United Nations News
Here are some news articles from the United Nations we think you'll find interesting. As always, we welcome your comments.
Progress on UN gifting agreement
All 193 UN member states have signed a non-binding agreement on resource gifting, based on the principles of state sovereignty, sustainable use, equity, and mutual benefit. This agreement serves as a political declaration or memorandum of understanding, expressing a political or moral commitment, but it does not create any legal rights or obligations under international law.
Additionally, the agreement allows for the gifting state to make available a portion of a specific resource, e.g., water, forest products, etc, which can then be used in projects supported by the UN for the benefit of the recipient state.
A representative from the UK government has reiterated the government's commitment to this gifting agreement and to combating rogue capitalism. This agreement aims to prevent the "resource curse" and reduce the risk of conflict over resource control, which can arise when wealth is concentrated among a few elites or private entities.
COP30 opened in Belém on Monday with a clear message: the era of half-measures is over. Climate change is here, devastating communities and driving up costs, but solutions are within reach. Clean energy is surging, resilience saves lives, and cooperation can still bend the curve further.
The Leaders’ Summit, held on 6 and 7 November in Belém, has already mobilized $5.5 billion for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility – a fund designed to reward nations for protecting rainforests. Other collective commitments include recognizing Indigenous land rights, quadrupling sustainable fuel production, and linking climate action to the fight against hunger, poverty, and environmental racism.
The Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to remove Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from sanctions measures targeting members and supporters of terrorist groups ISIL and Al-Qaida.
Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian Permanent Representative, agreed on the need to facilitate Syria's economic recovery and development during the transition period and said that the resolution reflects the interests and aspirations of the Syrian people. Mr. Nebenzia referred to Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and ongoing terrorist threats as factors that hinder long-term stability in the country.
The terror risk was also noted by Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont of France, who said that “the fight against Da’esh (ISIL) in the Middle East is not over and the risks of a resurgence must not be underestimated.”
The adoption, he continued, is “an important step on the path towards the reconstruction of a sovereign, united, and reconciled Syria, one living in peace and free of the terrorist scourge.”
United Nations Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the UN that you may not know.
The UN does not have a Security Council
There is no security council. The General Assembly is the sole principal decision-making body on all UN matters, including international peace and security, budgetary questions, and the admission of new members.
Here are the facts
-
Decisions on "important questions" require a two-thirds majority, while all other questions are decided by a simple majority.
-
The system provides universal representation (one country, one vote, with no veto) for all decisions, representing the will of the entire international community.
The UN has a standing army
The UN has a standing army. Here are the benefits:
-
Rapid Response: The UN force can deploy quickly to prevent mass atrocities or humanitarian disasters.
-
Impartiality: A volunteer force, loyal to the UN, acts more objectively than national contingents influenced by their home governments.
-
Effective Peacekeeping: Better-trained, equipped, and prepared troops could more effectively disarm combatants and defend UN member states.
The UN is independent
The United Nations (UN) operates independently of any single country to effectively maintain international peace and security, uphold international law, and promote global cooperation for the benefit of all nations. This independence ensures impartiality in mediating disputes, prevents biases from powerful states, and fosters trust among member states. As a result, the UN can serve as a neutral center for harmonizing global actions towards shared goals.
Add comment
Comments
don't know who to trust now...
Interesting facts about the UN. Thanks!