By Santo D. Banerjee NEW YORK (IDN) – With “uncertainty and insecurity all around”, Secretary-General António Guterres has described young people as “the greatest source of hope”. In welcoming the New Year, he said: “The United Nations stands with you and belongs to you”. According to the UN chief, the current situation is characterized by: […]
Iran Turns to China and India In the Face of US Sanctions
Viewpoint by Mohammad Soltaninejad Mohammad Soltaninejad is Assistant Professor of Middle East studies at the University of Tehran. This article appeared in the most recent edition of East Asia Forum Quarterly, ‘Economics and security’, Vol. 11 No. 4. TEHRAN (IDN-INPS) – In the face of the United States withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and […]
‘Season Africa 2020’ Recalls Much Loved Nigerian Curator
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – One of the more ambitious exhibits of African art to showcase French-speaking, English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking Africa, including North Africa, is scheduled to open June 2020 and run for six months. The occasion will also mark the passing this year of Bisi Silva, an adventurous curator […]
‘Sri Lankan Son and Global Diplomat’ Jayantha Dhanapala
Viewpoint by HMGS Palihakkara* The following are extensive excerpts from the remarks by Sri Lankan civil servant, diplomat and former Governor of Northern Province, Hewa Matara Gamage Siripala Palihakkara, at the launch of the book ‘Sri Lankan Son and Global Diplomat’ about one of the country’s most outstanding public servants and internationally recognized diplomats, Ambassador […]
Youth to The Front for Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
By J Nastranis NEW YORK (IDN) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his Agenda for Disarmament on May 24, 2018 underlined the need to establish a platform for youth engagement. This would include “a cadre of youth from around the world,” who will work assiduously to promote disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in their communities. […]
ACP States ‘A Powerful Catalyst’ To Achieve SDGs
By Robert Johnson BRUSSELS (IDN) – Dr. P.I. Gomes, Secretary General of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (OACPS), sees “great scope” for the 79-nation grouping in 2020 to be “a powerful catalyst and advocate to accelerate implementation” of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda.
UN Warns of Growing Inequality Triggering New Great Divergence
By Santo D. Banerjee NEW YORK (IDN) – In the run-up to 2020, the UN has warned that despite remarkable progress on laying a solid foundation for human development, Thailand, like many other countries, is facing challenges in tackling inequality. This is also a theme on which the 2019 Human Development Report (HDR) from the […]
UN Working Group Condemns Racial Discrimination of Ecuadorians of African Descent
By Jaya Ramachandran GENEVA (IDN) – Independent experts of a UN Working Group are “deeply concerned about the human rights situation of people of African descent” in Ecuador. After an official visit, a follow-up of a similar mission in 2009, the experts said, despite the progressive provisions of the Constitution, recognition of the collective rights […]
The Fate of Indo-British Relations in The Aftermath of BREXIT
Viewpoint by Manish Uprety F.R.A.S. and Jainendra Karn * NEW DELHI (IDN) – Will Uncle Christmas fulfill Nicola Sturgeon’s wish this year? In the aftermath of the British elections that painted England blue, Nicola presented her formal request for a fresh referendum on Scottish independence and has called for the Scottish parliament to be given […]
From 1928 On War Is Deemed Illegal
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) – When it comes to war the world does move on for the better. Right now there are no interstate wars. The longest running civil war of our era, in the Sudan, is over. The second longest, in Afghanistan and Syria, are winding down. Only one country in […]