Latest stories
UN helps children learn online during COVID-19
“It is corona. The children have to stay at home. There is a big confusion,” writes a second-grade (seven-year old) student in Vienna. For children, parents and teachers around the world, it’s been an extraordinarily challenging time as many schools have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the last week or so, as some children in Austria start returning to school, albeit in a rather different way than before, they are reflecting on their new experience of learning at home.
Kids and families broaden global perspectives during COVID-19
With children spending large portions of the day at home due to COVID-19, the United Nations is helping families use the opportunity to teach young people about global challenges, including not only the health pandemic but also poverty, hunger and climate change.
Trans women in Mexico help neighbors during pandemic
Trans women in Mexico City, an often persecuted group, show kindness and solidarity with their neighbors by delivering meals to those in need during COVID-19.
UN Argentina highlights everyday heroes spreading solidarity amid pandemic
Since Argentina’s government imposed a nation-wide quarantine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic on 20 March, uncertainty and apprehension have seemed just as infectious as the virus. To counter that, UN Argentina began highlighting stories about everyday acts of kindness. From small gestures to big projects, ordinary people are making a lasting difference in the lives of those around them.
‘Verified’ initiative aims to flood digital space with facts amid COVID-19 crisis
As the world unifies amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations recently launched ‘Verified’ -- an initiative aimed at delivering trusted information, life-saving advice and stories from the best of humanity. The initiative also invites the public to help counter the spread of COVID-19 misinformation by sharing fact-based advice with their communities.
Transparent masks aid communication for hard of hearing
COVID-19: Transparent masks made for the deaf and hard of hearing in Belgium Wearing a mask can prove very challenging for those who are deaf and hard of hearing, as they are unable to read the lips or see the faces of the people they are talking to. To overcome this issue, volunteers in Belgium have been crafting transparent face masks.
“AKID2030 - COVID-19”: Keeping the SDGs promise is the right response to Covid-19
Community engagement is key…for sure! UN-Morocco launched AKID2030-Covid-19, a community engagement initiative to support the nation’s efforts to respond to the pandemic. As Martine Therer, UNDP’s Deputy Representative explained the idea is to share messages of determination, confidence and hope, a need that has become especially acute in these times of confinement, stress and uncertainty.
UN eyes bicycles as driver of post-COVID-19 ‘green recovery’
Can bicycles be a solution to the challenges of the post-COVID-19 recovery? European member countries of the United Nations recently created a taskforce to take this question further and discuss ways to make ?post-COVID-19 mobility more environmentally sound, healthy ?and sustainable.
UN Volunteers fight against COVID-19 in South Sudan
Lydia Mpeh is on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 in South Sudan. Originally from Cameroon, the UN Volunteer serves as a medical laboratory technician in the Rumbek region, using her expertise to manage the lab at a hospital operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
"Good communication saves lives"
The United Nations is launching ‘Verified’, an initiative to combat the growing scourge of COVID-19 misinformation by increasing the volume and reach of trusted, accurate information. Verified, led by the UN Department for Global Communications (DGC), will provide information around three themes: science – to save lives; solidarity – to promote local and global cooperation; and solutions – to advocate for support to impacted populations. It will also promote recovery packages that tackle the climate crisis and address the root causes of poverty, inequality and hunger.
Russian WWII vet raises funds to defeat Covid-19
World War II veterans, no strangers to grave threats, find strength and solidarity in a united front against a global coronavirus pandemic that is especially dangerous to people their age. Sergeant Zinaida Korneva, 98, rallies Russian citizens with inspiration from Captain Thomas Moore, a fellow WWII veteran from the United Kingdom.
Staying fit in the time of COVID-19 – tips from the UN
Concerns are growing that being cooped up indoors all day due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns is creating greater risks for high blood pressure, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and mental illness. From Olympians to Hello Kitty, influential figures are collaborating with the United Nations to help people stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UN film series moves online during pandemic
It was a global first. For the first time in its 13-year history, the United Nations initiative Ciné ONU held its first virtual event to simultaneously reach people all over the world.
"Global solidarity with Africa is an imperative"
As COVID-19 spreads across the continent, Africa has responded swiftly to the pandemic, and as of now reported cases are lower than feared. Even so, much hangs in the balance.
Donated soap helps marginalized stop spread of Covid-19
Brazilians living in marginalized communities are struggling to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus: many people live in the same house, in small spaces and don’t have the money to buy basic hygiene products. UNICEF and Granado joined forces to help them by donating liquid soap to five projects that care for vulnerable children and youth in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The products were delivered to the families’ homes. Cíntia and Josete are two women who benefitted from the donation.