Global leaders call for action to meet ambitious development boost

Global leaders call for action to meet ambitious development boost

The weeklong forum, organized by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), focuses on the challenges faced by developing countries amid today’s overlapping global crises. The Secretary-General urged participants – including national and business leaders, sustainable stock exchanges, sovereign wealth funds and finance experts – to put the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) Stimulus Package…

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World News in Brief: Sustainable tourism boost, record Antarctic sea ice melt

World News in Brief: Sustainable tourism boost, record Antarctic sea ice melt

That’s the message from UN chief António Guterres on World Tourism Day observed on Wednesday. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism employs one in every 10 people on Earth.  To protect tourism jobs, Mr. Guterres said that governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient practices, embrace renewable energy, and better…

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UN provides funding boost for ‘neglected’ humanitarian crises

UN provides funding boost for ‘neglected’ humanitarian crises

The UN humanitarian affairs office which he leads (OCHA), reported that in 2023, global funding requirements have surpassed $55 billion to support 250 million people affected by conflict, climate change, disease outbreaks, and other crises. Faced with these record needs, less than 30 per cent of the target funding goal has been received.  ‘Cruel reality’…

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New global fund ‘welcome boost’ to safeguarding biodiversity

New global fund ‘welcome boost’ to safeguarding biodiversity

The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, launched at the Global Environmental Facility Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, will support the implementation of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and guide nature towards recovery by 2050. Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, emphasized the importance of the Kunming-Montreal…

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First Person: Saving the Earth from space

International Moon Day gives boost to peaceful cooperation in space

For millennia, civilisations have looked up to the sky pondering the origin and mysteries of the Moon. Ground-based observations enabled by the invention of the first telescopes opened a new chapter in understanding Earth’s celestial companion, and for humankind itself. ‘One small step’ Following the birth of space exploration nearly 70 years ago, the Moon…

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Boost global action and ambition to reach SDGs, urges new UN campaign

Boost global action and ambition to reach SDGs, urges new UN campaign

Ahead of the critical SDG Summit in September, the campaign will amplify an urgent call for ambitious new action, showcase the Goals as the blueprint for sustainable progress globally, and mobilize people everywhere around this shared agenda for our common future. Crisis multiplier  Halfway towards the 2030 deadline, the promise of the SDGs is in danger. For…

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Time to end gender-based violence, boost role of women in politics, public life

Time to end gender-based violence, boost role of women in politics, public life

Speaking to the Council’s annual meeting in Geneva on protecting the rights of women and girls, the UN High Commissioner said it was an urgent task, and there needed to be zero-tolerance of gender-based violence.  He highlighted the alarming reality that female human rights defenders, women journalists, and those in public office and political decision-making…

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