UN News stories

9 stories found over the past 45 days
Eight countries submit action plans to combat illegal trade in elephant ivory – UN

17 May 2013 – Eight countries identified as being the most affected by the illegal trade in elephant ivory have submitted national action plans to the United Nations-backed treaty for the conservation of endangered species containing measures to combat the scourge.

Private sector must engage in disaster risk reduction to avoid economic losses – UN

15 May 2013 – The United Nations today warned that economic losses from disasters have spun out of control and called on the world’s business community to incorporate disaster risk management to their investment strategies to avoid further losses.

The latest buzz: eating insects can help tackle food insecurity, says FAO

13 May 2013 – While insects can be slimy, cringe-inducing creatures, often squashed on sight by humans, a new book released today by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says beetles, wasps and caterpillars are also an unexplored nutrition source that can help address global food insecurity.

UN event highlights integrated, ‘human security’ approach to meeting threats

08 May 2013 – Recognizing that today’s interlinked, complex challenges to well-being – from civil conflicts to climate change, financial crises and health pandemics – must be met in tandem, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other leaders met today to consider practical ways to advance an integrated ‘human security’ framework for that purpose.

UN regional forum urges greater cooperation among Asia-Pacific governments

02 May 2013 – Wrapping up a development policy forum in Thailand, the head of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) today called for greater economic integration and cooperation in the region to counter the growing threat posted by severe natural disasters and economic shocks.

UN-backed summit calls on countries to prioritize civil registrations

19 April 2013 – The United Nations, governments and development agencies at a summit in Thailand today issued a call for global action to ensure countries have the necessary support to register birth, deaths and other important events in people’s lives, stressing that this is essential to develop better health services.

UN reports subdued Asia-Pacific growth in 2013 as region faces developed world uncertainty

18 April 2013 – Growth in Asia-Pacific remains subdued due to the impact of persistent weaknesses and uncertainties in the developed economies, the United Nations reported today, urging Governments to implement macroeconomic policies that focus more on inclusivity and sustainable development.

UN court reopens case on ancient temple at core of Thai-Cambodian border dispute

15 April 2013 – The United Nations highest court today began new hearings on a spectacularly situated 900-year-old Hindu temple that has long been a bone of contention between Cambodia and Thailand and has in recent years led to deadly clashes between the two South-East Asian neighbours.

Poorer countries may find it harder than ever to foster industrialization, UN warns

11 April 2013 – Poorer developing countries may find it much harder under current conditions to foster industrial development and structural change than earlier generations of states that hauled themselves out of poverty, like the so-called Asian tigers, according to new book prepared by a specialised United Nations agency.