United Nations in Sri Lanka

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14 December 2021

Sri Lanka’s Path to Recovery: Restoring Human Capital in a Post-Pandemic World

Highlights COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on human capital worldwide and has reversed valuable gains made over the past decade. Recovery efforts require a renewed commitment and investment in human capital which focuses on establishing robust and resilient systems to reduce exposure and vulnerability to shocks. Sri Lanka could benefit by bringing together key sectors and stakeholders for comprehensive solutions that can help restore and accelerate human capital. Abirami is a domestic aide. Daily wage earners like her have been hit hard by the pandemic. Abirami has been out of work since April 2020, barring a few odd jobs that came her way. Her husband Kumar used to operate a food cart, but that too ended abruptly during lockdown. Unable to make ends meet, the couple was compelled to sell the cart, the only asset they had in their name. They now survive on a few thousand rupees a month and have no stable income to rely on. Insecurity is a familiar feeling for Abirami. As an informal sector worker, she has no employment benefits, or social security. She lives day to day, using her meagre income to cover their daily needs. She does not have the luxury of planning for her future. That is a challenge for another day. Abirami’s priority is to educate her two sons. A school dropout herself, she is determined that her boys do not have the same fate. Despite her best efforts, she may be unable to give them the future she hopes for. Though Sri Lanka provides free education, disparities in the quality of education often result in unequal employment opportunities, making it harder for children from poorer households to climb out of poverty. Abirami is also responsible for her elderly mother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Though she receives free treatment from public hospitals, Abirami is left with many additional costs associated with her care. For a family that survives on a daily income, this cost is overwhelming. With so much on her plate, Abirami has never had room for her own dreams. “I always wanted to become a beautician,” she says, sounding almost guilty to admit that she once had aspirations for herself. Sadly, Abirami’s story is not uncommon. It is a story of lost potential, which speaks volumes about the power of investing in human capital. She leaves us with four key takeaways on how best to understand and approach human capital challenges. Human capital challenges emerge throughout the lifecycle. From raising healthy, educated children, and providing jobs for adults, to supporting social security and healthcare for the elderly, human capital challenges occur at all stages of life. They often have a compounding effect, with challenges from each stage building upon the next. Abirami’s inability to complete schooling hindered her job prospects and quality of life and, in turn, affected her children. Failure to address challenges throughout the lifecycle can trap people in vulnerable positions and perpetuate the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Human capital challenges require integrated and holistic approaches: Isolated interventions can only go so far in creating sustainable and meaningful change. Human capital challenges require integrated and holistic interventions, based on strong collaborations across key sectors. Additionally, human capital challenges are exacerbated by lack of access to and poor quality of basic services, including water, electricity, and transport. Sri Lanka could benefit from developing a human capital program that brings together key sectors and stakeholders for the implementation of comprehensive solutions that can help restore and accelerate human capital. The pandemic has reversed valuable human capital gains: For Abirami and others like her the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges. In Sri Lanka, around 500,000 people have fallen below the poverty line. Jobs have been lost, particularly among women, many of whom will never return to work. The implications of prolonged school closures will be more serious for children who couldn’t access online education, and the ‘silent learning crisis’ will impact future productivity and growth. The pandemic has shown us that robust and resilient systems are needed to reduce exposure and vulnerability to shocks. Adapting and preparing for emerging challenges is also important. For Sri Lanka, the rapidly ageing population and the rising non-communicable disease burden pose a significant threat to human capital, and failing to prepare for these challenges could be disastrous. Investing in human capital today can save money in the future: Sri Lanka has achieved good results in human capital development with relatively low investment. This remarkable progress demonstrates the country’s potential, and provides a glimpse of what can be achieved with more efficient investment. Human capital challenges reveal inequalities along gender, geography, and income, which allow people like Abirami to fall through the cracks. Investing now can help foster productive citizens who contribute to the national economy, reducing the cost and burden on the system. For instance, in Sri Lanka, only 32 percent of women participate in the labor force as compared to 75 percent of men, and the IMF estimates overall income gains of about 16 percent in 2040 if this gender gap is closed in 50 years. Looking ahead, Sri Lanka must prepare for the challenge of rebuilding lives and reshaping futures. At this crucial juncture, a renewed focus and commitment to human capital development could support a smooth and resilient recovery. For Abirami, the road to recovery is long and arduous, but with a little help, her sons could have a very different story.

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The rapidly ageing population and the rising non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka pose a significant threat to human capital.

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12 August 2023

Empowering Sri Lanka's Youth for a Greener Future

As global temperatures surged to unprecedented heights last month, the need to transition towards an ecologically sustainable and climate-resilient world has grown increasingly evident. Sri Lanka is highly exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change, with 96% of the country’s disasters being climate and weather-related, according to the Index for Risk Management. Young people are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis and are calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Young climate advocates are making valuable contributions to building political will and accelerating national and corporate commitments to the Paris Agreement, demonstrating the power they possess to hold decision-makers accountable. However, a successful transition towards a greener world will ultimately depend on the development of ‘green skills’, namely the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society. This encompasses not only the technical know-how for navigating green technologies and processes, but also cross-disciplinary competencies and perspectives that facilitate environmentally sustainable decisions. Although green skills are relevant for people of all ages, they are especially important for young people, who can contribute to the green transition for a longer a period of time. Despite the growing recognition of the relevance of green skills, the available evidence suggests a shortage of such skills among young people. By 2030, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that a green transition will result in the creation of more than 8.4 million jobs that specifically contribute to the preservation of the environment either by supporting environmentally friendly processes or through the production of green products and services. The skills gap represents an obstacle for young people to participate in a world of work that is shifting towards a green economy. If current trends persist, more than 60 percent of young people may lack the skills required to thrive in the green economy by 2030. In Sri Lanka, this figure is estimated to be even higher due to limited training infrastructure. In order to successfully navigate this changing environment and leverage the opportunities that it presents, young people across the country need to be well-equipped with green skills. Cultivating green skills among Sri Lanka's youth "The school garden programme is our favorite part of professional guidance training. We are dedicated to excelling in this agricultural initiative, which we believe will shape our future”. Sayuranga, a seventh-grader at Senkadagala Special School in Kandy, shares his classmates' enthusiasm for agricultural pursuits despite his hearing impairment. He has demonstrated a remarkable talent in this field. Acquiring hands-on knowledge in maintaining an entrepreneurial garden, Sayuranga envisions agriculture as a path to a self-sustaining future. Green skills play a crucial role in various sectors, including education and agriculture, particularly in empowering youth. To instill these skills from an early age, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing a project in which 400 schools across North, Central, and Uva Provinces are establishing entrepreneurial school gardens. Over 100,000 secondary school students are partaking in a discovery-based learning approach, fostering entrepreneurial thinking in agriculture and equipping them with the know-how to transform their gardens into sources of nutritious produce. Supported by funding from the Australian government, young 'agri-champions' in these selected schools are educated in innovative methods to enhance food security and agri-entrepreneurial skills. This includes managing coordination, sales, and income generation while adhering to eco-friendly agricultural practices. Building transformative resilience through entrepreneurship Although a shift toward a green economy is creating many new job opportunities for young people, some represent a transition from obsolete means of production to greener ones by which the existing workforce will need to be re-skilled and absorbed through new work opportunities. A successful transition would only be possible if associated risks—disruption of existing employment patterns and alignment of new work opportunities and skills—are managed well. Extending beyond job creation and potential for decent work opportunities, entrepreneurship disrupts the status-quo by injecting new thinking, pre-empting solutions, and paving the way for constant change. When combined with the creativity, drive, and skills of young people, it creates a force that can pave the way for reaching the ambitions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. ILO’s South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship Programme has emerged as a platform geared towards boosting young people’s consideration of entrepreneurship as a viable career choice and creating a shift in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Implemented in partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, over 2,600 students, from 65 schools, across 6 districts have enhanced their skills and knowledge through the ILO flagship entrepreneurship training – Know About your Business. A highlight of the programme is the introduction of SPARK – a new national competition for young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 24, to pitch their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. This year, SPARK received hundreds of applications, of which 100 shortlisted applicants received virtual training. This week, 35 shortlisted applicants participated in a 2-day residential bootcamp to hone their skills, receive one-one-one mentorship, and connect with business champions. The Grand Finale, taking place on World Entrepreneurship Day on 21 August, will see the winner of the SPARK Award. The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) HackaDev ‘Green Innovation Challenge’ serves as another example of ongoing initiatives that tap into the vast potential of young people to support the achievement of sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The project was introduced to crowdsource innovative solutions by creating sustainable social enterprises that contribute to both the environment and economic growth of the country, and has thus far engaged with 358 young people from across the island. Dhanushka Bandara, is one such young entrepreneur who shared that, “attending the HackaDev Green Innovation Challenge was an incredible opportunity that opened doors to abundant learnings and valuable connections. Through this experience, I found myself to be on a green entrepreneurial path of producing eco-friendly charcoal briquettes with coconut waste.” Youth as agents of change in Sri Lanka All over the world, young people like Dhanushka are responding to present day challenges with innovative approaches and fresh ideas, building bridges and creating the world they want. They are leading development for themselves, their communities and their societies. Youth are becoming better prepared than ever to engage with the world’s most pressing issues and influence sustainable development. They have the potential to be the first generation in history that can eradicate poverty and reverse climate change. To bring the demands of children to the forefront, UNICEF, together with partners and 350 adolescents from five high risk districts, developed Sri Lanka Children’s Declaration on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through the Child Centered-DRR programme by identifying six key demands that are needed to reduce the impact of disasters and climate change. U-Report, an adolescent and youth platform that empowers young people to speak out on issues that matter to them, was used to get voices and consensus of over 8,000 young people for the declaration. Promising findings generated through U-Report are currently being used to advocate in getting cabinet approval to convert declaration into a legally binding charter – making it the first children’s charter for CCA and DRR in the country. Young people also constitute the majority of UN Volunteers working towards accelerating the SDGs in Sri Lanka. Engaging in climate-focused initiatives ranging from creating awareness among the youth of sustainable life practices to advocating for policy reforms to ensure sustainable economic practices, young volunteers are forging a path to ensure a greener and more resilient future through their work. Young volunteers also actively foster inclusive environments by engaging in gender-focused initiatives aimed at empowering girls and women and uplifting the most vulnerable and marginalized demographics of society. Bringing together youth of diverse religions and ethnicities, volunteerism facilitates meaningful partnerships between generations, fostersmutual respect, and empowers young people to take ownership of development progress and contribute to a just and more equitable society. It also serves as a catalyst for developing a wide range of skills related to communication, leadership, problem-solving and resilience, allowing them to prepare for future challenges with a well-rounded skillset. Greening the future through youth empowerment Young people in Sri Lanka are entrepreneurs, innovators, and champions of sustainable progress. Whether through education, agriculture, science or technology, young people are scaling up their efforts and using their skills to accelerate climate action. On Sri Lanka's journey towards becoming a more a resilient and eco-conscious nation, the importance of young people’s voices and potential should not be underestimated. By nurturing green skills and fostering youth-led initiatives, Sri Lanka is taking bold steps towards a brighter, sustainable, and more inclusive future. Young people who are equipped with green skills will be better prepared to act as catalysts who can lead the transition to a greener society in which every young person is empowered to achieve their full potential, and where their human rights are realized.

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19 July 2023

Sri Lankan farmers reap success through innovative agricultural technologies

In his 30 years as a farmer, Illeperuma Arachchilage Rathnayake, or Rathnayake as he’s known in his village, struggled to unlock the full potential of his onion seed cultivation. He began cultivating this crop as a 22-year-old with no official training but relied on lessons and cues from other farmers in his area. Lacking the resources and proper equipment to protect his crops, Rathnayake used bamboo trees and polythene sheets as makeshift shelters. But these structures could not withstand heavy rains and wind, often blowing away and leaving his crops exposed to the elements. This unpredictable weather and excessive rains, in particular, have been the latest in a series of challenges for the farmers in the rural village of Kalugala, nestled in Sri Lanka’s northern Anuradhapura district. "Although I have cultivated onions for many years, I was unable to achieve the harvest I desired due to various challenges, particularly the lack of proper rain shelters," describes Rathnayake. As the sole breadwinner for his family, Rathnayake's income from farming not only sustains his household but also supports his children's education. Despite his determination, low yields and financial hardships often left him contemplating abandoning onion cultivation altogether. An innovative project by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with generous funding from the government of Canada, rekindled Rathnayake's hope in his agricultural endeavors. FAO supported Rathnayake and 91 other smallholder farmers in producing high-quality seeds for improved onion and chilli production, providing the necessary training and equipment. Seeds on their own can often make the difference between low and high yields. Starting with high quality seeds already sets farmers out for success. Farmers in the northern, north-central and central provinces, who were engaged in traditional seed production methods, were selected to receive extensive training on how to adopt innovative technologies such as protected houses, polytunnels, rain shelters and micro-irrigation systems. These advancements strengthened their crop management practices, providing a shield against pests and rain damage while maximizing water and fertilizer efficiency and reducing the need for chemical pesticides and weedicides. As a result, the seed cultivation thrived and the farmers’ yields soared. Rathnayake explains, "In the past, we used makeshift rain shelters. They would often fail during heavy rains, resulting in losses as our seed nurseries got spoiled. I used to harvest around 2-3 kilograms of onion seeds but thanks to the new, high-quality rain shelters provided through the project, we are now expecting to harvest an impressive 12-15 kilograms of seeds per season." Now that his cultivation is yielding better results, Rathnayake is able to save and plan for the future. “My wife and I discussed how we should use the increased profits and we both agree that we should invest the profit back into our farm and expand the amount of onion bulbs we cultivate next season. This way we can steadily grow our farm and maybe even save enough to buy a second rain shelter ourselves.” Malani Senehelatha, a 55-year-old farmer from Kalugala village who also took part in the project, comments, "Once I participated in the training, I realized that I was not following the perfect method in seeding big onions. Thanks to the seed production training, I now feel confident in making my onion cultivation profitable. The rain shelter provided to me is an immense support." The project worked with 92 women and men farmers and established seventeen rain shelters and five polytunnels across four districts, namely Jaffna, Killinochchi, Anuradhapura and Kandy. Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture is also using the farms supported by the project as demonstration sites to train more farmers on adopting innovative technologies, thereby ensuring the knowledge and innovative methods introduced by FAO continues beyond the project. By empowering farmers with knowledge and equipping them with the necessary tools, FAO is enhancing Sri Lanka's vegetable crop productivity while fostering sustainable farming practices and ensuring increased yields through higher efficiency of inputs and lower operational costs.

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11 July 2023

Secretary-General appoints Mr. Marc-André Franche of Canada as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Mr. Marc-André Franche of Canada as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, with the host Government’s approval. He took up his post on 8 July.

Mr. Franche has served the United Nations for over 24 years. Prior to his appointment as the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, he acted as the Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya promoting better governance, local peacebuilding and sustainable growth.

Between 2016 and 2021, he led the Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund in the Peacebuilding Support Office in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, investing in over 50 countries worldwide to sustain peace. Prior to this assignment he was Country Director for UNDP in Pakistan from 2013 to 2016, where he led a team working on governance, climate change adaptation and crisis prevention and recovery. He was Deputy Director of UNDP in Haiti from 2008 to 2012 where he oversaw the implementation of programs addressing governance, rule of law reform, improvement of livelihoods and environmental protection notably in the context of the post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction. Between 2004 and 2008, he worked for UNDP in New York as Program Adviser for Conflict Prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean. Before that he worked on applied research and policy dialogue for UNDP in Colombia from 2001 to 2004, and poverty reduction and local governance for UNDP in Bolivia from 1998 to 2001.

He obtained his Master’s degrees in Politics of Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science and in European Affairs from Lund University and a BSc in Political Science from Université de Montréal.

