By Vitor Gaspar, Marcos Poplawski-Ribeiro, Jiae Yoo* WASHINGTON, D.C. 16 September 2023 (IDN) — The global debt burden retreated for the second year in a row, even though it remains above its already-high pre-pandemic level, according to the latest update of our Global Debt Database. The total debt stood at 238 percent of global gross […]
A High Seas Treaty Aimed at Protecting Polluted Oceans is Now a Reality
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS. 16 September 2023 (IDN) — A historic new international treaty, described as “a monumental win for the protection of the world’s oceans”, will be open for signature by member states beginning September 20 during the high-level meeting of world political leaders at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The treaty will […]
UN Is a Victim of the Mythic Expectations That It Is ‘World Government’
By Arul Louis* UNITED NATIONS. 16 September 2023 (IDN) — A popular myth about the UN is that it is the world government and could unilaterally act to stop wars or punish all nations launching wars—and end the universe’s ill with a fiat. Yet again, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has spectacularly blasted the myth like […]
Trillion of Dollars Needed to Ensure Green Energy for All
By J Nastranis* NEW YORK. 15 September 2023 (IDN) —Transition to green energy, addressing energy poverty and decarbonization, requires a considerable investment and impact. In the wake of new multibillion-dollar commitments to boost renewable energy, electricity access, and clean cooking technologies by 2030, the UN has therefore pledged trillions of dollars in finance and investment […]
Banish Nuclear Weapons ‘to History Books, Once and for All’, Urges UN Chief
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, observed on 26 September. UNITED NATIONS. 15 September 2023 (IDN | UN) — The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons reminds us that a peaceful future depends on ending the nuclear threat. Geopolitical mistrust […]
Pope Francis’ Special Envoy Goes to China to Seek Peace in Ukraine
By Devin Watkins BERLIN | ROME. 14 September 2023 (IDN | VATICAN NEWS) — Pope Francis’ special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Mario Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna, is visiting Beijing on 13-15 September to seek peace in Ukraine, according to The Holy See Press Office. “The visit (to China) forms another step of the mission desired […]
Saudi Arabia, Under Fire for Civilian Killings, is Largest Buyer of US Arms
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS. 14 September 2023 (IDN) — Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s richest oil-blessed countries in the politically volatile Middle East, continues to strengthen its military relationship with the United States. According to the latest figures released by the US Department of Commerce, Saudi Arabia is America’s’ largest foreign military sales […]
Hillary Clinton’s Legacy of Falsehoods
Viewpoint by Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury* DHAKA. 13 September 2023 (IDN) — Hillary Clinton in an interview with PBS, on 8 June 2016, claimed that no American lives were lost in the US intervention in Libya and hinted that “pre-existing rivalries” were the primary cause of the chaos that followed. She said, “After due diligence, […]
UN Conference in Samarkand to Address Rapid Land Degradation
By Rita Joshi BONN | SAMARKAND. 13 September 2023 (IDN) — At least 100 million hectares of healthy and productive land were degraded every year between 2015 and 2019, affecting food and water security globally and directly impacting the lives of 1.3 billion people, according to the latest UN data. This adds up to 420 […]
India Steers G20 Towards Supporting Global South’s SDG Push
By Kalinga Seneviratne SINGAPORE. 13 September 2023 (IDN) — In a rare demonstration of consensus, Russia and the US welcomed the New Delhi Declaration of the G20 summit on 10 September that did not condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they focused on the development challenges facing the global community. Russian Foreign Minister […]