UN Police ‘indispensable’ to fulfilling peacekeeping mandates, Security Council hears

Jean-Pierre Lacroix was speaking in the UN Security Council during the annual briefing by heads of police components of UN peace operations. “Despite severe constraints, our police personnel continue to serve with dedication, professionalism and courage,” he said. “They operate in environments of persistent insecurity, political volatility and growing operational risks..” Key to peacekeeping Peace … Read more

World News in Brief: UN condemns attack on civilians in Nigeria, updates from Gaza and West Bank, relief flights to resume in Yemen

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Antonio Guterres conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Nigeria,” and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. “The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to … Read more

Nuclear disarmament at breaking point as mistrust grows – but hope remains

Yet even as the architecture weakens, signs of progress – including nuclear-weapon-free zones and rising youth engagement – ​​offer grounds for cautious hope, a UN researcher on nuclear non-proliferation has told UN News. Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, a fellow with the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) – an autonomous institute studying disarmament and international security issues … Read more

UN lauds $6 billion US funding approval towards ending HIV/AIDS

“This US investment will provide lifesaving support for millions of people in partner countries and help to ensure that the global HIV response remains efficient, data-driven and delivers results,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I thank you President.” [Donald] Trump and the US Congress for their continued commitment to HIV and global health.” … Read more

AI ‘moving at the speed of light’ warns Guterres, unveiling recommendations for UN expert panel

“AI is moving at the speed of light,” said UN. Secretary-General Antonio Guterresunderscoring the urgency of regulating the breakthrough technology. “We need shared understandings to build effective guardrailsunlock innovation for the common good, and foster cooperation. The Panel will help the world separate fact from fakes, and science from slop.” The roots of the Panel … Read more

Intensifying ISIL threat highlights need to step up counter-terrorism measures

Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), presented its latest report which highlights the group’s intensifying presence in Africa, the Middle East and beyond. He said the threat posed by ISIL, also known by its Arabic acronym, Da’esh, has “increased steadily” since the previous report issued in August, “remaining multipolar and … Read more

‘Deepfake abuse is abuse,’ UNICEF warns

“The harm from deepfake abuse is real and urgent,” the UN agency said in a statement. “Children cannot wait for the law to catch up.” At least 1.2 million youngsters have disclosed having had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes in the past year, according to a study across 11 countries conducted by the … Read more