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16 June 2023

Strengthening Cash-Based Programmes in Sri Lanka

On 8 June, the United Nations hosted a Learning Workshop on cash-based programmes in Sri Lanka. Led by the Sri Lanka Cash Working Group (CWG) and supported by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO), the workshop served as a platform for consolidating knowledge and strengthening coordination for cash-based interventions amid the country's multidimensional crisis. The workshop brought together key stakeholders such as UN agencies, INGOs, local NGOs and Financial Service Providers (FSP) involved in cash programming, coordination, and delivery mechanisms to evaluate past operations, identify areas for improvement, and develop priority preparedness actions for the CWG and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Last year, Sri Lanka grappled with an economic crisis characterized by rising inflation, unemployment, and deteriorating living standards. The impact of the crisis has been particularly difficult for vulnerable households, intensifying their struggle to meet basic needs. In response to these pressing challenges, the United Nations launched the Humanitarian Needs Priorities plan (HNP) in June 2022, which aimed to facilitate coordinated and targeted humanitarian interventions in support of the most vulnerable communities in the country. The HNP was developed and implemented with the surge support of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which played a key role alongside the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka in ensuring a timely and effective response. Cash transfers, complemented by in-kind support and services, emerged as a vital tool in addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable households during the crisis. By providing cash assistance, the HCT sought to preserve livelihoods and empower individuals by maintaining their purchasing power and upholding their dignity in daily decision-making processes. As of March 2023, some 1,246,000 people had received in kind food or cash and voucher assistance to help them meet their daily needs. The CWG, composed of national and international actors, was re-established in June 2022 to drive the implementation of the HNP and integrate ongoing programmes. With the WFP, UNICEF, and Save the Children as programmatic co-chairs as well as RCO and OCHA coordination and expertise, the CWG supported the development of the HNP by providing a platform for collaboration and coordination around common priorities, harmonizing targeted transfer values and supporting linkages with the government’s response and social protection system. Advisory support to the CWG is provided by Ricardo Lobo, a cash programming expert deployed by CashCap/ NORCAP through the Standby Partnership Network. Ricardo was first deployed last year during the peak of the crisis and placed at WFP, where he worked mostly on coordination for the emergency response phase. In 2023, he returned for a second assignment where he is placed directly in the RCO to focus on longer-term capacity-building and humanitarian-development nexus analysis. "The workshop held by the Cash Working Group was a great opportunity to obtain an overview of updated information related to cash transfer programmes within different organizations, and to enhance knowledge about the role of FSP in cash transfer programming”, said Udari Samarakoon, Project Manager at Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. While the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka has improved in recent months, the United Nations maintains its humanitarian programming, recognizing the importance of sustained assistance for vulnerable communities. The Learning Workshop served as a platform for knowledge sharing, coordination, and capacity-building for cash-programming. By bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, the CWG aimed to enhance preparedness and response efforts, ensuring a more effective and efficient humanitarian response. “It was a lucrative event that improved the understanding of CVA interventions in the humanitarian response and their integration of various sectors to maximize the impact. Also, it was great to showcase the operational capacities of partners and way of collaboration and complementing the synergies among CVA Actors”, said Aneel Memon, Cash and Voucher Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). “Participating in the training was incredibly valuable because we had the opportunity to learn from like-minded organizations as well as systems and processes of INGOs. During the group discussions, I gained insight into different perspectives on how to implement Cash Voucher Assistance and discovered ways to improve in future projects”, said Turin Anbalagan, Programme Coordinator at LEADS Sri Lanka. The workshop resulted in the formulation of recommendations for cash preparedness actions of the CWG and other stakeholders. Harmonization of transfer values, market monitoring, community engagement and delivery mechanism platforms were key areas of consideration. Participants emphasized the need to develop a detailed timeframe for various stages of a humanitarian response, as well as enhancing the use of evidence-based research prior to response interventions to ensure that the most adequate and effective response modality is adopted. Stakeholders involved in implementing development programmes were encouraged to join the CWG in order to more effectively coordinate and exchange opportunities for cash and voucher assistance within a wider variety of sectors.

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29 May 2023

Food insecurity improves in Sri Lanka but prevails within specific regions

Food security in Sri Lanka is improving across all provinces, according to the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report jointly carried out in February/March 2023 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The report estimates 3.9 million people or 17 percent of the population is in moderate acute food insecurity which is nearly a 40 percent decrease from June/July last year. Nearly 10,000 people are severely acute food-insecure, down from 66,000 people last year. The improvement in food security stems from better food consumption, which could be attributed to reduced food prices and improved incomes among farming communities during the harvesting period when the mission was carried out. Despite this positive trend, food insecurity remains high in certain districts, especially Kilinochchi, Nuwara Eliya, Mannar, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, and Jaffna. The highest level of acute food insecurity was found within the tea plantation communities in the Estate sector and among daily wage labourers and households who rely on social assistance programmes, such as Samurdhi, as their main source of income. Production of cereal, including rice and maize, across the two main cropping seasons in 2022/23 is forecast at 4.1 million tonnes, 14 percent below the past five-year average, mainly due to poor plant nutrition caused by an inadequate supply of fertilizer and unaffordability of essential material inputs. However, essential fertilizers distributed to smallholder farmers by the Government, facilitated by funds received from multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, has significantly impacted production, marking an improvement in the yield with productivity in the recently harvested 2022/23 “Maha” season, 12 percent higher than the 2022 “Yala” season. Representative of FAO to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan speaking on CFSAM Report findings said, “The Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report is an eye-opener on the continuing vulnerabilities and challenges that exist within the food systems of Sri Lanka. This report and its findings will no doubt serve as a guiding light for policymakers and stakeholders to collectively work towards ensuring food security, strengthening agricultural resilience and mitigating risks faced by farmers and rural communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic crisis. FAO remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in their efforts towards achieving sustainable food systems, food security and zero hunger." “After many months of challenges, we are finally witnessing an improvement to the country’s food security,” said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, WFP Sri Lanka’s Representative and Country Director. “But there is more to be done. A high number of households -- more than 60 percent -- are adopting negative measures to put food on the table, including borrowing money and purchasing food on credit. WFP will extend its emergency operation, which commenced last year, to provide food rations and cash assistance to people identified as food insecure.” Mission recommendations The joint FAO/WFP Mission recommends providing immediate support to farmers, particularly by releasing available fertilizer stocks to enhance production and productivity in the ongoing “Yala” season and make urgent policy decisions to import fertilizers in time for the 2023/24 “Maha” cultivation season. The report also recommends any move for reducing or removing fertiliser subsidy to be in a gradual and phased manner, giving adequate time to the farming community to adapt. Other recommendations include the establishment of a “Fertilizer Task Force” to streamline fertilizer procurement and distributions as well as to strengthen adaptive research on climate smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices to improve fertiliser use efficiency. Further, to minimize the impact on the livestock and fisheries sectors, the mission recommends providing adequate support to increase fodder and feed crop production. Further recommendations include continuing food and/or cash assistance to facilitate access to food among households most vulnerable to food insecurity. In the long-term, increased livelihood support to food-insecure households and resilience-building initiatives are also recommended to prevent them from compromising on productivity and their capacity to cope with future shocks.

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Press Release

19 September 2023

Responding to cascading global crises, SDG Summit launches new phase of accelerated action on the Sustainable Development Goals

New York, 18 September – Gathering at the SDG Summit on 18 to 19 September, world leaders agreed today to urgently step up their efforts to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our global roadmap out of crises, by 2030. World leaders made an historic global promise to secure the rights and well-being of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet when they agreed to the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs in 2015. However, at midpoint of SDG implementation, the SDGs are in peril. Tens of millions have fallen into poverty since 2020. Over 110 million people are forcibly displaced. Inequalities have worsened, strikingly so for women and girls. Many governments are forced to choose between debt payments and investing in healthcare and education. The climate emergency is wreaking havoc on lives and livelihoods. Developing countries and the world’s most vulnerable people continue to bear the brunt of these crises. “The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Yet today, only 15 per cent of the targets are on track. Many are going in reverse. Instead of leaving no one behind, we risk leaving the SDGs behind.” The Political Declaration Leaders adopted a decisive, action-oriented political declaration at the Summit, highlighting their collective commitment to build a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous world by 2030. With a strong focus on the means of implementation, and in particular, on financing for development, the declaration acknowledges that without a quantum leap in investments to enable just and equitable energy, food, digital transitions, and a transformation in education and robust social protection in developing countries, the goals simply will not be met. Additionally, the Declaration urges immediate action to deliver an SDG Stimulus proposed by the UN Secretary-General, which calls for a massive increase in financing for the achievement of the SDGs to the tune of $500 billion each year. It also conveys strong support from all countries for a much-needed reform of the international financial architecture to better reflect today’s global economy. “I am deeply encouraged by the detailed and wide-ranging draft political declaration under consideration here today — especially its commitment to improving developing countries’ access to the fuel required for SDG progress: finance. This can be a game-changer in accelerating SDG progress,” stated the Secretary-General. Global and National Commitments Over 100 Countries will present national commitments to SDG Transformation that include priority transitions and areas for investment, setting national benchmarks for reducing poverty and inequalities by 2027 and strengthening institutional frameworks to support SDG progress. In addition to these national commitments, developed countries and other countries who have the capacity, are expected to make individual global commitments drawing on the Secretary-General’s proposal for an SDG Stimulus and broader means of implementation, such as fulfilling ODA commitments, suspending debt payments and agreeing on innovative finance mechanisms. SDG Action Weekend The SDGs cannot be delivered by governments alone. The SDG Action Weekend on 16 to 17 September gave an opportunity for over 3000 people from all sectors of society to outline their commitments to accelerate progress on the SDGs. The SDG Mobilization Day on Saturday 16 September saw business, civil society, science, local authorities and young people making meaningful contributions to SDG implementation. The SDG Acceleration Day on 17 September highlighted UN High-Impact Initiatives that show that transformation is possible and will help to drive momentum for action on the ground in the coming years. The initiatives focus on six major transitions that will drive progress across the SDGs: i) Social Protection; ii) Energy; iii.) Education; iv) Food Systems; v) Digital Transformation; vi) Biodiversity and Nature, underpinned by greater financing and other supports, as well as action to advance gender equality. About the Summit The opening of the Summit featured statements by the President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the Economic and Social Council Paula Narvaéz. The 2-day Summit will feature a short plenary segment to hear the actions and commitments delivered on behalf of groups of States. Six Leaders' Dialogues will allow Heads of State and Government to report on progress and set out concrete national commitments to SDG transformation. SDG Media Zone, 18-22 September, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm (EDT) The SDG Media Zone is a key feature of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, bringing together world leaders, influencers, activists, experts, content creators and media partners to highlight actions and solutions in support of the SDGs. Organized by the UN Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the PVBLIC Foundation, the Zone takes the conversation on advancing the 2030 Agenda into the public discourse through impactful in-depth interviews and conversations on global issues that matter to people everywhere. All sessions will livestream on UN WebTV. SDG Pavilion, 15-22 September The SDG Pavilion is a beacon for the Sustainable Development Goals. It was created to mark the halfway point of the Goals. To use a sporting analogy, we are down at halftime. However, the good news is that any given match is won in the second half. Organized by the UN Office for Partnerships, in collaboration with Project Everyone, the SDG Pavilion will host a series of Halftime Talks and a high level gathering of women leaders to mobilize the world to keep the promise of the SDGs. Sessions will be livestreamed on UN WebTV. Follow the SDG Summit Please follow us on the SDG Summit, using the main hashtags: #GlobalGoals and #SDGs. On Facebook: United Nations, Global GoalsUN, DESA, Sustainable Development On Twitter: @UN, @GlobalGoalsUN, @UNDESA, @SustDev, @UN_Partnerships For more additional information, please visit key links below: The SDG Summit 2023 website and SDG Summit Programme The SDG Summit Media Corner The SDG Action Weekend High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly Snapshot The Sustainable Development Goals Website Follow key events live on UN WebTV.

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Press Release

30 August 2023

Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2023

Enforced disappearances have left a painful scar on the nation's history and continue to shape the lives of thousands of Sri Lankans who exist in a state of ambiguity, where their loved ones are neither present nor definitively absent. With little progress in the last decades, families in Sri Lanka are struggling more than ever to learn the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. Their relentless pursuit for answers has often exposed them to further victimization – intimidation, stigma, and marginalization. In recent years, Sri Lanka took some important steps towards addressing the legacy of enforced disappearances. The signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) in 2015 and the establishment of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) were important milestones. The “List of Complaints and Information Regarding Missing and Disappeared Persons,” received and published by the OMP, has served as a foundation upon which we measure progress in delivering justice. Yet, much remains to be done to ensure victim’s rights to the truth, to justice, and to reparations. We call on the authorities to accelerate efforts to ascertain the fate or whereabouts of victims, to provide reparations to those who have suffered, and to hold perpetrators accountable. Establishing the truth is essential for victims, survivors, and families as well as for the society at large, for it is through truth that healing can begin and the process of reconciliation can start The United Nations stands in solidarity with the victims and families of enforced disappearances and reiterates its support to the relatives of the forcibly disappeared in their struggle for truth, justice, and reparation. As we mark this day, let us renew our dedication to ensuring that enforced disappearances become relics of the past. Let us stand up for the rights of victims, uphold the principles of justice, and forge a future where no family is left in the grip of uncertainty. Addressing this legacy is not only a matter of justice but an essential foundation for Sri Lanka to chart a path of progress and sustainable development. Thank you.

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Press Release

25 August 2023

Beware of Scams Implying Association with The United Nations

The United Nations has been made aware of various correspondences, being circulated via e-mail, from Internet web sites, text messages and via regular mail or facsimile, falsely stating that they are issued by, or in association with the United Nations and/or its officials. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or in many cases personal details from the recipients of such correspondence, are fraudulent. The United Nations wishes to warn the Sri Lankan public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of the organisation, and/or its officials, through different fraud schemes. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training) or other fee, or request information on applicants’ bank accounts. To apply for a job go to careers.un.org and click on Vacancies. See more on employment-related fraud. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of its procurement process (supplier registration, bids submission) or other fee. Visit the Procurement Division to see the latest business opportunities with the United Nations. The United Nations does not request any information related to bank accounts or other private information. The United Nations does not offer prizes, awards, funds, certificates, automated teller machine (ATM) cards, compensation for Internet fraud, or scholarships, or conduct lotteries. The United Nations does not approve military vacations or pensions, or release packages in exchange for a fee. The United Nations strongly recommends that the recipients of solicitations, such as those described above exercise extreme caution in respect of such solicitations. Financial loss and identity theft could result from the transfer of money or personal information to those issuing such fraudulent correspondence. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action. Anyone with doubts about the authenticity of a message purportedly from, for, or on behalf of the United Nations Sri Lanka or its officials, is encouraged to send an e-mail to rcs-unsrilanka@un.org

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Press Release

19 August 2023

The Secretary-General's Message for World Humanitarian Day

This year’s World Humanitarian Day marks the 20th anniversary of the deadly attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. On that dark day, we lost 22 colleagues, including Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. That tragedy marked a change in the way humanitarians operate. Because today, although humanitarians are respected around the world, they may also be targeted by those who would do them harm. This year, global humanitarian operations aim to get life-saving aid to 250 million people in 69 countries – ten times more than at the time of the Canal Hotel bombing. Sadly, funding is far off track. As crises multiply, it is unacceptable that humanitarians are being forced to reduce aid to millions of people in need. Other challenges have also multiplied over the past twenty years: Rising geopolitical tensions; A blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law; Deliberate assault and disinformation campaigns. Humanitarianism itself is now under attack. But these tests have made the global humanitarian community stronger. Humanitarians – who are mostly national staff working in their own countries – are even closer to the people they serve. They are finding new ways to venture deeper into disaster-stricken regions, and closer to the front lines of conflict, driven by a single purpose: to save and protect lives. On this World Humanitarian Day, we salute the courage and dedication of humanitarian aid workers everywhere. We reaffirm our full support for their determined and life-saving efforts across the world. We celebrate their unwavering dedication to serve ALL people in need: No matter who, no matter where; no matter what. Thank you.

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