Syria transition gains ground with Kurdish deal, but violence and humanitarian strain persist

A new agreement between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces in the country’s northeast is being viewed by the United Nations as a potentially significant step toward stabilising a region long shaped by conflict and competing authorities. Briefing members of the UN Security Council for the first time in his role as Deputy Special Envoy […]

Syria: Renewed clashes risk derailing fragile transition

They urged swift implementation of recent agreements to prevent renewed fighting, protect civilians and preserve fragile gains made during the country’s transition. A country still on edge One year into Syria’s post-Assad transition, nearly three million refugees and internally displaced people have returned home, a sign of cautious progress. But UN officials cautioned that the […]

Belém COP30 delivers climate finance boost and a pledge to plan fossil fuel transition

Climate disinformation: Commitment to promote information integrity and counter false narratives. The final decision emphasises solidarity and investment, setting ambitious financial targets while leaving energy transition for later discussion. The burning of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases that are by far the largest contributors to global warming, making this omission a point of concern for […]

Syria: Political transition on ‘a knife-edge’ amid military skirmishes

Syria: Political transition on ‘a knife-edge’ amid military skirmishes

Geir Pedersen told ambassadors that in Sweida governate, where sectarian violence in July also spurred conflict in the capital Damascus, the 19 July ceasefire has come under strain, but the conflict has not resumed so far. However, “we are still seeing dangerous hostilities and skirmishes on the margins of Sweida, and violence could resume at any moment,” he […]

‘Smart grid’ helps accelerate energy transition in Indonesia

‘Smart grid’ helps accelerate energy transition in Indonesia

With support from the United Nations, the electricity grid on the central islands of Java, Madura, and Bali – home to over 160 million people – is now being upgraded and modernized to accommodate fluctuating energy loads from solar and wind power. “As a result of our cooperation with the UN, we now have a […]