African Energy Leaders Group Launched at Davos

The African Energy Leaders Group (AELG), launched last week, is aimed at bringing together political and economic leaders at the highest level to drive the reforms and investment needed to end energy poverty and sustainably fuel the continent’s economic future.

Global Civil Society Launches Internet Social Forum

A group of civil society organisations from around the world has announced the Internet Social Forum (ISF), to bring together and articulate bottom-up perspectives on the 'Internet we want'. Taking inspiration from the World Social Forum, and its clarion call, 'Another World is possible', the group seeks to draw urgent attention to the increasing centralization of the Internet for extraction of monopoly rents and for socio-political control, asserting that 'Another Internet is possible'!

Ebola Impact on Guinea, Liberia & Sierra Leone Remains Crippling, Says World Bank

The Ebola epidemic is continuing to cripple the economies of the three worst affected countries in Africa, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, even as transmission rates in the three countries show significant signs of slowing, according to an analysis by the World Bank Group.

Partnerships Essential for SDGs, says UNIDO Director General

The Director General of the U.N. Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) sees a critical role for partnerships in the successful implementation of the U.N.’s proposed 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Finns’ Conception of World Poverty is Gloomier than Reality

A survey commissioned by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals the Finns’ conception of world poverty is much gloomier than reality.

2014 “Arms Control Person of the Year”

Alexander Kmentt, Austria's Director for Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament received the highest number of votes in an online poll to determine the "2014 Arms Control Person of the Year."

Global Economy Set to Improve Marginally

Over the next two years, global economic growth is expected to increase marginally, according to a new U.N. report released Wednesday.

Malaria Deaths Fall Dramatically

Since 2000, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of people dying from malaria, according to a new report released Tuesday by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Citizens Worldwide to Celebrate International Volunteer Day

Come December 5, people in over 80 countries will celebrate International Volunteer Day by taking action to improve their communities.

Praise For UNIDO’s Technical Assistance

Ethiopia and Senegal have lauded the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for its “crucial assistance” in enhancing development and progress in Africa.

UNICEF Claims Success in Battle Against Polio

The U.N. children’s agency UNICEF said the annual number of polio cases has fallen from 350,000 in 1988, to 416 in 2013, and 243 so far this year – “an extraordinary drop of more than 99 percent.”

U.N. Staff Union Expresses Concern Over Ebola Response

As thousands of U.N. staff volunteer to work in Ebola-stricken countries in Africa, the Staff Union has called for safety measures to protect personnel on the ground.

Locust Plague in Madagascar Halted, But Possible Resurgence Due to Lack of Funds

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said Thursday that a locust plague in Madagascar, that threatened the main staple food crops and pasture in the country, has been successfully contained.

U.N. on Safe Use of Living Modified Organisms

A five day meeting in the Republic of Korea, beginning Monday, will provide an opportunity for the global biodiversity community to make progress on the safe transboundary movement of Living modified organisms (LMOs) in the direction of lessening trade distortions while securing the biosafety of the State Parties.

Film Industry Stereotypes Women, Says New Study

In a new study on women stereotypes, the global film industry has been accused of perpetuating discrimination against women.

Brundtland Receives Mahbub ul Haq Award for Human Development

Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first woman Prime Minister of Norway and currently Deputy Chair of The Elders, received the Mahbub ul Haq Award for Human Development presented by the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP).

New pledges to Help Children Affected by Crisis in Syria

The U.N. children’s agency UNICEF welcomed the $347 million in new funding commitments to the “No Lost Generation Initiative announced Wednesday, according to a UNICEF press release.

Sexual & Reproductive Rights are Human Rights, Says UNFPA Head

Addressing a special session of the U.N. General Assembly on the 20th anniversary of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Executive Director o f the U.N.Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr Babatunde Osotimehin said over the past 20 years,” we have seen the rise of hundreds of millions out of poverty, gender parity in primary education, fewer women dying giving life and more women in the workforce.”

Religious Leaders Call for U.N. Action on Sexual & Reproductive Health

On the eve of a major U.N. special session on population and development, a delegation of religious leaders released a statement calling for action on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Child Mortality Rates Falling Faster Than Ever

Child mortality rates, particularly those under five, have dropped by 49 per cent between 1990 and 2013.

UNIDO celebrates International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), along with implementing agencies of the Montreal Protocol, commemorated International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.