractured past and current challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and gender-based violence – severe issues that threaten the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030.
“Our world is in crisis with Africa left behind, yet again,” the Deputy Secretary-General lamented, “Nearly three years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, nations across the world, particularly African countries, face a multitude of cascading and compounding crises”.
These included increased poverty, hunger, lack of access to healthcare and quality education and thus leading to greater inequalities while social cohesion is fraying, and xenophobia, nationalism, hate speech and radicalization are on the rise, she added.
“However, it doesn’t have to be this way,” Ms. Mohammed reminded her audience.
“Our planet is packed with the resources we need to thrive, plentiful food and water, and boundless renewable energy. These are unique, irreplaceable resources that must be treasured, protected and handed down from generation to generation.”
Speaking on the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Deputy Secretary-General described the alignment of the two agendas as “a pathway to a world that cherishes human dignity; a world free of poverty, hunger, violence and injustice.”
Ms. Mohammed encouraged people to follow in the footsteps of the late archbishop, in pursuing education as he believed that “education is the most powerful tool that a person can receive to ensure their independence, self-sufficiency and equality.” Archbishop Tutu was a teacher by profession during his early years.
The Deputy Secretary-General noted that the late anti-apartheid activist embodied values of peace, which still resonate today as the archbishop “understood that peace, in its broader conception, can only be achieved if we approach humanity as a community in which – as in any African village – everyone takes care of each other.”
The full address by the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed can be accessed here.
Photo’s can be accessed here.
- ENDS -
For further information, please contact Ntombenhle Shezi, Advocacy and Communications Manager, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation at ntombenhle@tutu.org.za or +27 21 552 7524; or Zeenat Abdool, Associate Public Information Officer, UN South Africa at abdool@un.org or +27 82 778 8080.
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Press Release
29 September 2022
The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture — A Vision for Hope and Healing
5 September 2022 – Cape Town - The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture returns on 7 October 2022, marking the first Lecture since Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s passing at the end of 2021. The event is being held on Archbishop Tutu’s birthday and will honour his extraordinary life while reflecting his legacy into the future.
The heart of the Peace Lecture is rooted in the Foundation’s work to transform our collective consciousness through the courageous pursuit of healing, inspired by the legacy that Archbishop Tutu left for us. In the last few years, we all witnessed the devastating impact of a global pandemic, climate change and conflict. The Arch, as he was fondly known, held a lifelong conviction that one can only get through hard times by holding on to hope. As he put it, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
In line with this, the 12th International Peace Lecture theme is: A Vision for Hope and Healing.
Chairperson of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Niclas Kjellström-Matseke noted, “We are excited to bring to Cape Town the voices of two powerful and globally influential individuals to deliver this year’s lecture.”
The two speakers are Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, who will appear with best-selling author Doug Abrams. Kjellström-Matseke went on to say, “Amina Mohammed, through her extraordinary work as a global leader can share an inspiring vision for global development. This is well-paired with Doug Abrams’ intimate portraits and ability to draw out the wisdom of many of the elders of our times. I am confident that this will be a powerful moment for us to reimagine the possibilities of a bold future, shaped by collective healing and humanity.”
Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed is credited as being one of the key architects of the Sustainable Development Goals, setting an agenda for how we can develop flourishing societies and planet. She is a globally recognised leader in action to prevent climate change, having served as the Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Abrams is best-known for his collaborative work with Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama to co-author The Book of Joy. He has worked with other Nobel Laureates including Nelson Mandela, Jody Williams, and Elizabeth Blackburn, as well as many visionary scientists. His latest collaboration was the Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times with Jane Goodall, published in 2021.
CEO of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Janet Jobson, noted that, “A conversation that calls on us to project towards a hopeful future is incomplete without the perspective of the youth. We are thus including elements in the overall event for young people and children’s voices to be powerfully heard.”
One way this will be achieved is through a children’s art exhibition at the Cape Town City Hall on the evening of the event. We are inviting young people under the age of eighteen to submit artworks depicting their own visions for hope and healing. Interested participants can post their artworks on social media and tag us, email, or send their submissions to us using the details below:
Email address: public@tutu.org.za
Physical address: The Old Granary, 11 Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001
We invite everyone to join us for this powerful dialogue at the Cape Town City Hall, 7 October 2022; 19h00-21h00.
