THE SECRETARY-GENERAL Message on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 17 October 2021 Poverty is a moral indictment of our times. For the first time in two decades, extreme poverty is on the rise. Last year, around 120 million people fell into poverty as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on economies and societies. A lopsided recovery is further deepening inequalities between the Global North and South.  Solidarity is missing in action – just when we need it most. For example, vaccine inequality is allowing variants to develop and run wild, condemning the world to millions more deaths, and prolonging an economic slowdown that could cost trillions of dollars.  We must end this outrage, tackle debt distress and ensure recovery investment in countries with the greatest need. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we commit to ‘Building Forward Better’. This requires a three-pronged approach to global recovery: First, the recovery must be transformative – because we cannot go back to the endemic structural disadvantages and inequalities that perpetuated poverty even before the pandemic. We need stronger political will and partnerships to achieve universal social protection by 2030 and invest in job re-skilling for the growing green economy. And we must invest in quality jobs in the care economy, which will promote greater equality and ensure everyone receives the dignified care they deserve. Second, the recovery must be inclusive – because an uneven recovery is leaving much of humanity behind, increasing the vulnerability of already marginalized groups, and pushing the Sustainable Development Goals ever further out of reach. The number of women in extreme poverty far outpaces that of men. Even before the pandemic, the 22 richest men in the world had more wealth than all the women in Africa – and that gap has only grown. We cannot recover with only half our potential. Economic investments must target women entrepreneurs, provide greater formalization of the informal sector, focus on education, social protection, universal childcare, health care and decent work, as well as bridge the digital divide including its deep gender dimension. Third, the recovery must be sustainable – because we need to build a resilient, decarbonized and net-zero world. Through it all, we need to listen far more to the views and guidance of people living in poverty, address indignities and dismantle barriers to inclusion in every society. Today and every day, let us join hands to end poverty and create a world of justice, dignity and opportunity for all. ***   UNICEF PRESS RELEASE FACT SHEET: On Global Handwashing Day, UNICEF warns that 3 in 10 people do not have basic handwashing facilities at home to fight off infectious diseases NEW YORK, 15 October 2021 – Although handwashing with soap is critical in the fight against infectious diseases, including COVID-19, globally, around 3 in 10 people – or 2.3 billion – do not have handwashing facilities with water and soap available at home. The situation is worst in the least developed countries, with over 6 in 10 people without access to basic hand hygiene, UNICEF warned on Global Handwashing Day. “Global response efforts to the pandemic have created an unprecedented time for hand hygiene. Yet progress remains far too slow for the most vulnerable, underserved communities,” said UNICEF WASH Director Kelly Ann Naylor. “Hand hygiene cannot be viewed as a temporary provision to manage COVID-19. Further long-term investment in water, sanitation and hygiene can help prevent the next health crisis from coming. It also means fewer people falling ill with respiratory infections, fewer children dying from diarrheal diseases, and more pregnant mothers and newborns protected from preventable conditions like sepsis.” The latest data show that some progress has been achieved since 2015. For example, the global population with access to basic hand hygiene at home has increased from 5 billion to 5.5 billion, or from 67 per cent to 71 per cent. However, if current trends persist, 1.9 billion people will still not have access to basic hand hygiene by the end of the decade. According to the latest estimates: ·        Globally, 3 in 10 people – or 2.3 billion – do not have access to basic handwashing facilities with water and soap at home, including 670 million people without any facility at all. In the least developed countries, more than 6 in 10 people lack basic hand hygiene facilities at home. ·        2 in 5 schools worldwide do not have basic hygiene services with water and soap, affecting 818 million students, of which 462 million attend schools with no facility at all. In the least developed countries, 7 out of 10 schools have no place for children to wash their hands. ·        1 in 3 healthcare facilities worldwide does not have hand hygiene facilities at points of care where the patient, healthcare worker, and treatment involve contact with the patient. ·        The cost to provide hand hygiene in all homes in 46 of the world’s least-developed countries by 2030 is an estimated US$11 billion*. The cost to governments for hygiene promotion are estimated to be equal to 25 cents per capita per year. Deep inequalities exist across and within countries regarding access and progress, with the most vulnerable children and families suffering the most. Moreover, in fragile, conflict-affected, and refugee settings, progress is especially slow: ·        In fragile contexts, 1 in 5 people do not have any hand hygiene facility at home. ·        In 8 out of 20 countries for which UNHCR has data, more than 30 per cent of refugee households do not have access to soap. ·        Globally, current progress rates must quadruple to reach universal hygiene by 2030. In the least developed countries, the rate of progress would need to increase ten-fold, and in fragile contexts, it would need to accelerate by a factor of 23. UNICEF urges governments to commit to providing hand hygiene, not as a temporary response to the pandemic, but as an investment in public health and economic resilience. The latest joint UNICEF and WHO report identifies five accelerators that can enable governments to rapidly scale up access to hand hygiene, including good governance, smart public finance, capacity building, consistent data, and innovation. #####   Notes to Editors: * This estimate assumes that households would bear the cost of installing handwashing facilities and the cost associated with purchasing water and soap. Governments would bear the cost of hygiene promotion, both initial and ‘top-up’. Least Developed Countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia Download multimedia content here. Read the latest report on handwashing here. ­­About UNICEF  UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.  Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook  For more information please contact:  Sara Alhattab, UNICEF New York, Tel: +1 917 957-6536, salhattab@unicef.org

