International Day of Zero Waste 2024; March 30th.

FORUM: “Reaching the zero-waste goal.” International Day of Zero Waste 2024. Climate change and conflicts are unfortunate examples of current interlocking crises. Being one of the aspects of these challenges, waste generation and associated pollution threaten the global environment and human health. Waste pollution threatens human health, costs the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars a year, and aggravates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution. Boosting waste management at all levels remains an urgent priority. To solve the waste pollution crisis, humanity must fully embrace a zero-waste approach. This entails responsible production and consumption patterns through promoting a life cycle approach. In 2020, the global direct cost of waste management was estimated to be at USD 252 billion. When factoring in the hidden costs of pollution, poor health and climate change from poor waste disposal practices, the cost rises to USD 361 billion. Without urgent action on waste management, by 2050 this global annual cost could almost double to a staggering USD 640.3 billion. However, the report’s modelling shows that getting waste under control by taking waste prevention and management measures could limit net annual costs by 2050 to USD 270.2 billion. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #sdg12, #zerowasteDay, #30March.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-general on behalf the International Day of Zero waste 2024.

Our planet is drowning under a torrent of trash.

Every year, humanity produces more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste. Rotting food, plastic bottles, chemical-laced electronics and much more is tossed away without regard for our water, land and air.

As trash decays, it spews planet-warming greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, poisons our water and soil, and inflicts illness, disease and even death among people around the world.

Overconsumption is killing us. Humanity needs an intervention.

Since last year, the Advisory Board on Zero Waste has been bringing partners together around this critical issue and what needs to be done to make zero waste a reality.

Businesses must rethink their products to minimize wasteful packaging and maximize longevity and lifecycle.

Consumers must think twice about the goods and products they purchase and recycle or reuse wherever possible.

Governments at all levels must build circular economies that address resource depletion and management and invest in modern waste-management programmes anchored in reuse, remanufacturing, recovery and waste prevention.

And the global community must stand as one and work towards achieving a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.

On this Zero Waste Day, let’s pledge to end the destructive cycle of waste, once and for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Remarks by the United Nations General Assembly President on behalf the Commemoration of the International Day of Zero Waste 2024; March 30th.

Your Excellency, Sedat Önal, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Nations, Ms. Ligia Noronha, Head of UNEP New York Office, Ms. Mr. Michal Mlynár, Acting Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by commending the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Türkiye, the United Nations Environment Programme, and UN-Habitat for co-organizing today’s event – marking the International Day of Zero Waste. We are all deeply appreciative of your ongoing efforts to promote zero-waste initiatives – contributing to advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I think it more than appropriate to pay tribute to the distinguished First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Ms. Emine Erdoğan, the protagonist and initiator of the Zero Waste project in her own country. It was the astounding success of this that motivated the General Assembly to the adoption of a resolution tabled by the Republic of Türkiye – declaring 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste.

Excellencies, The numbers and trends speak for themselves in describing the situation as nothing short of harrowing: 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted each year, up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems,
and food loss and waste accounts for up to 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions – significantly contributing to the climate crisis. Without urgent action, it is projected that annual municipal solid waste generation will hit 3.8 billion tons by 2050. Moreover – if we cling to the business-as-usual mentality – we will have more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

Excellencies, Today – as we commemorate this important day – we urgently need to pause and rethink the unsustainable linear development model of “take, make and dispose” we have been so actively pursuing. It is high time we replace that model with sustainable practices of production and consumption to minimize our ecological footprint – including adopting a circular approach that promotes a resource efficiency model of reduce, reuse and recycle.

To achieve this, we must shift our perspective and accelerate our efforts to develop and implement zero-waste initiatives to foster the environmentally sound management of waste; the minimization of waste; and – where feasible – the total prevention of waste. Such a societal shift should not be a burden. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity not only to mitigate environmental harm but also to foster innovation, create green jobs, and promote social inclusion. It should also be viewed as an opportunity to invest in sustainable infrastructure, prioritize eco-friendly technologies, and empower communities to become true stewards of their own environment. Allow me to also reiterate the commitments made by the world leaders in the 2023 SDG Summit political declaration – which acknowledged the serious threats posed by plastic, air, and chemical pollution, and expressed firm support for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. I am also deeply grateful to share this moment with a youth representative. The youth are the change-makers. Their perspectives and actions are absolutely critical in our efforts to reach zero waste – and they deserve a say on such matters that have a life-changing impact on their future.

Meeting our zero waste objectives and targets requires a comprehensive multi-stakeholders approach, at all levels – from grassroots initiatives to national policies, from corporate boardrooms to international fora. Our approach must also square the circle to encompass policy alignment, knowledge sharing, capacity-building, resource mobilization, and technology transfer. Importantly – and in the true spirit of leaving no one behind – our commitment and indeed our transition to Zero Waste must be beneficial to all, especially countries in special situations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me close by reiterating that our commemoration today is rooted in a robust commitment to pursue and attain sustainability within the framework of the 2030 Agenda – through, among other things, converting to sustainable patterns of production and consumption. To this end, sustainability remains one of the core priorities of my Presidency – the full manifestation of which will be rolled out during the inaugural Sustainability Week I will be convening from 15 to 19 April. I envision that this Week of back-to-back high-level engagements will spark in-depth discussions on transport, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and debt sustainability and socio-economic equality – propelling substantial progress in these key sectors of the economy.

I further expect that Zero Waste initiatives – with their cross-cutting relevance across these sectors – will feature prominently in the discussions. Furthermore, it is my sincere hope that the harvest from this Week will both inform the deliberations of the Summit of the Future and accelerate momentum towards attaining all the SDGs. The journey towards Zero Waste does not by any means involve a simple unplanned destination – but rather, a continuous process of learning, adaptation and innovation. As the President of the General Assembly, I will play my part – and I call upon us all to harness the power of collective action and solidarity to turn the tide on waste.

I wish you all a fruitful discussion.

I thank you.

H.E Mr. Dennis Francis; United Nations General Assembly President.

EVENTS:  International Day of Zero Waste 2024 - To celebrate the second annual International Day of Zero Waste, offices and partners from around the world are invited to organize activities and events, including creative exhibits, panel discussions, social media campaigns, training sessions and waste collection drives.

On March 26th, 2024; The UNEP, UN-Habitat and partners will organize a webinar entitled "Zero Waste Futures" | Online | 10–11:30 a.m. ET, 4–5:30 p.m. CET, 6–7:30 p.m. EAT..The UNEP International Environment Technology Centre, the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office (CSRO) and the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG) will co-organize this online event targeting stakeholders across regions and oceans, especially youth and experts to promote the global shift towards zero waste. Register to participate.


South-East Europe Pollution Platform | Vienna & online | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CET (26 March); 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (27 March). The conference aims to facilitate and foster discussions on current and innovative strategies, possibilities, policies and practices that promote waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles to create a cleaner and healthier environment in the Western Balkan economies. Additionally, it will actively encourage collaboration amongst different actors and sectors, aiming to promote sustainable practices and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. Learn more and register.


On March 27th, 2024 - the United nations observance of the CR-12, starting at 10–11:30 a.m. ET will be held in United Nations Headquarters, New York. Member States and stakeholders are invited to share initiatives promoting zero waste at various levels to reduce waste generation and enhance responsible waste management.

UNEP/UN-Habitat observance  "Underscore the critical importance of collective action in driving forward zero-waste initiatives."| CR-4, United Nations Office at Nairobi | 3–4:30 p.m. EAT. The UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste will announce outstanding zero-waste practices during the event, which is co-organized with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Türkiye. Tune in. 

UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 launch | Online | 8:30–9:30 a.m. EDT, 1:30–2:30 p.m. CET, 3:30–4:30 p.m. EAT. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 authors, government representatives, and food waste and loss experts share their expertise through discussions of the report’s key findings. Tune in.

The Geneva Environment Network; On March “30th; online | 2–3:30 p.m. CET | 2–3:30 p.m. CET for the occasion of the second observation of the International Day of Zero Waste, will held a webinar and in person-event will align with the objectives of raising awareness of national, sub-national, regional and local zero-waste initiatives and their contributions to advance the beat waste pollution agenda. This event will highlight the role of Geneva as a major global hub for the governance of hazardous substances and home to several international organizations and multilateral environmental agreements aiming at reaching the zero-waste goal, and will celebrate the steps taken by actors to move forward the zero-waste agenda. Register to participate to the event!

On March 30th, the GAIA will held a panel discussion entitled ‘‘The Year of Zero Waste: From Momentum to Action’’ | Online | 9 a.m. CET, 11 a.m. EAT, 1:30 p.m. IST, 9 p.m. NZDT. Policymakers, grassroots community leaders, climate and waste finance experts, and zero-waste implementers' discuss how to escalate progress on zero waste worldwide based on current trends, obstacles and proven strategies. Register.

On March 30th, a webinar entitled ‘‘Zero-waste City Construction: A sustainable action to beat waste pollution.’’ will be held Online | 11 p.m. EET, 12 p.m. EAT, 5 p.m. CST.City representatives from Australia, Brazil, China, Lebanon and New Zealand showcase practices of zero-waste initiatives in different regions. Register.

Get involved in the 2024 Zero Waste Month workshops, conferences and awareness campaign!

Week of 1 April - Global Zero Waste: Día Mundial Basura Cero | Online | 3 April; 9 a.m. COT, 3 p.m. CET: Global Zero Waste will host keynote speeches and share success stories and presentations of new challenges. Learn more.


Week of 11 March - Zero Waste Europe: Impactful policies | Online; The second week of Zero Waste Europe's month-long International Zero Waste Day campaign focuses on impactful policies. Learn more.


Northern California Recycling Association: Recycling Update | California, United States | 11 March; 8 a.m. PDT; NCRA's Recycling Update features 25 experts on the spectrum of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot, as well as networking opportunities and plenty of ideas. Learn more.


Week of 4 March - Zero Waste Europe: Prevention first | Online. The First Week of Zero Waste Europe's month-long International Zero Waste Day campaign focuses on prevention first. Learn more.

Explore the list of upcoming worldwide activities, conferences and workshops and the events maps!


PUBLICATIONS: Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 - In response to Resolution 2/7 from the second session (UNEP/EA.2/RES.7) of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and reaffirmed in Resolution 4/7 from its fourth session (UNEP/EA.4/RES.7). Jointly published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 report provides an update on global waste generation and the cost of waste and its management. Municipal solid waste generation is predicted to grow from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Only 62 percent of this waste is managed in controlled facilities. Some 2.7 billion people lack access to solid waste collection. Download the report.


STATEMENTS: Read the message of the executive-secretary of the UNEP for the International Day of Zero Waste 2024; March 30th.

LIVESTREAM

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2024; March 25th.

FORUM: “The safety of everyone who works with the United Nations is our top priority.” International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2024. During this day, we invite you to draw attention to the risks faced by United Nations staff and peacekeepers and their colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. Join the conversation by following the hashtags #25march; #UNStaffDay.

EVENTS: On March 25th, a webinar to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2024 will be held at UNHQ. On this International Day, let us stand in solidarity with all detained colleagues and pledge to protect all United Nations personnel as they work to advance peace and human rights, protect the planet and build a better future for all. The observance is organized by the Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service and the United Nations Staff Union.

STATEMENTS: Statement from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2024; March 25th.

Today is a solemn reminder of the grave risks facing our staff members as they carry out their vital work under the United Nations flag.

These brave women and men represent humanity’s highest calling: helping people in their hour of desperate need. They come from countries spanning the globe, but are united in their common dedication to the noble causes of peacekeeping, delivering aid and assistance, and upholding international law and human rights in countries and regions rocked by conflict and disaster.

They also face enormous and unacceptable risks — including violence, detention and abduction. Since 2022, 381 UN personnel have been detained — including 7 in January and February of this year. In total, 27 UN personnel are still in detention.

Our hearts are with their families and colleagues, and I will not relent in calling for their release and safe return.

In their name, we urge all countries to fully implement the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and the 2005 Optional Protocol to the Convention.

On this important day, let’s honor the courage and dedication of humanitarians everywhere by pledging to protect and support them as they help build a more peaceful, humane world for us all.

António Guterres.

 

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024; March 25th.

FORUM: "Creating Global Freedom: Countering Racism with Justice in Societies and Among Nations." International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024. The transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans represents one of the most horrific and traumatizing eras in human history.This racialized system of enslavement abducted, trafficked, and brutally dehumanized Africans and their descendants over centuries, leaving a pernicious legacy of racism grounded in the false narrative of white supremacy.A critical way to counter racism with justice is to acknowledge the fundamental dignity, equality, and rights of people of African descent within communities, institutions, policies, laws and governing bodies. Recognizing the egregious history and legacies of enslavement, the United Nations will step up efforts to address racism, intolerance, bigotry and hatred, to advance the cause of global freedom.Follow the conversation with the hashtags #Rememberslavery!

EVENTS: On March 25th, we will commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024; This year marks the 217th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the 23rd anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). It’s a time to reflect on a shameful era. On a brutal system of human trafficking which was built on the myth of white supremacy. Today, we remember those who suffered and resisted oppression and we honor them by fighting for equality and justice. Explore the agenda programme!

Commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024 Held pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/73/345 of 16 September 2019.

Speakers will include the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General and Member States. The keynote speaker will be Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Commission on Reparation and Social Justice. The youth speaker will be Yolanda Renee King, author and granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Followed by:

1. Commemoration of the abolition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade - Item 118
2. Culture of peace - Item 14 - Draft resolution (A/78/L.53); Action on the draft resolution
3. Global health and foreign policy - Item 125 - Draft resolution (A/78/L.50); Draft amendment (A/78/L.55); Action on the draft amendment and the draft resolution.

From March 19th - April 25th, 2024 an exhibit on “enslavement in South Africa” to open at UN Headquarters.

The United Nations Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery in collaboration with the Iziko Museums of South Africa will display an adaptation of the exhibit “Who were the enslaved? Commemorating lives under enslavement at the Cape of Good Hope”. Originally displayed at the Iziko Slave Lodge in Cape Town in 2023, the exhibit examines slavery in South Africa and highlights stories of individuals enslaved at the Slave Lodge. The exhibition will be on display in the Visitors Lobby at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Link to UN Press Release.

On March 25th, 2024 at UNHQ, Meeting to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The United Nations General Assembly will hold a meeting in the General Assembly Hall in New York to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Speakers will include the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General and Member States. The keynote speaker will be Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Commission on Reparation and Social Justice. The youth speaker will be Yolanda Renee King, author and granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Watch live on UN WebTV.

From 25 March - 28 March 2024 will be held a New exhibit to highlight tragic “Ibo Landing” history.

The United Nations Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery is supporting the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on the display of their powerful new exhibit entitled “Ibo Landing”. The Ibo, also referred to as Igbo, are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. In 1803, a group of enslaved people from this region committed one of history’s most grievous acts of resistance in defiance of enslavement. This exhibit captures the sorrow and horrors of this historic event that took place in the US state of Georgia, through original drawings by Jamaican-American artist Donovan Nelson. The exhibit will be on display at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Link to UN Press Release

STATEMENTS: “Let Us Unite for Human Rights, Dignity, Opportunity for All’’. Read the full Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General, on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024. March 25th.

Joint statement of UN experts on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024, March 25th.

“The International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is an important moment to reflect on and honour the millions of Africans who, over a period of 400 years, were cruelly uprooted from their communities and enslaved, in Europe and the Americas, in dehumanising and degrading conditions where they endured horrific violations of their human rights, deprivation of their identity and physical, mental, psychological and spiritual brutality.

This day serves as a reminder that the enslavement of Africans gave rise to the systemic racism and institutionalised racial discrimination that their descendants continue to experience today.

In commemorating this day, it is imperative to recognise that people of African descent are disproportionately affected by discrimination, marginalisation and social injustice. Economic disparities, limited access to quality education, health care, housing, employment, under-representation in political, public and private sector leadership, and over-representation in law enforcement especially in the criminal justice system remain their daily reality.

We urgently call for a strengthened collective commitment to acknowledge and redress the enduring disparities and inequalities that stem from this cruel chapter in history and continue to reverberate across generations. We urge States ensure effective participation of people of African descent in decision-making processes and implement reparatory justice measures to redress these long-standing injustices.

We also call on States to proclaim a second Decade for People of African Descent to sustain global efforts to promote the inclusive and sustained development of, advance reparatory justice for, and combat discrimination, systemic racism and social exclusion of people of African descent.”

The experts: Ms. Barbara Reynolds, Chairperson, Ms. Bina D’Costa and Ms. Miriam Ekiudoko, Members, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Ms. June Soomer, Chairperson-Designate, Permanent Forum on People of African Descent; Mr. Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; and Ms. Akua Kuenyehia, Ms. Tracie Keesee, Mr. Juan Méndez, Experts, International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement.

Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

WEBCAST: Watch the 64th plenary meeting of the UNGA78 in Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024.

World Tuberculosis Day 2024 March 24th.

FORUM: 'Yes! We can end TB!' World Tuberculosis Day 2024. The theme of World TB Day 2024 - ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ – conveys a message of hope that getting back-on-track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible through high level leadership, increased investments and faster uptake of new WHO recommendations. Following the commitments made by Heads of State at the UN High Level meeting in 2023 to accelerate progress to end TB, this year's focus shifts to turning these commitments into tangible actions. To help countries scale-up access to TB preventive treatment, WHO will release an investment case on scaling up the roll out of TB preventive treatment.The day will inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multi-sector collaboration to combat the TB epidemic. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldTBDay, #24March, #YesWecanEndTB, #Tuberculosis.

EVENTS: The World Health Organization (WHO) will commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day 2024 on Sunday March 24rd to urge countries to ramp up progress in the lead-up to the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB. The WHO will also issue a call to action with partners urging Member States to accelerate the roll-out of the new WHO-recommended shorter all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB. This year is critical, with opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB.

 

ONLINE TALK SHOW: You are invited to participate on March 19th 2024, from 14:30 – 17:00 CET to the World TB Day 2024: Online Talk Show. The World Health Organization will use this occasion to urge investments for the scale up of tuberculosis screening and preventive treatment.

STATEMENT: Statement by Dr. Tedros; Director of the World Health Organization on behalf the World TB Day 2024; March 24th and the Statement by Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director, WHO Global TB Programme on the world TB Day 2024; March 24th.

"...Treatment currently looking at pentin on it for 3 months as well as ref and Ison it for 3 months we are not yet planning to move at least at the within the coming two years to the one month with pentin and ioniz it, because we've just started scaling up the three months refer pentin and ionizing and there are lessons that we have learned in terms of health system uh which needs to be strengthened because without doing that we're bound to fail when we go for the one month treatment option and next slide please and what then this means is that um we um we need to revisit the costing that was done for the NSP and one advantage was that since this has been costed within the NS key um and this is a structure this is coordinated by the CCM which is a structure that is a multi-sectoral structure we we leverage on the different sectors that are within to make sure that at least we get all the stakeholders to support this process but um when we look at the costing uh within in the NSP what we we saw was that we probably did under budget for for this intervention and um uh when I looked at what was estimated here at 7 billion uh we only budgeted over the three year period sorry 5e period for the Strategic plan only $44 million us and we probably need to look at him and the shortfall or revisit the costing first and then look at the shortfall and try and mobilize the resources to address the funding Gap and the other thing also related to this is that um the the challenge one of the challenges actually that we've we've encountered with the TPT and reaching household contacts is actually conduct the Outreach to households and Community level and this is part of Health System strengthening component and and this is something we probably need to look at and see how then we make sure that for us to succeed with this implementation we also uh try and strengthen and and and or maybe close the gaps where we have already identified that there are gaps and um the other area what I term marketing of a a TPT specifically because um there's a lot of resistance at Comm in communities around prevention and because people do not understand why they need to take medication to prevent a condition so we we going to look at how we change our communication strategy to to address um this Challenge and also use social mobilization strengthen social mobilization around this engaged Civil Society uh we have a very strong uh PL HIV Civil Society H to assist us particularly to increase demand at Community level for TPT and lastly we'll also look at um how we then monitor closely this intervention and identify barriers as we scale up we also during this will use the opportunity that we're also looking at Community Le monitoring to use that H to also get the sense of how the communities feel about this intervention as well as how best we can increase the the uptake and also look at the supply side in terms of what are the issues and concerns from from the communities otherwise um the other point was that as we scale up these interventions we also as we plan to uh also monitor for treatment outcomes we so that we understand uh what how many the proportion that actually completes treatment we also need to strengthen the pharmacovigilance as we are introducing a new drugs at a scale to understand as well in terms of what you are the common Adverse Events that are reported and that is next slide I think this is my last slide thank you and thanks to you uh Lind for this great presentation it's it's very good, you raise this important challenge right about the reluctance at times from both healthcare workers and people who are at risk to to use TPT and the work that you're doing to try and reverse this, I think the return on investment in South Africa with 1 is to 39 is I think a very strong argument that um that can be used right in in advocacy efforts in the country um just a small observation because a lot of our data go to 2050 right that we are presenting but um you can look at the estimates that go on to 2035 into in in in a short sort of the shorter time frame right in the article that is linked to the brochure um and I think this is a also will see that there are important gains to be made in the short term from from these Investments so with that I will come to the last presentation in this uh session and I invite David to make his presentation five minutes to you David thanks thanks very much hi everyone my name is David branagan I'm the TV project officer at treatment Action Group and I'll be providing an update from the 146 x24 campaign on delivering on the promise of new TB preventive treatments ending TB requires scaling up all the best available interventions including TB screening and TB preventive treatment as well as access to Rapid diagnostic testing Universal drug susceptibility testing and the best available shorter safer regimens for treatment of drug susceptible and drug resistant TB models show that all the of these interventions combined dramatically reduce TB incidents over time as well as related suffering and death from TB this new new investment case for scaling up TB screening and TB preventive treatment is a call to action for governments and donors to increase funding for Accelerated implementation of TB screening plus TB preventive treatment uh among people at risk of TB these interventions are essential to make progress in closing the 30% TB diagnostic Gap and preventing TB among the highest risk populations including people living with HIV child household contacts of people with TB as well as household contacts of all ages scaling up these interventions requires significantly increased investment not only in drugs and Diagnostics but in Health Systems this is what the late Dr Paul Farmer called the five staff stuff space systems and support necessary to deliver person- centered care and access to the best available tools to prevent diagnose and treat TB as a human right the campaign launched in 2022 calls on governments and Global Health actors to take concrete action to put in place the 5s's and scale up access to the best available who recommended regimens by the end of 2024 as a human right after more than 20 years of research and development we can finally treat TB infection in as little as one month and most forms of drug sensitive and drug resistant TB in just four and six months but relatively few people have access to these shorter safer regimens the campaign aims to change that this Friday March 22nd. the campaign is launching a mid- campaign report that details progress and gaps in scaling up access to the 146 regimens with specific recommendations for closing these gaps by the end of 2030. please as a result of scientific progress we can now treat TB infection in as little as one month with one HP or once weekly for three months with 3 HP between 2021 and 2022 there was a three-fold increase in the number of people receiving refy based short course TPT and the number of countries offering these regimens increased from 52 to 74 but universal access to TPT is a long way away 15.5 million people received TPT between 2018 in 2022 which is just over 50% of the targets set by governments at the first United Nations high level meeting on TB and just 16% of those who received TPT in 2022 were provided with a shorter safer one regimen data from the 2023 Global fund concept notes also indicate that while nearly all high burden countries intend to scale Up 3 HP during the grant cycle implementation of 1 HP remains much more limited due to a recent price reduction now costs just $9.99 per treatment course and the Pediatric formulation of 3hp remains the cheapest TPT option for kids next mid campaign report that will be launched later this week spotlights the leadership of countries in scaling up access to the best available shorter safer regimens in Malawi TB and HIV programs worked together to Pilot 3hp with support from Impact for TB and Civil Society proved instrumental in promoting the successful rollout of 3hp by raising awareness among communities to encourage uptake and adherence in Zambia stakeholder consultations and collaboration between HIV and TB programs was key to scaling up 1 HP among household contacts prisoners and other key populations the national TB program actively solicited feedback from end users which was overwhelmingly positive and within three months they had begun rolling out 1 HP in additional regions investments in expanding access to TB screening and short course TB preventive treatment is essential for making progress in the fight against TB as we see from examples in Malawi and Zambia it's also essential to Center the experience of people affected by TB to inform and guide the development and rollout of TB interventions we look forward to launching the mid campaign report on Friday March 22nd and tosharing more examples of country impact scaling up shorter safer TB regimens and recommendations for Country governments and Global Health actors to take concrete action to close gaps in access to these regimens before the end of 2024, thank you thanks very much David for this and we look forward to the report and the um on the midterm campaign so with that we finish this session and I hand over to Dr Kasa so thank you very much and Dennis it was a very rich session as well as the whole talk show uh we are moving towards the end of TB, thank you very much for staying with us for working with us and for believing that "yes we can end tb now'', I'm pleased to invite Dr Jerome Salomon assistant-director general for the Universal Health Coverage communicable and non-communicable diseases, he himself is Professor in infectious diseases Champions and To efforts with unwavering support Dr Jeron would appreciate your closing of this important event thank you thank you so much dear Teresa honorable ministers distinguished participants dear colleagues friends and partners today's discussions and dialogue at this important high level event on tuberculosis I've been inspiring and productive as we look towards accelerating the TB response over the next 5 years building on the commitments by world leaders at the 2023 United Nations high level meeting on TB as you heard TB continues to claim millions of lives and causes suffering to those affected and their families the experiences and work being doing by countries partners and Civil Society has been well showcased by with the Spotlight on Innovations and multi-sectoral engagement the need to ensure no one is Left Behind has been strongly highlighted especially in the case of migrants and refugees as the world grapples with unprecedented conflict and humanitarian crisis we need to redouble efforts to ensure all people with TB access quality prevention and Care in line with wh's drive towards achieving Universal Health coverage. I would like to remind you of our top calls for Action this year as I close wh is calling for high level leadership and action to end TB it's crucial to translate commitments made in the political Declaration of the UN highle meeting on TB into concrete actions actively working towards achieving key targets by 2027 we are calling for increased investments in wh recommend TB treatments Diagnostics prevention care and social protection that are crucial to save lives and reach TB targets faster financing for TB research must more than double to drive discovery of new tools including vaccines and to scale up life-saving Innovations the TB vaccine exelator Council that will launch last year is an important platform for this linked to the previous points we have placing a special focus on scaling up access to TB preventive treatment and screening services the investment case launched today is a vital advocacy tool to help facilitate this we are advocating for Global action to address Health inequalities and stigma for people with TB and over diseases we need all sectors all stakeholders from Ministries; Partners; health workers communities and those affected engaged and accountable and show we commit to invest in leading the NTB response and keeping the promises made to the millions affected by TB each year despite any hardships challenges or crisis that come our way we cannot falter in our commitment till we reach and save every person family and Community impacted by this deadly disease we call on you to join us in making Investments of your time energy support care or financing towards ending TB you can be a be on of hope everyone has a role to play in ending TB; individuals communities Civil Society organizations, businesses and governments I would like to thank our eminent speakers and panelist and you our wonderful audience for joining us in keeping the spotlight on ending TB we need to keep our promises there is not a moment to lose let us join forces in prioritizing and investing to end one of the world's top infectious Killers together yes we can end tb thank you very much so thank you colleagues and as as we close uh just to many thanks to Dr Jerome for inspiring closing remarks um as as we come to an end of this talk show just to note that we had hoped to have an interactive session within we've posted a link to the to a survey on the chat asking for your ideas and proposals on what action should be prioritized to accelerate the TB response many thanks to those of you who provided inputs already we'll keep this link alive please do share your suggestions we would appreciate it very much so thank you very much.

The Global Fund, World Health Organization (WHO), Stop TB Partnership.

SYMPOSIUM: The African Union Commission commemorates the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day under the theme: “ Yes!,We Can End TB”· Get the INVITATION from the African Union!

Let's Provide African Union Member states with a platform to strengthen awareness of AU policy documents on Tuberculosis treatment & Tuberculosis epidemic.

The World Tuberculosis Day 2024 event will bring together Ambassadors and/or Permanent Representatives to the African Union, Special Missions to the AU, Specialized Organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), UN Agencies, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders involved in the TB response and strengthening of health systems across the continent.

Objectives of the meeting are to:

• The main objective of the event is to commemorate the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day under the theme: “Yes!,We can end TB”. 

The specific objectives are to:

• Provide AU Member States with a platform to strengthen awareness of AU policy documents on TB while fostering greater coordinated collaborative advocacy efforts towards ending TB;
• Raise awareness on targets and commitments in the UN HLM Political Declaration to foster accountability and country ownership;
• Accelerate response to childhood TB with a focus on the 2022 Call to Action on Childhood TB and Nutrition; Communiqué on Improved Political Commitment and Financing for TB for High Burden Countries and the Childhood and Adolescent TB Roadmap

Expected outcomes of the meeting: Fostered a greater understanding of AU policy documents and respective TB commitments by AU Member States.

A set of experiences and perspectives for strengthening TB response in Africa will be disseminated to all AU Member States after the Plenary sessions. The organizers are the Stop TB Partnership, Africa CDC and the Elisabeth Glaiser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

ILLUMINATIONS: Cities turns their monument with beautiful lights to mark the world tb day on March 24th..

International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2024; March 24th. World Tuberculosis Day 2024 March 24th.

FORUM: "Advancing Victims' Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities." International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2024. The United Nations welcomes this recognition of the unique suffering of victims of human rights violations, not only at the time of abuse, but long after as they seek truth, acknowledgement, and justice. During the day, Participants will be able to debate on the topic ’’What amounts to ‘a serious violation of international human rights law’?’’. On this commemorative day and every day, we emphasize the right to truth and pay tribute to those who devote their lives to the human rights of all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #24March, #Dignityforvictims, #Humanrightsviolations, #RighttotheTruthDay.

EVENTS: On March 24th, the International Day will be observed worldwide under the theme "Advancing Victims' Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities". The organizers, panelists and participants will have the opportunity to reinforce the commitments to end the cycle of impunity and the possibility to learn how to fight for the respect of human rights for all. The OHCHR upholds this commitment to the right to truth every day, and urge the international community to add their powerful voice to advocate for justice and reparations for victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. Join us for the commemoration of the International Day for the Rights to the truth concerning the Gross Human Rights Violations 2024 at UNHQ in New york and Geneva!

Professional Training series: The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is the first universally legally binding human rights instrument concerning enforced disappearance. It outlines States parties’ obligations vis-à-vis this phenomenon as well as the victims’ fundamental rights. Ten years after the adoption of the Convention, there is still work to do to eradicate and prevent enforced disappearances in all parts of the world.

• Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part I – Manual)
• Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part II – Training package)

STATEMENTS: Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2024; March 24th.

LIVESTREAM: Advancing Victims' Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities. ICTJ

The International Center for Transitional Justice assists countries pursuing accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse. ICTJ works in societies emerging from repressive rule or armed conflict, as well as in established democracies where historical injustices or systemic abuse remain unresolved. Governments and others seeking to promote justice, peace and reconciliation are likely to consider a variety of responses to human rights crimes. ICTJ assists in the development of integrated, comprehensive and localized approaches to transitional justice, focusing on seven key elements: prosecutions, truth-seeking, institutional reform, gender justice, reparations, peace and justice, and memorials.

' World Meteorological Day 2024: March 24th.

FORUM: ''At the frontline of climate action.'' World Meteorological Day 2024. Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization. The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. The Sustainable Development Goal 13 commits us to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” Progress in this goal underpins progress in all the other Sustainable Development Goals. The work of the WMO community is indispensable to climate action and to the Sustainable Development Goals across the board. The work is of huge societal importance: reducing hunger and poverty; improving health and well-being; ensuring clean water and affordable and clean energy; protecting life below the water and life on land; and making our cities and communities more resilient to climate change. Weather and climate predictions help boost food production and move closer to zero hunger. Integrating epidemiology and climate information helps understand and manage diseases sensitive to climate. And early-warning systems help to reduce poverty by giving people the chance to prepare and limit the impact of extreme weather. The WMO, its Members, and its partners drive the full value cycle, from science to services to action for the good of society. It advances knowledge of our Earth system, monitors the state of the climate and water resources, provides scientific information to inform greenhouse gas emissions reductions and delivers climate services and early warnings to support climate adaptation. Science is central to solutions and can supercharge progress on the SDGs across the board. We are united in science. The WMO will remain at the Frontline of Climate Action as we embrace a journey of cooperation and innovation, leveraging collective expertise to overcome challenges and achieve our shared vision of a safer, more resilient world for future generations. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldMetDay, #ClimateAction, #23March, #Meteorology, #Climatology, #Hydrology, #weather.

STATEMENTS

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on World Meteorological Day 2023; March 23rd.

Statement from the WMO Secretary-General, on the occasion of the World Meteorological Day 2024; March 23rd.

EVENTS: On March 23rd from 16:00 to 16:50 P.M. (GMT); The World Meteorological Day 2024 High-level panel discussion will take place at the WMO HQ. Participants will debate on the theme “At the Frontline of Climate Action.” Join us for the celebration to spotlight climate action. The ceremony embraces all the key players involved in tackling the climate crisis: the UN family. National meteorological and hydrological services, youth and civil society, policymakers and the private sector. The panelists will present the Panel Discussion I - How the weather has changed – through a TV forecaster’s eyes; The Panel Discussion II - Zebraside Conversation: Storytelling and Science.; The Panel Discussion III - How to keep the 1.5° goal of the Paris Agreement alive? - The Panel Discussion IV - Saving lives, at the forefront of climate action, Perspectives from WMO and meteorological services; Followed by a Q&A with the audience in the room. 

AGENDA PROGRAMME

15:00-15:25 - Welcome and introduction – by WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo and WMO President Abdulla Al Mandous and Agi Veres, Director, Geneva office, United Nations Development Programme, and launch of the UNDP climate action campaign.

15:25-15:30 - How the weather has changed – Philippe Jeanneret, Swiss television weather presenter

15:30-15:45 - Zebraside Conversation - Storytelling and Science. Boaz Paldi, UNDP Chief Creative Officer and Lauren Stuart, WMO Scientific Officer

15:45-16:25 - High-level panel discussion on "How to keep the 1.5° goal of the Paris Agreement alive?" (see below)

Panelists: Marie-Claire Graf, Future Leaders Network (Moderator)
Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO
Agi Veres, Director, Geneva office, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Matthew Wilson, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Barbados
Rosa Sangiorgio, Head of ESG, Pictet Wealth Management

16:25-16:35 -  Q&A with the audience in the room

16:35-16:40 - Saving lives, at the forefront of climate action, Perspectives from WMO and meteorological services

16:40-16:50 - Concluding remarks

Watch the webcast! and Get the dates of the WMO Upcoming conferences, seminars and workshops!

UNDP’s newest climate action campaign

We can’t tell you what it is yet but we assure you the storyline will drive you to take action.  Join us to celebrate the 2024 World Meteorological Day as we launch UNDP’s newest climate action campaign!

Tune in on March 21, 2024 at 10:00 EDT - 14:00 UTC - 15:00 CET for a live broadcast launch from Geneva, Switzerland to find out!

OTHERS EVENTS

Programme

15:00 - 15:25: Introduction by WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo and Agi Veres, Director, Geneva Office, UNDP and launch of UNDP’s new climate action campaign

15:25 - 15:30: How the weather has changed – through a TV forecaster’s eyes: Philippe Jeanneret, Swiss television weather presenter

15:30 - 15:45: Zebraside Conversation: Storytelling and Science. Boaz Paldi, UNDP Chief Creative Officer and Lauren Stuart, WMO Scientific Officer

15:45 - 16:25: High-level panel discussion to discuss how to keep the 1.5° goal of the Paris Agreement alive? (see below)

16:25 - 16:35: Q&A with the audience in the room

16: 35 - 16:40: Saving lives, at the forefront of climate action, Perspectives from WMO and meteorological services

16:40 - 16:50: Concluding remarks

How to keep the 1.5° goal alive?

The WMO State of Global Climate report reminds everyone of the urgency to tackle the climate crisis. Everywhere in the world, people are already suffering from the negative impact of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, ocean heat and acidification, ice and glacier retreat affects human health, economies and ecosystems. Science shows that negative impacts are increasing and some changes risk being irreversible. Climate action is essential to sustainable development, including good health, access to water and sanitation and freedom from poverty and hunger. There is no avenue for human development without prioritizing climate action. The Paris Agreement on climate change laid the ground to design robust climate action through the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the ratcheting mechanism that obliges governments to review and enhance their goals every five years.

Everyone agrees on the need to abide by the lower 1.5° target of the Paris ambitions. 

1. Can we still reach it and under which conditions?
2.  How is it that despite scientific evidences and a wealth of climate data, public policies are not going faster and wider?
3.  What is expected from the different actors – including the public, corporate and financial sector? 
4. How do young people have a say in increasing climate ambition and contribute to moving the needle?

Moderator: Marie-Claire Graf, Future Leaders Network
Speakers

• Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO
• Agi Veres, Director, Geneva Office, UNDP
• H.E. Matthew Wilson, Permanent Representative and Ambassador, Barbados
• Rosa Sangiorgio, Head of Sustainability, Pictet Wealth Management

Read here the speakers' bios.