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Korea Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership
At a historic ceremony at the State House in Nairobi on July 8, 2025, Kenya awarded its highest civilian honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, to the 8th United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. The event highlighted Kenya's vital role in promoting sustainability and demonstrated the enduring influence of Ban's advocacy for climate action. The award, presented to him in Nairobi, recognized not only his extensive diplomatic achievements but also his profound and ongoing commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation in the fight against climate change. To put this into perspective, during his tenure at the United Nations, he championed landmark agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. His relentless efforts to unite nations in pursuit of a greener, fairer world have left an indelible mark on global policy and inspired a new generation of leaders. Kenya's decision to recognize Ban's contributions serves as a testament to the country's leadership in environmental matters, reinforcing its reputation as a beacon of hope and innovation on the African continent. President William Ruto, in his tribute, described Ban as 'a bridge-builder and a champion of the world's most vulnerable,' praising his 'tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication to building a peaceful, just and sustainable world.' President Ruto noted that Ban's tenure as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations was characterised by significant and transformative initiatives. His leadership played a crucial role in the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the establishment of UN Women to promote gender equality, and the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals, which collectively aimed to address some of the most pressing global challenges. In his acceptance speech, Ban expressed deep gratitude, saying, 'It is humbling for me to receive such recognition in this beautiful country. Kenya means so much to me professionally and personally,' he said, noting that his daughter met her husband in Kenya and that his grandson spent his early years in Nairobi. This intimate and personal connection is not lost on Kenya, which has previously welcomed Ban Ki-moon in both private and official capacities. The award ceremony coincided with the groundbreaking of the dual headquarters of the Global Centre on Adaptation at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The GCA is a leading international organization, currently headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, housed in the world's largest floating office, with a focus on accelerating climate adaptation solutions. Its new African base will serve as a regional hub for policy dialogue, research and capacity-building. The establishment of dual headquarters symbolizes a bridge between the Global North and South in tackling climate challenges. The GCA's presence in Nairobi is an affirmation of Kenya's leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development. Ban's post-UN leadership is deeply rooted in climate resilience and sustainable development. As the President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and co-founder of the GCA, he has continued to champion climate adaptation and green growth, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa. Kenya's connection with these two organizations is no coincidence. It shows a shared vision: that climate action should be inclusive, locally led and globally supported. When Ban was awarded in Nairobi, the only city in the global South hosting the United Nations headquarters, the United Nations Environment Program, which also houses the United Nations Office at Nairobi, offers a unique symbol of multilateral diplomacy that highlights Ban's career as a diplomat. It is worth noting that President William Ruto presented the award, as he is a leading voice in global climate leadership, serving as the chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. Kenya's decision to honor Ban is not only symbolic but also a strategic affirmation of the country's dedication to environmental diplomacy. Ban's remarks during the ceremony captured the urgency and hope that characterize the climate movement: 'Climate change is the greatest collective challenge we face as a human family. But it is also our greatest opportunity for common progress towards a sustainable future.' He added, 'The longer we delay, the more we will pay.' These words resonate deeply in Kenya, where communities are already grappling with the effects of droughts, floods and biodiversity loss. Yet, through innovation, policy reform and international cooperation, Kenya is forging a path forward that prioritizes people, the planet and prosperity. The conferment of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart on Ban is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a declaration of Kenya's values: solidarity, sustainability and global citizenship. It honors a legacy of leadership that has shaped the world and signals Kenya's readiness to lead in the next chapter of international climate action. As Ban eloquently stated, "That this century is Africa's century and Kenya is not just a leader in Africa, it is a global example of how nations can rise to meet the challenges of our time with courage, innovation and unity.' In celebrating Ban, Kenya celebrates the power of diplomacy, the promise of green growth and the potential of a continent poised to shape the future. sanjaykumar@
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE shapes sustainable development future through 2045 SDG report and global survey
