UN News stories

42 stories found over the past 45 days
UN urges collective efforts to achieve ‘water secure world’ on Day for Biological Diversity

22 May 2013 – Unless greater efforts are made to reverse current trends, the world will run out of freshwater, the United Nations said today marking the International Day for Biological Diversity and urging stronger scientific alliances to understand and protect natural resources.

Post-2015 development agenda must focus on equality – UN experts

21 May 2013 – United Nations independent experts today called on countries to ensure the post-2015 development agenda focuses on equality, social protection and accountability, noting that one billion people around the world are still living in poverty.

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.

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 envoy urges 'uniting for youth' with first in series of virtual Google+ Hangouts

17 May 2013 – The United Nations special envoy on youth went online today to encourage young people to join the UN's work, and detailed some of the initiatives he will undertake to work with and for youth.

Syria conference should be held ‘as soon as possible,’ Ban says during visit to Russia

17 May 2013 – Stressing that a political solution is the only way to end the Syria crisis, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that an international conference proposed by Russia and the United States should be held as soon as possible so as not to lose momentum.

UN economic and social body urges stronger global governance to achieve anti-poverty goals

16 May 2013 – A more effective and inclusive global governance system will be necessary to ensure that the international community achieves the Millennium Development Goals and establishes an actionable post-2015 agenda, the head of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) today said, while urging a review of the UN body to meet new demands.

At UN debate, experts weigh clean energy, water strategies to halt ‘runaway’ climate change

16 May 2013 – With dire warnings likely to match or exceed the worst fears about the effects of global warming, environment and development experts gathered today at United Nations Headquarters to debate the twin challenge of curbing climate change while sustaining economic growth.

Ban welcomes appointment of new World Trade Organization chief

14 May 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the appointment of Roberto Carvalho de Azevêdo of Brazil as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).