United Nations

Friday is World Cities Day. Cities drive innovation, economic growth and culture —but they also face big challenges, such as poverty, inequality, pollution and climate change. With more than half the world’s population living in cities, urban areas must become more sustainable, inclusive, safe and resilient. Sustainable cities need affordable housing, reliable transport, green spaces and climate-resilient infrastructure. Without these elements, rapid growth can lead to an increase in slums, traffic, pollution and disaster risks. You can help: advocate for safe streets, clean air and accessible public spaces in your community. 📸: The New York City skyline, featuring UN Headquarters in the distance.

The United Nations is now accepting applications for the 2025 Young Professionals Programme (YPP) Exam. Applications must be submitted by 14 December 2025. Full details, including candidate requirements, can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g2EvJTgd

Welcome to the United Nations family, Professor Brian Cox! As the new UN Champion for Space, one of the world’s most recognized physicists and science communicators will use his voice to support the UN’s efforts to make space a driver of peace, progress and sustainability for all. — via United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Global military spending reached a record high in 2024. The unprecedented surge took place as global security deteriorated, while progress on the Sustainable Development Goals — the world’s blueprint for a better future — fell behind target. Prioritizing diplomacy and investing in development is crucial. Find out more as Disarmament Week comes to a close: https://lnkd.in/df6DWnVv

Climate inaction is claiming millions of lives every year. A new report from the World Health Organization and the Lancet warns that climate change is having a devastating toll on human health. Deadly heat, wildfires and drought are all having far-reaching impacts on people’s well-being around the world. Protecting health means taking #ClimateAction now. https://lnkd.in/eVcBhpkt

As climate impacts intensify, many countries are struggling to keep up. A new UN Environment Programme report warns that developing nations will need more than US$310 billion a year by 2035 to adapt — yet current funding falls far short. Investing in adaptation is essential to protect people, jobs and economies from growing climate risks. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eB5BD2nE

Coding drives innovation & fuels creativity. Yet the lack of diversity in programming can perpetuate biases & deepen inequalities in the digital world. On Wednesday's #WorldCodingDay, UNESCO is calling for a more inclusive digital future. https://lnkd.in/eHUxtEqF

Globally, the responsibility of providing care falls overwhelmingly on women and girls, who spend more than twice as many hours as men on unpaid care and domestic work. Wednesday is the International Day of Care and Support – an opportunity to address gender stereotypes and seek solutions to redistribute unpaid care and domestic work. Join UN Women in calling for better policies to achieve a more equitable world. https://lnkd.in/excGumNq

Wednesday is World Stroke Day. You can limit your risk of stroke by: 🔹 Avoiding tobacco & alcohol 🔹 Managing blood pressure, cholesterol & diabetes 🔹 Eating healthy foods 🔹 Staying active — via World Health Organization

Afghanistan: Last month’s telecommunications shutdowns disrupted humanitarian work, worsened restrictions on women and girls, and seriously affected family life. United Nations Human Rights and the United Nations mission in Afghanistan documented the far-reaching impacts of the shutdowns, particularly on women and girls in the country. https://lnkd.in/eXdY4UW2