Book your free tickets for The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture (quicket.co.za) or stream the lecture on tutu.org.za.
For media queries and interviews contact: Ntombenhle@tutu.org.za
*Note to Editors
About the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (DLTLF)
Founded in 2013, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (DLTLF) strives to take the example of its founders into the future, in part by growing and facilitating powerful and timely voices of moral courage on some of the most pressing issues of our time. Visit tutu.org.za for more information.
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Press Release
05 September 2022
Number of COVID-19 orphans nears 150,000 in South Africa
PRETORIA, 05 September 2022 – COVID-19 associated deaths have left nearly 150,000 children as orphans, according to latest data modelling from Imperial College London, as part of the Global Reference Group for Children Affected by COVID-19: Joint Estimates and Action. That number rises to 207,400 when including children who have lost their primary or secondary caregiver, such as a grandparent.
The tragic figures reiterate the importance of a holistic and child centred response to the broad ranging impact of COVID-19 on childhood, particularly to protect and support children who have been left without one or both parents, or another primary or secondary caregiver.
“Children’s lives have been devastated by the pandemic in so many ways and for those who have lost parents or caregivers the deep scars will last forever,” said Muriel Mafico, UNICEF South Africa, Deputy Representative. “But with love and care, access to social protection, education and opportunities for growth and development, these children can
recover, thrive and realize their full potential,” added Mafico.
The loss of parental support and loved ones during childhood can have a long-lasting impact on mental and physical health. These children are more likely to experience violence and abuse and be neglected and exploited.
“A nurturing, protective and stable family environment at home is vital for positive childhood experiences, yet for orphaned children this is too often a distant dream,” said Mafico.
Efforts to scale up and strengthen the capacity of family-based care and social protection systems are critical to enhance family resilience and help to prevent any recourse to institutional care.
UNICEF South Africa is working with partners to protect every child’s right to live and grow up in an environment that supports their physical, psychological, social and emotional development. This includes through:
Scaling up access to interventions such as Safe Parks that provide a protective and caring environment in which children are nurtured by professionals and caregivers, where they can play, receive learning support, counselling and health services.
Engaging caregivers and households in early childhood development, from learning through play to positive parenting techniques, including building knowledge and skills about how to best nurture children.
Building the capacity of teachers to best support the psychosocial needs of the most vulnerable children in the school environment and in-turn ensure school retention.
Building the capacity of staff in primary health care facilities and community health workers to provide integrated services to children that best protect their mental and physical health.
Increasing uptake of the Child Support Grant to ensure that the most vulnerable households receive help alleviate some of the stresses of everyday life, whilst closing the exclusion rate of 2.2 million eligible children.
Providing the most vulnerable youth with access to skills building opportunities, as well as work and entrepreneurial mentorships and opportunities.
The tragic and increasing number of COVID-19 orphans is also a reminder that COVID-19 is not over, and the virus has led to the deaths of more than 1-million people globally in 2022 alone, according to WHO figures.
Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent serious illness or death. In June this year, The Lancet estimated that 19.8 million lives were saved during the first year of COVID-19 vaccinations, December 2020 to December 2021.
UNICEF South Africa continues its COVID-19 response with the National and Provincial Departments of Health to help build further momentum towards the 70% coverage target of the adult population by the end of 2022. This includes strengthening vaccine cold chain management and systems, as well as communication and community engagement work to bolster COVID-19 vaccine coverage, as well as routine childhood immunization.
UNICEF South Africa is extremely grateful for the support received towards the COVID-19 vaccine response from donors including the Government of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the Government of Japan and the Cotton On Foundation.
Notes to Editors:
Imperial College London provides a regularly updated chart on estimates of orphanhood in South Africa and across the world and is available here
The Global Reference Group for Children Affected by COVID-19 and Crisis is hosted by and linked to the World Health Organisation to develop up to date evidence of the numbers of children affected by COVID-19 associated orphanhood, and to support policy and programming that can mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on children and adolescents.
