"The ceasefire between the US and Iran offers an opportunity to prevent further loss of lives between Lebanon and Israel. We urge all concerned to abide by the ceasefire. Now is the time to pursue talks to resolve outstanding differences and work towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict," Haq said.

He also added that UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon continued to be affected by the violence . It said six UNIFIL personnel were injured on Thursday after rocket and artillery fire near Atteri in Sector West, with one suffering a shrapnel wound and five others affected by acoustic trauma. UN vehicles were also damaged.

Separately, the UN said Israeli forces briefly detained a UNIFIL peacekeeper after blocking a logistics convoy, before releasing the person less than an hour later following direct intervention by mission officials. The organisation said the detention violated international law and called for an immediate end to any intimidation or interference with its peacekeeping operations.

The ever-raging conflicts are fuelling Africa’s refugee crises, piling pressure on the hosts. Whereas foreign assistance such as India’s rice donation to Burkina Faso projects the contribution of international partners, it raises concerns over Africa’s dependency. If a continent with approximately 65% of the world’s arable land and abundant water and sunshine, is incapable of feeding its refugee population appropriately, it suggests that the available natural resources are being underutilised or mismanaged.

This mismanagement, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), manifests in the persistent conflict over resources, like in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Northern Nigeria, which displaces millions from their homes, dispossessing them of their assets. These events disrupt the agricultural value chain and claim a substantial chunk of the national budget, denying other pressing needs, particularly humanitarian response, of much-needed support.

“Conflict removes able-bodied men from agricultural production and, incidentally, places an extra work burden on women. It also diverts resources, directly and indirectly, from more productive and socially beneficial uses, and tests the willingness of the international community to provide assistance,” notes FAO, highlighting the equally disruptive role of other human-induced situations like drought and population booms and natural hazards, which channel resources away from development activities.

The pressure from foreign aid withdrawal should compel African countries to think more critically about models that are tailored for their local context, those that foster self-sustenance. And indeed, some, like Uganda, are transitioning to an alternative approach: development financing , which requires local government units to assume the role of providing social services to the refugees. However, such shifts are not devoid of limitations, especially with little or no support from stakeholders, most importantly, the refugee and host populations whose commitment contributes significantly to the prospect of peaceful coexistence.

“…the immediate challenge is to shift from a mindset focused on care and maintenance to one promoting development solutions to displacement. More specifically, there needs to be a move to sustainable interventions focused on economic inclusion and the promotion of self-reliance,” analysts urge.

With the biggest portion of Africa’s humanitarian sector foreign-funded, it’s time for the continent to pursue a comprehensive and integrated refugee policy that ensures proper utilisation of its vast natural resources, ensuring equitable distribution. The new framework must align with the African Union’s aspirations, such as fostering unity, and address long-standing issues, especially the inclusion of refugees in national development and self-reliance. The existing frameworks, like the 1969 OAU Convention, need reform. The new framework should capture the shifting dynamics, “including its definition of a refugee, in light of today’s Africa,” writes expert J O Moses Okello, emphasising the need to represent the actual realities.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

The resolution, UNGA A/80/L.48, sponsored by Ghana on behalf of the African Group, was adopted on March 25 with 123 votes in favour, three against (Israel, the United States and Argentina) and 52 abstentions. It urges states to pursue “reparatory justice,” including steps such as apologies, restitution and the return of looted cultural artefacts.  

Israel’s position is similar to concerns raised by other Western delegations that did not back the text. The United Kingdom, for example, abstained and warned against language that could be read as ranking crimes against humanity.  

“The UK continues to disagree with fundamental propositions of the text and, therefore, regrettably, cannot vote in favour of it. Firstly, the UK is firmly of the view that we must not create a hierarchy of historical atrocities.  Doing so simplifies the complexity and vast scale of suffering endured in different contexts. It risks diminishing the experiences of communities whose trauma and suffering was felt just as strongly. No single set of atrocities should be regarded as more or less significant than another,” the UK noted in an explanatory statement.

Israel said its “no” vote was not a denial of slavery’s historical harm, but a protest over the final wording, and it expressed regret that negotiations did not produce changes that might have allowed broader support.  

The resolution urges Member States to consider formal apologies and to contribute to a reparations fund, although it does not specify a monetary value. It also calls for the return of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period to their countries of origin.

Speaking on behalf of the African Group, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said, “Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice.” He described the resolution as a “safeguard against forgetting” and a response to what he called the “erasure of Black history ” by some modern political administrations.

The resolution states that for more than 400 years, millions of Africans were “stolen, shackled, and shipped” under harsh conditions. It describes the trade as a “definitive break in world history” with long-term effects on global labour and economic systems. Estimates indicate that between 12 and 15 million people were captured between 1500 and 1800, with over two million dying during the transatlantic journey.

President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said the trade was a form of “mass resource extraction” that weakened African societies. She added, “The slave trade and slavery stand among the gravest violations of human rights in human history – an affront to the very principles enshrined in the Charter of our United Nations.”

The resolution faced opposition from the United States. Ambassador Dan Negrea described the text as “highly problematic in countless respects” and said the UN should focus on international security rather than “niche” issues. He stated that the U.S. “does not recognise a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred”.

Several countries, including the United Kingdom and some European Union members, abstained from the vote. The UK has maintained that present-day institutions should not be held responsible for actions taken in the past.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said reparations efforts are not limited to financial payments. He explained that African leaders are seeking support for education and skills development, stating, “Many generations continue to suffer the exclusion, the racism because of the transatlantic slave trade, which has left millions separated from the continent and impoverished.”

Esther Philips, First Poet Laureate of Barbados, addressed delegates during the session. She said, “There are spirits of the victims of slavery present in this room at this moment, and they are listening for one word only: justice .” She added, “For them and for the world, there can be no peace without justice – reparatory justice – and that call is answered only when words are turned into action”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to take stronger steps to address the long-term effects of slavery. He urged “far bolder actions”, including recognising African ownership of natural resources and ensuring equal representation in global financial and security institutions.

 “On a day-to-day basis, our weather has become more extreme," said Celeste Saulo, WMO secretary-general.

Saulo said last year saw a devastating impact of heatwaves, wildfires, drought, tropical cyclones, storms, and flooding on the world, causing thousands of deaths, impacting millions of people, and costing billions in economic losses. 

The last ten years have experienced the hottest seasons so far, with 2025 named as the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43°C above the 1850-1900 average,” the report said. 

UN Secretary General António Guterres said planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. “Every key indicator is a red flashing flag,’ he said.

Published in observance of World Meteorological Day, the 46-page report covers global temperature, greenhouse gases, ocean heat, and sea level. It also highlighted other climate issues, including sea-ice extent, glacier mass balance, and the introduction of a new indicator for Earth’s energy imbalance.

The ocean continued to warm due to rising absorption of carbon dioxide. It has been absorbing the equivalent of about eighteen times the annual human energy used each year for the past two decades,” the report said. 

While annual sea ice extent in the Arctic was found to be at a record low, the extent of sea ice in Antarctica was the third lowest on record, and glacier melt continued unabated.

The warning from the WMO comes amid conflict between Israel and Gaza, Iran, the U.S.A., Ukraine, Russia, and Sudan. A recent study by researchers from Lancaster and Queen Mary University found that the conflict has generated approximately 33 billion tons of CO₂.

He explained that the initiative will be formally presented by Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, before international bodies on March 25. The proposal seeks to classify slavery as "the gravest crime against humanity", aiming to establish a legal and moral precedent within the international system.

Ablakwa also said the international community has not fully acknowledged the gravity of these crimes or held those responsible accountable.

"For more than 300 years, Africans were treated as property, many of them in the most dehumanising and despicable circumstances. Perpetrators are yet to apologise and have not compensated the victims," Ablakwa said.

“It is unfortunate that our friends in the EU and the US have served notice that they will not be voting for this resolution, but the good news is that we are far more than them, and we want to be on the side of justice, on the right side of history ,” he added.

The report said progress in reducing child deaths has slowed sharply. Under-five deaths have fallen by more than half since 2000, but the pace of reduction has slowed by more than 60% since 2015.

“No child should die from diseases that we know how to prevent. But we see worrying signs that progress in child survival is slowing – and at a time where we’re seeing further global budget cuts,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said.

Newborn deaths now account for nearly half of all under-five mortality worldwide. The report linked those deaths mainly to preterm birth complications, problems during labour and delivery, and infections.

Among children aged one to 59 months, infectious diseases remained a leading cause of death. The nine leading infections accounted for 43% of under-five deaths globally. Pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria remained major killers, especially in high-burden settings.

For the first time, the report gave a global estimate of deaths directly caused by severe acute malnutrition. More than 100,000 children aged between one month and five died from it in 2024. Some of the highest numbers were recorded in Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan.

Deaths were heavily concentrated in a small group of countries. These included Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and Nigeria . The report said conflict, climate shocks, invasive mosquitoes, drug resistance and weak access to prevention and treatment continued to drive mortality there.

Children in fragile and conflict-affected settings were nearly three times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than children elsewhere.

The UN also estimated that 2.1 million children, adolescents and young people aged five to 24 died in 2024. Li Junhua, the UN’s under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs, called the findings “a stark reminder” that many countries are off track to meet child survival targets under the Sustainable Development Goals.

