Journalists are the lifeblood of democracy, serving as the bridge between the world’s events and the people who need to know about them. Whether they’re covering politics, war, business, or social justice, their work sheds light on stories that might otherwise remain hidden. But here’s the issue—journalists are increasingly facing threats to their safety and freedom. It’s become clear: protecting journalists isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a global necessity.

Think of journalism as the immune system of society. Just like our bodies need protection from harmful invaders, a healthy society needs journalists to root out corruption, misinformation, and injustice. Without them, we become vulnerable. So why is it that so many countries, both democratic and authoritarian, fail to adequately protect their reporters?

The rise of digital media has blurred national boundaries. A story in New York can ripple through Beijing or Lagos in seconds. Yet, the risks journalists face—whether through intimidation, censorship, or outright violence—remain deeply rooted in local politics. It’s like playing a game of chess, but with no guarantee that the other player will follow the rules.

Business leaders, especially those with global influence, need to take an active stance in this. Think about it: free press and transparent information flow are essential for thriving markets. No one wants to invest in a country where you can’t trust what’s reported. If you don’t know what’s going on in a market, it’s like trying to steer a ship blindfolded. Businesses can play a role in ensuring that journalists are protected by pushing for laws and regulations that safeguard press freedom. It’s not just a moral imperative—it’s good business.

We also can’t forget the power of international alliances. Organizations like UNESCO and Reporters Without Borders are doing tremendous work advocating for journalist protection, but they need more support from both governments and the private sector. Imagine the global community as a team; if one player fails to protect journalists, the whole team loses credibility.

Ultimately, protecting journalists is about safeguarding truth. It’s about ensuring that no matter where you live, you can rely on information that’s accurate and honest. In a world where misinformation spreads like wildfire, the last thing we need is to leave the firefighters vulnerable.

So, let’s stand up for journalists—because without them, the lights go out on the truth. And nobody wins when that happens.

Climate change is no longer a distant issue—it’s here, and it’s impacting every corner of the globe. We’re seeing more intense storms, rising sea levels, and unpredictable weather patterns that affect everything from agriculture to infrastructure. But what does it mean to build climate resilience? And how is the United Nations leading the global response? Let’s break it down.

When we talk about resilience, think of it like building a strong house that can withstand a storm. It’s not just about surviving the immediate impact, but about being able to bounce back quickly and minimize damage. For countries, this means strengthening systems like healthcare, agriculture, and energy, so they’re not wiped out by extreme weather events. The goal is to adapt and thrive, even in a changing climate.

The UN has been at the forefront of this effort. Through initiatives like the Paris Agreement, countries are coming together to reduce emissions, but that’s only part of the picture. Climate resilience is the other half—helping vulnerable communities prepare for the changes that are already happening. Think of it as a global safety net, ensuring that the most affected regions aren’t left behind.

For businesses, climate resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. As supply chains are disrupted by natural disasters, companies need to rethink how they operate. The UN is working closely with businesses to promote sustainability and risk management strategies. It’s like preparing for the worst while still aiming for growth—a smart move that pays off in the long run.

The global response isn’t just about government policies and big corporations; it’s about you and me. The UN emphasizes the importance of local communities taking action. Whether it’s farmers in Africa adopting new water-saving technologies or coastal cities in Asia building flood defenses, these small, localized efforts are the backbone of climate resilience.

In short, building climate resilience is like preparing for a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about long-term planning, global cooperation, and making sure we all have the tools to face the challenges ahead. The UN’s role in coordinating these efforts is crucial, but it’s up to every nation, business, and individual to play their part.

Together, we can weather the storm and build a future where we not only survive but thrive in a changing climate.