UN Bonn

UN Bonn Preview 2020 connects UN Organizations, Local Media, and Civil Society

On January 28, 2019 UN Bonn hosted the annual preview providing local media and NGO representatives with an outlook on this year’s priorities, activities, and events. Thirteen Bonn-based UN organizations presented their strategic focus for 2020 followed by a Q&A session.

Ovais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNFCCC and Chair of the Representatives of Agencies highlighted in an opening speech: “2020 does not only mark the 75th anniversary of the UN, but it is also crucial for the Sustainable Development Goals as it is the beginning of the decade of action. With just 10 years to go, an ambitious global effort is underway to deliver the 2030 promise.” He also drew attention to the importance to look to the next generation and listen to the voices of the youth on how to shape the future.

The different UN entities presented their main global priorities for 2020. Among them are the upcoming Climate Conference COP 26 in Glasgow, the African Climate Week in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and the COP of the Convention of Migratory Species which will take place in mid-February in India. Several UN Bonn entities emphasized the launch of the “Biodiversity Super Year” as nature-based solutions offer the best way to achieve human well-being, address climate change and protect the planet. Yet nature is in crisis, as we are losing species at a rate 1,000 times greater than at any other time in recorded human history. Urgent action is needed in 2020 to get the world on track to a more sustainable future. Throughout the year, several major conferences will take place on different continents including the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon in June.

This year, UN Bonn events will range from the UNEVOC TVET Leadership Programme to the UN Summer Academy organized by the UN Systems Staff College. A key event will be the annual SDG Global Festival of Action from 1-3 April with expectedly 2,000 participants from all sectors inspiring SDG campaigners and multi-stakeholder partners for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

See all News