As part of our “Americans in the UN” project to share the stories of Americans who work for the United Nations, we connected with Linda Maguire, who currently serves as the Resident Representative in Panama for the UN Development Programme (UNDP).  In this role, Maguire leads the work of the UN’s main development agency in Panama, which collaborates with national partners to fight poverty, promote good governance, protect the environment, foster resilience to shocks, and […]

In Myanmar, Reuters reporters Kyaw Soe Oo and Wa Lone have been reporting on atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims in Mynamar – and now face seven years in jail because of it. In Yemen, BBC correspondent Nawal Al-Maghafi has traveled through dangerous terrain to share the stories of malnourished children, cut off from the food and medicine they need because of conflict. And in the Philippines, Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa, an emeritus

Our natural world is on life support, but if we support and restore nature, it could be one of our biggest solutions to climate change. A new global report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) finds that 1 million species are at risk of extinction — more than ever before in human history. The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, prepared by 145 leading experts from 50 countries,

Young people are not the only voices speaking out for urgent action on climate change. Across the globe, mothers who are deeply worried about their children’s future are rising up. This Mother’s Day arrives on a wave of growing concern for climate change, including headlining reports from the United Nations that call for drastic, unprecedented action to avoid the worst impacts on people and planet. But mothers are not shying away from the challenge. They

Lise Grande leads the United Nations’ efforts to provide lifesaving aid to more than 21 million people caught in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Pramila Patten goes to work every day to advocate for an end to sexual violence in conflict. And Nida Yassin, the daughter of a refugee, supports refugees in Jordan – listening to their needs and sharing their stories. These women are heroes – or as we say, (s)heroes. And

As global health experts gather at the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) from May 19-28, what are the pressing issues on the agenda? Here are a few big topics that will be discussed, as well as a video preview of key issues from Ambassador John Lange, the UN Foundation’s Senior Fellow for Global Health Diplomacy. The theme for this year’s assembly is Universal Health Coverage, which essentially means we are working toward a world where

Every day, Christine drops her children off at her employer-sponsored daycare and goes to her job as an employee relations assistant, popping over to check on her children during breaks. Here at her workplace, the 36-year-old mother of two enjoys employee benefits that too many working women do not — access to essential health services like contraception, cervical cancer screening, counseling, and even clean, potable water to bring home to her family. Christine, above, works

Deadly diseases that can be prevented with a simple vaccine still threaten millions of people around the world — especially children. Every child deserves a shot at a healthy life. We have the tools to stop these diseases, and through collective global efforts, we’ve been able to save millions of lives. But right now, our progress against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles is in danger. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new data showing a

The good news is we’re making progress. Technology and innovation are making sustainable energy available to more people than ever before. Today more than 20% of the world’s energy comes from renewable resources — and that percentage is growing. Right now the UN is working with governments, companies, and local partners across the globe to help the planet’s most vulnerable people by providing vital access to sustainable energy. In the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, health