‘Investing in youth is investing in peace’, UN Security Council hears

‘Investing in youth is investing in peace’, UN Security Council hears

“The potential and opportunity for renewal that young people represent means…that they must be part of the broader discussions shaping our societies,” UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told ambassadors in the Security Council. With youth constituting 55 per cent of the population in the southern and eastern Mediterranean, their voices cannot be ignored, she said. Reflecting…

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Afghanistan: WFP forced to cut food aid for 2 million more

Women in Afghanistan: The future ‘depends on them’

Released by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday, Listening to Women Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, Their Struggle and Resilience, analyzes data collected over the last three years, providing one of the most detailed views into the changing circumstances of women entrepreneurs in the country. “Women entrepreneurs have demonstrated incredible grit, boldness, and resourcefulness under the…

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Transform landmark Indigenous rights declaration into reality: UN General Assembly President

Transform landmark Indigenous rights declaration into reality: UN General Assembly President

“In these trying times – where peace is under severe threat, and dialogue and diplomacy are in dire need – let us be an example of constructive dialogue to honour our commitments to Indigenous Peoples,” Dennis Francis told world leaders and ambassadors meeting in the General Assembly Hall. Member States convened to commemorate the 10th…

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‘Insidious campaign’ by Israel is denying life-saving aid to Gaza says UNRWA chief

‘Insidious campaign’ by Israel is denying life-saving aid to Gaza says UNRWA chief

The Commissioner-General of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) briefed the Security Council in New York on Wednesday as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, telling ambassadors that life-saving deliveries are being blocked by Israel as part of an “insidious campaign” to push it out of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  PNP Deskpnp.com.pk

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Violations of women’s reproductive health rights trigger rise in preventable deaths

Violations of women’s reproductive health rights trigger rise in preventable deaths

Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights, reveals that more than half of all preventable maternal deaths occur in countries which are in a state of crisis or distress. It highlights the role that racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination play in blocking progress on sexual and…

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Tourism ‘intrinsically susceptible’ to climate shocks, political unrest, pandemic threat

Tourism ‘intrinsically susceptible’ to climate shocks, political unrest, pandemic threat

Addressing a high-level meeting on tourism as part of the General Assembly’s first ever Sustainability Week, Dennis Francis said it was a vital driver of economic growth and empowerment. In 2023, the sector contributed three per cent to the global gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to $3.3 trillion, and employed one in every ten people…

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UN Youth Forum focuses on sustainable future for all

UN Youth Forum focuses on sustainable future for all

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum provides a platform for young people to have a dialogue with diplomats on challenges affecting their well-being. Discussions are centred around five of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – ending poverty; zero hunger; climate action; peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships to make the goals…

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UN leaders call for more action to end racism and discrimination

UN leaders call for more action to end racism and discrimination

UN Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated the achievements and contributions of people of African descent from across the world, while addressing the forum via video message, but also acknowledged existing racial discrimination and inequalities Black people continue to face.  He said the establishment of the Permanent Forum shows a dedication from the international community to address these…

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Indigenous Kalinago lead the way towards making Dominica ‘climate resilient’

Indigenous Kalinago lead the way towards making Dominica ‘climate resilient’

Dominica, which lies in Eastern Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are being exacerbated by the climate crisis: Hurricane Maria in 2017 was a devastating example, destroying many homes and buildings. The indigenous Kalinago people were particularly affected but, since then, community leaders have been working with the UN to help its…

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