Viewpoint by Christian Jahn The writer is Executive Director of the Inclusive Business Action Network (iBAN). BONN (IDN) — In September 1978, the member states of the World Health Organization adopted the Alma-Ata Declaration, officially establishing the goal of ‘health for all’ by the year 2000. The declaration was the first to recognise the need […]
Global Trade Hits Record $7.7 Trillion in First Quarter of 2022
This article was issued by UNCTAD and is being republished courtesy of them. GENEVA (IDN) — The value of global trade rose to a record $7.7 trillion in Q1 2022, an increase of about $1 trillion relative to Q1 2021, according to UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update published on 7 July. The growth, which represents a […]
“Weaponizing Trade” Has Gained New Impetus and Focus
This article was issued by COUNTERCURRENTS and is being republished courtesy of them. Viewpoint by Anis Chowdhury* SYDNEY (IDN) — “Weaponising trade”, i.e., using trade as a tool of foreign policy aspirations and marginalising rivals instead of as an opportunity for economic growth, is not new. It is well known that “the United States bears […]
The World is in Deep Trouble—& the Sustainable Development Goals in Jeopardy
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS (IDN) — The warnings came from the highest echelons of the United Nations, from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the 193-member General Assembly Abdulla Shahid. The message was clear: the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) desperately need help for their very survival, eight years ahead of their […]
New Film Shows Eminent Somali Runner Forced into Slavery in the UK
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Somalia-born runner Mohamed Abdi Jama Farah, known as Mo Farah, won 10 gold medals (four Olympic and six World titles) for being the second man in history to win long-distance doubles at successive Olympics and World Championships. But he won much more than that. He […]
Rwandan ‘Genocidaire’ Finally Convicted in French Court
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — A former senior Rwandan official linked to the deaths of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus has been found guilty of complicity in that nation’s genocide, 20 years after the horrific crime occurred. Laurent Bucyibaruta is the highest-ranking Rwandan to face trial in France over the […]
Sharp Rise in Gun Violence Triggers Debate
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | PRETORIA (IDN) — An outbreak of shootings at three different bars over one weekend has rocked the nation. Illegally obtained weapons were blamed for the violence in which 22 people died. According to police, the gunmen in the Soweto shooting used high-calibre rifles, including AK-47s, leaving […]
Something Is Rotten in the State of Sri Lanka
Viewpoint by Asoka N.I. Ekanayaka Prof. Asoka N.I. Ekanayaka is an Emeritus Professor of Community Dentistry and former Dean of the Faculty of Dental Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. COLOMBO (IDN) — This article is not primarily about the woeful record of the present government. Nor is it about the abomination of governance by […]
Multi-Religious Nigeria’s Ruling Party Picks 2 Muslims as Top Candidates
Viewpoint by Azu Ishiekwene The writer is the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP newspaper based in Abuja, Nigeria. ABUJA (IDN) — If the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s presidential election, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thought a “placeholder” would be a lightning rod and maybe soften the blow of his final […]
New UN Report Calls on African Countries to Rethink Export Diversification
By Jaya Ramachandran with UNCTAD Report GENEVA (IDN) — African countries must diversify their exports to survive economic shocks from global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, says the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In its Economic Development in Africa Report 2022, published on July 14, UNCTAD […]