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03 December 2025
Secretary General Antonio Guterres message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025
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03 December 2025
UNODC Iran supports enhanced cooperation between Iranian and Russian counterparts to strengthen regional drug-control efforts
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03 December 2025
FAO and Iran new step to innovation and quality integrity in saffron value chain
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Latest
Publication
01 February 2023
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for I.R.Iran 2023 - 2027
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2027 was developed jointly between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Nations System to reflect and support the national development goals and strategies. Starting in 2021, the United Nations Country Team in Iran engaged in consultations internally and with a wide range of national partners that identified the evidence base to prioritize development needs and opportunities for the UNSDCF. These consultations resulted in the vision for United Nations support to Iran’s development that is based on equitable, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth and development. Five strategic priorities that guide the work of the United Nations System in Iran in the coming years were identified: (a) socio-economic resilience; (b) public health; (c) environment; (d) disaster risk reduction and management; and (e) impacts of drug use and drug trafficking.
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Publication
27 October 2025
United Nations Iran Country Results Report - 2024
Amid the global, regional and domestic challenges in 2024, the United Nations remained committed to supporting the people of Iran. The two largest areas of the United Nations programme interventions were health and support to refugees and host communities. The United Nations also provided impactful programme interventions in socioeconomic resilience, environment, disaster risk reduction and drug control.
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Publication
30 October 2024
United Nations Iran Country Results Report - 2023
Throughout 2023, the UN family in Iran supported the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in delivering on its development plans and in the success of critical initiatives.
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Publication
15 August 2024
United Nations Iran Country Results Report - 2022
This report lays out the UN’s collective contribution to Iran’s development and humanitarian goals, including under the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2017-2022).
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Story
03 December 2025
FAO and Iran new step to innovation and quality integrity in saffron value chain
Mashhad - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad (MAJ) and the Iranian Society for Horticultural Sciences (IrSHS), held a National Workshop on Saffron Quality Integrity and Value Chain Development.Taking place from 25 to 29 November, the workshop brings together farmers, processors, cooperatives, traders, and national experts to enhance capacities in improved production practices, post-harvest handling, safety, traceability, modern marketing, and digital branding.The opening ceremony featured remarks from senior officials including Mohammad Mehdi Boroumandi, Deputy Minister for Horticulture at MAJ and Farrukh Toirov, FAO Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran.The workshop highlights the need to respond to emerging challenges, including climate pressure, water scarcity, and growing global competition. Strengthening quality integrity, from cultivation to export, was emphasized as essential for maintaining international market confidence.In his remarks, FAO Representative stressed the importance of innovation in meeting modern consumer expectations. “Ready-to-use and user-friendly saffron products such as instant dissolved saffron, pre-dosed packaging, and smart dispensing systems are becoming central to modern consumer demand,” he noted.He added that such innovations would enable Iran to diversify into high-value saffron derivatives and expand market reach.Toirov emphasized that strengthening quality integrity, transparency, branding, and market competitiveness will ensure that Iranian saffron continues to set global standards and capture new opportunities in the modern marketplace.He also highlighted the role of digital platforms in shaping global saffron branding. “Social media platforms, digital influencers, and online branding can play a decisive role in promoting Iranian saffron worldwide and increasing demand for innovative saffron formats,” he said.In closing remarks, FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iran in building a sustainable, competitive, and innovation-driven saffron sector. Toirov expressed appreciation to MAJ, IrSHS, the International Society for Horticultural Sciences, national experts, and all stakeholders for their strong collaboration.FAO Representative welcomed the initiative to designate an International Saffron Day on the United Nations international calendar and expressed readiness to provide technical guidance and support through the appropriate UN channels.Global leader in saffron productionProducing 85–90 percent of the world’s saffron, Iran remains the global leader and a benchmark setter for quality standards.Saffron cultivation is deeply embedded in rural traditions, particularly in Khorasan Razavi and South Khorasan, supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers and ensuring the transfer of generational knowledge.As a high-value, climate-resilient crop, saffron contributes significantly to sustainable agriculture in arid regions and plays an important role in food security and rural development.The training was held under the FAO’s flagship initiative “Control of Food Authenticity and Management of Food Supply Chain for Successful Achievement of SDGs – Piloting Saffron Value Chain”, which aims to strengthen authenticity, quality assurance, and value chain governance within Iran’s saffron sector, ensuring that Iranian saffron continues to be recognized globally for its excellence.
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03 December 2025
UNODC Iran supports enhanced cooperation between Iranian and Russian counterparts to strengthen regional drug-control efforts
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with cooperation of the Siberian Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, organized a five-day specialized training course for law enforcement experts and officers from the Anti-Narcotics Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Krasnoyarsk – Russia, from 24 to 28 November 2025.
The UNODC Iran has been actively present in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1999 and considers Iran as one of the strategic partners for drug control and crime prevention in the region and has been supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran by providing technical assistance and training for years ever since its establishment. UNODC Iran has a longstanding record of cooperation with the Government of the Russian Federation, one of the key donors supporting its activities. This training marked the second programme conducted at this Institute with the valuable contributions of Russian experts and senior instructors.
The comprehensive curriculum of this training encompassed topics, inter alia: tactics of conducting certain investigative actions in the investigation of crimes related to drug trafficking; methods of investigating organized criminal activities related to drug trafficking; methods of crime investigation in the sphere of illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs; psychotropic substances and their analogues, new types of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their derivatives, analogues and precursors; technical means of detecting narcotic drugs, etc.In addition to various lectures and specialized seminars and classes envisaged under the curriculum of this training, practical visits and trainings were foreseen for the members of the delegation, which significantly enriched the courses, and complemented the theoretical section.
On the last day of the event, an international round-table was held on “Countering drug trafficking in the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran”, in which the instructors and members of the Iranian delegation took the opportunity to share information and ideas.
In a message, the Deputy Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, highlighted the threats posed by drugs and organized crime as well as the effects they have on all aspects of societies, from security and safety to health and development, which need broader international cooperation. In his message it was stated that due to its unique geographical location, Iran bears a great responsibility, and at the same time, it has shown great commitment in fight against drugs and crimes.
At graduation ceremony the certificates of the participants from the Islamic Republic of Iran were handed over by the Police Colonel Alexei Kalugin, the Acting Head of the Siberian Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, in Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation. Cooperation of UNODC Iran and academies and academia in and from the Russian Federation lies under the UNODC Country Partnership Programme of UNODC Iran in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The advanced training, held in this Institute from 24 to 28 November 2025, was made possible with generous funding received from the Russian Federation, and invaluable support and coordination extended to UNODC from the Russian Embassy in Tehran.
The UNODC Iran has been actively present in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1999 and considers Iran as one of the strategic partners for drug control and crime prevention in the region and has been supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran by providing technical assistance and training for years ever since its establishment. UNODC Iran has a longstanding record of cooperation with the Government of the Russian Federation, one of the key donors supporting its activities. This training marked the second programme conducted at this Institute with the valuable contributions of Russian experts and senior instructors.
The comprehensive curriculum of this training encompassed topics, inter alia: tactics of conducting certain investigative actions in the investigation of crimes related to drug trafficking; methods of investigating organized criminal activities related to drug trafficking; methods of crime investigation in the sphere of illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs; psychotropic substances and their analogues, new types of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their derivatives, analogues and precursors; technical means of detecting narcotic drugs, etc.In addition to various lectures and specialized seminars and classes envisaged under the curriculum of this training, practical visits and trainings were foreseen for the members of the delegation, which significantly enriched the courses, and complemented the theoretical section.
On the last day of the event, an international round-table was held on “Countering drug trafficking in the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran”, in which the instructors and members of the Iranian delegation took the opportunity to share information and ideas.
In a message, the Deputy Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, highlighted the threats posed by drugs and organized crime as well as the effects they have on all aspects of societies, from security and safety to health and development, which need broader international cooperation. In his message it was stated that due to its unique geographical location, Iran bears a great responsibility, and at the same time, it has shown great commitment in fight against drugs and crimes.
At graduation ceremony the certificates of the participants from the Islamic Republic of Iran were handed over by the Police Colonel Alexei Kalugin, the Acting Head of the Siberian Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, in Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation. Cooperation of UNODC Iran and academies and academia in and from the Russian Federation lies under the UNODC Country Partnership Programme of UNODC Iran in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The advanced training, held in this Institute from 24 to 28 November 2025, was made possible with generous funding received from the Russian Federation, and invaluable support and coordination extended to UNODC from the Russian Embassy in Tehran.
