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U.N. News 2023
By no means complete, but maybe what you won't want to have missed, if possible from non-UN sources
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December 2023
ICRC taps new chief who quit UNRWA amid ethics, abuse & corruption scandal — unwatch — 22 December 2023 (LINK)
UN peacekeeping chief says body has strong support for operations despite `headwinds' — ground.news main source: AP, 11 media reports — 15 December 2023 (LINK)
— 33 countries pledged 117 military and police units for UN peacekeeping operations, while 45 countries pledged over 100 training and partnership commitments. The number of UN peacekeepers has decreased from over 100,000 to 70,000 due to mission completions and demands by Mali and Congo for troops to leave.
The $10 billion charity in favour of the U.N.'s SDGs no one has heard of: SDG Impact Fund grew from $238 million in assets in 2020 to $10 billion in 2021 — Chronicle of Philanthropy — 15 December 2023 (LINK)
— It's impossible to know where donations came from because donor-advised funds are not required to identify donors. Nor is it clear how the DAF put its donations to charitable use or whether donors to the fund are receiving any benefits. SDG Impact's leaders did not respond to repeated requests for answers to questions related to the fund's assets, growth, and donations.
— One criticism of DAFs is that they allow the wealthy to derive benefits from charitable giving — without the actual charitable-giving part, at least not at the time they receive the tax benefit.
In 2018, a news release described the fund as the first to accept all types of crypto, token, and digital assets to support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, 17 interlinked global objectives designed to reduce hunger, improve the environment, and increase equality.
On its website, the fund allows donors to click on links to contribute to any of 16 causes. They include Gaia Gives, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals through "storytelling and engagement," and the Costa Rica Regenerative Retreat Sanctuary, where visitors "level up your life so you can be more productive in sharing your gifts with the world, making a lasting positive change for humanity." Another link on the site's "impact" section leads to "Donate to Win," which offers participants the chance to buy into a lottery for tickets to a Taylor Swift concert and a college football game. The website does not explain how these tickets are related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations' first woman to serve as special rapporteur on torture — passblue — 12 December 2023 (LINK)
Human Rights Day: 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration — ohchr — 10 December 2023 (LINK)
High-level Event in Geneva on 11 and 12 December — ohchr — (LINK)
UN warns of massive funding shortfall as global crises mount — Al Jazeera — 11 December 2023 (LINK)
Nearly one in four people now drought stricken — UNCCD — eurasiareview — 11 December 2023 (LINK)
Cultural Triumphs: UNESCO welcomes 27 new additions to the World Heritage Sites — wealthofgeeks — 9 December 2023 (LINK)
UNCTAD eWeek: More than 3,500 participants from 159 countries outlined actions needed to transform digital opportunities into shared and eco-friendly progress: digital infrastructure and skills, data governance, environmental sustainability, and environmental sustainability — unctad — 8 December 2023 (LINK)
- Leaders agreed on the pressing need to empower the least developed countries through enhanced digital infrastructure, connectivity, skills and regulatory frameworks.
- Experts stressed the need for a global governance approach to data, digital platforms and technologies like AI, aiming to ensure equal access, shared benefits and a balance between innovation and the protection of human and social rights.
- The discussions emphasized the importance of reducing the digital economy's environmental footprint through innovation in device production, better waste management and consumer awareness, and a swift shift to renewable energy.
- Participants underlined the critical need to support women entrepreneurs in the digital economy, focusing especially on improving their access to finance and actively involving them in policymaking processes.
UN votes to end political mission in Sudan, where world hasn't been able to stop bloodshed — ground.news main source: AP, 33 media reports — 1 December 2023 (LINK)
November 2023
more than 200 medical journals have asked the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency either at or before the next World Health Assembly in May 2024, from the combination of biodiversity loss and changing global temperatures: "The climate crisis and loss of biodiversity both damage human health, and they are interlinked." — thecooldown.com — 25 November 2023 (LINK)
Fox News: United Nations chief slammed as Gaza death comparison fact-checked by social media: 'lost any moral standing'. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths — Fox News: — 21 November 2023 (LINK)
United Nations 'paralyzed' in face of challenges: UN General Assembly president — www.aa.com.tr — 16 November 2023 (LINK)
Sudan asks UN to end political mission immediately, saying that the mission's performance "was disappointing" — deutschewelle — 16 November 2023 (LINK)
Russia not elected to UNESCO Executive Board for the first time — kyivindependent — 15 November 2023 (LINK)
What is COP28 and why does it matter? — euronews — 7 November 2023 (LINK)
From AI to peace, meet the finalists of the Schwab Foundation 2024 Social Innovation Awards: includes Chantal Line Carpentier of UNCTAD New York — weforum — 1 November 2023 (LINK)
October 2023
Top UN official in New York, Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN high commissioner for human rights, steps down citing 'genocide' of Palestinian civilians — The Guardian UK ● — 31 October 2023 (LINK)
— The outgoing director's departure letter did not mention the 7 October attack by Hamas on southern Israel killing more than 1,400 people and taking 240 hostages. Even more contentiously, his letter calls for the effective end to the state of Israel.
Former senior UN officials publish statement in support of the UN Secretary-General over Middle East statements — una.org.uk — 27 October 2023 (LINK)
— "We share his unequivocal condemnation of the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel; his call for the unconditional release of hostages; his reminder of the suffering of the Palestinian people; and his statement that while this cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas, nor can those appalling attacks justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."
Israel says it has refused visa to UN official to 'teach them a lesson'. Israel says it has refused a visa to UN humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths as a result of comments at the UN by secretary-general António Guterres. Israel has called on Guterres to resign after the address in New York. — The Guardian UK ● — 25 October 2023 (LINK)
UN chief says remarks about Hamas that sparked resignation calls were misrepresented — ground.news: 6 media reports — 25 October 2023 (LINK)
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East — (LINK)
US, EU blamed as climate fund talks break down over World Bank push: Rich and poor countries fail to secure deal on new climate damages fund — politico — 21 October 2023 (LINK)
— Another meeting is now likely to be scheduled for early November in Abu Dhabi to try to find a deal before the world's governments gather in the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 global climate talks, which start on November 30.
Explainer: How the UN works behind the scenes during crises — news.un.org — 17 October 2023 (LINK)
UN expert urges end of torture-tools trade amid global spike in torture — ohchr — 13 October 2023 (LINK)
— "Devices such as spiked batons that easily puncture the skin, thumb cuffs that risk damaging the fine bones of the hands, and electric shock belts that electrocute individuals at the touch of a button are widely available and used," said Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. "These tools are as horrific as the racks and thumbscrews favoured by medieval torturers," she said.
Eight UN peacekeepers detained over sex abuse claims in DR Congo — ground.news main source: AFP, 21 media reports — 11 October 2023 (LINK)
UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council: Peru and Russia failed to secure a seat — news.un.org — 10 October 2023 (LINK)
IMF says it's ready for reform but is it? — CNN — 3 October 2023 (LINK)
- ???? The US (15.3% of the global economy) has a 17.4% voting share
- ???? Germany (3.2% of the global economy) has a 5.6% voting share
- ???? India (7.47% of the global economy) has a 2.75% vote, and
- ???? China (18.9% of the global economy) has 6.4% of the votes.
September 2023
CNN: Who could lead the United Nations next? This Caribbean climate leader, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, makes diplomats 'jump' with excitement — CNN — 29 September 2023 (LINK)
Leading US Jewish groups decry top legal award for 'anti-Israel' UN official Navi Pillay — timesofisrael — 27 September 2023 (LINK)
Bloomberg: world disappointed by the UN now looks elsewhere for answers — news.yahoo.com — 16 September 2023 (LINK)
Speed dating for diplomats: An inside guide to the UN General Assembly: Reuters talks to its journalists around the world about what to expect from the United Nations General Assembly when it meets in New York this week(podcast) — www.reuters.com ● — 16 September 2023 (LINK)
What you need to know about the UN's draft global plastics treaty: WWF explainer on the "Zero Draft" — impakter.com — 14 September 2023 (LINK)
— The good news is that the Draft contains the most important and ambitious measures that are necessary in curbing plastic pollution. The bad news is that the Draft includes options for voluntary measures. Some obligations have also been framed in vague language that lack specificity.
UNGA78: 'Action is what the world needs' — news.un.org — 13 September 2023 (LINK)
What to expect from the United Nations General Assembly:
Not a whole lot. But from Russia's war to climate change and the global south, changes are afoot. — foreignpolicy.com — 13 September 2023 (LINK)
WHO Drafting Grouop meeting on pandemics: 4-6 September 2023 (PDF) — google.com — 4 September 2023 (LINK)
Saype, French-Swiss artist of "ephemeral" installations, joins Handicap International to create grass fresco in Place des Nations, Geneva, after Handicap's 18 August 1997 Broken Chair to remind world of need to protect civiians from war-related weapons and destruction: 4-15 September 2023 — see_link — 4 September 2023 (LINK)
— In 2022, every day around the world around 57 civilians were killed or injured by explosive weapons, + 83% compared to 2021.
As the UN designs a new carbon market, experts call for a different approach: "The time for offsetting is over." — grist.org — 1 September 2023 (LINK)
August 2023
UN in 'unprecedented' 6-month withdrawal of nearly 13,000 peacekeepers from Mali — ground.news main source: AP, 22 media reports — 28 August 2023 (LINK)
Officials commemorate 20th anniversary of deadly attack on UN headquarters in Iraq — ground.news 1 main source: AP, 17 media reports — 19 August 2023 (LINK)
Experts discuss: what to expect at the UN General Assembly in 2023 — unfoundation.org — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
WFP says forced to cut Yemen rations, compounding food crisis — ground.news 1 main source: AFP, 9 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, has been facing a devastating conflict for eight years, with 17 million Yemenis experiencing food insecurity and millions requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
UNRWA suspends services in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon over gunmen inside its facilities — ground.news: 21 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
US, allies condemn assault on UN peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriots — The Hill — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
UN rights office condemns "extremely brutality" of gang attacks that killed at least 2,400 Haitians this year and lead 5,000 to flee: gangs control about 80 percent of Haiti's capital — ground.news: 20 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— More than 950 kidnappings and 902 injuries have been reported.
World Food Program slowly resumes food aid to Ethiopia after months of suspension and criticism — AP — 8 August 2023 (LINK)
UN closes its human rights office in Uganda as government ends an agreement allowing it to operate — AP — 4 August 2023 (LINK)
— The closure comes amid concern over human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in Uganda and a new law that prescribes the death penalty for some homosexual acts. The office in Kampala will formally cease operations on Saturday, while sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto closed at the end of June and on Monday respectively.
"I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with state institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement from Geneva.
July 2023
UN Secretary-General appoints Ms Tatiana Molcean, 41, of Moldova as next Executive Secretary of UNECE — unece — 28 July 2023 (LINK)
Undue influence? Donations to World Health Organization's new foundation by donors who prefer not to be publicly named, accounting for nearly 40% of funding, raise concerns about possible undue influence — ground.news: main source: ap, 31 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
Yemeni police have arrested 2 suspects in the killing of a senior World Food Program official — ground.news: 13 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a 'multipolar world' — news.un.org — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— The New Agenda for Peace presents twelve concrete sets of proposals for action, in five priority areas:
- strong measures to prevent conflicts at the global level and address geopolitical divisions, prioritizing diplomacy, and investments in regional security architectures
- a "paradigm for prevention that addresses all forms of violence", focusing on mediation and social cohesion; ensuring respect for human rights and meaningful participation of women in decision-making; and prioritizing links between sustainable development, climate action, and peace.
- The third area calls for updating peacekeeping operations to adapt to today's conflicts, many of which remain unresolved for decades, driven by complex domestic, geopolitical and transnational factors.
- Preventing weaponization of emerging domains and technologies and promoting responsible innovation, is highlighted as the fourth key area, noting the need for global governance to address threats posed by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems.
- The fifth priority area calls for urgent reforms to the Security Council, General Assembly, the UN's disarmament machinery, and the Peacebuilding Commission, to enhance collective security. "The Security Council in particular should more systematically seek the advice of the Commission on the peacebuilding dimensions of the mandates of peace operations," Mr. Guterres said.
The Secretary-General also introduced other policy briefs on Transforming Education and UN 2.0, aimed at improving education systems and modernising the UN to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
yahoo: UN chief says the world is in a new era marked by the highest major power competition in decades — (LINK)
Winners of 2023 UN Human Rights Prize Announced — news.un.orgs — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— This year's winners were the Human Rights Center "Viasna", based in Belarus, Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amman Center for Human Rights Studies from Jordan, Julio Pereyra from Uruguay and the Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities. The recipients of the Prize were chosen by a Special Committee from more than 400 nominations received from Member States, the UN system, and civil society.
Guterres launches latest report on youth participation at the UN — news.un.org — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Mr. Guterres said the report reveals encouraging results, with 55 UN entities and 131 UN Country Teams actively supporting youth programming with governments and civil society around the world. "We are establishing a new United Nations Youth Office in the UN Secretariat to advance advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people," he added. "And we are committed to doing even more."
China is reshaping UN development work — www.passblue.com — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Since taking over FAO in 2019, Qu Dongyu, recently re-elected, has been credited with making FAO more agile through management reform and innovative partnership mechanisms, including the Hand-in-Hand initiative. At the same time, Qu has attracted criticism for his initial position on the war against Ukraine, which echoed Russian rhetoric, and for evading UN accountability structures.
Taken altogether, Chinese engagement with the UN development pillar reflects a notion of multilateralism that differs from established (Western) concepts. China seems to see the UN more as a platform for facilitating bilateral exchanges, thriving on individual member state contributions. China’s approach receives low scores on conventional global governance indices. But it might well offer a mechanism for adjusting the UN to changing political realities.
UN Secretary General embraces calls for a new UN agency on AI in the face of 'potentially catastrophic and existential risks' — edition.cnn.com — 18 July 2023 (LINK)
UN warns its development goals for 2030 are in trouble and 575 million people will remain very poor — AP.com — 11 July 2023 (LINK)
— Only 15% of some 140 specific targets are on track to be reached by the end of the decade.
World Bank Chief Names CEOs to Aid Climate Finance 'Lab' Effort — reuters / money.usnews.com — 10 July 2023 (LINK)
UN food aid deliveries by AI robots could begin next year — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN tech agency rolls out human-looking robots for questions at a Geneva news conference — ground.news: 60 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
ChatGPT monthly traffic has dropped for the first time — ground.news: 14 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN Council to hold first meeting 13 July on potential threats of artificial intelligence to global peace — ap/www.usnews.com — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
ITU: AI for good 6-7 July — aiforgood.itu.int — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
— Robot rockstar royalty, a robot portrait painter, and the world's first ultra-realistic robot performance artist have RSVP'd alongside some 3,000 other delegates to attend the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) annual AI for Good Global Summit
WFP funding crisis leaves millions stranded without aid in West Africa — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
New UN policy paper launched to counter and address online hate — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
— The Strategy makes a firm commitment to step up coordinated action to tackle hate speech, both at global and national levels, including the use of new technologies and engaging with social media to address online hate speech and promote positive narratives. The policy paper builds upon earlier initiatives, including The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which seeks to enhance the UN's response to the global spread and impact of hate speech.
ESG is on its way out — now that investors have been forced to wise up — nypost.com ●
→ — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
China's Qu Dongyu Reelected Unopposed as Head of UN Food Agency — www.voanews.com — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Countries toughen up borders against migration, ducking UN advice on human rights — genevasolutions.news — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
The UN's Plan To Control Us ALL!! This Report is INSANE!! — youtube 25min — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Original report in PDF: May 2023 — (LINK)
June 2023
The world is about to miss a key deadline to craft rules for deep-sea mining — www.theverge.com — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
— The deadline for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to decide on regulations for deep–sea mining is July 2023. That deadline to craft regulation is nearly here — and the ISA, an international organization established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is expected to miss it. Once the deadline has passed, companies eager to reap previously out-of-reach resources will be able to formally apply for permits to mine the deep sea.
UN General Assembly votes for independent body to investigate fate of 130,000 people missing in Syria war — ground.news: 39 media reports — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agencies head up new $115 million push for cleaner, healthier oceans — news.un.org — 29 June 2023 (LINK)
— FAO will co-lead the Clean and Healthy Oceans initiative together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), in a strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN educational, science and cultural agency UNESCO.
Legal protection essential for people displaced by climate change: UN expert — news.un.org — 28 June 2023 (LINK)
— "In 2020 alone, 30.7 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related events. Droughts were the main factor. We must take immediate steps to give legal protection to these people."
Crypto Travel Rule implementation 'remains relatively poor,' says FATF — cointelegraph.com — 26 June 2023 (LINK)
On Peacebuilding Day, ambassadors in New York discuss response to organized crime in the Sahel — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Consisting of 31 Member States elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) brings together top donors and troop-contributing countries. The PBC has been actively involved in improving conditions across the Sahel , encompassing such countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal.
Transnational organized crime poses a significant threat. The illegal activities there vary from weapons sales and drug production to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that illicit economic activities there generate billions of dollars annually, while much of the population lives on less than $2 per day.
Urgent reform needed to shield women and children from violence during custody battles — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Family court systems worldwide are being impacted by "deeply embedded gender bias" which is leaving women and children vulnerable to violence and "immense suffering", an independent UN human rights expert said.
The United Nations is proposing a universal digital ID system that would directly connect to people's bank accounts and payment apps — dailyhodl.com — 24 June 2023 (LINK)
UN's World Refugee Day Celebrates Courage and Contributions of Refugees — www.voanews.com — 20 June 2023 (LINK)
— Belying common perceptions, the UNHCR reports that 76% of the world's refugees are hosted in low-and middle-income countries, not in wealthy nations, and that sub-Saharan Africa hosts one in five of all refugees globally. Anti-refugee and anti-immigrant sentiment has grown as the number of forcibly displaced has increased. This has led to a rise in xenophobia and hate speech.
When refugees are given the opportunity to work and to contribute to a society, they nearly always jump at the chance. They are very motivated," said Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR head of news and media. "Their priority is to get themselves on their feet, to support their families, to educate their children," he said, "but more often than not to contribute to their new society as a way of being able to thank that society for helping them when they needed that help." However, Saltmarsh noted that when refugees are parked in a settlement or camp in a remote area without access to livelihoods, "they will remain passive recipients of humanitarian handouts."
UN chief says fossil fuels are 'incompatible with human survival', calls for credible exit strategy — ap / www.pbs.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
World Bank Confirms Reallocating Fossil Fuel, Factory Farm Subsidies Key to Solving Climate Crisis — www.commondreams.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
UN labour agency gets budget despite LGBTQ rights drama — afp / www.monitor.co.ug — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
— Despite harsh opposition from the OIC countries especially, the adopted text still makes specific reference to people facing discrimination and exclusion "on the grounds of race, sexual orientation and gender identity." But a note has been included that "recognises the different positions expressed on the issue", ILO spokeswoman Rosalind Yarde told reporters in Geneva.
'Tides Are Changing': Meet the Winners of the UN's 10th Annual World Oceans Day Photo Competition — www.ecowatch.com — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
UN chief calls for coordinated global action on disinformation, hate and artificial intelligence — ground.news: 53 media reports — 12 June 2023 (LINK)
U.N. report reveals radical plan to save $4.5 trillion and create 700,000 jobs: 'We can deliver major ... wins' — /www.thecooldown.co — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Considering Reforms to Limit Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry at Global Climate Talks — insideclimatenews.org — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
WFP suspends food assistance as Ethiopia wrestles with aid diversions — news.un.org — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Sending Home Tanzanian Peacekeepers Implicated in Sexual Abuse — ground.news: 17 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
Sudan government declares UN envoy Volker Perthes 'persona non grata' after army chief accused him of inflaming conflict — ground.news: 52 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
'Absolute scandal': UAE state oil firm able to read Cop28 climate summit emails — www.theguardian.com — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
Graffiti on UN Vehicles in Kyiv Reflects Ukraine's Feelings Over its Position on Dam Destruction — www.kyivpost.com/ — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN elects Sierra Leone, four others Security Council non-permanent members — ground.news: 11 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
EU member Slovenia overwhelmingly defeats Moscow ally Belarus for a seat on the UN Security Council — ground.news: 29 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
WHO to seek global certificate system, inspired by E.U.'s Covid pass — ground.news: 19 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
First steps agreed by November on plastics treaty after breakthrough at Paris talks — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN nuclear chief, facing Israeli criticism on Iran, says his agency 'very fair but firm' — ground.news: 21 media reports — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
World Environment Day 2023: Top TV Stars Pledge To Plant a Tree on Their Birthdays in a Unique Campaign by Telly Reporter — theprint.in — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agency for Palestinian refugees raises just $107 million of $300 million needed — ground.news: 17 media reports — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
The uncertain prospects of the UN's future summit — genevasolutions.news — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
Ajay Banga faces great expectations as he takes helm of World Bank — www.devex.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
— The Indian-born former Mastercard executive, who started his career with Nestlé has a fanbase across the financial world who are convinced he can deftly reform the World Bank for the modern era.
Pressure mounts around Qatar's expected presidency of International Labour Conference — www.thegenevaobserver.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
Argentine meteorologist becomes first female head of UN weather agency — ground.news: 23 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
Lebanon military court accuses Hezbollah 5 over killing of UN peacekeeper — ground.news: 17 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
May 2023
UN commends Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, as final judgement is delivered, increasing the prison sentences on appeal of two former top Serbian security officials — news.un.org — 31 May 2023 (LINK)
International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice — news.un.org — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
McCain makes executive office changes at WFP — www.devex.com — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
UN talks on a treaty to end global plastic pollution open in Paris — ground.news: 55 media reports — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
Cash-strapped UN human rights chief pleas for funds as crises clash and spiral — genevasolutions — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
Updated Pandemic Accord Draft Sees Watered Down Text on Publicly-Funded R&D; Pathogen Access and 'Benefit Sharing' Linkage Remain — healthpolicy-watch.news — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
China's New Covid Wave Set to See 65 Million Cases a Week — ground.news: 9 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Increasing Health Emergencies Leave WHO 'Overstretched' — ground.news: 20 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO's pandemic 'countermeasures' plan takes shape — devex.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Regulators should focus on the benefits of crypto: European Web3 Summit 2023 — cointelegraph.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
— Irakli Beridze, the head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the United Nations (UN) said there is a need to shift the narrative of crypto being used by terrorists and criminals and highlight to policymakers that there are benefits to Web3 and crypto as a solution and not just "used by criminals to hide money."
UN chief says it's time to reform Security Council, Bretton Woods — ground.news: media reports — 21 May 2023 (LINK)
— "The global financial architecture became outdated, dysfunctional and unfair," he said. "In the face of the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has failed to fulfill its core function as a global safety net."
U.N. marks 75th anniversary of mass expulsion of Palestinians for first time — ground.news: 4 news reports — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalize homosexuality as a vital step in ensuring health for all — unaids — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
— Around the world, 67 countries still criminalize same sex relations, with 10 imposing the death penalty. 20 countries criminalise gender diversity.
A special status for cities and regions at the United Nations? — genevacitieshub — 11 May 2023 (LINK)
High stakes on who will lead the World Meteorological Organization — genevasolutions — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UN political caste system drains workforce morale in Western Sahara — devex — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
Reform or die? If the US gets its way, the WTO might do both — politico ← — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAMA: Corporal Punishment and the Death Penalty in Afghanistan — source — 7 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses lead COVID origins investigator for sexual misconduct — ground.news: 40 media reports — 3 May 2023 (LINK)
April 2023
How much substance is there to the UN's gender parity goal? Gender parity in the UN has been progressing at a snail pace — genevasolutions — 25 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses manager after sexual misconduct findings — ground.news: 67 reports — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
How to fix the UN's sex abuse problem? Interview with Christian Saunders, the UN's special coordinator on improving its response to sexual exploitation and abuse — thenewhumanitarian.org — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
Conservative posts misrepresent UN position on sex between adults and minors — factcheck.afp.com — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
United Nations lodges concern over reported US eavesdropping on UN chief — ground.news: 4 reports — 18 April 2023 (LINK)
PassBlue's monthly newsletter tracking senior UN appoints has been published — passblue — 7 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO's New Leadership Team Is a Mixed Bag of Political Appointees and Specialists: some have hardly any experience at all in the areas to which they have been appointed — healthpolicy-watch.news — 17 April 2023 (LINK)
— There was also some disappointment that none of the senior WHO staff that had been serving as interim Assistant Director Generals received final appointments to Tedros management team, with the exception of Aylward. Influential member states like the United States had earlier expressed some hopes that the promotion of more senior WHO staff through the ranks to senior leadership positions could help convey a stronger sense of professionalism and accountability within the organization's ranks.
Instead, four senior staff who had briefly served as interim ADG's were summarily dismissed by Tedros with little more than a 'thank you' conveyed via an internal note sent out to WHO staff simultaneously to Monday's announcements.
March 2023
UN's global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb — phys.org — 24 March 2023 (LINK)
— In addition to data gaps, when it comes to analyzing the meteorological data and predicting future weather events, there is also a lack of local expertise. Getting alerts to remote populations poses possibly the biggest hurdle. Mobile networks powerful communication channels for alerts, especially because SMS warnings can be targeted to reach only those located in an at-risk area. Few developing countries have installed such systems, despite the relatively low cost.
UN commission calls for closing the gender digital divide and urges zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harassment online. — ground.news: 21 reports — 18 March 2023 (LINK)
UN aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia — theglobeandmail — 17 March 2023 (LINK)
Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks — BBC — 4 March 2023 (LINK)
— The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining - when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface. In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
February 2023
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
January 2023
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN COP28 climate talks — ground.news: 131 reports — 13 January 2023 (LINK)
Indian cough syrups linked to kids' deaths in Uzbekistan should not be used, says WHO — ground.news: 45 reports — 12 January 2023 (LINK)
Gender Parity Endured Among Top UN Posts in 2022, but Gaps in Lower-Level Jobs Persist: a gender gap exists in entry-level positions in the Secretariat, which saw a decrease in women filling such jobs — passblue — 5 January 2023 (LINK)
A-Z of United Nations Podcasts — unric — 1 January 2023 (LINK)
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
April - September 2022
ICRC taps new chief who quit UNRWA amid ethics, abuse & corruption scandal — unwatch — 22 December 2023 (LINK)
UN peacekeeping chief says body has strong support for operations despite `headwinds' — ground.news main source: AP, 11 media reports — 15 December 2023 (LINK)
— 33 countries pledged 117 military and police units for UN peacekeeping operations, while 45 countries pledged over 100 training and partnership commitments. The number of UN peacekeepers has decreased from over 100,000 to 70,000 due to mission completions and demands by Mali and Congo for troops to leave.
The $10 billion charity in favour of the U.N.'s SDGs no one has heard of: SDG Impact Fund grew from $238 million in assets in 2020 to $10 billion in 2021 — Chronicle of Philanthropy — 15 December 2023 (LINK)
— It's impossible to know where donations came from because donor-advised funds are not required to identify donors. Nor is it clear how the DAF put its donations to charitable use or whether donors to the fund are receiving any benefits. SDG Impact's leaders did not respond to repeated requests for answers to questions related to the fund's assets, growth, and donations.
— One criticism of DAFs is that they allow the wealthy to derive benefits from charitable giving — without the actual charitable-giving part, at least not at the time they receive the tax benefit.
In 2018, a news release described the fund as the first to accept all types of crypto, token, and digital assets to support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, 17 interlinked global objectives designed to reduce hunger, improve the environment, and increase equality.
On its website, the fund allows donors to click on links to contribute to any of 16 causes. They include Gaia Gives, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals through "storytelling and engagement," and the Costa Rica Regenerative Retreat Sanctuary, where visitors "level up your life so you can be more productive in sharing your gifts with the world, making a lasting positive change for humanity." Another link on the site's "impact" section leads to "Donate to Win," which offers participants the chance to buy into a lottery for tickets to a Taylor Swift concert and a college football game. The website does not explain how these tickets are related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations' first woman to serve as special rapporteur on torture — passblue — 12 December 2023 (LINK)
Human Rights Day: 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration — ohchr — 10 December 2023 (LINK)
High-level Event in Geneva on 11 and 12 December — ohchr — (LINK)
UN warns of massive funding shortfall as global crises mount — Al Jazeera — 11 December 2023 (LINK)
Nearly one in four people now drought stricken — UNCCD — eurasiareview — 11 December 2023 (LINK)
Cultural Triumphs: UNESCO welcomes 27 new additions to the World Heritage Sites — wealthofgeeks — 9 December 2023 (LINK)
UNCTAD eWeek: More than 3,500 participants from 159 countries outlined actions needed to transform digital opportunities into shared and eco-friendly progress: digital infrastructure and skills, data governance, environmental sustainability, and environmental sustainability — unctad — 8 December 2023 (LINK)
- Leaders agreed on the pressing need to empower the least developed countries through enhanced digital infrastructure, connectivity, skills and regulatory frameworks.
- Experts stressed the need for a global governance approach to data, digital platforms and technologies like AI, aiming to ensure equal access, shared benefits and a balance between innovation and the protection of human and social rights.
- The discussions emphasized the importance of reducing the digital economy's environmental footprint through innovation in device production, better waste management and consumer awareness, and a swift shift to renewable energy.
- Participants underlined the critical need to support women entrepreneurs in the digital economy, focusing especially on improving their access to finance and actively involving them in policymaking processes.
UN votes to end political mission in Sudan, where world hasn't been able to stop bloodshed — ground.news main source: AP, 33 media reports — 1 December 2023 (LINK)
more than 200 medical journals have asked the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency either at or before the next World Health Assembly in May 2024, from the combination of biodiversity loss and changing global temperatures: "The climate crisis and loss of biodiversity both damage human health, and they are interlinked." — thecooldown.com — 25 November 2023 (LINK)
Fox News: United Nations chief slammed as Gaza death comparison fact-checked by social media: 'lost any moral standing'. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths — Fox News: — 21 November 2023 (LINK)
United Nations 'paralyzed' in face of challenges: UN General Assembly president — www.aa.com.tr — 16 November 2023 (LINK)
Sudan asks UN to end political mission immediately, saying that the mission's performance "was disappointing" — deutschewelle — 16 November 2023 (LINK)
Russia not elected to UNESCO Executive Board for the first time — kyivindependent — 15 November 2023 (LINK)
What is COP28 and why does it matter? — euronews — 7 November 2023 (LINK)
From AI to peace, meet the finalists of the Schwab Foundation 2024 Social Innovation Awards: includes Chantal Line Carpentier of UNCTAD New York — weforum — 1 November 2023 (LINK)
October 2023
Top UN official in New York, Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN high commissioner for human rights, steps down citing 'genocide' of Palestinian civilians — The Guardian UK ● — 31 October 2023 (LINK)
— The outgoing director's departure letter did not mention the 7 October attack by Hamas on southern Israel killing more than 1,400 people and taking 240 hostages. Even more contentiously, his letter calls for the effective end to the state of Israel.
Former senior UN officials publish statement in support of the UN Secretary-General over Middle East statements — una.org.uk — 27 October 2023 (LINK)
— "We share his unequivocal condemnation of the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel; his call for the unconditional release of hostages; his reminder of the suffering of the Palestinian people; and his statement that while this cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas, nor can those appalling attacks justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."
Israel says it has refused visa to UN official to 'teach them a lesson'. Israel says it has refused a visa to UN humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths as a result of comments at the UN by secretary-general António Guterres. Israel has called on Guterres to resign after the address in New York. — The Guardian UK ● — 25 October 2023 (LINK)
UN chief says remarks about Hamas that sparked resignation calls were misrepresented — ground.news: 6 media reports — 25 October 2023 (LINK)
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East — (LINK)
US, EU blamed as climate fund talks break down over World Bank push: Rich and poor countries fail to secure deal on new climate damages fund — politico — 21 October 2023 (LINK)
— Another meeting is now likely to be scheduled for early November in Abu Dhabi to try to find a deal before the world's governments gather in the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 global climate talks, which start on November 30.
Explainer: How the UN works behind the scenes during crises — news.un.org — 17 October 2023 (LINK)
UN expert urges end of torture-tools trade amid global spike in torture — ohchr — 13 October 2023 (LINK)
— "Devices such as spiked batons that easily puncture the skin, thumb cuffs that risk damaging the fine bones of the hands, and electric shock belts that electrocute individuals at the touch of a button are widely available and used," said Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. "These tools are as horrific as the racks and thumbscrews favoured by medieval torturers," she said.
Eight UN peacekeepers detained over sex abuse claims in DR Congo — ground.news main source: AFP, 21 media reports — 11 October 2023 (LINK)
UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council: Peru and Russia failed to secure a seat — news.un.org — 10 October 2023 (LINK)
IMF says it's ready for reform but is it? — CNN — 3 October 2023 (LINK)
- ???? The US (15.3% of the global economy) has a 17.4% voting share
- ???? Germany (3.2% of the global economy) has a 5.6% voting share
- ???? India (7.47% of the global economy) has a 2.75% vote, and
- ???? China (18.9% of the global economy) has 6.4% of the votes.
September 2023
CNN: Who could lead the United Nations next? This Caribbean climate leader, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, makes diplomats 'jump' with excitement — CNN — 29 September 2023 (LINK)
Leading US Jewish groups decry top legal award for 'anti-Israel' UN official Navi Pillay — timesofisrael — 27 September 2023 (LINK)
Bloomberg: world disappointed by the UN now looks elsewhere for answers — news.yahoo.com — 16 September 2023 (LINK)
Speed dating for diplomats: An inside guide to the UN General Assembly: Reuters talks to its journalists around the world about what to expect from the United Nations General Assembly when it meets in New York this week(podcast) — www.reuters.com ● — 16 September 2023 (LINK)
What you need to know about the UN's draft global plastics treaty: WWF explainer on the "Zero Draft" — impakter.com — 14 September 2023 (LINK)
— The good news is that the Draft contains the most important and ambitious measures that are necessary in curbing plastic pollution. The bad news is that the Draft includes options for voluntary measures. Some obligations have also been framed in vague language that lack specificity.
UNGA78: 'Action is what the world needs' — news.un.org — 13 September 2023 (LINK)
What to expect from the United Nations General Assembly:
Not a whole lot. But from Russia's war to climate change and the global south, changes are afoot. — foreignpolicy.com — 13 September 2023 (LINK)
WHO Drafting Grouop meeting on pandemics: 4-6 September 2023 (PDF) — google.com — 4 September 2023 (LINK)
Saype, French-Swiss artist of "ephemeral" installations, joins Handicap International to create grass fresco in Place des Nations, Geneva, after Handicap's 18 August 1997 Broken Chair to remind world of need to protect civiians from war-related weapons and destruction: 4-15 September 2023 — see_link — 4 September 2023 (LINK)
— In 2022, every day around the world around 57 civilians were killed or injured by explosive weapons, + 83% compared to 2021.
As the UN designs a new carbon market, experts call for a different approach: "The time for offsetting is over." — grist.org — 1 September 2023 (LINK)
August 2023
UN in 'unprecedented' 6-month withdrawal of nearly 13,000 peacekeepers from Mali — ground.news main source: AP, 22 media reports — 28 August 2023 (LINK)
Officials commemorate 20th anniversary of deadly attack on UN headquarters in Iraq — ground.news 1 main source: AP, 17 media reports — 19 August 2023 (LINK)
Experts discuss: what to expect at the UN General Assembly in 2023 — unfoundation.org — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
WFP says forced to cut Yemen rations, compounding food crisis — ground.news 1 main source: AFP, 9 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, has been facing a devastating conflict for eight years, with 17 million Yemenis experiencing food insecurity and millions requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
UNRWA suspends services in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon over gunmen inside its facilities — ground.news: 21 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
US, allies condemn assault on UN peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriots — The Hill — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
UN rights office condemns "extremely brutality" of gang attacks that killed at least 2,400 Haitians this year and lead 5,000 to flee: gangs control about 80 percent of Haiti's capital — ground.news: 20 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— More than 950 kidnappings and 902 injuries have been reported.
World Food Program slowly resumes food aid to Ethiopia after months of suspension and criticism — AP — 8 August 2023 (LINK)
UN closes its human rights office in Uganda as government ends an agreement allowing it to operate — AP — 4 August 2023 (LINK)
— The closure comes amid concern over human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in Uganda and a new law that prescribes the death penalty for some homosexual acts. The office in Kampala will formally cease operations on Saturday, while sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto closed at the end of June and on Monday respectively.
"I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with state institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement from Geneva.
July 2023
UN Secretary-General appoints Ms Tatiana Molcean, 41, of Moldova as next Executive Secretary of UNECE — unece — 28 July 2023 (LINK)
Undue influence? Donations to World Health Organization's new foundation by donors who prefer not to be publicly named, accounting for nearly 40% of funding, raise concerns about possible undue influence — ground.news: main source: ap, 31 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
Yemeni police have arrested 2 suspects in the killing of a senior World Food Program official — ground.news: 13 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a 'multipolar world' — news.un.org — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— The New Agenda for Peace presents twelve concrete sets of proposals for action, in five priority areas:
- strong measures to prevent conflicts at the global level and address geopolitical divisions, prioritizing diplomacy, and investments in regional security architectures
- a "paradigm for prevention that addresses all forms of violence", focusing on mediation and social cohesion; ensuring respect for human rights and meaningful participation of women in decision-making; and prioritizing links between sustainable development, climate action, and peace.
- The third area calls for updating peacekeeping operations to adapt to today's conflicts, many of which remain unresolved for decades, driven by complex domestic, geopolitical and transnational factors.
- Preventing weaponization of emerging domains and technologies and promoting responsible innovation, is highlighted as the fourth key area, noting the need for global governance to address threats posed by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems.
- The fifth priority area calls for urgent reforms to the Security Council, General Assembly, the UN's disarmament machinery, and the Peacebuilding Commission, to enhance collective security. "The Security Council in particular should more systematically seek the advice of the Commission on the peacebuilding dimensions of the mandates of peace operations," Mr. Guterres said.
The Secretary-General also introduced other policy briefs on Transforming Education and UN 2.0, aimed at improving education systems and modernising the UN to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
yahoo: UN chief says the world is in a new era marked by the highest major power competition in decades — (LINK)
Winners of 2023 UN Human Rights Prize Announced — news.un.orgs — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— This year's winners were the Human Rights Center "Viasna", based in Belarus, Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amman Center for Human Rights Studies from Jordan, Julio Pereyra from Uruguay and the Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities. The recipients of the Prize were chosen by a Special Committee from more than 400 nominations received from Member States, the UN system, and civil society.
Guterres launches latest report on youth participation at the UN — news.un.org — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Mr. Guterres said the report reveals encouraging results, with 55 UN entities and 131 UN Country Teams actively supporting youth programming with governments and civil society around the world. "We are establishing a new United Nations Youth Office in the UN Secretariat to advance advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people," he added. "And we are committed to doing even more."
China is reshaping UN development work — www.passblue.com — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Since taking over FAO in 2019, Qu Dongyu, recently re-elected, has been credited with making FAO more agile through management reform and innovative partnership mechanisms, including the Hand-in-Hand initiative. At the same time, Qu has attracted criticism for his initial position on the war against Ukraine, which echoed Russian rhetoric, and for evading UN accountability structures.
Taken altogether, Chinese engagement with the UN development pillar reflects a notion of multilateralism that differs from established (Western) concepts. China seems to see the UN more as a platform for facilitating bilateral exchanges, thriving on individual member state contributions. China’s approach receives low scores on conventional global governance indices. But it might well offer a mechanism for adjusting the UN to changing political realities.
UN Secretary General embraces calls for a new UN agency on AI in the face of 'potentially catastrophic and existential risks' — edition.cnn.com — 18 July 2023 (LINK)
UN warns its development goals for 2030 are in trouble and 575 million people will remain very poor — AP.com — 11 July 2023 (LINK)
— Only 15% of some 140 specific targets are on track to be reached by the end of the decade.
World Bank Chief Names CEOs to Aid Climate Finance 'Lab' Effort — reuters / money.usnews.com — 10 July 2023 (LINK)
UN food aid deliveries by AI robots could begin next year — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN tech agency rolls out human-looking robots for questions at a Geneva news conference — ground.news: 60 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
ChatGPT monthly traffic has dropped for the first time — ground.news: 14 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN Council to hold first meeting 13 July on potential threats of artificial intelligence to global peace — ap/www.usnews.com — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
ITU: AI for good 6-7 July — aiforgood.itu.int — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
— Robot rockstar royalty, a robot portrait painter, and the world's first ultra-realistic robot performance artist have RSVP'd alongside some 3,000 other delegates to attend the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) annual AI for Good Global Summit
WFP funding crisis leaves millions stranded without aid in West Africa — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
New UN policy paper launched to counter and address online hate — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
— The Strategy makes a firm commitment to step up coordinated action to tackle hate speech, both at global and national levels, including the use of new technologies and engaging with social media to address online hate speech and promote positive narratives. The policy paper builds upon earlier initiatives, including The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which seeks to enhance the UN's response to the global spread and impact of hate speech.