Standing at the lectern, Chávez pointed to the podium and said:

“Yesterday, the devil came here. Yesterday, the devil was right here. In this very spot. It still smells like sulphur... Ladies and gentlemen, from this very podium, the President of the United States, whom I call the devil, came here speaking as if he owned the world.”

During his nearly six-minute speech, Chávez used the platform to criticise what he described as Washington’s efforts to impose its political and economic model on other countries, often through military force. According to Chávez, the United States was attempting to shape the world in its own image while dismissing critics as extremists.

He also challenged Bush’s claim that the United States wanted peace, arguing that the actions of the US government told a different story.

“The United States does not want peace; it wants to impose its model of exploitation and looting and its hegemony at the point of a gun.”

The former Venezuelan leader also condemned military actions in the Middle East and accused what he described as imperialist powers of targeting civilians.

“Imperialist fire. Fascist fire. Murderous fire and genocidal fire. That of the Empire and Israel against the innocent people of Palestine and the people of Lebanon.”

Nearly two decades later, the issues Chávez raised during that speech are once again being debated amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran after weeks of military buildup and threats from US President Donald Trump. Later, it was confirmed that the strikes on Tehran killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran quickly retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at Israel and US facilities across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the goal of the operation was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime", urging the people of Iran to capitalise on the attack as what he described as the “only chance for generations” to take over their government.

Before the Iran attack, Chávez’s own successor, Nicolás Maduro, was removed from power after US special forces carried out a direct military operation in Venezuela on January 3. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country to face drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges in the US.

The operation included coordinated airstrikes in Caracas and naval deployments along the Venezuelan coast. Trump later described it as a “flawless” mission and said there were no American casualties.

Not long after they had settled in Tanzania, the late president John Pombe Magufuli came to power with a nationalistic “Tanzania first” approach, translating to a shift in the country’s humanitarian policy. His government ceased supporting refugee programmes, and some Burundian refugees were allegedly abducted, tortured and forcefully repatriated. 

In the aftermath of Magufuli’s presidency, the situation was exacerbated by funding cuts that led to significant reductions in food rations , putting refugees at the risk of malnutrition and vulnerability to disease.

Towards the end of 2025, the Tanzanian government announced plans to close Nduta and Nyarugusu refugee camps in March and June 2026, respectively, and in coordination with the UNHCR, intensified its effort to voluntarily repatriate about 142,000 Burundians to their country.

Thousands have been repatriated through this programme, however there are concerns that refugee shelters are being demolished and the process is rather coercive. This may expose refugees to harm, especially those who allegedly fled Burundi because of political persecution. Yet the international refugee law requires that refugees and asylum-seekers must not be returned to a place where their lives or freedom would be at risk.

“Burundian refugees remain in a desperate situation. They are too scared to return home, but are unsafe – without adequate food, shelter, or protection – in a country that purportedly provides them with asylum,” some analysts observe , emphasising the need for adequate preparation and political will.

This is reiterated by UNHCR’s  Bahia Egeh , who urges that repatriation “be carried out in safety and dignity, and based on free and informed choice rather than pressure.”

Although voluntary repatriation is a UN-established measure, it is susceptible to conflicts between returnees and their communities back home. This often leads to renewed forced displacement, with more devastating consequences.

There are lessons to draw from Uganda’s progressive policy. The country has achieved considerable success in repatriation, particularly of South Sudanese refugees, owing to a strong focus on inclusivity . The decision-making and implementation processes are designed to ensure all key stakeholders – government at different levels, non-governmental organisations, development partners, refugee communities, among others – are involved.

Additionally, specific programmes are put in place to offer information and sensitise both the returnees and the communities back home, to create social, economic and cultural conditions that foster cohesion. For instance, the Ugandan government, in collaboration with UNHCR and the South Sudanese government, supports refugees to visit their home country in order to assess the situation first-hand before deciding to move. This is vital in the repatriation process, as it allows the returnees to make informed decisions and to actively participate in the policy-making process.

On top of this, the returnees are provided with reintegration support in the form of cash allowances, healthcare screening and tools to support their food security, to enable them adapt quickly. These steps could be adopted by Tanzania to offer Burundian refugees and asylum seekers better treatment and more protection.

She also offered condolences to the families of U.S. service members killed in recent events, though she did not reference specific operations. “Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered,” she said , adding that she wished a swift recovery to those injured.

During the session, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned that children are among those most severely affected when conflicts erupt. She noted that schools in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman had shifted to remote learning due to ongoing military operations in the region. She also referenced reports from Iran of a strike on an elementary school in Minab.

Iranian officials say the strike killed more than 150 people, including children, and have blamed the United States and Israel . The U.S. military’s Central Command stated that it was reviewing the reports, while Israel’s military reported that it was not aware of any operations in the area.

Ahead of the meeting, Iran ’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticised Washington, calling it “deeply shameful and hypocritical” for convening a session on protecting children while military actions continue.

Thus far, the U.N.’s actions have largely centered on convening diplomacy and calling for de-escalation.

It convened an emergency meeting

The United Nations Security Council, the U.N.’s most powerful body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, held an emergency meeting after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region.

The session, requested by Bahrain, France, Russia, China and Colombia , quickly exposed sharp divisions among major powers over the legality and justification of the strikes.

The United States and Israel defended the military action as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

At the meeting, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. I call on all sides to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the United Nations Charter, protect civilians and ensure nuclear safety.”

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council that stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was a matter of global security, adding that Washington’s actions were lawful.

Israel’s envoy, Danny Danon, similarly described the strikes as a preemptive move to neutralize what he called an existential threat.

Iran, however, strongly condemned the attacks.

Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the council that the airstrikes had killed and injured hundreds of civilians, calling them war crimes and urging the council to take action.

The meeting also saw other global powers weigh in. Russia demanded that the United States and Israel immediately halt their operations, while China expressed concern over the sudden escalation and called for renewed diplomatic negotiations.

It condemned the attacks

When hostilities broke out on February 28, Guterres was quick to condemn the escalation, warning that the exchange of attacks risks igniting a broader conflict in an already volatile region.

He said the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the region, undermines international peace and security.

“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation,” Guterres said. “Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.” 

He stressed that all countries must adhere to international law and the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

For now, the United Nations’ role remains focused on diplomacy and calls for restraint — even as the conflict threatens to move beyond words.

“For over 20 years, Brazil, India, Japan and Germany have defended the increase of the UN Security Council,” Lula said, referring to the G4 bloc. “The UN needs more representation.”

The G4 proposal calls for expanding the 15-member Council to 25 seats, adding six permanent and four non-permanent members to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.

Lula argued that expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership is necessary for a more credible multilateral system, adding that Brazil and India should be part of any reconfigured Council. 

Framing the bilateral meeting as more than routine diplomacy, Lula described India and Brazil as the two largest democracies in the Global South and as emerging superpowers in their respective domains.

“This is a meeting of superlatives,” Lula said. “We are both mega diverse countries and hubs of the cultural industry and we both defend multilateralism and peace.”

He said closer coordination between New Delhi and Brasília would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also amplify the voice of developing nations in global forums, including the UN, the World Trade Organization and the G20.

Lula also emphasized a shared commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and peace, warning that sustainable development cannot be achieved in a conflict-ridden world.

By elevating their partnership and pressing for Security Council reform, Lula signaled efforts to consolidate India and Brazil’s roles as leading voices for a more assertive Global South.

"India and Brazil's partnership on the global stage has been strong and influential,” he said. “As democratic nations, we will continue to advance the priorities and aspirations of the Global South.” 

“When India and Brazil work together, the voice of the Global South becomes stronger and more confident,” he added. 

Delegates are expected to commit thousands of personnel to international stabilization and policing efforts in the territory, aimed at maintaining order as humanitarian aid flows in.

Still, the Board of Peace , an initiative led by Trump, faces scrutiny over whether it can rival established multilateral organizations such as the United Nations in credibility and influence.

Dozens of world leaders gathered in Washington for the discussions, which also aim to coordinate humanitarian relief and long-term rebuilding strategies.

WATCH IT LIVE HERE:

Adopted by world leaders in 2015, the 17 SDGs aim to end extreme poverty and hunger, expand access to clean water and sanitation, ensure quality education and tackle climate change by the end of the decade.

ESCAP described the findings as a “stark contradiction”: while millions have been lifted out of poverty and access to electricity has expanded rapidly, environmental pressures are intensifying and inequality remains entrenched.

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, ESCAP’s Executive Secretary and a UN undersecretary-general, said the growth model that fuelled rapid industrialisation is now undermining the region’s future.

“The very engines of growth that once lifted millions out of poverty and fuelled rapid industrialization are now undermining our future,” she said, urging countries to pursue development that is “smarter, healthier and more just.”

The sharpest setbacks are in environmental goals. Progress on climate action, marine conservation and biodiversity is not only stalling but reversing, the report found.

Where Asia-Pacific is lagging behind

Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, while the Red List Index shows accelerating species loss. Marine ecosystems are deteriorating, sustainable fisheries are shrinking and freshwater systems are under mounting stress.

Urban resilience is also weakening. Although many governments have adopted disaster risk reduction strategies, the human and economic toll of disasters is increasing, exposing a gap between planning and preparedness.

Health outcomes have improved, with sustained declines in maternal, neonatal and under-five mortality. Income poverty has fallen significantly over the past decades, and near-universal mobile network coverage has supported advances in industry and infrastructure .

