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Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Launch of the Special Report: Use of Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction (Tech4DRR)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    About

    Join us for the Launch of the Tech4DRR Special Report that explores how technologies like AI, machine learning, Indigenous knowledge, and communication tools can support DRR. The report highlights the importance of contextual adaptation, inclusive technology design, and the local application of digital tools, using case studies primarily from Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The launch event will showcase practical examples, foster cross-sector collaboration, and promote data-driven solutions to reduce disaster risk—offering insights relevant not only to the region but globally.

    What to expect?

    In this webinar you will:

    • Gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in adopting DRR technologies;

    • Explore case studies that demonstrate real-world applications of AI, ML, and Indigenous knowledge in early warning systems, risk mapping, and decision-making;

    • Learn how inclusive design and communication tools can improve technology adoption and counter misinformation during disasters;

    • Discover how collaboration among public, private, and academic sectors can drive innovation and maximize impact.

    Event Format

    • Duration: 75 minutes

    • Presentation: Summary of key findings from Tech4DRR

    • Panel Discussion: Experts and contributors reflect on report themes

    • Interactive Q&A: Open segment for audience questions

    Who should attend?

    This event is open to policy-makers, practitioners, researchers, and innovators working in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, emergency response, and related fields across public, private, and academic sectors.

    Join us to explore how cutting-edge and community-driven technologies can transform disaster risk reduction—and help build a more resilient future for all.

    Date: 23 July 2025 
    Where: Zoom (with simultaneous interpretation ES-EN-PT) 
    Register HERE.

     

    Attachments

    Links last checked: 3 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: ‘Unbearable’ suffering continues, UN official tells Security Council

    Source: United Nations 4

    Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari said more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since mid-June alone, many of them while seeking aid.

    Citing figures from the Gazan health authorities, he reported that the total number of Palestinian fatalities since 7 October 2023 had surpassed 56,500.

    “The level of suffering and brutality in Gaza is unbearable,” Mr. Khiari said. “The continued collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable.”

    Killed trying to access aid

    Mr. Khiari cited multiple incidents involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opening fire near food distribution points.

    On 17 June, at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured in Khan Younis when an IDF tank opened fire on a crowd waiting for UN World Food Programme (WFP) aid trucks.

    Once again a week later, IDF troops reportedly opened fire near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, this time killing 49 Palestinians and injuring 197 others.

    “We strongly condemn the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza,” Mr. Khiari said. “We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable.”

    He emphasised that the UN “will not participate in any aid delivery modality that does not comply with the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality,” a sentiment which other UN officials have repeatedly said as well.

    Strong condemnation

    Mr. Khiari reiterated the UN’s strong condemnation of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups for their attacks in Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and led to more than 250 being taken hostage. Fifty hostages, including one woman, remain in captivity.

    “Nothing can justify these acts of terror. We remain appalled that hostages may be subjected to ongoing ill-treatment and that the bodies of hostages continue to be withheld,” he said.

    At the same time, he also condemned “the widespread killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including children and women, and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and mosques.”

    Rising violence in the West Bank

    In the occupied West Bank, Israeli raids and settler violence have escalated.  

    Mr. Khiari reported that a 15-year-old boy and an elderly woman were killed in separate incidents on 25 June. Armed settlers also killed several Palestinians during attacks in Surif and Kafr Malik.

    “The escalating violence in the occupied West Bank is alarming,” Khiari said, warning that military operations and settler expansion are leading to fatalities, displacement and destruction.

    Iran-Israel ceasefire brings hope to the region

    Mr. Khiari concluded his briefing with comments on the wider Middle East region, particularly the recent flare-up between Israel and Iran.

    He welcomed the 24 June ceasefire agreement between the two countries, announced by US President Donald Trump, and credited US and Qatari mediation.

    “We hope that this ceasefire can be replicated in the other conflicts in the region – nowhere is this more needed than in Gaza,” he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. ⁠Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. ⁠Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, in the margins of the BRICS Summit.  The Secretary-General and the Minister discussed the strong partnership between the United Nations and Türkiye.  They also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the next round of meetings on Cyprus.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the margins of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and discussed the situation in the Middle East.  The Secretary-General noted the importance of the consolidation of the ceasefire to lay the groundwork for the resumption of negotiations.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Saddened by Loss of Life Caused by Floods in United States

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    SG/SM/22718

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, notably of a large number of children, caused by the recent floods in Texas, which struck during what should have been a time of celebration over the holiday weekend.

    The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those impacted, the people of Texas and the Government of the United States.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human rights must anchor the digital age, says UN’s Türk

    Source: United Nations 2

    Digital technologies have the potential to drive progress and strengthen rights, including connecting people, improving access to health and education, and much more.

    But the pace of their evolution also poses serious risks, warned Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – from restrictions on free expression and privacy violations to discrimination and growing threats to our shared sense of truth and reality.

    “It is precisely in the face of massive change, that we need more human rights, not less,” he said on Monday, addressing a high-level event on the twentieth anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva.

    Prioritising rights

    In this time of sweeping change, human rights must be prioritised and used as the blueprint for action.

    “States’ legal obligations and companies’ duties to respect human rights offer guidance to tackle disinformation and protect our data from illicit use,” Mr. Türk stressed.

    Such guidance also helps counter algorithmic bias, digital hate speech, and fosters trust and inclusive digital decision-making.

    Role of WSIS

    Founded in 2001, the inaugural WSIS was held in two phases in December 2003 (Geneva) and November 2005 (Tunis, Italy).

    Since then, the forum has brought together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on digital governance and promote a digital landscape that is people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented.

    “[The WSIS] helped create a space for States, technology companies, civil society, and others to harness the power of information and communication technologies for development,” said Mr. Türk.

    Looking forward

    The High Commissioner stressed that the coming months will see critical decisions on regulating the digital sphere, including new UN mechanisms on AI and data governance.

    “We have a window of opportunity to make a difference,” he concluded.

    “We must join forces – States, technology companies, international organizations, civil society, and others – to work towards an inclusive and open digital environment for everyone, everywhere.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Artificial Intelligence Needs a Multilateral Response Grounded in Equity, Human Rights’, Stresses Secretary-General, in Remarks to BRICS Summit

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the BRICS [Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa] Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today:

    Prezado Presidente Lula, muito obrigado pelo seu amável convite e pela sua hospitalidade tão amiga.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and societies.  The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation.  How we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good.

    I am particularly concerned with the weaponization of AI, in a world where peace is more necessary than ever.

    Peace in Palestine, based on building the two-State solution, starting by an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, free and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, and the ending of the crippling annexation and violence in the West Bank.

    A just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant UN resolutions.

    Silencing the guns in Sudan, where civilians have also suffered too much.  And the list goes on, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Somalia, from the Sahel to Myanmar.

    Artificial intelligence needs a multilateral response grounded in equity and human rights.

    The Pact for the Future, approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations, calls for a new architecture of trust and cooperation — starting with the establishment by the UN of an independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence.

    This panel should provide impartial, evidence-based guidance available to all Member States.

    The Pact also calls for a periodic global dialogue on AI within the UN, with all the Member States and relevant stakeholders.

    AI can’t be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular developing countries, which must have a real voice in global AI governance.

    I will also soon present a report outlining innovative voluntary financing options to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, and I urge the BRICS’ support and your support for these efforts.

    But we cannot govern AI effectively — and fairly — without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system.

    We are in a multipolar era.  Power relations are shifting.

    A multipolar world requires multilateral governance — with global institutions tuned for the times, in particular the Security Council and the international financial architecture.  They were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations.  The reform of the Security Council is crucial.

    The message from the Financing for Development Conference last week in Sevilla was clear:  Ensuring that developing countries have a greater participation in global economic governance and its institutions; putting into place an effective debt restructuring mechanism; and tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, in particular, with concessional funding and in local currencies.

    All this is crucial for countries, especially in the Global South — to bridge the digital divide and fully harness artificial intelligence’s potential, making AI a powerful driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

    At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation.  That begins with trust, and trust begins with all countries respecting international law without exceptions.

    Let us rise to this moment — and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Congratulating Cabo Verde on Fiftieth Anniversary, Secretary-General Recognizes Its ‘History Marked by Pain, Injustice, But Also by Solidarity’

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, delivered by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, at the fiftieth anniversary of Cabo Verde and the fiftieth anniversary of its partnership with the United Nations, in Praia today:

    I am happy to be with you today on behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and I thank the Government and the people of Cabo Verde for your warm welcome and hospitality.  I am honoured to deliver his remarks on this historic occasion.

    It is with deep emotion that I send these words to a country I hold close to my heart.  As Secretary-General of the United Nations, as former Prime Minister of Portugal and as a long-time friend, I am honoured to mark this fiftieth anniversary of Cabo Verdean independence and partnership with the United Nations.

    Cabo Verde has shaped my conscience and conviction.  And I celebrate with you the enduring spirit of the povo cabo-verdiano — a people whose determination has long outshone the constraints of geography.

    The story of Cabo Verde is a story of freedom reclaimed.  On 5 July 1975, the world bore witness to the birth of a new republic.

    After centuries of colonial rule, the people of Cabo Verde — together with their brothers and sisters in Guinea-Bissau — rose up to demand self-determination.

    As a Portuguese citizen, I cannot speak of Cabo Verde without acknowledging the deep and complex history we share — a history marked by pain, injustice, but also by solidarity.

    I carry with me the memory of walking through the gates of the former Tarrafal concentration camp — in the company of Edmundo Pedro and Sérgio Vilarigues, who had endured its horrors.  Their stories of suffering and resistance are etched into my memory.

    Today, we honour so many heroes of that struggle — heroes like Amílcar Cabral.  Receiving the Order of Amílcar Cabral by Prime Minister Carlos Veiga remains one of the greatest honours of my life.

    From the beginning, Cabo Verde chose the harder path: Stability over strife.  Dialogue over division.  The peaceful transition to independence, the embrace of democracy and good governance.  A model that endures.

    Cabo Verde is also a wonder of geography.  Ten volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic, bound by morabeza — that singular warmth and grace that define the Cabo Verdean soul.

    But, it is the people who truly set Cabo Verde apart.  A culture that is at once rooted and global, melancholic and joyful.

    This nation gave the world morna — a music of sodade, of longing for home across distant seas.  It brought us the timeless voice of Cesária Évora, who sang from Mindelo to the world — and made every listener feel a little closer to Cabo Verde.

    When Cabo Verde gained independence, many may have doubted. Yet, five decades later, you stand as a middle-income country and a champion of peace and equality.

    As Prime Minister of Portugal, I had the privilege of working closely with Cabo Verde to deepen our cooperation.  I recall with pride the signing of the Acordo de Cooperação Cambial — a monetary agreement that was more than a technical arrangement.

    It was a bridge between our economies, a symbol of trust and a recognition of Cabo Verde’s growing role on the global stage.  And through it all, you have remained true to your values.

    Welcoming migrants, upholding the rule of law and staying true to the principles of solidarity and open cooperation.  I saw these values in action during my last visit.

    At the port of Mindelo, I watched the sails of the Ocean Race rise against the horizon — a striking reminder of Cabo Verde’s openness, resolve and connection to the wider world.

    What stayed with me was not just the race, but the spirit onshore — young people learning, communities coming together, leaders thinking boldly about the future.  It reinforced what I have always felt:  Cabo Verde is not just navigating the tides of change — it is helping to chart the course. 

    And the United Nations has been honoured to journey with you. From the earliest development plans — schools, health systems and social protection, to our shared work on food security, disaster resilience and democratic institutions.

    From supporting the graduation from least developed country status, to cooperating on climate action, ocean conservation, biodiversity protection, renewable energy.  And advancing the multidimensional vulnerability index — a vital tool to reflect the unique challenges of small island developing countries.

    Together, we are exploring new frontiers:  the blue economy, digital inclusion and diaspora engagement.  And today, as we celebrate your past, we also recommit to your future.  A future shaped by resolve.  Cabo Verde knows, more than most, the realities of climate change.  Rising seas, droughts, external shocks.

    Your location also brings higher costs — for transport, for energy, for resilience.  But, you have turned water scarcity into a frontier of innovation.

    You are building climate resilience in your infrastructure and communities.  You are expanding clean energy.  You are leading on marine conservation.  And as co-lead of the Small Island Developing States Coalition for Nature, you are rallying global action to protect our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

    You are showing the world that ocean stewardship is a responsibility.  And the world must match your determination with support — through climate finance, technology and fairer systems for small island developing States.

    Fifty years ago, Cabo Verde was born into freedom.  Today, it moves boldly into the future with ambitious plans grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals; with innovation in the blue economy, biodiversity and climate resilience; with empowered youth and inclusive growth; with leadership in regional affairs — from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the African Union; and with more regional integration — taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    The people of Cabo Verde understand what it means to struggle — and to overcome.  To the povo cabo-verdiano, in every island and across the ocean:  This celebration belongs to you.

    As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I salute your journey.  As a friend, I rejoice in this moment and celebrate with you.  As a citizen of the world, I thank you — for your example, your partnership, your promise.

    May Cabo Verde forever shine:  As a light in the Atlantic.  A bridge between continents.  A country of hope and dreams.  Parabéns, Cabo Verde.  Long live the republic.  Long live your journey.  Long live your future.  Obrigado.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Call for Papers: Conference on Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Interested contributors have until 15 September 2025 to submit synopses for the IAEA’s International Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material.

    The IAEA estimates that 20 million shipments of radioactive material are transported every year. These materials are shipped nationally and internationally by road, rail, sea, air and inland waterways for applications such as medicine and health, agriculture, nuclear power generation and advanced scientific research. 

    The conference, to be hosted in Vienna, Austria from 23 to 27 March 2026, will cover the legislative and regulatory framework for the transport of nuclear and other radioactive material, safety and security by design; safety and security during transport operations. It builds on previous events held in 2011 and 2021.

    “For decades, IAEA safety standards have been the backbone for the safe transport of radioactive material. With rapid technological advances in the nuclear and transport sectors, the global landscape is evolving — and fast. This conference aims to drive innovation, share experience and help strengthen the global standards,” said Shazia Fayyaz, one of the scientific secretaries and Head of the IAEA Transport Safety Unit in the Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety.

    “During transport, nuclear and radioactive material may be vulnerable to a number of modal specific risks and threats,” said Robert Officer, the other scientific secretary of the conference and Head of the IAEA Transport Security Unit in the Division of Nuclear Security. “The conference will further raise awareness through sharing experiences on strengthening safety and security capabilities, including on such topics as legal and policy frameworks, and technological and commercial trends for the protection of end-to-end transport.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sevilla Outcome Document ‘Seeks to Rekindle Sense of Hope Embodied in Sustainable Development Goals’, Notes Deputy Secretary-General, Closing Conference

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the closing of the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain, today:

    At the opening of this conference, the Secretary-General remarked that, for decades, the mission of sustainable development has united countries.  Yet today, development and its great enabler — international cooperation — are facing massive headwinds.

    Over the last four days — through formal sessions, six multistakeholder round-tables, 400 side-meetings and special sessions, and countless bilateral discussions — we have reckoned with this challenge.

    The human consequences of rising debt burdens, escalating trade tensions and steep cuts to official development assistance (ODA) have been brought into sharp relief. 

    Likewise, we understand all too well the collateral damage that competing Government priorities can have on development finance and that global support for sustainable development can no longer be taken for granted. 

    Nevertheless, amid this sobering backdrop, the Sevilla conference has delivered a powerful response. 

    We have agreed an outcome document — the Compromiso de Sevilla — that upholds the commitments from Addis Ababa 10 years ago and seeks to rekindle the sense of hope embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The outcome document contains three major areas of commitments. 

    First, an investment push to close the financing gap.  This incorporates steps to grow the full capital stack:  domestic, international and private capital.

    Second, at last, a serious attempt to confront the debt crisis.  The actions agreed here seek to reset how debt is used, managed and treated, to make it work in service of sustainable development.

    Third, the elevation of developing countries throughout the international financial architecture.   Developing countries need to be heard in global policymaking — just as they have been at this conference.

    In addition to the outcome document, the conference has witnessed the unveiling of more than 130 initiatives to turn the outcome document into action:  through the Sevilla Platform for Action.

    The Platform includes:  A debt pause alliance to relieve countries of fiscal stress in times of crisis; a new tool for multilateral development banks to manage currency risks; a commission to explore the future of development cooperation; and the introduction of the world’s first solidarity levy on premium-class flights and private jets to generate new resources for sustainable development including climate action.

    In addition, I’m delighted to report today that the Government of Spain will support the UN Secretary-General, in consultation with Member States and stakeholders, to operationalize the Sevilla Forum on Debt, to help countries learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management negotiations and restructuring.

    As I think back over the past four days, I’ve been struck by three aspects about this conference.

    First is the remarkable sense of resolve on display. 

    Attendees here are under no illusion of the difficulty of our current context.  But they have approached this moment with a sense of unity and solidarity and demonstrated that intergovernmental processes still matter and still work.  I hope this spirit will be taken forward into the World Summit for Social Development, the G20 and thirtieth UN Climate Change Conference later this year.