ESG is on its way out — now that investors have been forced to wise up — nypost.com ●
→ — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
China's Qu Dongyu Reelected Unopposed as Head of UN Food Agency — www.voanews.com — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Countries toughen up borders against migration, ducking UN advice on human rights — genevasolutions.news — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
The UN's Plan To Control Us ALL!! This Report is INSANE!! — youtube 25min — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Original report in PDF: May 2023 — (LINK)
June 2023
The world is about to miss a key deadline to craft rules for deep-sea mining — www.theverge.com — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
— The deadline for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to decide on regulations for deep–sea mining is July 2023. That deadline to craft regulation is nearly here — and the ISA, an international organization established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is expected to miss it. Once the deadline has passed, companies eager to reap previously out-of-reach resources will be able to formally apply for permits to mine the deep sea.
UN General Assembly votes for independent body to investigate fate of 130,000 people missing in Syria war — ground.news: 39 media reports — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agencies head up new $115 million push for cleaner, healthier oceans — news.un.org — 29 June 2023 (LINK)
— FAO will co-lead the Clean and Healthy Oceans initiative together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), in a strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN educational, science and cultural agency UNESCO.
Legal protection essential for people displaced by climate change: UN expert — news.un.org — 28 June 2023 (LINK)
— "In 2020 alone, 30.7 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related events. Droughts were the main factor. We must take immediate steps to give legal protection to these people."
Crypto Travel Rule implementation 'remains relatively poor,' says FATF — cointelegraph.com — 26 June 2023 (LINK)
On Peacebuilding Day, ambassadors in New York discuss response to organized crime in the Sahel — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Consisting of 31 Member States elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) brings together top donors and troop-contributing countries. The PBC has been actively involved in improving conditions across the Sahel , encompassing such countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal.
Transnational organized crime poses a significant threat. The illegal activities there vary from weapons sales and drug production to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that illicit economic activities there generate billions of dollars annually, while much of the population lives on less than $2 per day.
Urgent reform needed to shield women and children from violence during custody battles — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Family court systems worldwide are being impacted by "deeply embedded gender bias" which is leaving women and children vulnerable to violence and "immense suffering", an independent UN human rights expert said.
The United Nations is proposing a universal digital ID system that would directly connect to people's bank accounts and payment apps — dailyhodl.com — 24 June 2023 (LINK)
UN's World Refugee Day Celebrates Courage and Contributions of Refugees — www.voanews.com — 20 June 2023 (LINK)
— Belying common perceptions, the UNHCR reports that 76% of the world's refugees are hosted in low-and middle-income countries, not in wealthy nations, and that sub-Saharan Africa hosts one in five of all refugees globally. Anti-refugee and anti-immigrant sentiment has grown as the number of forcibly displaced has increased. This has led to a rise in xenophobia and hate speech.
When refugees are given the opportunity to work and to contribute to a society, they nearly always jump at the chance. They are very motivated," said Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR head of news and media. "Their priority is to get themselves on their feet, to support their families, to educate their children," he said, "but more often than not to contribute to their new society as a way of being able to thank that society for helping them when they needed that help." However, Saltmarsh noted that when refugees are parked in a settlement or camp in a remote area without access to livelihoods, "they will remain passive recipients of humanitarian handouts."
UN chief says fossil fuels are 'incompatible with human survival', calls for credible exit strategy — ap / www.pbs.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
World Bank Confirms Reallocating Fossil Fuel, Factory Farm Subsidies Key to Solving Climate Crisis — www.commondreams.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
UN labour agency gets budget despite LGBTQ rights drama — afp / www.monitor.co.ug — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
— Despite harsh opposition from the OIC countries especially, the adopted text still makes specific reference to people facing discrimination and exclusion "on the grounds of race, sexual orientation and gender identity." But a note has been included that "recognises the different positions expressed on the issue", ILO spokeswoman Rosalind Yarde told reporters in Geneva.
'Tides Are Changing': Meet the Winners of the UN's 10th Annual World Oceans Day Photo Competition — www.ecowatch.com — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
UN chief calls for coordinated global action on disinformation, hate and artificial intelligence — ground.news: 53 media reports — 12 June 2023 (LINK)
U.N. report reveals radical plan to save $4.5 trillion and create 700,000 jobs: 'We can deliver major ... wins' — /www.thecooldown.co — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Considering Reforms to Limit Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry at Global Climate Talks — insideclimatenews.org — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
WFP suspends food assistance as Ethiopia wrestles with aid diversions — news.un.org — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Sending Home Tanzanian Peacekeepers Implicated in Sexual Abuse — ground.news: 17 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
Sudan government declares UN envoy Volker Perthes 'persona non grata' after army chief accused him of inflaming conflict — ground.news: 52 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
'Absolute scandal': UAE state oil firm able to read Cop28 climate summit emails — www.theguardian.com — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
Graffiti on UN Vehicles in Kyiv Reflects Ukraine's Feelings Over its Position on Dam Destruction — www.kyivpost.com/ — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN elects Sierra Leone, four others Security Council non-permanent members — ground.news: 11 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
EU member Slovenia overwhelmingly defeats Moscow ally Belarus for a seat on the UN Security Council — ground.news: 29 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
WHO to seek global certificate system, inspired by E.U.'s Covid pass — ground.news: 19 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
First steps agreed by November on plastics treaty after breakthrough at Paris talks — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN nuclear chief, facing Israeli criticism on Iran, says his agency 'very fair but firm' — ground.news: 21 media reports — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
World Environment Day 2023: Top TV Stars Pledge To Plant a Tree on Their Birthdays in a Unique Campaign by Telly Reporter — theprint.in — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agency for Palestinian refugees raises just $107 million of $300 million needed — ground.news: 17 media reports — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
The uncertain prospects of the UN's future summit — genevasolutions.news — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
Ajay Banga faces great expectations as he takes helm of World Bank — www.devex.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
— The Indian-born former Mastercard executive, who started his career with Nestlé has a fanbase across the financial world who are convinced he can deftly reform the World Bank for the modern era.
Pressure mounts around Qatar's expected presidency of International Labour Conference — www.thegenevaobserver.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
Argentine meteorologist becomes first female head of UN weather agency — ground.news: 23 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
Lebanon military court accuses Hezbollah 5 over killing of UN peacekeeper — ground.news: 17 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
May 2023
UN commends Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, as final judgement is delivered, increasing the prison sentences on appeal of two former top Serbian security officials — news.un.org — 31 May 2023 (LINK)
International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice — news.un.org — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
McCain makes executive office changes at WFP — www.devex.com — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
UN talks on a treaty to end global plastic pollution open in Paris — ground.news: 55 media reports — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
Cash-strapped UN human rights chief pleas for funds as crises clash and spiral — genevasolutions — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
Updated Pandemic Accord Draft Sees Watered Down Text on Publicly-Funded R&D; Pathogen Access and 'Benefit Sharing' Linkage Remain — healthpolicy-watch.news — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
China's New Covid Wave Set to See 65 Million Cases a Week — ground.news: 9 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Increasing Health Emergencies Leave WHO 'Overstretched' — ground.news: 20 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO's pandemic 'countermeasures' plan takes shape — devex.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Regulators should focus on the benefits of crypto: European Web3 Summit 2023 — cointelegraph.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
— Irakli Beridze, the head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the United Nations (UN) said there is a need to shift the narrative of crypto being used by terrorists and criminals and highlight to policymakers that there are benefits to Web3 and crypto as a solution and not just "used by criminals to hide money."
UN chief says it's time to reform Security Council, Bretton Woods — ground.news: media reports — 21 May 2023 (LINK)
— "The global financial architecture became outdated, dysfunctional and unfair," he said. "In the face of the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has failed to fulfill its core function as a global safety net."
U.N. marks 75th anniversary of mass expulsion of Palestinians for first time — ground.news: 4 news reports — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalize homosexuality as a vital step in ensuring health for all — unaids — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
— Around the world, 67 countries still criminalize same sex relations, with 10 imposing the death penalty. 20 countries criminalise gender diversity.
A special status for cities and regions at the United Nations? — genevacitieshub — 11 May 2023 (LINK)
High stakes on who will lead the World Meteorological Organization — genevasolutions — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UN political caste system drains workforce morale in Western Sahara — devex — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
Reform or die? If the US gets its way, the WTO might do both — politico ← — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAMA: Corporal Punishment and the Death Penalty in Afghanistan — source — 7 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses lead COVID origins investigator for sexual misconduct — ground.news: 40 media reports — 3 May 2023 (LINK)
April 2023
How much substance is there to the UN's gender parity goal? Gender parity in the UN has been progressing at a snail pace — genevasolutions — 25 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses manager after sexual misconduct findings — ground.news: 67 reports — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
How to fix the UN's sex abuse problem? Interview with Christian Saunders, the UN's special coordinator on improving its response to sexual exploitation and abuse — thenewhumanitarian.org — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
Conservative posts misrepresent UN position on sex between adults and minors — factcheck.afp.com — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
United Nations lodges concern over reported US eavesdropping on UN chief — ground.news: 4 reports — 18 April 2023 (LINK)
PassBlue's monthly newsletter tracking senior UN appoints has been published — passblue — 7 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO's New Leadership Team Is a Mixed Bag of Political Appointees and Specialists: some have hardly any experience at all in the areas to which they have been appointed — healthpolicy-watch.news — 17 April 2023 (LINK)
— There was also some disappointment that none of the senior WHO staff that had been serving as interim Assistant Director Generals received final appointments to Tedros management team, with the exception of Aylward. Influential member states like the United States had earlier expressed some hopes that the promotion of more senior WHO staff through the ranks to senior leadership positions could help convey a stronger sense of professionalism and accountability within the organization's ranks.
Instead, four senior staff who had briefly served as interim ADG's were summarily dismissed by Tedros with little more than a 'thank you' conveyed via an internal note sent out to WHO staff simultaneously to Monday's announcements.
March 2023
UN's global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb — phys.org — 24 March 2023 (LINK)
— In addition to data gaps, when it comes to analyzing the meteorological data and predicting future weather events, there is also a lack of local expertise. Getting alerts to remote populations poses possibly the biggest hurdle. Mobile networks powerful communication channels for alerts, especially because SMS warnings can be targeted to reach only those located in an at-risk area. Few developing countries have installed such systems, despite the relatively low cost.
UN commission calls for closing the gender digital divide and urges zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harassment online. — ground.news: 21 reports — 18 March 2023 (LINK)
UN aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia — theglobeandmail — 17 March 2023 (LINK)
Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks — BBC — 4 March 2023 (LINK)
— The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining - when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface. In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
February 2023
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
January 2023
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN COP28 climate talks — ground.news: 131 reports — 13 January 2023 (LINK)
Indian cough syrups linked to kids' deaths in Uzbekistan should not be used, says WHO — ground.news: 45 reports — 12 January 2023 (LINK)
Gender Parity Endured Among Top UN Posts in 2022, but Gaps in Lower-Level Jobs Persist: a gender gap exists in entry-level positions in the Secretariat, which saw a decrease in women filling such jobs — passblue — 5 January 2023 (LINK)
A-Z of United Nations Podcasts — unric — 1 January 2023 (LINK)
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
April - September 2022
Top UN official in New York, Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN high commissioner for human rights, steps down citing 'genocide' of Palestinian civilians — The Guardian UK ● — 31 October 2023 (LINK)
— The outgoing director's departure letter did not mention the 7 October attack by Hamas on southern Israel killing more than 1,400 people and taking 240 hostages. Even more contentiously, his letter calls for the effective end to the state of Israel.
Former senior UN officials publish statement in support of the UN Secretary-General over Middle East statements — una.org.uk — 27 October 2023 (LINK)
— "We share his unequivocal condemnation of the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel; his call for the unconditional release of hostages; his reminder of the suffering of the Palestinian people; and his statement that while this cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas, nor can those appalling attacks justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."
Israel says it has refused visa to UN official to 'teach them a lesson'. Israel says it has refused a visa to UN humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths as a result of comments at the UN by secretary-general António Guterres. Israel has called on Guterres to resign after the address in New York. — The Guardian UK ● — 25 October 2023 (LINK)
UN chief says remarks about Hamas that sparked resignation calls were misrepresented — ground.news: 6 media reports — 25 October 2023 (LINK)
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East — (LINK)
US, EU blamed as climate fund talks break down over World Bank push: Rich and poor countries fail to secure deal on new climate damages fund — politico — 21 October 2023 (LINK)
— Another meeting is now likely to be scheduled for early November in Abu Dhabi to try to find a deal before the world's governments gather in the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 global climate talks, which start on November 30.
Explainer: How the UN works behind the scenes during crises — news.un.org — 17 October 2023 (LINK)
UN expert urges end of torture-tools trade amid global spike in torture — ohchr — 13 October 2023 (LINK)
— "Devices such as spiked batons that easily puncture the skin, thumb cuffs that risk damaging the fine bones of the hands, and electric shock belts that electrocute individuals at the touch of a button are widely available and used," said Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. "These tools are as horrific as the racks and thumbscrews favoured by medieval torturers," she said.
Eight UN peacekeepers detained over sex abuse claims in DR Congo — ground.news main source: AFP, 21 media reports — 11 October 2023 (LINK)
UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council: Peru and Russia failed to secure a seat — news.un.org — 10 October 2023 (LINK)
IMF says it's ready for reform but is it? — CNN — 3 October 2023 (LINK)
- ???? The US (15.3% of the global economy) has a 17.4% voting share
- ???? Germany (3.2% of the global economy) has a 5.6% voting share
- ???? India (7.47% of the global economy) has a 2.75% vote, and
- ???? China (18.9% of the global economy) has 6.4% of the votes.
CNN: Who could lead the United Nations next? This Caribbean climate leader, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, makes diplomats 'jump' with excitement — CNN — 29 September 2023 (LINK)
Leading US Jewish groups decry top legal award for 'anti-Israel' UN official Navi Pillay — timesofisrael — 27 September 2023 (LINK)
Bloomberg: world disappointed by the UN now looks elsewhere for answers — news.yahoo.com — 16 September 2023 (LINK)
Speed dating for diplomats: An inside guide to the UN General Assembly: Reuters talks to its journalists around the world about what to expect from the United Nations General Assembly when it meets in New York this week(podcast) — www.reuters.com ● — 16 September 2023 (LINK)
What you need to know about the UN's draft global plastics treaty: WWF explainer on the "Zero Draft" — impakter.com — 14 September 2023 (LINK)
— The good news is that the Draft contains the most important and ambitious measures that are necessary in curbing plastic pollution. The bad news is that the Draft includes options for voluntary measures. Some obligations have also been framed in vague language that lack specificity.
UNGA78: 'Action is what the world needs' — news.un.org — 13 September 2023 (LINK)
What to expect from the United Nations General Assembly: Not a whole lot. But from Russia's war to climate change and the global south, changes are afoot. — foreignpolicy.com — 13 September 2023 (LINK)
WHO Drafting Grouop meeting on pandemics: 4-6 September 2023 (PDF) — google.com — 4 September 2023 (LINK)
Saype, French-Swiss artist of "ephemeral" installations, joins Handicap International to create grass fresco in Place des Nations, Geneva, after Handicap's 18 August 1997 Broken Chair to remind world of need to protect civiians from war-related weapons and destruction: 4-15 September 2023 — see_link — 4 September 2023 (LINK)
— In 2022, every day around the world around 57 civilians were killed or injured by explosive weapons, + 83% compared to 2021.
As the UN designs a new carbon market, experts call for a different approach: "The time for offsetting is over." — grist.org — 1 September 2023 (LINK)
August 2023
UN in 'unprecedented' 6-month withdrawal of nearly 13,000 peacekeepers from Mali — ground.news main source: AP, 22 media reports — 28 August 2023 (LINK)
Officials commemorate 20th anniversary of deadly attack on UN headquarters in Iraq — ground.news 1 main source: AP, 17 media reports — 19 August 2023 (LINK)
Experts discuss: what to expect at the UN General Assembly in 2023 — unfoundation.org — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
WFP says forced to cut Yemen rations, compounding food crisis — ground.news 1 main source: AFP, 9 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, has been facing a devastating conflict for eight years, with 17 million Yemenis experiencing food insecurity and millions requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
UNRWA suspends services in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon over gunmen inside its facilities — ground.news: 21 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
US, allies condemn assault on UN peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriots — The Hill — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
UN rights office condemns "extremely brutality" of gang attacks that killed at least 2,400 Haitians this year and lead 5,000 to flee: gangs control about 80 percent of Haiti's capital — ground.news: 20 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— More than 950 kidnappings and 902 injuries have been reported.
World Food Program slowly resumes food aid to Ethiopia after months of suspension and criticism — AP — 8 August 2023 (LINK)
UN closes its human rights office in Uganda as government ends an agreement allowing it to operate — AP — 4 August 2023 (LINK)
— The closure comes amid concern over human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in Uganda and a new law that prescribes the death penalty for some homosexual acts. The office in Kampala will formally cease operations on Saturday, while sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto closed at the end of June and on Monday respectively.
"I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with state institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement from Geneva.
July 2023
UN Secretary-General appoints Ms Tatiana Molcean, 41, of Moldova as next Executive Secretary of UNECE — unece — 28 July 2023 (LINK)
Undue influence? Donations to World Health Organization's new foundation by donors who prefer not to be publicly named, accounting for nearly 40% of funding, raise concerns about possible undue influence — ground.news: main source: ap, 31 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
Yemeni police have arrested 2 suspects in the killing of a senior World Food Program official — ground.news: 13 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a 'multipolar world' — news.un.org — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— The New Agenda for Peace presents twelve concrete sets of proposals for action, in five priority areas:
- strong measures to prevent conflicts at the global level and address geopolitical divisions, prioritizing diplomacy, and investments in regional security architectures
- a "paradigm for prevention that addresses all forms of violence", focusing on mediation and social cohesion; ensuring respect for human rights and meaningful participation of women in decision-making; and prioritizing links between sustainable development, climate action, and peace.
- The third area calls for updating peacekeeping operations to adapt to today's conflicts, many of which remain unresolved for decades, driven by complex domestic, geopolitical and transnational factors.
- Preventing weaponization of emerging domains and technologies and promoting responsible innovation, is highlighted as the fourth key area, noting the need for global governance to address threats posed by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems.
- The fifth priority area calls for urgent reforms to the Security Council, General Assembly, the UN's disarmament machinery, and the Peacebuilding Commission, to enhance collective security. "The Security Council in particular should more systematically seek the advice of the Commission on the peacebuilding dimensions of the mandates of peace operations," Mr. Guterres said.
The Secretary-General also introduced other policy briefs on Transforming Education and UN 2.0, aimed at improving education systems and modernising the UN to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
yahoo: UN chief says the world is in a new era marked by the highest major power competition in decades — (LINK)
Winners of 2023 UN Human Rights Prize Announced — news.un.orgs — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— This year's winners were the Human Rights Center "Viasna", based in Belarus, Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amman Center for Human Rights Studies from Jordan, Julio Pereyra from Uruguay and the Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities. The recipients of the Prize were chosen by a Special Committee from more than 400 nominations received from Member States, the UN system, and civil society.
Guterres launches latest report on youth participation at the UN — news.un.org — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Mr. Guterres said the report reveals encouraging results, with 55 UN entities and 131 UN Country Teams actively supporting youth programming with governments and civil society around the world. "We are establishing a new United Nations Youth Office in the UN Secretariat to advance advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people," he added. "And we are committed to doing even more."
China is reshaping UN development work — www.passblue.com — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Since taking over FAO in 2019, Qu Dongyu, recently re-elected, has been credited with making FAO more agile through management reform and innovative partnership mechanisms, including the Hand-in-Hand initiative. At the same time, Qu has attracted criticism for his initial position on the war against Ukraine, which echoed Russian rhetoric, and for evading UN accountability structures.
Taken altogether, Chinese engagement with the UN development pillar reflects a notion of multilateralism that differs from established (Western) concepts. China seems to see the UN more as a platform for facilitating bilateral exchanges, thriving on individual member state contributions. China’s approach receives low scores on conventional global governance indices. But it might well offer a mechanism for adjusting the UN to changing political realities.
UN Secretary General embraces calls for a new UN agency on AI in the face of 'potentially catastrophic and existential risks' — edition.cnn.com — 18 July 2023 (LINK)
UN warns its development goals for 2030 are in trouble and 575 million people will remain very poor — AP.com — 11 July 2023 (LINK)
— Only 15% of some 140 specific targets are on track to be reached by the end of the decade.
World Bank Chief Names CEOs to Aid Climate Finance 'Lab' Effort — reuters / money.usnews.com — 10 July 2023 (LINK)
UN food aid deliveries by AI robots could begin next year — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN tech agency rolls out human-looking robots for questions at a Geneva news conference — ground.news: 60 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
ChatGPT monthly traffic has dropped for the first time — ground.news: 14 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN Council to hold first meeting 13 July on potential threats of artificial intelligence to global peace — ap/www.usnews.com — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
ITU: AI for good 6-7 July — aiforgood.itu.int — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
— Robot rockstar royalty, a robot portrait painter, and the world's first ultra-realistic robot performance artist have RSVP'd alongside some 3,000 other delegates to attend the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) annual AI for Good Global Summit
WFP funding crisis leaves millions stranded without aid in West Africa — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
New UN policy paper launched to counter and address online hate — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
— The Strategy makes a firm commitment to step up coordinated action to tackle hate speech, both at global and national levels, including the use of new technologies and engaging with social media to address online hate speech and promote positive narratives. The policy paper builds upon earlier initiatives, including The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which seeks to enhance the UN's response to the global spread and impact of hate speech.
ESG is on its way out — now that investors have been forced to wise up — nypost.com ●
→ — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
China's Qu Dongyu Reelected Unopposed as Head of UN Food Agency — www.voanews.com — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Countries toughen up borders against migration, ducking UN advice on human rights — genevasolutions.news — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
The UN's Plan To Control Us ALL!! This Report is INSANE!! — youtube 25min — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Original report in PDF: May 2023 — (LINK)
June 2023
The world is about to miss a key deadline to craft rules for deep-sea mining — www.theverge.com — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
— The deadline for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to decide on regulations for deep–sea mining is July 2023. That deadline to craft regulation is nearly here — and the ISA, an international organization established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is expected to miss it. Once the deadline has passed, companies eager to reap previously out-of-reach resources will be able to formally apply for permits to mine the deep sea.
UN General Assembly votes for independent body to investigate fate of 130,000 people missing in Syria war — ground.news: 39 media reports — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agencies head up new $115 million push for cleaner, healthier oceans — news.un.org — 29 June 2023 (LINK)
— FAO will co-lead the Clean and Healthy Oceans initiative together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), in a strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN educational, science and cultural agency UNESCO.
Legal protection essential for people displaced by climate change: UN expert — news.un.org — 28 June 2023 (LINK)
— "In 2020 alone, 30.7 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related events. Droughts were the main factor. We must take immediate steps to give legal protection to these people."
Crypto Travel Rule implementation 'remains relatively poor,' says FATF — cointelegraph.com — 26 June 2023 (LINK)
On Peacebuilding Day, ambassadors in New York discuss response to organized crime in the Sahel — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Consisting of 31 Member States elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) brings together top donors and troop-contributing countries. The PBC has been actively involved in improving conditions across the Sahel , encompassing such countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal.
Transnational organized crime poses a significant threat. The illegal activities there vary from weapons sales and drug production to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that illicit economic activities there generate billions of dollars annually, while much of the population lives on less than $2 per day.
Urgent reform needed to shield women and children from violence during custody battles — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Family court systems worldwide are being impacted by "deeply embedded gender bias" which is leaving women and children vulnerable to violence and "immense suffering", an independent UN human rights expert said.
The United Nations is proposing a universal digital ID system that would directly connect to people's bank accounts and payment apps — dailyhodl.com — 24 June 2023 (LINK)
UN's World Refugee Day Celebrates Courage and Contributions of Refugees — www.voanews.com — 20 June 2023 (LINK)
— Belying common perceptions, the UNHCR reports that 76% of the world's refugees are hosted in low-and middle-income countries, not in wealthy nations, and that sub-Saharan Africa hosts one in five of all refugees globally. Anti-refugee and anti-immigrant sentiment has grown as the number of forcibly displaced has increased. This has led to a rise in xenophobia and hate speech.
When refugees are given the opportunity to work and to contribute to a society, they nearly always jump at the chance. They are very motivated," said Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR head of news and media. "Their priority is to get themselves on their feet, to support their families, to educate their children," he said, "but more often than not to contribute to their new society as a way of being able to thank that society for helping them when they needed that help." However, Saltmarsh noted that when refugees are parked in a settlement or camp in a remote area without access to livelihoods, "they will remain passive recipients of humanitarian handouts."
UN chief says fossil fuels are 'incompatible with human survival', calls for credible exit strategy — ap / www.pbs.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
World Bank Confirms Reallocating Fossil Fuel, Factory Farm Subsidies Key to Solving Climate Crisis — www.commondreams.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
UN labour agency gets budget despite LGBTQ rights drama — afp / www.monitor.co.ug — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
— Despite harsh opposition from the OIC countries especially, the adopted text still makes specific reference to people facing discrimination and exclusion "on the grounds of race, sexual orientation and gender identity." But a note has been included that "recognises the different positions expressed on the issue", ILO spokeswoman Rosalind Yarde told reporters in Geneva.
'Tides Are Changing': Meet the Winners of the UN's 10th Annual World Oceans Day Photo Competition — www.ecowatch.com — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
UN chief calls for coordinated global action on disinformation, hate and artificial intelligence — ground.news: 53 media reports — 12 June 2023 (LINK)
U.N. report reveals radical plan to save $4.5 trillion and create 700,000 jobs: 'We can deliver major ... wins' — /www.thecooldown.co — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Considering Reforms to Limit Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry at Global Climate Talks — insideclimatenews.org — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
WFP suspends food assistance as Ethiopia wrestles with aid diversions — news.un.org — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Sending Home Tanzanian Peacekeepers Implicated in Sexual Abuse — ground.news: 17 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
Sudan government declares UN envoy Volker Perthes 'persona non grata' after army chief accused him of inflaming conflict — ground.news: 52 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
'Absolute scandal': UAE state oil firm able to read Cop28 climate summit emails — www.theguardian.com — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
Graffiti on UN Vehicles in Kyiv Reflects Ukraine's Feelings Over its Position on Dam Destruction — www.kyivpost.com/ — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN elects Sierra Leone, four others Security Council non-permanent members — ground.news: 11 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
EU member Slovenia overwhelmingly defeats Moscow ally Belarus for a seat on the UN Security Council — ground.news: 29 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
WHO to seek global certificate system, inspired by E.U.'s Covid pass — ground.news: 19 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
First steps agreed by November on plastics treaty after breakthrough at Paris talks — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN nuclear chief, facing Israeli criticism on Iran, says his agency 'very fair but firm' — ground.news: 21 media reports — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
World Environment Day 2023: Top TV Stars Pledge To Plant a Tree on Their Birthdays in a Unique Campaign by Telly Reporter — theprint.in — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agency for Palestinian refugees raises just $107 million of $300 million needed — ground.news: 17 media reports — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
The uncertain prospects of the UN's future summit — genevasolutions.news — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
Ajay Banga faces great expectations as he takes helm of World Bank — www.devex.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
— The Indian-born former Mastercard executive, who started his career with Nestlé has a fanbase across the financial world who are convinced he can deftly reform the World Bank for the modern era.
Pressure mounts around Qatar's expected presidency of International Labour Conference — www.thegenevaobserver.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
Argentine meteorologist becomes first female head of UN weather agency — ground.news: 23 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
Lebanon military court accuses Hezbollah 5 over killing of UN peacekeeper — ground.news: 17 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
May 2023
UN commends Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, as final judgement is delivered, increasing the prison sentences on appeal of two former top Serbian security officials — news.un.org — 31 May 2023 (LINK)
International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice — news.un.org — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
McCain makes executive office changes at WFP — www.devex.com — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
UN talks on a treaty to end global plastic pollution open in Paris — ground.news: 55 media reports — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
Cash-strapped UN human rights chief pleas for funds as crises clash and spiral — genevasolutions — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
Updated Pandemic Accord Draft Sees Watered Down Text on Publicly-Funded R&D; Pathogen Access and 'Benefit Sharing' Linkage Remain — healthpolicy-watch.news — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
China's New Covid Wave Set to See 65 Million Cases a Week — ground.news: 9 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Increasing Health Emergencies Leave WHO 'Overstretched' — ground.news: 20 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO's pandemic 'countermeasures' plan takes shape — devex.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Regulators should focus on the benefits of crypto: European Web3 Summit 2023 — cointelegraph.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
— Irakli Beridze, the head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the United Nations (UN) said there is a need to shift the narrative of crypto being used by terrorists and criminals and highlight to policymakers that there are benefits to Web3 and crypto as a solution and not just "used by criminals to hide money."
UN chief says it's time to reform Security Council, Bretton Woods — ground.news: media reports — 21 May 2023 (LINK)
— "The global financial architecture became outdated, dysfunctional and unfair," he said. "In the face of the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has failed to fulfill its core function as a global safety net."
U.N. marks 75th anniversary of mass expulsion of Palestinians for first time — ground.news: 4 news reports — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalize homosexuality as a vital step in ensuring health for all — unaids — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
— Around the world, 67 countries still criminalize same sex relations, with 10 imposing the death penalty. 20 countries criminalise gender diversity.
A special status for cities and regions at the United Nations? — genevacitieshub — 11 May 2023 (LINK)
High stakes on who will lead the World Meteorological Organization — genevasolutions — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UN political caste system drains workforce morale in Western Sahara — devex — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
Reform or die? If the US gets its way, the WTO might do both — politico ← — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAMA: Corporal Punishment and the Death Penalty in Afghanistan — source — 7 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses lead COVID origins investigator for sexual misconduct — ground.news: 40 media reports — 3 May 2023 (LINK)
April 2023
How much substance is there to the UN's gender parity goal? Gender parity in the UN has been progressing at a snail pace — genevasolutions — 25 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses manager after sexual misconduct findings — ground.news: 67 reports — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
How to fix the UN's sex abuse problem? Interview with Christian Saunders, the UN's special coordinator on improving its response to sexual exploitation and abuse — thenewhumanitarian.org — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
Conservative posts misrepresent UN position on sex between adults and minors — factcheck.afp.com — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
United Nations lodges concern over reported US eavesdropping on UN chief — ground.news: 4 reports — 18 April 2023 (LINK)
PassBlue's monthly newsletter tracking senior UN appoints has been published — passblue — 7 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO's New Leadership Team Is a Mixed Bag of Political Appointees and Specialists: some have hardly any experience at all in the areas to which they have been appointed — healthpolicy-watch.news — 17 April 2023 (LINK)
— There was also some disappointment that none of the senior WHO staff that had been serving as interim Assistant Director Generals received final appointments to Tedros management team, with the exception of Aylward. Influential member states like the United States had earlier expressed some hopes that the promotion of more senior WHO staff through the ranks to senior leadership positions could help convey a stronger sense of professionalism and accountability within the organization's ranks.
Instead, four senior staff who had briefly served as interim ADG's were summarily dismissed by Tedros with little more than a 'thank you' conveyed via an internal note sent out to WHO staff simultaneously to Monday's announcements.
March 2023
UN's global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb — phys.org — 24 March 2023 (LINK)
— In addition to data gaps, when it comes to analyzing the meteorological data and predicting future weather events, there is also a lack of local expertise. Getting alerts to remote populations poses possibly the biggest hurdle. Mobile networks powerful communication channels for alerts, especially because SMS warnings can be targeted to reach only those located in an at-risk area. Few developing countries have installed such systems, despite the relatively low cost.
UN commission calls for closing the gender digital divide and urges zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harassment online. — ground.news: 21 reports — 18 March 2023 (LINK)
UN aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia — theglobeandmail — 17 March 2023 (LINK)
Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks — BBC — 4 March 2023 (LINK)
— The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining - when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface. In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
February 2023
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
January 2023
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN COP28 climate talks — ground.news: 131 reports — 13 January 2023 (LINK)
Indian cough syrups linked to kids' deaths in Uzbekistan should not be used, says WHO — ground.news: 45 reports — 12 January 2023 (LINK)
Gender Parity Endured Among Top UN Posts in 2022, but Gaps in Lower-Level Jobs Persist: a gender gap exists in entry-level positions in the Secretariat, which saw a decrease in women filling such jobs — passblue — 5 January 2023 (LINK)
A-Z of United Nations Podcasts — unric — 1 January 2023 (LINK)
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
April - September 2022
UN in 'unprecedented' 6-month withdrawal of nearly 13,000 peacekeepers from Mali — ground.news main source: AP, 22 media reports — 28 August 2023 (LINK)
Officials commemorate 20th anniversary of deadly attack on UN headquarters in Iraq — ground.news 1 main source: AP, 17 media reports — 19 August 2023 (LINK)
Experts discuss: what to expect at the UN General Assembly in 2023 — unfoundation.org — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
WFP says forced to cut Yemen rations, compounding food crisis — ground.news 1 main source: AFP, 9 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, has been facing a devastating conflict for eight years, with 17 million Yemenis experiencing food insecurity and millions requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
UNRWA suspends services in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon over gunmen inside its facilities — ground.news: 21 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
US, allies condemn assault on UN peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriots — The Hill — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
UN rights office condemns "extremely brutality" of gang attacks that killed at least 2,400 Haitians this year and lead 5,000 to flee: gangs control about 80 percent of Haiti's capital — ground.news: 20 media reports — 18 August 2023 (LINK)
— More than 950 kidnappings and 902 injuries have been reported.
World Food Program slowly resumes food aid to Ethiopia after months of suspension and criticism — AP — 8 August 2023 (LINK)
UN closes its human rights office in Uganda as government ends an agreement allowing it to operate — AP — 4 August 2023 (LINK)
— The closure comes amid concern over human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in Uganda and a new law that prescribes the death penalty for some homosexual acts. The office in Kampala will formally cease operations on Saturday, while sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto closed at the end of June and on Monday respectively.
"I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with state institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement from Geneva.
UN Secretary-General appoints Ms Tatiana Molcean, 41, of Moldova as next Executive Secretary of UNECE — unece — 28 July 2023 (LINK)
Undue influence? Donations to World Health Organization's new foundation by donors who prefer not to be publicly named, accounting for nearly 40% of funding, raise concerns about possible undue influence — ground.news: main source: ap, 31 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
Yemeni police have arrested 2 suspects in the killing of a senior World Food Program official — ground.news: 13 media reports — 22 July 2023 (LINK)
UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a 'multipolar world' — news.un.org — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— The New Agenda for Peace presents twelve concrete sets of proposals for action, in five priority areas:
- strong measures to prevent conflicts at the global level and address geopolitical divisions, prioritizing diplomacy, and investments in regional security architectures
- a "paradigm for prevention that addresses all forms of violence", focusing on mediation and social cohesion; ensuring respect for human rights and meaningful participation of women in decision-making; and prioritizing links between sustainable development, climate action, and peace.
- The third area calls for updating peacekeeping operations to adapt to today's conflicts, many of which remain unresolved for decades, driven by complex domestic, geopolitical and transnational factors.
- Preventing weaponization of emerging domains and technologies and promoting responsible innovation, is highlighted as the fourth key area, noting the need for global governance to address threats posed by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems.
- The fifth priority area calls for urgent reforms to the Security Council, General Assembly, the UN's disarmament machinery, and the Peacebuilding Commission, to enhance collective security. "The Security Council in particular should more systematically seek the advice of the Commission on the peacebuilding dimensions of the mandates of peace operations," Mr. Guterres said.
The Secretary-General also introduced other policy briefs on Transforming Education and UN 2.0, aimed at improving education systems and modernising the UN to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
yahoo: UN chief says the world is in a new era marked by the highest major power competition in decades — (LINK)
Winners of 2023 UN Human Rights Prize Announced — news.un.orgs — 20 July 2023 (LINK)
— This year's winners were the Human Rights Center "Viasna", based in Belarus, Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amman Center for Human Rights Studies from Jordan, Julio Pereyra from Uruguay and the Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities. The recipients of the Prize were chosen by a Special Committee from more than 400 nominations received from Member States, the UN system, and civil society.
Guterres launches latest report on youth participation at the UN — news.un.org — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Mr. Guterres said the report reveals encouraging results, with 55 UN entities and 131 UN Country Teams actively supporting youth programming with governments and civil society around the world. "We are establishing a new United Nations Youth Office in the UN Secretariat to advance advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and with young people," he added. "And we are committed to doing even more."
China is reshaping UN development work — www.passblue.com — 19 July 2023 (LINK)
— Since taking over FAO in 2019, Qu Dongyu, recently re-elected, has been credited with making FAO more agile through management reform and innovative partnership mechanisms, including the Hand-in-Hand initiative. At the same time, Qu has attracted criticism for his initial position on the war against Ukraine, which echoed Russian rhetoric, and for evading UN accountability structures.
Taken altogether, Chinese engagement with the UN development pillar reflects a notion of multilateralism that differs from established (Western) concepts. China seems to see the UN more as a platform for facilitating bilateral exchanges, thriving on individual member state contributions. China’s approach receives low scores on conventional global governance indices. But it might well offer a mechanism for adjusting the UN to changing political realities.
UN Secretary General embraces calls for a new UN agency on AI in the face of 'potentially catastrophic and existential risks' — edition.cnn.com — 18 July 2023 (LINK)
UN warns its development goals for 2030 are in trouble and 575 million people will remain very poor — AP.com — 11 July 2023 (LINK)
— Only 15% of some 140 specific targets are on track to be reached by the end of the decade.
World Bank Chief Names CEOs to Aid Climate Finance 'Lab' Effort — reuters / money.usnews.com — 10 July 2023 (LINK)
UN food aid deliveries by AI robots could begin next year — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN tech agency rolls out human-looking robots for questions at a Geneva news conference — ground.news: 60 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
ChatGPT monthly traffic has dropped for the first time — ground.news: 14 media reports — 7 July 2023 (LINK)
UN Council to hold first meeting 13 July on potential threats of artificial intelligence to global peace — ap/www.usnews.com — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
ITU: AI for good 6-7 July — aiforgood.itu.int — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
— Robot rockstar royalty, a robot portrait painter, and the world's first ultra-realistic robot performance artist have RSVP'd alongside some 3,000 other delegates to attend the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) annual AI for Good Global Summit
WFP funding crisis leaves millions stranded without aid in West Africa — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
New UN policy paper launched to counter and address online hate — news.un.org — 5 July 2023 (LINK)
— The Strategy makes a firm commitment to step up coordinated action to tackle hate speech, both at global and national levels, including the use of new technologies and engaging with social media to address online hate speech and promote positive narratives. The policy paper builds upon earlier initiatives, including The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which seeks to enhance the UN's response to the global spread and impact of hate speech.
ESG is on its way out — now that investors have been forced to wise up — nypost.com ● → — 3 July 2023 (LINK)
China's Qu Dongyu Reelected Unopposed as Head of UN Food Agency — www.voanews.com — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Countries toughen up borders against migration, ducking UN advice on human rights — genevasolutions.news — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
The UN's Plan To Control Us ALL!! This Report is INSANE!! — youtube 25min — 2 July 2023 (LINK)
Original report in PDF: May 2023 — (LINK)
June 2023
The world is about to miss a key deadline to craft rules for deep-sea mining — www.theverge.com — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
— The deadline for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to decide on regulations for deep–sea mining is July 2023. That deadline to craft regulation is nearly here — and the ISA, an international organization established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is expected to miss it. Once the deadline has passed, companies eager to reap previously out-of-reach resources will be able to formally apply for permits to mine the deep sea.
UN General Assembly votes for independent body to investigate fate of 130,000 people missing in Syria war — ground.news: 39 media reports — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agencies head up new $115 million push for cleaner, healthier oceans — news.un.org — 29 June 2023 (LINK)
— FAO will co-lead the Clean and Healthy Oceans initiative together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), in a strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN educational, science and cultural agency UNESCO.
Legal protection essential for people displaced by climate change: UN expert — news.un.org — 28 June 2023 (LINK)
— "In 2020 alone, 30.7 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related events. Droughts were the main factor. We must take immediate steps to give legal protection to these people."
Crypto Travel Rule implementation 'remains relatively poor,' says FATF — cointelegraph.com — 26 June 2023 (LINK)
On Peacebuilding Day, ambassadors in New York discuss response to organized crime in the Sahel — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Consisting of 31 Member States elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) brings together top donors and troop-contributing countries. The PBC has been actively involved in improving conditions across the Sahel , encompassing such countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal.
Transnational organized crime poses a significant threat. The illegal activities there vary from weapons sales and drug production to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that illicit economic activities there generate billions of dollars annually, while much of the population lives on less than $2 per day.
Urgent reform needed to shield women and children from violence during custody battles — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Family court systems worldwide are being impacted by "deeply embedded gender bias" which is leaving women and children vulnerable to violence and "immense suffering", an independent UN human rights expert said.
The United Nations is proposing a universal digital ID system that would directly connect to people's bank accounts and payment apps — dailyhodl.com — 24 June 2023 (LINK)
UN's World Refugee Day Celebrates Courage and Contributions of Refugees — www.voanews.com — 20 June 2023 (LINK)
— Belying common perceptions, the UNHCR reports that 76% of the world's refugees are hosted in low-and middle-income countries, not in wealthy nations, and that sub-Saharan Africa hosts one in five of all refugees globally. Anti-refugee and anti-immigrant sentiment has grown as the number of forcibly displaced has increased. This has led to a rise in xenophobia and hate speech.
When refugees are given the opportunity to work and to contribute to a society, they nearly always jump at the chance. They are very motivated," said Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR head of news and media. "Their priority is to get themselves on their feet, to support their families, to educate their children," he said, "but more often than not to contribute to their new society as a way of being able to thank that society for helping them when they needed that help." However, Saltmarsh noted that when refugees are parked in a settlement or camp in a remote area without access to livelihoods, "they will remain passive recipients of humanitarian handouts."
UN chief says fossil fuels are 'incompatible with human survival', calls for credible exit strategy — ap / www.pbs.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
World Bank Confirms Reallocating Fossil Fuel, Factory Farm Subsidies Key to Solving Climate Crisis — www.commondreams.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
UN labour agency gets budget despite LGBTQ rights drama — afp / www.monitor.co.ug — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
— Despite harsh opposition from the OIC countries especially, the adopted text still makes specific reference to people facing discrimination and exclusion "on the grounds of race, sexual orientation and gender identity." But a note has been included that "recognises the different positions expressed on the issue", ILO spokeswoman Rosalind Yarde told reporters in Geneva.
'Tides Are Changing': Meet the Winners of the UN's 10th Annual World Oceans Day Photo Competition — www.ecowatch.com — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
UN chief calls for coordinated global action on disinformation, hate and artificial intelligence — ground.news: 53 media reports — 12 June 2023 (LINK)
U.N. report reveals radical plan to save $4.5 trillion and create 700,000 jobs: 'We can deliver major ... wins' — /www.thecooldown.co — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Considering Reforms to Limit Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry at Global Climate Talks — insideclimatenews.org — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
WFP suspends food assistance as Ethiopia wrestles with aid diversions — news.un.org — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Sending Home Tanzanian Peacekeepers Implicated in Sexual Abuse — ground.news: 17 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
Sudan government declares UN envoy Volker Perthes 'persona non grata' after army chief accused him of inflaming conflict — ground.news: 52 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
'Absolute scandal': UAE state oil firm able to read Cop28 climate summit emails — www.theguardian.com — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
Graffiti on UN Vehicles in Kyiv Reflects Ukraine's Feelings Over its Position on Dam Destruction — www.kyivpost.com/ — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN elects Sierra Leone, four others Security Council non-permanent members — ground.news: 11 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
EU member Slovenia overwhelmingly defeats Moscow ally Belarus for a seat on the UN Security Council — ground.news: 29 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
WHO to seek global certificate system, inspired by E.U.'s Covid pass — ground.news: 19 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
First steps agreed by November on plastics treaty after breakthrough at Paris talks — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN nuclear chief, facing Israeli criticism on Iran, says his agency 'very fair but firm' — ground.news: 21 media reports — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
World Environment Day 2023: Top TV Stars Pledge To Plant a Tree on Their Birthdays in a Unique Campaign by Telly Reporter — theprint.in — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agency for Palestinian refugees raises just $107 million of $300 million needed — ground.news: 17 media reports — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
The uncertain prospects of the UN's future summit — genevasolutions.news — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
Ajay Banga faces great expectations as he takes helm of World Bank — www.devex.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
— The Indian-born former Mastercard executive, who started his career with Nestlé has a fanbase across the financial world who are convinced he can deftly reform the World Bank for the modern era.
Pressure mounts around Qatar's expected presidency of International Labour Conference — www.thegenevaobserver.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
Argentine meteorologist becomes first female head of UN weather agency — ground.news: 23 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
Lebanon military court accuses Hezbollah 5 over killing of UN peacekeeper — ground.news: 17 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
May 2023
UN commends Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, as final judgement is delivered, increasing the prison sentences on appeal of two former top Serbian security officials — news.un.org — 31 May 2023 (LINK)
International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice — news.un.org — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
McCain makes executive office changes at WFP — www.devex.com — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
UN talks on a treaty to end global plastic pollution open in Paris — ground.news: 55 media reports — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
Cash-strapped UN human rights chief pleas for funds as crises clash and spiral — genevasolutions — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
Updated Pandemic Accord Draft Sees Watered Down Text on Publicly-Funded R&D; Pathogen Access and 'Benefit Sharing' Linkage Remain — healthpolicy-watch.news — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
China's New Covid Wave Set to See 65 Million Cases a Week — ground.news: 9 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Increasing Health Emergencies Leave WHO 'Overstretched' — ground.news: 20 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO's pandemic 'countermeasures' plan takes shape — devex.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Regulators should focus on the benefits of crypto: European Web3 Summit 2023 — cointelegraph.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
— Irakli Beridze, the head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the United Nations (UN) said there is a need to shift the narrative of crypto being used by terrorists and criminals and highlight to policymakers that there are benefits to Web3 and crypto as a solution and not just "used by criminals to hide money."
UN chief says it's time to reform Security Council, Bretton Woods — ground.news: media reports — 21 May 2023 (LINK)
— "The global financial architecture became outdated, dysfunctional and unfair," he said. "In the face of the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has failed to fulfill its core function as a global safety net."
U.N. marks 75th anniversary of mass expulsion of Palestinians for first time — ground.news: 4 news reports — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalize homosexuality as a vital step in ensuring health for all — unaids — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
— Around the world, 67 countries still criminalize same sex relations, with 10 imposing the death penalty. 20 countries criminalise gender diversity.
A special status for cities and regions at the United Nations? — genevacitieshub — 11 May 2023 (LINK)
High stakes on who will lead the World Meteorological Organization — genevasolutions — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UN political caste system drains workforce morale in Western Sahara — devex — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
Reform or die? If the US gets its way, the WTO might do both — politico ← — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAMA: Corporal Punishment and the Death Penalty in Afghanistan — source — 7 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses lead COVID origins investigator for sexual misconduct — ground.news: 40 media reports — 3 May 2023 (LINK)
April 2023
How much substance is there to the UN's gender parity goal? Gender parity in the UN has been progressing at a snail pace — genevasolutions — 25 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses manager after sexual misconduct findings — ground.news: 67 reports — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
How to fix the UN's sex abuse problem? Interview with Christian Saunders, the UN's special coordinator on improving its response to sexual exploitation and abuse — thenewhumanitarian.org — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
Conservative posts misrepresent UN position on sex between adults and minors — factcheck.afp.com — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
United Nations lodges concern over reported US eavesdropping on UN chief — ground.news: 4 reports — 18 April 2023 (LINK)
PassBlue's monthly newsletter tracking senior UN appoints has been published — passblue — 7 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO's New Leadership Team Is a Mixed Bag of Political Appointees and Specialists: some have hardly any experience at all in the areas to which they have been appointed — healthpolicy-watch.news — 17 April 2023 (LINK)
— There was also some disappointment that none of the senior WHO staff that had been serving as interim Assistant Director Generals received final appointments to Tedros management team, with the exception of Aylward. Influential member states like the United States had earlier expressed some hopes that the promotion of more senior WHO staff through the ranks to senior leadership positions could help convey a stronger sense of professionalism and accountability within the organization's ranks.
Instead, four senior staff who had briefly served as interim ADG's were summarily dismissed by Tedros with little more than a 'thank you' conveyed via an internal note sent out to WHO staff simultaneously to Monday's announcements.
March 2023
UN's global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb — phys.org — 24 March 2023 (LINK)
— In addition to data gaps, when it comes to analyzing the meteorological data and predicting future weather events, there is also a lack of local expertise. Getting alerts to remote populations poses possibly the biggest hurdle. Mobile networks powerful communication channels for alerts, especially because SMS warnings can be targeted to reach only those located in an at-risk area. Few developing countries have installed such systems, despite the relatively low cost.
UN commission calls for closing the gender digital divide and urges zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harassment online. — ground.news: 21 reports — 18 March 2023 (LINK)
UN aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia — theglobeandmail — 17 March 2023 (LINK)
Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks — BBC — 4 March 2023 (LINK)
— The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining - when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface. In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
February 2023
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
January 2023
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN COP28 climate talks — ground.news: 131 reports — 13 January 2023 (LINK)
Indian cough syrups linked to kids' deaths in Uzbekistan should not be used, says WHO — ground.news: 45 reports — 12 January 2023 (LINK)
Gender Parity Endured Among Top UN Posts in 2022, but Gaps in Lower-Level Jobs Persist: a gender gap exists in entry-level positions in the Secretariat, which saw a decrease in women filling such jobs — passblue — 5 January 2023 (LINK)
A-Z of United Nations Podcasts — unric — 1 January 2023 (LINK)
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
April - September 2022
The world is about to miss a key deadline to craft rules for deep-sea mining — www.theverge.com — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
— The deadline for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to decide on regulations for deep–sea mining is July 2023. That deadline to craft regulation is nearly here — and the ISA, an international organization established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is expected to miss it. Once the deadline has passed, companies eager to reap previously out-of-reach resources will be able to formally apply for permits to mine the deep sea.
UN General Assembly votes for independent body to investigate fate of 130,000 people missing in Syria war — ground.news: 39 media reports — 30 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agencies head up new $115 million push for cleaner, healthier oceans — news.un.org — 29 June 2023 (LINK)
— FAO will co-lead the Clean and Healthy Oceans initiative together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), in a strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN educational, science and cultural agency UNESCO.
Legal protection essential for people displaced by climate change: UN expert — news.un.org — 28 June 2023 (LINK)
— "In 2020 alone, 30.7 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related events. Droughts were the main factor. We must take immediate steps to give legal protection to these people."
Crypto Travel Rule implementation 'remains relatively poor,' says FATF — cointelegraph.com — 26 June 2023 (LINK)
On Peacebuilding Day, ambassadors in New York discuss response to organized crime in the Sahel — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Consisting of 31 Member States elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) brings together top donors and troop-contributing countries. The PBC has been actively involved in improving conditions across the Sahel , encompassing such countries as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal.
Transnational organized crime poses a significant threat. The illegal activities there vary from weapons sales and drug production to migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that illicit economic activities there generate billions of dollars annually, while much of the population lives on less than $2 per day.
Urgent reform needed to shield women and children from violence during custody battles — news.un.org — 23 June 2023 (LINK)
— Family court systems worldwide are being impacted by "deeply embedded gender bias" which is leaving women and children vulnerable to violence and "immense suffering", an independent UN human rights expert said.
The United Nations is proposing a universal digital ID system that would directly connect to people's bank accounts and payment apps — dailyhodl.com — 24 June 2023 (LINK)
UN's World Refugee Day Celebrates Courage and Contributions of Refugees — www.voanews.com — 20 June 2023 (LINK)
— Belying common perceptions, the UNHCR reports that 76% of the world's refugees are hosted in low-and middle-income countries, not in wealthy nations, and that sub-Saharan Africa hosts one in five of all refugees globally. Anti-refugee and anti-immigrant sentiment has grown as the number of forcibly displaced has increased. This has led to a rise in xenophobia and hate speech.
When refugees are given the opportunity to work and to contribute to a society, they nearly always jump at the chance. They are very motivated," said Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR head of news and media. "Their priority is to get themselves on their feet, to support their families, to educate their children," he said, "but more often than not to contribute to their new society as a way of being able to thank that society for helping them when they needed that help." However, Saltmarsh noted that when refugees are parked in a settlement or camp in a remote area without access to livelihoods, "they will remain passive recipients of humanitarian handouts."
UN chief says fossil fuels are 'incompatible with human survival', calls for credible exit strategy — ap / www.pbs.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
World Bank Confirms Reallocating Fossil Fuel, Factory Farm Subsidies Key to Solving Climate Crisis — www.commondreams.org — 15 June 2023 (LINK)
UN labour agency gets budget despite LGBTQ rights drama — afp / www.monitor.co.ug — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
— Despite harsh opposition from the OIC countries especially, the adopted text still makes specific reference to people facing discrimination and exclusion "on the grounds of race, sexual orientation and gender identity." But a note has been included that "recognises the different positions expressed on the issue", ILO spokeswoman Rosalind Yarde told reporters in Geneva.
'Tides Are Changing': Meet the Winners of the UN's 10th Annual World Oceans Day Photo Competition — www.ecowatch.com — 13 June 2023 (LINK)
UN chief calls for coordinated global action on disinformation, hate and artificial intelligence — ground.news: 53 media reports — 12 June 2023 (LINK)
U.N. report reveals radical plan to save $4.5 trillion and create 700,000 jobs: 'We can deliver major ... wins' — /www.thecooldown.co — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Considering Reforms to Limit Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry at Global Climate Talks — insideclimatenews.org — 11 June 2023 (LINK)
WFP suspends food assistance as Ethiopia wrestles with aid diversions — news.un.org — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
UN Sending Home Tanzanian Peacekeepers Implicated in Sexual Abuse — ground.news: 17 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
Sudan government declares UN envoy Volker Perthes 'persona non grata' after army chief accused him of inflaming conflict — ground.news: 52 media reports — 9 June 2023 (LINK)
'Absolute scandal': UAE state oil firm able to read Cop28 climate summit emails — www.theguardian.com — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
Graffiti on UN Vehicles in Kyiv Reflects Ukraine's Feelings Over its Position on Dam Destruction — www.kyivpost.com/ — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN elects Sierra Leone, four others Security Council non-permanent members — ground.news: 11 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
EU member Slovenia overwhelmingly defeats Moscow ally Belarus for a seat on the UN Security Council — ground.news: 29 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
WHO to seek global certificate system, inspired by E.U.'s Covid pass — ground.news: 19 media reports — 6 June 2023 (LINK)
First steps agreed by November on plastics treaty after breakthrough at Paris talks — ground.news: 9 media reports — 7 June 2023 (LINK)
UN nuclear chief, facing Israeli criticism on Iran, says his agency 'very fair but firm' — ground.news: 21 media reports — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
World Environment Day 2023: Top TV Stars Pledge To Plant a Tree on Their Birthdays in a Unique Campaign by Telly Reporter — theprint.in — 5 June 2023 (LINK)
UN agency for Palestinian refugees raises just $107 million of $300 million needed — ground.news: 17 media reports — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
The uncertain prospects of the UN's future summit — genevasolutions.news — 4 June 2023 (LINK)
Ajay Banga faces great expectations as he takes helm of World Bank — www.devex.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
— The Indian-born former Mastercard executive, who started his career with Nestlé has a fanbase across the financial world who are convinced he can deftly reform the World Bank for the modern era.
Pressure mounts around Qatar's expected presidency of International Labour Conference — www.thegenevaobserver.com — 2 June 2023 (LINK)
Argentine meteorologist becomes first female head of UN weather agency — ground.news: 23 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
Lebanon military court accuses Hezbollah 5 over killing of UN peacekeeper — ground.news: 17 media reports — 1 June 2023 (LINK)
UN commends Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, as final judgement is delivered, increasing the prison sentences on appeal of two former top Serbian security officials — news.un.org — 31 May 2023 (LINK)
International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice — news.un.org — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
McCain makes executive office changes at WFP — www.devex.com — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
UN talks on a treaty to end global plastic pollution open in Paris — ground.news: 55 media reports — 29 May 2023 (LINK)
Cash-strapped UN human rights chief pleas for funds as crises clash and spiral — genevasolutions — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
Updated Pandemic Accord Draft Sees Watered Down Text on Publicly-Funded R&D; Pathogen Access and 'Benefit Sharing' Linkage Remain — healthpolicy-watch.news — 24 May 2023 (LINK)
China's New Covid Wave Set to See 65 Million Cases a Week — ground.news: 9 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Increasing Health Emergencies Leave WHO 'Overstretched' — ground.news: 20 media reports — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO's pandemic 'countermeasures' plan takes shape — devex.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
Regulators should focus on the benefits of crypto: European Web3 Summit 2023 — cointelegraph.com — 23 May 2023 (LINK)
— Irakli Beridze, the head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the United Nations (UN) said there is a need to shift the narrative of crypto being used by terrorists and criminals and highlight to policymakers that there are benefits to Web3 and crypto as a solution and not just "used by criminals to hide money."
UN chief says it's time to reform Security Council, Bretton Woods — ground.news: media reports — 21 May 2023 (LINK)
— "The global financial architecture became outdated, dysfunctional and unfair," he said. "In the face of the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has failed to fulfill its core function as a global safety net."
U.N. marks 75th anniversary of mass expulsion of Palestinians for first time — ground.news: 4 news reports — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalize homosexuality as a vital step in ensuring health for all — unaids — 15 May 2023 (LINK)
— Around the world, 67 countries still criminalize same sex relations, with 10 imposing the death penalty. 20 countries criminalise gender diversity.
A special status for cities and regions at the United Nations? — genevacitieshub — 11 May 2023 (LINK)
High stakes on who will lead the World Meteorological Organization — genevasolutions — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UN political caste system drains workforce morale in Western Sahara — devex — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
Reform or die? If the US gets its way, the WTO might do both — politico ← — 9 May 2023 (LINK)
UNAMA: Corporal Punishment and the Death Penalty in Afghanistan — source — 7 May 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses lead COVID origins investigator for sexual misconduct — ground.news: 40 media reports — 3 May 2023 (LINK)
April 2023
How much substance is there to the UN's gender parity goal? Gender parity in the UN has been progressing at a snail pace — genevasolutions — 25 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses manager after sexual misconduct findings — ground.news: 67 reports — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
How to fix the UN's sex abuse problem? Interview with Christian Saunders, the UN's special coordinator on improving its response to sexual exploitation and abuse — thenewhumanitarian.org — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
Conservative posts misrepresent UN position on sex between adults and minors — factcheck.afp.com — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
United Nations lodges concern over reported US eavesdropping on UN chief — ground.news: 4 reports — 18 April 2023 (LINK)
PassBlue's monthly newsletter tracking senior UN appoints has been published — passblue — 7 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO's New Leadership Team Is a Mixed Bag of Political Appointees and Specialists: some have hardly any experience at all in the areas to which they have been appointed — healthpolicy-watch.news — 17 April 2023 (LINK)
— There was also some disappointment that none of the senior WHO staff that had been serving as interim Assistant Director Generals received final appointments to Tedros management team, with the exception of Aylward. Influential member states like the United States had earlier expressed some hopes that the promotion of more senior WHO staff through the ranks to senior leadership positions could help convey a stronger sense of professionalism and accountability within the organization's ranks.
Instead, four senior staff who had briefly served as interim ADG's were summarily dismissed by Tedros with little more than a 'thank you' conveyed via an internal note sent out to WHO staff simultaneously to Monday's announcements.
March 2023
UN's global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb — phys.org — 24 March 2023 (LINK)
— In addition to data gaps, when it comes to analyzing the meteorological data and predicting future weather events, there is also a lack of local expertise. Getting alerts to remote populations poses possibly the biggest hurdle. Mobile networks powerful communication channels for alerts, especially because SMS warnings can be targeted to reach only those located in an at-risk area. Few developing countries have installed such systems, despite the relatively low cost.
UN commission calls for closing the gender digital divide and urges zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harassment online. — ground.news: 21 reports — 18 March 2023 (LINK)
UN aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia — theglobeandmail — 17 March 2023 (LINK)
Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks — BBC — 4 March 2023 (LINK)
— The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining - when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface. In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
February 2023
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
January 2023
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN COP28 climate talks — ground.news: 131 reports — 13 January 2023 (LINK)
Indian cough syrups linked to kids' deaths in Uzbekistan should not be used, says WHO — ground.news: 45 reports — 12 January 2023 (LINK)
Gender Parity Endured Among Top UN Posts in 2022, but Gaps in Lower-Level Jobs Persist: a gender gap exists in entry-level positions in the Secretariat, which saw a decrease in women filling such jobs — passblue — 5 January 2023 (LINK)
A-Z of United Nations Podcasts — unric — 1 January 2023 (LINK)
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
April - September 2022
How much substance is there to the UN's gender parity goal? Gender parity in the UN has been progressing at a snail pace — genevasolutions — 25 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO dismisses manager after sexual misconduct findings — ground.news: 67 reports — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
How to fix the UN's sex abuse problem? Interview with Christian Saunders, the UN's special coordinator on improving its response to sexual exploitation and abuse — thenewhumanitarian.org — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
Conservative posts misrepresent UN position on sex between adults and minors — factcheck.afp.com — 24 April 2023 (LINK)
United Nations lodges concern over reported US eavesdropping on UN chief — ground.news: 4 reports — 18 April 2023 (LINK)
PassBlue's monthly newsletter tracking senior UN appoints has been published — passblue — 7 April 2023 (LINK)
WHO's New Leadership Team Is a Mixed Bag of Political Appointees and Specialists: some have hardly any experience at all in the areas to which they have been appointed — healthpolicy-watch.news — 17 April 2023 (LINK)
— There was also some disappointment that none of the senior WHO staff that had been serving as interim Assistant Director Generals received final appointments to Tedros management team, with the exception of Aylward. Influential member states like the United States had earlier expressed some hopes that the promotion of more senior WHO staff through the ranks to senior leadership positions could help convey a stronger sense of professionalism and accountability within the organization's ranks. Instead, four senior staff who had briefly served as interim ADG's were summarily dismissed by Tedros with little more than a 'thank you' conveyed via an internal note sent out to WHO staff simultaneously to Monday's announcements.
UN's global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb — phys.org — 24 March 2023 (LINK)
— In addition to data gaps, when it comes to analyzing the meteorological data and predicting future weather events, there is also a lack of local expertise. Getting alerts to remote populations poses possibly the biggest hurdle. Mobile networks powerful communication channels for alerts, especially because SMS warnings can be targeted to reach only those located in an at-risk area. Few developing countries have installed such systems, despite the relatively low cost.
UN commission calls for closing the gender digital divide and urges zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harassment online. — ground.news: 21 reports — 18 March 2023 (LINK)
UN aviation council votes to hear MH17 case against Russia — theglobeandmail — 17 March 2023 (LINK)
Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks — BBC — 4 March 2023 (LINK)
— The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining - when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface. In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10% were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
February 2023
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
January 2023
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN COP28 climate talks — ground.news: 131 reports — 13 January 2023 (LINK)
Indian cough syrups linked to kids' deaths in Uzbekistan should not be used, says WHO — ground.news: 45 reports — 12 January 2023 (LINK)
Gender Parity Endured Among Top UN Posts in 2022, but Gaps in Lower-Level Jobs Persist: a gender gap exists in entry-level positions in the Secretariat, which saw a decrease in women filling such jobs — passblue — 5 January 2023 (LINK)
A-Z of United Nations Podcasts — unric — 1 January 2023 (LINK)
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
April - September 2022
Ukraine: Helping firms harness opportunities for trade in challenging times — itc — 24 February 2023 (LINK)
A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies — who — 23 February 2023 (LINK)
UNESCO Conference Tackles Disinformation, Hate Speech — ground.news: 3 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
U.N. says Congo will need $2.25 bln to aid uprooted people in rebel–hit east — ground.news: 4 reports — 22 February 2023 (LINK)
Export Guide: Medicinal and Aromatic Ingredients and Plants — itc — 20 February 2023 (LINK)
Debt-laden African countries charged 'extortionate' rates, U.N. chief says — ground.news: 10 reports — 19 February 2023 (LINK)
China faces grilling in review of key rights by UN committee — AP — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Appeals for $5.6 Billion for Millions of Ukrainian Victims of Russian Invasion — voanews — 15 February 2023 (LINK)
Rising seas threaten 'mass exodus on a biblical scale', UN chief warns — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
These megacities are most at risk from rising sea levels, according to the UN secretary-general — semafor — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
One year on, Ukraine exposes the limits of well-funded international aid: 'There are a lot of people falling through the cracks.' — source — 14 February 2023 (LINK)
Top WHO scientist suspended amid claims of 'misogynistic p*ssing circle' — telegraph.co.uk — 8 February 2023 (LINK)
UN Chief Fears World Headed For 'Wider War' Over Ukraine-Russia — ground.news: 12 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
Mali junta expels UN mission's human rights chief over 'destabilising' actions — ground.news: 14 reports — 6 February 2023 (LINK)
— The decision comes after a UN Security Council briefing was critical of Mali.
Assembling the UN's new panel on chemical waste — chemistryworld.com ● — 1 February 2023 (LINK)
— WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually.
Last March, the UN passed a series of measures aimed at tackling the pollution crisis. As well as plans for a new treaty on ending plastic pollution, these included a resolution to set up a new science–policy panel to advise on managing chemicals and waste, and preventing pollution. The panel will be similar in stature to the IPCC and IPBES — the bodies that produce the world's most authoritative reports on climate and biodiversity issues, respectively.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) wants the new panel to get to work in 2025. The working group charged with forming the panel met for the first time in October, and the latest talks underway in Bangkok will aim to secure funding from UN member states and hone the draft plans for the panel's scope and procedures. The plans will be further refined in numerous regional and international meeting, concluding in at the end of 2024.
UN found no managerial misconduct at WHO in Congo sex scandal — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
Experts seek investigation of Wagner Group, Mali forces — reuters — 31 January 2023 (LINK)
World Bank reshuffles senior leadership ahead of reforms — devex — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
Top UN woman urges Muslims: Move Taliban into 21st century — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
— Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a Muslim, said at a news conference that four Taliban ministers, including the foreign minister and a deputy prime minister, spoke "off one script" during meetings with her delegation last week.
She said the officials sought to stress things that they say they have done and not gotten recognition for — and what they called their effort to create an environment that protects women. "Their definition of protection would be, I would say, ours of oppression," Mohammed said.
Man sentenced to death in Mali for 3 UN peacekeeper killings in 2019 — AP — 26 January 2023 (LINK)
'None of them take orders from anywhere else than Beijing': analysing China's efforts to influence the UN human rights treaty body system — ishr — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including Odessa — ground.news: 65 reports — 25 January 2023 (LINK)
Inside the UN's chaotic flight from Taliban takeover — devex — 24 January 2023 (LINK)
— "The United Nations' security response to the Taliban's lightning 2021 overthrow of the United States-backed Afghan government was plagued by poor planning and a breakdown in communication, exposing a fundamental lack of staff trust in the organization's ability to protect them at a time of extreme crisis."
'Big Oil peddled the big lie': UN chief calls out fossil fuel giants for ignoring climate science — euronews — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
'This Insanity Belongs in Science Fiction': At Davos, UN Chief Rips Fossil Fuel Expansion — commondreams.org ← — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
WEF Davos 2023: In Davos, Blockchain Yields More Promises Than Problems: a United Nations official makes the case for the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies: Advit Nath, controller and director of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and a regional ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council — coindesk — 18 January 2023 (LINK)
— About half of the estimated 500 companies attending the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland, are technology companies and startups. The conversations I've overheard or been a part of, so far, have concerned the pragmatic (using blockchain for traceability), the political (using blockchain for anti-corruption), the futuristic (decentralized finance and the metaverse) and the hopeful (incentivizing climate action through Web3).