However, inequality remains persistent. Labour income shares are declining, labour rights compliance is slipping and informal employment and weak youth job prospects continue to pose challenges. Education access has expanded, but minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics is deteriorating.

While 55% of SDG indicators in Asia-Pacific now have sufficient data for assessment — above the global average — gaps in gender equality and governance data limit policymakers’ ability to track progress among vulnerable groups.

With five years remaining to the 2030 deadline, ESCAP said incremental change will not be enough: “Our current development trajectory is unsustainable, and the window for corrective action is closing rapidly.”

A central theme was the need for African countries to process their natural resources locally instead of exporting them in raw form. Leaders argued that local beneficiation would increase economic returns and strengthen industrial development.

Ghana announced a specific policy measure during the summit. President John Dramani Mahama declared that by 2030, the country will end the export of unprocessed mineral ores. The directive applies to manganese, bauxite, and iron ore.

"By 2030, there will not be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana," Mahama said at his "Accra Reset" side event. The policy aims to promote local industrialisation and increase the value Ghana gains from its natural resources.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also warned against what he described as a "new form of colonialism", where foreign economies target Africa’s natural resources. He said minerals should be processed locally. "It should no longer be a case where rock, soil and dust is exported out of Africa without being beneficiated," Ramaphosa told delegates. He urged African nations to work together to ensure their resources benefit their citizens.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the historical exploitation of Africa’s resources. "No more exploitation, no more plundering," he said, stressing that "the people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa". He called for fair and sustainable value chains to ensure African countries benefit "first and fully" from their critical minerals.

President Mahama also announced changes to Ghana’s cocoa financing system. For nearly 30 years, Ghana has relied on syndicated loans from international banks to purchase cocoa, using cocoa beans as collateral.

According to Mahama, this system has limited domestic processing because collateralised beans must be exported to international financiers. Ghana has the capacity to process 400,000 tons of cocoa locally, but local processors have not had sufficient access to raw beans.

Under the new approach, Ghana will raise domestic bonds in cedis to finance cocoa purchases. "Ghana has enough cedis to pay for its cocoa," Mahama said, adding that the change will "immediately" release 400,000 tons of beans for local processing. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, at least 50% of all cocoa beans must be processed within the country.

The policy announcements were presented under the "Accra Reset" initiative. The framework focuses on strengthening resource sovereignty and shifting from aid dependency to investment-led growth.

Mahama criticised delays in implementing AU decisions. "African leaders come with decisions, agree and develop frameworks, but what is missing is urgency and implementation," he said. He urged leaders to "stop talking and start implementing" to create opportunities for young people and reduce irregular migration.

The summit also marked leadership changes within the AU. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye will assume the AU chairmanship for 2026. Outgoing chairperson President João Lourenço of Angola said Africa’s development is not possible "if we leave anyone behind," and called for continued investment in infrastructure and human capital.

Bachelet said she was honoured by the nomination and stressed the significance of the candidacy being backed by three major Latin American nations. She described it as a sign of renewed commitment to cooperation and to the United Nations at a time of mounting global challenges, including conflict, climate change , inequality and declining trust in institutions.

He said reckless actions by powerful actors are triggering dangerous consequences, and stressed that global challenges cannot be solved by one country imposing its will.

“Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots,” he said. “Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence.”

Guterres argued that the world is shifting toward multipolarity, but warned that this transition must be “networked, inclusive by design,” and grounded in partnerships rather than competition.

“For multipolarity to generate equilibrium, prosperity and peace, we need strong multilateral institutions where legitimacy is rooted in shared responsibility and shared values,” he said.

Concerns over private tech power

The UN chief also highlighted the growing influence of private technology companies, warning that unregulated platforms and artificial intelligence systems are increasingly shaping elections, markets and even conflicts.

“When technologies that shape behaviour, elections, markets, and even conflicts operate without guardrails,” he said, “the reaction is not innovation, it is instability.” He called for global governance frameworks to ensure AI and emerging technologies are used responsibly.

Final-year priorities

In what is expected to be his final year leading the United Nations, Guterres outlined key priorities focused on peace, development and institutional reform.

He said the UN is pushing for “just and sustainable peace rooted in international law,” including efforts that address the root causes of conflict rather than temporary ceasefires.

Guterres also highlighted the need to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, reform the Security Council, and strengthen the global financial system to better support vulnerable countries.

On climate change, he called for greater equity in helping nations facing repeated climate catastrophes.

Guterres closed by urging governments to act with responsibility in an increasingly troubled international environment .

Port-au-Prince is facing an effective blockade, with key roads cut off and armed groups controlling an estimated 90 per cent of the city. Footage from the aid operation shows long queues of residents holding tokens as they waited for basic supplies such as rice and flour, underscoring the scale of need in neighbourhoods increasingly isolated by insecurity.

The assistance reached both long-time residents of Delmas and people displaced from nearby areas who have sought refuge there after fleeing violence. With livelihoods disrupted and movement severely restricted, food aid has become a lifeline for families unable to afford basic necessities amid soaring prices and limited access to markets.

The distribution comes as Haiti faces a deepening humanitarian and political crisis. More than 5.7 million people, roughly half the population , are experiencing acute hunger, while internal displacement has risen to 1.4 million. At the same time, the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council is due to expire on 7 February, raising concerns about a potential leadership vacuum as ongoing insecurity continues to prevent elections.

The committee said Cambodian families remained unable to go back to their homes because Thai troops continued to occupy parts of the border, actions it described as unlawful. 

It alleged that civilian houses had been destroyed and access routes sealed off using shipping containers and barbed wire.

According to the CHRC, such measures violate provisions agreed during the third Special General Border Committee meeting, including guarantees to protect civilian property and facilitate the safe and dignified return of residents displaced by the fighting.

In its appeal to Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN special rapporteur based in Geneva, the committee said the destruction of homes and seizure of civilian property amounted to serious breaches of international humanitarian law, citing the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights .

The statement warned that the humanitarian impact was falling disproportionately on vulnerable groups, with women, children and older people facing increased risks linked to poverty, interrupted schooling and reduced access to healthcare.

The CHRC called on the UN to raise the issue directly with Bangkok, press for an end to what it described as ongoing obstructions and demand the withdrawal of Thai forces from Cambodian territory. 

It also sought international advocacy for reparations and compensation for those displaced.

The move comes as Cambodia increasingly turns to international legal mechanisms. 

On Friday, the country unanimously approved a draft law to ratify the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a step that will place Phnom Penh within a global framework for resolving disputes under international law once the legislation is formally ratified and submitted to the UN.

The Board of Peace, announced by Trump as part of his renewed foreign policy agenda, is framed as an alternative diplomatic mechanism aimed at resolving major international conflicts, including the war in Gaza and broader Middle East tensions.

According to reporting by Al Jazeera, participation in the board is by invitation, with countries free to accept or reject based on their political alignment and strategic interests.

Who has joined

The map shows a mixed response across regions. Several countries in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Latin America have accepted invitations , viewing the board as a potential channel for influence or de-escalation:

Morocco, Argentina, Hungary and Belarus have also agreed to join, raising the number of countries that have confirmed participation to at least 24.

Countries that have rejected

In contrast, several prominent European and North American allies have explicitly declined the invitation, underlining scepticism about the initiative’s structure and neutrality. Countries that have rejected participation include:

In the same way, several other countries, including the UK, Italy, Japan, China and Russia, have been invited but have yet to take a stand on participation.

The Board of Peace gained prominence after Trump publicly linked it to efforts to end the war in Gaza, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The remaining posts affected by the decentralisation drive will move largely to Bonn, Germany.

Albares said the decision reflected “Spain’s commitment to development cooperation and multilateralism,” welcoming Madrid as the destination for about 100 UNDP jobs leaving New York. 

Why the relocation?

The UNDP said the relocation was part of an effort to adapt to an evolving financial and development landscape, strengthen partnerships and improve its ability to support vulnerable populations. 

Germany is already a major UNDP hub, with Bonn hosting the United Nations Volunteers programme. With the new transfers, the organisation’s footprint in the German city will exceed 400 positions. 

UNDP said it was “grateful to Germany and Spain for offering to host the organisation,” noting that the agreements would reinforce joint efforts “to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, protect the environment, and support crisis stabilisation and recovery.”

While New York will remain the UNDP’s global headquarters, only a small fraction of its workforce is based there. 

Fewer than 7% of staff work in the US city, according to the agency, which operates in about 170 countries and territories and employs roughly 22,000 people worldwide. More than 19,000 of them are already based in country offices and regional hubs.

The shift away from New York has been underway for months. At the start of 2026, UNDP also relocated 30 positions from the US to regional offices in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab States, Central Europe, and Asia and the Pacific, in a move aimed at placing staff closer to the communities they serve.

Is Trump building his own UN?

This UNDP exodus from New York comes as Trump establishes the so-called “Board of Peace,” a US-led initiative that some diplomats and analysts see as an attempt to sidestep the United Nations’ existing role in global conflict management.

According to the White House, the board will be central to implementing Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, providing strategic oversight, mobilising international funding and ensuring accountability as the territory shifts from conflict to reconstruction. 

The initiative has triggered unease at the UN. 

La Neice Collins , spokesperson for the president of the UN General Assembly, stressed that global peace and security remain the UN’s exclusive mandate. 