    Second, the conference has been deeply practical. 

    In today’s constrained financial environment, our community is working to stretch the resources we have, and to focus them where they’re most needed, to confront the largest problems, and search for innovative solutions.

    Third, everyone is focused on implementation.

    The commitments agreed in the outcome document come with specifics, and Member States, financial institutions, businesses and civil society are already looking ahead at how these commitments will be delivered, with a can-do attitude. 

    Taken together — resolve, practicality and implementation — this provides a basis for rebuilding trust and solidarity. 

    Let me conclude by sincerely thanking the people and the Government of Spain, who have proven not only to be gracious hosts, but have demonstrated outstanding leadership on sustainable development. 

    The journey ahead will not be easy.  The global challenges we face will not be overcome overnight. 

    But I leave Sevilla confident that we can walk that path together with clarity, with courage, a sense of purpose and commitment.

    Let the Fourth Financing for Development Conference be remembered as a conference where the world chose cooperation over fragmentation, unity over division and action over inertia.

    Let us leave here inspired and ready to finance the future that we want.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Russian Federation’s Latest Large-scale Drone, Missile Attacks on Ukraine

    Source: United Nations 4

    SG/SM/22715

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General strongly condemns the latest series of large-scale drone and missile attacks by the Russian Federation, reportedly the largest in over three years of war.  These strikes disrupted the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, once again underlining the ongoing risks to nuclear safety.

    The Secretary-General is alarmed by this dangerous escalation and the growing number of civilian casualties.  Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must stop immediately.

    The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step towards a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant UN resolutions.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN chief ‘deeply saddened’ by devastating Texas floods as toll climbs past 80

    Source: United Nations 2

    In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, notably of a large number of children,” during what should have been a time of celebration.

    Friday, 4 July, marked Independence Day in the United States – a time when families and communities traditionally gather for outdoor celebrations.

    The Secretary-General extended his “heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims” and expressed solidarity with all those affected, including the people of Texas and the government of the United States.

    According to media reports, the floods – triggered by heavy rainfall over the July Fourth weekend – caused massive damage in parts of central Texas, particularly along the Guadalupe River. The deluge struck Camp Mystic, killing at least 27 campers and counselors.

    Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said in a post on social media that “all of us at UNICEF are heartbroken at the reports coming out of Central Texas.”

    “Our hearts and thoughts are with those mourning loved ones and those still waiting for news of the missing, including children,” she said.

    Search and recovery efforts continue as the region braces for more rain, according to media reports.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: General Assembly Takes Up Draft Resolution on Situation in Afghanistan

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Seventy-ninth Session

    83rd Meeting* (AM)

    The General Assembly will hold a debate on the situation in Afghanistan and on the Secretary-General’s latest report on the country (document A/79/947).  The report provides an update on the activities of the United Nations in Afghanistan, including political, humanitarian and human rights efforts. The 193-member organ will also take action on the related draft resolution (document A/79/L.100) introduced by Germany.

    …

    __________

    * The 82nd Meeting was not covered.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Executive Secretary affirms UNECE support to implement Sevilla Commitment on development financing

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The Sevilla Commitment adopted under the Chairmanship of Spain at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and its related Platform for Action is a powerful recognition of the need to align financial flows and resources with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    Leading a UNECE delegation in Sevilla, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean welcomed the adoption of the Commitment, and highlighted UNECE’s readiness to support member States’ implementation through its normative work and practical tools.  

    Emphasizing financing for development “as a matter of solidarity, coherence, and shared responsibility”, she stressed that “in the UNECE region, we must not only increase the volume of sustainable finance, but also ensure that its use is strategic, equitable, and effective.” She further underscored UNECE’s commitment to deepen its partnerships with governments, investors, international financial institutions, and civil society to translate these commitments into concrete, measurable progress. 

    In a series of high-profile engagements, the Executive Secretary stressed the need to align financial systems with the imperative of sustainability – from public budgets and tax systems to mobilizing private finance at scale – and to invest in resilient infrastructure, green and digital transitions, trade capacity and industrial policy, social protection and care systems, and climate action. UNECE works with countries to embed sustainability into regulatory frameworks and standards, covering areas including infrastructure, transport, trade, housing, and transboundary environmental governance, thus helping to improve investment conditions. 

    Cooperation to unlock financing in shared basins 

    Among areas of focus was the importance of having strong frameworks in place to finance development in shared basins, showcasing the role of the UN Water Convention, serviced by UNECE. As highlighted in in discussions co-organised with Switzerland and the Netherlands in partnership with the UN Capital Development Fund, water is a key enabler for sustainable development yet faces a huge financing gap: according to OECD, $6.7 trillion are needed by 2030 and $22.6 trillion by 2050 to reach SDG 6. Since 60% of global freshwater is in shared basins, strong cooperation – through legal frameworks, joint institutions, and mechanisms for data sharing and coordination – helps attract and de-risk investment and multiplies benefits for countries. 

    Aiming to realise this potential, countries made a call to action to enhance cross-border cooperation for financing in shared basins, recalling the strong momentum for the UN Water Convention. This is illustrated by the accession just last week of Bangladesh as the first Party from South Asia, joining 55 Parties from across the pan-European region, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. 20 more countries are in the process of accession.  

    Leveraging private finance 

    To complement public financing, the Sevilla Commitment highlights the urgency of mobilizing private investment at scale and, crucially, aligning it with sustainable development. Despite the UNECE region being home to major capital markets and global institutional investors, long-term investment in inclusive, green, and resilient development remains insufficient.  

    In various exchanges, Ms. Molcean welcomed the Commitment’s emphasis on ensuring that private finance is additional to public resources, transparent, and aligned with the SDGs. UNECE contributes to this agenda through the development and application of its Public-Private Partnership and Infrastructure Evaluation and Rating System (PIERS). Already used to evaluate SDG credentials of 284 projects in 60 countries and 24 sectors worth $118 billion, PIERS assesses projects not only for financial viability, but also for their impact on people, planet, prosperity, partnerships, and governance.  

    Regional cooperation  

    Joining forces at FfD4, the UN Regional Commissions emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in financing for development, from unlocking financial innovation to ensuring follow-up of the Sevilla Commitment’s objectives. In particular, the regional level can help identify collective priorities, share policy innovations, and provide peer support.  

    UNECE continues to facilitate such cooperation by convening platforms, producing policy guidelines, and fostering cooperation in areas ranging from transport and trade facilitation to statistics and urban development.  

    Local action 

    The Executive Secretary further highlighted the importance of action at the local level, considering the direct impact on populations of policies and actions in cities. Addressing the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, the Executive Secretary urged that the local level must be adequately financed to localize the SDGs and to ensure full implementation. UNECE’s pioneering Forum of Mayors provides a platform to promote exchange between cities and give them a voice at the multilateral level. The 5th Forum of Mayors will be held 6-7 October 2025 in Geneva, addressing issues including local climate finance mechanisms.   

    Image credit: UN

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety Visits Latin America to launch UN Global Road Safety Campaign  

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will visit Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia and Brazil (23-27 June), to launch the UN global campaign #MakeASafetyStatement, in partnership with JCDecaux. During his visit, he will meet with key government officials, representatives of the international community, private and public sector leaders, and representatives of civil society to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures. 

    This mission aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to halve road fatalities by 2030. It follows the adoption of a new UN resolution on road safety at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, Morocco, earlier this year (18-19February). 

    A Silent Pandemic

    Road traffic crashes claimed more than 145,000 lives across the Americas in 2021, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), representing 12% of global road fatalities that year. Road crashes remain the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5 to 29 years old globally imposing a significant social and economic burden. According to the World Bank, the cost of road crashes represents between 3% and 6% of GDP in the region.   

    Across the Americas, deaths on the road have registered a 9.37% drop in the decade to 2021. The region’s progress is above the 5% global drop in deaths in the period but is nowhere near fast enough to meet the global goal of halving road deaths by 2030.  

    Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions in the world, making road safety a crucial component of city development strategies. This underscores the urgent need to rethink mobility and invest in road safety. 

    Solutions exist 

    The good news is that solutions exist. Strengthening law enforcement, investing in education and public transport, enhancing road infrastructure and vehicle safety, developing bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways — especially around schools —and improving post-crash care are all part of a safe and efficient mobility system. Additionally, mobilizing political leadership is crucial to increase funding and action.  

    A 2019 report commissioned by Bloomberg Philanthropies revealed that more than 25,000 lives could be saved and over 170,000 serious injuries prevented by 2030 if United Nations (UN) vehicle safety regulations were applied by four key countries in the region—Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Brazil. 

