Tag Archives: challenges

Guterres welcomes election of Pope Leo ‘at a time of great global challenges’

Posted on by
Reply

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV – born Robert Francis Prevost – is the first person from the United States to lead the Catholic Church, although he also holds Peruvian citizenship after working in the Latin American country for many years.

He was selected by cardinals voting at the Vatican and later greeted thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square with a message of peace.

Strong voices needed

Mr. Guterres extended heartfelt congratulations to the new pontiff and Roman Catholics everywhere. 

 “The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges,” he said.

 “Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion.”

Building on the legacy

 The Secretary-General said he looks forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the UN and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by the late Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.

 “It is rooted in the first words of Pope Leo,” he noted.  “Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: May peace be with all the world.”

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General (fourth from right) greets an official in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the funeral of Pope Francis.

© FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General (fourth from right) greets an official in front of St. Peter’s Basilica at the funeral of Pope Francis.

Pope Leo, 69, was born and grew up in the midwestern city of Chicago and spent years working as a missionary in Peru, before becoming a bishop and then rising to head the international Order of St. Augustine.

He became a cardinal in 2023 and went on to run the Vatican office that selects and manages Catholic bishops worldwide. 

He succeeds Pope Francis – the first Pope from Latin America – who died in April after serving for 12 years.

Following his death, the UN Secretary-General recalled that “Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice” who “leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.” 

Source link

World News in Brief: Sudan aid challenges, Myanmar quake update, UN support for victims of sexual abuse

Posted on by
Reply

“The UN is gravely concerned about the plight of civilians fleeing Zamzam camp, as well as the dire situation in and around El Fasher, which is in North Darfur,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular news briefing in New York.

Famine conditions have already been identified in several displacement camps, including Zamzam. However, vital relief efforts have been suspended due to severe insecurity and ongoing violence.

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the military government and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and driven over 12.6 million from their homes, including over 3.8 million as refugees into neighbouring countries.

‘Alarming reports’

“We continue to receive alarming reports of serious protection issues, such as arbitrary arrests, harassment and intimidation at checkpoints controlled by the RSF,” Mr. Dujarric said.

According to local sources, further intensification of attacks was reported in and around El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province. Fighting earlier this month had displaced tens of thousands of people from the region.

“We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected,” the UN Spokesperson said, reiterating his call on warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure production of civilians.

Elsewhere in the country, authorities in Northern State reported the arrival of thousands of people from Zamzam camp and Al Malha town in North Darfur, and from Omdurman, near the capital Khartoum.

Mr. Dujarric said that most of those displaced are seeking safety in poorly constructed shelters, while others are being hosted by family or friends. They are relying on just one meal a day and in dire need of food, in dire need of sanitation, water, nutrition, shelter, and every other possible support.

Myanmar: Millions remain in need one month after earthquakes

One month after devastating earthquakes struck Myanmar, more than six million people urgently need aid – with many still too afraid to return to their damaged homes – the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has said.

At least 55,000 dwellings were destroyed or severely damaged in the worst affected regions, forcing families to live in makeshift shelters exposed to harsh weather and rising protection risks.

Ongoing aftershocks have deepened fears among communities, leaving many unwilling to risk re-entering their homes, OCHA said.

The humanitarian response has so far reached over 600,000 people with clean water, sanitation and hygiene support. In addition, nearly 500,000 people were provided food assistance and more than 115,000 with emergency shelter and critical supplies, said Mr. Dujarric.

“This is a critical moment for the response. Additional and quick disbursement of resources and sustained access to all communities are vital to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further,” he added, urging support from donors.

UN trust fund supports over 4,300 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse

The UN Spokesperson also reported on Monday that more than 4,300 victims and community members affected by sexual exploitation and abuse linked to UN personnel received vital support last year through a special Trust Fund.

The fund helps close critical gaps in assistance for victims – including psychological, medical and legal services.

It also supports income-generating activities for survivors and children fathered by UN peacekeepers.

The fund is raising awareness on the risks of misconduct among up to 89,000 community members in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Guatemala and South Sudan.

Since its creation in 2016, the trust fund has mobilized more than $5 million through voluntary contributions from 25 Member States as well as payments withheld following substantiated allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.

“We continue to appeal to Member States for additional funding for this important work,” said Mr. Dujarric.

Source link

OpenAI’s $6.6 Billion Funding Boosts Future Tech Trajectory Avenues Despite Challenges

Posted on by
Reply

OpenAI has shattered records by securing a monumental $6.6 billion in funding, a move that could elevate its valuation to an eye-popping $157 billion. This latest round, fueled by a diverse group of investors, positions the AI powerhouse at the forefront of global tech innovation despite undergoing significant internal shifts.

Investor Confidence Amidst Executive Changes

The timing of this funding round is noteworthy, as it comes during a period of organizational restructuring and leadership changes. Notably, the sudden departure of Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati has not dampened investor enthusiasm.

In fact, investor confidence remains robust, with heavyweights such as Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Microsoft doubling down on their backing. Microsoft’s ongoing support further strengthens its partnership with OpenAI, while Nvidia’s entry as a new investor signals its increasing stake in the future of AI.

The $6.6 billion was raised through convertible notes, with conversion to equity contingent on a structural overhaul. This transformation would shift OpenAI from its original non-profit framework to a for-profit entity, eliminating the cap on investor returns and marking a significant departure from its foundational principles.

Despite these shifts, the appeal of OpenAI’s vision—pioneering artificial general intelligence (AGI)—keeps investors bullish.

Financial Trajectory and Strategic Goals

OpenAI’s financial projections offer insight into why investor confidence remains high. The company anticipates generating $3.6 billion in revenue this year, with expectations of a sharp leap to $11.6 billion in 2025.

While the company currently faces operating losses exceeding $5 billion, these ambitious growth targets suggest that investors are betting on a long-term payoff as OpenAI continues to monetize its technological innovations.

To add further momentum, Thrive Capital has negotiated an additional $1 billion option for 2025, should OpenAI meet its revenue milestones, signaling even more future investment potential.

A Global Investor Lineup

A diverse set of global investors has further bolstered OpenAI’s financial position. SoftBank, Fidelity, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX are all contributing to the company’s future growth. Additionally, OpenAI plans to launch a tender offer to allow employees to sell their shares—an internal move that could increase liquidity, following similar initiatives earlier this year when employees sold shares at an $86 billion valuation.

Apple, a notable tech giant, opted out of this funding round despite early talks. The reasons behind its decision remain unclear, but its absence stands in contrast to the enthusiasm from other tech heavyweights.

Long-Term Vision: AGI and Commercialization

OpenAI’s long-term ambitions center on developing AGI, a form of artificial intelligence that would surpass human cognitive abilities. As the company edges closer to this goal, it is simultaneously scaling its revenue through commercialization, with its signature product, ChatGPT, now boasting 250 million weekly active users. OpenAI’s rapid rise in both valuation—from $14 billion in 2021 to a projected $157 billion—and revenue has outstripped even the most optimistic forecasts.

The next few years will be pivotal as OpenAI navigates its path to profitability while maintaining its bold pursuit of AGI. This dual strategy has resonated with investors, who view the company as a cornerstone of the future AI landscape, capable of reshaping industries from healthcare to finance.

A High-Stakes Future?

OpenAI’s record-breaking funding round marks a significant chapter in its meteoric rise. While internal restructuring and personnel changes raise questions, they have not shaken investor confidence. The substantial capital injection highlights faith in the company’s vision and its ability to lead the AI revolution.

As OpenAI marches toward its ultimate goal of AGI and balances commercialization with groundbreaking research, all eyes will be on how it leverages its newfound funding to secure its place as a transformative force in global technology. The stakes are higher than ever, and OpenAI’s next steps could shape the future of artificial intelligence for years to come.