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

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

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 volatile.

M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. In January 2025, after a rapid offensive, the group seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu.

Weeks later, it captured Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Since then, the rebels have set up parallel administrations in areas under their control. The UN says the group is supported by the Rwandan armed forces, an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied.

Uvira, a major city in South Kivu on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (file)

Framework agreement

On 2 February, the Congolese authorities and M23 signed a document setting out the terms of reference for a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism under the Doha Framework Agreement, signed in November 2025. The Doha talks are being mediated by Qatar.

Separate discussions have also taken place between the DRC and Rwanda, with mediation by the United States.

In December, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda signed the Washington Agreements, raising hopes of an end to the fighting. However, the UN says the security situation at the start of this year remains volatile and continues to deteriorate.

Immediate ceasefire call

Against this backdrop, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, has renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

It recalled that a UN Security Council resolution adopted last year authorises the Mission to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, including through technical and logistical assistance to a regional verification mechanism.

“MONUSCO stands ready to support a credible ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism within the limits of its mandate as defined by the Security Council and in full respect of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Vivian van de Perre, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of MONUSCO.

“The Mission will continue to engage constructively with relevant stakeholders within the established ceasefire architecture and to communicate transparently on the scope and modalities of its support,” she added.

‘Positive signal’ from Doha

Speaking to UN News, MONUSCO spokesperson Ndeye Khady Lo described the progress in Doha as “a positive signal” that helps make “the ceasefire architecture more concrete and operational”.

She said an initial team of UN peacekeepers would be deployed to the town of Uvira, in South Kivu, to support the monitoring mechanism.

MONUSCO stressed, however, that this would not mark a permanent return to the province, which the Mission left in June 2024, but a limited and strictly defined role linked to the ceasefire process.

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

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

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 and crisis to cyberbullying and unemployment – as well as the transformative change they are driving, such as digital innovation and climate advocacy.

The recent landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate obligations, prompted by youth activists, underscores how determined young people can reshape global policy. Their commitment can spark hope and intergenerational solidarity.

Bangladesh: Youth driving democratic renewal

Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim Government of Bangladesh, addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session.

The transformative potential of youth was starkly evident in Bangladesh, one year after the ‘July Revolution’ ended decades of authoritarian rule.

At the Assembly’s general debate fourth day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described the uprising as “a reminder of the extraordinary power of ordinary people,” crediting the country’s young majority with defeating tyranny and opening the path toward a more just and equal society.

Stemming from the demands of the movement, 11 independent commissions – addressing themes that ran from governance to women’s rights – have now been established and over 30 political parties signed a ‘July Declaration’ pledging to uphold democratic reforms.

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of empowering Bangladesh’s young majority and women, noting that the country aims “to shape every young person, not only as a job seeker, but also as a job creator,” while advancing protections against harassment and expanding women’s public roles.

▶ Watch the address.

Greece: Safeguards in the digital age

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 80th session.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece emphasized the mental health and safety of children in an era dominated by digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Warning that “we are running a massive unsupervised experiment with the brains of our children and teenagers,” he highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying, addictive content and harmful material online.

Greece has banned phones in schools and launched Kids Wallet, a government-backed app enabling parents with simple, effective tools to manage their children’s smartphone use.

Mr. Mitsotakis also proposed a pan-European “digital age of majority” to ensure age-appropriate access to online platforms, framing these measures as part of a broader effort to protect young minds while supporting safe engagement with technology.

“Just as society once set firm rules for smoking, drinking or wearing a seatbelt, we must now confront today’s challenge with equal clarity: big platforms can no longer profit at the expense of our children’s mental health,” he said.

▶ Watch the address.

Solomon Islands: Youth leading climate action

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of Solomon Islands addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 80th session.

The pivotal role of youth in global challenges was further highlighted by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands.

He noted that the youth in the Pacific “have stood at the forefront of this initiative, reminding us that the strength of the Pacific lies in our unity,” referencing the youth-led campaign that prompted the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s landmark advisory opinion on climate obligations.

Mr. Manele emphasized that the ruling, which affirmed States’ responsibilities to protect the climate for present and future generations, is more than a legal finding – it is “a call to the international community that only together can we honour the 1.5°C commitment, protect the most vulnerable, and secure a just and sustainable future for all nations and peoples.”

Youth-led advocacy, he said, has brought the urgency of small island communities’ climate plight to the global stage, demonstrating how collective action can protect the most vulnerable and safeguard the planet for future generations.

▶ Watch the address.

Trinidad and Tobago: Small nations, global impact

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 80th session.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago illustrated how even smaller nations can wield global influence when youth and children’s welfare are prioritized.

She highlighted domestic initiatives such as the Children’s Authority and Children’s Life Fund, expanded early childhood education and alignments with the global development agenda – all efforts aimed at ensuring the next generation thrives.

The Prime Minster also stressed that gender equality is inseparable from sustainable peace and development, noting that “women and girls must be equal partners in peace and sustainability.”

▶ Watch the address.

Malta: Real benefits of multilateralism

Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 80th session.

Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta offered a reminder that words alone cannot end conflict, hunger, or child malnutrition – but collective action can.

He said the life expectancy of children born in 1945, which hovered in the mid-forties, with those born in 2025, who can now expect to live into their mid-seventies.

“That didn’t happen by luck or accident,” Mr. Abela said. “It happened by will and resolve. It happened by effort. And it happened also because of the positive work conducted by the agencies of this United Nations.”

Reflecting on these gains, he emphasized that multilateralism remains critical:

“We won’t keep our peoples safe, our planet protected or our prosperity preserved unless we work together, listen to each other and act in concert.”

▶ Watch the address.

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

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

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 deeper wreckage of a battered social fabric, decayed institutions and a hollowed-out economy.”

He stressed that the success of Syria’s transition will depend on political stability, inclusivity and international support at a scale commensurate with the country’s needs.

“The international community must support Syria and robustly stand against foreign intervention,” he said. “But equally: the success of the transition will above all rest on the State acting as a State for all, not just in word but also in deed.”

Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the country.

Call to bar interlopers

Mr. Pedersen urged respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing external military action, including further reported Israeli strikes this month.

Any security concerns, he said, must be addressed through diplomacy, warning that mishandling them could leave Syria “indefinitely gridlocked, unable to heal or rebuild – and at worst, slipping into fresh waves of strife and external intervention.”

He pointed to the Druze-minority region of Sweida – where a ceasefire following brutal clashes has largely held since July – and welcomed a roadmap agreed last week by Syria, Jordan and the United States to address accountability, humanitarian access and reconciliation.

But he cautioned that fears within the Druze community must be addressed through dialogue and confidence-building.

He also highlighted reports of abuses in Damascus neighbourhoods and calls for accountability in Sweida – and along the coast following sectarian violence there.

“The Syrian public needs to see that abuses are both acknowledged and addressed in accordance with international standards,” he said.

Humanitarian emergency continues

Speaking alongside Mr. Pedersen, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described Syria as “one of the largest humanitarian emergencies globally.”

More than 70 per cent of the population requires some form of aid, nine million are acutely food insecure seven million remain displaced inside the country and four million refugees abroad.

Despite these figures, he highlighted signs of progress. Thanks to more practical engagement with the interim authorities, aid is now reaching communities inaccessible a year ago.

“Movements that last year would have required lengthy navigation of frontlines are happening routinely,” Mr. Fletcher said, citing food assistance for one million people each month and subsidized bread for two million more.

Nearly 900,000 refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned to their communities since December, though many face destroyed housing, lack of jobs and insecurity.

Funding gaps remain

Funding gaps however threaten these gains, with the UN’s humanitarian appeal for Syria only 18 per cent funded. The shortfall has forced closures of hospitals, safe spaces for women and community centres.

“Just when organizations are seeking to expand their operations and have the opportunity to work more efficiently, they are instead forced to cut programmes, reduce support, lose staff,” Mr. Fletcher warned.

The UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Syria.

‘Unity is within reach’

Both officials warned that Syria’s fragile moment of progress could easily unravel.

“If this central challenge is mishandled, the consequences could be dire,” Mr. Pedersen cautioned. “But if met with genuine negotiation and bold compromise, unity is within reach and success against the odds is possible.”

Mr. Fletcher echoed that message, urging Member States to “preserve stability, fund the humanitarian response and enable Syrian-led recovery.”

“This time next year,” he added, “I want to report that we are substantially scaling down our emergency humanitarian operations in Syria – not because funding cuts have forced our hand, but because the international community has made the necessary investments in Syria’s future.”

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

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

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 peace in the restive region, notably through its adoption of resolution 2773 in February 2025 calling upon all parties to refrain from violence against civilians. Still, casualties continue to rise in the east of the country.

“In North Kivu, the situation has escalated significantly since April,” Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations told ambassadors.

The DRC is currently facing one of the most acute humanitarian emergencies in the world, with food insecurity on the rise and 5.9 million Congolese currently internally displaced.

Significant escalation

“Regrettably, the evolution of the security situation on the ground has not matched the progress achieved on the diplomatic front,” said Ms Pobee.

Recent attacks carried out by the M23 and Congo River Alliance (AFC) armed groups, as well as assaults by the Allied Democratic Forces – a militia associated with the terrorist group ISIL – have dramatically increased civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, humanitarian workers continue to risk their lives to provide limited assistance to populations in need.

Amid general indifference, conflict-related sexual violence persists, as does the forced recruitment of children.

‘Critical juncture’

“We cannot and must not accept the extreme suffering and recurrent horrors that are commonplace in eastern DRC,” said Ms Pobee.

To protect civilians, restore law and order, and address the profound humanitarian needs of the population, the parties must cease hostilities.

“At this critical juncture for the DRC and the region, it is crucial that this Council place its full weight behind current peace efforts, alongside exerting its influence to ensure respect for and compliance with resolution 2773”, she told the Security Council.

While the situation on the ground remains dire, genuine engagement by the parties, together with concerted support from the international community, will help lay the groundwork for a durable peace, the top official underlined.

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

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

“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 peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world in Africa and beyond.

Progress and reform

In this regard, he emphasised the need to accelerate progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through investment, reform and partnerships.

Mr. Guterres highlighted five areas for cooperation, starting with his longstanding push to reform institutions of global governance so that they reflect today’s realities.

“Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future,” he said.

“That includes long-overdue reform of the Security Council, where incredibly, Africa has no permanent member, and other regions remain underrepresented.”

He also called for overhauling the international financial architecture, describing the current system as “unjust and unfair”, as well as bold action on debt relief.

Value chains and renewable energy

The Secretary-General next put the spotlight on investment in sustainable global value chains and regional integration.

“Africa’s path for prosperity must focus on adding value to its raw materials, creating decent jobs, and building resilience, taking profit of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

He also stressed the need to address “Africa’s energy paradox”, noting that although the continent has enormous potential to produce renewable energy, it receives just two per cent of global investment in the sector. Meanwhile, some 600 million African lack access to electricity.

“Africa is also home to the critical minerals required to power renewable technologies,” he continued. “But the countries hosting them must be the ones to benefit first and most, while adding value to local and global value chains.”

Invest in technology, youth and peace

Turning next to technology, Mr. Guterres called for harnessing digital innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), for development.

He said Japan’s technological leadership can help close the digital divide, “and ensure that technology helps African countries catch up, with adequate digital public infrastructure, rather than being left behind.”

As “young people are the builders of Africa’s future”, the Secretary-General’s fourth point underscored the need to invest in their skills and education, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

“Let us invest in women’s full participation across economies, societies and political systems,” he added.

Mr. Guterres concluded by acknowledging the link between peace and prosperity.

“Sustainable development requires sustainable peace,” he said.

“By silencing the guns as the African Union clearly points out. And by ending violence in all its forms and strengthening the social cohesion and stability that can attract investment and business to Africa.”

About TICAD

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is co-hosted by Japan and the UN, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC).

It has been held since 1993 with the aim of promoting Africa’s development, peace and security, through the strengthening of relations in multilateral cooperation and partnership.

“For more than three decades, TICAD has embodied the spirit of multilateralism — grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a deep belief in Africa’s potential,” the Secretary-General said.

The conference runs from 20-23 August.

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

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

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 have been achieved: the creation of a technical committee on youth, initiatives on the environment and climate change, restoration of cemeteries, and an agreement on demining that will be closed once the final technical details are established.

“And discussions will continue on the remaining two,” the UN chief added, referring to the opening of four crossing points on the divided island and solar energy in the buffer zone.

New initiatives

In addition, the leaders reached a common understanding on new initiatives, including a consultative body for civil society engagement, exchanging cultural artifacts, improving air quality monitoring, and addressing microplastic pollution.

“It is critical to implement these initiatives – all of them – as soon as possible for the benefit of all Cypriots,” Mr. Guterres said.

The Secretary-General also confirmed that he will meet both leaders again during the UN General Assembly’s high‑level week in September. Another informal meeting in the same format is planned later this year.

A long road ahead

“There’s a long road ahead. And it is important to think about what the future can mean – for all Cypriots,” he said.

“But these steps clearly demonstrate a commitment to continuing a dialogue on the way forward and working on initiatives that benefit all Cypriots,” he added.

Secretary-General Guterres speaks to the media at the UN Headquarters, in New York.

Supporting dialogue

The United Nations has been playing a central role in efforts towards a comprehensive and mutually acceptable settlement to the Cyprus issue, supporting dialogue between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.

While sufficient common ground has not been found to allow for the resumption of formal negotiations, engagement towards that end continues – including informal meetings convened by the Secretary-General and other top UN officials.

Meanwhile, the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), deployed since 1964, remains on the ground, helping to maintain stability across the island.

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

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

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 pointing the way to progress. This report shows that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are still within reach, but only if we act – with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve,” Mr. Guterres said.

The release of the report coincides with the first day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development which will convene over the next ten days in New York in the hopes of answering the UN chief’s call to action.

‘A global development emergency’

In 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda, which outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals – including ending poverty and ensuring that everyone had access to healthcare and quality education.

The ambitious SDGs were to be achieved by prioritising future generations through sustainable and climate-friendly initiatives.

“The 2030 Agenda represents our collective recognition that our destinies are intertwined and that sustainable development is not a zero-sum game but a shared endeavour that benefits us all,” said Li Junhua, UN Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

Ten years after this commitment, the agenda is facing increasingly strong headwinds, including a $4 trillion funding shortfall for the developing world and increasing geopolitical tensions which are undermining multilateralism.

“The problem is that the Sustainable Development Goals do not include the instruments that would be necessary to make them happen,” Mr. Guterres said.

In light of these challenges, only 18 per cent of the SDGs are on track to be met by 2030. Around 17 per cent are experiencing moderate progress. But over half of the goals are moving too slowly – and 18 per cent of the goals have gone backwards.

“We are in a global development emergency, an emergency measured in the over 800 billion people still living in extreme poverty, in intensifying climate impacts and in the relentless debt service,” the Secretary-General said.

Real lives transformed – and left behind

Between 2015 and 2023, maternal death rates and death rates of children under the age of five dropped by approximately 15 per cent. During this same period of time, 54 countries eliminated at least one tropical disease, and 2.2 billion cases of malaria were averted as a result of prevention areas.

“These victories are not abstract statistics – they represent real lives transformed, families lifted from poverty and communities empowered to build better and more resilient futures,” Mr. Li said.

However, just as some have had their lives transformed, many people around the world have been left behind.

One in 10 people still live in abject poverty and one in 11 experience food insecurity. Over 1.1 billion people live in slums or informal settlements without basic services, including access to clean water and sanitation. And in 2024, one person lost their life to conflict every 12 minutes.

In short, while many lives were transformed in the past ten years, many lives were not – and some were actually worsened or lost.

“What we have learned since then is that sustainable development is not a destination but rather a journey of innovation, adaptation and commitment to human dignity,” Mr. Li said.

