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. […]
International Fund Approves Grant for African Countries in ‘Debt Distress’
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Funds for 19 strapped African countries have been approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in light of the impact of COVID-19 on economies and livelihoods. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on April 13 the funds will be applied to the most vulnerable members […]
COVID-19 and European Union – For Whom The Bell Tolls
Viewpoint by Manish Uprety F.R.A.S. and Jainendra Karn * NEW DELHI (IDN) – While reading observations of Douglas Webber, Professor of Political Science at INSEAD in his article “Why Brexit Has Not and Will Not Trigger EU Disintegration,” made one speculate on whether if one had applied the principle of Co-evolution to the EU, the […]
Coronavirus Puts Class Dimension of Mobility into Sharp Focus
Viewpoint by Robin Cohen* OXFORD (IDN) – The coronavirus pandemic demonstrates the salience of class to the spread, containment and impact of infectious diseases. The virus hitches a ride on us, the humans who act simultaneously as its hosts and victims. Human mobility and immobility – who can and can’t move and why – is […]
African Climate Groups Deplore Development Bank for Funding High-Risk Pipeline
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – A climate justice movement of over 100 major organizations in Africa and abroad has joined hands to press the African Development Bank (AfDB) to drop its support of an “exceptionally high-risk project” that threatens the livelihoods of millions of people in East Africa. In a […]
Sustainable Water Governance Is Critical for Achieving Peace in Horn of Africa
By Anniek Barnhoorn, Florian Krampe, Luc van de Goor, Elizabeth Smith & Dan Smith* STOCKHOLM (IDN) – As the global climate changes, climate-related security risks are making the existing political, social, and economic challenges even more complicated. The 230 million people who live in the Horn of Africa are highly vulnerable to the impacts of […]
Biden’s Foreign Policy Leaves Enough Room for Revamping
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) – Joseph Biden for president! His main rival for the Democratic Party’s nomination, Bernie Sanders, endorsed him on April 13. If the world could vote, the overwhelming majority would vote for Biden, despite some misgivings. My reservations would be on his foreign policy. Like President Barack Obama he […]