Page 20 - United Nations

HIV infections likely to surge 6-fold if US support ends: UNAIDS chief

The head of the UN AIDS agency said on Monday the number of new HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS programme is dropped, warning that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge. In an interview with The Associated Press, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said HIV infections have been falling in recent years, with just 1.3 million new cases recorded in 2023, a 60 per cent decline since the virus peaked in 1995. But since President Donald Trump's announcement the US would freeze all foreign assistance for 90 days, Byanyima said officials estimate that by 2029, there could be 8.7 million people newly infected with HIV, 6.3 million AIDS-related deaths and an additional 3.4 million children made orphans. We will see a surge in this disease, Byanyima said, speaking from Uganda. This will cost lives if the American government doesn't change its mind and maintain its leadership, she .

Future looks dire for UN Palestinian refugee agency amid ban: UNRWA chief

The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Thursday that while an Israeli ban has not yet forced the agency to cease operations, it faces an existential threat in the long run. I have been very clear that despite all the obstacles and the pressure the agency is under, our objective is to stay and deliver until we are prevented to do so, Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, also known as UNRWA, said in an interview with The Associated Press during a visit to Beirut. Israel last week formally banned UNRWA from operating on its territory. As a result, Lazzarini said, international staff have had to leave East Jerusalem because their visas expired, but in Gaza and the West Bank there has been no immediate impact on operations. Even in East Jerusalem, he said, health care and other services provided by UNRWA "are continuing, though not necessarily at the same scope it used to be. UNRWA is also likely to face increased pressure from

Need early reform of key multilateral bodies, including UNSC: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu Thursday emphasised the need for early and comprehensive reform of key multilateral bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, to make them reflective of contemporary global realities. Welcoming Philemon Yang, the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), who had called on President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, she said 2025 will see important UN conferences like the Fourth Conference on Financing for Development, and the Third UN Ocean Conference, among others. Murmu assured Yang of India's active and constructive participation in these platforms. President Murmu emphasised the need for early and comprehensive reform of key multilateral bodies, including the UN Security Council, to make them reflective of contemporary global realities, according to an official statement. Murmu appreciated Yang's emphasis on science and data-driven approach to sustainable development and his inclusive vision. She also

India experienced remarkable transformation in last decade: UNGA Prez Yang

India has experienced remarkable transformation in the last decade, UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang has said, underlining that his upcoming visit to the country will give him an opportunity to see how digital and technological innovation has fuelled this change. Yang will visit India from February 4 to 8, his first official visit to the country as President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. As the world's largest democracy, the fifth-largest economy and home to one-fifth of humanity, India is an important member of the United Nations, Yang told PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of his trip. Responding to a question on the visit's focus, Yang said he looks forward to understanding, more deeply, India's priorities and vision for the future of multilateralism. During the visit, he will engage with Indian leadership, including President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Recalling that he had visited India in 2013 as Prime Ministe

UNSC CTC agrees on guiding principles, takes forward Delhi Declaration vows

The UN Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee has agreed on guiding principles for preventing and detecting the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes, taking forward commitments made by the UN body on combatting terrorism during India's tenure in the Council. Earlier this month, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), under the chairship of Algeria, agreed upon the Algeria Guiding Principles'. Sources said this comes on the back of the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles, a set of guidelines adopted by the UNSC CTC. The principles address the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for terrorist purposes agreed upon in December 2023. These are the non-binding guiding principles for member states on preventing, detecting and disrupting the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes. Sources added that these guiding principles assume significance as they have been prepared taking forward the commitments made by the Security ..

World Economic Forum: Leaders call for action on AI, regional reforms

Leaders from various countries called for action on artificial intelligence and reforms as they brainstormed here during the five-day World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, which ends on Friday. In a special address, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a reform of social media governance across the European Union to curb misinformation and cyber harassment. He urged for stronger enforcement of the Digital Services Act and expanded powers for the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency. He emphasised that "the values of the European Union are not for sale" and called for increased funding for research into social media algorithms to ensure Europe's brightest minds address this critical challenge. United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres issued a stark warning about two escalating global threats: the unchecked expansion of artificial intelligence and the climate crisis. These challenges, he warned, pose unprecedented risks to humanity and demand immediate, unifi

Biden's UN envoy says rivals will fill vacuum if Trump abandons leadership

The outgoing US ambassador to the United Nations says she watched America's leadership diminish in the world during Donald Trump's first presidency and China fill the vacuum. Linda Thomas-Greenfield is warning that if it happens again during Trump's second term, adversaries will move in anew. In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Thomas-Greenfield said during Joe Biden's presidency, the United States again engaged with the world, rebuilt alliances and reestablished America's leadership. That is the gift that we hand over to the next administration, she said, and I hope that they will accept that gift in the spirit in which it is being given to them. Advice to Trump's choice for UN ambassador In a brief meeting with Trump's nominee, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, Thomas-Greenfield told her that the UN is important, and that it is important that we not cede any space to our adversaries. Those rivals will change the rules of the road," she warned. "And so, US ...