Data at the heart of development

Reliable data is what underpins sustainable development, according to the Secretary-General’s report. It is what enables the UN, State governments and civil society leaders to understand what progress has been made and how to target increased investments for areas which require more work.

When the 2030 Agenda was first adopted in 2015, only a third of the SDGs had sufficient data and over a third lacked internationally agreed upon methodologies. Today, 70 percent of the SDGs are well-monitored and all indicators have internationally established monitoring mechanisms.

However, the progress made in monitoring development progress is, like all parts of the development agenda, under increasing threat.

“This report tells the SDG story in numbers, but it is, above all, a call to action,” Mr. Guterres said.

A young girl in Guatemala holds herbs from a kitchen garden.

Multilateralism is non-negotiable

The Secretary-General said that the SDGs cannot be achieved without significant reforms to the financial architecture, which must begin with an investment in multilateralism.

“This year’s HLPF is a crucial moment that gives us hope and encourages us to think collectively outside the box,” said Lok Bahadur Thapa, Vice President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the meeting which opened the HLPF.

This forum is an acknowledgement that the work is not yet done – the goals require more investment and more commitment in the next five years in order to ensure that the world does not leave more people behind.

“This is not a moment for despair, but for determined action. We have the knowledge, tools, and partnerships to drive transformation. What we need now is urgent multilateralism – a recommitment to shared responsibility and sustained investment,” Mr. Li said.

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Human rights can be a ‘strong lever for progress’ in climate change, says UN rights chief

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner Volker Türk asked Member States whether enough was being done to protect people from the escalating impacts of climate change

“Are we taking the steps needed to protect people from climate chaos, safeguard their futures and manage natural resources in ways that respect human rights and the environment?” asked delegates at the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

His answer was simple – we are not doing nearly enough.

Mr. Türk emphasised that while climate change presents dire risks human rights – especially for the most vulnerable – it also can be a strong lever for progress.

Central to this is a “just transition” away from environmentally destructive activities.

“What we need now is a roadmap that shows us how to rethink our societies, economies and politics in ways that are equitable and sustainable,” he said.

The right to decent work

One of the main avenues through which the Council – UN’s highest intergovernmental body on human rights – examined the connection between human rights and climate change was the right to decent work.

“Because of climate change, the very human right of decent work is fundamentally challenged today,” said Moustapha Kamal Gueye, a senior official at the International Labor Organization (ILO).

He warned that 80 million full-time jobs will no longer exist in 2030 if the world continues its current climate trajectory. More than 70 per cent of the global workforce – 2.4 billion workers – will be exposed to excessive heat at some point on the job.

These alarming statistics underscored the urgent need for robust social protection systems, including social security, for workers as the climate crisis continues to intensify, Mr. Gueye said. Less than 9 per cent of workers in the 20 most climate-impacted countries have any form of social protection.

“From a climate resilience perspective, nations are far from achieving the human right to social protection,” Mr. Gueye said. “Investments in social protection need to be scaled up, and this must move from shock-responses to institutionalised and rights-based approaches.”

On a more hopeful note, he added, a shift towards low-carbon economies can potentially generate over 100 million new jobs by 2030. However, he cautioned that, that these jobs may not emerge where others are lost, reinforcing the need for strong safety nets and planning.

‘Defossilize’ the economy and knowledge

Elisa Morgera, the UN special rapporteur on human rights and climate change, also presented her latest report, which calls for “defossilization” of economies. Phasing out fossil fuels, she said, is the most effective way to reduce climate impacts while protecting human rights.

Of course, this is not a simple task, as Ms. Morgera noted that fossil fuels have invaded all parts of our lives and economies.

“Fossil fuels are everywhere: in our food systems, in our ocean and in our bodies, including in our brains – in many cases without us knowing or choosing for them to be in our lives,” Ms. Morgera said.

Ms. Morgera – who is mandated and appointed by the Human Rights Council, and is not a UN staff member – also stressed the need to “defossilize knowledge,” noting how fossil fuel interests have distorted public understanding and attacked climate defenders.

While geopolitical divisions may slow progress, she insisted that action can begin now at every level. “We can nourish hope and share concrete learning that can inspire a course correction, within the current decade, toward a safe climate for all.”

A people-centred approach

Mr. Türk concluded his remarks reinforcing that a just transition must ensure no one is left behind.

“If we don’t safeguard people’s lives, their health, their jobs and their future opportunities, the transition will replicate and exacerbate the injustices and inequalities in our world,” he said.

Mr. Gueye echoed that message: “The global climate agenda is a human story and it is about human rights. The ambition that nations and the global community seek cannot be confined to numerical targets and indicators – it must fundamentally be about people.”

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

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

“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 focus on enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development.

Progressive roots

Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Kim Mi-Yeon, underscored the importance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, now 20 years old, even amid growing global challenges.

“The CRPD is the most progressive human rights treaty of the 21st century…It marked a decisive shift – from medical and charity models to a rights-based approach – and affirms the duty to dismantle structural and gender-based discrimination,” said Mr. Kim.

Even with the ongoing UN liquidity crisis, he highlighted the momentum across the world for bolstering rights, including the International Forum on Disability Employment in Korea.

Gaining momentum

The social development agenda aims to continue building momentum for disability rights and social development ahead of two major upcoming events: the Second World Summit for Social Development in November and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development later this month, FFD4, taking place in the Spanish city of Sevilla.

This week’s agenda

From Tuesday to Thursday, the conference will feature speeches by UN and civil society leaders, a public debate on the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities and three roundtables.

The roundtables will explore financing for disability-inclusive development, harnessing artificial intelligence for inclusion and advancing the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities

Government officials, civil society representatives, UN agencies, and experts will share strategies and best practices throughout the event.

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

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Arun Kumar N

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. And HIV services and systems to deliver them are being disrupted,” she said, highlighting the “series of threats” that could undo all the progress achieved in the fight against HIV in past decades.

As funding dwindles, clinics are closing and treatment supplies are diminishing, putting already vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls and young women, at greater risk of contracting the disease.

As funding from PEPFAR – the US programme leading global efforts to combat HIV in Africa – faces the risk of permanent cuts, the UN global programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) warns of devastating consequences.

Without continued support, an estimated four million additional AIDS-related deaths and more than six million new infections could occur by 2029.

‘Keep up the fight’

“We cannot let short-term cuts destroy long-term progress,” said Ms. Mohammed. “We need to keep fighting.”

The funding crisis must be urgently addressed. With half of sub-Saharan African countries spending more on debt servicing than on healthcare, Ms. Mohammed stressed the need for debt relief, tax reform, and increased international support.

“Low and middle-income countries need sustainable HIV financing and stronger national leadership in the fight against AIDS,” she said.

She also called for an end to attacks on human rights, warning that punitive laws, vigilante violence, and hate speech against marginalised groups worsen stigma and drive people away from lifesaving services. “Protecting health means protecting human rights,” she said.

Many community-led organizations are now being defunded and dismantled, just when their work is needed most. Ms. Mohammed urged the UN and its partners to support these groups and their vital contributions.

“The end of AIDS is not a mystery,” she said, adding that while eliminating the disease by 2030 is still achievable, “success is not guaranteed.”

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva calls on President Murmu

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Naresh Kumar

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 provided to many low-income countries by multilateral institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. She said that IMF has to play an important role in maintaining the stability of the International Monetary System.

The President said that today, India is one of the fastest growing major economies of the world. India’s start-up ecosystem ranks high in the world. The success of start-ups in our country, especially the growing number of Unicorns, is a shining example of our industrial progress. What is even more gratifying is that the development of our country is becoming more inclusive and regional disparities are also reducing. The basic mantra of today’s India is compassion – compassion for the downtrodden, compassion – for the needy and compassion – for the marginalized.

President Droupadi Murmu (PIB)

Speaking about the upcoming G-20 Summit in India in 2023, the President said that multilateral cooperation in the G-20 should be based on the principles of inclusion and flexibility, keeping in mind diversity. She expressed confidence that during India’s presidency, the G-20 Forum will move forward with an aspiration to make efforts to further strengthen multilateralism and global governance, in the direction of building a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous world for all.