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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Since October 7, 2023, when Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel, triggering a full-scale Israeli offensive against the enclave, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on Thursday.

According to OHCHR, 94 percent of hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving thousands of pregnant women and newborns without essential medical care.

"The Israeli blockade also prevented the entry of items vital to the survival of civilians, including medicines and nutrients to support pregnancies and ensure safe deliveries," the Office said in a statement.

By the end of 2024, compared to pre-war levels, women in Gaza were three times more likely to die in childbirth and three times more likely to lose a child. The neonatal mortality rate also increased, according to the OHCHR.

Destroyed hospitals, killed doctors

Israeli strikes destroyed many maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units. A December 2023 attack on a major fertility clinic resulted in the loss of over 4,000 embryos and 1,000 reproductive samples.

Medical staff have also been targeted, the OHCHR said, citing Palestinian Ministry of Health data showing that 1,722 medical workers had been killed by September 2025.

Gynecologist Ambereen Slimi, who volunteered in Gaza, told OHCHR: “While we were going through the wards, shells were exploding all around us… Sometimes drones would fly in and try to shoot at nurses or literally chase them through the hospital corridors.”

According to her, pregnant women were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds, including to the abdomen: "Many women were too seriously wounded to survive. If their wounds didn't cause death, sepsis often took their lives, as there was a shortage of medications and antibiotics."

The hunger factor

The Israeli blockade has caused severe shortages of food and infant formula. As of October 2025, 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, have died of malnutrition, according to the enclave's Ministry of Health.

Jonathan Kricks of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), who is in Gaza, told the UN News Service that children and their families are currently surviving the winter in makeshift tents: "Everything is completely damp, the mattresses are soaked, the children's clothes are soaked. It's extremely difficult to live in these conditions."

He warned of a rise in cases of acute watery diarrhoea and fears of further outbreaks: "With poor sanitation and a dilapidated sewage system, we are extremely concerned about the spread of waterborne diseases."

New barriers in the West Bank

The OHCHR also expressed concern about Israel's construction of a new barrier and road in the Jordan Valley.

The head of the Authority's office in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ajit Sungai, said it would "divide Palestinian communities and cut off Palestinian farmers from the land they own on the other side of the planned barrier."

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December 11, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, a deadly attack on a hospital in Myanmar, a report from the Commission on Venezuela, and the WHO confirming the absence of a link between vaccinations and autism.

Violence in the DR Congo

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extremely concerned about escalation in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). More than 200,000 people have fled their homes since December 2 as a result of violence. The UN chief called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in accordance with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025) and compliance with the obligations under the Washington Accords signed on December 4. The UN stands ready to work with partners to deliver humanitarian aid and support diplomatic efforts to restore peace in eastern DRC and the region.

Attacks in Myanmar

The UN condemned airstrikes in Rakhine State, Myanmar, which reportedly hit a district hospital the day before. More than 30 civilians were reportedly killed and over 70 injured, including patients and medical staff. The World Health Organization has confirmed 67 attacks on health facilities in Myanmar this year. The UN calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law. Meanwhile, the 2026 humanitarian plan for Myanmar, presented on Wednesday, includes $890 million in funding to assist 16.2 million people.

Violations in Venezuela

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela stated that members of the country's National Guard have been committing serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity for more than a decade. new mission reportThe document contains a detailed analysis of the internal structure and chain of command of the National Guard. The report notes that members of this unit are involved in arbitrary killings, unlawful detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and other cruel treatment.

Vaccines and autism

The World Health Organization's expert committee reiterated the lack of a causal link. between vaccine use and autism spectrum disordersA new review of global scientific evidence analyzed the results of studies from several countries, both on vaccinations in general and specifically on the preservative thimerosal. According to the committee, the review "conclusively confirms the positive safety profile of vaccines used for children and pregnant women" and "confirms the absence of a causal link to autism spectrum disorders."

