World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2022; July 30 th.

FORUM: “Use and abuse of technology;” World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2022.

“Use and abuse of technology” is the theme of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2022. Prevention and awareness-raising activities on the safe use of the internet and social media could help mitigate the risk of people falling victim of trafficking online. Cooperation with the private sector is important to harness innovation and expertise for the development of sustainable technology-based solutions to support prevention and combatting of human trafficking.

Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2022; July 30th.

Human trafficking is a horrific crime and an all-out assault on people’s rights, safety and dignity.

Tragically, it is also a problem that is growing worse — especially for women and girls, who represent the majority of detected trafficked persons globally.

Conflicts, forced displacement, climate change, inequality and poverty have left tens of millions of people around the world destitute, isolated and vulnerable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has separated children and young people from their friends and peers, causing them to spend more time alone and online.

Human traffickers are taking advantage of these vulnerabilities, using sophisticated technology to identify, track, control and exploit victims.

Online platforms allow them to deceive and recruit people with false promises. The dark web lets them conceal their identities while spreading their vile materials, including those that sexually exploit children. And technology gives consumers the ability to anonymously demand increasingly dangerous and degrading content that fuels human trafficking.

But as the theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons — “Use and Abuse of Technology” — reminds us, while technology can enable human trafficking, it can also be a critical tool in fighting it.

We need governments, regulators, businesses and civil society joining forces to invest in policies, laws and technology-based solutions that can identify and support victims, locate and punish perpetrators, and ensure a safe, open and secure internet for all.
As part of 2023’s Summit of the Future, I have proposed a Global Digital Compact to rally the world around the need to bring good governance to the digital space.

On this important day, I call on the world to give this issue the attention and action it deserves and work to end the scourge of human trafficking once and for all.

 Statetement by the Executive-Director of UNODC on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2022; July 30th.

Connecting with each other online and over messaging platforms is part of daily life for billions of people around the world, especially youth.

The Internet has become a vital lifeline as the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted travel and kept us apart. But the advantages and potential of digital technologies to bring us together and better our lives are also being increasingly exploited by criminals.

Trafficking in persons is a crime that exploits vulnerability, desperation, and trust.

Traffickers take advantage of social media and other online platforms to exploit victims.

The borderless nature of information and communications technologies enables traffickers to expand their reach and profits with even greater impunity.

More than 60 per cent of detected human trafficking victims over the last 15 years have been women and girls, most of them trafficked for sexual exploitation.

Countless more people are in danger of being exploited today, as conflicts and crises increase misery, and criminals target the desperate with false promises of opportunities, jobs, and a better life.

To protect people, we need to protect digital spaces from criminal abuse. To do so, we must support countries to harness technologies for good.

Partnerships with tech companies and the private sector can keep traffickers from preying on the vulnerable and stop the circulation of online content that amplifies the suffering of trafficking victims.

We can assist law enforcement authorities to use, with technical support and appropriate safeguards, artificial intelligence, data mining and other tools to detect and investigate trafficking networks.

We can do more to raise awareness and keep social spaces online safe through cooperation with civil society and all stakeholders.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us commit to preventing online exploitation and promoting the power of tech to better protect children, women and men, and support victims.

ACTION: Show your support for victims of human trafficking by helping to raise awareness, share safety tips and information, and educate others!

Individuals are encouraged to

• Share, like and comment on the social media messages for the World Day.
• Be vigilant in the online sphere and report suspicious pages or activities to the authorities, e.g., by making use of dedicated online mechanisms or helplines.
• Donate to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, which provides on-the-ground assistance and protection to victims of trafficking.

Member States are encouraged to:

• ensure that what is illegal and prosecuted offline is also illegal and prosecuted online.
• expand their attention in the fight against human trafficking to cyberspace, including by providing resources for law enforcement and ensuring policies and regulations are in place.
• join the Blue Heart Campaign and support victims of Human Trafficking via the UN Voluntary Trust Fund (UNVTF).

Technology-based private sector companies, especially tech companies are called to

• :ensure measures and restrictions are in place which prevent the use of technological platforms and tools for trafficking.
• use technological ingenuity to fight human trafficking.
• proactively identify illegal and harmful material online and take immediate and effective steps to remove it.

International Day of Friendship 2022: July 30th.

 FORUM: "Who really are your firends? '' International Day of Friendship 2022.

Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good.

CAMPAIG: Sharing the human spirit through friendship.

To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship.

ACTIONS: Some Actions to Promote a Culture of Peace

- foster a culture of peace through education;
- promote sustainable economic and social development;
- promote respect for all human rights;
- ensure equality between women and men;
- foster democratic participation;
- advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
- support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
- promote international peace and security.

World Hepatitis Day 2022; July 28th.

 FORUM: Bringing hepatitis care closer to you. World Hepatitis Day 2022.

The WHO is highlighting the need for bringing hepatitis care closer to the primary health facilities and communities so that people have better access to treatment and care, no matter what type of hepatitis they may have. WHO aims to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030. To get there, WHO calls on countries to achieve specific targets:

• Reduce new infections of hepatitis B and C by 90%;
• Reduce hepatitis related deaths from liver cirrhosis and cancer by 65%;
• Ensure that at least 90% of people with hepatitis B and C virus are diagnosed; and
• At least 80% of those eligible receive appropriate treatment.

World Hepatitis is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, which 

causes inflammation of the liver that leads to severe disease and liver cancer.

The world is currently facing a new outbreak of unexplained acute hepatitis infections affecting

 children. WHO, together with scientists and policymakers in affected countries, are working to 

understand the cause of this infection that does not appear to belong to any of the known 5 types

 of hepatitis viruses: A,B,C,D, and E. This new outbreak brings focus on thousands of acute 

viral hepatitis infections that occur among children, adolescents and adults every year. Most acute

hepatitis infections cause mild  disease and even go undetected. But in some cases, they can lead 

complications and be fatal. In 2019  alone, an estimated 78 000 deaths occurred worldwide due to

complications of acute hepatitis A to E infections.

Global efforts prioritize the elimination of the hepatitis infections B, C and D infections. Unlike 

acute viral hepatitis, these 3 infections cause chronic hepatitis that lasts for several decades and

culminate in over 1 million deaths per year from cirrhosis and liver cancer. These 3 types of chronic

hepatitis infections are responsible for over 95% of hepatitis deaths. While we have the guidance 

and tools to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic viral hepatitis, these services are often out of reach

of communities and are sometimes only available at centralized/specialized hospitals.

 

            

KEY MESSAGES
1. Establish high quality hepatitis services

Ensuring everyone has access to hepatitis services that responds to their needs and that 

are equitable, effective, efficient, timely and of an acceptable quality.

 
2. Locate hepatitis care close to home

Decentralizing hepatitis care to peripheral health facilities, community-based venues

and locations beyond hospital sites, brings care nearer to patients’ homes.

 
3. Promote task-sharing

Using non-specialist health workers who are trained in these areas

4. Integrate and link hepatitis care with existing public health services

Hepatitis treatment and care can be expanded using primary care as well as HIV, harm reduction 

services (OSTs and needle exchange programs), as well as prison health services.

5. Ensure resilient and equitable health systems

Strong health systems that are adequately funded and equipped can deliver quality hepatitis 

care to all.



CALLS TO ACTION

Public

• Educate yourself and play a part to stop transmission of hepatitis in the community.
• Speak to your health care worker and ensure timely testing and treatment to prevent cirrhosis and liver disease.
• Make sure you get tested for hepatitis B if pregnant. This can prevent transmission to babies.
• Ensure your baby is vaccinated against hepatitis B within 24 hours of birth.

Global leaders

• Focus on decentralizing care to lower-level facilities, primary health and other relevant services including HIV, harm reduction and prison services
• Prioritize embedding hepatitis care with primary health care to promote person-centred care
• Ensure adequate funding for hepatitis care and mobilization of domestic funds
• Universal health coverage for all people living with chronic hepatitis B and C

National leaders, and especially those in highly affected countries

• A world without viral hepatitis by 2030 starts with your country. Scale up and decentralize testing and treatment services to primary health care
• Honour commitments already made and further commit to prioritise and fund comprehensive hepatitis programmes so that everyone, everywhere, has access to affordable prevention, testing, treatment and care
• Enhance integrated service delivery and task sharing delivered by trained non-specialist clinicians
• Integrate hepatitis reporting and monitoring into existing surveillance and health information systems
• Sustain hepatitis services as part of universal health coverage
• Engaging communities in hepatitis services, leverage private sector and beyond health sector.

  

International Chess Day 2022; July 20th.

FORUM: ''Develop useful skills for children in their future'' International Chess Day 2022.

FIDE delegates, Dvorkovich cited the following points as his main priorities for his second term:

1) To keep improving its top events, those that are part of the World Championship cycle, like the driving force of FIDE. "Not only do they generate a large interest for the game - they are a source of income required to invest in different parts of the world where chess is being developed. That should help us to make FIDE a sustainable institution, financially stable, and independent of politics", he said.

2) To expand FIDE's online projects, seeking new partnerships and reinforcing the existing ones, "leveraging both on the strong positive image chess has earned throughout the centuries - and the ability of chess to thrive with new technologies."

3) To maintain and strengthen the support to member federations. After fulfilling the goal of waiving or reducing most of the fees, Dvorkovich expressed his intention "to send our best people to help, to train, to share best practices. We will provide chess materials and help to raise a new generation of arbiters, organizers, and coaches, as well as school instructors".

4) To keep investing in promoting women's chess. "For years, the level of female engagement stood at 10-15 percent. We already see it rising above 20% - but that is not only about the numbers. We will continue creating a friendly environment, we will provide incentives, we will engage coaches and build programs", said the President. "These initiatives must be shaped like a long-term project, rather than punctual activities."

5) To continue expanding FIDE's social programs. "We will keep promoting the idea that chess is a culture and a tool to improve our societies - more than just a game or a sport. Chess is an excellent tool to develop useful skills for children in their future, like complex problem-solving, as well as socio-emotional intelligence"

EVENTS; 44th Chess Olympiad.

Announcing Special Events To Celebrate International Chess Day 2022.

It’s that time again! July 20 marks International Chess Day, recognizing the anniversary of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) being founded on this day in 1924. To celebrate, we’ve planned a few special activities to make the day a little bit more special—and you can join in on the fun! Read on to find out what we’ve got planned.

2022 International Chess Day Activities:

24-Hour Marathon Arena

Community Streamer Program
Chess.com Global Championship Community Spotlight
Discord Trivia Event
ChessTV Schedule

24-Hour Marathon Arena

Every single second of International Chess Day will be covered with this 24-hour marathon arena, starting 12 a.m. Pacific Time. If you haven't played an arena before, now's a great time to try it out for the first time. And if you're already a veteran chess gladiator, this is your chance for glory! First place will receive a one-year Diamond membership, while second to tenth place will receive a one-month Diamond membership.

Community Streamer Program
Watching other people stream chess can be lots of fun, but why don't you give it a try yourself? Our brand-new Community Streamer feature is now live and makes it easier than ever to broadcast your stream to a chess-loving audience right here on Chess.com. Try co-streaming the ChessKid Monthly Championship (starting 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on ChessTV) on your own Twitch channel, and you might find a friendly neighborhood Chess.com staff member dropping in to say hi...
Chess.com Global Championship Community Spotlight

Ever wanted superstar chess commentator GM Daniel Naroditsky to review your brilliant moves? Now's your chance! Make sure you post your best game from the Chess.com Global Championship in this forum thread to have a chance at getting some exclusive grandmaster-level insights into your chess game.

