Six countries lead in clean energy
Six countries, lead the world in the field of clean energy technologies, according to a report released in Brussels on Thursday.
Home » 30 Sep 2010
Entries posted on “September 2010”
Unemployment is threatening to cause social problems: ILO
Unemployment created by the global financial and economic crisis is threatening to create social problems in many countries, according to a report released on Thursday.
United States agency shares patents for HIV/AIDS medicines
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States has announced that it will share patents with the Medicines Patent Pool.
UN official says mass rapists in DR Congo must account
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
UN calls for peaceful second round of voting in Guinea
The leaders of the West African state, Guinea, have been called on to ensure that the second round of the forthcoming Presidential election takes place peacefully.
UN agencies call attention to plight of millions of migrants without proper legal status
Violations of the human rights of potentially millions of migrants worldwide have prompted heads of United Nations agencies to take the unusual step of making a joint statement on the issue.
UN calls for better treatment of irregular migrants
Tens of millions of migrants are thought to be without proper legal status across the world. Those are the findings of The Global Migration Group or GMG, which includes 12 United Nations agencies. The group is looking at ways of improving the human rights situation for these people. UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira has been looking [...]
UN report finds Afghan opium production declined by half
There’s been a significant decline in opium production in Afghanistan. Production of the world’s most dangerous drug dropped by half compared with last year, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). For more on the 2010 Afghan Opium survey, I spoke to Yury Fedotov, the head of UNODC, which is located in [...]
For young Liberian, lack of money dashes dream of higher education
Education is the pathway to a brighter future. But without money, poor students have to defer their dreams of going to school. In this feature adapted from UNICEF Radio, Emmanuel Woanyean, a 16 year old from Monrovia, Liberia, talks about his struggle to study civil engineering. Duration: 2’59″ I always came first in my class. [...]
Opium production drops in Afghanistan
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has dropped by half, according to the UN Office on Drugs and crime or UNODC.
India calls on Pakistan not to allow terrorists to use its territory
The Foreign Minister of India has called on Pakistan to fulfil its commitment not to allow its territory to be used by terrorists.
UN in Sudan makes preparations for referendum
Reported delays in the registration of voters for Sudan’s upcoming referendum could renew tensions in the country. Southern Sudan is expected to vote for independence in just four months. Jocelyne Sambira reports. NARRATOR: US President Obama at the UN general debate urged Sudan to move forward with the referendum, and on time, voicing fears of [...]
Electoral process in Afghanistan should be given time: UN envoy
It's still too early to pass judgement on the recent elections in Afghanistan according to the top United Nations envoy to the country, Staffan de Mistura.
Briefing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, he said the fact that elections took place on 18 September in the country still in conflict is an accomplishment itself.
UN Radio's Ben Malor reports.
FAO says small-scale dairy production could create jobs, reduce poverty
Up to three million jobs could be created each year if small-scale dairy production is made more productive, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
A new report from FAO finds that making smallholder dairy production more competitive could be "a potent tool" in reducing poverty.
Charles Appel reports.
Italian journalists weigh in on the General Assembly
New York, “the city that never sleeps,” becomes even more hectic when the UN General Assembly rolls around each September. In addition to world leaders and their staffs, scores of media workers also pack the Big Apple to cover the event. UN Radio’s Gerry Adams caught up with two Italian journalists for their opinions on [...]
Sierra Leone welcomes lifting of sanctions
Sierra Leone has welcomed the lifting of sanctions imposed by the Security Council on it.
The sanctions were imposed by the Security Council in Sierra Leone in response to the civil war in the 1990's.
UN Radio's Jocelyne Sambira reports.
A better banana
Over a billion people around the world are undernourished, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO. Most live in developing countries. Two United Nations organizations, FAO and the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, are working together to provide poor populations with plants that are able to develop in less than ideal conditions. Bananas, an [...]
Congolese victims of sexual violence to testify before a UN panel
A panel of UN human rights and Congolese officials is set to hear directly from victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The victims of sexual violence including mass rapes recently committed in the eastern part of the DR Congo will tell their stories starting on Thursday.
UN Radio's Charles Appel reports.
Myanmar is at critical stage of political transformation: Foreign Minister
Myanmar is at a critical stage of its political transformation, according to its Foreign Minister.
U Nyan Win spoke in the General Assembly as it continued its general debate on Tuesday.
UN Radio's Jocelyne Sambira.
War against terror has cost Pakistan over 20,000 lives: Foreign Minister
The successes achieved by Pakistan's security forces against terrorists have come at a heavy cost, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly on Tuesday.
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that his nation's consensus and resolve to fight extremism and terrorism remain unshaken.
UN Radio's Dianne Penn reports.
Security Council reform on the table again
We’re coming to the end of the annual debate in the UN General Assembly where world leaders present their views on matters of global importance. And once again several countries have called for expanding the membership of the Security Council, the UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. UN Radio’s Dianne Penn reports: [...]
An interview on the findings of a commission into the Gaza flotilla incident
A fact finding mission into the interception of a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has led to accusations that some of those on board were summarily executed. The flotilla was stormed by Israeli forces in May this year as it tried to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza strip, a Palestinian [...]
Access to HIV treatment in developing countries is improving, says UN
Today in Sub-Saharan Africa, a person receiving HIV treatment now can expect to live beyond 15 years, according to a UN report released on Tuesday. Five million people are now receiving HIV treatment but 10 million more need to be reached. Jocelyne Sambira has more. NARRATOR: A joint report by the World Health Organization, UNICEF [...]
Sierra Leone apprehensive about developments in Guinea: UN official
The UN envoy in Sierra Leone, Michael von der Schulenburg, says the country is concerned about developments in neighbouring Guinea.
Guinea is gearing for elections that will return the country to civilian rule after a 2008 military coup.
Schulenberg briefed the Security Council on Sierra Leone on Tuesday.
UN Radio's Jocelyne Sambira reports.
Japan resettles refugees from Myanmar
A group of 18 Myanmar refugees on Tuesday arrived in Japan from Thailand to begin new lives under Asia’s first ever pilot resettlement programme.
Israel says moving borders should be part of final status agreement
Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister says moving borders should be part of a final status agreement in the Middle East.
G77 leadership is critical in reaffirming UN role in global governance: Ban Ki-moon
The leadership of the group of developing countries known as the G77 and China is critical in reaffirming the role of the United Nations in global governance, according to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
486,000 flood affected people seek medical help in Pakistan during week
Almost half a million people have sought medical help in flood affected areas of Pakistan over the last week, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Access to HIV/AIDS services improving in many developing countries, UN report finds
Significant progress has been made in several low and middle income countries in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, according to a new report released on Tuesday.
Afghanistan issues call at UN to end State financing of terrorist groups
Terrorism in Afghanistan is a growing threat to peace and security in South-central Asia, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly on Monday.
With his country enduring horrific terrorist violence on a daily basis, Zalmai Rassoul underlined the need to dismantle organizations that support terrorist and radical militants.
UN Radio's Jocelyne Sambira reports.
UN: Myanmar elections must be inclusive and transparent
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling for free, fair and inclusive elections in Myanmar.
Mr. Ban was joined by members of "the Group of Friends on Myanmar", a consultative forum of 14 nations united to spur change in the troubled South-East Asian nation.
The Group met with the UN Chief in New York on Monday on the sidelines of the General Assembly debate.
UN Radio's Jocelyne Sambira has more.
Some of Gaza flotilla victims were summarily executed: fact finding mission
Six of the people who died when Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of six ships with humanitarian aid to Gaza in May this year were summarily executed according to a fact finding mission on the incident.
The Chairman of the mission reported to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.
UN Radio's Geraldine Adams reports.
Tanzania calls for united front against piracy
Piracy off the coast of Somalia is a continuing threat to peace and security in Africa, according to Tanzania's Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda.
Mr. Pinda was speaking at the UN's General Assembly in New York on Monday where he called for a coordinated response against piracy.
UN Radio's Jocelyne Sambira reports.
Leaders of armed groups that raped women in DR Congo must account: UN official
Leaders of the armed groups that committed mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be brought to justice, says the top United Nations official dealing with violence in armed conflict.
In her first briefing of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, Margot Wallstrom said the aim of international criminal law is to put names and faces to history's greatest horrors.
UN Radio's Geraldine Adams reports.
INDONESIAN #36: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
This week we review the gait Focus Newsletter; UN tackle floods in Pakistan and the proposal to the Indonesian Government to encourage the United Nations to be more involved in the major economies or G-20. (duration: 7’49″)
Secretary-General is disappointed that Israel has not extended freeze of settlement
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is disappointed that Israel has not extended the freeze on the building of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, according to his spokesman.
The Secretary-General made the statement amid reports that Israel was ready to restart the construction after the freeze it imposed in November expired at midnight on Sunday.
UN Radio's Geraldine Adams reports.
Malnutrition rates among children on the rise in Chad
As we heard in the news, two UN agencies have said they will redouble efforts to make sure the world’s poorest people do not go hungry. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) say they will go beyond what they call “business as usual” to ensure people get fed. In [...]
World Tourism Day calls for the protection of the planet
The tourism industry is being called to preserve nature and reduce poverty on World Tourism Day. UN officials warn that the loss of biodiversity could harm the tourism industry. Jocelyne Sambira has more. NARRATOR: Observed annually on 27 September, World Tourism Day serves to foster awareness on the importance of tourism. Every year, millions of [...]
Experts regret 'deliberate refusal' of Israel to cooperate
A panel of United Nations experts to follow up on an investigation of human rights violations during the conflict in Gaza from December 2008 to January 2009 says it regrets a deliberate refusal by Israel to cooperate.
The panel of experts was appointed in June this year to follow up on the fact finding mission on the Gaza conflict headed by former South African judge Richard Goldstone.
That mission concluded that both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza committed serious human rights violations during the 2008 to 2009 conflict.
UN Radio's Daniel Dickinson reports.
How tourism can mitigate the impact of climate change in Nepal
Tourism may provide the Himalayan nation of Nepal, with the answer to a worrying and growing problem – the shortage of food. Climate change has meant the conditions for growing food have worsened. In short, less food is being produced, a gap which could be filled by more tourist dollars. UN Radio’s Sophie Boudre reports: [...]
UN to go beyond "business as usual" to help world's poor and hungry
Two United Nations agencies say they will reach beyond what they have called "business as usual" to help the world's poor and hungry.
The UN Development Programme and the World Food Programme or WFP said they would collaborate on a number of initiatives to ensure poor people don't go hungry.
UN Radio's Chuck Appel reports.
Push to keep Europe's Roma children in primary school
As many as 50 per cent of children from Europe's largest ethnic minority fail to complete primary education, according to a report being launched in Moscow, Russia on Monday.
Sudan referendums remain high on diplomatic agenda
The forthcoming referendums in Sudan have remained high on the diplomatic agenda in New York following a meeting between the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Sudanese Vice-President. Mr Ban met Ali Osman Mohamed Taha as part of his ongoing efforts to try to ensure that two key referendums on self-determination in the African country go ahead peacefully next January.
UN Radio's Daniel Dickinson reports.
Spain avoids "catastrophic" comments about United Nations
Spain's Foreign Minister, has refused to make what he called "the traditional catastrophic" comments about the work of the United Nations.
Australia warns UN could become a "hollow shell" unable to meet public expectations
The United Nations is unable to meet public expectations and will become "a hollow shell" unless it is reformed according to the Australian Foreign Minister.
Palestinians say Israel must choose between peace and settlement building
Israel must stop all settlement activities, before a lasting Middle East peace agreement can be reached, according to the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
UN Secretary-General calls for solution on Cyprus property issue
Greek and Turkish leaders on the divided Mediterranean island, Cyprus, have been to "redouble their efforts" to find an agreement on a long-running dispute about property.
Property ownership is one of the key sticking points in the United Nations-backed negotiations aimed at reunifying the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus.
UN Radio's Daniel Dickinson reports.
Somali leader calls on UN to act against Al Qaeda terrorist threat
The President of Somalia has called on the United Nations to act against the threat of terrorism in the impoverished and conflict-ridden Horn of Africa country.
Ban calls for countries to turn rhetoric on women and conflict into reality
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the international community to do more to protect women and girls from war atrocities and to ensure they play a greater role in preventing and solving conflicts.
Serbia ready for "good-faith" dialogue on Kosovo
Serbia is ready to engage in dialogue on Kosovo, but the process requires "good faith" and "mutual trust" according to the country's President Boris Tadic.
UN in need of radical overhaul according to Britain
The United Nations needs a “radical overhaul” to tackle the international challenges it faces according to Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister.
UN Daily News 24 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN summit launches drive to save lives of women and children
In a major push to accelerate progress on women’s and children’s health, a number of Heads of State and Government from developed and developing countries, along with the private sector, foundations, international organizations, civil society and research organizations, pledged over $40 billion in resources over the next five years. The announcement came at the end [...]
URDU #38: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1.Flooding continues : Pakistan in the midst of massive crisis 2.Food riots in Mozambique lead to 13 deaths and 400 arrests 3.Myanmar two years later : recovery efforts slow due to funding shortfall Narrated and Produced by Zafar Qureshi Duration: 15’00″
URDU #37: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1.Severe flooding in Niger : UN expresses concern 2.Outgoing Emergency Relief Co-ordinator John Holmes reflects on UN disaster response efforts Narrated and Produced by Zafar Qureshi Duration: 15″00″
URDU #36: Bain Ul Aqwami Manzarnama
1.UN marks International Day against Nuclear Testing 2.Update on efforts to help victims of devastating floods in Pakistan Narrated and Produced by Zafar Qureshi Duration: 14’30″
HINDI #38: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I Former President of Chile is the new head of UN Women Agency 4’07” PART II World hunger dips below the one billion mark 3’28” PART III International Day of Democracy observe 3’42” Narrated and Produced by Ambalika Misra Duration: 14’00″
HINDI #37: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I WHO asks what does it mean to be a humanitarian worker. 5’44” PART II Making women literacy a priority. 4’26” PART III Falls become a growing health problem. 2’15” Narrated and Produced by Ambalika Misra Duration: 14’30″
HINDI #36: Antar Rashtriya Patrika
PART I Tenth annual small arms survey looks at all the aspects of small arms and armed violence. 5’04” PART II AIDS: Progress being made but, but more is needed. 2’42” PART III Child labour goals may not be met. 1’54” PARTVI The benefit of wood energy. 2’39” Narrated and Produced by Ambalika Misra Duration: 14’30″
The impact of HIVAIDS on the women of Nepal
In Nepal, two million people migrate out of the country annually in search of work. But when they return home each year from neighbouring India for the planting season, they’re seeing not only rice and wheat, but also the deadly HIV/AIDS virus. Timor-Leste set to achieve the internationally agreed- upon anti-poverty targets (MDGs) The complete [...]
UN Summit on the MDGs
A United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) concluded this week with the adoption of a global action plan to achieve the eight anti-poverty goals by their 2015 target date and the announcement of major new commitments for women’s and children’s health and other initiatives against poverty, hunger and disease. During the 3-day [...]
Meeting the MDGs in the Caribbean
Caribbean governments came to the United Nations this week to report on progress they have made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. St. Lucia’s Prime minister Stephenson King said the main quantitative indicator of extreme poverty – people living on less than $1 a day, is not applicable to St. Lucia. He said currently, data [...]
UN hosts mini-summit on Somalia
Regional leaders met for a mini-summit on Somalia at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday. Gerry Adams reports.
A call to action against the problem of drug-trafficking
Costa Rica's president has called for countries "with the highest rates of drug consumption" to take more effective action against the problem of drug-trafficking. Gerry Adams reports.
Congolese President Kabila calls for UN and Security Council reform
Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo called for the United Nations to strengthen the authority of the General Assembly and to enlarge the 15- member Security Council. Gerry Adams reports:
Veto power in Security Council must be scrapped, Iran's leader says
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is urging that the veto power of the Security Council's five permanent members be abolished.
Security Council meets on ways to improve its effectiveness
The UN Security Council met this afternoon on "Ensuring the Security Council's effective role in maintaining international peace and security". This was its first meeting in nearly two decades devoted to updating the tools at its disposal for its ever-expanding role. Gerry Adams reports:
World leaders support new UN drive to boost maternal and child health
The lives of 16 million women and children across the world are expected to be saved with the launch of a new $40 billion programme. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon unveiled the Global Strategy for Women and Children’s Health at the end of a three-day summit on progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). UN [...]
King of Jordan proposes World Interfaith Harmony Week
The King of Jordan is proposing annual observance of a World Interfaith Harmony Week to promote tolerance among different faiths. Dianne Penn reports.
Millions in developing world now receive AIDS treatment
More than five million people in developing countries are now receiving life-saving AIDS drugs according to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Dianne Penn reports.
Meeting MDGs in Africa is a mixed picture of success and challenges
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
UN Daily News 23 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UNEP cooks up change
The UN Environment Programme or UNEP has joined a new global initiative to reduce deaths and environmental damage linked to cooking stoves.
Year of the Bat focuses on threats faced world’s only flying mammals
They’ve been around for 50 million years and make up a quarter of all mammals on Earth.
General Assembly opens top-level debate on world issues, with UN role a key focus
UN General Assembly begins its annual high-level meeting of world leaders in New York on Thursday.
Millennium Developments Goals summit ends with renewed commitment to tackle global ills
A three day summit to review progress towards meeting internationally agreed goals to halve world poverty by 2015 has ended with a call from the United Nations Secretary-General to make the goals a reality.
The U.S. is changing the way it does business: President Barack Obama
The United States is changing the way it provides development assistance, according to President Barack Obama.
INDONESIAN #35: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
This week we talk about International Literacy Day and an interview with member of parliament Eva Kusuma Sundari about People of Religious Harmony Forum. Duration: 8’30″
UN Daily News 22 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Millennium Development Goals summit draws to a close
A three day summit of world leaders on progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs is drawing to a close in New York on Wednesday.
President of Rwanda stresses need for ownership of development
The President of Rwanda Paul Kagame on Tuesday stressed the need for developing countries to take full ownership of the Millennium Development Goals or MDG agenda.
UNHCR urges Greece to step up implementation of asylum reform
Greece is being called on to urgently implement asylum reform.
Up to 30,000 people daily flee fresh floods in Pakistan
Floods continue to force thousands more people from their homes in southern Pakistan, seven weeks after the country was hit by one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.
Liberian President calls for economic growth that creates jobs
The President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called for economic growth that creates jobs especially for young people, the poor and women.
UN Daily News 21 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 20 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Rwanda to relocate people from climate high risk zones.
Rwanda, a country in east-central Africa is setting a precedent by implementing a UN backed climate adaptation plan.
High voter turnout in Afghanistan despite violence.
Over four million Afghans took part in the country-wide parliamentary elections, reports Afghanistan's electoral watchdog, the IEC, on Sunday.
UN Chief calls for urgent response to Pakistan emergency.
United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon is calling for an urgent response to Pakistan's deadly floods at a high-level ministerial meeting on Sunday.
Ban urges high-level panel to meet global sustainability challenges.
A new UN Panel on sustainable development is meeting for the first time in New York on Sunday ahead of the annual United Nations general assembly.
Advancing global health: NGOs put the world on notice
Advancing global health is a challenge for many developing countries. But the world’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs) believe it can be done if military expenses are reduced. In a recent UN Conference, they called on world leaders to consider their proposal. The Conference which took place in Melbourne, Australia, from 30 August to 1 September, under [...]
UN launches largest ever appeal for Pakistan flood victims
The United Nations has requested more than two billion dollars in additional funding for emergency assistance to the flood-stricken populations in Pakistan.
Guinean authorities are urged to set new date for run-off election
The United Nations Security Council on Friday called on the authorities in Guinea, West Africa, to set a new date for the presidential run-off election saying it should be organized as soon as possible.
Haiti, progress being made to move forward the political process; Haiti’s representative Ambassador Leo Memores says the government faces two key challenges: the elections and recovery work
NARRATOR: In Haiti, Progress has been made to move forward the political process to maintain security gains of the last few years and to support the humanitarian and recovery efforts. So says Special envoy Edmond Mulet in a report to the UN Security Council. (French, followed by English interpretation) MULET MIX1: In spite of a [...]
Top UN envoy stresses need for cohesion within Somali government
Cohesion is essential for the Somali government as it struggles to establish itself and restore stability in the country, according to the top UN envoy for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga. Insurgents continue to pose a serious threat to the government which is being supported by soldiers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). UN Radio’s [...]
Bringing solar power to Mongolia
Duration: 2’32″ Sheep sfx NARR: Bater herds 700 sheep and a few cows far from the nearest town. Until 2009, he had limited access to electricity with no refrigerator, DVD player or washing machine. TV sfx NARR: That’s now changed. Bater: It has changed my life, since my family lives in town, it is only [...]
Asian photographers win top honours in photo contest
Nearly 1400 contestants submitted more than three thousand photos in the professional and amateur categories to a photo contest co-sponsored by the UN Development Fund, the news service AFP and the Olympus Corporation. The winners showed how their countries are contributing to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Gerry Adams reports. Duration: 2’37″ Prakash 1: My [...]
HIV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa is reduced by over 25 per cent
The number of HIV/AIDS infections in Sub-Saharan Africa has dropped, according to UNAIDS, the United Nations agency coordinating the fight against AIDS. UNAIDS released new data on Friday ahead of next week’s summit in New York to assess progress in reaching the Millennium Development Goals. One of the key goals of the so-called MDGs is [...]
Security Council reiterates call for end of impunity in DR Congo
The Security Council on Friday reiterated its call to the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to put and end to impunity for sexual violence.
Colombian peasant farmers are assisted to get land back
Peasant farmers in Colombia who have been forced by violence to flee their homes will be able to farm again under a deal reached on Friday by the Colombian government and the International Organization for Migration, the IOM.
Marking Peace Day, UN gears up for a week of high-level events on key global issues
The Peace Bell, a United Nations symbol for world peace has rung out in New York. marking the International Day of Peace and a busy week of high level events on global issues.
Deaths of children under five years of age drop by a third since 1990
The number of children who die before reaching five years of age has dropped by a third since 1990, according to the latest estimates released by UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund on Friday.
UN Daily News 17 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN launches largest ever appeal to help Pakistan flood victims
The United Nations has made its largest ever appeal for funding to assist Pakistan flood victims. It’s asking for an additional $2 billion to provide emergency assistance across the country. It is now estimated that 20 million have been affected by the floods, the majority in Sindh and Punjab, Southern Pakistan. UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira [...]
New UN Women Chief sees many challenges ahead
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world.
HIV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa drop by over 25 per cent
The number of HIV/AIDS infections in Sub-Saharan Africa has dropped by over 25 per cent according to the UN agency coordinating the fight against AIDS.
More Africans die as they sail across Gulf of Aden to Yemen
At least three African migrants have died this week trying to cross the Gulf of Aden to Yemen, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
Less than 40% of countries provide equal education for boys and girls: UNESCO
Two out of three countries in the world don’t provide equal access to education for boys and girls, according to UNESCO, the UN Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization.
UN requests more than $1 billion for Pakistan flood victims
The United Nations is expected on Friday to ask for more than one billion dollars to provide emergency food assistance to the flood stricken populations in Pakistan.
The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility pays out more than $4 million to Anguilla
NARRATOR: The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) paid the Government of Anguilla US$4,282,733 following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Earl which passed close to the island on 30 August, 2010. This amount was due to the Government based on its catastrophe insurance policy for hurricanes which forms part of the country’s disaster risk management [...]
UN chief urges world leaders to renew their commitment to the global partnership for development and next week’s Millennium Development Goals Summit
NARRATOR: The 2010 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Gap Task Force Report shows that the economic upheaval has caused further shortfalls on aid, trade and debt, and on affordable access to medicines and technology. The task force was created in 2007 to assess progress on Millennium Goal number eight: the global partnership for development. Secretary-General Ban [...]
Killings of journalists in Uganda draw condemnation from UNESCO head
The killing of two journalists in Uganda in three days has been condemned by Irina Bokova, the head of UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
In special observance, UN urges further global efforts to preserve ozone layer
International efforts to protect the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful, ultraviolet rays are working, and have stopped additional ozone losses according to a new United Nations report.
Secretary-General urges Guinea to create conditions for credible elections
Authorities in Guinea are being urged to create the conditions necessary for the holding of transparent and credible presidential run off elections as soon as possible.
Aid Commitments Shortfall of $20 billion in 2010
A shortfall of $20 billion dollars in aid assistance has been reported by a task force set up to assess progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs.The report, released in New York on Thursday, says the global economic crisis was the main reason for the shortfall. UN Radio’s Charles Appel reports. Duration: 2:30 [...]
UN-supported court indicts four former Khmer Rouge officials
Four former leaders of the Khmer Rouge which ruled Cambodia between 1975 and 1979 have been indicted by the United Nations-supported court on several charges.
Lack of cohesion within Somali institutions encourages insurgents: UN envoy
The lack of cohesion with the transitional federal government of Somalia known as the TFG is encouraging insurgents to intensify their military and propaganda campaign, according to the United Nations envoy for Somalia.
UN mission in Sudan patrols Upper Nile in run up to a referendum
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
Experts call for inclusion of human rights in achieving millennium goals
A group of human rights experts is calling on world leaders attending next week’s United Nations summit in New York on the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs to be guided by human rights in finalizing their outcome document.
$20 billion aid shortfall: UN Secretary-General
The global economic crisis has led to shortfalls on aid this year amounting to $20 billion dollars.
Dominican swimmer ends his swim against poverty in NYC
A swimmer from the Dominican Republic, who’s been dubbed the 'Dominican Dolphin’ by the UN Secretary General, has finished a swimming marathon which has taken him to all five continents. Marcos Diaz, took on the challenge to raise awareness about the goal of radicating poverty by 2015. UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira went to the East [...]
Ozone layer protection: governance and compliance at their best
Skin cancers and cataracts are likely to decrease because the ozone layer is coming back. On the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, we find that governments cooperating together through the Montreal Protocol have been able to reduce the greenhouse gases that have been depleting the ozone since 1980. Gerry Adams speaks [...]
Innovative activity and intellectual property rights recover in 2010
Applications for innovation and intellectual property rights have recovered this year, according to a new report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Security Council calls for peaceful referendums in Sudan
The United Nations Security Council has called on the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the civil war in Sudan to take urgent action to make sure that forthcoming referendums take place peacefully.
A new disaster is happening everyday in Pakistan: UN official
A new disaster is happening everyday in the Sindh province of Pakistan where flood waters are still spreading, the new UN Emergency Relief Coordinator warned on Wednesday.
New Book Points to Brazil and South Africa As New Emerging Global Super Powers
Brazil and South Africa are emerging as new global super powers according to a new book entitled “Southern Engines of Global Growth. UN Radio’s Gail Walker spoke to United Nations University Research Fellow Dr. Amelia Santos-Paulino who says in addition to China and India these two countries are reshaping the world economy due to both [...]
International Day of Democracy observed
Democracy is one of the universal and indivisible core values and principles of the United Nations. On Wednesday, the International Day of Democracy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said democracy plays a pivotal role in reducing poverty and promoting human well-being. Conversely, setbacks in democratic advancement are setbacks in development. He gives an example. Gerry Adams [...]
An athlete swims for development goals
A Dominican swimmer is completing his journey around the world to raise awareness of the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs.
New UN Women chief sees many challenges ahead
The head of the new United Nations entity, UN Women, has been talking about why the entity is so important.
UN Daily News 15 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Maternal deaths drop by a third, but more needs to be done says UN bodies
Maternal deaths have dropped by a third worldwide according to a report by United Nations agencies released on Wednesday.
General Assembly President underscores importance of MDGs
Meanwhile, as the 65th session of the General Assembly gets under way, the new President the Assembly, Joseph Deiss, has reaffirmed the importance of the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs.
Robust democracy is crucial for development: Ban Ki-moon
Transparency, accountability, and responsive governance are essential for development to succeed, according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
New head of UN Women talks about her plans for the entity
The new head of UN Women, the former President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet has been talking about her plans for the new entity. UN Radio’s Rocio Franco asked her why UN Women is needed. Duration: 2’49″ Bachelet: That speaks of first of all, relevance of women issue and that means that all country states, when they [...]
President of 65th General Assembly warns against 'talking shop’
The incoming President of the General Assembly has said that the United Nations is often seen as powerless and a talking shop with no real impact.
Sixty fifth session of General Assembly opens
The 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York on Tuesday.
Water and vector-borne diseases threaten flood-affected Pakistanis
Outbreaks of diseases continue to threaten the lives of millions of people in the areas affected by floods in Pakistan, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
UN expert calls for probe into recent attacks of civilians in North Darfur
The government of Sudan is being urged to conduct an investigation into the attack on civilians in North Darfur on 2 September.
Former President of Chile appointed head of UN Women
With the establishment in July of UN Women, a dynamic new UN entity focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment, the search began for an organization head under whose leadership the lives of women and girls could be improved. On Tuesday in New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that leader has been found. Gerry [...]
UN Daily News 14 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
World hunger dips below the one billion mark
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO has announced in that 925 million people will suffer chronic hunger this year… that’s down by 98 million from last year. UN Radio’s Jocelyne Sambira has the story. Duration:2’42″ NARR: According to a report released by FAO and the World Food Programme or WFP, the number of people [...]
Solar cooking in Kenya makes firewood a thing of the past
Finding wood to cook food is a constant problem for many Africans living in rural areas. It’s expensive and in short supply…It’s especially difficult for refugees who are often restricted to living in camps. But now in northern Kenya a solution has been provided at Kakuma camp which is allowing refugees to harness the power [...]
Mass rapists in DR Congo must be brought to justice: UN official
The international community and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must bring to justice those responsible for the rape of 500 women and children in the DR Congo, according to a top UN official. Radhika Coomaraswamy, who is a special representative for children and armed conflict, presented her report to the Human [...]
Number of hungry people remains high despite dropping below a billion
The number of people who suffer chronic hunger in the world has dropped to below one billion, but remains unacceptably high, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO.
Former Chilean president tapped to lead new UN entity on women's empowerment
The former President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet has been appointed as the head of a new United Nations entity devoted to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Secretary-General reiterates call for moratorium on Jewish settlements
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging Israel to extend the moratorium on the construction of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territories in order to facilitate direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Authority of General Assembly should be reinforced: Outgoing President
The role and authority of the General Assembly to tackle global issues need to be reinforced, according to the outgoing president of the General Assembly.
Ahead of UN General Assembly UN Chief says MDGs are Achievable
Reaching the the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs, are 'ambitious but do-able’, according to Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. Speaking ahead of the UN’s high-level summit on the MDGS said the world is on track to meet the eight internationally agreed goals aimed at reducing poverty, hunger and disease by 2015. UN Radio’s [...]
Government of Kazakhstan is urged to stop forced evictions
The government of Kazakhstan is being urged to stop the forced evictions of families to free up land for large-scale development projects in the country.
Human Rights Council opens 15th session
There has been a call to protect people who defend human rights around the world. Speaking at the 15th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, addressed the need for protection of human rights defenders who, everywhere, she says, face threats to their lives [...]
UN Daily News 13 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Anti-poverty goals are ambitious but doable, Ban stresses ahead of MDG summit
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) can be achieved.
Upcoming elections are crucial for Haiti’s reconstruction: UN envoy
The forthcoming elections in Haiti are crucial to consolidating democracy and re-establishing the state, according to a senior United Nations official.
Nuclear watchdog chief calls for protection of nuclear material
There is need to speed up the adoption of an international convention to physically protect nuclear material, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Human rights defenders need support: UN human rights chief
People who advocate for human rights need more international support, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Speaking at the opening of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday Navi Pillay urged the Council and the international community to support human rights defenders squarely and vocally. Yvette Morris reports. Mrs Pillay said [...]
Panama Child labor
Efforts are being made in the Central American state, Panama, to get some of the estimated 55,000 children who have dropped out of education, back into school. Most of the children have been driven into work because of extreme poverty. Daniel Dickinson reports Duration: 2’43″ Narrator: Panama may be famous for the canal which has [...]
INDONESIAN #34: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
In this edition, Australia was the venue of the 63rd annual DPI/NGO conference. The focus was global health in relation to the Millennium Development Goals, with the aim of attracting greater participation of civil society from the Asia-Pacific region. And, UNESCO has condemned the murder of television journalist Ridwan Salamun in Indonesia. Duration: 8’05″
World body condemns new terrorist bombing in Russia.
The Security Council on Friday has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Vladikavkaz, Russian Federation.
Using nature's resources to enhance the quality of life
A biodiversity report launched on Thursday says factoring in the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into policy-making can save cities and jobs.
UNDP and IKEA help Indian women change rules
Rural Indian women are increasing their awareness and participation in politics thanks to self-help groups set up in the country's poorest and most populous states.
Young Afghans go door-to-door raising HIV awareness
Young people in eastern Afghanistan are going door-to-door to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS as part of a UN-backed campaign.
Water – Wayuu women’s gold
Climate change in Northern Colombia has led to severe water shortages. The women of the indigenous Wayuu people are struggling to sustain their environment and keep their communities together as we find out from this report by United Nations Television: NARRATOR: It’s noon and almost 42 degrees centigrade. Maria Elena is going to fetch water [...]
UN Daily News 10 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
World Water Week in Stockholm sends a message to the UN
Participants at the 2010 World Water Week in Stockholm adopted a Stockholm Statement ahead of a major UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be held September 20.
Top UN envoy in Afghanistan congratulates Afghans on Eid
In a message to the Afghan people, the United Nations Envoy in Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, wishes them a happy Eid Mubarak.
Kosovo: General Assembly hails European Union move to promote dialogue
United Nations Member States welcomed the European Union's willingness to facilitate dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo over the latter's declaration of independence from the former in early 2008.
Global financial crisis has left over 200 million people unemployed
The global financial crisis has led to the highest level of unemployment ever recorded, according to the head of the International Labour Organization, Juan Somavia.
Potential safety risk posed by electric cars
The benefits of electric cars for the environment are well known. The use of electricity rather than gas is generally seen as a good thing, but there are concerns that these cars pose a potential safety risk because they’re so quiet. It’s feared an increasing number of pedestrians are being knocked down simply because they [...]
A call to reverse unemployment
The International Labour Organization (ILO) says more than 440 million new jobs will have to be created in developing countries in the next ten years to absorb new entrants to the labour force and reverse unemployment caused by the current economic crisis. The call comes in a report issued by the ILO and the International [...]
Afghanistan – a model on how literacy empowers women
UN Calling Asia – a weekly magazine programme, in English, that keeps you in touch with UN developments covering Asia and the Pacific.
UN calls for greater global cooperation and dialogue to combat terrorism
More cooperation and dialogue are needed to combat terrorism, the United Nations General Assembly concluded on Thursday.
UN says Haiti has avoided a second wave disaster of epidemics or social unrest
Haiti, under the government’s leadership and with international support, has successfully avoided a second-wave disaster of epidemics or social unrest. A new UN report however warns that with hundreds of thousands of people predicted to remain in camps or improvised shelter over the coming year, the political, social and economic situation will remain fragile. UN [...]
Over 13 million textbooks donated to Zimbabwe schools
School children in Zimbabwe are to receive a welcome boost following the distribution of text books, stationery, and other supplies to over 5500 primary schools across the country. Zimbabwe’s education system was once the envy of Africa but is now at the brink of collapse. The distribution has been organised by the UN’s children’s fund, [...]
ILO says 440 million new jobs must be created in developing countries in the next ten years
The International Labour Organization says more than 440 million new jobs will have be created in developing countries in the next ten years to absorb new entrants to the labour force and reverse unemployment caused by the current economic crisis. The call comes in a report issued by the ILO and the International Monetary Fund [...]
Jamaica says it's committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities
Jamaica is committed to the advancement and implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That’s what the Caribbean country’s representative Ambassador Raymond Wolfe told the third session of States that are parties to the convention. He says Jamaica is committed to improving the quality of [...]
Women’s empowerment as focus of World Literacy Day
Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting women around the world.
Rwanda agrees it is important to keep peacekeepers in Sudan
The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has reiterated his hope that Rwanda will not withdraw its troops from UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan’s Darfur region. Mr Ban was speaking on his return to UN Headquarters in New York following the two-day mission, to the Rwandan capital Kigali, where he met President, Paul Kagame. UN Radio’s Daniel [...]
Iraqi refugee students in Syria need help to go back to school
In Syria, destitute Iraqi refugee families can no longer afford to put their children through school. Many of the young children end up doing menial jobs for very low wages. Rob Sixsmith of UNICEF Television prepared this report. NARRATOR: The words of the morning prayer call have barely finished echoing through the empty Damascus streets [...]
Polio outbreaks are reported in Angola and DR Congo
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
Negotiations are the only way for Israel and Palestinians: Ban Ki-moon
Negotiations are the only way for Israel and the Palestinians to resolve all final status issues and realize their aspirations, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated on Thursday.
Experts explore ways to improve access to medical devices
More than 350 health experts from over 100 countries are meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday to explore ways to improve access to lifesaving medical devices in developing countries.
UN humanitarian chief shocked at Pakistan devastation
The new UN humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, says she is shocked by the devastation she has witnessed in Pakistan.
Secretary-General urges Rwanda to continue peacekeeping role
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the President of Rwanda to continue contributing to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Flood disaster in Pakistan is getting bigger: UN humanitarian chief
The disaster in Pakistan, already one of the largest crises in the world, is increasing, according to the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos.
UN spotlights the empowering effect of boosting women's literacy
One in six adults that's over 790 million people, the majority of whom are women, can still not read or write, according to the head of the UN's Cultural and Education agency, Irina Bokova.
Women's empowerment as focus of World Literacy Day
BYRON: I didn’t learn to read until I was 12, I stuttered until I was 20. I was diagnosed as functionally illiterate, one of the experts, the doctor, told my mother ” I’m sorry Ms Pitts, our diagnosis is that your son Byron is mentally retarded and we think he should be institutionalized. It was [...]
Angola and DR Congo experience polio outbreaks
New polio outbreaks have been reported in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo in areas where the disease had been eradicated.
Liberia needs financial support for 2011 general elections: UN envoy
Liberia needs additional international financial support to conduct general elections next year, according to the United Nations envoy for the country, Ellen Løj.
A conference in Kenya discuss ways to deal with e-waste on the continent
Moves to deal with the growing worldwide mountain of discarded electronics have been discussed at a conference in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. It’s thought that more than 40 million tons of so-called e-waste is produced each year, a figure that is set to grow as more computers, mobile phones and other electronic items are thrown [...]
UN Officials demand justice for DRC mass rapes
Justice for the mass rapes that took place in a string of villages in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is being demanded by two senior UN officials. 240 people were raped in North Kivu province between July and August. Athule Khare, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, was recently in Congo where he was investigating [...]
Governments are urged to make literacy accessible to women
Every literate woman marks a victory over poverty, according to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon.
Don't burn the Quran: UN envoy
An announcement by a small religious group in the United States that it intends to burn copies of the Quran has raised concern at the United Nations in Afghanistan.
INDONESIAN #33: FOKUS FOKUS KITA
In this edition, 144 Soldiers at Papua are infected with HIV. Nafsiah Mboi, the National Secretary of Indonesian AIDS Commission (KPA) asked TNI and police carrying out an awareness and education campaign about the dangers of HIV and how to prevent infection; and 200 youth from the Asia-Pacific region gathered at the headquarters of ESCAP [...]
Mozambique government reverses food hikes that sparked riots
Governments around the world have been urged to respond quickly to renewed instability on international food markets. The call from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter follows an increase in the price of bread in Mozambique which sparked three days of riots. Thirteen people died and 400 people [...]
Mozambique government reverses food hikes that sparked riots
An increase in the price of bread which sparked three days of riots in Mozambique has been reversed by the government.
Pakistan remains in the midst of a massive crisis as flooding continues
21 million people so far have been affected by the floods in Pakistan, and the needs remain massive. Shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation and health facilities are desperately needed. To make matters worse, there are reports of fresh floods in the Southern part of the country particularly in the Sindh province making more people homeless. [...]
Myanmar still faces recovery challenges two years after deadly cyclone
It’s been two years since Cyclone Nargis slammed into the Irrawaddy Delta region of Myanmar, killing 140,000 people. While the international community responded generously at the time, today the recovery effort is being threatened by a funding shortfall. Bishow Parajuli is UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Myanmar. Dianne Penn reports. Duration: 2’26″ PARAJULI : [...]
Floods in Pakistan affect over 20 million people
More than 20 million people have been directly affected by floods from the north to the south of Pakistan, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).
Action on electronic waste is subject of UN conference in Nairobi
Addressing the growing levels of electronic waste, or e-waste, is the subject of a meeting which opened in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday. The meeting has brought together the UN Environment Programme and the telecommunications industry to chart a way forward for the re-use, recycling and refurbishment of electronic goods. Bryan Coll reports from Nairobi for [...]
Use of technology is crucial to increasing civic participation: Ban Ki-moon
Using technology at city and regional levels is crucial to increasing civic participation, building trust in government services and strengthening democracy.
The UN continues to work to reach survivors of Pakistan floods
Catastrophic floods have displaced millions in Pakistan, more than a month after annual monsoon rains triggered the worst flooding in Pakistan’s history. Despite the efforts of international aid agencies to help, many Pakistanis have been forced to come up with creative ways to fend for themselves. UN Holds Conference to Urge Progress on Achieving the [...]
New UN Trust Fund brings hope to trafficked women
Over two million people are trafficked every year around the world. In Europe alone, half a million are sold into prostitution and criminal groups in make billions of dollars from this heinous crime. Most of the victims are from the Balkans or former Soviet Union. Jana Kohut is a young woman born in Bosnia who [...]
UN Daily News 03 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
Nigerian activist helps empower rural women with information
UN and Africa – a weekly 15-minute radio programme on political, social, economic and other developments related to Africa.
UN Daily News 02 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
UN Daily News 01 September 2010
News and features from United Nations Radio.
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