Welcome to the United Nations
UN DESA Voice is an insider's look at the United Nations in the area of economic, social and sustainable development policy. It is produced by the Strategic Planning and Communications Services of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs with articles written by UN DESA staff. This is an electronic publication - no printed edition is generated.
The current edition
July 2025
“The multilateral system is the best we've got. There is no other system that can help us to deal with our global problems,” says Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations. As the international community is getting ready to convene for the 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development this month, Ambassador Rae stresses the opportunities for multilateral action.
2025
“The multilateral system is the best we've got. There is no other system that can help us to deal with our global problems,” says Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations. As the international community is getting ready to convene for the 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development this month, Ambassador Rae stresses the opportunities for multilateral action.
This year, UN DESA is leading milestone events aimed at advancing sustainable development for all. Many of them are lining up this month, bringing together the international community to focus on promoting a healthy ocean, our digital future and unlocking financing to deliver the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Only a few weeks into her position, UN DESA’s new Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, met with UN DESA Voice for a one-on-one interview. Bringing over 26 years of experience from working within the area of policymaking and international development, we spoke about her background, her passion for international solidarity, her new role, and the difference that international development makes for people around the world.
“We have witnessed how youth can mobilize global action,” said UN DESA’s Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua, stressing the importance of young people’s involvement in shaping a future that is more inclusive, peaceful, sustainable and fair. “Young people [are] showing up, contributing their skills, expertise, ideas and energy to solve the pressing challenges we are facing today so that future generations are better off,” Mr. Li said.
“Data are critically important for everyone,” says Stefan Schweinfest, Director of UN DESA’s Statistics Division. “All the decisions that you take in your life, you're basing them on data,” he stressed, as we spoke on the important work of the UN Statistical Commission. On 4-7 March 2025, some 600 statisticians from across the world will come together at UN Headquarters in New York to ensure better data, better lives.
30 years ago, world leaders united around a groundbreaking commitment to put people at the centre of development. At the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, they pledged to eradicate poverty, promote social integration, and achieve full and productive employment for all.
While we’ve just counted down to a new year, another clock continues to tick: for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025 - the 80th anniversary of the United Nations - UN DESA will continue accelerating progress by bringing the international community together, by building capacity on the ground and by providing essential data through our flagship publications. Here are some milestone moments to follow in 2025: