As part of the preparations for the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the report focuses on analysis of demographic trends and their impact on families and family-oriented policies. With regard to fertility decisions and maternal mortality reduction, the Secretary-General recommends provision of quality education, ensuring access to reproductive health services and family planning and investment in health-care facilities in remote areas.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention (COP-5), held in Geneva from 30 October to 3 November 2023, adopted 21 decisions to keep protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. 

The 12th meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Inter-sessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity took place from 12 to 16 November 2023.  

On 7 November 2023, the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (Third Committee) of the 78th session of the General Assembly discussed and took up the draft resolution "The Rights of Indigenous Peoples" [item 68 (a)]. 

The Committee took up the draft resolution “Rights of Indigenous Peoples” (A/C.3/78/L.20/Rev.1). 

16 October 2023 – Every year on 17 October, the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, also known as End Poverty Day. This year the day’s theme puts a spotlight on decent work and social protection, putting dignity in practice for all.

People living in extreme poverty, many of whom work in the informal economy – unregistered, unrecognised and unprotected under labour legislation - face difficult and dangerous conditions. The most excluded have no choice but to accept unacceptable situations and are often seen and treated as ‘disposable’. Despite working long hours, they are unable to earn enough to support themselves and their families.

Protecting the dignity and human rights of older persons, and addressing the challenges they face in society will ultimately benefit all of humanity, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said.

Mr. Guterres was speaking at the opening of a high-level forum at UN Headquarters where world leaders adopted a political declaration to accelerate action to achieve the 17 goals, which aim to drive economic prosperity and well-being for all people while protecting the environment. “The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere,” he said.