UN forum on food security focuses on eradicating hunger by 2030
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Marking the first international gathering on food security and nutrition since world leaders approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) commenced on Monday, focusing on ending hunger by 2030.
Gender parity in education achieved in less than half the world's countries: UNESCO
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): A new gender report compiled by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), shows that fewer than half the countries have achieved the goal of ensuring gender parity in both primary and secondary education before 2005.
UN urgently appeals for $86 million to tackle food insecurity in Zimbabwe
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): The United Nations in Zimbabwe has appealed to humanitarian and development partners for $86 million that is critically needed to fill a shortfall to support 1.5 million people affected by food insecurity in the country.
Member States pledge $100 million to UN agency supporting Palestine refugees
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Twenty-two Member States of the United Nations are planning to pledge $100 million dollars to support next year's budget of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) which provides educational, health, relief and social services for some five million such refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza.
UN agency calls for robust political action to halt violence in West Bank
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Deeply alarmed by the escalating violence and widespread loss of civilian life in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Monday called for strong and immediate political action and accountability to stem the ongoing violence and prevent its further escalation.
UN mission in Darfur welcomes rebel group order to ban recruitment of child soldiers
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Monday welcomed as a "significant step" an order by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement known as JEM that prohibits the recruitment and use of children in its ranks.
UN official thanks Greece and frontline islands for response to continued arrivals
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): During a two-day mission to Greece – the main European Union entry point for nearly 450,000 refugees and migrants so far this year – the United Nations' most senior refugee official said he had witnessed the improved humanitarian response mounted by Greek local authorities and civil society while lamenting the continued lack of a large-scale and effective European response.
Afghanistan: UN urges prompt investigation into murder of mission staff member
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply troubled and saddened over Monday's killing in Kandahar of Toorpaki Ulfat, a staff member of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Peace endures when women can participate meaningfully in peace talks: UN report
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): A new report on women, peace and security, launched on Monday to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Security Council resolution on the issue, highlights the important gains to be made by the greater empowerment of women in peacebuilding efforts.
Somalia: UN boosts El Niño preparedness and relief, urges more funding
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Efforts have been ramped up recently to mitigate the impact of floods and draughts in Somalia driven by the El Niño phenomenon between now and December, which may worsen the food security and humanitarian situations, the United Nations has said, while stressing the urgent need for more financial support to continue its relief work in the country.
UN budget proposal shows commitment to strict financial management: Ban
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Introducing his proposed $5.5 billion budget for the work of the United Nations over the next two years, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday that it encompasses the Organization's "vision and commitment to budget discipline and strict financial management."
Africa Week: Ban lauds steps taken for continent’s long-term development agenda
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): Africa Week 2015 kicked off at Headquarters on Monday with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commending African Member States of the United Nations for taking an "important step" this year toward the establishment of a Continental Free Trade Area envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
UN mission in Central Africa on 'high alert' as armed group threatens capital
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has reported that it is on "high alert" as the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile, with armed groups threatening to destabilize its capital city, Bangui.
Ban condemns suicide attacks in Cameroon
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the suicide attacks in Kangaleri, Cameroon, on 11 October, suspected to be carried out by Boko Haram elements.
Ban calls for urgent and collective action to reform UN peace operations
New York, Oct 13 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged immediate action to strengthen the Organization's peace operations, telling the 193-member UN General Assembly that is essential to act now and "not wait, as in the past, for crisis or tragedy to propel reform."