Young people are at the forefront of global transformation. With more than 1.2 billion youth worldwide, their energy, creativity, and activism are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet the challenges they face, from climate change and inequality to digital divides, transcend borders. Young innovators are stepping up, but to truly lead, they need access to future-ready skills. Their inclusion is not optional; it's essential for peace and prosperity. Discover how young people are shaping a better, more just future for all.

As the world prepares to mark the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremonies on 6 and 9 August, we are reminded of the devastating human cost of nuclear weapons. A single nuclear weapon can destroy an entire city, killing hundreds of thousands of people—as tragically demonstrated in Hiroshima and Nagasaki—and causing long-term harm to human health and the environment. The complete elimination of nuclear weapons is both a moral imperative and a global necessity. The international community must continue advancing disarmament, strengthening non-proliferation, and working toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

The UN and the nuclear age were born almost simultaneously. The horror of the Second World War, culminating in the nuclear blasts at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, brought home the need to address the nuclear issue. By its first resolution, the General Assembly established the UN Atomic Energy Commission to deal with the problems raised by the discovery of atomic energy. A landmark address by United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, “Atoms for Peace”, led to the establishment in 1957 of the International Atomic Energy Agency . Learn more about atomic energy and the UN’s role in shaping the nuclear age.

Eradicating poverty is more than a goal; it is a moral duty. The UN’s vision of ending poverty remains central to the 2030 Agenda’s first Sustainable Development Goal. As leaders gather at the 2026 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum in Beijing, China, under the theme “Uniting Global Efforts to Advance Poverty Reduction,” the need for collective action is clear. Decades of progress lifted over a billion people out of extreme poverty, but recent crises exposed how fragile those gains remain and why inclusive solutions matter more than ever for all alike.

In a very complex geopolitical situation marked by multiple global crises, one of the United Nations’ most important achievements is building a shared set of international rules. These laws help countries work together, support economic and social progress, and reduce the risk of conflict. They are written into treaties and agreements and affect people’s daily lives, even if most of us don’t notice them. The UN was created to help countries resolve disputes peacefully and to develop and improve these international rules over time.

Weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, are back in the spotlight amid renewed concern over their devastating power and the existential threat they pose to humanity. At the same time, the build-up and illicit trafficking of conventional arms threaten global peace and civilian safety, particularly in urban areas. New and emerging technologies like autonomous weapons add new risks as norms lag behind innovation. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, disarmament and arms control remain vital, with genuine dialogue and negotiation offering the best hope to prevent conflict.

Children and young people are more connected than ever, unlocking new ways to learn, communicate, and express themselves online. Yet these opportunities come with growing dangers—from cyberbullying and disinformation to sexual exploitation and trafficking. As digital threats intensify, protecting young users has become a global priority. The UN and its specialized agencies are doing their part to help protect children online. Learn more in Child and Youth Safety Online.

Declared a human right by the United Nations in 2010, clean water and sanitation are essential for life, health, and dignity. Yet over 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and nearly half the world lives without safely managed sanitation services. Climate change, pollution, and scarcity are pushing this lifeline to the brink. UN-Water is calling for urgent global action. Improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene could save 1.4 million lives every year. Water is life. Without it, there is no future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly support the UN by promoting inclusivity, reducing inequalities and addressing many Sustainable Development Goals in areas like healthcare, education, and humanitarian response. However, the benefits of AI are currently unevenly distributed, primarily benefiting powerful companies and countries. Without proper regulations, AI risks worsening inequalities and impacting vulnerable populations. While it offers solutions to major global challenges, its rapid development also poses risks related to information accuracy and human rights.

Eradicating poverty is more than a goal; it’s a moral duty. The UN envisions a world where poverty becomes a relic of the past—a vision central to the 2030 Agenda’s first Sustainable Development Goal. From 1990 to 2014, remarkable progress lifted over a billion people from extreme poverty. Yet, setbacks in 2020 forced 71 million back into hardship, revealing the fragility of those gains. The UN urges courage and compassion in building inclusive strategies, directing resources where they are needed most, and turning hope and opportunity into universal rights—not fleeting privileges for the few.

In 2025, an estimated 305 million people require urgent humanitarian aid due to crises driven by conflict and climate change. Wars in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine have led to significant displacement and civilian casualties. Food insecurity is on the rise, affecting 280 million people, and famine conditions are deteriorating in countries like Sudan or Haiti. The world is approaching a1.5°C warming threshold, resulting in severe natural disasters, with 90 million displaced in high-risk climate areas. Global solidarity is essential for humanitarian action, and individuals can help by donating to emergency relief funds.

In today's gradually interconnected world, multilateralism is essential for tackling complex global issues such as peace, security, climate change, sustainable development, and human rights. Multilateralism's strength lies in its ability to foster crucial dialogue, build trust among nations, and facilitate collaborative solutions to shared global problems. As the world accelerates efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, a strong multilateral system is vital for navigating the complexities of international relations and securing a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Africa is a diverse continent, and the challenges it faces differ significantly across various countries and regions. Challenges such as climate change, hunger, malnutrition, and conflicts adversely affect the continent's progress towards sustainable peace and development. Through its unique capacities as the world’s premier vehicle for international cooperation, the United Nations system offers a forum for discussion of solutions to issues at the community, national and continental levels, as well as a powerful resource for their implementation.

UN agencies are providing crucial support to millions of refugees worldwide as displacement reaches record levels. With over 110 million people forcibly displaced—including more than 59 million refugees and stateless individuals—UNHCR and UNRWA are leading humanitarian efforts in 135 countries. They offer essential aid like shelter, healthcare, education, and protection. Despite challenging conditions, UN field teams are on the ground, making sure refugees get the help they need while the global community works toward lasting solutions. The UN remains dedicated to protecting human rights.

The world is facing an escalating crisis for children, with over 473 million living in conflict zones in 2023—nearly doubling since the 1990s. There is an urgent need for resilient systems that support children's rights and well-being, driving sustained action to address these challenges and create a safer, more equitable future for all children. The protection, health, and welfare of children has been a focus of the United Nations since the time of the creation of the Organization in 1945. As we enter 2025, join us in supporting efforts to help children around the world.