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As the global champion for women and girls, UN Women recognizes the importance of language in fighting gender bias and promotes the use of gender-inclusive language in all contexts and at all times. Gender-inclusive language refers to language that places both women and men at the same level, and which does not convey gender stereotypes. Our searchable gender-inclusive lexicon below…

Africa's Current Path, 14 thematic futures and a Combined Agenda 2063 scenario This website provides integrated forecasts of Africa’s development prospects and potential. Prospects cover 14 sectors for each African country, region, regional economic community and country income groups within the timeline of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Insights are grounded in academic literature…

Under our changing climate, the weather in Europe is getting more extreme. What could this summer bring in terms of heatwaves, droughts, floods, and forest fires? The overall outlook is pessimistic as we have already seen this past winter and spring. This makes adaptation to climate change and better preparedness crucial, according to a European Environment Agency extreme weather product…

In 2022, UN Member States agreed to start negotiating a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. This is a historic step towards protecting wildlife, the environment, and humans from the harmful effects of plastic pollution. Now it is crucial that we ensure the treaty is ambitious and effective enough to truly address the plastic crisis, and end plastic pollution once and for all. n…

Droughts and water scarcity are an increasing problem in many parts of Europe. Climate change is expected to increase drought hazard, affecting both the frequency and magnitude of droughts. Changes in precipitation, combined with rising temperatures, will significantly worsen existing stresses on the quality and quantity of freshwater resources. Economic development, human health and ecosystems…

About the author Tarja Halonen Tarja Halonen is former President, Finland (2000-2012), Member of the Council of Women World Leaders and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Land Ambassador. Women hold a vital stake in the health of the land. Their hands have shaped and nurtured life on our planet. Yet, their contribution to the health of the land is…