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Escalating clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have killed more than 70 civilians, forced over 200,000 people to flee their homes, and deprived thousands of people of food aid. Against this backdrop, the UN is warning of a rapidly growing humanitarian crisis that is already spreading beyond the country's borders.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the situation in South Kivu province has deteriorated sharply since December 2 due to heavy fighting in several areas.

Fighters from the armed group M23 entered the key town of Uvira on Wednesday, according to media reports, and local residents say an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty reigns.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in South Kivu and its humanitarian consequences, including the displacement of more than 200,000 people since 2 December," said a statement issued by the UN chief's spokesman.

Antonio Guterres He strongly condemned the M23 offensive in the province. He called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2773.

According to Radio Okapi, the radio station of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since the beginning of December, clashes between Congolese forces and armed groups have killed more than 74 civilians and injured at least 83. Thousands have fled across the border into Burundi and Rwanda.

Most displaced people in South Kivu itself are sheltering in overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation. Women and girls in these centers are at risk of violence.

Suspension of food aid

Humanitarian programmes, including food aid and medical support, cannot be implemented due to instability.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations across South Kivu, leaving 25,000 people without food aid, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

"Host families, who are already experiencing extreme food insecurity themselves, are sharing their last remaining food supplies with the displaced families," Hak told reporters in New York.

At least 32 WFP-supported schools in Uvira closed classes to provide shelter to displaced families. More than 12,000 children were left without hot school meals, which for many are their only nutritious meal.

Humanitarian organizations warn that food supplies in the region could run out within weeks unless access and funding are restored.

The crisis could become regional

"The humanitarian consequences of the crisis are already extending beyond the country's borders," Hack said, noting that nearly 25,000 people crossed the border into Burundi between December 5 and 8. People are also fleeing to Rwanda.

In both countries, humanitarian organizations and authorities are expanding emergency relief operations, including providing hot food, clean water and medical services.

The escalation is occurring despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Last week, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement backed by the United States, which the UN called a "critical step" toward restoring trust.

The crisis deepens due to lack of funding

A lack of funding is exacerbating the humanitarian emergency. The humanitarian response plan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is only 22 percent funded, leaving a $2 billion shortfall. In Burundi, less than $33 million has been mobilized, while nearly $77 million is needed.

“We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations,” Haq said.

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December 11, 2025 International law

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela stated that members of the country's National Guard have committed serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity for over a decade, according to a report published Thursday.

The document, prepared during the mission's work by Marta Valiñas, Francisco Cox Vial, and Patricia Tappata Valdés, contains a detailed analysis of the internal structure and chain of command of the National Guard. The report notes that members of this unit are implicated in arbitrary killings, illegal detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and other cruel treatment. These practices have been committed both during protests and as part of targeted political persecution since 2014.

"The facts we have documented demonstrate the role of the National Guard in the systematic and coordinated suppression of opponents, or those perceived as such. This has been going on for over ten years," stated mission chair Marta Valiñas. She emphasized that this situation requires decisive action by national and international mechanisms to hold those responsible accountable.

Uncontrolled powers

The report states that Venezuela's national security doctrine effectively merged military and police functions, legitimizing the militarization of the public security sector and expanding the National Guard's authority to suppress dissent. The centralized command system, with the president as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, enabled illegal actions to be carried out without any oversight or accountability.

During protests in 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2024, the National Guard used excessive force, including firearms and modified ammunition, to inflict maximum harm. The mission also documented mass detentions, physical violence during arrests, evidence fabrication, torture, and sexual violence in National Guard buildings used as temporary detention centers.

"Part of a systematic practice"

"Torture, cruel treatment, and acts of sexual violence, including rape, were not isolated incidents. They were part of a systematic pattern," Valiñas noted.

According to civil society, the National Guard was responsible for the largest number of politically motivated arrests in 2019–2020. In 2024, the Guard played a key role in Operation Tun Tun, which targeted government opponents with baseless charges of terrorism and incitement to hatred.

The mission uncovered a persistent pattern of impunity perpetuated by the Venezuelan judicial system: delays in investigations, manipulation of evidence, deliberate obstruction of justice by the National Guard, and the restriction of accountability to only the lowest ranks.

The report concludes that there are reasonable grounds to believe that National Guard members, as well as high-ranking military and political leaders, may be criminally liable under the Rome Statute.

“The Mission has reasonable grounds to believe that members of the National Guard have made a significant contribution to the commission of crimes [by the Venezuelan authorities], including arbitrary detention, torture, gender-based violence and persecution,” Valiñas concluded.

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December 11, 2025 Humanitarian aid

In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) installed modular heating and water treatment systems in 11 hospitals in Ukraine. This infrastructure will enable medical facilities to continue providing care to the population amid ongoing security threats.

Hospitals depend on utilities to operate: electricity is needed for diagnosis and surgery, water is needed to prevent infections and ensure proper sanitation, and heating is needed to protect people's health and keep medical equipment functioning.

The failure of these systems reduces hospitals' capacity to accommodate patients, potentially putting the lives of thousands of people at immediate risk.

Autonomous systems

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the WHO has confirmed 2,762 attacks on Ukraine's healthcare system. The country's populated areas are suffering from ongoing attacks on civilian and social infrastructure.

With financial support from the European Union, WHO delivered six modular heating units to the Zaporizhzhia and Chernivtsi regions, home to approximately 1.7 million people, including internally displaced persons.

Modular heating systems offer a number of important advantages during wartime: they operate independently of heating networks, can be quickly installed, and can be used with a variety of fuels. They help maintain a constant indoor temperature and, most importantly, protect patients, staff, and medical equipment from the cold.

Clean water

The WHO also installed five water treatment plants in major hospitals in Kharkiv and healthcare facilities in the Kharkiv region. The systems are designed to operate independently, without the need for centralized utilities. This will provide millions of people with access to uninterrupted healthcare.

Ensuring a reliable water supply is one of the basic requirements for hospitals to function under constant attack.

Each unit provides multiple purification stages, beginning with mechanical filtration and disinfection. Additional methods can be used to achieve maximum water purity. This is especially important for surgical, maternity, and other emergency and intensive care units.

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December 11, 2025 Climate and environment

Climate change poses a serious threat to the most vital aspects of life in mountain countries. This includes global warming-related natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, water shortages, and slower economic growth. In 2025, International Mountain Day, celebrated on December 11, will focus on the theme "The Importance of Glaciers for Water, Food, and Livelihoods in Mountain Areas and Beyond."

This issue is of particular importance for the Central Asian region. In an interview with the UN News Service, Aida Kasymalieva, Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations, noted that over the past 70 years, the area of glaciers in her country alone has shrunk by 16 percent. In some regions, she said, virtually all glaciers have disappeared.

Problems of mountainous countries

"Mountains are a priceless natural treasure, occupying a quarter of the Earth's surface. River basins originate in the mountains, supplying fresh water to vast regions downstream. The lives of people living in the lower reaches also depend on the processes occurring in mountain regions and ecosystems," the ambassador explained.

Due to climate change, water resources in the Central Asian region are declining every year, which negatively impacts water, energy, and food security, as well as the overall socio-economic situation.

"As for Kyrgyzstan, our country has experienced a sharp increase in landslides in recent years. More than 300 incidents have resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and the displacement of thousands of residents in vulnerable regions," Kasymalieva said.

“In addition, we are seeing intense melting of glaciers and a reduction in the area of glaciation, low water levels, drought, and desertification,” she added.

It is estimated that Kyrgyzstan could lose more than half of its glaciers by 2100.

The country's authorities are trying to attract the attention of the international community to the problems of mountainous countries and give new impetus to efforts aimed at solving them.

Mountain initiatives of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has put forward numerous initiatives in this area. In particular, it proposed celebrating International Mountain Day. From 1998 to 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted 13 resolutions dedicated to the problems of mountain countries.

Kyrgyzstan is also a member of several groups, including the Mountain Partnership Negotiating Group, which represents the interests of mountain countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Kyrgyzstan's mountain initiatives were reflected in the final reports of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference. Thanks to the efforts of many mountain countries, the mountain agenda was included in the final document. Kyrgyzstan also initiated the inclusion of a new global dialogue, "Mountains and Climate," in the annual UN Climate Change Conference calendar.

One of the peaks in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region has been given the geographical name "United Nations Peak." The country regularly hosts mountain-themed events at the UN.

Photo by the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the UN.

Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the UN Aida Kasymalieva.

This year, Kyrgyzstan hosted the Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development. Representatives from over 50 countries in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, as well as 29 international organizations, participated in the conference.

In October 2027, Kyrgyzstan will host the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek 25”, 25 years after the First Summit.

Kyrgyzstan is currently actively promoting the adoption of an updated version of the resolution "Sustainable Mountain Development," approved by the General Assembly in 2022.

"The Kyrgyz Republic intends to continue the global mountain dialogue with partner countries and international organizations, as well as the preparation of the Bishkek Declaration as the final document of the Bishkek 25 summit," Kasymalieva said.

Participation in the Climate Conference in Belém

The Kyrgyz delegation actively participated in the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. At Kyrgyzstan's suggestion, multilateral consultations on mountains and climate change were held.

The Kyrgyz delegation actively participated in the negotiation process at COP-30, promoting the inclusion of the mining agenda in the conference's final documents.

"The targeted and systematic promotion of the mountain agenda has allowed Kyrgyzstan to maintain its role as an initiator and leader among mountain countries in recent years. We have ambitious plans for sustainable mountain development, but unfortunately, we cannot achieve this alone," said Kasymalieva.

"We are counting on comprehensive support from the international community, the UN, climate and green funds, and donor countries. But most importantly, the unity and joint efforts of the mountain countries themselves," she added.

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Central African countries have made progress in a number of important areas over the past six months, but the region continues to face serious challenges – from the aftermath of the war in Sudan to terrorist threats in the Lake Chad Basin. This was stated by Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.

"The situation in the region remains generally stable, but electoral processes continue to pose risks. The war in Sudan and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin are leading to mass population displacement and threatening the stability of states in the region," he warned.

Abarry stressed that Central Africa "needs the constant attention of the Security Council."

Transient processes

The special representative reported that by the end of 2025, there will be no countries in the region undergoing political transition: after Chad, Gabon will complete this process.

Speaking about the elections in Cameroon on October 12, he said the vote itself had taken place in a calm atmosphere, but subsequent events had raised concerns. Abarry recalled that the Secretary-General had expressed "grave concern" about the violence and the response to it, calling on the authorities to ensure respect for legal guarantees.

Ongoing tensions

According to the rapporteur, in the Lake Chad basin, groups associated with Boko Haram continue to adapt their activities, and the consequences of violence are borne primarily by women and children.

He noted the lack of resources for the Combined Joint Task Force and called on the international community to support efforts to restore confidence and fund operations.

Sudanese crisis

The Special Representative reported that since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, more than 1.2 million people have arrived in Chad – Sudanese refugees and returning Chadians. After the recent the fall of El FasherAnother 12,930 people crossed the border.

He noted the exceptional generosity of host communities but warned of risks: "Overcrowding in camps increases pressure on resources and services, raising the risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks." More than seven million people need assistance, while the 2025 humanitarian plan was only 26.4 percent funded, he added.

Abarry called on the Security Council to facilitate the resolution of the conflict in Sudan, which “affects the peace and stability of Chad, the Central African Republic and the entire region.”

Progress in the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic will hold "historic" parliamentary, regional, municipal, and presidential elections on December 28. Abarry noted significant progress in the country, including improved border security.

He emphasized that partners have already allocated $9 billion for the National Development Plan for 2024–2028, which will also help improve the situation of the inhabitants of the Central African Republic.

Dispute resolution

Elections will be held in the Republic of the Congo and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026. Abarry called for peaceful voting and noted Congo's progress in disarmament and reintegration, particularly in the department of Pool. He also welcomed justice and security sector reforms in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Abarry noted the efforts of member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECOCAC) to strengthen cooperation, including the recent summit dedicated to Rwanda's return to the organization and negotiations between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea on the implementation of the International Court of Justice's border ruling.

Reduction of resources

The special representative warned of the consequences financial difficulties, which the UN is facing, for UNOCA.

"The 20 percent staff reduction, as well as restrictions or even the impossibility of travel within the region due to resource constraints, seriously hamper our ability to fully implement our good offices – in a region that desperately needs them. We hope that, with your continued support, the Regional Bureau for Central Africa, established at the request of ECOCAS member states, will be able to continue to fulfill its important mission," he addressed the UN Security Council.

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December 11, 2025 UN

In recent years, the world has been confronted with deepening geopolitical rifts – between North and South, East and West. Against this backdrop, the UN Alliance of Civilizations is celebrating its twentieth anniversary by holding an international forum in Riyadh dedicated to combating intolerance, incitement to hatred, and strengthening mutual respect in a multipolar world.

The capital of Saudi Arabia will host the 11th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations on December 14–15. The summit will bring together representatives of national governments and civil society, youth and women's leaders, and media professionals and executives.

Mission of unification

The reason this event is of global significance is clear: intolerance and xenophobia are on the rise worldwide. Cultural and religious differences are increasingly being used to justify violence and oppression. A wave of hate speech, particularly in the digital space, is fueling mistrust and undermining social cohesion. In this climate, the Alliance's mission—promoting mutual respect and understanding between cultures and religions—is more relevant than ever.

History of the Alliance

The Alliance's history dates back to the early 21st century. This organization was born in the shadow of tragedy: after the September 11 attacks in the United States and subsequent terrorist attacks in Bali, Madrid, London, and Istanbul.

Against this backdrop, Spain and Turkey proposed an initiative to overcome the rapidly deepening geopolitical rifts. The alliance was officially launched in 2005 with the support of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan – with the goal of preventing conflicts and transforming cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity into a source of strength rather than a pretext for violence.

"Diversity of Cultures. One Humanity."

Since then, guided by the motto "Diversity of Cultures. One Humanity," the Alliance of Civilizations has become the UN's leading platform for intercultural dialogue. Its activities span education, media literacy, migration, and countering hate speech. The Alliance launches projects that challenge stereotypes, prevent extremism, and promote inclusivity—from supporting women as mediators in peace processes to using sports and art as a unifying force. Today, its alumni network comprises hundreds of experts working across the globe.

Forum program

The Riyadh Forum will host a meeting of the Alliance's Friends Group, which comprises 161 members. The Saudi capital will also host a Youth Forum, where alumni will share the changes they have initiated in their communities.

Thematic sessions will address the most pressing issues of our time: disinformation generated by artificial intelligence, the role of women in peacebuilding, migration and human dignity, and the fight against hate speech. The forum's cultural program will feature a special place in the youth video festival PLURAL, which celebrates creative voices that confront xenophobia and promote diversity.

The forum is expected to result in the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, which will define the next stage of the Alliance's development. New partnerships and agreements for 2026 will be announced, as well as recommendations for the 2027–2031 Action Plan.

Twenty years later, the message of the UN Alliance of Civilizations remains unchanged: dialogue is the vital foundation for humanity in an increasingly fragmented world.

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Energy supply instability continues to pose serious risks to the safety of Ukraine's nuclear power plants amid the armed conflict, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated on Thursday.

According to the agency's head, early in the morning of December 6, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) once again lost all external power—for the eleventh time since the full-scale invasion began. The two remaining operational power lines went down within 20 minutes of each other, leaving the plant without access to the grid.

"While the emergency generators performed as planned, repeated loss of off-site power increases operational stress and highlights the importance of reliable power supply," Grossi said.

One of the 330 kV lines was restored within 29 minutes, while the main 750 kV line remained without power for about nine hours. Earlier in the fall, Zaporizhzhya NPP spent a whole month without external power supply.

The situation at other nuclear power plants

The IAEA reports that large-scale attacks last Saturday disrupted the power grid in many regions of Ukraine. As a result, three operating nuclear power plants were forced to reduce reactor power.

"These outages resulted in power fluctuations, temporary outages, and forced shutdowns of power units. At a number of stations, power was reduced to maintain grid balance and prevent equipment damage," Grossi noted.

The agency's head reiterated that power grid instability remains one of the most serious challenges in terms of nuclear safety. One of the seven key safety principles, he said, is a guaranteed off-site power supply for all nuclear facilities.

Support for Ukraine

IAEA teams stationed at all Ukrainian nuclear power plants continue to monitor the situation around the clock. In early December, experts visited more than 10 substations damaged in recent attacks to assess repair needs and propose measures to support the energy infrastructure.

Agency experts were present during testing of a diesel generator at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on December 5. During the test, a flame erupted from the exhaust pipe—as plant staff explained, due to soot ignition after the generator had been running for an extended period without external power. Following the test, the unit was returned to standby mode, and the team found no nuclear safety violations.

Grossi also reported that the IAEA, with financial support from the United Kingdom, provided four SUVs to the physical protection unit of the Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management of Ukraine.

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December 10, 2025 Climate and environment

Climate change pioneers, including the Pacific Student Organization, have received the United Nations' highest environmental honor, the 2025 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions of the Earth Award. This year's laureates are addressing critical issues across a range of areas, from climate justice to sustainable cooling and forest protection.

“As the global impact of the climate crisis intensifies, innovation and leadership in all areas of society are increasingly important,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

The Champions of the Earth Award, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, recognizes environmental leaders who offer important solutions in their fields. Since 2005, 127 leaders whose vision and courage inspire global action have received the award.

2025 Prize Laureates

Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change received the Political Leadership Award. The youth NGO successfully secured a ruling from the International Court of Justice.historical decree, which enshrines the legal obligations of states to prevent damage from the climate crisis. The students' efforts are aimed at changing global legislation and expanding the capacity of vulnerable countries.

Supriya Sahoo, Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, was awarded the Inspiration and Action Award in India. A pioneer in sustainable cooling and ecosystem restoration, Supriya Sahoo's initiatives have created 2.5 million green jobs, expanded forest cover, and integrated thermal resilience into infrastructure. These innovative solutions have benefited 12 million people.

© UNEP/F. Fusstetter

Architect Mariam Issoufou won the Entrepreneurial Vision award for her design for the Hikma Community Complex in Niger, which incorporates passive cooling to maintain temperatures 10 degrees Celsius lower without air conditioning. Her approach, based on local resources and cultural heritage, aims to transform building design in Africa's Sahel region.

The Imazon Institute in Brazil, winner of the Science and Innovation award, uses AI-based scientific and geospatial tools to combat deforestation. Imazon's work has strengthened forest management systems, supported thousands of lawsuits, and identified the scale of illegal logging, leading to systemic change in the Amazon.

Manfredi Caltagirone, former head of UNEP's International Methane Observatory, was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. He advocated for science-based action on methane. Caltagirone's efforts led to the first EU regulation on methane emissions and influenced global energy policy.

© UNEP

The work of Champions of the Earth demonstrates that effective measures to combat the climate crisis can be implemented today. Reducing methane emissions will cool the planet, improve air quality, and create new jobs. Restoring forests helps conserve water resources, reduce natural disasters, and protect biodiversity.

Sustainable cooling and green building construction create opportunities to maintain public health, preserve food and vaccines, and boost economic productivity. Climate justice ensures vulnerable communities have a voice and legal protections.

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