UN Commission on Social Development kicks off with focus on poverty and youth
01 February 2012
Poverty eradication, youth unemployment and socially inclusive policies will be the main focus of the 50th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, which kicked off today at UN Headquarters in New York.
In Middle East, Ban urges stepped-up efforts to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict
01 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Israelis and Palestinians to take steps that will build trust and ensure an environment conducive to sustained negotiations, voicing his hope that the nascent talks begun last month between the two sides will continue.
Lebanon: UN-backed tribunal to try four men accused of Hariri killing in absentia
02 February 2012
The United Nations-backed independent tribunal set up to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri announced today that it will try four men accused of carrying out the crime in absentia.
Threatened by climate change, glaciers now under attack from ice thieves – UN
02 February 2012
Criminal gangs are becoming a threat to the world’s glaciers, which are already receding as a result of climate change, the United Nations said today, citing a case in Chile where police are investigating the theft of some 5,000 kilograms of millennia-old ice from the Jorge Montt glacier.
UN Women to focus on boosting economic empowerment and political roles
02 February 2012
The head of the United Nations entity mandated to promote gender equality today said that her priority this year is to enhance the economic empowerment and political participation of women and called for the support of the international community and the entire UN system to ensure success.
UN Women to focus on boosting economic empowerment and political roles
02 February 2012
The head of the United Nations entity mandated to promote gender equality today said that her priority this year is to enhance the economic empowerment and political participation of women and called for the support of the international community and the entire UN system to ensure success.
Tourism can play key role in preserving world’s wetlands, UN agency says
02 February 2012
Responsible, sustainable tourism can play a valuable role in conserving and protecting the world’s often fragile wetlands, the head of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said today.
UN-backed awards seek to honour businesses with sustainable development practices
02 February 2012
Businesses with innovative models that enhance commercial success as well as contribute to sustainable development have been invited by the United Nations to participate in the World Business and Development Awards (WBDA), which launched its nominations today.
Ban ‘appalled’ by escalating violence across Syria
06 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the escalating violence in Syria today, calling on President Bashar al-Assad’s Government to immediately cease all hostilities against the country’s civilian population.
UN’s global report on youth highlights rising concerns over lack of job prospects
06 February 2012
A lack of job opportunities, inadequate education, vulnerable working conditions and insufficient government investment are some of the main concerns of young people around the world, according to a United Nations report on youth published today.
Nearly 2,000 African communities end female genital mutilation – UN
06 February 2012
A new United Nations report shows that almost 2,000 communities across Africa abandoned female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) last year, prompting calls for a renewed global push to end this harmful practice once and for all.
Asia-Pacific nations seek faster response against HIV at UN gathering
06 February 2012
Although the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed widespread gains in combating the spread of HIV, experts at a United Nations meeting were told today that the epidemic is still outpacing the region’s efforts against new infections.
UN official outlines priorities ahead of sustainable development summit
09 February 2012
A senior United Nations official today outlined a set of priorities that Member States should tackle ahead of the Sustainable Development Conference (Rio+20) in June so that there is a clear framework of action during the event.
Ban urges Sudan and South Sudan to make compromises on unresolved disputes
10 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced concern over the lack of progress in talks to resolve post-independence issues between Sudan and South Sudan, as well as the possibility of an escalation in tensions after unilateral decisions taken by the two governments over their oil dispute.
Libya: UN calls for justice after killings of displaced persons
10 February 2012
The United Nations political mission for Libya today voiced serious concern over the killing of seven internally displaced persons (IDPs), including three children and two women, and urged authorities to investigate the crime and bring those responsible to justice.
Ban urges dialogue in dispute over Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
10 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced hope that Argentina and the United Kingdom can avoid escalating their dispute over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and resolve their differences through dialogue.
UN welcomes charges against army colonel over mass rapes in Guinea
10 February 2012
A senior United Nations official welcomed today the news that a Guinean court has filed charges against an army colonel accused of being responsible for mass rapes that occurred during a pro-democracy protest in the country’s capital in 2009.
Blue economy needed to protect Mediterranean Sea and world’s oceans – UN official
10 February 2012
The Mediterranean Sea is a “key pillar” for the development of the countries in the region, a senior United Nations official said today, warning that continued degradation of the aquatic environment could put its entire ecology at risk.
UN chief urges more companies to embrace business sustainability ideals
14 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged more businesses to embrace the principle of sustainability in their strategies, noting that with the most of the world’s ecosystems in decline, widening social inequality and climate change, global prosperity, productivity and stability was at stake.
UN partners to improve early warning system for African communities
14 February 2012
A new partnership involving the United Nations will ensure the rapid dissemination of weather updates from African meteorological experts to disaster managers in vulnerable communities.
Top UN officials to travel to Niger as new food crisis looms across Sahel region
14 February 2012
Two top United Nations officials will travel later this week to Niger, where 5.4 million people are struggling to get enough to eat, part of a wider emergency affecting at least 10 million people across the Sahel region.
Sudan: Security Council alarmed by humanitarian crisis in conflict-hit states
14 February 2012
The Security Council today voiced alarm at the rising levels of malnutrition and food shortages in parts of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan, saying the situation could deteriorate further if international humanitarian personnel are not given access to carry out assessments and deliver aid.
UN chief calls on countries to listen to voices of women and young people
16 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed today the need to empower women and youth, who have been at the centre of recent social protest movements worldwide, and warned countries against ignoring their voices as they are critical to countries’ development.
By-elections in Myanmar will be key test of commitment to democracy – UN
17 February 2012
Myanmar’s upcoming by-elections will serve as a critical test of the Government’s commitment to having a credible democratic process, a senior United Nations official said today, calling on authorities to ensure that all political parties can compete openly in the ballot.
UN expert calls on Uruguay to provide access to water to poor communities
17 February 2012
An independent United Nations human rights expert today called on Uruguayan authorities to implement measures to provide access to health and sanitation to its poorest and most marginalized communities.
UN and partners help to power education with solar panel donation
17 February 2012
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has partnered with religious institutions to provide solar panels that will power much-needed electricity to schools as well as promote the use of renewable energy.
In Niger, top UN officials stress response to food crisis must build future resilience
18 February 2012
Two top United Nations officials visiting Niger, one of the countries hit hardest by the current food crisis across Africa's Sahel region, have called on governments and donors to respond to the crisis in ways that will build resilience among local communities for the future.
Ban calls for global economic model that promotes greater social justice
20 February 2012
Calling on people to tap into the spirit of recent public protests worldwide against inequality, corruption, repression and a lack of decent jobs, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the need for economic development to ensure greater social justice for everyone.
UN forum in South-East Asia calls for more investment to reduce disaster risks
20 February 2012
Last year's devastating floods across South-East Asia were a “wake-up call” on the need for much greater investment in disaster risk reduction across the region, a United Nations forum heard today.
In Cairo, UN Assembly chief holds talks on Egypt’s democratic transition
20 February 2012
The President of the General Assembly and Egypt's Foreign Minister held talks today in Cairo on the state of the country's democratic transition in the wake of the Arab Spring reform movement.
General Assembly President calls for early conflict mediation to avoid violence
25 February 2012
The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser today stressed the importance of mediation in the early stages of conflicts, saying that seeking peaceful settlement of disputes before they become violent can save lives and ensure stability.
Ban inspired by Zambian youth’s commitment to democracy and education
26 February 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today concluded his first visit to Zambia saying he left the country convinced that it has a bright future, especially because of the commitment of the younger generation to democratic principles, human rights and education.
Côte d’Ivoire: UN envoy voices satisfaction with conduct of by-elections
26 February 2012
The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire today voiced his satisfaction with the conduct of the legislative by-elections in the country, saying the polls were carried out in an atmosphere of calm.
Top UN envoy in Iraq calls for durable solutions for the internally displaced
26 February 2012
The top United Nations envoy in Iraq today stressed the need to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country continue to receive the care and protection they need, while efforts are made to help them return to their areas of origin, resettle or integrate into host communities.
Human Rights Council to hold nineteenth regular session from 27 February to 23 March
27 February 2012
Council Will Start with High-level Segment and Will Hold Panels on Human Rights and Sport, Freedom of Expression on the Internet, Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation