M23 rebels: UN sees progress in talks but warns violence persists

M23 rebels: UN sees progress in talks but warns violence persists

Qatar is facilitating discussions between the Congolese government and the M23 armed group, which controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The latest developments follow months of intense fighting that has displaced civilians and destabilised the region. However, the UN warns that despite diplomatic momentum, the security situation on the ground remains […]

‘The extraordinary power of ordinary people’: World leaders spotlight youth as agents of progress

‘The extraordinary power of ordinary people’: World leaders spotlight youth as agents of progress

Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly and one of the youngest persons to ever hold the office, stressed that youth are “the designers of their future” but should not have to build it alone. Drawing on conversations with young leaders from Ethiopia to Afghanistan, she highlighted the challenges today’s youth face – from conflict […]

Fragile progress in Syria, at risk from exclusion and foreign interference, UN warns

Fragile progress in Syria, at risk from exclusion and foreign interference, UN warns

They warned that foreign military action, political exclusion and dwindling resources threaten to undo fragile gains. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen – who announced that he will be stepping down from his role during the meeting – told ambassadors that interim authorities in Damascus have inherited “not just the ruins of shattered buildings, but the […]

DR Congo: Rising insecurity in the east impedes diplomatic progress, Security Council hears

DR Congo: Rising insecurity in the east impedes diplomatic progress, Security Council hears

Despite diplomatic progress in recent months, with the United States brokering a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, and Qatar facilitating a Declaration of Principles between the Congolese Government and M23 rebels, tensions remain high in the eastern DRC – where multiple armed groups operate.   The Security Council has also sought to promote […]

‘Africa is poised for progress’ Guterres tells development conference in Japan

‘Africa is poised for progress’ Guterres tells development conference in Japan

“With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Africa is poised for progress,” he told the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama. He said the meeting’s theme – Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa – was a reminder that these same strengths can help shape a more […]

UN chief reports progress in Cyprus talks, urges swift implementation of trust measures

UN chief reports progress in Cyprus talks, urges swift implementation of trust measures

Mr. Guterres was speaking to reporters after hosting Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar at the UN Headquarters in New York. “Today’s discussions were constructive. Both leaders reviewed the progress on the six initiatives they agreed to in March to build trust,” he said. Out of these six initiatives, four […]

‘A compass towards progress’ – but key development goals remain way off track

‘A compass towards progress’ – but key development goals remain way off track

The UN’s key Sustainable Development Goals Report released Monday by Secretary-General António Guterres, chronicles both progress and setbacks – showing that the world has made significant advances but is still drastically off-track to achieve its development goals by 2030. Seize the day “This report is more than a snapshot of today. It’s also a compass […]

Global action needed as progress stalls on disability-inclusive development goals

Global action needed as progress stalls on disability-inclusive development goals

“The message is stark: persons with disabilities face higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to education, jobs, and digital technologies,” said Amina Mohammed. But action is underway. The 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18) will […]

AIDS still killing one person every minute as funding cuts stall progress

AIDS still killing one person every minute as funding cuts stall progress

More than 30 million people are receiving lifesaving treatment worldwide however, making the UN’s AIDS response a “clear example of a multilateral success,” said Amina Mohammed, UN Under Secretary-General on Thursday, as the General Assembly reviewed progress being made to end AIDS and prevent HIV infections. ‘Series of threats’ “Global commitment is fading. Funding is falling. […]

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva calls on President Murmu

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva calls on President Murmu

Ms Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (September 9, 2022). Welcoming Ms Georgieva to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that the world is passing through the third year of the Covid pandemic. She noted that significant assistance has been […]