UN congratulates Timor-Leste for peaceful and orderly run-off poll
16 April 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his top envoy in Timor-Leste have congratulated the people of the country on the successful holding today of the second round of the presidential election.
Mali: UNESCO chief appeals for protection of Timbuktu’s documentary heritage
16 April 2012
Reports that rebels have over-run and looted centres containing thousands of ancient books and documents in Mali’s historic city of Timbuktu has led the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to appeal to all relevant authorities to be on the alert against any attempt to traffic items stolen from these centres.
Ban mourns death of Malawi President, welcomes peaceful transition of power
07 April 2012
The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today mourned the death of the President of Malawi, Bingu Wa Mutharika.
Afghan transition process on track despite recent violent incidents – UN envoy
20 March 2012
The transition process in Afghanistan remains on track despite recent tragic incidents, the United Nations envoy to the country said today, adding that efforts continue to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to maintain rule of law and provide services to the population.
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.
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.
Despite global economic turmoil, foreign direct investment increased in 2011 – UN
24 January 2012
In spite of the economic turmoil that shook countries last year, global foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 17 per cent, according to a United Nations report released today, which predicts it will continue to increase this year but warns of the risks posed by the frail economic climate.
As quakes wreak havoc for second year, UN urges seismic threats be taken seriously
18 January 2012
The United Nations is urging that seismic threats be taken seriously as it published new data today showing that major earthquakes claimed thousands of lives and affected millions of people in both 2010 and 2011.
Yemen faces critical period to cement political settlement – UN envoy
21 December 2011
The next few weeks will be critical as Yemen seeks to address its political, security and humanitarian challenges, a United Nations envoy stressed today, adding that the support of the international community will be vital to the transition process.
In wake of leader’s death, Ban says UN will continue to help people of DPR Korea
19 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon extended his sympathy today to the mourning citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) upon learning of the passing of their leader, Kim Jong-il, who died on Saturday.
Secretary-General mourns passing of former Czech leader Vaclav Havel
19 December 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his deep sadness at the passing of Vaclav Havel, the former president of the Czech Republic, who died on Sunday.
Philippines: UN officials mourn victims of storm tragedy
19 December 2011
United Nations officials today sent their sympathies to the people of the Philippines after a tropical storm slammed the south of the country at the weekend, causing devastating floods that left more than 500 people dead and hundreds of others missing.
UN needed more than ever after ‘remarkable and extraordinary year’ – Ban
14 December 2011
The United Nations has “never been so needed” to deal with the planet’s most pressing challenges, from the impact of climate change to growing demands for human rights to helping people facing humanitarian crises, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a year-end press conference today.
Palestinian flag flies at UNESCO to mark admission as new member
13 December 2011
The Palestinian flag was raised for the first time at the Paris headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today as the UN agency marked Palestine’s admission as a full member.
Corruption leading to unequal access, use and distribution of land – UN report
12 December 2011
Corruption caused by weak governance is leading to unequal land distribution and poor resource management, according to a United Nations report released today, which argues that this lack of transparency is undermining social stability, investment and growth in developing countries.
Newsmakers: IOM Director General, William Lacy Swing
06 December 2011
Interview with William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organization of Migration (IOM)
Volunteers are powerful force for peace and development – UN report
05 December 2011
Stressing that volunteerism contributes to the well-being of individuals, communities and society, a new United Nations report released today urges countries not to forget this largely untapped asset.
UN, MTV and award-winning band launch campaign against human trafficking
22 November 2011
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched a joint campaign with MTV Latin America, the television network Tr3s and rock band Calle 13 to raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation of youth in Hispanic communities.
On World Maritime Day, UN warns of high costs of piracy
29 October 2011
The United Nations marked World Maritime Day today with a warning of the high costs that piracy is imposing on the shipping industry, and a call for collective action from UN agencies, governments and military forces to combat the problem.
UNICEF chief calls for urgent protection of children in Yemen
05 October 2011
The head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today called for the urgent protection of children in Yemen who are being caught in the crossfire of the civil unrest that began earlier this year.