This article was originally published by UNSDG on their website.

In 2025, mental health has become the silent signal of our societies. A quiet battleground playing out in the privacy of our phones, our homes, our schools and our communities. The weight of a world upended by crises and climate change, along with instabilities and uncertainties, can sometimes prove too heavy to carry.Yet, this same signal is now turning into a siren- a rallying call across generations to forge stronger bonds and overcome polarisation, to build empathy for the other and to ensure that our collective struggles are met with the right solutions.Every year, World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a powerful reminder that inclusive and sustainable human development cannot be realised without mental health and well-being. Across the world, countries are making strides, recognising this as a right, not just a privilege. The UN has been steadily working alongside governments, civil society, youth leaders, academia and the private sector to lead these efforts.Youth leading the way for communitiesIn Palau, 18-year-old Dee-Raya Antonio is showing the power of youth advocacy. Once silenced by stigma, she now calls openly for conversations on mental health in schools and communities: “Mental health must be led by youth conversations. We need to speak, to share, to listen.” Her voice echoes a growing global movement of young leaders demanding safe, inclusive care for all. In countries across the Pacific like Palau and Kiribati, UN entities like WHO and UNICEF are rolling out mental health interventions, opening space for dialogue and training professionals to support young people in communities.Caption: Dee-Raya Antonio is now a leader in her community, sharing the importance of caring for one's mental health and well-being.Photo: © Dee-Raya Antonio
In Botswana, peer-led teen clubs are transforming lives. Adolescent youth living with HIV are finding strength in safe spaces where they can talk openly and receive support, thanks to a youth network backed by UNICEF.  
 
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in the Caribbean also received a significant boost in the last year through an innovative partnership bringing together the UN, the University of the West Indies and Let’s Unpack It, a youth-led advocacy organization. The UNICEF-led partnership has launched youngcaribbeanminds.com, the region's first online youth mental health hub, providing over 100,000 users throughout the Caribbean with access to vital resources. This year, 42 children and youth from 23 countries co-authored a mental health workbook designed to support the mental health of young people in relation to climate change, natural hazards and child protection.  In Barbados, PAHO/WHO supported with Comprehensive School Mental Health Literacy Training and introduced the Lifeline Barbados Hotline to offer immediate crisis support. Additionally, technical expertise was provided to guide a multisectoral review and update of the national mental health framework, covering legislation, policies, and services, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to enhancing mental health and social protection systems.Caption: A boardgame developed under Young Caribbean Minds that acts as a resource to build skills and coping strategies for mental well-being.Photo: © Young Caribbean Minds Scaling up care in times of crisisCrises, whether natural disasters or conflict, often leave invisible scars. After the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, UN support provided care sessions and helped train staff at the Ministry of Family and Social Services and deliver community-based psychosocial services to those affected, including those living with mental disabilities, ensuring no one was left behind in the recovery. 
  
