United Nations 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:

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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

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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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20 September 2023

We have a duty to leave no one behind, South African President tells world leaders

“Over millennia, the human race has demonstrated an enormous capacity for resilience, adaptation, innovation, compassion and solidarity … these qualities must be evident in how we work together as a global community and as nations of the world to end war and conflict,” he said. He urged the international community to invest in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and supported Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for sustainable and predictable financing for peacebuilding efforts. He also expressed concern about unconstitutional changes of government in parts of Africa and stressed the need for collaboration with the African Union to support peace efforts across the continent. Empower women President Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of empowering women, advocating for gender equality and equal access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Noting that women represented 50 per cent of South Africa’s cabinet, and that he was being accompanied at the General Assembly this year by an all-women delegation, he called for greater female representation on the global stage. He also voiced concerns over rising global temperatures, noting that 17 of world’s “climate hotspots” were in Africa. “Africa is least responsible for the climate damage that has been caused, yet it bears the greatest burden,” he said, calling on world leaders to accelerate decarbonization while pursuing shared prosperity. Security Council reform President Ramaphosa also highlighted the need for inclusive, democratic, and representative international institutions. “The recently held BRICS summit in Johannesburg also affirmed the voice that the UN Security Council should be reformed and ensure that those nations that are not represented must be represented,” he said, referring to the recent meeting held by his country alongside Russia, India and China. Concluding his remarks, the South African leader urged all nations to demonstrated that “we have the both the will and the resolve” to secure a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for our world and more importantly, for the generations that will follow. “Leaving no one behind – that is the duty that we all have,” he said, recalling the guiding promise made by the international community with the adoption in 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FULL STATEMENT HERE

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20 September 2023

Invest in SDGs ‘like never before’ implores UN Chief

He was speaking at the conclusion of the two-day SDG Summit at UN Headquarters, where world leaders adopted a political declaration to ramp up progress to achieve the 17 goals, which are in danger of derailment due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises. Goals that address hunger, health, biodiversity, strong institutions, pollution, and peaceful societies are all off-track. Words into action “Now is the time to lift the declaration’s words off the page, and invest in development at scale like never before,” he said. The political declaration includes a commitment to financing for developing countries and clear support for an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion annually. The Secretary-General urged countries to make the most of the momentum from the Summit, presenting a “development to-do list” for the way forward. ‘Real investments’ He stressed the need to transform support for the SDG Stimulus “into real investments in developing countries.” In this regard, he called for establishing a Leaders Group that will develop clear steps to get funds flowing before the end of 2024. Leaders must turn commitments made at the Summit into concrete policies, budgets, investment portfolios and actions. Additionally, they should strengthen support for action across six key SDG areas, namely food, energy, digitalization, education, social protection and jobs, and biodiversity. He also advised them to “start planning now for massive increases in investments in social protection”, and to “bring to life” a global initiative to ensure an additional four billion people are covered by 2030. “As the political declaration makes clear, it’s high time for developed countries to meet their Official Development Assistance target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income,” he continued. No more business as usual Meanwhile, the upcoming meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank must not be “business as usual”, he warned. “In addition to recapitalization, we need to see an urgent additional re-channeling of $100 billion in un-used Special Drawing Rights,” he said. Special Drawing Rights are an international reserve asset developed by the IMF to supplement the official foreign exchange reserves of its member countries and help provide them with liquidity. The largest-ever allocation, worth $650 billion, was carried out in August 2021 in response to the economic crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate proposals and plans Mr. Guterres pressed Governments attending the meetings to also bring proposals to “massively leverage private funding in support of developing countries.” Similarly, he urged them to arrive at the COP28 UN climate conference in Dubai next month with concrete plans and proposals for avoiding the worst effects of climate change, upholding global promises of support, and helping developing countries to transition to renewable energy. In conclusion, he said "the development to-do list is not just homework. This is hope work. And action is the price of hope."

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19 September 2023

UNGA78: UN chief brushes off key leaders' absence, says delivery paramount

“This is not a Vanity Fair. This is a political body in which governments are represented,” he told UN News in an exclusive interview. “What matters is that [countries] are represented by someone that can [rise to] the present moment,” he said, and added: “So I'm not so worried about who’s coming. What I’m worried [about] is making sure the countries that are here … are ready to assume the commitments necessary to make the Sustainable Development Goals that unfortunately are not moving in the right direction a reality.” Here, Mr. Guterres emphasized the need to reform the current “unjust, dysfunctional and outdated” global finance system to ensure the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. He recalled his $500 billion SDG Stimulus proposal to support developing nations to make sure they have the resources they need to achieve the SDGs.” Action on climate change The UN chief further said that his 2023 Climate Ambition Summit will provide an opportunity for countries, businesses, and civil society to step up their efforts to reign in runaway climate change. In a notable departure from standard practice where countries are front and centre, this Summit will give a platform to what the Secretary-General referred to as “frontliners”, those that are the most committed to climate action, and can share the best practices. “We are moving to 2.6-2.8°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century,” he warned, stressing the urgency of returning to the goal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. “It is still possible with political will – but a lot needs to be done,” Mr. Guterres emphasized. Pushing for peace in Ukraine As for the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Secretary-General reiterated that the central objective is to secure peace, which is just and in line with the UN Charter and international law. However, he cautioned against undue optimism, acknowledging that current conditions may not favour a “serious dialogue” on peace. “I think the parties are far from that possibility at the present moment, but we will never, never stop our efforts to make sure that peace comes to Ukraine,” he stressed. Spotlight on public health Mr. Guterres also spoke about the unprecedented three ministerial-level talks next week on global public health: pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and tuberculosis. “Universal health coverage is an essential objective of the UN,” he said and added that “it requires not only the UN system to work, but also requires financial systems to be much fairer than they are today. Mr. Guterres also stressed that “one of the things that I believe is essential is increase the resources and the power of the World Health Organization.”

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18 September 2023

The vital role of Indigenous Languages in shaping informed and engaged communities through the Media

The United Nations in South Africa South, in collaboration with the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), recently hosted the inaugural Indigenous Languages and the Media seminar in Johannesburg, South Africa. The diversity of languages spoken in South Africa is greatly influenced by indigenous languages. It is crucial for their preservation that the media use and promote them. Sadly, there has been a loss in the understanding and usage of indigenous languages, particularly among young people, and less usage of indigenous languages by the media. The seminar sought to discuss and resolve these problems by bringing together key players, such as PanSALB and well-known indigenous language practitioners and media personalities, in order to have open discussions and to start dialogues that could result in practical solutions after the seminar. In his remarks, Mr. Tafirenyika highlighted the UN’s role and efforts through the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in saving indigenous languages around the world as well as the lessons learned thus far. “The UN is therefore appealing to all South Africans, including the government, the business