Around the World: Daily Updates from UN Country Teams - September 2024

Our UN teams are on the ground in 162 countries and territories, coordinating joint programmes and tackling a range of multi-faceted priorities and key initiatives on a daily basis — from climate action and food security to gender equality and safety of civilians. UN Resident Coordinators and their teams utilize innovative approaches to problem-solving to better serve communities. Below are some highlights of their work this month.

Monday, 30 September

Bangladesh: Providing services and building resilience in the face of disasters

In Bangladesh, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis is leading the UN and humanitarian partners' support to Bangladesh’s response to the four climate-related disasters since May 2024. These events have had a devastating impact, affecting 18.4 million people across 45% of Bangladesh, causing significant damage to livelihoods and infrastructure, and leaving a trail of human suffering.

Despite only receiving 28 per cent of the humanitarian appeal for US$134 million through the Bangladesh's first Multi-hazard Response Plan, efforts have already assisted 1.8 million people. It has addressed the most urgent needs of the affected population, including child protection and education, displacement management, food and nutrition services, primary healthcare services, and water supply and latrine reconstruction.

Bangladesh is still suffering from the impacts of floods in five of its northern districts and expects a second cyclone season in mid-October. The UN urges donors and development partners to contribute funds and to continue investing in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to build long-term resilience in Bangladesh. Contributions will also help to protect livelihoods and build resilience in affected communities.

Tuesday, 17 September

Papua New Guinea: assessing needs and providing essential services to communities affected by ongoing violence

The UN team in Papua New Guinea, led by the UN Resident Coordinator, strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Porgera, Enga Province which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with significant displacement, food insecurity and limited access to medical care and essential services for the affected communities.

 The Provincial Emergency Response Team have prioritized restoration of law and order, including an assessment of needs and access. The United Nations will support the Provincial team in the assessment, and at the same time, has requested the Government to restore security to enable safe humanitarian access and provision of essential services in the affected communities.