UNDP PRESS RELEASE Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and UNDP to establish a Forensic Science Laboratory in Peshawar Peshawar, 12 October 2021—The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Cost-Sharing Agreement to establish a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Peshawar today. Under the cost sharing agreement that extends over three years (2021 to 2023), the GoKP will provide PKR 200 million, and UNDP will contribute PKR 600 million to strengthen rule of law, access to justice and forensic services in KP, including the Merged Areas. UNDP Strengthening Rule of Law for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies in Pakistan (Amn-o-Insaf Programme) is supporting the government in strengthening Rule Of Law institutions and access to justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One of the key priority areas of the UNDP-Amn-o-Insaf programme is strengthening forensic science services in the province. A state-of-the-art Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been established at Landaki Swat, with the support from Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department Mr. Ikram Ullah Khan praised UNDP Amn-o-Insaf Programme for their efforts in strengthening the rule of law and justice system in the province. “A forensic science lab in the province is very important and I am happy that finally, the cost sharing agreement is signed. Hopefully, the dream of an autonomous and well equipped FSL will come true and the partnership with UNDP will prove to be helpful yet again’” Speaking on the occasion, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby appreciated and recognized the partnership between UNDP and KP Home Department in strengthening rule of law in KP and NMDs. “I am thankful to the GoKP for showing interest in strengthening forensics services in the province and allocating land for the FSL in Peshawar. Resources allocated by the GoKP for the initial designing work of the FSL will pave the way for our work ahead and enhance opportunities to mobilize resources to construct and operationalize an autonomous FSL in Peshawar. UNDP appreciates the trust Secretary H&TAD and his entire team has put in our efforts and together we will deliver great results”.  The cost sharing agreement was signed by Secretary H&TAD Mr. Ikram Ullah Khan and UNDP Pakistan. Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby, UNDP Pakistan Deputy Resident Representative Ms. Aliona Niculita, Assistant Resident Representative Mr. Kaiser Ishaque, UNDP Programme Specialist Rule of Law Programme Mr. Arshid Jan, Additional Secretary H&TAD Mr. Usman Mehsud, and Deputy Secretary Development H&TAD Mr. Kashif Qayum were also present at the ceremony.  For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org  or +92 (51) 835 5650

UNDP PRESS RELEASE Four social enterprises emerge victorious in UNDP-Jazz SDG Bootcamps 1st cohort Islamabad, 11 October 2021—Four social enterprises have emerged victorious from the first cohort of the UNDP-Jazz’s SDG Bootcamps for Social Enterprises. Overall, 70 social enterprises from across Pakistan participated in the first cohort with over 40 percent participation by women. The winning social enterprises include Digital Libas, an initiative from Balochistan providing skilled women workers with the opportunity to become financially independent; Sukoon, a health-tech initiative from Punjab aiming to revolutionize mental health care; Asani.io, an IoT and automation based social enterprise from Sindh working on solving water scarcity and mismanagement issues; and Peshawar Waste Management Company from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,  a social enterprise working towards building sustainable communities by converting daily waste into natural fertilizers. Thirteen of the total participants were from Balochistan, 19 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 17 from Sindh and 21 from Punjab. Held online, these five-day bootcamps aimed at capacity building essential for enterprise market success and outreach. These bootcamps also managed to attract participants from some of the country’s most remote areas i.e., Bhurewala, Mastung, Naushki, Pishin, Bajaur, Jamshoro and Bahauddin. Knut Ostby, Resident Representative UNDP Pakistan, said at the conclusion of the first cohort, “UNDP is proud to work with Jazz to support nascent social enterprises in Pakistan. We hope our SDG Bootcamps will help these young entrepreneurs play a vital role in addressing the development challenges of the country to ensure that we Leave No One Behind.” Syed Fakhar Ahmed, Chief Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Officer, Jazz stated, “As a technology-driven company, our focus remains on digitally enabling the masses, especially the youth and women. We hope the social enterprises part of the first cohort have gained valuable knowledge on scaling up their innovative solutions. Wishing them luck on their respective journeys, we look forward to the second cohort to be conducted later this year.” These five-day bootcamps, organized by School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), were led by master trainers and covered a wide array of modules including Branding and Customer Engagement, Marketing and Digital Transformation, and Financial Management, Feasibility and Scaling. On the final day of each regional bootcamp, the social enterprises pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges of industry experts. The winner of the national bootcamp, planned later this year, will be provided with an opportunity to join Youth Co:Lab, the largest youth social entrepreneurship movement in Asia and the Pacific along with access to mentorship opportunities and exclusive digital giveaways by Jazz. Registrations of second cohort are now open https://bit.ly/3tHwqTu. These bootcamps are a part of the agreement inked between Jazz and UNDP in December 2020. The program comprises overall 20 bootcamps nationwide by December 2022 targeting close to 800 youngsters and 50 percent women participation. The aim is to promote promising social ventures that are addressing the country's developmental challenges. ###  ###  ### About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP Ayesha Babar, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan at ayesha.babar@undp.org  or +92 (51) 835 5650 About Jazz:          Jazz is Pakistan's number one 4G operator and a leading digital service provider with over 70 million subscribers, including 32 million 4G users. By providing the most extensive portfolio of digital value-added services, Jazz continues to be the country's undisputed telecom leader. www.jazz.com.pk   Khayyam Siddiqi at Khayyam.siddiqi@jazz.com.pk or 0300-1115855 Twitter: @mkhayams

UNICEF PRESS RELEASE UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Omar Abdi ends trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, urges greater action to address children’s needs UNICEF calls for upholding the rights of every girl and boy to quality health care, nutrition, education and protection ISLAMABAD, 10 October 2021 – At the end of a four-day visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Omar Abdi stressed the need for greater action to meet the increasing needs of children in both countries. In Pakistan, Mr. Abdi visited a number of projects as part of the cooperation between UNICEF and the government.  Abdi, who had served as UNICEF Representative in Pakistan from 2003 to 2006, visited a school, a COVID-19 and polio call centre as well as the National Emergency Operation Center in Islamabad, alongside Laryea-Adjei and UNICEF Pakistan Representative Aida Girma. At Islamabad Model School for Girls, he met with students and teachers who use an innovative mix of digital and traditional learning to teach children. Currently, 80 blended learning classrooms are being established in public schools in Islamabad. The lessons and activities are provided offline, using a portable device provided to all schools. This is part of a pilot by the Government of Pakistan to assist students and teachers with additional material for learning and teaching. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on children’s learning, with girls especially at risk. Many students were left grappling with the realities of remote learning without the right tools. “I commend the Government of Pakistan for reopening schools across the country safely and prioritizing the vaccination of teachers, 97 per cent of whom are now vaccinated,” Abdi said. “The Ministry of Education has adopted efficient measures to promote digital learning with UNICEF support, but in-person learning remains key.” Abdi also visited a Government warehouse using ultracold chain equipment procured by UNICEF to store Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. The global COVAX facility has delivered more than 25 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Pakistan. More are expected in the coming weeks. So far, Pakistan has administered nearly 90 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with 32 million people now fully vaccinated. “This is a testament to the excellent coordination system put in place by the authorities at the highest levels of government,” Abdi said.  Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where polio remains endemic. Abdi met with partners at a COVID-19 and polio call center to promote vaccination. “We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to fight polio and provide safe access to polio vaccination teams across the country,” Abdi said. “We welcome the decrease in the number of polio cases. However, these gains are fragile, and we must continue vaccinating every child to end this crippling and fatal disease for good.” Earlier, arriving in Afghanistan amid an escalating health and nutrition crisis for children, Abdi visited the Indira Gandhi Children’s hospital in Kabul alongside UNICEF Regional Director George Laryea-Adjei and UNICEF Afghanistan Representative Hervé Ludovic de Lys. In the nutrition ward, he met dozens of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition. Without immediate action, an estimated 1 million children in Afghanistan are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2021 and could die. Severe outbreaks of measles and acute watery diarrhoea have further exacerbated the situation, putting more children at risk. During his meetings with the de facto authorities in Kabul, Abdi highlighted children’s need to access basic health care, immunization, nutrition, water and sanitation, and child protection services. He called for polio, measles and COVID immunization campaigns to resume immediately to help protect children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Abdi also stressed the critical importance of ensuring all boys and girls are allowed to continue their education at all levels and participate meaningfully in building the future of their country. “UNICEF will continue to press for the rights of every girl, boy and woman in Afghanistan. Our objective is to see an Afghanistan where every girl and every boy are in school, have quality health care, and are protected from all forms of violence,” Abdi said. “The de facto authorities, UN member states, donors and humanitarian organizations must act together immediately to prevent the humanitarian crisis from deteriorating further, in the interest of children’s survival in Afghanistan.” XXX About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.