20245 SDG Global Survey finds: 94.7% support moving beyond economic indicators, 85.4% support participatory policymaking, 70% back cross-sector approaches, 67.8% support regionally adaptable goals, and 64.9% believe AI and digitisation are more impactful than traditional policies. Dubai- New York, UN: The UAE launched the 2025 edition of the 2045 SDG Report at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City, as part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025, organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This took place at the headquarters of the United Nations, where H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Chair of the National Committee on SDGs welcomed the high-level attendees of the launch event, which included Her Excellency Savanna Maziya, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Kingdom of Eswatini, His Excellency Victor Verdon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay, Her Excellency Seema Sami Iskander Bahouth, Executive Director of UN Women, His Excellency Eliot Minchenberg, Director of the UNESCO Office for Communication in New York and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Benjiran Herani Tajuddin, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations, and Her Excellency Tsvai Yelma Sabo, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, while the opening speech was delivered by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN. Created by the National Committee on SDGs 2025, the report builds on outcomes from the ministerial session held at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025, in addition to recommendations from the high-level 2045 SDG roundtable held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, and survey responses from the 2045 SDG Global Survey. During the forum, the UAE delegation also presented findings from the UAE-led 2045 SDG Global Survey, which gathered insights from participants across 55 countries, spanning a wide range of age groups and academic disciplines. Redefining Global Development Goals 2045 Titled "Envisioning 2045: Comprehensive Pathways towards Sustainable Development," the report outlines five key priorities: redefining SDGs for 2045; proactively future-proofing economies and societies; enhancing global cooperation at the leadership level; accelerating the transition of global development to a new phase; and establishing a shared international commitment to the future development agenda. The report positions the transition from current SDGs to a future-ready global framework as a necessary transformation that must be proactive, innovative, agile, and equipped to address emerging challenges. It also urges governments to embed future foresight into policymaking, calls on the private sector to help shape sustainable development through AI, circular economies, and responsible innovation, and encourages international organisations to apply lessons learned from the current SDGs to build inclusive and adaptable frameworks. The report emphasises the need to empower communities and individuals – especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups – to take an active role in contributing to the development agenda and shaping the future. It also highlights milestones from the SDGs in Action initiative, organised by WGS in Dubai in 2016, as a platform for advancing global dialogue and collaboration. The report's release at UN HLPF reflects the UAE's broader commitment to accelerating SDG progress, particularly in the five focus areas of this year's forum: SDG3, SDG5, SDG8, SDG14, and SDG17. These efforts are centred on three core pillars: innovation, partnerships, and strategic insight. Proactive Approach to Shaping Development Goals His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Secretariat on SDGs, described the report as a pivotal milestone in shaping the next twenty years of global sustainable development. He emphasised its foundation in practical pathways for international cooperation and its aim to define more comprehensive and impactful global goals. H.E. Lootah said, "This report reflects the UAE's approach – anticipating challenges, strengthening global partnerships, and designing innovative solutions grounded in research, data, and evidence." He added: "The UAE is committed to building early global consensus on the 2045 SDG framework, building on lessons learned from the 2030 goals to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all." H.E. Lootah noted that while UN's official discussions on post-2030 development goals will begin in 2027, the UAE has already engaged international thought leaders since 2023. Platforms such as the SDGs in Action Forum at WGS have so far convened over 170 global leaders to shape this vision. The report stands as a strategic contribution to the future international development agenda, reflecting the UAE's role as a pioneer in advancing global sustainable development through evidence-based, practical initiatives that anticipate the future and serve humanity. UAE Call for More Resilient and Inclusive Development Goals The UAE delegation also presented findings from the 2045 SDG Global Survey, which gathered insights from participants across 55 countries, spanning a wide range of age groups and academic disciplines. The results highlighted a strong global appetite for rethinking how progress is defined, implemented, and measured beyond 2030. 94.7% of respondents supported expanding the definition of progress to go beyond conventional economic growth indicators. Additionally, 85.4% stated that engaging people in decision-making and policymaking increases their level of engagement and participation in achieving SDGs. The survey further indicated that 70% of participants backed a collaborative, cross-sector approach to sustainable development that is not limited to the government's role. Another 67.8% supported the establishment of flexible development goals that can be adapted to regional contexts and priorities. Furthermore, 64.9% of respondents expressed the belief that AI and digitisation will surpass traditional policies in terms of impact and effectiveness in driving results. UN High-Level Political Forum The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN's central platform for reviewing and advancing SDGs. Established in 2012, the forum plays a pivotal role in monitoring national and international progress on the 2030 Agenda. Participating delegations at HLPF conduct assessments of progress toward the SDGs, with this year's forum featuring in-depth reviews of five priority goals: SDG3 (ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages); SDG5 (achieving equality and empowering all women and girls); SDG8 (promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all); SDG14 (conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development); and SDG17 (strengthening and revitalising the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development).
