The most retweeted tweet of UN staffers in November was this one from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Sunday 25th November was International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In his tweet, Mr. Guterres outlined his drive to end gender-based violence. Speaking out and offering support for victims are two of the best ways to conquer and put an end to the violence.
This Sunday is the International Day to End Violence against Women, kicking off the #16Days of activism to end gender-based violence. We must all speak out and take action. https://t.co/3W4M1TaLEA #HearMeToo pic.twitter.com/AZhr9uec4k
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 25, 2018
Photo by Oriol Casas on Unsplash
Jean-Pierre Lacroix was also vocal in his support for women. The Under-Secretary-General for @UNPeacekeeping has made equal participation and leadership for women one of the top priorities for UN Peacekeeping.
#Peace lasts longer when #women take part. This is a fact. One of my top priorities for @UNPeacekeeping is to further promote women’s equal participation & leadership in political processes. #GlobalGoals #WPS #UNSC1325 https://t.co/0w4zsIGd0B
— Jean-Pierre Lacroix (@Lacroix_UN) November 27, 2018
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, wrote this tweet reminding us of the dangers that nationalism taken too far can create. His tweet came as the landmark of 100 years after the end of the First World War was reached in November. Many countries throughout the world have experienced public outcries and the rise of political parties promoting nationalist movements. By working together, countries can grow, integrate and ultimately make the population better off worldwide. Self-isolation simply based on borders thus seems a backward step in contrast to recent decades of globalisation.
100 years ago, the Great War ended, but aggressive nationalism soon prevailed, leading the world to a new, catastrophic conflict.
100 years later, we must remember and reflect: if nations do not work together, future generations won’t be saved from the scourge of war. pic.twitter.com/Ftx2GqU1DT
— Filippo Grandi (@RefugeesChief) November 11, 2018
Photo by Bill Wegener on Unsplash
The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J Mohammed, also wrote on the topic of inclusivity. Following a discussion with African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the Deputy Secretary-General relayed the importance of inclusivity, resilience and peaceful relations throughout Africa. The identity gap must close to enable all Africans to avail of opportunities if Africa’s widespread inequality is to reduce.
We can close the identity gap in #Africa. Together, let’s write a new chapter for Africa’s future. One that is inclusive, resilient, peaceful & sustainable, for all Africans, starting from birth. Thanks @ECA_OFFICIAL & @_AfricanUnion for leaders’ discussion on #ID4D #2030Agenda pic.twitter.com/mzcRXdXbT5
— Amina J Mohammed (@AminaJMohammed) November 18, 2018
Melissa Fleming shared this powerful and extremely tragic photo from Yemen. The photo is of a poor baby at the malnutrition ward of the main hospital in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital. The war in Yemen has raged on for three years. One of the many disastrous consequences has been widespread famine. This poor baby is one of thousands of Yemeni children suffering from malnutrition. The United Nations says 22 million of the 29 million people in Yemen, rely on humanitarian aid. Almost 18 million are considered hungry and 8.4 million severely hungry. The war is between the Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, and supporters of Yemen’s government, backed by Saudi Arabia.
The saddest photo the result of this senseless #Yemen war. https://t.co/lgJkBKcBi4
— Melissa Fleming (@melissarfleming) November 17, 2018
The work of the United Nations is more easily achieved with widespread support and action. The use of social platforms, such as Twitter, by UN staffers to share their experiences, work and promote awareness is thus valuable to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ultimately greater prosperity for all.