sector, the civil society and individuals to do everything in their power to protect and promote linguistic diversity. Such an approach will strengthen, not weaken, our collective cultural heritage. And I can’t but fail to notice that this conference is taking place in September, which is South Africa’s heritage month,” he said. He told participants that one of the most effective ways to preserve indigenous languages was to develop effective mechanisms for advocacy and awareness campaigns. “This is where the role of our partners in the media becomes crucial. Let me take this opportunity to commend the SABC, the national public broadcaster, for running radio stations with programmes that are broadcast in all the 11 official languages of South Africa.” The UNIC director urged the media to promote and protect linguistic diversity and form partnerships to preserve cultural diversity and respect traditional ways of life. Governments should enact laws to conserve indigenous languages, such as mobilizing funding, defending linguistic rights, and incorporating these languages into educational systems. He further emphasized that “education is the main instrument in our toolbox of language preservation”. The necessity of information, which is key to participation in a democracy was highlighted by Professor Abiodun Salawu, a professor of Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies at the North West University, and Director of the research entity, Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA). The media has a role to inform the masses in a language they will understand, he said. Prof. Salawu told his audience that the development of alternative media and the use of regional languages and creoles have been key factors in the evolution of participation issues, which are essential to democracy. He urged the media to take all the indigenous languages to platforms that the youth can relate with such as social media and reminded attendees that “indigenous language media still remain a potent vehicle for mobilizing people for positive (developmental) goals which include democracy.” In his address, Lance Schultz, the PanSALB Chief Executive Officer called for the end to “social linguistic tribalism which is essentially a lack of respect for our indigenous languages. We must be intentional with how we communicate for an informed and engaged citizenry,” he added. “The global decline of print media has negatively affected the development of indigenous languages. Therefore, the need to forge collaborative efforts between the media, parents, teachers and various other stakeholders to promote indigenous languages is now more pertinent than ever.” The Treasurer-General of SANEF, Tshamano Makhadi, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to serve the needs of community media and open opportunities for the development of indigenous languages in this sector and beyond. “This proactive stance not only strengthens the vital role of community media but also fosters inclusivity and cultural diversity, creating a richer tapestry of voices in our ever-evolving media landscape, he said, adding: “Through its steadfast efforts, SANEF paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant media ecosystem, where indigenous languages can flourish, and communities can thrive.” The recognition of the media's pivotal role in reaching diverse audiences underscores the importance of broadcasting in indigenous languages. As the current media landscape predominantly operates in English, there is an urgent imperative to document, educate, and fortify the usage of indigenous languages. Embracing technology and fostering innovation becomes paramount in this endeavor, encompassing initiatives like translating books and dictionaries into indigenous languages and developing accessible mobile apps and online platforms. Moreover, the formulation of laws and policies, aligned with UN frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, becomes imperative to ensure the preservation and prosperity of indigenous languages for the betterment of all humanity. This multifaceted approach not only enriches people’s cultural fabric but also champions inclusivity and linguistic diversity in the global media landscape.

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15 September 2023

Call to action for people and planet: Harmonizing Mandela's Legacy with the Sustainable Development Goals

Pretoria - In an effort to foster accelerated individual and collective actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations in South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation formally launched the “Nelson Mandela Sustainable Development Goals Quotes Booklet” on the 11 September at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa. The booklet, which was prepared in support of this year’s 2023 SDG Summit to be held at the UN Headquarters in New York from 18-19 September, establishes connections between Nelson Mandela's inspiring calls to action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed for the betterment of humanity and the environment. Participants at the multi-stakeholder gathering ranged from the government, civil society, private sector, the diplomatic community, creative artists as well as women and youth. “This is not just about governments and international organizations taking action; it's about mobilizing a whole-of-society contribution. It requires a multifaceted approach that involves various stakeholders, including businesses, individuals, leaders, activists, and communities,” said Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa. The SDGs are a global call to action to address the most pressing challenges facing humanity and our planet, from ending poverty and hunger to ensuring gender equality, reversing unsustainable production and consumption patterns, advancing rights and improving governance, protecting and conserving nature, reducing waste and pollution, and combating climate change. Mr. Muffuh pointed out that the world is currently off track with regards to the necessary progress towards meeting the 2030 deadline. To course-correct and accelerate progress towards these goals, it was imperative that everyone, from member states and businesses to individuals and civil society, plays their part. He thanked the Nelson Mandela Foundation for their tireless efforts and collaboration in ensuring that Madiba's call to action continues to echo in our hearts and minds. “Let us honor his legacy by taking off this mantle of responsibility and actively work towards a world that reflects the values he fought for which include; fairness, justice, cohesion, equality and freedom. The path to a prosperous and sustainable world is paved with the continuation of Madiba's legacy. Be Madiba and act now for people and planet,” he said. Addressing the delegates at the book launch, Mr. Gushwell Brooks, Head of Mandela Day and Public Outreach at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, underscored the significance of the SDGs in striving for a world characterized by equality across political, economic, and environmental dimensions. He highlighted how this alignment beautifully resonates with Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy. He reminded attendees that the SDGs are fundamentally linked to principles of social justice and the vision that Madiba held dear, in addressing issues like poverty and inequality. In her remarks, the called for the wide use of the booklet as it was a practical tool to facilitate the realization of the SDGs.” Steve Letsike, Co-Chair of the South Africa National AIDS Council and Chair of the Civil Society Forum spoke of the vital role of, and space needed for civil society organizations to play their part in driving innovation to achieve SDGs. Natania Botha, an environmental and social justice activist, donated a piece of art to the UN as her dedication to SDGs. She called it the “last correspondent,” a mosaic of colors and textures that represents the urgency of the times and a poignant reminder of the tremendous impact of climate change on the planet. “The art piece, a human torso stands boldly in the face of adversity, serves as a symbol of resilience, strength and reminds us that even when the weight of the world challenges down upon us, we must rise unyielding in the face of challenges and hope that one day, we will have the privilege to share the tales of a world renewed with love and care.” The book launch started with a video message of support from the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed. “The SDGs embody our commitment to end poverty, protect the planet and enhance prosperity and wellbeing of all. We find ourselves playing catch-up in the midway point and now is not the time to be disheartened. It is time to act now, for people and for planet and play our part as our global icon Nelson Mandela once called on us. The wonderful publication using Madiba’s own words to inspire and guide us all in our efforts to achieve the SDGs, is timely. Madiba understood the power of collective and individual responsibility. Madiba’s words remind us that achieving SDGs is not just a responsibility, it is a commitment to the values we hold dear, fairness, justice, and equality. The race is on and it is a race we can and must win. But now more than ever, it is in our hands and it always seems impossible, until it’s done,” echoed Ms. Mohammed. Representatives from the private sector, civil society, youth share their calls to action by urging their members and communities to act now to attain SDGs by 2030. UN Information Centres (UNICs), including those in Moscow and Brussels, shared videos with messages on the actions they were taking in support of SDGs. The Grammy-award winner, Wouter Kellerman, strongly believes that music transcends boundaries, builds bridges, and connects people. His call to action at the Mandela SDGs Quotes Booklet was a challenge to all Grammy-award winners and musicians to use their music networks and artistry to push for the attainment of the SDGs. He played a tune in honour of Madiba. “So much has and continues to go wrong under the watchful eyes of our elders, it is not from a lack of trying but we can certainly say that what is being done is not enough. This then places mandate of getting the accomplishment of the SDGS on the bending shoulders of young people across the world,” said Tebogo Sipung, Executive Director for the Youth Network ACTIVATE. She made a clear call to action saying that young people possess the ability, agility and vigor to make a shift and to flip the pages of history to ensure that no other young person is left behind, in the quest of eradicating poverty and inequality in our lifetime. Achieng Ojwang, representing the UN Global Compact Local Network for South Africa, highlighted that businesses have placed a strong emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, 8, and 13. These specific SDGs are set to be assessed to evaluate how effectively businesses are contributing to their achievement. She urged businesses to elevate their efforts, set higher aspirations, and foster greater collaboration with both government entities and within the business community itself. “This collective action is essential in driving meaningful progress towards achieving the SDGs,’ she added. UN staff members, Dr. Pride Chigwedere from UNAIDS and Nkululeko Mazibuko from the World Food Programme (WFP) in a harmonious duet provided entertainment at the book launch for the participants. See photos: LAUNCH PHOTOS (Credit phots as follows: UN South Africa/Ropafadzo Chiradza)

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Press Release

14 September 2023

Call to action for people and planet: Harmonizing Mandela's Legacy with the Sustainable Development Goals

Pretoria - In an effort to foster accelerated individual and collective actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations in South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation formally launched the “Nelson Mandela Sustainable Development Goals Quotes” Booklet on the 11 September at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa. The booklet, which was prepared in support of this year’s 2023 SDG Summit to be held at the UN Headquarters in New York from 18-19 September, establishes connections between Nelson Mandela's inspiring calls to action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed for the betterment of humanity and the environment. Participants at the multi-stakeholder gathering ranged from the government, civil society, private sector, the diplomatic community, creative artists as well as women and youth. “This is not just about governments and international organizations taking action; it's about mobilizing a whole-of-society contribution. It requires a multifaceted approach that involves various stakeholders, including businesses, individuals, leaders, activists, and communities,” said Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa. The SDGs are a global call to action to address the most pressing challenges facing humanity and our planet, from ending poverty and hunger to ensuring gender equality, reversing unsustainable production and consumption patterns, advancing rights and improving governance, protecting and conserving nature, reducing waste and pollution, and combating climate change. Mr. Muffuh pointed out that the world is currently off track with regards to the necessary progress towards meeting the 2030 deadline. To course-correct and accelerate progress towards these goals, it was imperative that everyone, from member states and businesses to individuals and civil society, plays their part. He thanked the Nelson Mandela Foundation for their tireless efforts and collaboration in ensuring that Madiba's call to action continues to echo in our hearts and minds. “Let us honor his legacy by taking off this mantle of responsibility and actively work towards a world that reflects the values he fought for which include; fairness, justice, cohesion, equality and freedom. The path to a prosperous and sustainable world is paved with the continuation of Madiba's legacy. Be Madiba and act now for people and planet,” he said. Addressing the delegates at the book launch, Mr. Gushwell Brooks, Head of Mandela Day and Public Outreach at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, underscored the significance of the SDGs in striving for a world characterized by equality across political, economic, and environmental dimensions. He highlighted how this alignment beautifully resonates with Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy. He reminded attendees that the SDGs are fundamentally linked to principles of social justice and the vision that Madiba held dear, in addressing issues like poverty and inequality. In her remarks, the High Commissioner of Kenya, Catherine Muigai Mwangi, called for the wide use of the booklet as it was a practical tool to facilitate the realization of the SDGs.” Steve Letsike, Co-Chair of the South Africa National AIDS Council and Chair of the Civil Society Forum spoke of the vital role of, and space needed for civil society organizations to play their part in driving innovation to achieve SDGs. Natania Botha, an environmental and social justice activist, donated a piece of art to the UN as her dedication to SDGs. She called it the “last correspondent,” a mosaic of colors and textures that represents the urgency of the times and a poignant reminder of the tremendous impact of climate change on the planet. “The art piece, a human torso stands boldly in the face of adversity, serves as a symbol of resilience, strength and reminds us that even when the weight of the world challenges down upon us, we must rise unyielding in the face of challenges and hope that one day, we will have the privilege to share the tales of a world renewed with love and care.” The book launch started with a video message of support from the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed. “The SDGs embody our commitment to end poverty, protect the planet and enhance prosperity and wellbeing of all. We find ourselves playing catch-up in the midway point and now is not the time to be disheartened. It is time to act now, for people and for planet and play our part as our global icon Nelson Mandela once called on us. The wonderful publication using Madiba’s own words to inspire and guide us all in our efforts to achieve the SDGs, is timely. Madiba understood the power of collective and individual responsibility. Madiba’s words remind us that achieving SDGs is not just a responsibility, it is a commitment to the values we hold dear, fairness, justice, and equality. The race is on and it is a race we can and must win. But now more than ever, it is in our hands and it always seems impossible, until it’s done,” echoed Ms. Mohammed. Representatives from the private sector, civil society, youth share their calls to action by urging their members and communities to act now to attain SDGs by 2030. UN Information Centres (UNICs), including those in Moscow and Brussels, shared videos with messages on the actions they were taking in support of SDGs. The Grammy-award winner, Wouter Kellerman, strongly believes that music transcends boundaries, builds bridges, and connects people. His call to action at the Mandela SDGs Quotes Booklet was a challenge to all Grammy-award winners and musicians to use their music networks and artistry to push for the attainment of the SDGs. He played a tune in honour of Madiba. “So much has and continues to go wrong under the watchful eyes of our elders, it is not from a lack of trying but we can certainly say that what is being done is not enough. This then places mandate of getting the accomplishment of the SDGS on the bending shoulders of young people across the world,” said Tebogo Sipung, Executive Director for the Youth Network ACTIVATE. She made a clear call to action saying that young people possess the ability, agility and vigor to make a shift and to flip the pages of history to ensure that no other young person is left behind, in the quest of eradicating poverty and inequality in our lifetime. Achieng Ojwang, representing the UN Global Compact Local Network for South Africa, highlighted that businesses have placed a strong emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, 8, and 13. These specific SDGs are set to be assessed to evaluate how effectively businesses are contributing to their achievement. She urged businesses to elevate their efforts, set higher aspirations, and foster greater collaboration with both government entities and within the business community itself. “This collective action is essential in driving meaningful progress towards achieving the SDGs,’ she added. UN staff members, Dr. Pride Chigwedere from UNAIDS and Nkululeko Mazibuko from the World Food Programme (WFP) in a harmonious duet provided entertainment at the book launch for the participants. For media enquiries please contact: Eunice Namugwe, UN Information Centre – Pretoria, Email: namugwe@un.org, Tel: +27 71 6828310 See photos: LAUNCH PHOTOS (Credit phots as follows: UN South Africa/Ropafadzo Chiradza)

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Press Release

14 September 2023

Statement on the successful Sustainable Development Goals Dialogue convened on the 12 September 2023

On Tuesday 12 September 2023, the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa, and the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Mr. Nelson Muffuh convened the multi-stakeholders Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa. The theme of the dialogue was; "Strategies for Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals Achievement in South Africa". The multi-stakeholder dialogue attracted a diverse range of experts and panelists from different sectors including government departments and institutions, the South African business sector, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations and activists, development partners, and research institutions. At the core of the discussions was to find strategies to strengthen partnership and collaboration at a national, regional, and international level to accelerate the achievement of SDGs and meet the domestic imperatives of the country as envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 more broadly. The dialogue asserted that in order to build sustainable and impactful collaborations across sectors, critical reflections are needed to address the barriers to implementation, maximize on the opportunities for acceleration, and explore potential partnerships. Underscoring these reflections must be the commitment across all sectors, particularly the private sector to contribute to financing developmental projects in South Africa. The contributions from the participants also included urgent action to advocate for a paradigm shift in the understanding of development. They further asserted that if it is not sustainable, it is not developmental in nature. This paradigm shift is urgent in the context where there is marginal improvement in the SDGs. According to Mr. Muffuh, “Just 12% of the 140 SDG targets (for which we have data) are on track. Progress on more than 50% of the targets is weak and insufficient. 30% have stalled or gone into reverse. These include fundamental targets on alleviating poverty, hunger, and the devastating impacts of climate change. And there is a global blind spot on 29 targets for which we lack the data to judge progress.” In his presentation, Mr. Risenga Maluleke, the Statistician-General of South Africa emphasized the importance of reflecting on South Africa’s progress in the implementation of the SDGs within the context of the lived realities of the people. In maintaining the need for greater participation from all sectors, Mr. Ayodele Odusola, the Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa explained how each SDG presents an opportunity to develop a business plan that is implementable, measurable, and impactful in nature. He further emphasized the necessity of institutional, political, social, and financial support to drive these SDGs forward. The dialogue was convened on the eve of the SDGs Summit scheduled to take place from 18-19 September 2023 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Minister Ramokgopa will lead the South African delegation that will present a diagnostic report on the progress made on SDGs in the context of South Africa. The report represents the voices of millions of people represented by different sectors consisting of both qualitative and quantitative data. During her opening remarks, Minister Ramokgopa emphasized that; “SDGs have the potential to accelerate the implementation of the NDP by encouraging more policy coherence and minimizing duplication and inefficiencies. Equally, both SDGs and the NDP are strongly aligned on the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in accomplishing the country’s development goals.” The Minister further explained, “Beyond the Summit, it is imperative that we develop monitoring and evaluation systems that will assist South Africa in making clear linkages between the SGDs, the AU Agenda 2063, our own lodestar the NDP, the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), and the Integrated Development Planning (IDPs) at a local government level to ensure there is synchronization in planning, interventions and financing of these frameworks”. Over the past decade, South Africa has reasserted its position in the global arena as a critical influencer in the global development discourse. Most importantly, South Africa must continue to leverage its power to advance developmental priorities that will ensure we build a capable, ethical developmental state, and contribute to the shared prosperity of the African people. The outcomes of the SDG Summit will be communicated in a media briefing. The details of the briefing will be communicated in due course. For media inquiries, kindly contact Keitumetse Fatimata Moutloatse at 073 532 6161 or email at Keitumetse@dpme.gov.za and Eunice Namugwe, UN Information Centre (UNIC) at 071 6828 310 or Email: namugwe@un.org Follow us on Twitter @Dpmeofficial / @MaropeneRamo / @UNinSouthAfrica, Facebook: Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation/ United Nations in South Africa

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Press Release

04 September 2023

Nearly 70 per cent of young people believe their actions can improve climate policies – UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll

PRETORIA, South Africa, 04 September 2023 – Children, adolescents and youth can influence climate and environmental policies, according to 70 per cent of young people who responded to the latest UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll. Despite the optimism, the findings also revealed that 31 per cent of respondents still need more support to influence policies more effectively, while some 41 per cent said they haven’t received the training or developed the skills needed to respond to climate change and its related impacts. The latest U-Report poll findings come as the Africa Climate Summit kicks off today in Nairobi, Kenya, following the Africa Youth Climate Assembly where young people presented their ideas, solutions and asks to put themselves at the heart of the global fight against climate change. The poll results also follow the publication by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child of ‘General Comment 26 on Children’s Rights and the Environment with a Special Focus on Climate Change’, which provides the first substantive guidance for States on what they must do to uphold children’s right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Thousands of children from across the world contributed their views and ideas to shape the document. “Children, adolescents, and young people in South Africa are rightly not willing to be passive bystanders when their lives are already being impacted by climate change and environmental degradation,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative. “The future wellbeing of children and adolescents depends on commitments made by leaders today. Children and young people are determined to have their voices heard and acted on, so that their specific needs are included in environmental and climate policies and action,” added Muhigana. The UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll also showed that 39 per cent of respondents learnt a lot about the climate crisis at school, while another 39 per cent stated that they didn’t learn enough and a further 13 per cent learnt nothing. Two thirds of those polled either agreed, or were not sure, when asked if their futures were at risk if they don’t learn about climate change and how to respond. Only one quarter did not agree with the necessity to improve knowledge and capacity to respond to climate related issues. The Africa Climate Summit runs from 04 – 08 September with the theme ‘Driving green growth and finance solutions for Africa and the world’. UNICEF continues to advocate for child rights to be placed at the centre of climate action, including through: Prioritizing children and young people in climate financing and resource decisions - and securing climate finance that safeguards every child. Preventing the worsening of the crisis for children and young people by securing rapid emissions reduction (mitigation) and the transition to renewable energy. Protecting children and young people from the immediate impacts of the climate crisis by adapting child-critical social services and adopting climate resilient development policies. Preparing children for the impacts of climate change through climate education, green skills, meaningful participation. UNICEF South Africa works to incorporate climate and environmental action and advocacy across its mandated areas of education, health and nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and child protection, including through: Supporting high-level Government interaction on climate resilient WASH solutions, such as the recent China – South Africa dialogue. Incorporating renewable and sustainable energy solutions into health systems, such as solar powered vaccine cold chain facilities. Promoting citizen science work that educates and engages adolescents and youth in community level environmental action, such as water monitoring. Scaling-up ‘Sport for Climate Change and the Environment’ programming where learners can engage in climate education, including through activities such as water sports to learn about and tackle environmental degradation. Establishing ‘Youth Reporters Groups’ working through schools and community radio to increase awareness about climate and environmental issues and to encourage community-level action. Encouraging and incentivizing environmental and climate action ideas and solutions presented by youth through online platforms such as the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA). Notes to editors: More than 6,000 U-Reporters participated in the U-Report climate poll, with 56 per cent of respondents aged between 15 and 30-years. Some 65 per cent of respondents were male and 35 per cent female. U-Report is a platform managed by UNICEF South Africa to encourage youth participation and helps children and young people to have a voice on issues that matter to them and to access information, tools and services to influence positive social change. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child published ‘General Comment No. 26 (2023) on Children’s Rights and the Environment with a Special Focus on Climate Change’ on 28 August. This provides authoritative guidance to the 196 States that have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on what they must do to uphold and protect children’s right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and explicitly affirms the obligations of each party under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

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