UN Daily Press Briefing: Palestine, Sudan, Hurricane Melissa, Climate Change, and Social Development

Social Development Summit in Doha

• 🌍 The Secretary-General addressed the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, warning of global uncertainty due to poverty, inequality, and climate crises.
• 🤝 He praised the Doha Political Declaration as a "booster shot for development," emphasizing people-centered action in poverty reduction, job creation, financing, and social inclusion.
• 🗣️ The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, also attended the summit to discuss translating commitments into tangible progress.

Crisis in Sudan and Gaza

• 💔 The Secretary-General described the crisis in Sudan as "spiralling out of control," highlighting the suffering in El Fasher and calling for an immediate end to violence and unimpeded humanitarian aid.
• 🕊️ Regarding Gaza, he stressed the need for adherence to the peace agreement and a political path towards a two-state solution for lasting peace and security.
• ⚠️ Humanitarian partners continue to scale up operations in Gaza, distributing food, hygiene items, and medical supplies, but face significant challenges including funding gaps and access issues.

Climate Change and Global Warming

• ✈️ The Secretary-General is traveling to Brazil for the Belém Climate Summit, ahead of COP30, to stress the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• 📈 The UN Environment Programme's report indicates that current policies still fall short, with global warming projected to reach 2.3-2.5 degrees Celsius.
• ⚡ Despite a potential temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees, the Secretary-General urged increased ambition and accelerated action to keep the goal within reach.

Hurricane Melissa Impact

• 🌊 Hurricane Melissa has severely impacted Jamaica, affecting over 1.5 million people with damaged infrastructure, disrupted services, and strained health systems.
• 🆘 The World Food Program estimates up to 360,000 people may require food assistance in Jamaica, while UNICEF and partners work on restoring water and sanitation.
• 🇨🇺 In Cuba, the UN and partners are assessing damage and providing aid, with the Prime Minister discussing the hurricane's devastation and climate change impacts with the Secretary-General.

Humanitarian Needs in Madagascar

• 🏜️ Madagascar faces a deepening humanitarian crisis in its southern regions due to droughts, cyclones, and a malaria outbreak, leading to intensifying hunger.
• 📉 Emergency food insecurity is expected to quadruple, with a surge in severe acute malnutrition in children.
• 🆘 Humanitarian operations are crippled by severe funding cuts, with a significant gap in the national response plan, appealing for urgent support.