In the secret ballot, Mr. Rahman secured 99 votes to Mr. Kakouri’s 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions. The presidency rotates among the UN’s five regional groups, and the 81st session falls to the Asia-Pacific group. Mr. Rahman will serve a one-year term starting on 8 September. … Read more
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is an 80 per cent chance that El Niño conditions will emerge between June and August and a 90 per cent probability of this happening thereafter. “This update matters because El Niño is a major driver of global weather and climate patterns,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. … Read more
An Iranian drone and missile attack reportedly targeted Kuwait’s international airport killing at least one person and wounded several others, also causing flight suspensions and diversions. attacks condemned “The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any further escalation that risk to undermine the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The sovereignty and … Read more
The new insights released on Wednesday ahead of next week’s World Food Safety Day, show that children under five are particularly vulnerable. Although they account for just nine per cent of the global population, they suffer nearly one-third of all foodborne diseasesmany of them severe diarrheal illnesses that can prove fatal, accordingly to the World … Read more
Once plastics are released into the marine environment, large pieces choke wildlife and disturb fragile habitats like coral reefs before breaking down into toxic microplastics that poison the food chain. Even when they have fully disintegrated physically, their chemical bonds remain and the impacts persist. Today, more than 4,000 marine species are known to be … Read more
Peace under pressure The incoming members will take their seats at a moment when the Council faces some of its most difficult tests in years. Its work has increasingly been shaped by geopolitical rivalries among major powers, particularly the five permanent members. Deep divisions over conflicts including Ukraine and Gaza have led to stalemate, frustrating … Read more
Data centres, the global infrastructure powering AI, could consume 945 terawatt-hours of electricity annually by 2030 – nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, countries collectively home to more than 650 million people. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. On top of the carbon footprint, every unit … Read more
In eastern DRC, UN agencies are supporting national health authorities through Ebola treatment centres, case management, surveillance efforts and the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies. According to Congolese authorities, more than 90 per cent of reported cases are concentrated in Ituri province, though infections have also been detected in North and South Kivu. … Read more
Despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, sporadic hostilities and continued uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important energy and shipping corridors – continue to reverberate through global supply chains, pushing up transport and fuel costs and straining aid operations already grappling with severe funding shortages. … Read more
They were joined by renowned ocean advocate Sylvia Earle and explorer Fabien Cousteau to mark the imminent release of the World Ocean Assessmenta sweeping report described at the event as “possibly the most important book about the ocean ever written”. Set to be launched on World Ocean Day, 8 June, the 1,600-page assessment is the … Read more