New York, 20 June 2024 – The UN General Assembly yesterday declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) to be celebrated under the theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World."

The theme highlights the lasting global impact of cooperatives and emphasizes that the cooperative model is a crucial solution for addressing various global challenges. Additionally, it underscores the significant role cooperatives play in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Imagine the chessboard: just as in castling, where the king moves alongside the rook, older persons and youth are joining forces like pieces on a board, each playing a crucial role in accelerating efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, through their unique strengths and experiences, they're strategizing for a sustainable future for all ages.

The President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, H. E. Dennis Francis, has appointed Co-facilitators and Advisers to conduct consultations on possible further measures necessary to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in relevant United Nations meetings on issues affecting them, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 78/189.

Condolence Note for the passing of Ms. Moana Sinclair

21 June 2024

On behalf of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and its Secretariat, I am sharing the sad news of the passing of Ms. Moana Sinclair on 30 May 2024. Moana was a lawyer, academic, and activist known for her work on Māori and Indigenous Peoples' rights. She worked for the United Nations in Geneva and New York and was one of the founding staff members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York.

Join us in celebrating the power of youth and digital innovation on International Youth Day 2024! Discover how young minds are harnessing technology to create sustainable solutions for our world's most pressing challenges.

The theme for International Youth Day 2024 (12 August) is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the crucial contributions of young people in this transformative process.

The 17th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17) is a significant conference where member states discuss the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This year, the conference will take place from 11 to 13 June in the General Assembly and CR.4 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The main theme is “Rethinking Disability Inclusion in the Current International Juncture and Ahead of the Summit of the Future."

The President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, H. E. Dennis Francis, has appointed Co-facilitators and Advisers to conduct consultations on possible further measures necessary to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in relevant United Nations meetings on issues affecting them, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 78/189.

Draft discussion paper 

As the world prepares to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June, this year DESA programme on ageing, in partnership with the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), will focus on the theme, "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies," to highlight the critical need to protect and support older persons during crises. Established by the United Nations in 2011, WEAAD aims to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation that older persons face, while promoting respect and dignity for this population.

The President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, H. E. Dennis Francis, has appointed Co-facilitators and Advisers to conduct consultations on possible further measures necessary to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in relevant United Nations meetings on issues affecting them, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 78/189.

The 14th session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) from 20 to 22 and 24 May 2024 is an opportunity to ensure that older persons everywhere can age with security and dignity and participate fully in their societies as citizens with equal rights.