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01 December 2025
Secretary General Antonio Guterres message on World AIDS Day 2025
This World AIDS Day reminds us that we have the power to transform lives and futures, and end the AIDS epidemic once and for all. The progress we have made is undeniable. Since 2010, new infections have fallen by 40 per cent. AIDS-related deaths have declined by more than half. And access to treatment is better than ever before. But for many people around the world, the crisis continues. Millions still lack access to HIV prevention and treatment services because of who they are, where they live or the stigma they endure. Meanwhile, reduced resources and services are putting lives at risk and threatening hard-won gains. Ending AIDS means empowering communities, investing in prevention and expanding access to treatment for all people. It means uniting innovation with action, and ensuring new tools like injectables reach more people in need. At every step, it means grounding our work in human rights to ensure no one is left behind. Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is within grasp. Let’s get the job done.
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21 November 2025
FAO and Iran launch regional project to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture
Tehran, 21 October 2025 - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has launched a new Regional Technical Cooperation Project aimed at strengthening national and regional capacities for climate-resilient agriculture. The project, which also spans Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Mongolia, seeks to promote sustainable intensification of quinoa, millets, and soybeans, crops known for their drought tolerance and nutritional value.The project was formally introduced at the National Inception Workshop held in Tehran on 21 October 2025, bringing together around 40 participants representing the government and private sectors, research institutions, civil society organizations, specialized associations, farmers, and food and feed industries, along with representatives from FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the FAO Iran Representation.The workshop formed three product-based groups of stakeholders to discuss the project’s background, objectives, expected outcomes, and implementation strategy, as well as to prioritize activities and finalize the country work plan based on national needs and feedback from participants.Iran, located in an arid and semi-arid region, faces water scarcity and recurrent droughts that have increasingly strained its agricultural systems. With agriculture accounting for nearly 80 percent of total water withdrawals, the sector is vulnerable to climate change impacts such as reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and accelerated evaporation rates.In response, the FAO regional project provides a framework for countries to address water and climate challenges through agronomic innovations, technology transfer, institutional strengthening, and awareness-raising on the nutritional and environmental benefits of climate-resilient crops.In Iran, the project will scale up drought-tolerant crops such as quinoa, millets, and soybeans, Promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS), and Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to improve productivity and sustainability, build national capacity in climate-resilient farming systems and water-efficient practices and foster partnerships between research institutions, farmers, and private sector actors to ensure long-term adoption and scaling of resultsBy diversifying production systems and increasing water productivity, this initiative supports Iran’s broader strategy to adapt its agriculture to changing climatic conditions while safeguarding food and nutrition security for future generations.
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17 November 2025
UNODC Iran Strengthens Anti-Narcotics Capacities through Advanced Training Conducted by Russian Experts
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iran, in coordination with the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, successfully organized the fourth specialized training course on “Combatting Drug Trafficking” for senior officers of the Anti-Narcotics Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran, under generous fund received from the Russian Federation. This five-day capacity-building programme, held in Tehran from 09 to 13 November 2025, was conducted by two senior instructors from the Siberian Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. The training covered a wide range of topics including modern investigative techniques, the use of information technology in law enforcement, identification of new psychoactive substances, and methods of detecting and investigating online drug trafficking and money laundering crimes. In addition to theoretical lectures, the training included interactive workshops and group exercises, allowing participants to apply their newly gained knowledge in simulated operational scenarios. These team-based sessions provided practical experience in coordination, intelligence gathering, and case analysis — enhancing participants’ readiness for real-life law enforcement operations.During the opening session, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, Deputy Regional Representative of UNODC for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan, expressed his appreciation to all national counterparts and participants, highlighting UNODC’s continued commitment to supporting Iran’s anti-narcotic efforts through technical assistance and capacity-building programmes under the Country Partnership Programme (2023–2026).The training sessions were designed based on feedback from Iranian authorities and focused on strengthening operational and analytical skills in combating transnational drug trafficking. The participants highly appreciated the relevance, practical orientation, and interactive nature of the training materials.As part of the programme, the Russian instructors also visited the Anti-Narcotics Police Exhibition in Tehran, where they became acquainted with the advanced operational capacities, technical capabilities, and achievements of Iran in the field of counter-narcotics.The course concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, where UNODC expressed gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation for its generous financial contribution and to the Drug Control Headquarters for its valuable support and coordination in organizing the event.This initiative was implemented under Sub-Programme 1: Border Management and Illicit Trafficking of the UNODC Country Partnership Programme (2023–2026) for the Islamic Republic of Iran, funded by the Russian Federation. ***For additional information please contact Sougand Babaei (Ms.)
