UN – United Nations

I get to talk with journalists and media executives every day. It’s one of the best parts of my job. As a communicator who is focused on raising awareness of global issues – both problems and solutions – these women and men are at the frontlines of a world in transition. The media is an essential actor in creating healthy societies – spreading knowledge, shining a light on urgent issues, engaging citizens in the world, and […]

It’s a complicated time for the world, and it seems like we move from crisis to crisis. In this context, it can be hard to catch your breath – yet it’s important to take a moment to have a thoughtful discussion on how we can best address humanity’s greatest challenges. I’m grateful to the UAE for the opportunity to do that at the 2017 World Government Summit, which has brought together thousands of leading experts

What are some of humanity’s biggest challenges, and how can the public and private sectors work together to address them? These were questions addressed by United Nations leaders, government officials, business leaders, innovators, and experts during the 2017 World Government Summit, which focused on how governments can innovate and collaborate to build a better future. A number of UN leaders, including Secretary-General António Guterres appeared at the summit, which took place from February 12-14. Key

Today marks the fifth annual “Shine a Light on Slavery” day, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the more than 20 million victims of human trafficking around the world, most of whom are women and children. Human trafficking knows no borders. The trafficking of persons is currently present in more than 165 countries around the world, including the United States. Given the startling figures on these horrific crimes, Congress and the United Nations are

Yesterday, the U.S. Administration rescinded federal guidelines related to the protection of transgender students in our nation’s schools. This discouraging news runs counter to American values and hurts the country’s ability to champion human rights around the world. For the United States to be credible in advancing human rights and combating discrimination on the international stage, it needs to also set an example right at home. Congressional Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) was right to call

Right now, more than 20 million people in South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, and northeast Nigeria are facing food insecurity or famine. Ongoing conflict in these countries, combined with difficulty getting aid to those in need, has resulted in several humanitarian crises. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), “Famine remains relatively rare, and multiple, simultaneous famines have not been seen in modern times. People are already dying in all four countries because of malnutrition. The

As Black History Month comes to close, we prepare to welcome Women’s History Month in March to honor the extraordinary achievements and contributions of American women. On the onset, the idea of designating a month to recognize anything, let alone a group of people, may appear odd; but is it really? History is filled with examples of Black women who have embodied the intersectionality of these months to enrich the story of America in a

The United Nations describes the Lake Chad region of Africa as “a region under pressure,” which is grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis. What is the situation? According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), communities across the Lake Chad region (specifically in northeast Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger) are struggling with “the compounded impact of climate change, deep poverty, and violent extremism.” Lake Chad, an important source of water and economic opportunities

While children everywhere face bullying, LGBTI youth often face higher levels of taunting, name-calling, and violence at school, home, and in their community. The United Nations notes that children who experience this kind of abuse have a higher risk of anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, self-harm, depression, and suicide. They are also more likely to skip or drop out of school. According to a recent UNESCO report, a study from the United States found that 70% of