Объединенные Нации – Page 33

November 7, 2025

Crisis in Sudan

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is warning of a critical humanitarian situation facing thousands of families who fled El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur region following the recent surge in violence. In the city of Tawila and surrounding areas, displaced people are living in dire conditions, without access to food, clean water, shelter, or medical care. More than 650,000 refugees were already in Tawila before the recent events. Humanitarian organizations and their local partners are setting up new camps to accommodate the recent arrivals from El Fasher.

Hurricane Melissa

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that approximately 1.5 million people in Jamaica were affected by Hurricane Melissa, losing their homes, livelihoods, access to water, and electricity. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the disaster caused damage equivalent to 30 percent of the country's GDP. According to UNDP analysis, more than 4.8 million tons of debris and rubble remain in western Jamaica. Satellite data shows that a pile of rubble, vegetation, and household waste equivalent to 480,000 truckloads has blocked access to roads, schools, and markets.

Doha Summit

Second World Summit for Social Development ended in Doha on ThursdayNearly 14,000 delegates attended the event, including more than 40 heads of state and government and over 230 ministers. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stated that the results of the high-level meeting demonstrate the urgency of addressing social issues. She emphasized that actions based on the Doha Political Declaration must be aimed at reducing poverty, creating real jobs, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

New temperature records

In 2025, the planet continues break temperature recordsAccording to data released Thursday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this year is likely to be the second or third warmest on record, with the last 11 years already ranked as the hottest in 176 years. The average surface temperature from January to August 2025 was 1.42 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is slightly lower than in 2024, when the influence of the El Niño atmospheric phenomenon was observed, but overall, the heat wave is not abating.

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November 6, 2025

A new Brazilian-led fund will put forest protection at the center of the global climate agenda.

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November 6, 2025 Climate and environment

Tropical forests, which play a vital role in protecting the planet from climate change, are disappearing at an alarming rate. To try to reverse this trend, Brazil launched a new initiative on Thursday in Belém, a city known as the gateway to the Amazon, ahead of the COP30 climate summit, which will take place there from November 10 to 21.

The initiative aims to place forest protection at the center of global climate action. The "Forever Tropical Forest Fund" will reward countries that reduce deforestation, making forest conservation more economically viable than logging. $4 billion will be allocated annually to 74 countries.

Tropical forests are the key to climate stability

"Tropical forests breathe life into our planet. Yet they continue to be mercilessly destroyed – and viewed as a source of short-term profit rather than a long-term resource," said the UN Secretary-General. Antonio Guterres at the ceremony that launched the initiative.

Under the fund, states will receive $4 per hectare of preserved forest per year. Payments will be adjusted based on actual results confirmed by satellite monitoring.

Eligible countries include 74 states, home to over a billion hectares of tropical and subtropical forests. Priority areas include the Amazon, the Atlantic Forest, the Congo Basin, the Mekong region, and the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

"The Tropical Forest Fund is a boldly designed mechanism designed to make preserved forests more valuable than cleared areas. It combines conservation with new opportunities," Guterres noted, adding that tropical forests are crucial for climate stability.

Climate meetings in Belém

On Monday, November 10, the official UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) begins in Belém, Brazil. And on November 6–7, Brazil is hosting its own climate summit, the goal of which is to remind the international community of the vital role of the Amazon rainforest and build momentum for the upcoming UN conference.

Speaking at the opening of the summit on Thursday, the UN chief said the climate crisis was worsening.

"Record-breaking wildfires, devastating floods, extreme storms… devastating lives, economies, and decades of progress. Last year, emissions reached another record high. And today, as we saw, the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that emissions are continuing to rise this year," Guterres said.

He called on countries to take decisive action to reduce harmful emissions and stressed that COP30 should mark the beginning of a "decade of implementation" of climate promises.

Supporting local communities

During the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in September, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the fund's first $1 billion investment.

COP30 Executive Director Ana Toni confirmed in an interview with UN News that 20 percent of the amount allocated to each country will go directly to local communities, supporting indigenous peoples who actively protect rainforests in their regions.

"This demonstrates the Brazilian government's commitment not only to preserving forests but also to rewarding those who protect them, with a particular focus on indigenous peoples," Toni said.

Formation of an international coalition

Work on the fund's creation began at RC-28 in Dubai in 2023. To date, five countries with tropical forests have joined the initiative: Colombia, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Potential investor countries include Germany, the UAE, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom. They will participate in a mixed investment mechanism, with dividends distributed between investors and forest-affluent countries.

Mobilizing billions to protect forests

Investing governments are expected to contribute approximately $25 billion in the coming years, catalyzing over $100 billion in private investment. Brazil estimates the fund could generate approximately $4 billion annually—almost triple the current volume of concessional financing for forest protection.

However, international funding in this area remains insufficient. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), annual investments need to increase from $84 billion in 2023 to $300 billion by 2030 and $498 billion by 2050.

Why is this important?

By linking financial incentives to forest conservation, the Forever Tropical Forest Fund will help change the approach to combating climate change and biodiversity loss.

This initiative also reflects a shift towards a more equitable, inclusive and predictable financial model that ensures resources reach those who protect forests with their work.

COP30 will run until November 21. It will bring together global leaders, civil society, and experts to accelerate climate action, with a focus on tropical forests, finance, and nature-based solutions.

November 6, 2025

Afghanistan: Opium poppy cultivation has plummeted, but drug trafficking in the region is growing.

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November 6, 2025 Peace and security

Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has declined by 20 percent compared to last year, continuing a trend that began after the introduction of a nationwide ban de facto authorities – the Taliban movement – in 2022. However, the growth of synthetic drug production and changing smuggling routes are creating new challenges in the region.

According to a new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 10,200 hectares of opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan will be in 2025, down from 12,800 hectares in 2024. This is significantly lower than the 232,000 hectares recorded before the ban.

Opium production declined even more sharply, by almost a third to 296 tons. Farmers' income from opium sales during this period fell almost in half.

The UNODC report stresses the need to combine measures to eradicate illicit crops with support for alternative sources of income and efforts to reduce drug demand.

UNODC/A.Kavanaugh

With UNODC support, Zahoor and thousands of other Afghan farmers have transitioned from opium cultivation to legal farming.

Although many farmers have switched to growing grains and other crops, worsening drought and low rainfall have left more than 40 percent of farmland unusable.

At the same time, the return of some four million Afghans from neighboring countries has put increased pressure on the labor market and natural resources, raising fears that economic hardship could once again make illicit cultivation attractive to the country's population.

The growth of the synthetic drug market

Meanwhile, the production of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine, continues to grow. Seizures of such substances in Afghanistan and neighboring countries increased by 50 percent by the end of 2024 compared to the previous year.

2025: A year of climate alarm and records

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November 6, 2025 Climate and environment

In 2025, the planet continues to break temperature records. According to data released Thursday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this year will likely be the second or third warmest on record, with the last 11 years—2015 to 2025—already recognized as the hottest in 176 years.

Air temperature

The average surface temperature from January to August 2025 was 1.42 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is slightly lower than in 2024, when the El Niño effect was observed, but overall, the heat wave is not abating.

From June 2023 to August 2025, almost every month set temperature records—except February 2025. Scientists attribute this not only to natural cycles, but also to increased aerosol production and other factors. anthropological factors, increasing warming.

Oceans and sea level

The oceans continue to accumulate heat: more than 90 percent of the excess energy caused by greenhouse gases goes there. This leads to destruction of marine ecosystems, increased storms and accelerated ice melting.

Sea levels are rising at an ever-increasing rate: while in the 1990s they rose by 2.1 mm per year, they are now rising by 4.1 mm. A record level was recorded in 2024, but this year, it has temporarily dropped due to natural factors.

Ice area and glaciers

The area of Arctic ice after this winter has reached the lowest level In the entire history of satellite observations, the situation in Antarctica is also alarming: in 2025, the third-highest ice loss in recorded history was recorded.

Global glaciers are losing mass for the third year in a row. They are estimated to have lost 450 gigatons of ice in 2023/2024, equivalent to a sea level rise of 1.2 mm.