    “Every year we lose 1.19 million lives on the world’s roads, this is equivalent to the entire population of cities like Monterrey (Mexico), Guatemala or Campinas (Brazil). This is madness, because we know how to stop this carnage. With this campaign we call for urgent action to ensure safe roads for all, everywhere on the continent,” said Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety.   

    Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-CEO of JCDecaux said: “At JCDecaux, we are committed to improving the quality of life for people wherever they live, work and travel, offering innovative, sustainable street furniture and services that meet cities and citizens’ expectations. This is the core of our mission and that is why we are proud to partner with the United Nations and Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, to display this road safety campaign across our global media network. Following its successful rollout in over 50 countries since September 2023, the campaign’s launch in Latin America marks a key milestone, amplifying local road safety efforts and reinforcing public awareness. With our powerful and service-driven media, we are able to relay these vital prevention messages in high-impact locations, promote safe behaviour, and engage all our stakeholders around this major cause. The campaign’s positive tone, supported by international celebrities, helps inspire a new vision for public space: one that is safer, more inclusive, and more harmonious for all.” 

    #MakeASafetyStatement campaign  

    The global #MakeASafetyStatement campaign aims to promote road safety and create secure, inclusive, and sustainable streets worldwide. 

    Celebrities fronting the campaign in Latin America include football icon Ousmane Dembélé, F1 driver Charles Leclerc, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, singer and musician Kylie Minogue, motorcycle racer Marc Marquez, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and actors Patrick Dempsey and Michael Fassbender.  

    Thanks to the support of the International Olympic Committee, Latin American 2024 Olympic champions such as Juan-Manuel Celaya (Mexico, silver medal, diving), Adriana Ruano (Guatemala, gold medal, shooting women’s trap), Atheyna Bylon (Panama, silver medal, boxing), Angel Barajas (Colombia, silver medal, gymnastics), Rebecca Andrade (Brazil, gold medal, artistic gymnastics) have joined the initiative. 

    National focus 

    Mexico 

    In Mexico, 15 to 16,000 people die each year in road accidents.  This puts the fatality rate at 12.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, below the average for the Americas, and for countries such as the USA, Colombia or Brazil, but above Chile or Argentina.  The economic cost of road accidents is estimated at approximately 1.4% of GDP. 

    One third of all road deaths in Mexico are among pedestrians and motorcyclists, so protecting these vulnerable road users should be an urgent priority. It should be noted, however, that road crash statistics are very incomplete. 

    The National Law of Mobility and Road Safety of 2022 called for the adoption of the life-saving ‘safe systems’ approach that makes safety priority in all road-related policies and planning and is laid out in the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety. An exemplary amendment to Mexico’s constitution underpinned the law, making ‘mobility under the conditions of safety, accessibility, efficiency, sustainability, quality, inclusion and equality,’ a universal right for all Mexicans.  

    Although the law mandated the use of certified helmets at the federal level, most Mexican states have not yet legislated mandatory use, resulting in low compliance rates. 

    Guatemala 

    Road crashes remain a significant public health issue in Guatemala, with some 2,352 deaths registered in 2024 on the country’s roads. This brings the death rate at 12.6 per 100,000 population, as per WHO estimates.  

    Motorcycles are involved in half of the crashes and riders represent some 60% of the victims.  Road crashes happen predominantly in urban areas and among vulnerable road users. 

    In the recent period, Guatemala has made some progress in addressing road safety, both through institutional strengthening and the improvement of monitoring systems, legislative response, and intersectoral coordination. 

    Guatemala is currently a party to only 1 of the 7 core UN Road Safety legals instruments and legislation on pedestrian protection and child restraint systems remains fragmented. Helmet use is mandatory, but technical standards are not fully aligned with international best practices (e.g., UN-certified helmet standards ECE 22.05). Enforcement also remains a key challenge.  

    Guatemala currently participates in a project of the UN Road Safety Fund (UN RSF) Safe School Zones, which supports infrastructure improvements and awareness campaigns to protect children around schools. 

    Panama 

    Panama achieved a 45% reduction in road fatalities between 2016 and 2021, from 440 to 243 deaths. Its rate of 7.3 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants is the fourth lowest on the continent.  

    However, it records a very high level of people with serious injuries after a crash, with about 21 cases per death.   

    Panama is currently implementing 2 projects under the UN Road Safety Fund: Safe School Zones, aimed at reducing child fatalities near schools, and Strengthening Road Safety Legislation, aiming at aligning national laws with global best practices. Two legislative improvements are currently under discussion, on pedestrian protection and child restraints. 

    Colombia 

    Some 8,146 people died on Colombia’s in 2022, a 24% increase compared to the average from 2017 to 2019, driven by the rise in the number of motorcycles (+ over 100%)  and cars (+58%) registered between 2010 and 2022Motorcyclists represented 60% of the victims, and pedestrians 21%. The death rate is at 16 per 100,000 population (WHO), for an economic toll estimated at some 3% of GDP. 

    In recent years, through ANSV (Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial), the government has worked with cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali to implement urban safety plans, including developing public transport (express buses and cable cars); upgrading pedestrian infrastructure; developing safer intersections and introducing speed control zones. 

    The new Road Safety strategy (2022-2031) adopted in 2022 officially adopted the Safe System approach. 

    Colombia implements three projects financed by the UNRS, focusing on: institutional strengthening and better crash data systems; Safe and Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning; and an Awareness Campaign for Road Safety and Behavior Change addressing National media and school-based outreach initiatives. 

    Brazil 

    In Brazil, the mortality rate is 15.7 per 100,000 inhabitants.  Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—compose around 61% of all crash fatalities. The notable rise in motorcycle-related deaths observed over recent years calls for accrued efforts to enforce the use of proper helmets – aligned with UN regulations (e.g., ECE-22.05). 

    Road safety remains a key challenges with the economic toll of road crashes estimated at some 5% of GDP.  This is one powerful reason to rethink mobility and invest in road safety. 

    The adoption of the National Road Safety Plan (2019–2028) , aiming for a 50% reduction in fatalities by 2028, marks a strong direction, and laws exist on helmet usage, child restraints, speed, drink & drug driving, mobile phone ban, etc. However, enforcement gaps remain—especially in speed and seatbelt compliance among rear passengers.   

    Mandatory inspections of vehicles exist, but several modern safety requirements (ABS, Electronic Stability Control, pedestrian protection, etc.) have not yet been made mandatory.   

    The UN RSF Project Improving Crash Prevention on Federal Highways in Brazil develops an interoperable system for road data collection and analysis, enabling effective countermeasures. 

    Photo credit: JCDecaux

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE adopts new regulation for emergency lane keeping system and guidance on data storage for automated driving

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    In an effort to harness advanced technologies to strengthen road safety, the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) has adopted a new regulation on emergency lane keeping system, and it endorsed the guidance document on data storage for automated driving. 

    The emergency lane keeping system (ELKS) is a driver assisting system that provides warning to the driver and corrects the trajectory only when the driver is unintentionally leaving the lane. Unintentional drifting over lane markings typically happens during long and monotonous journeys and can be particularly dangerous if another vehicle is in the adjacent lane at the moment of changing lanes. If the driver does not react in time, ELKS can actively and quickly steer the vehicle back into its own lane, thus avoiding an accident. 

    The new UNECE regulation establishes uniform provisions for ELKS fitted to passenger vehicles and vans. It stipulates that the system will automatically detect a potential lane departure, provide the driver with an appropriate warning and correct the vehicle’s trajectory when the driver unintentionally leaves the lane. The driver can maintain control and override the system at any time by taking a deliberate action, such as steering or other control inputs. 

    The regulation will enter into force in February 2026.  

    Guidance on data storage for automated driving  

    The data storage system for automated driving is a device or a function that records and stores a set of data (timestamped flags) during the automated driving sequences of any vehicle equipped with level 3, 4 and 5 automated driving systems (ADS) to provide a clear picture of the interactions between the driver and the system whenever an important safety related event occurs. It is used to establish whether the driver or the system was requested to be in control of the driving task, and who was actually performing the driving task. 

    The guidance on data storage for automated driving endorsed by UNECE’s World Forum provides recommendations to enable the evaluation of ADS performance. It proposes what data elements (e.g. data pertaining to sensing and perception, planning and decision, and control) should be recorded and how they should be stored, with provisions regarding access and confidentiality. It suggests that all of the stored data should be readily accessible to entities as defined under national law, and that the manufacturer should ensure the data is promptly available in a standardized and readable format through an electronic communication interface, preferably an internationally recognized standard. 

    The adoption of this guidance document took place in the context of the development of a global regulation on automated driving system, and discussions have already taken place to cover DSSAD in the new regulation currently in development. 

