Press Releases

New York, 11 October 2020 This year, we mark the International Day of the Girl against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and resurgent movements for social justice. As we strengthen the response to the pandemic and plan for a strong recovery, we have an opportunity to create a better, fairer…

New York, 10 October 2020 Around the world, nearly 1 billion people live with a mental disorder. Every 40 seconds, someone dies from suicide. And depression is now recognized as a leading cause of illness and disability among children and adolescents. All of this was true, even before COVID-19. We…

New York, 10 October 2020 The theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds connect our world”. As they travel the globe, migratory birds lift our spirits and remind us of nature, connecting people, ecosystems and nations. Yet our continued encroachment on nature and the destruction of…

New York, 9 October 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of our lives, testing us all. Throughout these difficult times, I have found inspiration in the essential workers who have kept our communities and societies running smoothly in extremely difficult circumstances. I offer my…

New York, 8 October 2020 Excellencies, colleagues and friends, Today, I have the honor of meeting – albeit remotely – four formidable women leaders who strive for peace in their regions and countries. Thank you for joining us as we mark both the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and 20 years…

New York, 8 October 2020 Excellencies, colleagues and friends, Today, I have the honor of meeting – albeit remotely – four formidable women leaders who strive for peace in their regions and countries. Thank you for joining us as we mark both the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and 20 years…

New York, 8 October 2020 Indeed I wanted to launch a call to action, and to call on Governments, on the United Nations system - because it starts by us all and the way we behave - on Regional Organizations, African Union, European Union, many others, Civil Society Organizations, academia, and the…

New York, 7 October 2020 Nine months since we first heard of COVID-19, the pandemic has claimed more than one million lives and infected more than 30 million people in 190 countries. Infections are rising and there are troubling signs of new waves. Much about the virus remains unknown. But one basic…