Greenhouse gases

Concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere reached record levels in 2024 and continue to growCO₂ levels have risen by 53 percent compared to pre-industrial levels, making the single-year increase the largest on record.

Extreme events

This year has brought devastating floods in Africa and Asia, wildfires in Europe and North America, and deadly tropical cyclones. These events have impacted economies, food security, and led to mass displacement.

Energy and climate services

The 2024 heat wave caused a spike demand for electricity – four percent above average, and in some regions, such as Central and Southern Africa, nearly 30 percent higher. This highlights the need to consider climate data in energy planning.

National meteorological services are increasingly involved in climate policymaking. Now, almost two-thirds of them provide not only basic forecasts but also in-depth analytical reports. Five years ago, only 35 percent did so.

Early warning systems

Since 2015, the number of countries that have implemented multifactorial early warning systems, increased from 56 to 119. However, 40 percent of countries still lack such systems. Accelerating progress is especially important in least developed countries and island territories, the WMO notes.

20 years of fighting smoking in the EU: is a tobacco-free future possible?

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November 5, 2025 Healthcare

Smoking claims more than half a million lives in Europe each year, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, over the past 20 years—that is, since the European Union ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco—significant progress has been made in tobacco control policy.

“Twenty years ago, the EU adopted this landmark UN convention and built domestic legal frameworks in line with the vision of the WHO Framework Convention – to save lives and protect people from the massive risks associated with tobacco use – from cancer and cardiovascular disease to tuberculosis and dementia,” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

"But despite decades of political efforts in all 27 EU member states, the burden of tobacco addiction remains colossal," he added.

Tobacco is one of the leading causes of death in Europe.

Although tobacco use in the EU is gradually declining, it still causes over 500,000 deaths annually. Of these, almost 80,000 are due to exposure to secondhand smoke.

In 2022, 26.5 percent of EU adults used tobacco, higher than the global average (20.9 percent). Almost one in four women in the EU smokes, higher than the global average (7.4 percent). Tobacco consumption is higher among men (29.1 percent) than among women (23.9 percent).

Tobacco remains the leading risk factor for premature death. Smoking accounts for 17 percent of all deaths from noncommunicable diseases in the EU.

Currently, only seven EU countries are moving towards the global target of reducing tobacco consumption by 30 percent by 2025.

Electronic cigarettes and youth

Today, the actions of tobacco companies, using a wide range of marketing strategies, are becoming a serious challenge for the future of the EU.

New tobacco and nicotine-containing products—e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches—often come in brightly colored packaging and fruity or sweet flavors. They are actively advertised, including through social media, to attract children and teenagers.

The WHO European Region already leads the world in vaping prevalence among adolescents aged 13–15, and this trend is rapidly growing. While smoking among adults is declining, the use of nicotine products among young people is increasing.

Almost one in four 15- to 16-year-olds in the EU uses e-cigarettes—ranging from 6 percent in Portugal to 36 percent in Poland. Since 2019, vaping rates among adolescents have increased in 22 of the 25 EU countries, with girls using e-cigarettes more frequently than boys in all countries.

Research shows that vaping nearly triples the likelihood of smoking traditional cigarettes among non-smoking teens.

Main problems

The implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures across the EU remains uneven.

All countries monitor tobacco use and use large graphic warnings on packaging, but only eight countries have fully ensured smoke-free environments; only four countries have introduced a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

Meanwhile, in 14 countries, cigarettes have become more affordable since 2014 due to price reductions. By 2024, only six of the 27 EU countries have banned flavorings in e-cigarettes, and approximately half have introduced partial restrictions on their advertising.

The two main problems reported by EU countries are the emergence of new nicotine products and the ongoing interference of the tobacco industry in regulatory processes.

European Leadership and the Way Forward

For two decades, the European Union has proven that coordinated legislative action can change the trajectory of public health.

The WHO emphasizes that higher taxes and stricter restrictions on smoking, a complete ban on flavorings, uniform packaging for all nicotine products, and the elimination of loopholes in online advertising will help accelerate progress.

"A tobacco-free Europe is more than just an achievable goal. It's a future where children grow up free from addiction, the air is cleaner, and health and well-being are shared values," said Christina Mauer-Stender, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

November 6, 2025

A Digital Path to Peace: How Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Security Through Small Arms Control

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November 5, 2025 Peace and security

Worldwide, small arms and light weapons remain one of the most significant sources of instability and armed violence. Their uncontrolled proliferation undermines social development, fuels conflict, and erodes trust in state institutions.

Kyrgyzstan demonstrates how digital solutions for small arms control can contribute to peace and security.

The government, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), is working to create a modern civilian firearms management system as part of the global SALIENT (Saving Lives Entity) initiative.

From paper to digital registries

Before the launch of the SALIENT project, weapons registration in Kyrgyzstan was conducted manually at the regional level. Paper logs, disparate databases, and limited information sharing between agencies hindered effective oversight and coordination.

With the implementation of SALIENT, the country's authorities created the first unified electronic weapons registry, launched in 2024. The new digital system unites all authorized government agencies on a secure platform, enabling online data verification, permit renewal, and weapons transfer registration.

Furthermore, the project helped strengthen the national regulatory framework: the first National Action Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons was prepared, and an interagency coordination group was established, bringing together 14 government institutions. Licensing departments received modern software and equipment, speeding up the registration process and enabling its monitoring.

"This plan is aimed at improving the safety of citizens and society, as well as strengthening national and regional security," noted Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The measures taken by Kyrgyzstan have increased transparency, efficiency, and the level of interaction between agencies, bringing Kyrgyzstan's practices closer to international standards of small arms management.

"UNDP supports national efforts to strengthen peace and security… through the establishment of an inter-agency coordination group, the digitalization of the register, and the development of a National Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons," emphasized Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

Peace – step by step

UNDP Representative Zhenishbek Arzymatov noted: "It is important to maintain the results achieved. UNDP intends to continue supporting the implementation of the National Action Plan and the expansion of the digital registry throughout the country. Our goal is to help Kyrgyzstan achieve its national gun control goals."

Kyrgyzstan's progress was highlighted internationally during the SALIENT global training event, held from September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the UN Global Service Centre in Brindisi, Italy.

Arzymatov, along with Maksat Omorov from the Secretariat of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, presented the country's experience—from the launch of a pilot digital registry and the drafting of the National Plan to strengthening interagency coordination.

Representatives from more than 10 countries, as well as UNODC, UNDP, and partners, participated in the event. Participants exchanged experiences and discussed the next steps in developing the SALIENT initiative.

"In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has stepped up its efforts to control small arms and light weapons. As part of our partnership, we conduct national seminars for government officials, journalists, and civil society representatives, and have developed a National Action Plan that sets a long-term vision. When we digitized the first weapons record, it wasn't just a number on a screen—it was a step toward a world you can see, feel, and believe in," said Maksat Omorov.

For Arzymatov's team, this project is not abstract politics, but a real contribution to peacebuilding—step by step.

In addition, Kyrgyzstan initiated the establishment of March 5 as International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day, an idea that was approved by the UN General Assembly.

November 6, 2025

Doha Social Summit

At the World Economic Forum in Doha, Qatar, António Guterres echoed this message, calling education "the best tool for fighting poverty." He warned of growing inequality, chronic underfunding, and a global shortage of qualified teachers.

The situation in Abyei

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobi, along with the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong, briefed the Security Council on the current situation in Abyei, a region disputed by Sudan and South Sudan. Pobi recommended the immediate deployment of Security Council-authorized police units to Abyei and urged Sudan and South Sudan to provide their full support. Guang Cong stated that bilateral engagement between Sudan and South Sudan on Abyei's final status remains limited. He continues to engage with the governments of both countries to improve bilateral relations and will fully support the African Union in its efforts to resolve Abyei's final status.

