SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: ‘Diplomacy must prevail’ over Iran following US military intervention, urges Guterres

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: ‘Diplomacy must prevail’ over Iran following US military intervention, urges Guterres

The UN Secretary-General told the Security Council on Sunday that the bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites by the United States marks a “perilous turn”, warning that the region cannot endure yet another “cycle of destruction.” António Guterres said the must be an immediate ceasefire and returned to “serious, sustained negotiations.” We’ll have live updates from […]

Guterres condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers in Central African Republic

Guterres condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers in Central African Republic

The ambush took place on Friday along the Birao-Am Dafock axis in the volatile Vakaga Prefecture, in northeastern CAR, close to the border with conflict-hit Sudan. According to the stabilization mission, MINUSCA, the patrol was targeted by “unidentified armed elements” in the locality of Am-Sissia. Attack may be a war crime In a statement released […]

What is financing for development?

What is financing for development?

These are part of 17 goals agreed by nearly every country, called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan is to hit these targets by 2030. But we’re falling behind. One big reason? There just isn’t enough consistent funding to make real progress. That’s why world leaders, economists, and other decision-makers are meeting at the […]

UN chief ‘gravely alarmed’ by US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites

UN chief ‘gravely alarmed’ by US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites

“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” said the UN chief, reiterating that there is no military solution. “This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.” President Donald Trump delivered a televised […]

‘One Earth, One Health’: Yoga Day provides respite in a tumultuous world

‘One Earth, One Health’: Yoga Day provides respite in a tumultuous world

This powerful message of International Yoga Day, observed annually on 21 June, reverberated through UN Headquarters in New York on Friday as hundreds gathered to embrace the ancient, holistic practice. A familiar tradition now each year, the North Lawn once again transformed into an open-air yoga studio overlooking the East River.  Following a stretch of […]

Ukraine: Security Council hears of escalating attacks, diplomatic developments

Ukraine: Security Council hears of escalating attacks, diplomatic developments

“As we are facing renewed escalation on the ground and crisis elsewhere, it is critical to maintain focused attention on the urgent need for peace in Ukraine,” said UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča – one of two senior officials briefing the ambassadors. In the three weeks since the Council last met on Ukraine, Russia has carried […]

UN Peacebuilding Commission ‘more needed than ever’ amid rising conflict

UN Peacebuilding Commission ‘more needed than ever’ amid rising conflict

They shared their experiences at an event this week at UN Headquarters to mark 20 years of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). The intergovernmental advisory body supports countries emerging from conflict in areas such as governance, justice, reconciliation, institution-building and sustainable development. Pain and promise “Liberia’s story is one of pain, but also of promise,” Ms. […]

For too long, ‘unbound horrors’ have unfolded in Sudan

For too long, ‘unbound horrors’ have unfolded in Sudan

Since civil war erupted in April 2023 between the generals of the national army and their former allies-turned rivals, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, vast areas of the country have been left in ruins. The conflict has fuelled the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 12 million people forcibly displaced, the majority of them […]

WHO warns of a health financing emergency

WHO warns of a health financing emergency

Speaking at the regular Friday press briefing in Geneva for humanitarian agencies, she warned that as wealthier nations make deep spending cuts, both international aid and national health systems are facing serious disruption. Dr. Chalkidou highlighted recent decisions by the United States, several European governments, and EU bodies to freeze or scale down health aid. WHO […]

MIDDLE EAST CRISIS: Live updates for 20 June

MIDDLE EAST CRISIS: Live updates for 20 June

One week since the Israel-Iran conflict erupted, diplomatic efforts to end the war are ramping up in Geneva today as foreign ministers from France, Germany, the UK and the European Union prepare to meet their Iranian counterpart. In New York, meanwhile, the UN Security Council is also set to discuss this latest worrying escalation, against […]

‘We are at a point of no return’: grave violations against children surge for third year

‘We are at a point of no return’: grave violations against children surge for third year

This number represents a 25 per cent increase from 2023, marking the third consecutive year that violations have increased. 22,495 violations were committed against children themselves while the remaining targeted infrastructure such as schools and humanitarian aid intended for and used by children. “The cries of 22,495 innocent children who should be learning to read […]

World News in Brief: Global investment plunges, hurricane season in Haiti, rising cholera and hunger in South Sudan

World News in Brief: Global investment plunges, hurricane season in Haiti, rising cholera and hunger in South Sudan

Their latest data shows that the outlook for international investment this year “is negative”, a sharp course correction from January, when “modest” growth seemed possible. The reasons for this range from trade tensions and tariffs whose main effect has been a “dramatic increase in investor uncertainty”, said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. She said that investment […]

UN warns of mounting humanitarian toll as Israel-Iran hostilities continue

UN warns of mounting humanitarian toll as Israel-Iran hostilities continue

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday called for “maximum restraint” and reiterated that both Israel and Iran are bound by international humanitarian law. “The widescale, continuing attacks by Israel across Iran, and the missile and drone strikes launched in response by Iran, are inflicting severe human rights and humanitarian impacts on […]