UNTERM (United Nations Terminology Database)

The UNTERM (United Nations Terminology Database) is the official multilingual terminology database of the United Nations. It provides access to thousands of terms, expressions, acronyms, and official vocabulary used in United Nations documents and communications. The database covers the six official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) and includes terminology related to a wide range of fields such as human rights, sustainable development, international law, climate change, diplomacy, education, health, and peacekeeping.

The main purpose of UNTERM is to ensure consistency and accuracy in translation and communication across different languages. Users can search for specific terms and find their equivalents in multiple languages, along with definitions, usage notes, and contextual information. As a result, it is an invaluable tool for translators, interpreters, researchers, and anyone working in multilingual environments.

From an educational perspective, UNTERM offers many opportunities for English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and for language learning in general. Because it contains authentic and specialised vocabulary used in international organisations, it allows students to explore real-world language rather than simplified textbook examples. Teachers can use the database to introduce topics such as global citizenship, human rights, environmental sustainability, or international cooperation while simultaneously developing students’ vocabulary skills.

In the ESL classroom, students can search for key terms related to a topic being studied and compare how these concepts are expressed in English and in their own language. This helps learners become more aware of linguistic nuances and translation challenges. The database is also useful for developing academic vocabulary, improving reading comprehension, and understanding the precise meaning of specialised terminology.

For language classes more broadly, UNTERM can support multilingual projects in which students investigate how international concepts are represented across different languages and cultures. Activities might include creating bilingual glossaries, analysing international documents, comparing terminology across languages, or exploring how certain concepts—such as equality, democracy, migration, or sustainability—are defined in global institutions.

The resource is particularly valuable for promoting intercultural awareness and language accuracy. By working with terminology used by the United Nations, students gain exposure not only to advanced vocabulary but also to the language of international cooperation and global challenges. This makes UNTERM an excellent tool for combining language learning with education for global citizenship, critical thinking, and intercultural communication.

https://unterm.un.org/unterm2/en/

An Infographic Guide to Technology-facilitated Gender-based Violence (TFGBV)

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is an increasingly common issue affecting women and girls in many different ways. To help educators better understand this topic, a new infographic guide has been created. It uses simple, visual explanations to highlight what TFGBV looks like and why it matters in today’s digital world.

The guide includes 14 easy-to-read infographics that explore key ideas such as:

- the different forms TFGBV can take,

- how online and offline violence are connected,

- how TFGBV affects people differently depending on their identities and circumstances,

- what current data and research tell us,

- and how technology can be designed in safer, more ethical ways.

These infographics can be used in training sessions, classroom discussions, awareness campaigns, or any educational activity aimed at promoting safer digital environments. Each infographic comes with a short explanation that highlights its main points, making the material easy to understand and share.

This resource is ideal for teachers, school leaders, and anyone working with young people who wants to help build a more informed and respectful digital community.

Find it on: 

https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/An%20Infographic%20Guide%20to%20TFGBV.pdf

Timeline of women's rights from 1848 to 2025

This resource found in the UN Women article "Never Backing Down: Women March Forward for Equal Rights" details the ongoing struggle of women for equal rights, opportunities, and freedom.

The content covers historical progress (the advancements made by women over centuries, from suffragists to digital activists, in breaking down barriers and demanding action), current state of equality, equality commitments, and a timeline of women's rights from 1848 to 2025.

Visit:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/timeline/never-backing-down-women-march-forward-for-equal-rights

International Women's Day (IWD) Resources United Nations

The UN Women’s Day Resources page provides valuable materials for teachers to incorporate gender equality topics into their lessons. It offers reports, fact sheets, toolkits, and multimedia content that help educators explore issues related to women’s rights, empowerment, and gender-based challenges worldwide. 

These resources can be used to spark meaningful discussions, support research projects, and develop activities that promote inclusivity and awareness among students. Educators can encourage critical thinking and inspire students to contribute to a more equal and just society.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day/resources

World Drug Report 2024

The UNODC World Drug Report is an annual publication by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that provides a comprehensive overview of global drug trends. 

The report includes data and analysis on the production, trafficking, and consumption of various types of drugs, as well as information on drug-related health issues, policy responses, and emerging trends.

It aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and the general public about the current state of the global drug problem and to support evidence-based policy and action to address drug-related challenges.

If you want to introduce this topic in your English class, you can use it as a source of information and data collection or to show emerging trends, health consequences, or policy and legal responses to this issue.

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2024.html