United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) has appointed a new cohort of United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Hub Chairs which will play a critical role in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through education, research, and partnerships. Each UNAI SDG Hub Chair will focus on actively promoting a specific SDG by leveraging the power of academia to create positive social, economic, and environmental change. Learn more about UNAI SDG Hubs and meet the new Hub Chairs.
Civil Society Organization Townhall with the President of the General Assembly
Part 1: A Dialogue with H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Part 2: The role of civil society engagement in the implementation of the Summit of the Future's Pact for the Future and other Summit outcomes.
The President of the General Assembly intends to engage with civil society on his priorities to promote a whole of society approach, share best practices and develop innovative, long-term and forward-thinking ideas. Register by 12:00 pm EST on 27 January 2025 to submit your questions or expression of interest to speak.
UNIDO Event: Who Pays?... for the Implementation of Sustainability-Driven Regulations?
On 30 January 2025, experts from the public, private, and development sectors will come together to discuss the impacts that mandatory sustainability requirements have on producers and suppliers in the different stages of the supply chain. The event will feature interactive panels and dynamic discussions and will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and contribute to the future of sustainable global trade. Register to attend in-person or virtually.
Nuclear Weapons and International Law 2025
The New York State Bar Association conference "Nuclear Weapons and International Law 2025: Nuclear Risks through a Legal Lens," co-sponsored by the Global Security Institute is on 30 January 2025. Topics include the contemporary strategic environment and nuclear weapons risks; practical issues as to the application of international law to potential uses of nuclear weapons; the role of international law in restraining use of force and reliance on nuclear arms; international law bearing on nuclear threats and nuclear deterrence; and other topics including human rights and fiduciary obligations. Register to attend
The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are off track. Decades of progress on poverty and hunger have stalled, and in some cases, been thrown into reverse. Many developing economies are mired in debt, with financing challenges preventing the urgently needed investment push in the SDGs. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) provides a unique opportunity to reform financing at all levels, including to support reform of the international financial architecture. Registration for the 3rd PrepCom, from 10 to 14 February 2025, is now open.
United Nations Summer Study 2025 - Accepting Applications
United Nations Summer Study (UNSS) offers an immersive experience in international affairs, combining academic learning with practical
engagement. This hands-on approach allows students from around the world to gain firsthand experience of the UN system and global governance processes, while developing essential analytical and professional skills for careers in international affairs and journalism. Learn more and apply.
Slavery North Fellowship Opportunities 2025-26
Slavery North is pleased to announce two unique fellowship opportunities for the 2025-26 academic year:
Awake at Night: Celeste Saulo | How to Save Humanity from Climate Breakdown
The latest episode of the UN podcast Awake at Night features an interview with Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Celeste Saulo has always been fascinated by the weather. Now at WMO, she is seeing climate breakdown warp global weather systems beyond recognition, with devastating impacts on countless lives and livelihoods. “We can see how many people are suffering. […] We can see that people are running out of food, are running out of water, and the real narrative is that this will affect everyone sooner or later,” she says. In this episode, Celeste Saulo reflects on our shared responsibility to future generations, on an emotional meeting with the Pope, and on why she can never give up hope.
UN Secretary-General: 2025 Priorities
Addressing the UN General Assembly on key priorities for 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted four main issues: conflict, inequalities, the climate crisis and the perils of unchecked technology. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope that with steadfast commitment and unity, a better future for all is within reach. See a summary of the priorities.
UN News: Fact-checking and Freedom of Expression
Amid the debate over content moderation on social media, UN News interviewed Mr. Guilherme Canela, Chief of Freedom of Expression and Safety for Journalists at UNESCO. Mr. Canela calls on companies in the sector to act with transparency and conduct risk assessments of new policies, and highlights the importance of fact-checking to safeguard freedom of expression. Watch the interview.
The Cybercrime Treaty: 5 Facts
The UN's 193 Member States adopted a historic agreement on cybercrime in December 2024. Five key points on why the Convention matters for the world are:
UN News: Increase in Climate-Driven Wildfires Calls for More Investment in Prevention
The deadly wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles area, reveal why countries must invest more in stopping these devastating blazes before they start. Historically, there has been very strong attention on suppression but much more intention and investment need to be on prevention, so really dealing with the wildfire issue before the fires even began to burn. This is not just obviously a forestry issue. This is across sectors and across all levels of society. Read the article.
UN Chronicle: Solar Energy Has Already Won─Now the Real Work Begins to Bring Light to Those Left Behind
Solar power is no longer the future; it’s the present, and one of the most viable solutions for delivering affordable, sustainable energy to billions still lacking reliable access, particularly in the developing world. The challenge isn’t finding the energy, it’s finding the will to act boldly and with urgency. The future of clean energy depends not only on technology but on our collective resolve to bring light to those who need it most. Read the article.
UN Archives | Construction on UN Headquarters
The UN Headquarters in Manhattan, built from 1949-1952, symbolizes global unity. Its cornerstone-laying ceremony marked the start of construction, with the 39-story Secretariat and other buildings representing hope for peace and cooperation, grounded in the ideals of the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Read more about its history.
International Day of Education (24 January)
Under the theme “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation”, the 2025 International Day of Education inspires reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities navigate, understand and influence technological advancement. Under the theme, UNESCO is aiming for a global discussion on the place of this technology within education. The Organization has scheduled conferences in Paris and New York, as well as a webinar. Read the UN Secretary-Genral's message on the Day.
World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture (24 January)
The World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture celebrates the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world, reinforcing UNESCO’s mandate to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity around the globe. As a rich source of the world’s shared heritage, promoting African and Afrodescendant culture is crucial for sustainable development, mutual respect, dialogue and peace. Read more about the World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture.
International Day of Women in Multilateralism (25 January)
The International Day of Women in Multilateralism advocates for increased representation of women in key decision-making positions that shape and implement multilateral agendas and for ensuring that multilateralism works for women and girls. It also provides a global platform for an intergenerational dialogue between women leaders within the multilateral system and a new generation of women as future leaders in global governance. Learn more about the Day.
World Leprosy Day (26 January)
World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January, every year. It is an opportunity to celebrate people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination. The theme for World Leprosy Day 2025 is "Unite. Act. Eliminate.". The theme is a call to action aiming to raise awareness of leprosy, highlight the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy, and inspire collaborative action to eliminate leprosy. Learn more about the Day.
International Day of Clean Energy (26 January)
The International Day of Clean Energy was declared as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. In a world grappling with climate change, clean energy plays a vital role in reducing emissions, and can also benefit communities lacking access to reliable power sources. The connection between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability is crucial in addressing issues faced by vulnerable communities worldwide. Learn more about the Day.
International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust (27 January)
Eighty years ago, in response to the atrocities of the war and the Holocaust, governments of the world established the United Nations, pledging to work together to build a just world where human rights were enshrined, and all could live with dignity, in peace. Acknowledging the milestone year, the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has chosen as its guiding theme for 2025, “Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights”. Learn more about the Day and the 2025 theme.