Browsing Tag

United Nations

44 posts

Plastic pollution: treaty talks get into the nitty-gritty

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of global plastics pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for a treaty to address the issue. As diplomats gathered in Paris for talks on the treaty, Macron called for an end to the unsustainable production model, urging nations to prioritize reducing fossil-fuel based plastics and banning highly polluting products. While environmental groups are hopeful, concerns remain about the specifics of the treaty, especially regarding the reduction of overall plastic production.

‘Everyone has a migration story’: UN human Rights Office brings #StandUp4Migrants to Malaysia

The UN Human Rights Office and untitled kompeni have launched the ‘Dari Dapur’ campaign in Malaysia, aiming to highlight human stories and rights in migration narratives. Through short films and shared meals, the campaign brings Malaysians and migrants together, emphasizing commonalities and fostering understanding. The initiative builds on research showing Malaysians’ support for human rights and the benefits of migration. The campaign’s goal is to reshape the Malaysian narrative, promoting inclusion and empathy towards migrant and refugee neighbors.

UN Member States commit to accelerate resilience building in face of spiralling disasters

As disaster risk rapidly rises, UN Member States gathered in New York and agreed on a stronger commitment to resilience. The decision came amidst the forecast of an increase in disasters to 1.5 per day by 2030. This high-level meeting is part of a midterm review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction 2015-2030, an agreement to reduce global disaster losses. The representatives pledged to reinforce efforts in reducing risks and building resilience due to increasing human and economic costs of disasters.

Coming years ‘critical’ to slash plastic pollution: UN

A UN report warns that the world must reduce single-use plastics and disposable consumption by half to combat environmental pollution. Microplastic fragments have been found in various ecosystems and even in humans, raising concerns about their impact on health and the climate. The report calls for a three-pronged approach focused on reuse, recycling, and diversifying materials to achieve an 80% reduction in plastic pollution by 2040. Without action, plastic waste is expected to increase significantly, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and endangering ecosystems.

258 million needed urgent food aid in 2022: UN

258 million people needed emergency food aid last year due to conflict, economic shocks, and climate disasters, a sharp rise from 193 million the previous year. Over 35 million children under five years old were malnourished and dangerously thin. More than half of the 376,000 people on the brink of starvation lived in Somalia, experiencing a devastating drought linked to climate change. Humanitarian funding pales in comparison to what is needed, says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon in Myanmar: state media

Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon has arrived in Myanmar amid escalating conflict in the country, according to state media. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis stemming from the 2021 military coup have failed, with the military continuing to crack down on dissent and refusing to engage with opponents. Ban is a member of The Elders, a group of world leaders founded by Nelson Mandela. He has previously visited Myanmar several times, with varying levels of success negotiating with the military junta.

UN voices ‘concern’ that US tapping its communications

The UN has formally expressed its “concern” to the United States after press reports revealed surveillance of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s communications

Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report

UN warns of an imminent global water crisis with billions of people experiencing water-related issues daily. Global water consumption has increased by 1% per year, leading to the depletion of between 26-52 trillion gallons of reserves annually. Climate change-exacerbated water shortages could cost some regions up to 6% of GDP by 2050. Agricultural runoff is threatening freshwater ecosystems, and major investments, estimated to cost over $1 trillion per year, are needed to achieve access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

UN states agree ‘historic’ deal to protect high seas

by Amélie Bottollier-Depois UNITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES — UN member states finally…

Women’s rights: the decline and the fight back

PARIS, FRANCE — Activists are mobilising to reverse what they warn is…