United Nations published this video item, entitled “Secretary-General/World Food Programme & other topics – Daily Briefing (16 November 2020)” – below is their description.
Daily Press Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General. – Secretary-General/World Food Programme – Secretary-General/Bloomberg Forum – Deputy Secretary-General – Ethiopia – Philippines – Central America – Peru – Security Council – Israel/Palestine – Secretary-General/A.S.E.A.N. – International Day for Tolerance SECRETARY-GENERAL/WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME This morning, the Secretary-General spoke to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme (WFP). He once again congratulated the colleagues on their Nobel Peace Prize, adding that he witnessed their commitment to deliver lifesaving assistance in the most remote locations, in the most dangerous situations and the most challenging contexts. The Secretary-General added that he could have never imagined that hunger would rise again during his time in office as Secretary-General. However, according to WFP figures, 130 million more people risk being pushed to the brink of starvation by the end of the year. This is totally unacceptable, Mr. Guterres said. The COVID-19 recovery must address inequalities and fragilities, and the question of food will be central to a sustainable and inclusive recovery. Turning to climate, the Secretary-General added that he believes that food systems will be essential in bringing us to net zero, adding that, in this regard, the work of WFP is also essential. SECRETARY-GENERAL/BLOOMBERG FORUM Also this morning, the Secretary-General participated in the third annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum. He said that the UN has been working to save lives, control transmissions of the virus and ease the fallout. He added that we are advocating a massive rescue package for the world’s most vulnerable people and countries. The Secretary-General said that, even before the spread of the virus, inequalities were rising, societal divisions were widening, and a lack of opportunities was causing frustration and unrest. He stressed that we must address these issues. He also noted that we may be at a potential running point on climate change, with more countries pledging to be carbon neutral by 2050. He emphasized that carbon should be given a price and that countries need to phase out coal. 2021 must be the year of a great leap towards carbon neutrality, he said, adding that, as we recover from the pandemic, we have an opening to addressing the climate crisis. DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL The Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is concluding her visit to Ghana today, where she had a series of meetings with authorities, development partners, UN colleagues and civil society organizations. This morning, she visited the National Peace Council, which continues to play a positive role in promoting a culture of peace in the country. Later, she visited the UN hospital and a clinic supported by the UN to strengthen the Government’s COVID-19 response, as well as the continuity of essential health services, particularly for women and children. Yesterday evening, Amina Mohammed met with the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as key ministers. She took part in the presentation of the COVID-19 UN Socio-Economic Response and Recovery Plan. Over the weekend, she was in Sierra Leone, where she met with the President, Vice President and other key Government officials. There, too, she took part in the presentation of the COVID-19 UN Socio-Economic Response and Recovery Plan for Sierra Leone. She also visited an area of the country where massive mudslides left over 1,100 people missing and 6,000 people displaced in 2017. Since then, the UN has supported efforts to stabilize the slope from further slippage. She also met with a group of women working to bring solar power to communities in the country. She will be returning to Nigeria later today, which will be the last leg of her solidarity trip to West Africa. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=16%20November%202020
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