Our everyday actions and decisions all have an impact on the climate. Climate change is affecting our planet and changing our world. It’s causing more natural disasters and environmental problems, which make it harder for us to grow food. Growing food is part of the problem too, as we have been taking shortcuts and harming our planet more so as to produce what we need to survive. In order to feed a growing population, set to reach 9.6 billion by the year 2050, we’ll need to learn to grow what we need in a way that doesn’t continue to damage the planet.

Did you know that food security is one of the biggest issues related to climate change? We want to see your ideas, thoughts and actions! Produce a video no longer than 1 minute and tell us about the issue, or even better, present a solution on how to feed our growing population in a changing climate. You don’t need any professional equipment - videos can be shot on your smartphone or tablet.         

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world.  The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Yoga balances body and soul, physical health and mental well-being.  It promotes harmony among people, and between ourselves and the natural world.  Recognizing its universal appeal, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. 

Forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 65 million people uprooted from their homes globally. New and recurring conflicts, and ever-more disturbing forms of violence and persecution, are driving people to flee in search of safety within their own countries, or to cross international borders as asylum seekers or refugees. Others are living in long-term exile, as solutions to protracted conflicts remain elusive.

- With reference to the statement that Secretary-General delivered in Saint-Petersburg, to which Ukraine’s ambassador referred, who spoke to the journalists this morning and was very critical of a portion of that statement which he felt was overly positive in the characterization of Russia’s role, including the connection with resolving the conflict in Ukraine, human rights and so forth. Do you have any comment on that?

Today the Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change by the Government of the Russian Federation and encouraged its speedy ratification. He also highlighted the important role of parliamentarians in the alignment of government policy with the goals of Agenda 2030.

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General met yesterday with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General and the President discussed the situation in Syria. They shared the sense of urgency in advancing the political process and exchanged views on the role of the bilateral Russia-US dialogue in that regard. They also welcomed developments related to improved humanitarian access, the Secretary-General hoping that all besieged areas will soon be reached.

Albinism is found in every country and society in the world, regardless of people’s ethnicity or gender. Sadly, discrimination and stigmatization of people with albinism also exists to varying degrees all over the world.

Albinism has often been subjected to mystification, triggering erroneous beliefs and myths.

On 16, June, the Secretary-General will be in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual international conference dedicated to economic and business issues held under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation.

The Secretary-General is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin, as well as with other participating senior officials.