“There is one universal multilateral organisation to deal with peace and security issues, and that is the United Nations,” she said.

The timing of the Board of Peace — alongside the relocation of hundreds of UN jobs out of New York — has sharpened questions about whether Washington is reshaping multilateral diplomacy around US-controlled structures, potentially eroding the authority of the UN system it once helped to build.

Secretary-General Guterres, who urges diplomacy amid the unrest, was accused by an anti-government advocate of staying silent during the 'massacre' while the Islamic Republic has also been accused of shutting down the internet to hide mass killings.

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The appointment has been framed by Ugandan officials and supporters as recognition of the country’s engagement with international gender equality frameworks. Uganda succeeds Sweden, whose presidency was led by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Nicola Clase, and will now oversee the Executive Board’s work guiding UN Women’s policies , programmes and budget during the coming year.

However, Uganda’s new role has also prompted scrutiny from critics and civil society voices, who point to persistent challenges facing women within the country. These include concerns raised by human rights advocates about limited legal protections in cases of marital rape, widespread sexual harassment, and high levels of gender-based violence, issues that continue to shape public debate around women’s rights in Uganda.

The contrast between Uganda’s domestic challenges and its leadership position within UN Women highlights broader tensions within global governance, where representation and responsibility often coexist with unresolved national issues. As president of the Executive Board, Uganda is expected to play a central role in steering discussions on gender equality worldwide, placing its policies and commitments under renewed international attention.

The United States military said it carried out a series of airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Somalia between January 1 and 3, in coordination with the Somali federal government. According to US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the strikes hit ISIS positions near the Calmiskaad Mountains, about 70 kilometres southeast of Bosaso in the northeastern Bari region. US officials said the operation inflicted significant losses on the militant group. Since President Donald Trump took office in 2025, the United States has conducted more than 100 airstrikes in Somalia, mainly targeting ISIS and Al-Shabaab. AFRICOM said it would continue joint operations with Somalia as the country intensifies its own campaign against Al-Shabaab in southern and central regions, with support from international partners.

Somalia and African partners call for restraint on Venezuela at UN Security Council

Somalia, together with Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have called for restraint, dialogue and respect for international law during a UN Security Council session on the political situation in Venezuela. Speaking on behalf of the three African countries, known as the A3, Somalia underscored the need to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity as outlined in the UN Charter. Somalia is presiding over the council for the month, while the three countries serve as Africa’s representatives on the 15-member body. The A3 warned that escalating tensions could destabilise the wider region and expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, reaffirming the African Union’s position in favour of peace and stability.

US confirms links between Somali UN envoy and healthcare firm

The United States government has confirmed that Somalia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Osman, is associated with a healthcare company previously implicated in Medicaid fraud. In a statement on X, US Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill said Ambassador Osman is linked to Progressive Health Care Services, a home health agency in Cincinnati, against which US authorities had taken action following a Medicaid fraud conviction. The confirmation followed online speculation about the ambassador’s business interests in the United States, which gained attention after he confronted Israel’s deputy representative at the UN Security Council last month over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Israel’s Somaliland visit sparks regional backlash

Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, arrived in Somaliland on Tuesday following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region, prompting strong condemnation from Somalia. Saar described the recognition as “the moral thing to do”, while Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed said it would open economic and development opportunities. Somalia’s foreign ministry called the visit an “illegal and unauthorised incursion” and said it reserves the right to take diplomatic and legal measures to protect its sovereignty. The African Union Peace and Security Council, the Arab League and several regional blocs condemned Israel’s move, warning it could destabilise the Horn of Africa. Islamist group Al-Shabaab said it would oppose any Israeli presence in Somaliland.

Ethiopia reaffirms commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty

Ethiopia’s government has reiterated its commitment to respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying its position is guided by international law and principles of good neighbourliness. In a statement on Ethiopia–Somalia relations, Addis Ababa said the two countries share deep historical, cultural and social ties that require cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia rejected claims that its engagements with other parties undermine Somalia and called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve misunderstandings. The government said it remains ready to work with Somalia on security, trade, economic development and regional integration, stressing that a stable Somalia is in the best interest of the region and the continent.

One of the most closely watched measures elevates teachers’ pay across the public sector. Under a new law governing the profession, teachers are now placed at the top of the public administrative salary scale, a move authorities have framed as recognition of the role education plays in national development.

The law introduces higher allowances for educators working in preschools, remote and disadvantaged areas, ethnic minority regions and specialised institutions. 

Education officials said the incentives are intended to address staffing shortages and improve retention in regions that have long struggled to attract qualified teachers.

Vietnam has also tightened its grip on personal data, as a standalone data protection law took effect amid growing concern over privacy and digital security. The legislation grants individuals explicit rights over their personal information, including the right to refuse or withdraw consent for data processing and to seek legal redress if their data is misused.

Companies handling personal data will now face clearer legal obligations, aligning Vietnam more closely with international standards.

There were also changes to employment law. New provisions expand state support for job creation, reskilling and self-employment, particularly in technology-driven and green sectors.

In a significant development for migrant workers, all Vietnamese citizens working overseas under contracts will now be eligible for preferential loans , replacing a more limited system that excluded many low-income applicants.

Foreign policy

The legal overhaul also extends beyond domestic policy. 

A new law governing participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations establishes a permanent legal framework for Vietnam’s overseas deployments, covering both military and civilian personnel. 

At the same time, a revised juvenile justice law places greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment, expanding the use of community-based measures and educational programmes for minors in conflict with the law.

Perhaps the most strategic of the new statutes is a law dedicated to the digital technology industry, which aims to position Vietnam as a regional hub for semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The law introduces formal definitions and incentives for digital enterprises, marking a rare attempt to legislate an entire sector into existence.

Together with changes to budget rules, energy regulation, transport and industrial standards, the laws mark one of Vietnam’s most extensive legislative resets in years.

"Partners indicate that at least 120,000 people were displaced between September and December, as water prices soar, food becomes increasingly scarce, livestock die, and livelihoods collapse, " OCHA said in the update released on Monday, December 22.

The situation is also disrupting education, with more than 75,000 students having dropped out of school nationwide. OCHA anticipates that the upcoming dry season, spanning January to March, will exacerbate existing drought conditions. 

The agency warned of increased water shortages, further livestock deaths, and rising food insecurity across many regions. 

"Authorities are appealing for urgent assistance to avert a possible collapse of pastoral and farming livelihoods and to prevent avoidable loss of life. They warn that the next four months will be critical, as the next rainy season is not expected until April 2026," the update stated. 

Despite the challenges, OCHA confirmed that the UN and its partners are actively involved in the response. "Support includes assessments, mapping available supply stocks, and coordinating emergency responses across water, food, nutrition, health and shelter sectors." 

Humanitarian teams are also delivering cash assistance, distributing animal fodder, rehabilitating boreholes, and conducting field visits to monitor conditions and prepare for early interventions, according to OCHA. However, these operations are severely limited by ongoing financial constraints. 

Earlier this month, it was reported that over 680 staff members with UN agencies in Somalia had been laid off since the beginning of 2025, following widespread funding shortages that have disrupted various humanitarian and development programs.

In response to the crisis, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher allocated $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support immediate needs. OCHA emphasised that "substantially more support is urgently needed."

The Somali NGO Consortium (SNC) also voiced concern over the deteriorating situation.

 “The resources required to save lives are shrinking while communities grow more desperate. Somalia cannot afford to reverse the hard-won progress of recent years,” Nimo Hassan, Director of the Somali NGO Consortium, said in a December 14 press release .

With just days before the end of 2025, officials indicate that the humanitarian response plan for Somalia had received only about $370 million of the $1.4 billion required, representing just one-quarter of the total funding target.

According to the agency, chronic underfunding has already led to the scaling back or suspension of key programmes. Many women are being left without safe childbirth services , emergency obstetric care, contraception or protection support. In 2025, UNFPA received only about $4 million of the $38.1 million it requested for Ethiopia.

UNFPA’s Executive Director, Diene Keita, warned that funding cuts are translating into closed clinics and survivors of sexual violence being turned away without help, calling these services “non-negotiable and life-saving.”

The situation is being worsened by overlapping crises, including conflict, climate-driven droughts and floods, and large-scale displacement. Ethiopia is also under additional strain from the war in neighbouring Sudan, as it hosts refugees fleeing violence and collapsing health systems.

UNICEF, on the other hand, says its humanitarian appeal for Ethiopian children remains heavily underfunded, putting essential services such as nutrition, health care and clean water at risk.

Mongolia Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav has directed a government working group to accelerate the implementation of Mongolia’s National Anti-Corruption Program, first approved by parliament in May 2023. The directive was issued during a meeting held on December 9, 2025, at the State Palace. Chaired by First Deputy Chief of Cabinet Secretariat Munkh-Erdene Dembereltseren, the group includes state secretaries from all ministries. Discussions focused on progress in combating corruption, addressing root causes of graft, preventing conflicts of interest, and strengthening the justice system. The Prime Minister stressed leadership, transparency, and integrity across all levels of public service and announced that 2026 will be designated the “Year of Strengthening Discipline and Accountability in the Civil Service,” amid concerns over Mongolia’s declining ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Parliamentary inquiry intensifies scrutiny of Oyu Tolgoi mining project

A high-profile parliamentary inquiry into the Oyu Tolgoi mining project continued last week, led by MP O. Batnairamdal. More than 300 current and former officials and company representatives have been summoned to testify over three days. The hearings are examining Mongolia’s ownership of natural resources, benefit-sharing arrangements, and the possibility of renegotiating the investment agreement. Witnesses included former presidents, senior government officials, and Oyu Tolgoi executives, who addressed issues such as classified documents, loan interest negotiations, and governance decisions. Several testimonies and statements drew public attention, and the inquiry is expected to continue with further evidence review.

