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 […]

Gaza reconstruction talks must not distract from massive needs, say UN aid agencies

Briefing journalists, Juliette Touma, Director of Communications at UNOPS, the United Nations Office for Project Services highlighted that although the 3 October ceasefire agreement had brought some respite to families, “people continue to be killed, day in, day out”. “It’s absolutely critical to unlock the congestion…at crossing points and to reopen critical lifelines like the […]

At-risk mountain vipers and iguanas, in rare company at key wildlife talks

Ethiopian mountain vipers, Galapagos iguanas and Brazil’s Pernambuco tree – prized by violin bow-makers – and are just three of the more than 30 species that could be listed for special protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “Because the trade in wild animals and plants […]

‘The world is watching’: Guterres and Lula urge unity as COP30 talks near deadline

Amid reports of deadlocks on fossil fuels, climate finance and other key issues, both leaders urged negotiators to act decisively on phasing out fossil fuels and boosting adaptation finance, insisting that fairness and ambition must guide the final hours of COP30. Guterres: 1.5°C is the ‘non-negotiable red line’ Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr. Guterres […]

Plastic pollution talks adjourn, but countries want to stay engaged: UNEP chief

Plastic pollution talks adjourn, but countries want to stay engaged: UNEP chief

“This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges and multilateral strains,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). “However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table.”    Speaking to media at the end of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee […]

The final straw? Plastic pollution talks get underway in Geneva

The final straw? Plastic pollution talks get underway in Geneva

Unless an international accord is inked, plastic waste is projected to triple by 2060, causing significant damage – including to our health – according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The UNEP-led talks follow a decision in 2022 by Member States to meet and develop an international legally binding instrument to end the plastic pollution crisis, including […]

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 […]

World News in Brief: Russia-Ukraine talks, Sudan exodus worsens, Colombia displacement rises

World News in Brief: Russia-Ukraine talks, Sudan exodus worsens, Colombia displacement rises

Delegations met in Istanbul for the first direct negotiations in three years, including on a potential ceasefire and large-scale prisoner exchange. The UN acknowledged the important role of Türkiye and the United States in facilitating the talks, said Stephanie Tremblay, a spokesperson for the global body in New York. “We hope this process will lead […]

South Korea Engages U.S. Over Tariff Concerns

South Korea Engages U.S. Over Tariff Concerns

The South Korean government is actively engaging with the U.S. to address trade uncertainties stemming from new tariff measures, Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said Thursday. During a meeting with top industry think tanks—including Samsung, Hyundai, POSCO, and LG—Cheong emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to navigate U.S. protectionist policies under President Trump. The U.S. is […]

Bangladesh Coast Guard Visits India

The Indian Coast Guard welcomed a four member delegation led by Director General, Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury who are on a three day visit to India. In addition to meeting senior officials in the Ministry of Defence, the delegation will also be discussing issues of mutual cooperation in the field of maritime […]