Scoop
3 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
‘You Have To Be Able To Rule Your Life': The Care Revolution In Latin America
The workers we don't pay or see are grandmothers, mothers, daughters — the women who take care of children, look after ill family members and give dignity to the elderly. To do this vital care work, they give up formal employment with pay cheques. 'Our system is designed as if women didn't do care work, and that forces us to choose between raising children or working,' said Meredith Cortés Bravo, a founder of a grassroots organization in Chile that supports these women. But, in Latin America, this is slowly changing – a care revolution is underway that is asking governments and employers to consider what it would mean to recognise, protect and fund care work. 'Care is essential for every family and for every community. The revolution is to make it visible, to make it valuable and to invest,' María Noel Vaeza, UN Women's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, told UN News. The most off-track goal The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is convening at UN Headquarters in New York in order to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While 18 per cent of the Goals are on track for 2030, achieving gender equality remains the most off-track. Discriminatory laws and gender-based norms persist worldwide, with women dedicating approximately twice as many hours to unpaid care work as men. 'Gender equality is not a side issue. It is central to peace, it is central to justice and it is central to sustainable development and the credibility of the multilateral system itself,' Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, said at a forum session this week. The revolution is underway Before the revolution began, Latin America faced a care crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Ms. Vaeza. There was not enough care available outside of the home for sick people, forcing society to recognise that taking care of others is work. 'Unpaid care work is what keeps the economy running, but it's unfair because it's invisible, undervalued and underfunded. We must recognise it,' Ms. Vaeza said. In Latin America, a number of countries are actively working to redesign their care economies, ensuring more protections and income for the women and men who provide this work. 'The biggest shift has been putting care at the centre of public policy, not just academic debates,' said Virginia Gontijo, UN Women's programme lead in Brazil. This work is already bearing fruit. In Chile, one of the region's most ambitious care systems is already delivering in 151 municipalities, with the ultimate goal of reaching 75,000 people in the next few years. UN Women is working with governments and civil society groups to ensure that these new systems, policies and laws are shaped by and for caregivers. A care system in Brazil worked closely with an activist network to train caregivers in labour rights and promote long-term professional development. 'I never felt my work was valued, but after this project, I feel better prepared to take part in political discussions and make our voices heard,' said Lucileide Mafra Reis, a domestic worker activist in Brazil. Care is a human right Mexico and Peru have taken a more rights-based approach to care, codifying it as a basic human right. While the international community has yet to make a similar guarantee, Ms. Vaeza said that the human rights framework is an exceptionally effective one – it restores dignity and recognises that care is a fundamental part of human life trajectories, from birth to death. 'If you say that care is a human right, it means that the government and the state have to provide support,' said Ms. Vaeza. It is equally as important that employers protect women's right to do care work, said Aideé Zamorano González, a mother who founded Mama Godin, an organization in Mexico which evaluates the impact of care policies on women. This means ensuring that workplaces have policies that are supportive of mothers as workers, such as schedules that allow them to drop their children off at school. For her, these sorts of policies are crucial for women's rights and particularly for their freedom and autonomy. 'You have to be able to rule your life,' Ms. Zamorano González told UN News. Beyond just autonomy, however, it is also about safety. If a woman can make her own money – and therefore, her own decisions – she can leave abusive relationships and avoid economic exploitation. 'Every other type of violence depends on the economic power that you have. If you have the ability to make your own decisions and own money, you are safer,' said Ms. Zamorano González. An economic investment Changes to legal classifications and governmental support for care work not only benefit the caregivers, but also promote economic growth across societies. '[Care] is an investment, a strategic investment for social justice, for gender equality and for sustainable development,' Ms. Vaeza said. She noted that dedicating government funds to paying caregivers will return the investment three-fold, both by increasing their purchasing power and by generating tax revenue. In Chile and Colombia, new care systems are estimated to contribute 25.6 per cent and 19.6 per cent respectively to their national GDPs, according to UN Women. 'When you invest in a women's organization, you strengthen a living network, a tree with many branches that reaches places no office or institutional programme ever could,' Ms. Bravo said. Export the revolution Latin America's progress on care is a model for other regions around the world and demonstrates the importance of changing legal frameworks for women and girls, according to Ms. Vaeza. 'It's extremely important that this revolution be exported. It's an investment, a strategic investment for social justice, for gender equality and for sustainable development,' she said. While the revolution is ongoing, Ms. Zamorano González underlined the importance of economic empowerment for women as a means to protect their own rights even when laws and policies fall short. 'We are under capitalism, so while we change the system, let's play the game. Let's get our own means to have freedom,' she said.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This week in 5 numbers: Nearly a quarter of companies offer GLP-1 drug coverage for weight management
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Of the managers who use artificial intelligence at work, nearly all say they turn to the tool to help manage their teams. Some even use it to determine who earns a promotion or gets fired. Here's a look at those numbers and some of the others making headlines in the HR world. By the numbers At least 2 The number of opinions filed since the start of July by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dealing with the First Amendment and LGBTQ+ issues at work; in both, the court sided with employers in curtailing public workers' free speech rights in certain situations. 3 times The amount of unpaid care and domestic work that women do compared to men — an average of 4.2 hours per day for women and 1.7 hours for men, according to a U.N. Women report on gender equality in the workplace. 23% The percentage of organizations that provide GLP-1 drug coverage for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, per SHRM's annual benefits survey. 31% The percentage of director-level workers who identified financial rewards as the top influence on their career decisions, a SHRM report on career growth found. 64% The percentage of managers using AI to manage their teams who use the tool to determine terminations, according to a Resume Builder report. Recommended Reading This week in 5 numbers: Workplace tensions spike as the election nears Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
News18
09-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
6-Year-Old Girl Married Off To 45-Year-Old Afghan Man. Taliban Say ‘Let Her Turn 9 First'
A 45-year-old man married a six-year-old girl in Helmand, Afghanistan. A 45-year-old man married a six-year-old girl in Afghanistan's Helmand province following which images of the child bride circulated on social media, drawing condemnation. As per reports, Taliban stopped the man from taking the girl home saying that she could instead be sent to her husband at age nine. The child's father and the groom were arrested in the Marjah district, where the marriage ceremony took place but no charges have been filed. The groom, reportedly already married to two women, is said to have paid the girl's family in exchange for her. The girl remains with her parents for now, as per reports. According to Hasht-e Subh Daily, the transaction was conducted through the widespread practice of walwar — a bride price based on the girl's physical appearance, education level and perceived value. Child Marriage In Afghanistan Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, child marriage- already endemic in Afghanistan- has sharply risen. UN Women reported a 25% surge in child marriages and a 45% increase in childbearing among girls following the Taliban's bans on female education and employment. UNICEF ranks Afghanistan among the top countries for child brides globally. There is currently no legal minimum age for marriage under Taliban rule. The previous civil code, which set the minimum age for girls at 16, has not been reinstated. Instead, marriages are governed by interpretations of Islamic law. Under the Hanafi school, a girl may be married once she reaches puberty but there is no consensus on when that begins. Meanwhile, the crackdown on women and girls continues in Afghanistan where girls have been banned from secondary schools and universities. Women are barred from most jobs, public parks, gyms and even bathhouses. A male guardian is required for travel and all women must cover their faces in public. view comments First Published: July 09, 2025, 22:59 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