    In another decision that is expected to improve road safety, the World Forum adopted a new series of amendments to the UN Regulation No. 175 on Acceleration Control for Pedal Error (ACPE) to prevent sudden acceleration when the vehicle is driving very slowly (creeping) and to extend the scope of application to vans in addition to passenger cars with automatic transmission.  

    Note to editors   

    About the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations  

    The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, hosted by UNECE, is a unique global platform responsible for the regulatory frameworks regarding the safety and environmental performance of vehicles, their subsystems and parts.   

    The World Forum manages three global agreements on vehicles: 1958 Agreement (UN Regulations); 1998 Agreement (UN Global Technical Regulations); and 1997 Agreement (UN Rules on Periodic Technical Inspections). Any country that is member of the United Nations may participate in the activities of the World Forum and accede to the Agreements.  

    Image credit: Adobe Stock Images by Livinskiy (AI generated)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on floods in Texas

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, notably of a large number of children, caused by the recent floods in Texas, which struck during what should have been a time of celebration over the holiday weekend.

    The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those impacted, the people of Texas and the government of the United States.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 July 2025 Departmental update New website on cholera control goes live

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), which brings together more than 50 nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions and UN agencies, and is hosted by the World Health Organization, has launched a new website. This central information hub provides governments, health professionals, partners, and the public with access to the latest information, tools, and guidance on cholera control and elimination.

    “This website represents a significant step forward in raising global awareness and visibility of cholera, and provides countries and partners with essential tools to enhance coordination and joint action. It reflects our strong commitment to transparency, partnership, and evidence-driven efforts in the fight to end cholera” said Dr Philippe Barboza, WHO team lead for cholera.

    Real-time data to inform action

    The new website features interactive dashboards and maps displaying the latest global cholera trends, oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaigns, Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs), National Cholera Plans (NCPs), and the presence of Country Support Platforms (CSPs). Cholera situation reports and information on the activities of partners are regularly added. These resources are designed to provide real-time insights for informed decision-making and rapid response.

    Centralized technical guidance and training

    With over 80 curated technical documents and training resources, the new website supports frontline health professionals and decision-makers with essential tools for planning, implementation, and monitoring of cholera interventions. Materials cover cholera control case management; surveillance and laboratory support; oral cholera vaccination; water, sanitation and hygiene; and research.

    Tailored support for countries

    The platform includes dedicated guidance for countries to develop and refine their National Cholera Plans (NCPs) and to identify Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs). These tailored resources aim to accelerate national progress toward the GTFCC 2030 Roadmap.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP airdrops food to prevent catastrophe as hunger surges in conflict-hit parts of South Sudan

    Source: World Food Programme

    Photo: WFP/Peter Louis. WFP airdropping emergency food assistance to thousands of families in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State

    JUBA, South Sudan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) began airdropping emergency food assistance to thousands of families in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, where surging conflict since March has forced families from their homes and pushed some communities to the brink of famine.

    These distributions mark WFP’s first access in over four months to deliver life-saving food and nutrition assistance to more than 40,000 people facing catastrophic hunger in the most remote parts of Nasir and Ulang counties, areas only accessible by air.

    “The link between conflict and hunger is tragically clear in South Sudan and we’ve seen this over the past few months in Upper Nile,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan. “Without a major scale-up in assistance, the counties of Nasir and Ulang risk slipping into full-blown famine. We urgently need to get food to these families, and we are doing everything possible to reach those who need it most before the situation spirals.”

    More than one million people across Upper Nile are facing acute hunger, including over 32,000 people already experiencing Catastrophic levels of hunger (IPC5) – the highest level of food insecurity. This figure has tripled since armed conflict flared in March, triggering mass displacement, including across the border into Ethiopia where WFP is providing life-saving food aid to around 50,000 people who have fled from Upper Nile in search of food and safety.

    WFP aims to reach 470,000 people in Upper Nile and Northern Jonglei through the lean season – the hungriest time of year, which runs through August – but continued fighting and logistical constraints have hindered access and a comprehensive response. WFP has only been able to reach 300,000 people in Upper Nile so far this year. 

    The main river routes into the state must be reopened urgently in order to reach hungry families with sustained humanitarian support. These routes are the most cost-effective way to reach large swathes of Upper Nile and northern Jonglei states to deliver crucial assistance but have been blocked by active fighting since mid-April. WFP has 1,500MT of food ready to transport once river routes are operational again.

    “Where we have been able to consistently deliver, we’ve seen real progress,” McGroarty said. “In the first half of this year, we pushed back catastrophic hunger in areas of Jonglei State through regular deliveries of food assistance, and we can do the same in Upper Nile. But if we can’t get the food to people, hunger will deepen and famine is a real and present threat.”

    A global funding slowdown is worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan. Nationwide, 7.7 million people – 57 percent of the population – are facing crisis, emergency, or catastrophic levels of hunger. An unprecedented 2.3 million children are at risk of malnutrition.

    Due to funding gaps, WFP has prioritized assistance with reduced rations for only the most vulnerable 2.5 million people—just 30 percent of those in acute need – to stretch limited resources. WFP urgently needs US$274 million to continue life-saving operations through December.

    Notes to editor:

    Broadcast quality footage is available here.

    #                #            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
     

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfp_SouthSudan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit Session on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence” [as delivered] 

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Prezado Presidente Lula, muito obrigado pelo seu amável convite e pela sua hospitalidade tão amiga.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies.
     
    The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation.
     
    How we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good. 
     
    I am particularly concerned with the weaponization of AI, in a world where peace is more necessary than ever.
     
    Peace in Palestine, based on building the two-State solution, starting by an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, free and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, and the ending of the crippling annexation and violence in the West Bank.
     
    A just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions.
     
    Silencing the guns in Sudan, where civilians have also suffered too much.
    And the list goes on, from the DRC to Somalia, from the Sahel to Myanmar.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Artificial intelligence needs a multilateral response grounded in equity and human rights.
     
    The Pact for the Future, approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations, calls for a new architecture of trust and cooperation – starting with the establishment by the UN of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.
     
    This Panel should provide impartial, evidence-based guidance available to all Member States.
     
    The Pact also calls for a periodic Global Dialogue on AI within the UN, with all the Member States and relevant stakeholders. 
     
    The AI can’t be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular, developing countries which must have a real voice in global AI governance.
     
    I will also soon present a report outlining innovative voluntary financing options to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, and I urge the BRICS’ support and your support for these efforts.
     
    But we cannot govern AI effectively – and fairly – without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system.
     
    We are in a multipolar era.
     
    Power relations are shifting.
     
    A multipolar world requires multilateral governance – with global institutions tuned for the times, in particular the Security Council and the international financial architecture.
     
    They were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations.
     
    The reform of the Security Council is crucial.
     
    The message from the Financing for Development Conference last week in Sevilla was clear:
     
    Ensuring that developing countries have a greater participation in global economic governance and its institutions;
     
    Putting into place an effective debt restructuring mechanism;
     
    And tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, in particular, with concessional funding and in local currencies.
     
    All this is crucial for countries, especially in the Global South – to bridge the digital divide and fully harness artificial intelligence’s potential, making AI a powerful driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation.
     
    That begins with trust, and trust begins with all countries respecting International Law without exceptions.
     
    Let us rise to this moment – and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: First Person: Japanese UN volunteer ‘motivated by the passion of others’ to support peace

    Source: United Nations 2

    Haruki Ume spoke to UN News at the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 currently being held in the Japanese city of Osaka.

    One section of the pavilion features a rotating presentation focusing on a specific UN agency or entity and recently, attention turned to the UN Volunteers programme.

    “As a 17-year-old, I travelled to the United States on an educational exchange programme and my main motivation was to play baseball and experience American culture.

    I met a lot of other people from Africa and Asia as well as Europe and I was shocked and then impressed by their passion and motivation to support their villages and communities back home.

    One boy from Azerbaijan told me he was selected for the exchange from over 100 applicants as the only student from his country. As a result, he said that he had a responsibility not to waste his time and represent all those other applicants and his country to the best of his ability.

    © Haruki Ume

    Haruki Ume plays with two boys during a visit to the Philippines in 2017.

    It was at this moment that I decided that I wanted to contribute more to society and so I started studying development issues. I travelled as much as I could during my vacations, to places like Cambodia, the Philippines, India, Peru, Egypt and Uganda.

    As a volunteer, I supported education and other initiatives during the field missions and was really driven by helping people who were less fortunate than I.  I also learnt a lot from these people, so I definitely valued it an exchange of experiences and knowledge.

    Understanding the outside world

    I was raised in a small town in rural Japan where there were no foreigners. People grow up, work and die there and many do not ever experience foreign cultures or really understand the outside world.

    UN News/Daniel Dickinson

    A UN Volunteers staff member explains the role of the organization to visitors at the UN Pavilion.

    I remember being nervous about speaking English and eating food that I was not used to, but I was keen to break through these personal barriers and broaden my world.

    Being open to new experiences has made it easier to adapt to other cultures and this understanding promotes peace and friendship and ultimately international cooperation.

    I have been working at the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 to promote the UN and the work of UN Volunteers. I’m doing this in the spirit of building cooperation and creating positive change in the world.

    Expo 2025 is bringing the world to Osaka and is providing the opportunity for Japanese people to discuss how we can work together more effectively to create a fairer and more peaceful world.”

    The UN and volunteering

    • Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, UNV was established 1970 and is active in around 169 countries and territories every year.
    • In 2024, UNV deployed over 14,500 volunteers to almost 60 UN entities across the world.
    • They serve in diverse roles including: community development, human rights, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, medical services and communications.
    • 2026 has been designated by the UN as the International Year of Volunteers
    • Become a UN Volunteer

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Seychelles media take steps toward stronger disaster preparedness

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Workshop explores inclusive risk communication, media resilience, and the future of journalism education

    From 23 to 27 June 2025, media professionals came together for a workshop on disaster preparedness and response, co-organized by the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), UNDRR, and UNESCO. The five-day event aimed to build media capacity to inform, engage, and protect the public in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.

    The training, supported by the CREWS Initiative South-West Indian Ocean project, formed part of the broader Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative and drew on UNESCO’s Model Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan for Media Institutions. Sessions focused on everything from developing business continuity strategies to ensuring inclusive and accurate disaster coverage during disasters.

    “For me, this workshop has been an eye-opener,” said Marie-Claude d’Unienville of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). “We need to think about the risks we have in our own working environment.”

    The workshop also placed a strong emphasis on leadership and institutional planning by engaging directly with media managers. Veronica Maria, Managing Director of Today in Seychelles, reflected on the value of this approach:

    “I learned how to do a risk assessment plan, how to monitor the plan every six to twelve months-that will be a good guide for business continuity.”

    Participants had the opportunity to examine disaster scenarios from multiple perspectives and to simulate newsroom decision-making under crisis conditions. This practical lens encouraged reflection on both external hazards-like road closures and internet outages-and internal risks that could disrupt media operations.

    A dedicated session on disability inclusion in disaster communication struck a particular chord. Christine Winslow, a disability rights advocate with Ramp Up Rise Up, emphasized the urgency of placing accessibility at the center of preparedness efforts:

    “[Persons with disabilities] do get forgotten and ignored and are most times an afterthought-especially when it comes to implementing and providing accessibility.”

    Her remarks were met with strong support from participants, many of whom acknowledged that the needs of persons with disabilities are too often overlooked in emergency communication.

    The DRMD reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media sector. “Not only do we want to empower media to educate our public but also to protect themselves. They have to be mindful of their own personal safety when reporting onsite in crisis time”, said Jade Landry.

    The workshop also brought in a forward-looking educational component. Mr. Samuel Mundua, Senior Lecturer of Journalism at the University of Seychelles, attended as part of efforts to develop the country’s first formally accredited journalism programme. “The content and local case studies from this workshop will inform our new curriculum, especially around environmental and disaster risk topics,” he shared.

    As small island developing states like Seychelles face mounting climate threats, this workshop marks a significant step in building stronger bridges between media, government, and academia to ensure that risk communication in Seychelles is inclusive, evidence-based, and resilient.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR and INTOSAI WGEA deepen collaboration on environmental auditing for disaster risk reduction

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) joined global auditors at the Assembly of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Working Group on Environmental Auditing (WGEA), that took place in Malta from 1 to 3 July 2025. Represented by Mr. Animesh Kumar, Head of the UNDRR Office in Bonn, UNDRR’s engagement underscores its growing collaboration with WGEA to strengthen national oversight of disaster risk reduction (DRR) through environmental auditing.

    Driving risk-informed governance through auditing

    Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are key national actors in ensuring governments are prevent and are prepared for disasters and climate-related shocks. Through WGEA, INTOSAI supports SAIs in conducting performance audits that evaluate how well countries manage environmental risks-including resilience to floods, extreme heat, and other natural hazards.

    UNDRR’s participation at the WGEA Assembly reflects a strategic alignment: both institutions promote stronger national accountability for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, grounded in international frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “The official data and metrics, and other disaster risk reduction tools coordinated by UNDRR, and the work of Supreme Auditing Institutions are closely aligned. The two entities can co-benefit by collaborating in their collective efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in risk governance,” said Animesh Kumar.

    Audits can reveal gaps in planning, coordination, and implementation-and offer pathways to improved governance. The WGEA’s audit database already includes 59 audits related to DRR, such as:

    • India: Reviewing groundwater and stormwater systems to reduce urban flood risk.
    • Turkey: Auditing early warning systems and local flood preparedness.
    • UK: Assess preparedness for future extreme weather events

    Mr Charles Deguara, Auditor General of Malta said: “In the present circumstances, urgent and united action is required to ensure climate risk issues are duly addressed. It is our role, as national audit institutions, to assist our administrations through our audit work.” From data to action

    UNDRR brings extensive expertise in disaster risk governance, robust data systems, and a strong global convening role-uniquely positioning it to support SAIs in evaluating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies.

    Building on this momentum, UNDRR and WGEA are exploring collaboration on knowledge building, capacity development and data sharing on disaster risk reduction audits. This initiative aims to build a skilled network of auditors ready to integrate DRR and adaptation into their national audit agendas, bolstered by growing coherence between DRR and climate action.

    “Building resilience to climate and disaster risks requires coherent policies, consistent implementation, and strong oversight. Through the WGEA, we support audit institutions in promoting accountability and helping ensure that climate and disaster risk policies are aligned, effective, and transparent”, highlighted Mr Sami Yläoutinen, the Auditor General of the National Audit Office of Finland, and the current chair of INTOSAI WGEA.

    As WGEA expands its focus on climate and disaster-related audits, sustained collaboration with UNDRR can enhance policy coherence and strengthen accountability. By integrating disaster risk into environmental audits, this partnership will help translate global frameworks into national results, advancing resilience, transparency, and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR and CDRI formalize partnership to strengthen and scale up the global infrastructure resilience agenda

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at accelerating global efforts to make critical infrastructure more resilient to disasters and climate impacts.

    The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FFD4) in Seville, where countries are convening to strengthen their commitments to scale up investment in disaster risk reduction and other development priorities.

    The signing of the agreement formalizes the partnership between the UNDRR and CDRI, building on a longstanding collaboration. UNDRR played a foundational role in the establishment of CDRI, and the two organizations have worked closely to advance resilient infrastructure globally.

    “UNDRR is proud to join forces with CDRI to advance the global infrastructure resilience agenda, ensuring that infrastructure everywhere is not only sustainable, but also resilient and inclusive,” said Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary General, UNDRR. “This collaboration will help countries turn risk knowledge into action, protecting communities and development gains. A focus on risk-informed infrastructure investment planning is essential for a more resilient future.”

    As part of the agreement, UNDRR and CDRI will collaborate on tools, policy guidance, capacity-building, and country-level support, ensuring a harmonized approach and deeper engagement with governments and stakeholders worldwide. The partnership reflects the growing global recognition that resilient infrastructure is key to reducing disaster risk and safeguarding development gains.

    The two organizations have already worked together to enhance infrastructure resilience through strengthened governance. This includes the co-development of the Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Reviews and its application in countries such as Bhutan, Chile, Madagascar, and Tonga. This support enabled countries to stress test and assess their infrastructure systems and develop a roadmap that includes a number of innovative recommendations for enhancing their infrastructure resilience.

    UNDRR and CDRI are committed to scaling up their joint efforts to help more countries build infrastructure systems.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Evocation Ceremony Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Cabo Verde’s Independence and 50th Anniversary of the Partnership with the United Nations [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Honourable President José Maria Neves; Honourable Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva; Distinguished Heads of State and Government; Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

    I am happy to be with you today on behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and I thank the Government and the people of Cabo Verde for your warm welcome and hospitality.

    I am honoured to deliver his remarks on this historic occasion:

    It is with deep emotion that I send these words to a country I hold close to my heart.

    As Secretary-General of the United Nations, as former Prime Minister of Portugal, and as a long-time friend, I am honoured to mark this fiftieth anniversary of Cabo Verdean independence and partnership with the United Nations.

    Cabo Verde has shaped my conscience and conviction. 

    And I celebrate with you the enduring spirit of the povo cabo-verdiano – a people whose determination has long outshone the constraints of geography.

    Dear friends,

    The story of Cabo Verde is a story of freedom reclaimed.

    On July 5, 1975, the world bore witness to the birth of a new Republic.

    After centuries of colonial rule, the people of Cabo Verde – together with their brothers and sisters in Guinea-Bissau – rose up to demand self-determination.

    As a Portuguese citizen, I cannot speak of Cabo Verde without acknowledging the deep and complex history we share – a history marked by pain, injustice, but also by solidarity.

    I carry with me the memory of walking through the gates of the former Tarrafal concentration camp — in the company of Edmundo Pedro and Sérgio Vilarigues, who had endured its horrors.

    Their stories of suffering and resistance are etched into my memory.

    Today, we honour so many heroes of that struggle – heroes like Amílcar Cabral. 

    Receiving the Order of Amílcar Cabral by Prime Minister Carlos Veiga, remains one of the greatest honours of my life.

    Dear friends,

    From the beginning, Cabo Verde chose the harder path:

    Stability over strife.

    Dialogue over division.

    The peaceful transition to independence, the embrace of democracy and good governance… a model that endures.

    Cabo Verde is also a wonder of geography.

    Ten volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic, bound by morabeza – that singular warmth and grace that define the Cabo Verdean soul.

    But it is the people who truly set Cabo Verde apart.

    A culture that is at once rooted and global, melancholic and joyful.

    This nation gave the world morna — a music of sodade, of longing for home across distant seas.

    It brought us the timeless voice of Cesária Évora, who sang from Mindelo to the world – and made every listener feel a little closer to Cabo Verde.

    Dear friends,

    When Cabo Verde gained independence, many may have doubted. 

    Yet five decades later, you stand as a middle-income country and a champion of peace and equality.

    As Prime Minister of Portugal, I had the privilege of working closely with Cabo Verde to deepen our cooperation.

    I recall with pride the signing of the Acordo de Cooperação Cambial – a monetary agreement that was more than a technical arrangement.

    It was a bridge between our economies, a symbol of trust, and a recognition of Cabo Verde’s growing role on the global stage.

    And through it all, you have remained true to your values.

    Welcoming migrants.

    Upholding the rule of law.

    And staying true to the principles of solidarity and open cooperation.

    I saw these values in action during my last visit.

    At the port of Mindelo, I watched the sails of the Ocean Race rise against the horizon — a striking reminder of Cabo Verde’s openness, resolve, and connection to the wider world.

    What stayed with me was not just the race, but the spirit onshore — young people learning, communities coming together, leaders thinking boldly about the future.

    It reinforced what I have always felt: Cabo Verde is not just navigating the tides of change — it is helping to chart the course.

    And the United Nations has been honoured to journey with you.

    From the earliest development plans — schools, health systems, and social protection;

    To our shared work on food security, disaster resilience, and democratic institutions;

    From supporting the graduation from Least Developed Country status;

    To cooperating on climate action, ocean conservation, biodiversity protection, renewable energy;

    And advancing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index — a vital tool to reflect the unique challenges of small island developing countries.

    Together, we are exploring new frontiers: the blue economy, digital inclusion, and diaspora engagement.

    And today, as we celebrate your past, we also recommit to your future.

    A future shaped by resolve.

    Cabo Verde knows, more than most, the realities of climate change.

    Rising seas. Droughts. External shocks.

    Your location also brings higher costs — for transport, for energy, for resilience.

    But you have turned water scarcity into a frontier of innovation.

    You are building climate resilience in your infrastructure and communities.

    You are expanding clean energy.

    You are leading on marine conservation.

    And as co-lead of the SIDS Coalition for Nature, you are rallying global action to protect our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

    You are showing the world that ocean stewardship is a responsibility.

    And the world must match your determination with support — through climate finance, technology, and fairer systems for Small Island Developing States.

    Dear friends,

    Fifty years ago, Cabo Verde was born into freedom.

    Today, it moves boldly into the future.

    With ambitious plans grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    With innovation in the blue economy, biodiversity and climate resilience.

    With empowered youth and inclusive growth.

    With leadership in regional affairs – from ECOWAS to the African Union.

    And with more regional integration – taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    The people of Cabo Verde understand what it means to struggle – and to overcome.

    To the povo cabo-verdiano, in every island and across the ocean:

    This celebration belongs to you.

    As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I salute your journey.

    As a friend, I rejoice in this moment and celebrate with you.

    As a citizen of the world, I thank you — for your example, your partnership, your promise.

    May Cabo Verde forever shine:

    As a light in the Atlantic.

    A bridge between continents.

    A country of hope and dreams.

    Parabéns, Cabo Verde.

    Long live the Republic.

    Long live your journey.

    Long live your future.

    Obrigado. Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘A spirit of oneness’: Cooperatives cultivating peace in South Sudan

    Source: United Nations 2

    “Cooperatives are a system that enables the South Sudanese to improve their livelihoods, but at the same time also contributes to the economy… this is the only way for South Sudan to move out of poverty,” said Louis Bagare project manager of cooperatives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in South Sudan.

    He was speaking ahead of the International Day of Cooperatives, which is celebrated every 5 July, and which highlights how cooperatives enable people to provide for their basic needs in contexts where individuals working alone is insufficient.

    A path to peace

    In South Sudan, the potential of cooperatives extends beyond economic empowerment.

    © FAO/Daniel Chaplin

    A farmer in South Sudan tills her land.

     “Cooperatives are one of the avenues that can bring peace and stability to South Sudan,” said Mr. Bagare.

    For over a decade, South Sudan has faced many intersecting challenges. Following its independence in 2011, a civil war broke out, concluding in 2018 with a peace agreement. But this peace is more fragile than ever.

    Looting and intercommunal violence, mainly perpetrated by young people, continues to be an ever-present concern for many communities which already face catastrophic food insecurity and continual climate shocks.

    In this context, cooperatives provide a ray of hope.

    “Cooperatives really changed the mindset of our people and brought stability to the country,” said Deng William Achiek, director for rural producers in South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

    But what is it about cooperatives that may usher in a lasting peace?

    A voluntary and democratic group

    Cooperatives are voluntary economic organizations in which members share in the risk, work and income.

    “A cooperative is a democratic, social association of people who, as individuals, cannot improve their status of living and social status … But once they come together in a cooperative, then, they can raise the standard of their living,” said Oneil Yosia Damia, the Director-General for Cooperative Development in South Sudan.

    © FAO/Daniel Chaplin

    A cooperative of women farmers in South Sudan has been trained in seed production by FAO.

    FAO’s Louis Bagare believes that this sort of democratic approach to governance at a local level will trickle up to the national level and encourage more widespread buy-in to a democratic form of governance across South Sudan.

    Income, not guns

    In addition to providing a model of democratic governance, cooperatives also enable economic growth and development, providing communities — especially young people — a viable and sustainable alternative to looting.

    “When, especially the youth, are engaged in productive activities that generate income, they will not have the interest to pick a gun to go and fight or to rob and loot,” Mr. Bagare said. 

    In South Sudan, the communities which form cooperatives often do not have enough individual resources to maintain a sustainable livelihood, a reality which pushes youth towards violent looting for survival.

    “When [community members] work together, when they bring ideas together, when they bring resources together, it is much easier for them to overcome their livelihood challenges,” Mr. Bagare said.

    Mr. Bagare also explained that banks are more willing to invest in groups and organizations like FAO are more likely to provide support to cooperatives. But ultimately, the goal is that this will not be long-term.

    “The focus is on building their capacity so that they can be able to create lives,” Mr. Bagare said.

    A historic structure in the world’s youngest country

    In South Sudan, there are cooperatives of every shape and size. Overwhelmingly, these cooperatives are agricultural but some also produce soap, bread and textiles. The history of South Sudan is populated with examples of this type of work.

    “Cooperatives are not something which has come from nowhere. It has been part of the culture of South Sudan,” Mr. Bagare said.

    Mr. Daima referred to the “golden era” of cooperatives which existed before the civil war in 2011. He said that his office within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is working diligently to get back to that time.

    “I want our cooperatives to be as busy as bees. This is the spirit of oneness, of unity,” Mr. Daima said.

    Mr. Bagare hopes for a future in South Sudan where cooperatives become a part of every economic sector — not just agriculture.

    “If we are able to work together, we can become better people tomorrow. But the moment that we continue to only fight with each other, we will continue to destroy ourselves.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN chief condemns Russian strikes on Ukraine, warns of nuclear safety risk

    Source: United Nations 2

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, António Guterres expressed alarm over the dangerous escalation and the rising toll on civilians.

    He reiterated that attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure are prohibited under international law and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

    “These strikes disrupted the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, once again underlining the ongoing risks to nuclear safety,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

    “The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step towards a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions.”

    Fragile situation

    The airstrikes on Friday severed the nuclear plant’s last external power connection, forcing the ZNPP to rely on emergency diesel generators for more than three hours, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    Power was eventually restored, but the incident marked the ninth time the plant has lost all off-site electricity since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

    Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the nuclear watchdog, warned that the situation remains extremely fragile.

    “What was once virtually unimaginable – that a major nuclear power plant would repeatedly lose all of its external power connections – has unfortunately become a common occurrence,” he said.

    Nuclear safety deterioration

    Located in southern Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant is the largest nuclear power facility in Europe. Although its six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024, they still require electricity to cool reactor cores and spent fuel pools to prevent overheating and potential radioactive release.

    During the blackout, 18 diesel generators were activated to maintain critical cooling functions. The plant has enough diesel on site for at least ten days, with contingency plans in place to secure further supplies if needed, IAEA reported.

    The ZNPP has become dramatically more vulnerable since the war began. Prior to the conflict, it had access to ten external power lines; it now relies on just one.

    IAEA teams remain based at the site and continue to monitor the situation closely.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The 2024–2025 World Heritage Map is now published

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    The latest edition of the World Heritage Map is now available to order! This new design, poster-sized wall map features all 1,223 World Heritage properties, illustrated with stunning photographs from across the globe.

    This map offers a visual journey through the richness of World Heritage sites, the various countries where they are located and key data.

    The featured image on this year’s map presents the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a World Heritage site in Bulgaria. Recognized as a masterpiece of Thracian creative genius, the tomb is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Hellenistic frescoes, reflecting the sophistication of Thracian culture and funerary art.

    Produced by the World Heritage Centre and Geo4Map, with the support of Bulgaria, the map can now be ordered from the World Heritage Centre website.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP delivers food inside Gaza amid restrictions and growing insecurity

    Source: World Food Programme

    GAZA, Palestine – The UN World Food Programme (WFP) continues to deliver life-saving food assistance inside Gaza despite deteriorating security, limited access, and growing desperation of communities in need of food assistance. A recent WFP assessment shows nearly one person in three is not eating for days, placing more people at risk of starvation. More than 700,000 people have been forced to relocate since March 18 as an estimated 85 percent of Gaza is now considered an active militarized zone.

    Here are the latest updates on food insecurity and WFP operations in Gaza, including quotes from WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau, who is currently in Palestine:

    WFP Operations inside Gaza

    •    Since 21 May, when border crossings re-opened to limited amounts of aid, WFP teams have been able to dispatch dozens of aid convoys with more than 1,200 trucks carrying 18,247 metric tons (MT) of food aid inside Gaza. Despite these efforts, the food delivered to date is still a tiny fraction of what a population of over two million people need to survive.
    •    The breakdown of the food aid brought into Gaza includes (as of 03 July):
    o    12,275 MT of wheat flour for bread
    o    5,828 MT of ready to eat rations
    o    113 MT of emergency nutritional supplies
    o    30 MT of yeast for baking
    •    While most trucks carrying food assistance into Gaza have been intercepted by hungry civilian communities, WFP has been able to conduct some direct distributions. These include:
    o    Food aid distributed directly to 24,649 people (5,357 households).
    o    Nutrition prevention assistance to 102,544 children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women across 92 active distribution sites.
    o    Nutritional supplements to 11,125 people.
    o    In June, 250,000 meals were also provided through 72 community kitchens with the help of food security partners.
    •    Israeli authorities have provided written assurances that operating conditions inside Gaza will improve, and that more trucks will be able to carry food aid into Gaza.
    •    The assurances also include the use of more routes and border crossing points with faster clearances, dependable communications, and without armed forces near convoys. 
    •    In agreement with Israeli authorities, WFP’s target is to bring 2,000 MT of food aid into Gaza every day (1,000 MT to the north, 1,000 MT to the south).
    •    WFP stands ready to scale up food assistance into Gaza if a ceasefire comes into effect. We have experienced teams on the ground, and proven systems in place to respond at scale.
    •    During the recent ceasefire, WFP facilitated nearly 40 percent of all humanitarian aid that entered Gaza, including 8,000 trucks of food, which helped push back the tide of hunger. The agency stands ready to do this again.
    •    WFP has over 140,000 metric tons of food in or on its way to the region – enough to feed the entire population of 2.1 million people for two months.

    Food Needs Inside Gaza
    •    Inside Gaza, the fear of starvation and desperate need for food remains high.
    •    A recent WFP assessment found nearly one person in three is not eating for days at a time.
    •    Findings from the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, show a high risk that famine will occur as conflict persists and humanitarian agencies are unable to provide essential aid. 
    •    Some 470,000 people are expected to face Catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5) between May and September of this year.
    •    Malnutrition is surging and some 90,000 children and women urgently need treatment.
    •    Food aid is the only real way for people to eat:
    o    Flour for bread is 3,000 times more expensive than before the war – 23 euros per kilo of flour. And cooking fuel is simply nowhere to be found.

    Requirements to Scale Operations
    •    WFP stands ready to scale up and deliver life-saving assistance directly to the most vulnerable families in need. For this, WFP urgently calls for:
    •    At least 100 aid trucks per day to be allowed through northern, central and southern border points.
    •    Faster loading and dispatching of trucks from crossing points into Gaza. 
    •    No armed presence near convoy routes or civilian aid distribution points.
    •    Uninterrupted connectivity to allow humanitarian organizations to coordinate effectively.
    •    A sustained ceasefire that creates the necessary conditions for safe, scaled, and impactful humanitarian aid.
     

    Note to editor

    WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau, visited Gaza City on 1-2 July, talking to families there and assessing the humanitarian situation. The following quotes may be attributed to him:
    •    “This is my fourth visit to Gaza since the start of the conflict. The situation is the worst I’ve ever seen. It’s hard to find words to describe the level of desperation I have witnessed. People are dying just trying to get food. Our kitchens are empty; they are now serving hot water with a bit of pasta floating in it. A mother told me she had gone to a kitchen hoping to find a hot meal and fainted there. There was nothing to eat and she went home without anything for her children. A father I met had lost 25 kgs in the past two months. People are starving, while we have food just across the border.”

    •    “Our WFP teams in Gaza are doing heroic work under conditions that are simply impossible. They are frequently caught in cross-fire, they are stuck in steaming hot cars for 24 hours straight, escorting food convoys through combat zones. We don’t have enough fuel for our vehicles, or spare parts for our trucks or cars, or basic equipment to communicate. And our national staff are not just aid workers—they live here, they face the same dangers, the same hunger as the rest of the population. We can’t continue in these conditions.”

    •    “A ceasefire is urgently needed. We stand ready to deliver – we have the food, the capacity and the systems to assist the entire population in Gaza. During the previous ceasefire, we showed what was possible: delivering over 8,000 trucks of food in only 42 days. We can do it again, but we need all routes and entry points to open, and we need safety and order to be able to reach most vulnerable. The ceasefire must also be the first step toward lasting peace.”

    #                #            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Number of internally displaced breaks new record with no let-up in conflicts, disasters

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    “These figures are a clear warning: without bold and coordinated action, the number of people displaced within their own countries will continue to grow rapidly,” said Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration.

    The recent rise in conflicts worldwide – particularly in Sudan, the Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Ukraine and Palestine has pushed millions more into displacement, adding to the tens of millions who already live in protracted displacement in countries such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Syria and Yemen. 

    Disasters surging

    The number of displaced by disasters has risen massively, climbing from 26.8 million last year to 45.8 million. “The number of disaster displacements in 2024 was nearly double the annual average of the past decade,” said a new report issued by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).

    Almost 30 countries and territories have reported unprecedented disaster displacement – with cyclones accounting for more than one in two people forced from their homes. The United States alone makes up about one in four of those displaced globally by disasters.

    With the frequency, intensity and duration of weather hazards continuously worsening owing to climate change, there is little to suggest that the trend will not continue.

    “This report is a call for preventive action, to use data and other tools to anticipate displacement before it happens and for the humanitarian and development sectors to work together with governments to develop longer-term solutions to prevent displacement,” Ms. Pope stressed.

    Conflict and violence

    Displacement caused by conflict and violence remains high and continues to be a major cause for displacement, too – although it did decrease slightly in 2024, compared to the previous 12 months.

    Over 20 million conflict-related displacements have been recorded and almost half of these stem from Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    “These latest numbers prove that internal displacement is not just a humanitarian crisis; it’s a clear development and political challenge that requires far more attention than it currently receives,” said Alexandra Bilak, director of the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –