Somalia declares drought emergency as millions face hunger after failed rains

On 10 November, the Federal Government of Somalia formally declared a drought emergency and appealed for urgent international assistance as conditions continued to deteriorate across northern, central and southern regions, according to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA. Puntland is among the worst affected areas, where authorities estimate that nearly one million people need support, […]

World News in Brief: Executions surge in Iran, nuclear test threat, Burkina Faso declares top official unwelcome

World News in Brief: Executions surge in Iran, nuclear test threat, Burkina Faso declares top official unwelcome

At least 841 people have been put to death by the Government of Iran since the beginning of the year, with ethnic minorities and migrants “disproportionately targeted”, said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. Some executions have been carried out publicly, she added, with seven reported this year based on available information: “The real situation might be […]

UN’s Guterres declares fossil fuel era fading; presses nations for new climate plans before COP30 summit

UN’s Guterres declares fossil fuel era fading; presses nations for new climate plans before COP30 summit

In a special address at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Guterres cited surging clean energy investment and plunging solar and wind costs that now outcompete fossil fuels. “The energy transition is unstoppable, but the transition is not yet fast enough or fair enough,” he said. The speech, A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean […]

‘Cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,’ UN chief declares at BRICS summit

‘Cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,’ UN chief declares at BRICS summit

Speaking at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he emphasised the human impact of environmental devastation and climate change.  And as environmental disasters increase, the sustainable development goals are also being left behind.   “Across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters as […]