The Lancet study, Global impact of the first year of COVID-19 vaccination: a mathematical modelling study is available here.
COVID-19 associated orphans are defined as being under age 18 and having lost one or both parents.
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Story
27 December 2022
Secretary-General's end-of-year message to UN personnel
My dear Colleagues,
We are ending a year in which our world has faced great trials and tests.
Old and new conflicts claimed thousands of lives, injuring and displacing millions more. The climate crisis continued to heat up. And inequalities kept growing with a cost-of-living crisis raging.
Against severe headwinds, the United Nations delivered real, meaningful solutions to advance peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. And we often did so despite long odds and deep skepticism from others.
None of that progress would have been possible without all of you, our United Nations personnel around the world. So as we reach the end of this difficult and tumultuous year, I want to express my deep and abiding gratitude to you.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
With COVID-19 restrictions easing this year, I was able to see more of your work for myself, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. I was enormously impressed, energized, and inspired by your strength and resilience.
In a world engulfed by crises, you are living proof of why our United Nations remains indispensable.
Of course, we have enormous work ahead of us in the face of escalating humanitarian needs, widening inequalities, eroding trust, and enduring conflicts.
But I have never been more certain that the only answer to this divided world is a truly United Nations.
We remain humanity’s best hope for a peaceful future on a livable planet.
You should be extremely proud of your role and contributions – just as I am proud to call you my colleagues.
I wish you and your families a happy holiday season and healthy new year.
And as we say in my native Portugal: Bem hajam.
Shukran jazeelan. Xie xie. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Spasibo. Muchas gracias.
Yours sincerely,
António Guterres
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Story
12 December 2022
10 December marks two anniversaries: South Africa’s Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights
When the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, it was a revolutionary moment. For the first time in history, all nations came together to agree on a common set of human rights standards, applicable to all human beings, everywhere.
The Declaration emphasised rights and freedoms that were universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and inalienable, and recognised the equality, dignity and worth of every person.
On Saturday, 10 December, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will launch a year-long campaign to promote and recognise the 75th anniversary of the Declaration, which will be celebrated on 10 December 2023.
The campaign will focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a unifying force and its potential to transform lives, bring peace, and build consensus by focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism. The slogan is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”
In South Africa, 10 December also marks the signing into law of the country’s Constitution. This commemorative convergence was a global symbol by Nelson Mandela.
He chose to sign the Constitution into law on International Human Rights Day to show that just as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged out of two brutal world wars, the South African Constitution could be a uniting force as the country emerged out of a dark and violent past.
The Declaration has stood the test of time
Since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have advanced. We know that human rights are the catalyst to progress because they have already shown their potential. The rights of women, children, young people, persons with disabilities and migrants have been inscribed in law and discrimination has been challenged. Large swathes of the world are no longer under colonial rule and repressive regimes.
The Declaration embodies the values of many globally revered icons who have fought for social justice. It has inspired social movements for stronger human rights protection.
In the 48 years between the adoption of the Declaration and the signing of the South African Constitution into law, the Declaration galvanised millions of its people to continue to fight against racism and colonialism and to stand for freedom and equality.
The universality of the rights in the declaration was evident in those fighting against the apartheid regime in South Africa. They were part of a global movement for freedom and justice. The Freedom Charter, which greatly influenced the Constitution, took inspiration from the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, South Africa’s Constitution is internationally acclaimed as one of the most progressive in the world and its Bill of Rights is a near mirror image of the declaration.
A beacon of light
The promise of the Declaration, of dignity and equality in rights, is under attack. The climate crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing conflicts, economic instability, misinformation, racial injustice, rising inequality and global setbacks on women’s rights are all challenges that require us to reorient ourselves with the Declaration.
Many people are exasperated and have lost faith in programmes and policies and the perceived inaction of governments and institutions that are meant to protect human rights.
Guided by the Declaration, we need to renew the social contract between governments and the people and within societies. The values inherent in the Declaration will help us rebuild trust and embrace a common agenda on the road to a just and sustainable development.
The Declaration an enabler of activism
New movements, young activists and bold leaders continue to challenge the status quo and rekindle the spirit of the Declaration, with new ideas to protect and promote human rights.
The Declaration remains an enabler of activism. The articles of the Declaration find expression in the #MeToo and #TotalShutDown movement’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide; the call for radical climate action to protect the environment and livelihoods; the demands by young people for improved service delivery and dignified living conditions; and the unwavering conviction of human rights defenders who risk their lives for others.
Emboldened by our solidarity and common purpose, we must continue to work together to give the Declaration new life and to realise the fast-approaching target for 2030 sustainable development goals.
Today, as the sun sets on the 25th anniversary year of South Africa’s Constitution that has established a society based on democratic values, it rises on 75 years of the Declaration that was, is and will become a torchbearer of equality, freedom, and dignity for generations to come.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the South African Constitution are proof that it is within our power as humans to solve the greatest crises of our time if our solutions are rooted in human rights.
Let dignity, freedom and justice reign.
Abigail Noko is the regional representative for Southern Africa at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
As published by Mail & Guardian: 10 December marks two anniversaries: South Africa’s Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights - The Mail & Guardian (mg.co.za)
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Story
02 December 2022
UN Secretary-General appoints Mr. Nelson Muffuh as UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Nelson Muffuh of Cameroon as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, with the host Government’s approval. He takes up his post on 1 December.
Nelson Muffuh brings more than 20 years of experience in international relations and negotiations, political and development issues at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, regional and country levels.
Prior to his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh served as Chief of Staff and Principal Strategic Adviser to the UN Deputy Secretary-General since 2017. He led the overall management and guidance of staff, focusing on the acceleration of systemwide and whole-of-society efforts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on the repositioning the UN development system and strengthening the Resident Coordinators system.
As lead strategic adviser and policy coordinator on sustainable development political and partnerships interventions, Mr. Muffuh helped shape and advance the UN’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, advocate and organize summits on the SDGs, Financing for Development, and Climate Action. He was instrumental in convening and coordinating the efforts of launching the Spotlight Initiative on violence against women and girls, the Decade of Action for the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and the Global Crisis Response Group to address the impacts on food, energy, and finance due to the war in Ukraine.
Prior to this, Mr. Muffuh led and coordinated stakeholder engagement, outreach, and global strategic partnerships efforts to inform the post-2015 development policy process, whose outcome was the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its accompanying SDGs to succeed the Millennium Development Goals.
Nelson Muffuh started his UN career with the UN Development Programme-UN Millennium Campaign, then UN Population Fund in Africa, where he acquired extensive experience in programme management, multistakeholder collaborative interventions, partnerships and communications, as well as advocacy and mobilization.
Before that, he served as a Senior Programme and Advocacy Advisor for Christian Aid, and Programme Coordinator for the African Liberal Network-Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Transparency International Secretariat.
Mr. Muffuh studied political science and international relations at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, and development cooperation at Sussex University, United Kingdom.
He is married and has two children.
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15 November 2022
8 billion people, 8 billion opportunities
As the Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, I believe the international community should view this day as a success story. After all, we have gotten to this point because people are living longer, fewer women are dying giving birth, childhood mortality has declined, and healthcare systems are getting better. While many have used this milestone in population growth—and every other before it—to focus on the climate crisis and other challenges the world faces, let us instead focus on the opportunities.
No demographic trend is solely bad or good, and with the right investments, sound policies, and advance planning, governments can empower every person in their population to achieve a good quality of life. At UNFPA, we help countries unlock this potential by helping them understand their changing demographics, project their future population, and devise policies that build healthy and inclusive societies, with a focus on ensuring rights and choices for all.
Let us address the topic most fundamental to our growing population—reproductive health and rights. Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended and more than 250 million women do not want to become pregnant, but are not using modern contraception. Yet, in our research and programmes we see firsthand that providing every person with access to safe, voluntary family planning is one of the best investments a country can make. Access to contraceptives not only prevents unintended pregnancies and lowers maternal death rates, it also reduces poverty and helps people complete their education. These benefits pay dividends to the development of countries’ economies and social structures. In fact, some estimate that the long-term socioeconomic benefits of achieving universal access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, would yield returns of $120 for every dollar invested.
When we invest in family planning, we’re investing in girls’ futures. Teaching adolescents about their reproductive health and options improves their long-term health outcomes and lowers their chance of pregnancy and childbirth complications—the leading cause of death among adolescent girls. Together, knowledge and access to reproductive health services benefit all areas of girls’ lives, from their education to their level of autonomy in the household.
Let’s plan for a future in which all 8 billion of us can fulfil our potential. By prioritizing the issues that impact the most vulnerable, we can support those bearing the brunt of the world’s most pressing challenges. In our increasingly unequal world, we need to invest in people and the promise they hold – irrespective of their gender, race, nationality or creed. When we do, a future in which all 8 billion of us can thrive will be within our grasp.
* The views expressed in this blog are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UN DESA.
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09 November 2022
South Africa leading the way toward a low-carbon economy and resilient society
On October 31st, Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility closed the Komati coal-fired Power Station, in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa. At first glance, the closing of a 56-year-old coal fired power plant may not appear particularly notable. But this is not just worthy of attention, it is historic. With this closing, the Government of South Africa has begun implementation of its Just Transition Framework that will shift the country from heavy dependence on coal for energy generation towards renewables. Komati will be the first coal fired power plant in the country’s history to be decommissioned, with several more expected to follow in the coming years, in line with South Africa’s goal of becoming a low carbon and resilient economy. Further, the Government plans to repurpose the site of the plant for renewable energy generation and to do all this while making sure workers and the impacted communities have access to new opportunities.
This historic move came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, reflecting the spirit of the country’s Just Transition Framework, and places equal importance on the transition to lower carbon technologies and the ability to do so in a manner that is just and sustainable. The decommissioning of the coal-fired plant will result in reduced carbon emissions and the improvement of ambient air quality in the vicinity of the plant. The power plant will be converted to a renewable generation site powered with 150MW of solar, 70MW of wind and 150MW of storage batteries, thereby continuing to put the site and its associated transmission infrastructure into good use and to provide economic opportunities to the community.
South Africa is a country that has been heavily impacted by climate change and its agriculture, cities, infrastructure, and most importantly, people, have been affected by rising temperatures and variable rainfall, resulting in recurring droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The country is already heating at twice the global average, while droughts and flooding have been increasing in intensity and frequency in main urban centers and agricultural areas, affecting the poor and the most vulnerable.
In support of this important transition, the World Bank approved financial support to Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Project (EJETP). The $497 million project will support Eskom to decommission, repurpose and create new opportunities for the impacted people of Mpumalanga province, which has 12 of South Africa’s coal fired power plants and the 83% of South Africa’s coal production. I visited Mpumalanga in September and met with the Region’s Premier, Refilwe Tsipane. We discussed the governments Just Transition Framework to reduce the economy’s heavy reliance on coal and improve the health and livelihoods of the local people. It was heartwarming to hear about the Premier’s level of engagement in the plans to diversify the Mpumalanga economy away from coal with the people of the province at the center of these plans.
Achieving a just energy transition requires increased competition in strategic sectors, including those dominated by state-owned enterprises, a more flexible labor market, and improvements in fiscal and financial policies. The World Bank Group is committed to working alongside governments to address climate change, aligned with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, and is offering technical advice to countries via our new diagnostic tool, Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs). CCDRs are developed in consultation with governments and key stakeholders at the local level. They analyze the connection between climate and development policies and identify concrete priority actions that support countries’ development goals and ambitions set out in their National Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The EJETP project aligns with the country’s Just Transition Framework and our newly released CCDR for South Africa. The recommendations include the finding that South Africa can deliver an effective response to climate change risks, without undermining its socioeconomic goals, and can achieve its development and climate goals by embracing a “triple transition” that is low-carbon, climate-resilient and just. Urgent action on adaptation will help the country build resilience to changing climate patterns, particularly in the coastal cities, agricultural provinces, and underdeveloped peri-urban areas of the main metropolitan centers.
