By Ronald Joshua ROME | MADRID (IDN) – Tourism has been brought to a near-standstill by COVID-19, but the World Travel Organization (UNWTO) believes that once the pandemic has passed, the industry, which accounts for 10 per cent of global GDP, is in a unique position to help put the global economy back on its […]
WHO Cautions Against Relaxing Lockdown Measures in Europe
By J Nastranis NEW YORK (IDN) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a potential “second wave” of COVID-19 infections. The warning comes as some European countries have begun to relax lockdown measures following weeks of confinement introduced to halt the spread of the new coronavirus. In an update to strategic advice to […]
The Power of Art in A Time of Coronavirus Crisis
By Jaya Ramachandran PARIS (IDN) – As billions of people find themselves either in lockdown or on the front lines combating the COVID-19 pandemic, the first celebration of World Art Day on April 15 is a timely reminder that “art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis”, the head of the […]
UN Migration Ramps Up Coronavirus Response Worldwide
By Jaya Ramachandran with IOM Press Release GENEVA (IDN) – In the face of the number of rising new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expanded the scope of its Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) to include far-reaching interventions that aim to mitigate the dire health and socio-economic […]
UN Health Agency Reviewing Impact of U.S. Funding Withdrawal
By J Nastranis NEW YORK (IDN) – While upholding the importance of international solidarity in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, a “dangerous enemy” to all humanity, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has regretted “the decision of the President of the United States to order a halt in funding” to the UN health agency. […]
Far from Being Our Enemies, Bats Need Protection Now More Than Ever
Viewpoint by Amy Fraenkel The writer is the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) based in Bonn, Germany. BONN (IDN) – As efforts are stepping up around the world to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there are alarming reports that […]
UN Chief’s Call for Global Ceasefire Gathering Support
By Radwan Jakeem NEW YORK (IDN) – In a clarion call for “an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 23 urged warring parties across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against COVID-19: the common enemy that is now threatening […]
Too Few Women in Power 25 Years After Beijing Declaration
By UN Women GENEVA | NEW YORK (IDN) — Women’s representation in political decision-making continues to increase but at a dragging pace, with three-quarters of parliamentary seats still held by men, according to new data presented in the 2020 edition of the IPU‑UN Women map of Women in Politics. The data’s publication coincides with the […]
From Coronavirus to Climate and Gender Equality
By J Nastranis with UN News in Brief NEW YORK (IDN)— As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, the UN’s top human rights official Michelle Bachelet appealed on March 6 to countries and businesses to put rights “front and centre” to protect their most vulnerable citizens. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that although the […]
The Spiritual and Socialist Start of International Women’s Day
Viewpoint by Rene Wadlow, President, Association of World Citizens GENEVA (IDN) – March 8 is the International Day of Women and thus a time to highlight the specific role of women in local, national and world society. International Women’s Day was first proposed by Clara Zetlin (1857-1933) at the Second International Conference of Socialist Women […]