With the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) now behind us, it is clear: the world is grappling with unprecedented challenges, and the only way to address them is through more global cooperation — not less.In many ways, COVID-19 has reflected what’s possible when the world works together — and the consequences when countries act on their own.

Or as Secretary-General António Guterres put it: “COVID-19 is not just a wake-up call but a dress rehearsal of the challenges to come. When countries go in their own direction, the virus goes in every direction.”UNGA also showed us that as we continue working to defeat this virus, we must not lose sight of other urgent goals, including: tackling climate change and biodiversity loss; advancing gender equality; and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Read on to dive deeper into key takeaways and highlights from an UNGA like no other, and find out how each of us can play a role in recovering better.

A CALL TO UNITE FOR HEALTH

 

COVID-19 has made inequality worse, exposing weaknesses in our systems, and eroding hard-won progress. We cannot recover better until every single one of us recovers better. We must Unite for Health.

 

Sign our petition to show your support for strengthening global health systems.

KEY TAKEAWAYS AND TOPICS FROM UNGA

 

Building Resilient Food Systems: The World Food Programme received the Nobel Peace Prize honor today for its work combating food insecurity around the world. But with global hunger on the rise due to COVID-19 and the compounding impacts of climate change, strengthening food systems must be a part of the pandemic response and recovery. Learn more>>

 

Taking Decisive Action on Climate Change and Biodiversity: Countries, cities, states, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders acknowledged the immense climate emergency facing the world at UNGA, and the action needed to redouble climate efforts. Learn more about some of their commitments>>

 

The Case for Multilateralism: Our President and CEO, Elizabeth Cousens, co-wrote an op-ed in The Hill, making the case for increased global collaboration and a more inclusive UN system. Read the piece>>

 

Six Memorable Moments: We’ve highlighted major moments from UNGA that resoundingly called for solidarity and cooperation, and inspired optimism to confront the challenges ahead of us. Read about them>> 

THE UN FOUNDATION AT UNGA
SDG Leadership and Innovation in America: The UN Foundation and Brookings Institution partnered to co-host an event on American leadership in advancing the SDGs. Our President and CEO emphasized how the Goals are resonating in diverse constituencies and how they could help us tackle important issues, from broken justice systems to the climate threat. Watch the event here>>

 

SDG Action Zone: In UNGA’s foremost space for supercharging solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Foundation engaged with world leaders and emerging leaders. From climate change and youth to taking action on the Goals to parliamentarians leading the SDG fight, our experts added their voices and perspectives.

Watch the recording>>

 

U.S. Climate Alliance Climate Week: During Climate Week, the U.S. Climate Alliance released its annual report alongside a discussion with 11 governors who announced bold commitments including moving to zero-emission vehicles and increasing clean energy jobs. Watch the event>> 

Corporate Commitments on Gender: The Universal Access Project (UAP), in partnership with the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA), unveiled five bold new corporate commitments from companies around the world to improve women’s health and empowerment in the workplace. They also presented a new gender baseline assessment using data from 36 of the world’s most influential apparel companies. Read more>>

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