Anniversary of the tragedy in Novi Sad

A year after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Serbia, which killed 16 people and sparked a wave of protests, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for renewed efforts to bring those responsible to justice. He emphasized that restoring public trust in state institutions and upholding the rule of law are crucial. Over the past year, Serbians have protested across the country, demanding accountability for those responsible for the Novi Sad tragedy, a stronger fight against corruption, and the release of those arbitrarily detained during peaceful protests. The authorities reject these demands, accusing the protesters of inciting violence and blaming "external interference."

World Tsunami Awareness Day

November 5th is World Tsunami Awareness Day. The 2025 theme is to highlight the need to build resilient communities through the global Tsunami Preparedness program. This year's campaign promotes preventative action and unites governments, scientists, local leaders, and the public to reduce tsunami risk. The campaign also calls for investing in community resilience and shared responsibility for coastal safety.

November 6, 2025

A year after the Novi Sad tragedy, the UN called for punishment for those responsible.

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November 5, 2025 Human rights

A year after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Serbia, which killed 16 people and sparked a wave of student protests, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for renewed efforts to bring those responsible to justice. He emphasized that restoring public trust in state institutions and upholding the rule of law are crucial.

Türk added that the situation is exacerbated by numerous allegations of attacks on peaceful protesters and journalists, as well as arbitrary detentions, which have not been investigated or have gone unpunished.

Protests and government response

Over the past year, Serbians have protested across the country, demanding accountability for those responsible for the Novi Sad tragedy, a stronger fight against corruption, and the release of those arbitrarily detained during or after peaceful protests. The authorities reject these demands, accusing protesters of inciting violence and blaming "external interference."

Call for investigation and protection of rights

The High Commissioner reiterated the need for an urgent, transparent, independent and effective investigation into the collapse of the canopy in Novi Sad, as legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible have stalled.

Türk stressed the importance of an impartial investigation into all allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as disproportionate use of force by law enforcement agencies during demonstrations.

Freedom of expression and judicial independence

Türk recalled Serbia's obligations to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, emphasizing that measures to ensure public order must not go beyond the strictly defined limits established by international law.

The High Commissioner noted that an independent judiciary, free from political pressure, is the only way to maintain confidence in the rule of law.

November 6, 2025

Doha Social Summit: The Path to a Just Society Begins in School

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November 5, 2025 Sustainable Development Goals

Education took center stage during the first days of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. Politicians, educators, and youth activists participating in the forum agreed that adequate education is the foundation of inclusive and sustainable communities.

The vast Qatar National Convention Centre, where delegations, students, civil society representatives, and politicians from around the world gathered, fully reflected the scale of the event. Nearly 14,000 people registered to participate in the summit. The forum brings together governments, international organizations, and representatives of diverse communities committed to shaping a people-centered vision of social development.

Education as the basis

A high-level event titled "Education: Foundation of a New Social Contract" set the tone at the summit's outset. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar delivered the keynote address, calling for renewed commitments to education. Referring to the 272 million children worldwide who are unable to attend school, often due to armed conflict, she stated that global progress is impossible without changing the status quo.

“Education is not a luxury or a favor, it is a right – and a matter of the future of nations,” the Sheikha said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this message, calling education "the best tool for fighting poverty." He warned of growing inequality, chronic underfunding, and a global shortage of qualified teachers.

"We need to address the cracks in this foundation," the UN chief said, calling for closing the digital divide, strengthening support for teachers, and viewing education as a strategic investment rather than an expense.

Later, at a press conference, Guterres emphasized that rebuilding education systems must be a key area for resolving crises, including in Gaza and Sudan.

"Education must be a central element of any project to rebuild Gaza," he said.

Photo by UN.

The presidents of Kenya, Albania and Palau at the summit podium.

Unanimity of the presidents

The session was attended by the presidents of Kenya, Albania, and Palau, who emphasized in their speeches that education is a long-term investment in human development and future economic growth.

In his speech, Kenyan President William Ruto called for aligning education with digital technologies and labor market needs. Albanian President Bajram Begaj called education a "universal human right." Palauan President Surangel Whipps, for his part, noted the importance of ensuring access to education in remote and island communities.

Practical solutions

Throughout the summit, sessions focused on practical solutions for expanding opportunities and social protection were held. In a key session on universal social protection, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif stated that social protection is "not charity, but a legitimate human right" critical to ensuring equitable and sustainable development. She also called for international financial reforms to protect public investment in education.

"We can move forward," Al-Nashif said. "Let's turn commitments into action."

ESCAP/B. Gatram

By 2030, 411 million people worldwide could move from “poverty” to “basic economic security” if countries develop labor markets and expand social protection.

A New Approach to the Problem of Poverty

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented a new report in Doha calling on governments to go beyond traditional poverty thresholds. The UNDP policy brief proposes introducing "prosperity floors" to ensure people are protected from shocks such as illness, job loss, or climate disasters.

According to the report, 411 million people worldwide could move from poverty to basic economic security by 2030 if countries develop labor markets, expand social protection, and implement policies that increase wages and improve working conditions.

"With decisive and comprehensive action, we can break the cycle of vulnerability and build sustainable prosperity. The past 30 years have shown that progress is possible," said UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu, recalling Copenhagen Declaration of 1995, which for the first time enshrined global commitments in the area of social development.

Throughout discussions on digital inclusion, healthy eating, disability rights, decent wages, and the aging population, forum participants repeatedly returned to the central idea: progress in development is possible when efforts and plans are based on the real needs of people.

November 6, 2025

The planet's forests are under serious threat due to climate change.

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November 5, 2025 Climate and environment

Decades of efforts to protect forests, which serve as a vital natural barrier against rising carbon dioxide concentrations, are under threat from the accelerating climate crisis, according to experts from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The situation is critical due to an increase in forest fires and droughts caused by higher temperatures, decreased humidity and pest infestations.

1.76 billion hectares of forest are at risk

The UNECE countries – in Europe, North America, the Caucasus and Central Asia – contain more than 1.76 billion hectares of forests, representing more than 40 percent of the world's forest cover.

While the region's total forest area has increased by 60 million hectares (with the largest increase recorded in Europe and Central Asia), the global trend is the opposite, with approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest disappearing annually.

Fires and pests: the scale of the disaster

In 2021, forest fires destroyed 12.6 million hectares of forest – an area comparable to the size of Greece, according to UNECE representative Paola Deda. Another 73 million hectares of forest, roughly equivalent to the combined area of Spain and Portugal, are affected by insects and diseases.

"If these trends continue, forests, which today serve as a powerful carbon sink, could become a source of emissions, jeopardizing global climate goals," Deda warned.

Forest protection

With the support of UNECE member states, forest protection programmes are continuing, including measures against acid rain in Central Europe, which previously caused serious damage to ecosystems.

Since 1990, the area allocated for biodiversity conservation and soil and water protection has doubled. Today, over 300 million hectares of forest (approximately the size of all of Italy) are legally protected.

However, the UNECE warns that the impact of climate change is accelerating forest destruction, threatening to undo decades of environmental progress.

The UNECE also notes the special role of boreal forests. The forests surrounding the Arctic contain approximately 32 percent of all terrestrial carbon stocks. They are negatively impacted by melting permafrost and rising temperatures. Their protection requires coordinated international policy.

Climate summit in Brazil

Ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, UNECE called on world leaders to strengthen forest conservation measures, including fire prevention, pest control and large-scale forest restoration.

According to the organization, carbon stocks in forests have increased by 11 percent since 1990.

"The world's most forested country isn't Brazil, but Russia," Paola Deda reminded. "And although the climate conference will be held in the Southern Hemisphere, it's the forests of the northern regions that are crucial to the planet's climate."

Russia maintains the world's largest forest reserve: new FAO data on global forest resources

"Everything we've achieved over the past three decades is now under serious threat due to the climate crisis. We cannot afford to lose the planet's most powerful natural defense," said UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan.

She said the world's forests could be so severely damaged that they would be impossible to restore.

"The international community – especially the leaders who will gather in Belém – must understand that forest conservation is no longer just an environmental issue; it is the foundation of global carbon security," the head of the UNECE emphasized.