UN News stories

332 stories found over the past 45 days
Madagascar: Secretary-General concerned by latest electoral developments

20 May 2013 – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon shares the concerns expressed earlier by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union over the latest developments in the electoral process in Madagascar, according to the spokesperson for the world body’s chief.

Indigenous culture, youth among key topics as UN permanent forum opens 12th session

20 May 2013 – Around 2,300 indigenous participants are expected to discuss culture, education and health during the 12th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which will include a special focus on youth, indigenous groups in Africa and the importance of strengthening ties with international financial institutions.

DR Congo: UN voices concern as fighting resumes between Government and M23 forces

20 May 2013 – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today voiced its concern about renewed clashes between rebels from the 23 March Movement (M23) and the national armed forces in the eastern city of Goma.

UN officials in Afghanistan urge ratification of law to eliminate violence against women

20 May 2013 – Senior United Nations officials in Afghanistan are today urging the Government to fully implement legislation to protect women from child marriage and other forms of violence, in line with international commitments, after the Afghan Parliament failed to ratify the law over the weekend.

In Kabul, UNESCO chief spotlights Afghanistan’s educational and cultural gains

20 May 2013 – Education is not against any religion, the head of the United Nations educational and cultural agency told Afghan authorities and families during a visit to the country to promote learning for women and girls, and to highlight the importance of Afghan cultural heritage as a vital economic asset.

In Mozambique, Ban calls for push to achieve Millennium Development Goals

20 May 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized the importance of countries stepping up their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) before their 2015 deadline and stressed developing countries like Mozambique have the most to benefit from accelerated action.

Amid competing global challenges, public health deserves priority – UN official

20 May 2013 – At a time when the world is dealing with myriad challenges, from climate change to food insecurity, it is more important than ever to ensure that public health receives the both the attention and resources it deserves to ensure the well-being of millions, a senior United Nations official said today.

UN praises Bangladesh's preparedness, response to tropical storm Mahasen

20 May 2013 – The United Nations has commended the work carried out by the Bangladeshi Government ahead of tropical storm Mahasen, which hit the country last Thursday, noting it saved thousands of lives.

Ban concerned about provocations after latest DPR Korea missile test

19 May 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his concern about provocations and tensions on the Korean Peninsula following reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched short-range guided missiles into the sea on Saturday.

General Assembly adds French Polynesia to UN decolonization list

18 May 2013 – The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to place French Polynesia back on the UN list of territories that should be decolonized and requested the French Government to “facilitate rapid progress […] towards a self-determination process.”