His video address set the tone for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (wuf13), which comes at a critical moment as cities grapple with deepening inequalities, rapid urbanization and a growing climate crisis. Organized by UN‑Habitat in partnership with the Government of Azerbaijan, the forum, which has drawn a record number of participants, … Read more
The humanitarian, environmental, and economic consequences of a radiological or nuclear terrorist attack would be global, undermining international peace and security and eroding confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Although there is no strict definition of nuclear terrorism, examples of what could constitute an attack range from the use of ‘dirty bombs’ to … Read more
That’s the worrying message from UN human rights chief, Volker Türkwho says that more than one in three countries still criminalize consensual same-sex conduct and several also maintain the death penalty for it. “The trend is worsening. Over the past year, Burkina Faso criminalized consensual same-sex relations,” the High Commissioner for Human Rights insisted. “Senegal … Read more
How can cities be made safer and more resilient, and how can housing be made more affordable? These are the questions under discussion at the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (wuf13), which opened on Sunday. Over the past decade, many countries have made visible progress: around 160 countries have already adopted or are … Read more
The conferenceorganized by UN-Habitat together with Azerbaijan, opens on Sunday 17 May and runs through Friday, 22 May. It will bring together world leaders, mayors, urban planning experts, as well as representatives of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations. An ambitious goal: housing the world The theme of the forum is a … Read more
The warnings came during a special meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Friday focused on safeguarding energy and trade flows amid continuing volatility in global fuel markets, shipping routes and critical supply chains. “This is not only an energy challenge. It is a development challenge. It is a financing challenge.“ECOSOC President … Read more
The vehicle was part of an inter-agency humanitarian mission led by OCHAthe UN humanitarian affairs office, and had been notified to the parties in advance. “The Secretary-General reiterates that international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times,” the statement read. “Civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian relief personnel and objects used … Read more
In a new report, the UN health agency described the “deceptive tactics” manufacturers use to normalize nicotine use among young people. In addition to social media promotion and advertisements targeting young people, packaging of some products mimic sweets or popular candy brands, increasing risks to children. Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the gum … Read more
Almost 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries had been stranded aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship for weeks following an outbreak of Andes hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly disease that can, in rare circumstances, spread between humans through close contact. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the operation, coordinated under the International Health Regulations … Read more
The sudden funding decline is hitting the HIV response “like a shock wave,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDSadding that “the world is pulling back just when we need to push forward.” Many countries are unprepared to sustain programs previously supported by international funding, Ms. Byanyima told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, … Read more