Discord Trivia Event

Update: unfortunately the trivia session is cancelled due to illness. We still recommend joining the Chess.com Discord server to connect with likeminded chess fans from around the world!

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy International Chess Day online. Some of our favorite chess streamers will be online to help you celebrate, including GM Arturs Neikšāns covering the Biel International Chess Festival. Here’s a summary of who's scheduled to be on ChessTV tomorrow:

• Anna Cramling: 03:00 - 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CET
• GMNeiksans: 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CET
• GothamChess: 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. Pacific Time | 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. CET
• GMHikaru: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time | 4:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. CET
• BotezLive: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time - 10:00 p.m. - 01:00 a.m. CET

* Note that times and schedules may change.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2022; July 18th.

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” ~Nelson Mandela 

On 18 July 2022, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will present a concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day. The music repertoire of the concert will honour the African heritage, by featuring compositions by extraordinary black composers who changed the course of classical and pop music history - including Julian Marley, Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker, and Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges – informally known as ‘The Black Mozart’, and who is remembered as the first classical composer of African origins. The concert will also feature “Baba Yetu”, composed by 2x-Grammy award winning composer Christopher Tin, arranged for the UN Chamber Music Society. In recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, Nelson Mandela International Day recognizes his values and dedication to the service of humanity in the struggle for democracy internationally, and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. The occasion will open with a message from the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres. In addition, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations; and Professor Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in Social Justice of Stellenbosch University, Founder of the THUMA Foundation and former Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa, as well as one of the experts that assisted the drafting of the Constitution of South Africa promulgated by Nelson Mandela. Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.

Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 (18 July). 

"Today, the world honours a giant of our time; a leader of unparalleled courage and towering achievement; and a man of quiet dignity and deep humanity. Nelson Mandela was a healer of communities and a mentor to generations. He remains a moral compass and reference to us all. Madiba walked the path to freedom and dignity with steely determination – and with compassion and love. He showed that each and every one of us has the ability – and responsibility – to build a better future for all. Our world today is marred by war; overwhelmed by emergencies; blighted by racism, discrimination, poverty, and inequalities; and threatened by climate disaster. Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela’s example and inspiration in his vision. Today and every day, let us honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by taking action. By speaking out against hate and standing up for human rights. By embracing our common humanity – rich in diversity, equal in dignity, united in solidarity. And by together making our world more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all.

EVENTS; Nelson Mandela Commemoration at United Nations Headquarters

President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 commemoration in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

The president is joined by Minister Senzo Mchunu, Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Councillor Eugene Johnson. In line with the theme of dedicating 67 minutes to conducting good deeds, President Ramaphosa will embark on the Clear Rivers, Campaign in Gqeberha.

International Criminal Justice Day 2022; July 17th.

FORUM: More just world. Reflections on the Past, Present and Future. International Criminal Justice Day 2022.

International Justice Day, is an international day celebrated throughout the world on July 17 as part of an effort to recognize the emerging system of international criminal justice.

EVENTS: ICC at 20: From the crimes to the courtroom, International Criminal Justice Day 2022.

ICC at 20, Session 1: From the crimes to the courtroom: preliminary examinations, investigations and confirmation of charges

                      

ICC at 20, Session 2: Lifecycle of an ICC case in the courtroom and beyond: trials, appeals and reparations.

ICC at 20, Session 3: Looking back & looking forward.

​The International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "the Court") today marks 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice. 

Twenty years ago today, the Rome Statute came into force. It was a tremendous achievement. It is a recognition that the rule of law was there to provide protection, particularly to the most vulnerable and to ensure accountability for individuals that independent Judges found guilty for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes or the crime of aggression. It has indeed been a tremendous achievement but this is also a moment to pause, to reflect and to try to refresh the process of international justice. The ICC simply must make an impact in the real lives of people. We need to work closer with affected communities that have lost so much, and to try to speed up and improve the quality and delivery of justice. This requires all of us to work together. We must all try to do better and to rededicate ourselves to these principles of justice which are owned by all humanity. If we work in a collective manner, international justice can, I’m sure, advance. And in twenty years to come, we can see the world better than it is for so many of our fellow brothers and sisters today. About the ICC’s 20th anniversary

EVERYONE CAN WORK TO BUILD A MORE JUST WORLD.

Join us in building a #MoreJustWorld

The #ICC thanks all States Parties for their continued support and commitment to the cause of justice, and all States who voluntarily cooperate with the Court and share its values.

World Youth Skills Day 2022; July 15th.

FORUM:"Transforming youth skills for the future." World Youth Skills Day 2022.

The observance of World Youth Skills Day 2022 takes place amid concerted efforts towards socio-economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that are interconnected with challenges such as climate change, conflict, persisting poverty, rising inequality, rapid technological change, demographic transition and others.

 

Statement by the U.N.Secretary General on World Youth Skills Day 2022; July 15th.

Today, we highlight the importance of transforming youth skills for the future of work.

Young people are disproportionately impacted by interlinked global crises, from climate change to conflicts to persistent poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these fragilities. In 2020 alone, youth employment fell by 39 million. Today, 24 million young people remain at risk of not returning to school.

The pandemic also accelerated the transformation of the labour market, adding uncertainty and widening the digital divide. We must ensure the right of young people to effective and inclusive education, training, and lifelong learning. That requires ramping up youth skills development, while investing in Technical Vocational Education and Training, broadband connectivity, and digital skills.

That is why I will convene a Transforming Education Summit in September that will bring together world leaders, youth and other education actors. Young people are drivers of change and must be fully engaged in decisions affecting their future. Guided by the United Nations Youth 2030 strategy, I urge everyone to act for youth skills development as a priority, at the Summit and beyond.

Together, let us build a more just and thriving workforce, rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind.

I wish you a happy World Youth Skills Day.

U.N. Secreatry-General.

Young women and girls, young persons with disabilities, youth from poorer households, rural communities, indigenous peoples, and minority groups, as well as those who suffer the consequences of violent conflict and political instability, continue to be excluded due to a combination of factors. In addition, the crisis has accelerated several transitions the world of work was already undergoing, which add layers of uncertainty regarding the skills and competencies that will be in demand after the pandemic is overcome.

The United Nations and its agencies,  such as UNESCO-UNEVOC, are well placed to help address these challenges by reducing access barriers to the world of work, ensuring that skills gained are recognized and certified, and offering skills development opportunities for out-of-school youth and those not in employment, education or training (NEET). During this Decade of Action for the 2030 Agenda, the full engagement of young people in global processes is vital to generate positive change and innovation.

EVENTS

Transforming youth skills for the future.

15 July 2022, hybrid global event, 10.00 am - 12.30pm (EDT)

The "Transforming youth skills for the future" global event is being co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka to the United Nations, together with UNESCO, ILO and the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. It will bring together youth, governments, UN agencies, private sector and civil society representatives to analyse the impact of current crises on youth across the world, and discuss how young people can quickly adapt to the demands of an ever-changing world.

YOUth matters: Celebrating skills for the future.

7-8 July 2022, 2.00 - 4.30 pm SGT (GMT+8)

Organised by Temasek Polytechnic (TP), together with UNEVOC Centres, local and regional partners, the symposium will kick off a series of programmes and events to celebrate WYSD Asia-Pacific 2022. It will bring out the voice of youths so that various stakeholders in TVET can better understand the attitudes of youths when it comes to skills needed for the future. Youth Matters: Celebrating Skills for the future.

World Population Day 2022; July 11th.

FORUM: "A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all - Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all" World Population Day 2022.

This year’s World Population Day falls during a milestone year, when we anticipate the birth of the Earth’s eight billionth inhabitant. In an ideal world, 8 billion people means 8 billion opportunities for healthier societies empowered by rights and choices. Under the theme "A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all - Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all", the 2022 observation calls on us to renew our promise of implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development for a sustainable and inclusive future for all, leaving no one behind.

EVENTS: Join us for the celebration of  World Population Day 2022 on July 11th.

Most of the fastest-growing populations are found in the group of Least Developed Countries, which collectively grew at around 2.4% annually between 2000 and 2020.

International Day of Cooperatives 2022; July 2nd.

 FORUM: “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” International Day of Cooperatives 2022.

Focusing on the unique contribution of cooperatives to make the world a better place, the International Cooperative Alliance and the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives have chosen –“Cooperatives Build a Better World” as the theme for 2022. 

                             

Follow the conversations with the hastags #CoopsDay, #CooperativesBuildAbetterWorld, #2July.

The aim of #CoopsDay is to increase awareness of cooperatives and promote the movement’s ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.

EVENTS: On July 2, cooperatives all around the world will celebrate the 100th International Day of Cooperatives (#CoopsDay).

Through International Cooperatives Day; 2 July, local, national and global Policy-makers, Civil society organisations and the public in general can learn about the contribution of Cooperative enterprises to a secure future for all.

The ICA invites cooperators everywhere to spread the word about how our human-centred business model, inspired by the cooperative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity and the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others, is building a better world.

Operating all around the world, in many different sectors of economy, cooperatives have proven themselves more resilient to crises than the average. They foster economic participation, fight against environmental degradation and climate change, generate good jobs, contribute to food security, keep financial capital within local communities, build ethical value chains, and, by improving people’s material conditions and security, contribute to positive peace.

The Role of Cooperatives in Accelerating Progress to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Thursday 7th July; 08:00 am – 09:30 am (NYT)

CR 11. United Nations Headquaters.

The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations, is holding an International Day commemorative event as part of the Voluntary National Review (VNR) Labs organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The event will focus on the contribution of cooperatives to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It will provide an opportunity for Member States to share good practices and present their national action plans in support of cooperatives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Countries that have included cooperatives in their VNRs will lead the discussions.This year’s commemoration also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the International Day of Cooperatives, and the 10th anniversary of the UN International Year of Cooperatives.

Objectives:

The event will underscore the contributions of cooperatives to resolving the major problems addressed by the United Nations and to strengthening and extending the partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors.

Broad consultations and multi-stakeholder participation are recognized as key conditions for a successful VNR process and critical in ensuring the implementation of plans after the VNRs presentation. Inclusiveness in VNRs is essential to the principles of leaving no one behind and integrated implementation of the SDGs.

Inclusive processes empower citizens and build the capacities of civil society to take ownership and contribute to the review process.

Cooperatives represent at least 12% of people on earth who are members of any of the 3 million cooperatives worldwide. They play an important role in addressing the needs of their members and communities and in the process, they contribute towards the implementation of the SDGs. Therefore, it “Our Common Agenda” is important for the governments to include cooperatives in the VNRs consultations processes and recognize their effective contribution toward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and their role in economic development at national level.

Therefore, the event aims to facilitate cross-regional learning of innovative approaches and examples of how inclusive stakeholder engagement in the VNR process can accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the country and regional levels. Drawing on examples from the regions, it will illustrate how inclusive VNRs can be instrumental in maintaining and increasing the level of ambition in VNRs reporting, heightening the impact of the VNRs, and supporting inclusive and sustainable recovery from the COVID19 crisis.

Representatives of VNR participating countries, regional organizations and other stakeholders will be invited to exchange experiences and best practices and how they involve different stakeholders including cooperatives in the VNR consultation processes. In doing so, they will demonstrate how efforts to bring countries together at the regional level have been useful and will continue to be relevant in the context of the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development.

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS