UN News stories

141 stories found over the past 45 days
UN envoy and young Pakistani activist launch drive for safe, universal education

17 June 2013 – A 15-year-old Pakistani girl targeted by assassins – Malala Yousafzai – is the first signatory of a new worldwide petition calling for urgent action to ensure the right of every child to safely attend school, launched today with the backing of the United Nations Special Envoy for Education.

Terror tactics making children more vulnerable during conflict – UN officials

17 June 2013 – The evolving nature and tactics of conflict are creating unprecedented threats for children, United Nations officials told the Security Council today, stressing that despite progress in protecting youngsters during war, dangerous new trends are making them even more vulnerable.

On World Day, UN officials urge global action to increase response to drought

17 June 2013 – Countries must work collectively to build resilience and prepare themselves against drought, United Nations officials stressed today, highlighting the extensive costs of this global threat.

General Assembly elects UN Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda as President of 68th session

14 June 2013 – The United Nations General Assembly today elected by acclamation Ambassador John W. Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda as President of its upcoming 68th session.

UN chief ‘deeply concerned’ by Israel’s continuing West Bank settlement expansion

14 June 2013 – Calling reported ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank “unhelpful” and a “deeply worrisome trend,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today renewed his calls on Israel to heed the global community to freeze settlement activity and abide by its commitments under international law.

UN celebrates 50 years of invaluable contributions by women to human space flight

13 June 2013 – The United Nations today commemorated the first space flight by a woman over 50 years ago and the contributions by women to that endeavour since then, hailing these “trailblazers” as powerful role models for young women and men worldwide.

Ban challenges youth to support action against climate change

13 June 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today issued a call to action for the world’s youth to tackle climate threats, stressing that young people are “agents of change” that bring fresh and innovative ideas to address “this most pressing issue.”

Ban calls on private sectors in US, China sector to help achieve sustainable development

12 June 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed to Chinese and United States-based companies to boost their efforts to achieve sustainable development and prosperity through partnerships, stressing their impact in developing countries.

Conflicts in Syria, Mali pose unprecedented threats to children – UN report

12 June 2013 – Despite progress to protect children living in war-affected countries, the evolving character and tactics of conflict are creating unprecedented threats for children, particularly in Syria, Mali and the Central African Republic, a top United Nations envoy today said.

Senegalese general to head UN peacebuilding office in Central African Republic

12 June 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye as his Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office for the Central African Republic (BINUCA) based in Bangui.