UN envoy Angelina Jolie urges end to sexual violence in conflict
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Hollywood actress, activist and United Nations Special Envoy Angelina Jolie on Tuesday called for concerted action to end once and for all the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war.
UN spotlights power of technology to advance development
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): With nearly everyone on Earth now having access to a mobile cellular network and some three billion people online, a United Nations information and communication technology (ICT) forum opening in Geneva on Tuesday called for greater efforts to ensure that everyone also has access to broadband connectivity.
CAR: UN concerned over nearly exhausted relief funds
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): Less than a week after an urgent funding appeal by the heads of the lead UN food and refugee agencies, lack of donor attention threatening to cut off aid to thousands trying to escape violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) emerged again on Tuesday as a top item in the bi-weekly humanitarian briefing in Geneva.
UN seeks regional savings to finance sustainable development
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): The private sector in the Asia-Pacific region holds USD 33 trillion which could help finance sustainable development, the United Nations economic and social office in the region said, calling for greater partnerships in the social and environmental sectors, and for a reworking of the region's financial regulations.
Ban welcomes start of peace talks between Colombia, rebels
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the announced start of peace talks between the Government of Colombia and representatives of the National Liberation Army (ELN), and encouraged all parties to remain committed to the pursuit of peace in the country.
UN appeals for end to clan-based fighting in Somalia
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy to Somalia on Monday appealed to an end to clan-based hostilities in the Lower Shabelle region which have resulted in a number of casualties in recent days.
Nigeria: UN urges national actors to ensure release of schoolgirls
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): A United Nations envoy on Monday renewed the world body's commitment to supporting ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Government to secure the safe release of the abducted schoolgirls from Chibok, and called for concerted efforts to tackle the insurgency in the north-east of the country.
UN: Security tensions threaten Libya's transition
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The recent turmoil in Libya has not only slowed the pace of important aspects of the democratic transition but threatens to thrust the North African nation back into conflict and instability, the United Nations envoy to the country told the UN Security Council on Monday.
UN calls for human rights-backed development agenda
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): A new global new development agenda based on human rights and the rule of law is the surest pathway to balancing the needs of people and the planet, while eradicating extreme poverty and closing socio-economic gaps, senior United Nations officials said on Monday.
UN hails power of sport to bring communities together
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): Just days away from the kick-off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed the "best values of sport" - teamwork, fair play and mutual respect - as the United Nations on Monday joined the international fervour that accompanies the games, even getting its normally staid diplomats out of suits and ties and into their national team uniforms.
South Sudan: UN site in Malakal offers protection to civilians
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday inaugurated a new site adjacent to its base in Malakal to offer protection for civilians uprooted by conflict and to relieve the congestion inside the world body's compound, which is hosting an estimated 19,000 people.
Ukraine: UN reiterates support for new government
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): The top United Nations political official on Monday concluded a visit to Ukraine, where he reiterated UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's commitment to supporting the country, and held meetings with senior Government and civil society representatives.
Gaza: UN pledges support as Palestinian government takes shape
New York, Jun 9 (IBNS): The senior United Nations envoy in the Middle East visited the Gaza Strip on Sunday for the first time since the signing of the Beach Camp Agreement and the formation of a Palestinian government of national consensus, and pledged the Organization's ongoing support as the nascent process moves forward.
Abdul Fattah Al Sissi sworn in as Egypt's new President
Cairo, June 8 (IBNS): Former defence minister Abdul Fattah Al Sissi on Sunday took oath as Egypt’s new President amid tight security
SA president Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital
Johannesburg, June 7 (IBNS): South African president Jacob Zuma was admitted to a hospital for tests on Saturday.