Immediate action in this regard requires increased financing that is still materializing at too slow a pace. Scaled up financing commitments are urgently needed to close the gaps in climate actions that will create diverse economic opportunities for millions of people. At COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh this week, African voices must be the cornerstone for climate action and solutions. South Africa’s leadership on the decommissioning of the Komati coal-fired plant could serve as a model for future projects, in the country and around the world. The example of Komati demonstrates what is possible with country ambition, leadership, well-timed investments, and external financial support in order to transition our countries to more inclusive, resilient, and low-carbon economies.
Published by The World Bank
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Press Release
19 January 2023
Cricket 4 Good clinics promote physical and mental wellbeing and build life skills among children and adolescents
BENONI, 19 January 2023 – More than 450 children and teenagers have taken part in a series of Cricket 4 Good coaching clinics, running alongside the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, at schools across Gauteng and North-West Provinces.
The sessions, delivered in partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA), along with players from all sixteen participating World Cup countries, were complemented by a ‘Sports for Development’ component run by UNICEF South Africa youth volunteers. The clinics not only promoted cricket and sports for physical and mental wellbeing, but also built life skills and self-awareness.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Marketing and Communications said: “The ICC’s Cricket 4 Good programme is focused on empowering women and girls through cricket, and we are delighted to see more than 450 young people participate in these clinics in South Africa.
“Sport has extraordinary power to change lives and these sessions combine the fun of cricket with essential life skills that promote gender equality to both girls and boys. Thanks to Cricket South Africa and UNICEF we will be running more Cricket 4 Good clinics at next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 as we build a legacy from these two ICC World Cups in South Africa,” added Furlong.
Johan Weyers, Senior Cricket Manager, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said, “Children of our cricket community centers, clubs and schools attended the ICC Cricket 4 Good clinics over the last few days. The presence of the international players added to the excitement of our girls and boys attending these sessions. The sessions provided ongoing skills development to grow the game amongst our youth. CSA would like to thank ICC, UNICEF, and the participating teams for their efforts to inspire the players to continue with the sport. The Cricket 4 Good clinics function as a catalyst to improve the game in the country.”
Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative, said that “Sport is a powerful force for good and is one of society’s greatest levelers. The Cricket 4 Good clinics have provided fun for the children, and they’ve empowered and engaged girls and boys to promote tolerance and gender equality. We know that when girls’ do better, we all do better,” added Muhigana.
A global partnership between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and UNICEF calls on children, young people, and everyone to #BeAChampion for gender equality. Cricket and sports more broadly can play a critical role in tackling some of the pressing issues of our time.
Cricket 4 Good is the ICC’s global community outreach programme, aimed at leveraging the vast power and reach of cricket to empower women and girls.
UNICEF South Africa’s ‘Sports for Development’ approach aims to bring about social change and cohesion within communities. The strategy focuses on promoting sport and physical education as essential not only for physical and mental health but also to learn the importance of key values such as honesty, teamwork, fair play, and respect.
The Cricket 4Good clinics are scheduled to start again next month to run alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with the first match on 10 February in Cape Town.
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Notes to Editors
The volunteers conducting the ‘Sports for Development’ sessions are alumni of the UNICEF South Africa supported ‘Girls and Boys Education Movement’ (GBEM), which provides young people with life skills through sports and other activities to help them realize their full potential. Conflict resolution, leadership and mentoring skills are developed to ultimately empower adolescents and young people to thrive in and outside the school environment.
About ICC
The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 105 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and is responsible for the staging of major international tournaments including the ICC Men’s World Cup and Women’s World Cup and the ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups as well as all associated qualifying events.
The ICC presides over the ICC Code of Conduct which sets the professional standards of discipline for international cricket, playing conditions, bowling reviews and other ICC regulations. The Laws of the game remain under the auspices of the MCC.
The ICC also appoints the umpires and referees that officiate at all sanctioned Test matches, One Day International and Twenty20 Internationals. Through the Anti-Corruption Unit it coordinates action against corruption and match fixing.
The ICC Development department works with Associate Members to improve the quality of international cricket, build better cricket systems, get more people playing cricket and grow the game.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org
Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
For more information, please contact:
Toby Fricker, Tel: +27 61 418 7486, tfricker@unicef.org
Sudeshan Reddy, Tel: +27 82 561 3970, sureddy@unicef.org
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Press Release
21 December 2022
Measles outbreak hits four provinces and threatens health of children across South Africa
PRETORIA, 20 December 2022 – The number of confirmed measles cases has risen to 169 across four provinces, according to the latest National Department of Heath figures. North West, Mpumulanga, Limpopo and Gauteng have reported cases and further spread is likely with the increased movement of persons during the holiday season.
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease but can be deadly, particularly for children who have missed routine childhood immunizations.
“Ensuring that children are vaccinated against measles and other preventable childhood diseases is a matter of life or death,” said Muriel Mafico, UNICEF South Africa Deputy Representative. “We call on all parents and caregivers to check the status of their children’s immunization coverage and to get up to date as quickly as possible,” added Mafico.
Most confirmed measles cases, 44 per cent, are affecting 5–9-year-olds, with some 28 per cent of cases among 1–4-year-olds and the remainder among people aged 10 to 42-years.
The outbreak has been attributed to consistent lower than optimal vaccine coverage of routine measles 1 and 2 doses, which increases the risk of being infected and of spreading the disease. COVID-19 further interrupted childhood vaccinations in South Africa but catch-up campaigns in late 2020 and 2021 helped to recover levels to near pre-COVID levels. Globally some 25 million children are missing out on life-saving vaccines every year.
As part of the outbreak response, UNICEF South Africa is working with national and provincial health authorities, as well as the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the World Health Organization to better understand the current barriers affecting access to and uptake of childhood immunization services.
In addition, UNICEF South Africa is engaging ‘The Truck’ a multimedia messenger to travel across hotspot areas providing lifesaving information and to work with communities through health workers and other partners. UNICEF South Africa is also collaborating with partners, including UNICEF offices in neighbouring countries, to monitor and support any needed response in cross-border areas.
Frontline health and social workers, and community, faith and civil society leaders, as well as educators and early childhood development practitioners, are advised to be on high alert for anyone showing symptoms, and to report this to the nearest health facility as soon as possible.
UNICEF South Africa calls for additional national and provincial government funding to be allocated to the measles response. These resources would strengthen vaccine administration and related services, as well as risk communication and community engagement to highlight the importance of routine immunization and to provide resources on how and where to access services.
UNICEF also reiterates its thanks for the generous support provided by the Governments of Germany and Japan to support and strengthen South Africa’s vaccine cold chain, management and risk communication and community engagement work.
Notes to Editors
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline can be contacted at +27 800 212 552. Click for more information onmeasles and childhood vaccinations.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline can be contacted at +27 800 212 552. Click for more information onmeasles and childhood vaccinations.
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Press Release
10 December 2022
International Human Rights Day Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator 10 December 2022
For 74 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has stood as a beacon of hope and a global guide towards development, peace and security. This remarkable document, born out of the brutality witnessed during the first and second World Wars, enshrines the rights of all human beings and recognises the equal worth of every person.
Adopted on 10 December 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly, the UDHR marked the first time the international community agreed on a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”. The UDHR became the blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies.
In the years following its adoption, the UDHR gave rise to many struggles for stronger human rights protection and helped them to be more recognised.
Article 1 of the UDHR, which states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," fuelled the principles of the Freedom Charter and the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
Exactly 48 years after the UDHR was adopted, on 10 December 1996, the South African Constitution was signed into law.
The provisions in the UDHR inspired the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution. South Africa successfully transitioned from a discriminatory regime to a thriving democracy with a globally revered Constitution guaranteeing civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights.
But the promise of the UDHR and the Constitution is being tested – not for its value, but rather in terms of a reversal in the enjoyment of rights that we are currrently witnessing.
Global economic shocks and uneven recovery following Covid-19 have amplified poverty, inequality and structural discrimination.
Women’s and children’s rights are violated daily through violence and abuse.
More than two-thirds of young people are unemployed.
Climate-related disasters have become more commonplace, claiming lives and battering livelihoods.
As South Africa tackles these challenges, the values and rights enshrined in the UDHR and the Constitution must continue to steer our solutions.
