A new UNESCO report, “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development,” examines press freedom throughout the world. The report was launched at an event hosted by the United Nations Foundation and Freedom House at the U.S. House of Representatives, symbolizing the U.S. commitment to press freedom. While UNESCO has long espoused freedom of expression as an international norm and press freedom as a vital element in building open, transparent, and inclusive societies, the […]

By Raki Wane, UN Foundation Intern This week, we’re continuing our “MDG Mondays” series on the blog. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) provide a global blueprint for the international community to focus its efforts to improve lives. As we approach the December 31, 2015 target date for the goals, we’re reflecting on the strides we’ve made and what still needs to be done. About the Goals This week, we’re highlighting goals 2 and 3, which

Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on John McArthur’s blog here. A couple of quick updates relating to the post-2015 negotiations: 1) A cleaned up version of Paying for Zero: Global Development Finance and the Post-2015 agenda is now available. 2) More importantly: over the weekend the UN General Assembly’s Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals issued its final outcome document. After a year and a half of arguably the most expansive global

As the Chief Operating Officer of a foundation with global focus, it is important to me that all of our employees, partners, supporters, and friends live in a world that respects and protects their human rights – regardless of whom they love. That’s why I recently joined the Free and Equal Campaign, a campaign led by the United Nations to raise awareness of homophobic and transphobic violence and to promote respect for LGBT rights. The

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, 5, and 6 focus on improving health and have mobilized governments, businesses, and non-governmental groups to accelerate action for a healthier world. Millions of lives have been saved, and significant progress has been made – but we still have more work to do. Here’s where the health MDGs stand. Millennium Development Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality Target 4.A: Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.

The United Nations recently released a report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), identifying where progress has been made and where intensified focus and effort are needed in the 500 days until the December 31, 2015 target date for the MDGs, as well as in the days beyond. For those MDGs related to health, the report had considerable good news to share: Over the past 20 years, the likelihood of a child dying before age

“Blogust” might be a funny sounding word, but every year this digital event has a big impact on children around the globe. Definition: Blogust is a month-long digital dialogue that has taken place every August since 2012. Bloggers from around the country post blogs to their pages on a specific day and ask their followers to comment on and share their posts. Every share and comment unlocks a vaccine donation from Walgreens to support children

By Jordie Hannum, Executive Director of the Better World Campaign  As the conflict in Gaza continues, United Nations humanitarian agencies are working around the clock to address desperate civilian needs. This morning, UN Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos addressed the Security Council, outlining the UN’s urgent response and detailing the challenges that aid workers still face. In case you missed it, here are five key excerpts from her speech on the UN’s role in Gaza. 1.    Up

Our MDG Monday series continues with a look at Millennium Development Goal 7. MDG 7 focuses on ensuring environmental sustainability because a healthy environment is essential for healthy communities. Millennium Development Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability Target 7.A: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources. Target 7.B: Reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss. Target 7.C: Halve,