Good morning. All. Uh, welcome to this, uh, press briefing for
today. Friday the 23rd of August.
Uh, we're going to dive straight in today. I.
I think you will receive the the run of show as it were.
Uh, since we have a number of people connecting remotely,
uh, I would like to begin right away. Uh, with an announcement from U NDP
we have, uh, the assistant Secretary general
and U NDP regional director for Africa
connecting with us from Japan. And she has some words to say about the
Kelle and I hope you can all hear me. Um
uh I really want to thank you for the opportunity to announce
this exciting campaign to all of you called I am Sahel.
Why? I am Sahel. You know, this is a region
that we as U NDP have been working in for years. And,
uh, in recent times, we've had a lot of reflection and consultations around.
Why? We are making little headway in this region despite
enormous investments. And I think one thing came clear to us and it is
the lens through which we look at Sahel has been
through the crisis lens rather than the opportunity lens.
uh, an offer which we call, uh, regeneration of the Sahel. Because we realise
that the world talks about the Sahel without actually seeing
campaign is about a number of things is,
uh, switching this lens with which we look at the, uh the region.
uh, and seeing the people
when we did that, we started to see something different
but, uh, a land full of riches, seeing people full of colour, of creativity,
of culture, of strength, of resilience,
youth, vibrancy, We see talent, innovation.
And we thought, really, if the world were to look at view the Sahel from this lens
and not just put the Sahel
but have Sahelian at the table,
we could do a lot more and have much more impact. So I am Sahel
campaign is introducing the world
to this Sahel to these Sahelian,
uh that they probably have never met
those who are innovators.
Those who are creatives, musicians, fashion designers, uh, film makers,
the researchers, the educators, the
with people who have what it takes to regenerate that region.
bring them to tell their story. Let us invest
rather than diminish that agency, by the way, we portray the region.
So hopefully, after today, you will not be hearing from myself on the Sahel.
But you will see more and more
the faces and hear the voices of the Sahelian as they tell their story
and also share how they intend
the region forward and to invest in its regeneration and U. NDP,
uh, is working with, uh, several partners and actors in the region
to really mobilise around this campaign and tell a different story a
different narrative of the Sahelian because that's what's going to help them,
numerous challenges that are also in that region.
So that's our entry point. That's the the the the I am Sahel
and we are inviting you really to join us
resilient that colourful that,
um, rich heritage, cultural heritage
uh, from its own vulnerabilities.
Uh, we have our colleague,
uh, in Geneva. Uh, with you there who can follow up with, uh,
if you have any follow up questions, uh, they can tell. Tell you more,
it's great to start this briefing on a positive note.
Um, uh, it it's, uh, obviously an upbeat and positive campaign that you're leading
as mentioned. Uh, Sarah Bell is here also,
uh, and available to ask any questions. Please, Go ahead.
I just wanted to ask you why a RE you IN
Japan a RE You also starting to launch this campaign?
And do you have some events to organise there?
go ahead, please. I think you if you're unmuted, go ahead.
I'm actually in Japan for to attend the ministerial
meeting of the uh Tokyo International Conference for Africa's development
Um, and, uh, of course, while we're here,
we will be talking about young people among them Uh, uh,
Sahelian youth as well. Um uh, there will be a big focus on on youth and innovation.
Um, and start ups. Uh, for instance, we also have in the Africa Union, um,
Uh, here, which is, uh uh,
also focusing on that recognition that Africa is very young.
And, uh, investing in that youth,
energy and talent is what's going to really help drive down.
Uh uh, poverty. We have an initiative called Timbuktu,
which happens to, uh, derive from a Sahelian,
uh, where we're looking at from here to Africa's future,
again recognising that rich heritage,
uh, the birthplace of commerce of knowledge, Uh, of of of,
uh, uh, creativity And how that fuels, uh,
young people's motivation to take control of their own destiny.
So while a Japan meeting is not specifically on the Sahel,
we will be exploring some of these themes.
Uh, in the next few days at this meeting.
Thank you very much. Um, let me see if there are any other questions on this.
Um, I'm looking online in the room,
not at present. Like I said, I would like to thank you very much for taking the time.
Uh, Madam Assistant Secretary General, uh, and Sarah Bell is available.
And is your point of contact here in Geneva
for any further information about the IM Sahel campaign?
we're going to move on now to a topic that many of you have been covering
and continue to follow. Uh, the the worrisome situation
in Sudan. We have two guests
who are joining us today from Port Sudan.
the WHO representative in Sudan,
Hamrock, the, uh, UN HCR representative
I. I would give the floor to you to set the scene, please. Over to you?
Yeah. Thank you very much.
Um, good morning, ladies and gentlemen from Port Sudan.
so I'm happy to be here with my colleague Christine
from UN HCR to have a brief in a joint,
a brief in WH UN HCR about the cholera situation in, um in Sudan.
So let me start with giving you a few figures.
Um, as you know, um, the uh, the first wave of the cholera, um,
with, uh, more than 11,300 cases and over 300 deaths.
And now we are witnessing a second wave of cholera. That was,
um, declared on the 12th of August.
Officially, the first case was reported on the 22nd of July,
and it was officially declared 8.
So, um, until now, uh, until yesterday the 22nd of August.
We've, um, reported 658 cases with 28 deaths.
This give us, uh, a case fertility ratio of, uh, 4.3% which is quite high.
Um, comparing to, uh, other settings. This is due, of course, to, uh,
including the broken health system and the capacity to respond.
um, of course, uh, WHO with its partners are working to address the cholera,
Um, in many ways, the first one is to address the causes like the water,
As you know, cholera is a waterborne disease, and, um, to be able to address it,
we need to address the wash system.
I have good news Is that after we used the
51,000 doses of vaccines and we rolled out the,
that's concluded, uh, yesterday.
Now, uh, we had, uh, an approval from the IC G.
Uh, the, um, the International Coordinating Group for vaccine allocation.
We had the, uh, approval of additional 450
5000 doses. That will be, uh, uh, brought into the country and to be used,
um, to, uh to, uh, address the cholera, Uh, the cholera issue.
In addition to that, of course, we are working on the early warning and alert system.
Um, the treatment, the cholera treatment centre,
stabilisation centres and rehydration
Now, I want also to, uh, put all this in a context
um, Sudan is facing so many outbreaks. In addition to cholera, we have measles,
um, dengue fever, malaria, sus
So all this, um, this, um, outbreaks has to be addressed,
and here I want also to call the international community for the support to roll, uh,
antigen campaigns in many places and now we are planning
antigen campaign in the, uh, in the
And also, um, we need to, um, to strengthen our early and warning system
to make sure that we don't have, uh, other outbreaks in in the coming period.
And here, uh, to conclude
to highlight again that we are now in August.
The, um, humanitarian appeal is funded 30% the same for the health sector.
And this is really worrying. Um, if we want to, uh, address,
uh, the health needs in the country and thank you very much.
Uh, thank you, Doctor. Uh, savani, uh,
agreement. Perhaps we'll we'll hear from, uh, Ms Hambro
next. And then we'll take questions,
uh, from from the floor and online.
No, thank you very much. And good morning. As mentioned by doctor sh
uh, Sudan is facing a new wave of of cholera.
Um, refugee areas have also been affected.
We have seen, uh, quite large numbers of cholera cases in
Casa is an important area for us, most to a large number of refugees
but also internally displaced. So far, we have
100 19 cholera cases in three refugee sites in
Kala, and five refugees have passed away regretfully of the disease.
Um, it doesn't really come as a surprise, as doctors
said, I mean, cholera is is really endemic to Sudan,
but also because of the recent floods, especially in
we have seen a huge increase of of waterborne diseases.
from the UN HCR side, of course,
together with WHO with leading the response and and with other partners,
we are trying to scale up our prevention, our response
community outreach, the cholera treatment centres, assistance being
provided to the Ministry of Health wherever they are available
to make sure that the required capacity is there. But the challenges are huge.
I think as as you know, the situation in Sudan.
Um, we are not. We are not facing a cholera crisis in a in a stable health and and, uh,
environment. We are facing a cholera crisis in a situation where
the health and the wash systems are extremely weak,
where, uh, humanitarians are facing extreme challenges. Uh, not only of, um,
of of of cholera but of other diseases, but also very much of,
uh, the crisis, the conflict that is there that is hampering access. So far,
easily access the populations. But we have to ensure that we,
uh, are extremely alert on the situation in the port
of funds and also in the Darfur,
where we also have seen flood flooding and
where we have large displaced communities as well.
So the work, uh, together with the WHO, the Ministry of Health is ongoing.
But it will require significant investments to make sure that the,
uh, early warning systems are in place,
that we are able to invest in the water sanitation systems.
You can imagine refugee camps. Displaced camps are are are sites where,
uh, people live on top of each other.
They are hugely overcrowded with the movements of of, uh,
Sudanese also and also refugees from Khartoum, from one
All these areas have become hugely overcrowded.
The water systems that were in place do not have the capacity to respond.
That really needs, uh, massive investments.
Um, so it is something that I think we have to address jointly, all agencies,
together with the government, together with all parties making sure that
the agencies NGO S have access to areas that are in need of of support
from the UN HCR side. Of course, we also have an eye across the border.
Uh, we have seen large refugee movements towards, uh, chads towards, uh,
We also have seen towards Ethiopia.
These are also countries, especially, uh, Chad in South Sudan.
We are We are currently facing the same. We are facing floods.
We are facing populations that live in home crowded, uh, sites with very little, uh,
their investments are needed to make sure that
we get the possible disease outbreaks under control,
uh, is is has already alerted us.
I think the funding levels are extremely challenging and will
not allow us to address all the needs both from Sudan
as well as across the border. So this,
It really requires an international effort to make sure
that we can stabilise at least this cholera situation.
I should mention, perhaps also that in addition to
our guests from Port Sudan, we also have, uh, tarik
Olga here in the room for so TR for WHO olga for UN HCR.
Uh, in case there are, uh, questions. I see one from Lisa Schlein, if you don't mind.
Just, uh, uh, saying who your question is addressed to. Go ahead. Lisa.
Uh, yes. Good morning. Actually, I have a question for both of the, uh
Um uh, at first, I'll I'll I'll start with the, uh, WHO.
well, both of you can answer these questions. I suppose I'll just throw them out.
Um, And now are are you getting the, uh,
support that you need from the warring parties
have your vaccine campaign going forth without any kind of interference from them?
you're gonna be able to reach all the people who are likely to be infected with
uh you say that you've only received 30% of the money that you need. How much money?
Uh, do you need What is your appeal?
Uh, how many states currently are affected
by cholera? And are you concerned?
Uh, do you fear that it is likely
and if you don't have the money for
early warning systems and surveillance and so forth
Uh, well, could you really have a huge, uh, cholera outbreak?
um, UN HCR. You say, uh, you need significant investment.
Uh, in terms of money, How much
do you really believe that you're able to generate this kind of money when
there have been so many C campaigns? Uh, for Sudan. And unfortunately,
it has been neglected, and,
uh, the money has not been forthcoming.
create better health for the people?
Um, yeah. And, uh, one last question for you in HCR.
Um are there currently outbreaks of cholera
in the neighbouring countries that you mentioned?
You were talking about cholera inside Sudan, But
what is the situation outside And are there,
uh, measures being taken by the countries there in order to prevent
cholera from spreading? Thank you.
Thank you very much. Lisa. Doctor Sabani.
we'll start with you, then
Thank you very much. Uh, Lisa, for this very, very valid questions.
Um, let me address them one by one. With regards to access your rights.
It's really challenging in the context of Sudan,
uh, to deploy, uh, the technical teams, Uh, but also, to send supplies
and also to access certain areas where we have to, um,
do our surveillance and the response.
the different parties, uh,
mentioned in many fora that they will be facilitating the process.
We had good signs, uh, in during the last period.
And here I want to, uh, welcome the decision of opening the ad
crossing point between Chad and and, uh, and Sudan.
Uh, I hope that this will, uh, be kept open,
to allow us to access the the Darfur,
but also part of the cor of funds, Um, through cross-border operations from chad.
Uh, but also to access other, uh, other areas. That's it.
Even with this goodwill, uh, on the ground, we are still facing some, um some, uh,
obstacles, uh, and some challenges, Uh,
either because there is a miscommunication between the
decision makers and those who are uh,
on the field or because there are other, uh, other issues.
Of course, this is, uh, in addition to other, um, other challenges due to, uh,
floods and the, uh, the quality of the roads.
Um, with regards to funding, Yes, Um, the the overall appeal, um uh, is funded, uh,
Um, now, the health sector is funded to, um,
for, uh, for WHO. We were asking for 85.7 million, uh, 0.6 million.
Uh, and, uh, what we got now is almost the third of what we are. Uh, we need,
um, as you rightly mentioned, if we don't have the money that we need, uh, for sure,
we will not be able to strengthen our
war system, early warning and alert and response system.
And also, we will not be able to respond to all needs.
As I said before, we have cholera. But we have other issues. Other outbreaks.
We have the medical complications of malnutrition, wounded people,
non communicable diseases.
And here I I want to highlight this part which is not really addressed.
Um uh, by, uh, most of, uh, our partners.
Um, so the needs the needs are huge.
Uh, the funding is not up to our expectations. And as I said, we are already in August.
Um, so having only the third of our ask, um,
will not allow us to do what we are supposed to do
now with with regards to the states.
Um, actually, there are five states which are impacted by cholera, namely
River Nile, Um, Kassala and, uh, and Garre
Casalla being the most impacted. Um um
And, uh, as, uh, my, uh, friend and colleague Christine mentioned,
um, casalla is hosting a large,
uh, number of population displaced population and the refugees and this crowded,
This movement of population additional movement of population has put
a burden on the health system from one side.
So the health system is not able to cope with the additional additional, um uh,
influx of refugees and ID PS.
But in addition to that, it puts a big burden on the, uh, on the wash system, the water,
sanitation and hygiene system.
So these two parts make, um, the
the situation more complicated
and, um, in favour of the spread of, uh, of the, uh, cholera.
So again here, uh, I want just to, um,
first to command the great work that is being
done by the front liners and by defence partners.
But also to ask our partners, um, to,
um to work together to be able to address and to contain.
Um this, uh, this outbreak.
I hope I answered all your questions.
Uh, thank you. Over to Christine Hambro.
Uh, we've got a couple more questions
already. Uh, so just if you don't mind
keeping your answers relatively concise thank you. Uh, Ms Hambro
in neighbouring countries.
Uh, so far we have no reported cases in neighbouring countries,
but the surveillance systems are being strengthened together with WHO
to make sure that we, uh,
pick up immediately in case of of of outbreaks on the funding.
It's an extreme challenge and and
I must say that we cannot say that we have been neglected. I think there has.
There have been some, uh,
very steady and generous donor contributions that have been coming in,
and I think we must thank these donors for it.
given us a very, uh, earmarked funding, which is also helpful in this.
But then, of course, the ones that are giving us,
uh, envelopes that we can use, and we can adjust the depending on the requirements.
Those are the ones really that we need.
And And we have some donors that are giving, uh,
that support to us and that help us to respond in
situations like this because, as was mentioned by Doctor
Sigle, I think the needs are
are huge in Sudan, we are talking,
uh, we are talking, uh, people dying of hunger. We have conflict.
We have protection issues. We have displacement on a daily basis.
Uh, the needs are just huge.
And this is just 11 on top of all the other ones that
we somehow have to Reprioritize and make sure that investments are being made.
we keep on, uh, campaigning.
I think what is important for us is to have, uh, discussions like this,
but also that we provide the evidence and with the surveillance mechanisms
and for cholera, but also for other diseases.
But also for other all the other critical issues that we face is
to bring out as much data as much reporting and have conversations with those
Uh, of course, the only the best solution would be for the fighting to stop.
I think that would, uh, help us all, uh,
and that we would have access that people that that people could stabilise
and and And we start their life.
So I think funding is required, but especially,
I think these engagements in in the
negotiations are extremely important when it comes to
and all guys in the room so she can give you the details on the funding.
Thank you very much. Uh, question
online for from Geneva Solutions. Michelle Longo.
Yes. Thank you. Good morning.
Um, my question is to the to both speakers, but also, if if James
could perhaps I think he's,
um, listening in. If he could, perhaps also, um,
provide insight. But, um,
could you give us an update about the aid that has been able to go through the the ad,
um, crossing since it since it opened. And,
um to what extent is this sufficient or insufficient? um uh,
in terms of, uh, of the the speed that it is going through. And,
has already spoken to some of the challenges that
they're facing in terms of the the roads.
But what about, um, the warring parties and how this, uh, you know,
control or or unhindered passage of the A of the humanitarian aid?
How is, uh, that situation? Um uh, being
OK, thank you for the question. We do indeed have, uh, Jens here from
So perhaps we'll we'll give him the floor first.
Excuse me. And thanks for the question. Let me give you
the United Nations and our partners continue to
engage with the Sudanese authorities to ensure that
sustained and scaled up, uh, delivery of supplies into Sudan.
This is crucial to meet people's most urgent needs
at the height of the rainy season, which is also the height of the lean season.
15 trucks that crossed into Sudan from Chad via the Ara
crossing this week were a step in the right direction.
fighting the deepening hunger crisis in Sudan means making
sure that aid trucks can continue to cross there
and secure a steady flow of food, nutrition, water, sanitation,
hygiene and medical emergency supplies for people in more
than a dozen areas at risk of famine.
Some of these supplies are seeds for farmers in Darfur,
and I think this is an important point
because they need to plant before the
Boosting food production in Sudan is one of the
most effective ways to address the overwhelming hunger crisis,
which is only worsening after more than 16 months of conflict.
thank you very much, Jens.
I don't know whether, uh, our guests online have something they want to add
No. If, if not, then we've got I think two more questions. We've got
Kyoto news in that order. And yes, go ahead.
Yes, thank you. So I had a first an initial question to WHO.
Then I follow up to to yen on what you just said
What can you tell us more on, uh, the campaign of vaccinations,
the the for the second wave that you you planned?
Um, if you could tell us, when do you think this campaign will begin?
How many people are targeted? Where are the doses?
And if you think if they are outside Sudan,
if you think that they will enter easily in the country, if you could
give us more information on that
So you mentioned those 15 trucks this week? I think it was Tuesday evening.
Um, if you could, uh, explain why more trucks haven't crossed the ad
crossing. Um, if they're waiting And what are you waiting?
If you could give us more explanation of Of why? It's only 15 so far. Thank you.
Don't you go? Yes. Why don't you go first? Yeah,
thanks. Indeed. There were 15. I believe that there were
that we're trying to to to work through.
Of course, we need the approvals,
but there's also the addition as I mentioned the rainy season.
That's another complication. These are heavy trucks.
They get stuck in mud and so on and so forth.
of course, is to have this
it's almost inevitable in a situation like this that
we will see an initial announcement of Yes,
We need a lot Go in. And then there is
and what is actually feasible. So I think we will see some kind of a start.
Of course, from our point of view, with a
clear intention, because the needs are enormous
to get as much in as fast as possible.
Uh, so with the, uh, on regards to, uh, the vaccination, um, as I mentioned,
the vaccination campaign already started, and we used the 51,000,
uh, doses that were already in the country.
Uh, so the vaccination in casal state concluded yesterday,
Um, So, uh, we were aiming to reach the 97%
of the target population.
Um, Now, the good news, as I mentioned,
is that we got the approval of getting additional 455,000 doses of, uh,
So this is the good news in the middle of this, uh, horrible crisis?
to to get the supplies. I think it will be easier because the the most impacted,
uh, states, um, as already mentioned
kala with, uh, 473 cases and GEV
both of them. They are reachable directly from ports.
So it will be easier to send, um, the, uh,
the vaccines and to continue the vaccination campaign.
Um, if we are able to give one dose, we will have, uh,
a protection of up to six months If we are able to give two doses, uh, per, uh,
have, um, uh a, um, a protection for up to three years.
So this is, um, really a good news that can will help us to contain the outbreak.
But of course, we need also to contain
to continue with the, uh, the other, uh, parts like the, um,
the early warning and alert system.
And to address the wash issues. Uh, water, sanitation and the hygiene issues.
I hope I addressed your question.
Thank you very much for taking my question. Um, it's also for WHO. I would like to know
among these, uh, 455,000 doses. New doses,
um, from, like, they a RE coming from which donor.
And, um can you can you tell US like, uh, which country is helping you the most?
It could be of about, like, donation of vaccines or also about fundings. Thank you.
Yeah. Um, thank you for your question.
Actually, there is this, uh, international co ordination group on vaccine, uh,
allocation, which is kind of, um,
a mechanism where we have pool funds.
Different, Uh, different donors can contribute to that, um, to the vaccines.
Um, And there is a committee that, um, um, agrees on sending or approves uh, the,
uh the allocation of vaccines to different countries.
according to the request and according to the situation,
Uh, so that was approved. Uh, it was approved yesterday.
Um, now, with regards to the donors who are helping here, um,
I don't want to list all of them because I may miss one of them,
but I can tell you that we have range of donors,
um, development, but also humanitarian.
Uh, the good thing is that the development,
they show the certain flexibility to allow us to respond
to the immediate needs while we are building the,
And they want really here to thank, um, all our donors who supported us.
Uh, we noted, um, the interest from many donors during the last period.
We have few things in the pipeline that may help us, uh, to address the needs.
materialise in the, uh, in the, uh, very near future.
Uh, but still, I'm still calling for, uh, for other donors,
either humanitarian or development to continue their support to
WHO and to the health sector in general.
Uh, as I look to see whether there are any more questions, uh,
either in room or in line.
Uh, I want to thank WHO for sending,
Saban's briefing notes. I would invite OH,
OA perhaps to do the same.
Our journalists, um, here, uh, greatly appreciate.
any additional questions. I'd like to thank you very much. All for your time.
And, uh, and both, uh, Tarik and Olga
for their respective agencies.
Um, at this point. Uh, I would like to invite our friends from, uh, the IFRC,
uh, to come up. You know, that They briefed, uh uh on Tuesday on
Ox. And we've got a follow up
to to that briefing today with Gwen
Who is I four C senior officer in for public health emergencies.
I don't know if you want to say a few words to begin or if you want to go straight into it.
thanks very much for having me.
I'd like to begin with the story of
a Red Cross volunteer from Banda
in the Democratic Republic of Congo who I first met during an Ebola outbreak.
Helen didn't always imagine herself as a front line responder.
In fact, she was initially afraid to join the Red Cross.
She knew it mostly through its work with safe and dignified burials in Ebola.
And she feared the danger, the uncertainty and the disease itself.
But reassured by other volunteers, she started to help.
Six years later, the Red Cross is a big part of who she is.
ox epidemic spreads through her community,
Helen is on the front line of the response.
walks through her neighbourhood. Speaking to families about
She reassures them that the disease can be treated
and that misinformation shouldn't stop them from seeking help.
volunteers like Helen are often the first
line of defence again against this epidemic,
and they are the ones who are trusted by their neighbours to not not only offer hope,
um, but information and clear action.
Ele's story is one of countless others across
the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond,
and the IFRC and our networks.
National societies have been preparing for moments like this for many years.
But the scale of this outbreak is testing our limits.
We need more resources and we need them urgently.
This is why we've launched an emergency appeal for 40 million Swiss francs.
The funds raised are critical to helping us scale up our response.
We need to expand things like community based surveillance,
strengthen health promotion efforts and provide psychosocial and material
support to families that are affected by this virus.
We must also ensure that Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers
have the tools they need to continue their life saving work.
The money will be used in countries with active outbreaks like the DRC and Burundi,
as well as to prepare countries in Africa that already have imported
cases or are at risk of importing cases of clade one B.
It will be used to prepare and to respond.
Red Cross and Red Crescent National societies at risk will be
supported to prepare to respond to the current pox epidemic.
Those with active outbreaks will be supported
to deliver targeted interventions to strengthen surveillance,
ox, identify contacts, provide psychosocial and material support to
ox patients and their families,
and to reach high risk populations that often
cannot be be reached through traditional actors.
It's not just about what we need now.
Our response is also about the future,
building long term resilience in communities across Africa.
This includes ensuring access to vaccines and supportive care,
scaling up testing and addressing the ongoing stigma that surrounds this disease.
Ox disproportionately affects the most marginalised and vulnerable,
and the IFRC and its members with 4 million community volunteers across Africa,
are uniquely positioned to help.
However, we can't do this alone.
We need international solidarity and support
the 40 million Swiss francs that we're asking for will go towards
immediate life saving activities and laying
the groundwork for long term recovery.
Overall, it will aim to assist 30 million people.
We are committed to working alongside governments,
partners and local communities to ensure that
the most vulnerable are not left behind.
In the response to this epidemic,
people like our volunteer
Helen Mula are on the front line.
But anyone who who contributes to our appeal can help.
And we're asking you today to help let people know about it. Thanks.
Thank you very much. The floor is open for questions for, uh, Gwen, if
I don't think so at the moment. So I would like to thank you. Perhaps if you stay around
for a little while and see if uh perhaps the
people will want to speak to you after the briefing.
You have something to add
Just to add that we will also share a press release on our emergency appeal
by I think lunchtime and you will have it in your email box by lunchtime.
Thank you very much. Both,
uh, let me Let's move on. Uh, to, um
um to WMO. Uh, Claire Nois
is online, and she has an important announcement for us. Claire, over to you.
yes. Sorry. Sorry. I have a question.
So I'm sorry to interrupt you. I see a question from the floor. Who is it for?
um All right, let's take that quickly. Tarik, if you're still with us,
Is he here? Yes, he's there.
difference in transmission between
you stressed. Also, spread
cases is easier to control.
about the virus around the world.
Uh, my question is, do you see any reason to,
uh, to be concerned about, uh uh, virus? Thank you.
Um, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Mohammed.
Uh, there is, uh there is obviously a reason to be concerned.
And this is why WHO has declared this surge
Fox as global health emergency.
So, uh, so there is a There is a clearly a concern that this, uh,
virus and this new plate of the virus that is spreading, uh uh, fast, uh, could,
uh uh affect more and more people.
And this is why the urgent action is needed. Uh, indeed, what we know about
Amox is that is being transmitted
to a close, uh, skin to skin contact. But again, there is a new plate.
We have to understand better the transmission mode.
We need really to be on alert for new cases.
We need to understand the evolution of the virus.
So So the the the message is that we are concerned that this is
something that countries should be ready to address if it comes to their territory.
we know that basic public health measures like making sure
to know where the virus is who is infected.
Making sure that the person who is infected does not infect someone else
can break the transmission chains.
Uh, thank you very much, Tariq. Mohammed, if that answers your question, we
should absolutely all be concerned about
with the state of the global climate, which
Claire nli is gonna talk to us about.
yes. Uh, it's actually not the state of the global climate.
It's the state of the climate in the Southwest Pacific,
which is actually a pretty considerable considerable part of the the globe.
Um, the World Meteorological Organisation Um, Secretary General Celeste
is today travelling to the Southwest Pacific Islands Forum
where she will join uh, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Um, at the at the weekend
the World Meteorological Organisation
we'll be releasing the state of the climate in the
Southwest Pacific 2023 report at a press conference with Mr
Guterres in the capital of Tonga during uh, during the forum,
Um, there will be a sort of heavy emphasis at the launch on
sea level rise on ocean heat content on sea surface temperatures.
Um, because obviously, you know,
these are what are having an increasingly
devastating impact on the Pacific islands.
we will send you the press release
and, uh, embargoed material. Hopefully, later today.
The embargo is for 11 a.m.
Tonga time on Tuesday the 27th, which, um,
which is sort of midnight.
Uh, Geneva Time on, uh well, midnight, Uh, you know, monday slash Tuesday. Tuesday.
Um, so we will send you that under embargo. I understand that. Um,
information note to Cor correspondence
about Mr Guterres and about a background briefing. Um, which will be given,
um, ahead of time by the, um
by Mr Selwin Hart. So if you need
more details on that, please, uh, please, please ask, uh, Mile,
certainly from, you know, from our perspective, Celeste
slo will be joining Mr Garrett Guterres at the press conference.
in addition to launching the state of the climate in the Southwest Pacific report,
having quite a few activities connected with the early warnings for all campaign.
Pacific islands are on the front line of climate change.
They are extremely vulnerable to
impacts related to to sea level rise. Um, storm surge, flooding.
Um, and early warnings literally are a lifeline lifeline.
They they make a difference between life and death. So, um,
slo will be, you know, engaging in a number of activities.
Um, with local institutions in Tonga, um,
you know, to highlight the need and the efficacy of early warnings.
Yes, Thank you, Claire. Um,
so at risk of repeating some of the information,
let me just, uh, give you some some, uh, background and, uh, some,
uh, so also so that you can those who who want
and those who are interested can connect at 3 p.m. Geneva time
today to the background briefing. So, as you know,
the Secretary General is currently visiting Samoa and then the Kingdom of Tonga,
where he will participate in the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting.
He will make various site visits to engage
with local communities and civil society representatives,
where he will emphasise the impacts of sea level rise in the region and beyond.
Uh so there will be this press conference
with the World Meteorological Organisation in Tonga.
It's Tuesday 27th 11 a.m.
the UN secretary general is going to
highlight the present day impacts and future projections
of sea level rise, including co coastal coastal flooding
at the global and regional level,
including for major coastal cities in the G 20
Pacific Small Island developing states.
There's a technical brief providing a summary of
the latest science on sea level rise.
It's going to be published on the UN Climate Action site at
the time of the press conference and ahead of this press conference,
interested accredited journalists are invited to
join a background briefing with UN Assistant
Secretary General Selwyn Hart,
the Secretary General's Special advisor on Climate Action.
This is today 3 p.m. Geneva time, and, uh, you need to RSVP
to Martina Donlin. That's Donlon at un.org. There's a link that I think
that was sent to you in the email that you received.
Um, I've got, uh I've got a number of, um
other announcements to make important ones. Which, uh, unless there are questions
I don't see any Claire, if you don't mind,
Perhaps you stay connected for a little while,
uh, in case something comes up.
the permanent mission of Switzerland
is organising a stakeout. That's behind room 20.
Uh, it's at noon 12 noon on Monday.
we have the the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland,
and the Minister of Foreign Affairs
and International Corporation of Sierra Leone,
you know, speaking to the press following the visit of UN Security Council members
to the United nations in Geneva. So there's a There's a special visit of UN
Security Council members in Geneva.
it's connected with the, um,
that will be held in room 18, to which you're also welcome at 1030.
Uh, and it's on the importance of the Geneva Conventions.
So this is something that is organised by, uh, the host country Switzerland,
of course, as members of the Security Council and by Sierra Leone,
who currently have the presidency
of the Security Council. So you're you're all invited.
The, uh, accredited journalists
have access to, um to room 18, as they would for any
Tuesday, the 27th of August.
press conference hosted by YO
for their launch of science and technology clusters.
pre release excerpt from the Global Innovation index, 2024
The Director general of W A
will be there, Darren Tang,
as will the chief economist,
also on Tuesday. So that's at 8. 15
early wake up for for journalists. And
it's the office of the UN, secretary general's envoy for technology.
And it's about the global artificial intelligence governance recommendations
the the, uh, secretary general's high level advisory body.
the speakers they will include, uh, the, uh uh Carme
former Secretary of State for digitalization
and Artificial Intelligence of Spain,
Karim, member of the Shura
Council of the Saudi Parliament,
there's a meetings update as well.
Uh, for today, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
is going to conclude its 100 and 13th session today at 4 p.m.
and issue its concluding observations.
you've got the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that is today
reviewing the report of Denmark.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child is
going to open next Monday morning at 10 a.m.
Uh, and we review the reports of Bahrain, Turkmenistan, Mexico, Argentina,
Uh, until the fifth of September,
Um, and the next state of the public plenary meeting of the Conference
on Disarmament will be announced
yes, it It's a question of, uh, one of the events.
You you mentioned the one concerning the global
A i governance recommendations
by this, uh, advisory body. Um, I understand that,
I don't know this body, but I I understand they are based in New York, if that's right.
what can you tell us about those recommendations?
Are they going to be published here in Geneva?
Should we expect a report, or was it already published
before? And they would present it as well in Geneva if you could give us indications
of that. Look, I, I don't have a lot of information about that.
And and, you know, obviously the press conference,
I think will be a chance for you to ask those questions
as I understand it. Yes, the work is being done out of New York. It's a global body.
So I imagine people are also working remotely.
I don't know that there's going to be launch in Geneva necessarily. But they
you know, a number of people will be here in Geneva,
Uh, on on, uh, next week.
So it's a good opportunity for you to to uh, to talk to them
and to ask those questions. And if I find out more
in the meanwhile, I'll I'll be sure to let you know.
Thank you very much. If there are no further questions, then
and, uh, have a great afternoon and weekend.
