Despite all the progress made every day to improve the world, only the bad news seems to make the headlines. Impact Stories of International Geneva showcases the solutions, positive results and heart-warming stories, offering a window into the positive impact International Geneva has on everybody's lives.
Traditional birth attendants in Nigeria: “Without them, we would be doomed!”
In a country where there aren’t many midwives or health facilities, many women in Nigeria learn to become traditional birth attendants. They are neither health workers, nor midwives. The skills and knowledge they learn are passed down from woman to woman over generations. Now, with the support of ICRC, birth attendants are able to attend training sessions to reinforce the expertise they can offer to pregnant women.
IOM launches USD 17 million plan to help countries address the Coronavirus outbreak
The International Organization for Migration has launched a USD 17 million strategic plan to support countries in preparing and responding to the new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. With more than 430 offices and about 14,000 staff across the world – including thousands working specifically on health and community engagement - IOM is uniquely placed to provide support in international public health emergencies. Read more to see what the plan covers.
Reducing the carbon footprint made by the building sector with a new international standard
Did you know that the building sector contributes 40% of global CO2 emissions? ISO’s new standard helps building owners, architects, engineers and other involved parties, improve the sustainability of this sector and reduce the resources it uses. Read further to find out more.
Fostering entrepreneurial partnerships between women across borders
Empowering women living along contentious parts of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan throughbusiness skills is bringing civilians from both countries together. Through 36 self-help groups, UN Women in Kyrgyzstan worked with more than 200 women along the border, training them on sustainable and green entrepreneurship, efficient natural resource management and gender equality. Read on to find out about the positive results that are helping to improve lives.
Less food waste with the Smart Food Loss Management System
Every year, we lose about 14% of food produced before it is sold. Even more food is wasted at retail and consumer levels. Limiting the amount of food loss will not only lower CO2 emissions, but it can contribute towards feeding the millions of people worldwide who suffer from hunger. At the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, UNECE presented a simple solution: UNECE’s Smart Food Loss Management System. The System aims to make more food available in the supply chain and helps to address the issues that arise with food wastage. To see other benefits, read further.
Destroying Syria’s chemical weapons in record time
In 2014, the Syrian government agreed to declare its chemical weapons and allow the international community to destroy them in an extremely limited amount of time. UNOPS helped mobilize the agreement between the United Nations and Syria and destroyed about 600 tons of chemical materials on the ship MV Cape Ray, thus saving countless lives.
A brighter future for a former bonded labourer in Nepal
Birendra Chaudhary, 28, was born into a community in far-western Nepal that has been trapped in bonded labour for centuries. When he heard about the ILO Bridge project, which offers training to former bonded labourers and their families, his life took a different turn. Today, Birendra is one of 600 young people from his community to have benefitted from this training. Read more about the ILO Bridge project here.