UN announces new plan to counter surge in antisemitism, hate crimes

The United Nations announced new actions Friday to counter the surge in antisemitism, including encouraging governments to enforce laws against hate crimes and discrimination. The UN, created in the aftermath of the World War II Holocaust in 6 six million Jews were killed, has worked to counter antisemitism. But the 193-member global organisation has been accused of being antisemitic, including by US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for UN ambassador, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. She is pro-Israel and has called the UN a den of antisemitism that she intends to confront. The UN Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism is mainly focused on strengthening and coordinating work throughout the United Nations, but it also includes recommendations for governments and organisations. Miguel Moratinos, the head of the UN Alliance of Civilisations, which developed the plan, said he was alarmed at the surge in antisemitic incidents online and offline, citing attacks

UN chief welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, says its critical 1st step

UN chief Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing the deal as a "critical first step and urging parties to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region. In a significant breakthrough in the 15-month brutal conflict between Israel and Hamas, the two sides agreed to a ceasefire agreement which promises the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, UN Secretary-General Guterres said on Wednesday. Guterres commended the mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal. Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. Guterres called on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this

Trump 2.0 to see aggressive trade policies, deportations, climate rollbacks

From launching large-scale deportation operations to imposing significant taxes on goods from Mexico and Canada, Trump aims to reshape US governance on several fronts in his second term in Oval Office

Human rights activist warns over abduction of nuclear engineers in Pakistan

Additionally, Mirza criticized the lack of an immediate response, such as deploying helicopters to pursue the abductors. He described the security lapse as highly suspicious

India joins UN committee of experts on big data for official statistics

India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), which underscores the country's growing stature in the global statistical community and highlights its commitment to leveraging data and technology for informed decision-making. The UN-CEBD was created to further investigate the benefits and challenges of Big Data, including the potential for monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals. As part of the committee, India will contribute to shaping global standards and practices in harnessing Big Data and data science for official statistical purposes, the statement by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) said. India's active engagement in the Committee of Experts will highlight its pioneering initiatives, including the establishment of the Data Innovation Lab and exploration of alternate data sources such as satellite imagery and machine learning for policy making. This membership is a ...

China erasing Tibetan culture by separating children from their families

Chinese officials say the schools help Tibetan children to quickly become fluent in the Chinese language and learn skills that will prepare them for the modern economy

Global economic growth to remain subdued at 2.8% in 2025: United Nations

Global trade is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2025, slightly down from 3.4% in 2024. However, tensions in trade policies and geopolitical uncertainties pose risks

India's economy likely to grow 6.6% in 2025, 6.7% in 2026: UN report

The report highlighted that capital expenditure on infrastructure development is expected to have strong multiplier effects on growth in the coming years

Indigenously made vehicles to reach Lebanon for Indian troops' use

In a boost for 'Make in India' initiative, 62 indigenously manufactured vehicles are set to reach Lebanon for utilisation by the Indian contingent deployed in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), defence sources said on Wednesday. The fleet comprises high mobility troop carriage vehicles, utility vehicles (one tonne and 2.5 tonne), medium and light ambulances, fuel bowsers and recovery vehicles, they said. Until now, the Indian troops serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon were operating the vehicles provided by the United Nations. These vehicles were sourced from other countries, a defence source said. In a significant step towards promoting indigenous capabilities and strengthening operational efficiency, 62 Indian-manufactured vehicles are now set to reach Lebanon for utilisation by the Indian contingent deployed in the UNIFIL, the source added. With the induction of these 'Made-in-India' vehicles, the Indian battalion will now rely on "robust and ...

UN's world food price index eases in December as sugar prices decline

Sugar prices led December's monthly decline, dropping 5.1 per cent month-on-month thanks to improving sugarcane crop prospects in the main producing countries to stand 10.6 per cent below its December

Israel raids last functioning Northern Gaza hospital, arrests director

On Friday, the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has put approximately 75,000 Palestinians still remaining in the northern part of the enclave at risk

UN chief Guterres expresses condolences on ex-PM Manmohan Singh's demise

UN chief Antonio Guterres is saddened by the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who played a "pivotal role" in shaping the nation's "economic trajectory". The Secretary-General expressed his "deep" condolences to Singh's family, the government, and the people of India. Expressing condolences following Singh's death, Guterres notes the former prime minister's contributions to India and the UN. "The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the passing of Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Singh played a pivotal role in India's recent history, particularly in shaping its economic trajectory," a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said. "As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh oversaw a period of significant economic growth and development in India. Under his leadership, India also strengthened its collaboration with the United Nations, contributing actively to global initiatives and partnerships," the statement ...

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen airport as jet was landing: UN official

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's main airport as a civilian Airbus 320 with hundreds of passengers on board was landing and a UN delegation was waiting to leave, the UN's top humanitarian official in Yemen said Friday. Julien Harneis told UN reporters that the most frightening thing about the two airstrikes on Thursday wasn't their effect on him and about 15 others in the VIP lounge at the international airport in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, including the head of the UN World Health Organisation. Rather, it was the destruction of the airport control tower as a Yemenia Airways plane was taxiing in after touching down. Fortunately, that plane was able to land safely and the passengers were able to disembark, but it could have been far, far worse, said Harneis, who was with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in the lounge. He said one airstrike landed approximately 300 metres (330 yards) south of the VIP lounge and another about 300 metres to the north around 4:45 pm, while abo