In Bangladesh, a UNFPA-supported helpline called “Alapon” is bringing mental health and reproductive health counselling to young people, particularly Rohingya youth in refugee camps. Staffed by trained counsellors, the service operates seven days a week, supporting callers on a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, puberty-related concerns, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health. In 2025 alone, the helpline responded to more than 13,000 calls, including over 2,000 from boys and over 11,000 from girls, highlighting the growing trust adolescents and youth have in the service.Building stronger systems for mental health This kind of lasting change is moving beyond just services towards building strong national systems.  In Thailand, mental health services are now integrated into universal health coverage, bringing support directly into primary care and across a range of different services. Mental health is a national priority, as evidenced by the Cabinet’s resolution to commemorate the month of May as a “Mind month”. The country is working with UN agencies to bolster its capacity in the promotion of mental health and well-being, early detection of issues and crisis intervention. New digital tools, such as the WHO “Step-by-Step” program for at-risk mental health and the “Doing What Matters” self-help mental health promotion program, are integrated into the digital mental health platform available nationwide, potentially reaching 80 per cent of the Thai population with Internet access. Under the “WHO LIVE LIFE package”, a nationwide survey involving over 7,000 at-risk people and over 11,000 caregivers and relatives was conducted for an evidence-based national action plan on suicide. Moreover, the suicide surveillance system was strengthened, students in high-risk schools have received life skills training, first responders under the HOPE (Helpers Of Psychiatric Emergency) Taskforce have been trained, and media professionals were actively engaged to ensure responsible reporting on suicide using the developed guidelines.. In addition, UNICEF supported the development of a national action plan for children and adolescents. This framework brings together multiple sectors to prevent, promote, and respond to mental health challenges. In 2024 alone, UNICEF and partners trained 1,000 service providers across four provinces and screened 146,000 children for mental health illness.Caption: Engaging teachers and students to demonstrate practical ways to build conducive environments to encourage self-positivity and create safe spaces in Thai schools.Photo: © UNICEF Thailand/2023/Preechapanich Why this mattersMental health has direct impacts on education, employment and equality, yet for far too long, persistent stigma and poor services have made progress difficult. Now, the reality is clear: investing in mental health is investing in resilient societies.Bringing this closer to home, the UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Lestehas been spearheading a dedicated effort to prioritise staff well-being and mental health within the UN. By building skills and creating safe spaces, the Resident Coordinator’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping everyday dynamics and behaviours, as well as larger organizational policies, even through tumultuous times.Caption: UN Staff in Timor-Leste working together to identify strategies to manage staff well-being together.Photo: © UN Timor-LesteWhen it comes to mental health, we all have a role to play. Speak up, listen with empathy, and make sure every voice is heard. Keeping mental health at the heart of health and development means treating it and funding it as a true priority. Together, we can break the silence and build a world where mental well-being is not a privilege, but a right for all.     

This article was originally published by UNDP in their website. 

 In the Pacific, biodiversity is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. It feeds us, protects us, defines us. But safeguarding it requires more than policy declarations, it demands financing strategies that work for people and nature alike. That was the driving force behind the BIOFIN Pacific Inception Workshop, held from 7–10 July 2025 in Pacific Harbour, Fiji.Bringing together government officials from 15 Pacific Island Countries and Territories, the workshop officially launched the regional implementation of the GEF-8 funded Pacific BIOFIN Umbrella Programme, a landmark step toward designing and resourcing National Biodiversity Finance Plans that are actionable, inclusive, and grounded in country realities. The tone for the workshop was set from the outset.As Permanent Secretary for Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael stated:“Biodiversity is not a luxury. It is the foundation of our economies, our food systems, our resilience, and our identity. If we fail to finance it properly, we are not just failing nature—we are failing ourselves.”From UNDP, Deputy Resident Representative Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov echoed this urgency:“This is not just a workshop, but this is the start of a new chapter for the Pacific. With BIOFIN, we are working together to unlock financing that reflects the true value of biodiversity. It is about bridging the gap between environmental protection and sustainable development.”From Global Goals to Local ActionThe workshop provided a hands-on learning space to demystify the BIOFIN methodology, explore the climate-finance-nature nexus, and develop first-year workplans tailored to each country’s priorities.  It was jointly facilitated by technical experts from the UNDP BIOFIN Global Initiative, the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office, and the UNDP PNG Country Office, reflecting a whole-of-region approach to biodiversity finance.Participants engaged in practical sessions on Policy and Institutional Reviews, Biodiversity Expenditure Reviews, and Finance Needs Assessments and Biodiversity Finance Plan which allare all key pillars in unlocking and sustaining biodiversity finance.A consistent thread emerged: Pacific countries are ready to lead.“BIOFIN challenges us to think beyond frameworks, to make biodiversity finance real, practical, and inclusive for our communities”, said Kiribati’s Director of Environment and Conservation, Nenenteiti Ruatu.On Day 3, participants traveled to Naidiri Marine Park in Nadroga which a shining example of community-led conservation. Guided by local leaders, the visit offered more than just scenery, but it reminded delegates that finance must flow to where stewardship already exists. Protecting biodiversity is not only about preserving species, but also about supporting the communities that rely on it daily.“Seeing how communities, like Naidiri Village finance their own biodiversity initiatives was eye-opening. It’s something we can take back and build into our national systems.”— Julia Marango, Project Development Officer, Ministry of Climate Change, VanuatuThis message echoed strongly in discussions: finance mechanisms must be people-centered, flexible, and rooted in the Pacific’s customary governance systems.Financing the Future, TogetherThe BIOFIN Pacific Programme is made possible through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and co-financing from the European Union, Flanders State of the Art, and the Governments of Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Their partnership signals strong trust in Pacific leadership and a commitment to close the biodiversity finance gap.“Biodiversity must be a government priority. We need clear plans, strong focal points, and resources that reach our communities.” 
— Simione Tokai, Principal Economist, Ministry of Finance, Tonga“We face unique financing challenges on remote islands. BIOFIN helps us identify our gaps and work together to close them.” 
— Rosalind Yatilman, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency, FSMA Preliminary report from the workshop revealed that while 71 percent of participants felt reasonably confident in leading biodiversity finance planning, many requested further technical support. Key concerns included institutional fragmentation, capacity gaps, and timeline misalignment with national planning cycles.However, the energy in the room and on the reef, pointed to a region rising to meet the challenge.Pacific Values, Global VisionThe Pacific BIOFIN workshop reaffirmed that financing biodiversity is not only a scientific or economic task, but also a cultural and moral one. Participants repeatedly emphasized that framing matters (“tied to livelihoods, not losses”), language matters (“simple, contextual, clear”), and above all, leadership matters — not just from ministries, but from local champions and communities.As countries start developing their Biodiversity Finance Plans (BFPs), many are aligning these plans with their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), particularly Targets 15, 16, 18, and 19. They are also integrating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national budget frameworks to ensure that biodiversity is mainstreamed into broader development agendas.The workshop was also a reminder that real transformation happens beyond the venue.  As Professor Andrew Seidl, Senior Technical Advisor for the UNDP BIOFIN Initiative, shared:“It’s a very exciting time for BIOFIN in the Pacific. Once folks go home and recharge, the real work begins — rolling up sleeves, finishing the stakeholder maps, completing the assessments, and connecting BIOFIN to other regional efforts.The Pacific faces unique challenges, but these are also opportunities. Any solution for biodiversity finance here must also address climate adaptation, gender equity, and the stewardship roles of coastal communities. BIOFIN can offer a new platform and a new way of thinking — but it must be done by people on the ground.” Building on this, Merewalesi Laveti, Team Leader (a.i) for Resilience and Climate Change at UNDP Pacific, reinforced the importance of country ownership:“This workshop was just the beginning. What matters now is how we turn shared learning into lasting action. The Pacific is not starting from scratch — we have deep knowledge, strong partnerships, and communities already leading the way. BIOFIN gives us the tools to bring it all together, to design finance solutions that are grounded, inclusive, and built for impact.”What Comes NextThe workshop concluded with country teams drafting their initial plans, joining a new Pacific BIOFIN Community of Practice, and committing to regular peer learning. The momentum now shifts to national implementation: embedding BIOFIN tools in government systems, engaging stakeholders across sectors, and developing finance solutions, from community trust funds to green and blue bonds.This work also gains renewed legal and moral weight in light of the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change. The ICJ reaffirmed that states have clear obligations under international law to protect ecosystems, prevent environmental harm, and safeguard the rights of present and future generations.  For Pacific Island Countries, which are at the frontline of both biodiversity loss and climate impacts, this opinion underscores the urgency of financing nature as a cornerstone of climate justice. For further enquiries, please contact:Risiate Biudole, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, risiate.biudole@undp.org

This story was originally published by UNDP Pacific on their website.

A local artisan from the atoll of Kapingamarangi in the Pohrakiet Village in Pohnpei, Maylin pulls the delicate strands of pandanus leaf through her fingers, tightening the weave with practised ease. Nearby, Rosemina sits on a wooden stool, trimming the edges of a woven necklace. At her feet, a tangle of cassette tape ribbon glints in the sunlight, carefully repurposed and woven into the intricate design, adding both strength and sheen.“This business was passed on to us by our grandparents,” she says. “We weave because there are limited opportunities for us to work in the city.”In the Pacific, accessories are not simply adornments. They are declarations. Each piece, whether a woven garland, shell necklace, or floral earpicks, carries deep cultural meaning. They mark milestones, convey respect, and celebrate belonging. To wear one is to be seen, recognised, and connected. And to make one is to keep a heritage alive.These traditions, passed down through generations, form the foundation of identity for many women in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). But beyond symbolism, they also carry the quiet potential of economic empowerment, especially for outer island communities who rarely find formal employment given the scarce opportunities. Here, craftsmanship is not just culture, it’s currency.Across FSM, women-led microenterprises form the quiet backbone of local economies. These businesses are often informal, low-capital, and deeply rooted in cultural practice. Woven crafts, shell ornaments, and coconut-based products carry not only commercial value, but intergenerational knowledge. They are symbols of dignity and continuity. But they are also vulnerable, lacking formal support, market access, and the tools needed to grow or adapt.Many of these artisans do not identify as entrepreneurs. They are mothers, aunties, and elders who see their work as a family tradition, not a business strategy. But as the climate shifts and traditional livelihoods are disrupted, these crafts have become both creative expression and survival mechanism. The pandemic has only accelerated this need, with local tourism and external markets shrinking, forcing a reimagining of value chains.Recognising this, UNDP Pacific Office in the FSM has been working with local cooperatives and community organisations to support women’s livelihoods through advocacy and storytelling. Last year, women artisans from Kapingamarangi collaborated with UNDP to co-design a collection of handmade accessories, crafted from pandanus, recycled cassette tape, and traditional motifs. These pieces aren’t just decorative; they serve as cultural ambassadors. The idea is to use them as thoughtful tokens during missions and events, offering something tangible that reflects the unique identity of each Pacific Island and celebrates local craftsmanship.Yet the potential goes far beyond small commissions or booths at cultural fairs.If supported with the right mix of investment and policy, these microenterprises can become engines of inclusive growth. They just need bridges, between tradition and innovation, between island markets and global platforms, between sustainability and scale.For starters, reliable access to raw materials. Climate change has made pandanus trees more vulnerable, while imported weaving supplies are often too expensive. Logistics and transport remain a challenge in reaching new markets, especially from remote outer islands. There’s also a gap in digital skills. Many women lack the tools to sell online or navigate e-commerce platforms. And while their products are eco-conscious, the story of their sustainability is not always packaged in a way that speaks to environmentally driven consumers. What these businesses need is not just funding, but systems: consistent supply chains and market platforms, legal and technical advice, financing options, mentorship, and community-based incubation hubs. This is where development partners, governments, and private sector actors can come in, not to extract value, but to unlock it.Because here’s the truth: when you invest in a woman’s business in FSM, you’re investing in a classroom, a clinic, a future scholarship. You’re investing in cultural preservation, in climate resilience, in community cohesion. You’re investing in a model of growth that doesn’t erase identity but uplifts it.In the skilled hands of women across the islands, every weave tells a story: of heritage, survival, and quiet resistance.This Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (MSME) Day, we celebrate not just small businesses, but the big stories they carry.

This story was originally posted by UNICEF Pacific on their website.

She often paused during her speech, filled with emotions and fighting back tears but looking straight at the audience to deliver her own story.Ketia lost her hearing when she was just 9-years-old. Born in a small village in the outer islands of Kiribati, she had a happy childhood. One day, she noticed that she suddenly could not hear anything. She tried to explain this to her parents and they panicked."They took me around to any doctor they could find in Kiribati," recollects Ketia. They eventually realised that there was nothing that could be done.Ketia was one of the guest speakers at the first ever three-day Inclusive Education Forum held in Kiribati to reflect on past practices and develop actions to strengthen the delivery of quality inclusive learning in the country.More than 80 participants, including school leaders, partners and ministry officials, gathered in the traditional Maneaba, an open meeting house made from coconut and local trees and leaves where community members gather for key events, discussions and ceremonies. The Maneaba symbolizes unity and inclusiveness, a core value and culture of Kiribati. A cool breeze would eventually flow into the venue from the beautiful turquoise sea surrounding it.“The teacher did not believe that I could not hear. She thought I was joking,” shares Ketia. She wanted to tell the teacher that she was not joking but found it difficult to express herself. Her parents visited the school to explain that she had suddenly lost her hearing and finally, the teacher understood. School life was tough for her. Her classmates often teased her because she could not hear nor speak like them. The teacher also did not know what to do. She had to follow what was written on the blackboard to catch up with the lessons. Yet, Ketia’s determination never wavered, and she continued her education. Eventually, she moved to a special school in the capital. There, she was supported by teachers who made sure she had the right support to continue learning.Despite her situation, Ketia had been fortunate to continue her education with support from her parents, her own strong passion for education and competent teachers who built their capacity through various training sessions organized by the Ministry of Education and partners.One in five children in Kiribati has a disability and without adequate support, they often drop out of school and even if they stay in school, they may not learn the foundational literacy and numeracy skills that are needed in life. Data shows that also other factors, such as the gender of the child, the location of their school and the child’s family’s social economic background affects their education (MICS 2018-2021, PILNA 2021).Recently, there has also been increased awareness in the Pacific on how neurodivergent learners which includes children with conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others struggle with their education without adequate support. After graduating high school, Ketia went to Fiji to continue her education and eventually became a Teacher Assistant at St. Louis High School to support deaf students with their education. Now, she can help other students continue their education, equipped with her personal experience and knowledge. But teaching students who have difficulty in hearing is not an easy task and she often struggled to teach them.“I see the same struggles that I went through,” she said, often pausing to fight back tears. “I become very emotional because I can really feel their pain.”A complete silence swept across the participants as they wiped their tears repeatedly while listening to Ketia’s story. Only the sound of the wind and the gentle waves from the lagoon could be heard.Ketia was amongst the many speakers at the Forum, where they shared real-life testimonies of how inclusive education can support all children and what the Ministry of Education is initiating to address these issues. Speakers covered diverse topics related to inclusion, including children in remote islands, neurodiverse learners and those facing gender-based violence in schools. The Forum ended with key priority actions on inclusive education co-developed by the participants to take forward in the upcoming years."Every child has a dream," Ketia emphasized. "Bring your child to school. I am equal. I am the same as you." Her personal story was a story of resilience. And her message was a strong call to action for the participants to provide the right support to children so they can continue their education and have the opportunity to shine and realize their dreams.   Inclusive EducationThe overall disability prevalence in Kiribati is 20.8 per cent for difficulties in communication, vision, self-care, mobility, hearing and cognition (National Census 2015). Data shows that 64 percent of children do not have the expected foundational learning skills that are needed in life, with 51 per cent lacking numeracy skills and 49 per cent lacking reading skills. Factors such as gender, social economic background, location and disability are associated with attaining these foundational skills (Kiribati MICS-EAGLE 2018-2021, PILNA 2021). Ongoing support for these vulnerable groups will enhance their access to quality education and support them to gain the necessary foundational skills for life.UNICEF provided technical and financial support for the organization of this Forum through the strong foundations established by the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF).