An increasingly challenging world, faced with worsening conflicts, inequality or the climate crisis, today requires the United Nations' focused effort on the most pressing challenges of 2024.
The agenda for the first half of the new year focuses on priorities ranging from strengthening the global economy to supporting climate action and maintaining peace in conflict zones.
The start didn't exactly bring optimism after the organization released the previous week's report on the state and prospects of the global economy, which warned of an unexpected slowdown in progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
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The first month raises further concerns, such as the escalation in Gaza after three months of conflict, obstacles to humanitarian access, high rates of starvation, overcrowding and the spread of disease, combined with the cold winter.
With a few weeks to go before February's arrival, the multilateral organization is preparing a prominent venue for the United Nations Environment Assembly, which will bring together representatives from governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to address the most pressing environmental problems.
Meanwhile, the third month of the year will drive action on gender equality as the Commission on the Status of Women, dedicated to accelerating gender equality and women's empowerment, begins March 11-22.
Shortly thereafter, in April, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will give voice to the largest gathering of people in the United Nations system, with prominent participation by youth leaders, to address issues critical to their survival.
That same month, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) will release its annual report on the state of the world's population, which will focus on the need for women to have autonomy over their own bodies, their own decisions, healthcare, sex or contraception.
For its part, May will provide space for experts and governments to use technology at the World Summit on the Information Society, scheduled to take place in Geneva from May 27 to 31, amid growing fears about the development and use of artificial intelligence.
At the same time, small island developing states will hold their fourth international conference in Antigua and Barbuda from the 27th to 30th of this month to discuss issues such as their sustainable development and resilience to the climate crisis.
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In the sixth month of 2024, landlocked developing countries will gather in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, from June 18 to 21 for the third conference dedicated to their needs and demands.
The specific challenges of these states, ranging from high transport and import costs to isolation from global markets, will be the focus of discussions between top representatives.
Since the beginning of the year, the largest political forum has been planning to use its unique convening power to resume essential efforts for the planet.
According to the organization's key voices, these impulses aim to bring together leaders and decision-makers in the hope of making the world a more peaceful, just and prosperous place for all.
With information from Prensa Latina
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