By Simone Galimberti KATHMANDU | 21 June 2024 (IDN) — Since taking over the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga has been trying hard to bring bold and profound changes. Such plans were at the centre of the discussions at the third meeting of 21st Replenishment process of the International Development Association, IDA, the grant and […]
Global South Leaders Call for Equitable Economy and Renewed Multilateralism
By Jaya Ramachandran GENEVA | 20 June 2024 (IDN) — Over 1,100 participants from 152 countries convened in Geneva for the three-day Global Leaders Forum to mark 60 years of UNCTAD, under the theme “Charting a new development course in a changing world”. Discussions focussed on shaping a vision for inclusive prosperity amidst global crises, […]
No More Bombs for Netanyahu, says US Senator
By Thalif Deen NEW YORK | 19 June 2024 (IDN) — US Senator Bernie Sanders (Independent-Vermont), one of the most vociferous opponents of Israel’s unrestrained military attacks on civilians in Gaza, urged the Biden Administration to stop sending any additional weapons and ammunitions to the Netanyahu government. In a statement released June 18, Sanders responded […]
The International Trade Framework and Recurring Food Crises
By Ranja Sengupta* The writer works as Senior Researcher and Coordinator of the Trade Programme of Third World Network (TWN) PENANG, Malaysia | 19 June 2024 (IDN) — The early stretch of the twenty-first century has been partly defined by recurring food crises, food price volatility, and uncertainty over agricultural production and distribution. Much of […]
Nuclear Threats on the Rise as Geopolitical Relations Deteriorate
By Thalif Deen NEW YORK 17 June 2024 (IDN)—The role of nuclear weapons in world politics is taking an increasingly dangerous trend due primarily to two reasons: the ongoing military conflicts and the growing modernization of nuclear arsenals. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, the on-again, off-again nuclear threats have come from Russia and in […]
Reflections From the Dried-Up Aral Sea
UNCCD Special Feature BONN | 17 June 2024 (IDN) — In the haunting expanse that was once the flourishing Aral Sea, the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe unfolds with swift and devastating consequences. Once the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world shared by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea has lost about 90% of […]
UN Keen to Tackle Global Refugee Crisis and Statelessness
By Ramesh Jaura BERLIN | 16 June 2024 (IDN) — While the European focus is on the Russo-Ukrainian war, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is concerned about those crossing terrain such as deserts and seas without adequate resources to escape war, poverty, or climate catastrophe—often at risk of losing their lives or […]
WHO Concerned About Escalating Health Crisis In West Bank
By Jaya Ramachandran GENEVA | 15 June (IDN) — UN’s global health agency WHO has expressed concern about the escalating health crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank, where attacks on health infrastructure and increased restrictions on movement are obstructing access to health care. “A spike in violence in the West Bank, […]
Climate Finance Tops Bonn UN Climate Talks
By Josh Gabbatiss and Molly Lempriere The following are excerpts from the Weekly climate newsletter of CarbonBrief, DeBriefed. BONN | 14 June 2024 (IDN) — Climate diplomats have finished another two weeks of intense negotiations in the German city of Bonn, discussing global efforts to cut emissions and protect people from climate hazards. Developed and […]
The Highest Number of UN Staffers Killed in Conflicts in 79 Years
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS | 8 June 2024 (IDN) —The growing military conflicts worldwide—and specifically the eight-month-old war in Gaza—are continuing to claim the lives of both UN staffers and UN peacekeepers. At the June 6 memorial service for fallen staff members, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “We remember and honour the 188 United […]