Mongolia and UN discuss SDGs and desertification conference

Prime Minister Zandanshatar met with UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden on December 10, 2025, to discuss accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and preparations for hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in August 2026. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Mongolia’s commitment to cooperation with the UN and highlighted draft reforms aimed at increasing transparency in political and election financing under the UN Convention against Corruption. The UN reiterated its support for addressing Mongolia’s social and economic challenges, reducing inequality, creating jobs, and advancing energy and digital transitions.

Mongolia recovers smuggled dinosaur fossils from France

Mongolia has successfully repatriated 29 sets of dinosaur fossils that were illegally smuggled out of the country and seized by French authorities in 2013 and 2015. The official handover ceremony took place in Paris on December 11, 2025, following a confirmed investigation establishing the fossils’ origin in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. The collection includes remains of Tarbosaurus, Theropods, Ornithomimosaurs, and Hadrosaurs, dating back 65 to 70 million years. Officials said the return concludes nearly a decade of cooperation between Mongolian and French authorities.

Mongolia participates in IOM Council session in Geneva

The Mongolian delegation took part in the 116th Session of the International Organisation for Migration Council, held from December 8 to 10, 2025, in Geneva. Led by Permanent Representative Gerelmaa Davaasuren, the delegation engaged in discussions with representatives from 175 member states and other stakeholders on global migration challenges. Mongolia highlighted cooperation with IOM on safe, orderly, and humane migration, while IOM Director General Amy Pope thanked Mongolia for its continued support and announced plans to launch an IOM Country Office in the nation’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the layoffs included 158 international staff and 522 Somali employees. Key agencies affected include UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Smaller entities such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also faced staff reductions.

Officials explained that the layoffs resulted from a sharp decline in financial support from international donors. 

The drop in funding has stalled ongoing development and humanitarian programmes, including those previously backed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“The diversion of donor resources to crises in Ukraine , South Sudan, and Syria has further strained the funding available for Somalia,” one source said. 

The source added that the budget cuts are limiting the UN’s ability to provide essential services and development programmes to vulnerable communities.

Somalia’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan is significantly underfunded, with only 23.7% of the required resources secured. The UN reported that the number of people receiving emergency food assistance fell from 1.1 million in August to 350,000 in November.

These reductions are occurring at a time when humanitarian needs in Somalia remain high. The UN estimates that at least 4.4 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity through December. 

Additionally, 1.85 million children under the age of five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition through mid-2026.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has risen to second place with a population of almost 37 million and is projected to become the world ’s largest urban center by 2050.

Experts note that the shift highlights the rapid population expansion in parts of South and Southeast Asia , where cities are swelling at unprecedented rates.

According to the UN report, the number of megacities — defined as having populations exceeding 10 million — has quadrupled from just eight in 1975 to 33 in 2025. The majority of these are concentrated in Asia.

In 1950, only around 20% of the global population lived in cities; today that figure has risen to 45%. By contrast, Dhaka and Jakarta have expanded at more than seven and five times the pace of Tokyo’s growth since 2000.

Projections suggest Dhaka will continue its upward trajectory, reaching more than 52 million inhabitants by 2050, narrowly edging out Jakarta by around 300,000 people . Tokyo, meanwhile, is expected to drop to seventh place, overtaken by rapidly expanding cities such as Shanghai and New Delhi.

While the total number of megacities worldwide is expected to rise from 33 to 37 by 2050, none of the new entrants will be European. London, Istanbul and Moscow are set to remain the continent’s only megacities, with London ranking 33rd globally.

London’s population is forecast to increase by around 1.5 million over the next quarter century, but the UN highlights that the capital is an outlier. Most British cities fall within the global norm of small to mid-sized urban centres.

Despite the dominance of sprawling megacities in headlines, the report emphasises that the vast majority of urban areas remain relatively small: 96% have fewer than one million residents, and 81% fewer than 250,000. 

Worldwide, 36% of people live in towns and 19% in rural communities.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has praised Ghana for its strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, highlighting the country’s Budget execution and tracking system as a global model for transparency. Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s 2023 SDG Budget and Expenditure Report, UNICEF noted that Ghana is among a few countries implementing such an advanced accountability mechanism. The latest report shows SDG-related spending increased from GH₵83 billion in 2022 to GH₵180 billion in 2023, reflecting major investments in health, education, social protection, and human capital. Despite Ghana’s ranking of 120th globally on SDG attainment, UNICEF’s Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion, Paulina Sarvilahti, expressed optimism, saying Ghana’s data-driven approach provides a solid foundation for accelerated progress.

Opposition MPs decry delay in reintroducing anti-LGBTQ bill

Ghana’s main opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticised what it calls an unnecessary delay in the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Lead sponsor and NPP MP John Ntim Fordjour told Parliament on November 21 that it had been five weeks since the Speaker indicated the bill was undergoing final fine-tuning, yet it had not appeared on the order paper. He urged that any oversight be corrected immediately. Responding, Yusif Sulemana, an MP of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) cautioned against politicising the matter, noting former President Akufo-Addo did not sign the bill when it was first passed. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected claims of obstruction and assured the House that the government remained committed to its passage. The bill, which seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and restrict LGBTQ activities, continues to draw significant criticism from rights groups.

Ghana to host its first-ever Entertainment Week in December

Ghana will host its maiden Entertainment Week this December, an initiative aimed at celebrating the country’s fast-growing creative economy beyond the regular festive-season parties. The event will bring together creatives, investors, fans, and industry stakeholders for a week-long showcase covering music, film, fashion, digital arts, and live experiences. In a televised show on November 22, Entertainment Week Ghana partner Joseph Adjei said years of tracking Ghana’s vibrant December events inspired the idea. He revealed that December activities often exceed 250 events, driven by a tourism boom that sees nearly 3 million visitors—many from the diaspora—arriving to invest, collaborate, or relocate based on their cultural and entertainment experiences.

World Bank applauds progress under Ghana Digital Acceleration Project

A World Bank delegation has commended Ghana’s progress under the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) during a technical visit focused on strengthening digital development and cybersecurity. Led by Regional Practice Director Michel Rogy, the team visited the Cyber Security Authority’s National CERT facility and held discussions on enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in artificial intelligence, digital job creation, public-sector digitalisation, and cybersecurity resilience. 

UNICEF partners with Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene to launch child-rights anthem

Award-winning Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene has partnered with UNICEF Ghana to release a new child-rights anthem titled “Let Them Shine” in celebration of World Children’s Day. The song highlights every child’s right to education, healthcare, nutrition, safety, and protection from abuse, according to UNICEF . Its release coincides with the 36th anniversary of Ghana’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reaffirming the country’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding children. UNICEF Representative Osama Makawi said the collaboration goes beyond music, serving as a strategic tool to elevate child-rights advocacy nationwide. Kuami Eugene expressed pride in using his platform to empower young people, noting that every child in Ghana deserves to be heard, valued, and protected. 

“Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray,” Minaj said.

Although her remarks focused on Christian victims, Minaj stressed that calling for their protection should not be seen as taking sides. “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about dividing people . It is about uniting humanity,” she said, adding that the issue has global implications as religious violence spreads in several regions.

The rapper, who has a large Nigerian fan base, also spoke about reported attacks on worship centres. “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit. And the foundation of the United Nations… should shake,” she said.

Ambassador Waltz, who introduced Minaj, described the violence as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos,” saying attacks on Christians had long been underreported. Minaj praised local interfaith initiatives and said she hoped her appearance would encourage “deepened solidarity” to protect all people of faith.

She closed her speech by addressing her Nigerian fans, known as the “Barbz”, saying she hopes to perform in the country soon, “Nigeria is a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions, and lots of beautiful Barbz that I can’t wait to see.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has expressed shock at Trump’s comments instructing the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in the country.

“The African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration clearly express Africa’s united stance. The continent demands at least two permanent seats with veto power, in addition to more non-permanent seats,” he noted.

Ghana also praised Germany for its consistent support for Security Council reform and Africa’s inclusion. “We commend President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the German government for their principled stand,” President Mahama said.

Calling on the international community to go beyond declarations, he urged all nations to take concrete steps to reform the Security Council, making it “more representative, democratic and legitimate.”

The Security Council has 15 members, five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - who hold veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms.

Speaking before the UN, Algeria's Permanent Representative Amar Bendjama explained that his country had abstained from the vote as a deliberate act to demonstrate its rejection of a resolution it says "does not adequately reflect the UN doctrine regarding decolonisation."

"This text ignores the proposals of the Polisario Front, which were recently submitted to the Secretary-General and Security Council under reference S/2025/664," Bendjama said. "The Polisario is a party to the conflict and its opinion must be heard, if not taken into consideration."

He also raised what he described as “serious, legitimate legal questions” about the foundations of the proposed negotiation framework embedded in the resolution, suggesting that the plan could undermine established international legal norms around self-determination.