We must urgently shift from economic approaches and models that fuel instability to a new social contract, which more fairly shares power, resources and opportunities and sets the foundations of a sustainable human rights-based economy.
International Human Rights Day, this year, marks the start of a year-long campaign to promote and recognise the milestone 75th anniversary of the UDHR in 2023 (UDHR75) under the theme “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”
With pushback against the human rights agenda and threats to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the campaign is a rallying call for us to mobilise in defence of human rights and our common future.
Let us stand up for human rights.
Let us invest in human rights.
Let us demonstrate what humanity can achieve when we act with common purpose.
History has shown us that the solutions to present and future challenges are rooted in human rights.
Today and every day, the United Nations stands with the people of South Africa to work towards a more sustainable, just, and prosperous society.
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Press Release
07 December 2022
United Nations thanks South Africa for its contribution to peacekeeping
New York, 7 December 2022- Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, thanked South Africa for its strong support to United Nations Peacekeeping and for the service and sacrifice of its military and police personnel deployed under the UN flag.
South Africa first provided peacekeepers to the United Nations in 1999 when it joined the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).
Today, South Africa provides 1189 uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping, making it the 15th largest contributor among all UN Member States. It is also the 6th largest contributor of women peacekeepers, with 230 now serving.
South Africa’s largest deployment is with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where 1,184 peacekeepers serve. It also contributes police personnel to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
In recent decades, South Africa also contributed to UN peace operations in Burundi, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Liberia, Nepal and to the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan.
“South Africa’s peacekeeping contributions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the years, through personnel deployed as part of infantry battalions, helicopter units, and military medical teams, have been essential to efforts to build peace, as well as to ensure the health and safety of fellow peacekeepers. In addition, the South African female engagement team’s outreach efforts have significantly strengthened the mission’s relationship with Congolese communities,” according to Mr. Lacroix.
“The UN appreciates the service and sacrifice of the South African men and women, past and present. We will always remember the 50 South African peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag,” said Mr. Lacroix.
South Africa also endorsed the Secretary-General’s ‘Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)’ initiative, which aims to strengthen peacekeeping through more targeted mandates, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces, and by mobilizing support for political solutions.
# # # # #
Note to editors: The UN's Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, runs the international multi-year communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping -- Service and Sacrifice.' The campaign expresses the world body's gratitude to the countries that contribute their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/service-and-sacrifice
Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Peacekeeping is a unique force with military and police from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping
Action for Peacekeeping: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p
Media enquiries in South Africa: United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Pretoria Zeenat Abdool Public Information Officer Tel: +27 12 354 8507 Mobile: +27 82 778 8080 Email: abdool@un.org Media enquiries at UNHQ:
Department of Global Communications (New York):
Douglas Coffman Tel: + 1 917 361 9923
coffmand@un.org Department of Peace Operations (New York) Oana-Raluca Topala topala@un.org
Note to editors: The UN's Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, runs the international multi-year communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping -- Service and Sacrifice.' The campaign expresses the world body's gratitude to the countries that contribute their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/service-and-sacrifice
Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Peacekeeping is a unique force with military and police from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping
Action for Peacekeeping: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p
Media enquiries in South Africa: United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Pretoria Zeenat Abdool Public Information Officer Tel: +27 12 354 8507 Mobile: +27 82 778 8080 Email: abdool@un.org Media enquiries at UNHQ:
Department of Global Communications (New York):
Douglas Coffman Tel: + 1 917 361 9923
coffmand@un.org Department of Peace Operations (New York) Oana-Raluca Topala topala@un.org
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Press Release
24 November 2022
28 children violently attacked in South Africa each day
PRETORIA, 23 November 2022 - “At least 3 children are murdered, another 3 survive attempted murder and 21 suffer grievous bodily harm. That’s the average daily impact of violence against children in South Africa.
Children are under attack. Families, friends and communities left devastated.
We can’t look away. We must all come together to tackle this horrific violence that affects the futures of every child across the country.”
Notes to editors:
The latest statistics released by the South African Police Service cover the period from July to September 2022.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
10 February 2022
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