UN-backed programme found to improve working conditions in global garment factories

Sep 27, 2016, at 01:43 pm

New York, Sept 27 (Just Earth News): A new study has found that a United Nations-backed programme aiming to promote competitiveness and improve the working conditions of more than one million workers in garment factories across seven developing countries has shown significant gains in both quality of life for workers and profitability for businesses.

On International Day, UN renews call for global elimination of nuclear weapons

Sep 27, 2016, at 04:41 am

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): The world faces growing nuclear dangers and tensions, yet progress in multilateral nuclear disarmament has come to a “standstill,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared on Monday, reiterating a call for complete global nuclear disarmament as the international community marks the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

At UN, Gulf State Ministers stress importance of ‘good neighbourliness’ in Middle East

Sep 27, 2016, at 04:38 am

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain and Oman on Monday expressed concerns about instability in the Middle East region, citing the links between peace and development, and emphasizing the importance of being good neighbours to each other.

Routinely ‘written off,’ Eritrea is rebounding and keen to achieve Global Goals, Minister tells UN

Sep 27, 2016, at 04:36 am

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): Telling the United Nations General Assembly that over the 25 years of Eritrea’s independence it has faced a “concerted onslaught” of difficulties – incessant hostility, occupation, and sanctions – the country’s Foreign Minister on Monday said that resilient Eritrea and Eritreans, at home and abroad, were nevertheless able to fend off the attacks on their nation and protect their hard-won freedom.

UN vital for survival of small States in volatile world, Singapore tells General Assembly

Sep 27, 2016, at 04:35 am

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): In a world of increased uncertainty and volatility, with sluggish growth, growing xenophobia and rising nationalism and protectionism, the United Nations is essential for the survival and prosperity of small states, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told the General Assembly on Monday.

Prince William and Kate to tour the Central Coast region

Sep 27, 2016, at 04:32 am

Bella Bella, B.C., Sept 26 (IBNS): Prince William and his wife Kate will be enjoying the natural beauty and indigenous culture of British Columbia on Monday, as they tour down the pristine rainforest in the Central Coast region.

France supermarket shooting leaves 2 injured

Sep 27, 2016, at 02:37 am

Paris, Sept 26 (IBNS): At least two people were injured when a gunman opened fire close to a supermarket to the west of Paris on Monday, media reports said.

At Security Council, UN envoy appeals for Russia and US cooperation to pull Syria 'away from the brink'

Sep 26, 2016, at 12:58 pm

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): Amid the unprecedented military assault on eastern Aleppo, where fireballs from incendiary bombs “light up the pitch darkness,” the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria on Sunday strongly appealed to the Security Council – particularly permanent members Russia and the United States – to rescue a recently collapsed cessation of hostilities, end the bloodshed and speed aid into the iconic city where, overall, some two million people remain under a de facto siege.

UN chief commends Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders on 'remarkable progress'

Sep 26, 2016, at 12:57 pm

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): Following a “productive” meeting on Sunday with Mustafa Akýncý, Turkish Cypriot leader, and Nicos Anastasiades, Greek Cypriot leader, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed their joint their joint commitment to intensify efforts even further, in line with their stated desire to achieve a comprehensive settlement in 2016.

As Gabon high court upholds results in presidential poll, Ban says UN will support democratic process

Sep 26, 2016, at 12:56 pm

New York, Sept 26 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken note of the ruling of the Constitutional Court of Gabon on the appeals lodged against the preliminary results of the 27 August 2016 presidential poll, as well as its confirmation of Ali Bongo Ondimba as President-elect, according to a statement issued by a UN spokesperson on Sunday, which adds that the Organization will continue to support the democratic process in the West African country.

Pakistan-born actor sacked from British soap opera over 'racist' tweets about Indians

Sep 26, 2016, at 03:48 am

London, Sept 25 (IBNS): A Pakistan-born actor has been removed from a British soap opera 'Coronation Street' after he allegedly posted "racially offensive" tweets against Indians.

China road mishap kills 12

Sep 25, 2016, at 09:58 pm

Beijing, Sept 25 (IBNS): At least 12 people were killed when a truck collided with a bus in northern China on Saturday, media reports said.

Prince William, Kate Middleton to arrive in Victoria today

Sep 25, 2016, at 05:02 pm

Vancouver, Sep 24 (IBNS): The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton will arrive in Victoria on Sunday evening.

Sudan is committed to dialogue and will ‘knock on every door in pursuit of peace,’ Minister tells UN

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:54 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): In his address to the General Assembly on Saturday, Ibrahim Ahmed Abd al-Aziz Ghandour, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan, said the 2030 Agenda and other frameworks before the United Nations are vital for all countries and he hopes that calls for reform will be heeded so the Organization becomes a true platform for implementing principles of international legality and “a bulwark for justice.”

Burundi rejects UN report on country’s human rights situation as ‘purposefully and politically exaggerated’

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:53 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Burundi has rejected deliberately politicized or falsified reports on the human rights situation in the country and will produce a comprehensive survey on the issue in response to a recently-released United Nations-backed inquiry, its Minister for External Affairs told the General Assembly on Saturday.

At UN, Kyrgyz Minster cites ‘tangible blows’ to country’s economy due to climate change

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:52 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Erlan Abdyldavev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, expressed support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which contain a number of targets that are priorities for his country, including poverty reduction, high-quality education, health care, economic growth and environmental protection.

Achieving Global Goals ‘not about ticking boxes,’ Dominica tells UN, urging action on climate, environment

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:50 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): As the world sharpened its focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it must recognize the stakes for small island developing States, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Dominica told the United Nations on Saturday, noting that the 2030 Agenda must drive action on climate change, environmental protection and access to clean energy, all critical concerns for Caribbean countries.

Philippines’ anti-drug fight ‘grabs headlines for wrong reasons,’ Foreign Secretary tells UN

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:49 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the Philippines’ Foreign Minister on Saturday said that the country’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs and crimes under the new President has been widely misunderstood.

United Arab Emirates, in UN debate, says Iran’s actions destabilized region

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:42 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday expressed concern over Iran’s actions that caused “tension and instability in the region.”

At UN leader’s debate, Somalia calls for unity to address global challenges

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:40 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Speaking at the general debate of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia underscored that no one nation, no matter how big or powerful, can address global climate change, terrorism, poverty or mass population displacement on its own.

Addressing UN, Republic of Congo says newly-adopted Constitution will improve governance

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:39 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Congo, Jean-Claude Gakosso, on Saturday welcomed the new Constitution adopted by his country which he told the United Nations General Assembly will improve political, economic and social governance in the country.

At UN, Tonga shares experiences on preserving marine diversity, tackling non-communicable diseases

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:37 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): As the United Nations General Assembly continued its annual high-level debate on Saturday, Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, the Prime Minister of Tonga, continued his country’s strong advocacy for the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans and their natural resources.

Ireland’s migrant past ‘tragic present for so many,’ Foreign Minister tells UN

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:35 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on Saturday highlighted his country’s response to the ongoing refugee and migrant crisis.

UN is key to achieving development goals and tackling terrorism, Tajikistan tells Assembly

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:34 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): From spurring momentum to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combatting terrorism and drug trafficking, the United Nations is the crucial element for success, Tajikistan told the General Assembly on Saturday.

2030 Agenda should be on ‘the walls of every planning ministry,’ Iceland tells world leaders at UN

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:32 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Emphasizing that the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the world’s “common roadmap” to sustainability, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Iceland underlined the need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on time.

In UN Assembly, Liechtenstein denounces Security Council’s ‘shameful indifference’ on Syria

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:31 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Accusing the United Nations Security Council of “shameful indifference” and “failure” in stopping the mass atrocities committed in Syria, Liechtenstein’s Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick mounted the podium of the General Assembly on Saturday to call on the 15-member body to face up to its responsibilities with a change of political culture.

Least developed countries will miss 2021 targets without world support – deputy UN chief

Sep 25, 2016, at 03:25 pm

New York, Sept 25 (Just Earth News): Unless progress speeds up considerably with full support from the international community, the world's least developed countries (LDCs) will miss the growth and productivity targets they have set themselves by the target date of 2021, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson warned on Saturday.

At UN, Syrian Minister says ‘well-known’ countries to blame for spread of terrorism in region and beyond

Sep 25, 2016, at 05:05 am

New York, Sept 24 (Just Earth News): The blood of Syrians has not been enough to quench terrorism’s thirst, Deputy Prime Minister Walid Al-Moualem told the United Nations on Saturday, stressing that the scourge has claimed lives in other countries, “including those that have supported and sponsored it,” and further, these innocent people are now paying for the mistakes and short-sighted policies adopted by their governments.

Global integration key to attaining development and climate goals, Swaziland tells UN Assembly

Sep 25, 2016, at 05:04 am

New York, Sept 24 (Just Earth News): Stressing the primacy of the United Nations in forging the collective momentum needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackle climate change, Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini of Swaziland told the General Assembly on Saturday that global integration is crucial to transforming the world.

Timor-Leste knows ‘all too well’ price of war, Prime Minister says at UN

Sep 25, 2016, at 05:02 am

New York, Sept 24 (Just Earth News):Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste on Saturday stressed the concept of mutual dependence that without peace and stability, there is no development, and without development, there is no peace and stability.