The resolution renews the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), but increasingly appears to sideline the original premise of a UN-organised referendum in favour of Morocco’s autonomy proposal, something Algeria and the Polisario Front oppose.

Eighty years later, the UN remains one of the most significant symbols of global unity, with 193 member states spanning every corner of the globe. What began with 51 founding members has grown into a truly universal body, reflecting decades of decolonisation, independence movements, and shifting political landscapes.

When the UN Charter came into force in 1945, membership was dominated by major world powers and a handful of independent nations. But the decades that followed changed everything. Between 1946 and 1959, the organisation expanded steadily as post-war recovery reshaped Europe and Asia.

Then came a wave unlike any before: the 1960s and 1970s brought dozens of new African and Asian nations into the fold as colonial empires dissolved and independence swept across the Global South. According to the United Nations , membership had grown to 99 states by 1960 and surpassed 110 by 1962.

The next major shift occurred in the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Newly sovereign countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Balkans joined the UN, marking the organisation's transition into a nearly complete representation of the world map. By the early 2000s, the UN had 193 member states, a number that remains unchanged today.

This steady expansion tells the story of a changing global order. From the original 51 states gathered in San Francisco to nearly every nation on Earth, UN membership reflects humanity’s ongoing quest for shared dialogue and collective problem-solving.

It also mirrors the rise of newly independent voices that reshaped international priorities, from development and equality to environmental sustainability.

In 2025, as the world marks the UN’s 80th anniversary, questions about its effectiveness and reform have taken centre stage. The recent election of Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia to the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term underscores the continued effort to ensure diverse regional representation

Asia follows closely, increasing by around 29.5 million people per year. In contrast, Europe’s population is shrinking, losing nearly one million people annually.

North America gains about 3.9 million people each year, while South America adds 2.4 million and Oceania grows modestly by 532,000. These regional differences paint a clear picture of how global growth is shifting and how the world’s demographic balance is changing rapidly.

The contrast between Africa and Europe reflects deeper demographic trends. In much of Africa, birth rates remain high, and populations are young.

Countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia are projected to double in population by 2050 if current trends continue, according to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2024 .

Europe, on the other hand, is experiencing the opposite. Low birth rates, ageing populations, and limited migration have led to steady declines in several countries, including Italy, Germany, and Poland. Even with longer life expectancies, the number of births often falls far short of the number of deaths.

The World Bank notes that this demographic transition, moving from high to low fertility and mortality rates, is reshaping economies and societies around the world. The Broader Implications

These population shifts have real consequences. For Africa, rapid growth brings opportunities and challenges. A young workforce could fuel economic expansion, but governments must also provide education, jobs, housing, and infrastructure for millions of new citizens each year.

Meanwhile, in Europe, shrinking populations are putting pressure on pension systems, healthcare services, and labor markets, prompting debates about immigration and family policies .

Globally, the United Nations forecasts that population growth will slow over the coming decades, eventually peaking around 2084 before beginning to decline.

The population divide is already visible in today’s headlines. In Africa, rapid growth is straining resources and intensifying discussions on food security and climate resilience. A recent UN report found that while global hunger has slightly declined, Africa still faces severe food shortages driven by conflict and extreme weather.

The MSS, led by Kenya , had aimed to deploy 2,500 officers but only managed to send 970, most of them Kenyan. Its planned first-year budget of 800 million US dollars barely reached 115 million. The new force promises a broader scope — 5,500 members, including both police and soldiers — and will be coordinated directly by the UN through a technical office tasked with logistics, resource mobilisation, and operations for 12 months. Unlike its predecessor, the GSF will be able to conduct independent operations, including the arrest of gang leaders.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism across the region. Kenya hailed it as “a positive step forward,” while the Dominican Republic called it “a decisive move toward regional stability.” The Organisation of American States described the resolution as “vital for restoring peace and security.” Within Haiti, transitional president Laurent Saint-Cyr welcomed the measure as a long-awaited response to the country’s desperate security situation. But human rights groups remain sceptical. Pierre Esperance, head of Haiti’s National Network for the Defence of Human Rights, told France 24 that local authorities have “done nothing to fight the gangs” and that many Haitians view the mission as their last hope after years of terror.

Concerns also linger over potential civilian harm. During the previous mission, drone strikes intended to target gang leaders killed at least eight children in September and a total of 30 civilians since March. The UN estimates that up to half of gang members are minors, raising fears that intensified operations could worsen the humanitarian toll. “Human rights activists will be watching closely,” Esperance warned, calling for transparent rules of engagement and accountability mechanisms within the new force.

The mission’s launch comes amid a deep political crisis. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has been governed by a transitional presidential council that has failed to organise elections or restore basic governance. Over 3,000 people have been killed in gang-related violence this year alone, and 1.3 million have been displaced. With more than 5.7 million Haitians facing food insecurity, analysts say that without a parallel political and economic plan, even a UN-backed military force will struggle to bring lasting stability. “Deployment alone will not be enough,” says Romain Le Cour Grandmaison of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime. “The next few months will determine Haiti’s future.”

This ranking places Nigeria at the bottom of a group of 25 countries with the shortest life expectancies. Just above it are Chad (55.2 years), and then South Sudan and the Central African Republic at 57.7 years.

22 out of those 25 lowest‑ranking nations are located in sub‑Saharan Africa, among them Lesotho (57.8 years), Somalia (59.0), and Mali (60.7).

Public health experts cite several deep‑rooted causes for Nigeria’s low ranking. High rates of maternal and infant mortality, weak access to quality healthcare, and persistent insecurity in parts of the country all contribute to life being cut short. Diseases, both communicable (malaria, HIV, tuberculosis) and noncommunicable (heart disease, cancer, diabetes), also take a heavy toll.

However, some voices have raised doubts about the precision of the UN’s estimates. Medical expert Dr Raymond Kuti argued that the methods and data used may not fully capture Nigerians’ true life expectancy, suggesting the published figure might understate what people actually experience. He acknowledged that disease burden plays a role, but emphasised the importance of better data collection and transparency.

As global attention turns to rising health inequalities, Nigeria’s government faces mounting pressure to not only invest in healthcare but also address the root causes of early death: poverty, insecurity, and underfunded infrastructure.

What’s at stake?

On September 25, 2025, the AU, UN, Somali government, and UK co-hosted a financing event at the UN General Assembly in New York. Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Spain contributed funds, while the EU is expected to support the $20 million that the AU and £16.5 million that the UK committed.  However, authorities acknowledged that there is still a £22 million deficit.  Leaders from the AU and UN warned that without consistent, long-term support, the mission may fail.

The warning comes in an already violent year that has seen Al Shabaab intensify its offensive.  Twenty recruits were killed by a suicide bombing at the Damaanyo military base in Mogadishu, and 21 people, including elders in charge of local defence, were killed during a hotel siege in Beledweyne earlier this year as well.  A strike on U.S. forces at Kismayo airport highlighted Somalia's vulnerability, while militants overran a garrison in Ceeldheer, seizing supplies and vehicles.  These incidents demonstrate that militants can still destabilise both rural and urban areas in the absence of a significant AU presence.

The background

AUSSOM was established in January 2025 as a leaner version of ATMIS/AMISOM, but it was still charged with securing critical infrastructure, assisting the Somali Security Forces (SSF), and degrading Al-Shabaab.  It operates in five sectors, with a phased drawdown aimed at Somali self-reliance by 2029.

Donor fatigue is glaring despite September's pledges, with the UK having acknowledged a £22 million shortfall. Operational planning is undermined by the fact that many contributions are still one-time rather than consistent over several years.  UN and AU officials have cautioned that if funding sources fail, troop logistics and salaries could be jeopardised.

Regional dynamics

Ethiopia is a major troop contributor, but it is cautious of Egyptian deployments because it views them as destabilising and linked to the geopolitics of the Nile Basin amid tensions surrounding the GERD development. Additionally, Addis Ababa conducts unilateral actions outside of AU coordination. Addis has hinted it may reconsider its own commitments if Egyptian deployments expand.

Egypt is now deploying troops under AUSSOM after finalising agreements with Mogadishu. Egyptian contingents are expected to take over positions in Sector Five (Middle Shabelle), including Bal’ad, Jowhar, and Mahaday, currently held by Burundian forces. Cairo frames this as support for Somalia’s stability, but critics see it as part of its strategic contest with Ethiopia. However, Somali leaders have openly denied that they will be used as a front in a proxy conflict.

Ankara is a longtime bilateral partner that invests in infrastructure, maintains a significant base in Mogadishu, and trains Somali special forces.  Although it complicates AU coordination, its expanding role gives Mogadishu alternatives.

Recalibration of the United States: US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States "will not police Somalia or Kenya." Washington is shrinking its footprint, prioritising a focus on intelligence assistance and targeted strikes. Recent airstrikes such as those near Badhan and on Al-Shabaab camps, demonstrate continued engagement, but with fewer resources on the ground.

Comment

AUSSOM is indispensable yet precarious. It stabilises Somalia's fragile transition, but ongoing underfunding erodes planning and troop morale.  International acknowledgement of the mission's importance does not yet translate into sustainable resourcing, as the September financing event demonstrated.

AUSSOM’s credibility also suffers from its uneven relationship with Somalia’s federal and regional authorities. Disputes between Mogadishu and federal member states such as Jubaland and Puntland undermine coordination, leaving gaps that Al-Shabaab readily exploits. For many Somalis, the mission is caught between being a stabiliser and a symbol of dependency, struggling to empower Somali forces while remaining an indispensable promise of security.

The U.S. withdrawal increases accountability for European and African donors.  The problem for Europe is serious: terrorism, migration, and maritime insecurity could spread without strong AU operations, but there is still little desire for greater engagement.  For Somalis, AUSSOM serves as a reminder of the state's vulnerability as well as a source of comfort against Al-Shabaab.

Assessment / Outlook

With the help of recent donor commitments, AUSSOM should be able to maintain its position in the near term, but operational constraints brought on by budget deficits will continue.  Al-Shabaab will most likely keep carrying out asymmetrical attacks, such as raids in central Somalia and suicide bombings in Mogadishu, in an effort to test the resolve of the AU and Somali people.

Looking ahead, if donor fatigue persists, there is a real chance that the mission will be reduced too soon.  Somalia's security forces are unlikely to be fully responsible by 2029 due to the country's unresolved conflicts between the federal government and its regions and its sluggish institutional reform.  AU cohesion and Mogadishu's balancing act will be made more difficult by the escalating regional rivalries, which include Ethiopia's resistance, Egypt's ambitions for influence, and Turkey's growing involvement.

The stakes are high for Europe and other partners. In addition to giving Al-Shabaab more confidence, a weakened AUSSOM would raise the risks to Red Sea trade and encourage migration northward, highlighting the close connection between Somalia's stability and wider international security.

Conclusion

AUSSOM embodies both the promise and limits of African-led stabilisation. It is essential in holding back Al-Shabaab and enabling fragile Somali governance, yet its survival depends on reliable funding and regional consensus. Turkey’s rise and the Egypt–Ethiopia tug-of-war complicate AU unity, while U.S. retrenchment shifts responsibility toward Africa and Europe. For Somalia, the mission is a lifeline. For the West, it is a warning: failure to sustain AUSSOM risks reverberations across the Horn, the Red Sea, and into Europe’s own security corridors.

This report is compiled by  Eigenrac  is a Dubai-based boutique consultancy specialising in security risk management services, with a global presence and deep understanding of complex business risk environments. Eigenrac acts as a trusted enabler for clients operating in high-risk or demanding settings.

Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in Moscow on January 17, 2025, formalising deeper cooperation across political, security, and economic sectors. The agreement, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, commits both countries to long-term collaboration in regional security and international coordination. It also emphasises joint efforts within multilateral organisations and support for a multipolar world order.

Iran prepares plan to counter possible UN sanctions snapback

Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has finalised a plan to address the potential reimposition of United Nations sanctions. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Mohajerani noted that Tehran had anticipated multiple scenarios regarding the snapback mechanism and developed measures accordingly. She added that the plan will be formally approved on Sunday.

Iran and Pakistan to deepen cooperation amid regional developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation on Thursday to review bilateral ties and regional issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation at the bilateral level and within multilateral platforms, while emphasising the need for continued diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

Iran calls for sanctions on Israel over alleged genocide in Gaza

Ali Bahraini, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, urged the Human Rights Council on Thursday to impose immediate and comprehensive sanctions on Israel, citing what he described as an ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at the Council’s 60th session, which reviewed a report on corporate activity in Israeli settlements, Bahraini referred to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion and the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry, both of which point to violations of Palestinian rights. He accused Western governments of complicity in Israel’s actions and stressed that states party to the Genocide Convention are obliged to prevent and punish genocide.

Iran urges UN Security Council to grant Palestine full membership

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has called on the Security Council to approve Palestine’s full membership and recognise it as a sovereign state. Addressing a General Assembly session on the use of veto power, Iravani criticised repeated U.S. vetoes of ceasefire resolutions in Gaza, saying Washington’s actions have paralysed the Council and enabled Israel to continue violations of international law. He accused Israel of decades of unlawful policies, including indiscriminate bombings, forced displacement, settlement expansion, and attacks on religious sites, describing them as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

The same trend was observed in real GDP per employed person, which slowed to 1.6% from 3.0% in the same period, indicating weaker productivity.

“It could indicate the needs of technological advancement, better capacity building and improved management practices in the economy for obtaining higher productivity so that it will drive higher economic growth,” the report stated.

Based on separate ASEAN data, the region’s population stood at 671.7 million in 2022, representing a 1.2% growth rate, faster than the 0.8% recorded the previous year.

These indicators reflect Asean’s progress under SDG 8, or Decent Work and Economic Growth, which seeks to promote inclusive growth, full employment and decent work for all.

Far from full employment

Under the same SDG, the report noted that the region remains far from full employment. The unemployment rate inched down only slightly, to 3.8% from 3.9% in 2016, which the report described as “relatively slow” progress.

Disparities remain between sexes and age groups. Unemployment among men was 3.7% in 2023, compared with 4.0% in 2016, while women’s unemployment rose to 3.5% from 2.6%.

Youth unemployment was the highest, standing at 8.5% in 2023, though down from 11.2% in 2016. The share of young people not engaged in education, employment or training also fell to 16.8% from 18.7%.

Southeast Asia remains a relatively young region, with a median age of 30.4, compared with the Asian average of 32.5 years. 

The figure is expected to fall further when Timor-Leste, Asia’s youngest democracy, which also happens to have one of the world’s youngest populations, formally joins the bloc.

Asean’s chief statistician, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, praised the bloc’s progress.

"Over the past seven years, Asean has made commendable progress across all goals, highlighting the region's collective commitment to the 2030 Agenda,” he said in a statement.

The report said 15 targets were on track, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, healthcare, gender equality, clean energy and institutional development. Another 32 indicators showed moderate progress, while 21 were either stagnating or regressing.

Healthcare spending was cited as a key driver in reducing poverty, rising to 12.1% of total government expenditure in 2023, from just 7.7% in 2016.

Other indicators linked to poverty presented a more sobering picture. 

Deaths, missing persons and those affected by climate-related disasters surged to 6,386 per 100,000 population in 2023, more than double the 2,921 recorded in 2016. The report noted that the poor remain the most vulnerable to climate shocks.

Spending on education declined during the same period, falling to 13.9% of total government expenditure from 17.8% in 2016.

Household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40% of the population improved modestly to 5.8% in 2023, from 5.2% in 2016. The report cautioned that stronger gains will be needed to ensure sustained poverty reduction.

The UN has set seven targets under Sustainable Development Goal 1, including halving the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its forms by 2030.

Regional progress is expected to be brought up when Asean leaders meet in Malaysia later this month. Leaders from outside the bloc, including US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, have also been invited to attend.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has defended his government’s decision to open a Fiji Embassy in Israel , saying it was a state decision rooted in longstanding ties, not a move by any single coalition party. Rabuka recalled that Israel supported Fiji when “traditional defence partners withdrew” and has consistently backed its peacekeeping operations. The decision has drawn sharp criticism. Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry questioned the timing, noting that “much of the free world is distancing itself from Israel” over Gaza. The NGO Coalition on Human Rights condemned the move as “shameful,” citing more than 65,000 deaths in Gaza and accusing Fiji of betraying its human rights principles and its own “Ocean of Peace” vision.

Official bats for recognition of sign language as a human right

Fiji has renewed calls for stronger recognition of sign language as a fundamental right. Speaking on the International Day of Sign Language, Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran said, “No human rights are complete without sign language rights.” She said the government supports its recognition as an official language and pointed to the Cabinet-approved Disability Policy as a framework to advance inclusion across education, health and public life. She noted progress, from interpreters on national television and in parliament to new advocacy groups, but said barriers persist. Kiran also praised the work of the Fiji Association of the Deaf and others, stressing sign language is not only communication but “a rich expression of identity and culture.” 

Fiji leader raises health crises to UN 

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged global action on non-communicable diseases and mental health , calling them “global threats that demand urgent action.” Addressing world leaders in New York, he said NCDs account for more than 80% of deaths in Fiji, while mental health — especially among youth — remains neglected. Rabuka outlined Fiji’s response, from new legislation and school health programmes to expanded mental health services, but noted stigma, underfunding and scarce resources hamper progress. Rabuka appealed for targeted international funding, arguing that small nations cannot confront these crises alone.

Climate-resilient water systems set for $385M boost

Fiji has signed a $385 million agreement with the Asian Development Bank to modernise its water and wastewater systems , in what officials describe as a benchmark for climate-resilient infrastructure. Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad said the project aligns with the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and the Water Sector Strategy 2050, both of which prioritise adaptation, ocean health and reliable services. ADB regional director Aaron Batten said the project will also establish a Pacific Regional Water Operators Training Programme, positioning Fiji as a hub to address skills gaps across the region’s water sector.

PM urges UN Security Council to act before AI risks escalate

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged the United Nations Security Council to create a global framework to govern artificial intelligence in peace and security, warning that inaction could expose the world to instability. Speaking in New York, Rabuka said AI could enhance conflict prevention, cyber defence and humanitarian aid but stressed, “Peace is not achieved by technology but by people through trust, justice, and political will.” He called for an intergovernmental process to design safeguards, citing the Pacific’s Ocean of Peace Declaration, where leaders pledged to protect sovereignty and reject military interference. 

“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” he said. 

Peters added that recognition in the current climate “could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed that stance in Auckland the following day, stressing that recognition was “a question of when, not if.” He said New Zealanders could be “proud” of the government’s independent decision. 

“We are not pro-Palestine, nor Israel, and we are friends to both. What we are is pro-peace,” Luxon said.

The decision leaves New Zealand among a minority of countries, including the United States, Japan and South Korea, that have withheld recognition. It stood apart from partners such as Australia, Canada and Britain, which on Sunday joined more than 140 nations that formally backed Palestinian aspirations for statehood.

Officials in Wellington argued that the timing was key. 

A government handout released on Friday said New Zealand “hoped to recognise a Palestinian state at a time when the situation on the ground offers greater prospects for peace and negotiation than at present.” 

Luxon said his government would continue to support the Palestinian Authority in building governance and institutions to prepare for eventual statehood.

Critics, however, accused the government of moral failure. 

Former prime minister Helen Clark called it a “day of shame” for New Zealand, noting the decision had been taken 11 days earlier but disclosed late in the UN debate. 

Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Peeni Henare, said the government had placed New Zealand “on the wrong side of history,” adding: “There is no two-state solution or enduring peace in the Middle East without recognition of Palestine as a state.”

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader urged the international community to establish a fairer global order during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. Marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, Abinader stressed that the organisation’s mission remains to prevent hatred, uphold peace, foster development, and protect human rights. He argued that international progress should not come at the expense of certain nations or peoples.

Dominican Republic outlines 25 action plans on relations with Haiti

The Dominican Republic’s Social and Economic Council (CES) has presented a 32-page document containing 25 action plans and 151 proposals addressing key aspects of the country’s relations with Haiti and Haitian citizens. Haitian migration emerged as a central focus, with the report highlighting the need to identify and formalise Haitians working in the Dominican labour market, particularly in agriculture, construction, and tourism. The proposals are the result of discussions led by CES executives, President Luis Abinader, and former presidents Hipólito Mejía, Leonel Fernández, and Danilo Medina since May.

Dominican Republic highlights major rare earth discoveries

President Luis Abinader has underscored the strategic importance of recent rare earth discoveries in the Dominican Republic, describing them as among the most significant in Latin America due to their economic value. Speaking in New York ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Abinader said the government will present this potential to multilateral organisations and business forums, including the Council of the Americas, the Atlantic Forum, and the Hispanic American Business Investment Centre, to attract strategic investment.

Dominican Republic urged to improve governance and restore public trust

Temístocles Montás, vice president of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), has called on the government to make significant improvements in ethical integrity and the quality of public services to restore citizens’ confidence in the political system. Writing in his weekly column, Montás argued that visible results are urgently needed to stabilise public expectations and counter what he described as growing government fatigue and the risks of populism.

Dominican Republic presses UN for urgent renewal of Haiti security mission

President Luis Abinader has urged the United Nations Security Council to swiftly approve a resolution extending the mandate of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, set to expire on 2 October 2025. Speaking at the UN General Debate on 24 September, Abinader stressed that the renewal is vital to ensure legitimacy and stability during a critical transition period. He warned that the Dominican Republic faces the consequences of Haiti’s crisis directly from its shared border and insisted that urgent international support is essential.

“In the Caribbean Sea, today looms the threat of war with an extraordinary naval and aerial deployment of an offensive nature. Absolutely unjustifiable, with missiles, landing and assault craft, and nuclear submarines. Ballistic missiles with nuclear capacity are being launched as tests. The United States uses the pretext of fighting crime and drug trafficking, a myth that no one in this room believes”, Rodríguez told delegates in New York.

He reaffirmed Havana’s “total support” for Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro, condemned Washington’s actions as violations of international law, and expressed “firm solidarity” with the Palestinian people, accusing Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza with US backing.

Rodríguez also reiterated Cuba’s rejection of unilateral sanctions against countries such as Belarus, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Iran and Russia , while stressing that the US embargo on Cuba remains a “prolonged economic war” aimed at depriving its citizens of basic means of livelihood.

Kenyan President William Ruto told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that Africa’s absence from permanent membership of the Security Council is “unacceptable, unfair, and grossly unjust.” He called for reforms granting Africa at least two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats. Ruto noted that Africa dominates much of the Council’s agenda, contributes significant peacekeeping forces, and bears the greatest costs of instability, yet remains the only continent without permanent representation.

Ex-UN official extradited to US

Kenya has extradited Bile Jean Philippe Assemian, a former United Nations employee, to the United States to face charges in an international firearms trafficking case linked to West Africa. Assemian, an Ivorian national who previously worked with the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), was handed over to US authorities on Thursday and flown to Cleveland, Ohio, for a federal court appearance. Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed the extradition in a statement on X, sharing images of Assemian boarding a flight under police escort while using crutches.

Traffic ring busted by Kenya Police

Kenyan police have broken up a trafficking network accused of recruiting citizens to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine. Authorities said a raid in Nairobi uncovered recruitment materials, forged travel documents, and fake job offers used to lure victims. The operation highlights how criminal networks exploit vulnerable youth and reflects the growing use of foreign nationals in Russia’s military campaign.

Kenya pushes for US trade deal

Kenyan President William Ruto said on Wednesday, September 24, that his country expects to conclude a trade agreement with the United States by the end of the year and will press Washington to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for at least five years. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Ruto said AGOA, which grants duty-free access to U.S. markets for eligible African countries, is set to expire this month and remains critical to addressing trade deficits and strengthening U.S.-Africa ties. He is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to advance discussions on both the bilateral trade deal and the renewal of AGOA.

IMF to visit Kenya

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send a mission to Kenya from September 25 to October 9 to discuss a possible new programme with lending provisions, the Fund announced on Wednesday. Kenya’s previous $3.6 billion IMF arrangement expired in April, and officials, including Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge, have expressed interest in a fresh deal. IMF mission chief Haimanot Teferra confirmed that talks will begin “in the coming days.” News of the planned discussions lifted Kenya’s dollar bonds, with the 2048 maturity rising 0.7 cents to 89.88 cents on the dollar, according to Tradeweb data. Analysts say a new IMF programme is critical for Kenya to manage external debt repayments.

Petro, who has previously confirmed he holds Italian nationality, noted that under the Visa Waiver Programme, he would only require an ESTA authorisation to enter the United States.

The move to revoke his visa came after Petro addressed pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday. He urged US soldiers to defy orders from President Donald Trump , saying they should “obey humanity” instead. The State Department later described his comments as “reckless and incendiary.”

“It is not a crime ,” Petro reiterated on Saturday, “to call on armies not to fire on humanity.”

Despite the escalating row, the Colombian leader said Trump was welcome in his country, though he drew a sharp line: “No war criminal, let alone a criminal against humanity, will be allowed to enter Colombia.”

Petro had travelled to New York to address the UN General Assembly, where he accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” in Gaza. His remarks followed a recent UN investigation which concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians – a finding strongly denied by the Israeli government.

He emphasised the need for greater use of local currencies in cross-border trade, expanded lending from the New Development Bank (NDB), and joint investments in energy, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“BRICS can and must play a central role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive global economic order,” Abdelatty said, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

The appeal comes as global debt levels hit $315 trillion in 2025, according to the Institute of International Finance , with emerging markets accounting for nearly a third. Many African and Asian countries face rising debt-servicing costs as U.S. interest rates remain high and access to concessional financing tightens.

Abdelatty also used the platform to denounce Israel’s war in Gaza, calling it an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe,” and reiterated Egypt’s opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians. He welcomed this week’s UN General Assembly resolution reaffirming international support for a two-state solution.

BRICS , founded in 2009 as a counterweight to Western-led financial institutions, expanded in 2024 to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, alongside original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The bloc says its goal is to amplify the voice of the Global South in institutions such as the IMF, World Bank , and WTO.

1. Rejecting the “law of the strongest” and protecting the weak

Prabowo challenged the global order’s tendency to let powerful nations dominate weaker ones, urging the world to resist such injustice. He declared, “The strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must. We must reject this doctrine.” He further called for a rule-based international system that safeguards smaller nations.

2. A balanced stance on Israel and Palestine

In one of the speech’s most striking moments, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Palestinian statehood, while also calling for Israel’s security to be guaranteed.

“We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognise, respect, and guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then can we have real peace,” he firmly remarked.

His comments stood out as Indonesia, long a strong supporter of Palestine, took a more balanced position than usual.

3. Offering 20,000 peacekeepers for global stability

Prabowo pledged Indonesia’s willingness to contribute massive troop support for peacekeeping missions, especially in conflict zones such as Gaza .

“Not with just words, but with boots on the ground. Indonesia is prepared to deploy 20,000 or even more of our sons and daughters to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere,” he pledged.

4. Turning Indonesia into a global rice supplier

Highlighting Indonesia’s recent agricultural successes, Prabowo announced ambitions to help feed the world.

"Indonesia recorded the highest rice production and grain reserves in our history. We are now self-sufficient and starting to export rice to other nations in need,” he said. Adding that, “We are confident that in a few years we will be the granary of the world.”

5. Green energy and sustainable development

Prabowo further pressed climate action as a national priority, pledging real change rather than “empty slogans.”

“We choose to confront climate change not by slogans, but by immediate steps. We are committed to meeting our 2015 Paris Agreement obligations and aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2060,” he said.

Indonesia, home to over 270 million people , is one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.