National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Tel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: sougand.babaei@un.org
National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Tel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: sougand.babaei@un.org
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Press Release
10 June 2025
Tehran Hosts High-Level UN–Iran Panel on Safeguarding the Zagros Forests
The event, co-hosted by the Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Natural Resources & Watershed Management Organization, the Plan and Budget Organization and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, is the last of seven thematic panels feeding recommendations to the International Conference on Sustainable Zagros Forest Management on 29 June 2025.In his keynote address, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Dr. Kazem Gharibabadi described the Zagros as “a priceless heritage for Iran and the world” and called sustainable forest management “an essential tool to fight climate change, safeguard water resources and ensure prosperity for future generations.” Dr. Gharibabadi added that “the future of the Zagros will profoundly shape the future of our planet. Let us work together for a better planet.” Deputy Foreign Minister Ghariabadi underlined the need for the transfer of technology and financing from developed countries.UN Resident Coordinator in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Stefan Priesner, also highlighted the forests’ role as the hydrological backbone of western Iran and called for “environmental financing to become a priority for all stakeholders,” adding that Bakhtiari nomads and other local communities “must be at the centre of conservation efforts. These oak mountains are not just scenic—they are foundational to Iran’s history, culture and future. Protecting them is a shared responsibility.” said the Resident Coordinator. “Without urgent action, we risk losing not only the Zagros forests but the life systems they support.” Covering almost 6 million hectares—about 40 percent of Iran’s total forest area—the Zagros oak woodlands regulate water, prevent soil erosion and support millions of rural livelihoods, yet have shrunk by nearly half in 80 years because of illegal logging, overgrazing and climate change. ***********************For further information please contact United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Tehran:+989121053220Unic-tehran@un.org
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Press Release
16 January 2025
THE EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORTS THE MOST VULNERABLE REFUGEES IN IRAN THROUGH ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO WFP
This critical funding enables WFP’s to sustain its cash support programme for refugees until early 2025. The programme has already made significant progress over the past months empowering refugees to meet their basic needs.Iran hosts one of the largest refugee populations globally, with 3.8 million refugees and individuals in refugee-like situations, the majority of whom are from Afghanistan. With the generous support of donors, WFP provides vital assistance to 33,000 of the most vulnerable refugees across 20 settlements. This support includes food, cash assistance, school-based programmes, and livelihood opportunities, all aimed at supporting their resilience and eventual voluntary repatriation.In partnership with the EU, WFP has achieved key milestones; providing thousands of refugee families with monthly cash assistance. This innovative approach gives refugees freedom of choice and restores a sense of normalcy into their lives by allowing them to buy food items of their choice in local shops to diversify their diets."The funds received will directly touch the lives of thousands of refugees in Iran, providing them with necessary support and ensuring their well-being and stability amidst challenging circumstances,” said WFP Representative in Iran Maysaa Alghribawy. "However, the needs remain great, and we urge other donors to join us in our mission to ensure food security for all."With the additional resources, WFP Iran aims to continue its operations seamlessly, providing life-saving assistance to those in need. The organization remains committed to working closely with the EU and other partners to address food security challenges refugees in Iran face.# # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfpiranFor more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):Dara Darbandi, WFP/ Iran, Mob. +98 912 308 4147
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Press Release
01 December 2024
UNDP Welcomes New Contribution from Japan to Strengthen Wetland Management and Climate Resilience in Iran
Japan has been a key partner of the Government of Iran and UNDP since 2014 in supporting sustainable natural resource management in wetland basins and diversifying livelihoods of communities reliant on wetlands. During the signing ceremony on 1 December 2024 the Government of Japan and UNDP signed exchange of notes to implement "The Project for Developing Conservation System of Wetlands in Lake Urmia and Other Wetlands including their Surrounding Communities." The project will be jointly implemented with the Department of Environment and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from 2024 to 2028.The project will build on the past achievements and will accelerate efforts to successfully scale up piloted models and practices. By focusing on sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods that are adapted to climate change, the initiative seeks to create long-term benefits for local communities while preserving the biodiversity of wetlands as vital ecosystems."Over the past ten years, the unwavering support from the People and the Government of Japan has positively impacted agricultural productivity and enhanced livelihoods in target communities. In the next four years, we will continue promoting innovative, water-efficient agricultural practices, while emphasizing scaling up for a better future for all.” said Gulbahor Nematova, UNDP Iran Deputy Resident Representative. H.E. Mr. Tsukada, the Ambassador of Japan to Iran stated: “Iran has 26 valuable wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention, including Lake Urmia. These wetlands, which are home to diverse species and migratory birds, must be conserved in cooperation with the international community.Over the past 10 years, Japan has provided support for Lake Urmia conservation, but in order to further restore the wetland, it is essential to manage uncontrollable water extraction, develop an irrigation system that appropriately respond the climate change, and create sustainable industries such eco-tourism.In addition to directly tackling these challenges, this project’s knowledge and technologies will be utilized in other wetlands in Iran.We hope that the new project signed today will contribute to the environmental protection and economic development of the areas around the wetlands.”Media contact in UNDP Iran: communications.ir@undp.org ### ### ### UNDP is the leading United Nations development organization. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.Learn more at www.undp.org/Iran and follow us on Instagram and X: @UNDPIran.
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Press Release
25 August 2024
Iran partner with FAO and Green Climate Fund to strengthen climate resilience
The newly signed project, titled “Strengthening Iran’s access to GCF with national ownership, knowledge-based policies and sound technologies,” represents a crucial step towards aligning national strategies with climate action and promoting sustainable development.Iran, like many nations, faces the challenge of climate change and grappling with its adverse effects, including escalating droughts and catastrophic floods further exacerbating water scarcity issues affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, food production and economy. In response, Iran's National Strategic Action Plan on Climate Change 2017 outlines a comprehensive roadmap for climate adaptation and mitigation, contingent upon securing financial and technical support under the United Nations Framework Cooperation on Climate Change (UNFCCC).Engaging all key stakeholders including government, private sector and NGOs, the inception workshop for this project is held on 19 August, marking the official launch of this crucial initiative and setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards achieving climate resilience in the country.This transformative initiative between the Islamic Republic of Iran, GCF and FAO aims to fortify the country's resilience to climate change through a multifaceted approach. By fostering closer coordination with GCF and other climate finance institutions, establishing direct access to GCF resources, and integrating climate change considerations into development planning, the project seeks to pave the way for strategic climate investment promotion. Additionally, by facilitating access to advanced climate-resilient technologies and engaging both targeted sectors and the private sector in climate action initiatives, Iran aims to develop a robust pipeline of climate projects aligned with national priorities and GCF standards. Anticipated outcomes include enhanced national coordination mechanisms, the development of a strategy for direct access to the GCF, an updated GCF Country Programme, and the establishment of a comprehensive National Climate Change Knowledge Hub (NCCKH).The establishment of NCCKH will serve as a vital resource for disseminating technical knowledge and raising public awareness, ultimately contributing to enhanced national resilience and sustainable development.
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Press Release
12 August 2024
UN-Organized Art Exhibition Raises Awareness on Global Environmental Challenges
This exhibition is organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the partnership of Ech Art Gallery and ArtUnity. The exhibition brings together 18 artists and 36 works of art. Visitors will encounter thought-provoking pieces – with accompanied information and statistics – that challenge us to reflect on our relationship with nature and our role in its conservation and preservation. These powerful artworks are more than just visual experiences; they are calls to action, urging us to acknowledge the severity of our environmental challenges as a global community and to work collectively towards sustainable solutions.“The purpose of the exhibition is to raise public awareness about the severe environmental stress that our beautiful planet is exposed to,” said the UN Resident Coordinator, Stefan Priesner, at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. “While the scope of environmental challenges is extremely concerning, the positive news is that solutions exist, and humanity can tackle the triple planetary crisis. We need stronger commitment and increased resources to guide humanity towards a sustainable future,” he added. The exhibit is open to public 9-17 August 2024, from 16:00-22:00, at Ech Art Gallery (No. 10, Mirza Taraj Alley, Shariati Street, south of Cinema Farhang, Tehran). UNDP together with other UN sister agencies, funds, and programmes, works closely with national and international partners to promote the integration of environment-friendly policies into all sectors. UN and its partners advocate for improved management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation and strive to increase national capacities to address climate action, including through international advocacy for climate finance. Additional Information:The exhibition brochure in English
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