Melissa Fleming

Time is running out to avert climate catastrophe.

We only have one planet, one home.

Let’s protect it - for all of our sake.

53 migrants die in latest shipwreck tragedy off Libya coast Fifty-three migrants including two babies are dead or missing after a large rubber dinghy capsized off the coast of Libya, the UN migration agency said on Monday.

Another tragedy of the desperate:

At least 53 migrants and refugees – including two babies – are dead or missing after a large rubber dinghy capsized off the coast of Libya.

No person fleeing conflict, persecution, or hunger should have to die trying to reach safety.
news.un.org/en/story/202...

‘Deepfake abuse is abuse,’ UNICEF warns New evidence reveals a proliferation of sexualised images of youngsters generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and a dearth of laws to stop it, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Wednesday.

AI-generated sexualised images, videos or audio of children are child sexual abuse material. Even without an identifiable victim, it normalises the sexual exploitation of children.

UNICEF calls urgent action to prevent and protect children from this escalating threat.

news.un.org/en/story/202...

There is an alarming rapid rise in the volume of AI-generated sexualised images circulating, including cases where photographs of children have been manipulated and sexualised.

Deepfake abuse is abuse, and its harm is real.

#Iran:

#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use against protesters.

“I urge the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.”

www.un.org/sg/en/conten...

#UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres regrets U.S. decision to withdraw from a number of UN entities.

“The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.
We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”

news.un.org/en/story/202...

Amid #Venezuela’s political upheaval, the UN mission remains constant:

🔹 keep humanitarian lifelines open

🔹 defend human rights

🔹 support Venezuelans at home and across the region.

news.un.org/en/story/202...

The #UnitedNations Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in #Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.

www.un.org/sg/en/conten...

As many of us are gathering with loved ones for the holiday season, my thoughts are with the millions of children living in and fleeing conflict zones.

No child should ever experience violence anywhere, anytime.

The urgency for action has never been greater.

Today, as we mark #HumanRightsDay, I think of those whose rights are being limited, violated and denied every day.

We cannot stay silent. We cannot afford any setbacks.

Human rights are non-negotiable.

They belong to each and every one of us.

I was so sad to hear that Porter Andersen has died.

Porter was a sharp observer of the publishing industry, recognizing both the responsibilities and the power that publishers carry.

His voice will be truly missed, and we will proudly continue the important conversations that he inspired.

Today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and every day, let’s unite to stop digital abuse.

As cyberstalking, gendered disinformation, and AI-driven deepfakes escalate, 1.8 billion women and girls chave no access to legal protection from digital abuse.

Adolescent girls face some of the greatest risks.

Stop digital abuse.
They need support, accountability, safety.

Their leadership shows that change begins with young people who dare to act — and their impact is lighting the path forward.

On Wednesday, at UN Headquarters in Geneva, I had the pleasure to meet this year’s Young Activist Summit laureates — Salvino, Rena, Dev, Aminata, and Marina.

These remarkable young changemakers are showing us all that a better world is already taking shape.

The senseless #Sudan war has created the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis. Egypt has become the largest refuge for those escaping.

I met refugees at UNHCR Egypt. Safe here, but still shaken with trauma, broken dreams & new worries.

Impressed how UNHCR registers & supports them.

As we celebrate UN Day and our 80th anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to one of the most ambitious undertakings in human history:

The decision - despite our differences - to solve problems together.

To work sincerely, creatively & humbly.

For a better future for all.

And by ten votes to one, judges also held that Israel “has an obligation” to cooperate in good faith with the United Nations, “providing every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,” including, UNRWA.

The court called on Israel to also “respect and protect” all aid workers, medical personnel and facilities.

Israel is obliged to let aid flow into Occupied Palestinian Territory, says World Court The International Court of Justice (ICJ) says that Israel must uphold its responsibilities as the “occupying power” by ensuring aid can flow freely and by respecting the rights of the UN and other hum...

The International Justice Court delivered an Advisory Opinion concluding that Israel is required to:
"ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.”

Very happy to be invited to speak at the
Publish Her Lounge at the @buchmesse.de on Women in Executive Leadership with a panel of incredible women!

We will discuss what true influence looks like, in publishing & beyond.

October 16th, 10 am CEST: womeninpublishing.org/events/frank...

With such dire injuries, medical evacuation is for many their only hope.

We need many more countries to accept patients.

news.un.org/en/story/202...

Gaza’s health system is near collapse and is struggling to treat the nearly 42,000 people with life-changing war injuries.

This includes 10,000 kids.

The @who.int is appealing to bring in more medical supplies and assistive devices.

The 80th session of #UNGA is about to start at United Nations Headquarters in New York!

Tune in and watch the live on UN Web TV: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n...

It is such an honor to be working under his extraordinary leadership as our organization works to tackle the pressing challenges facing humanity today.

Stay tuned for the interview!

“The world is only one, and what happens in any part of the world will have an effect in our own lives. Our house is our world, and the problems anywhere in the world are our problems,” he told me during our conversation.

As we gear up for the #UNGA, I got to interview my boss - UN Secretary-General António Guterres on what he expects from world leaders here - in “our house”, at UN Headquarters in New York, next week.

We will provide access to over 3000 media professionals and facilitate the participation of more than 1000 civil society representatives.

Watch this space for all our #UNGA coverage!

I am so proud of my fantastic UN Department of Global Communications team for all their hard work ahead of the the General Assembly.

As world leaders and change makers gather here in New York, we will be streaming, photographing, live blogging, interviewing, posting and hosting events and panels.

Looking forward to support President Annalena Baerbock as she leads the Assembly in addressing the world's most pressing challenges - working together for peace, development and human rights.