Deforestation Wreaks Havoc in Guatemala’s Caribbean Region

“Many tourists come to this area for bird watching, but the terrible deforestation is leading to the disappearance of so much of our flora and fauna. The cleared land is used for cattle ranching,” said Haroldo Figueroa, who works as a guide in nature reserves along Guatemala’s Caribbean coast.

The United Nations & The Olympics

‘‘July 26 was a memorable and emotional day. I spent the morning in Srebrenica, with mothers of those slain in the horrendous massacre. Later that same day I was in London, where the joy of our common humanity was evident in the faces of all the spectators and competitors I saw,’’ said Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of The United Nations, ‘‘The swing of emotions, and the sense of common purpose in both places, was deeply moving, both personally and because of the work of the United Nations, he added.

12 Countries in New Initiatives to End Violence Against Women

At an international forum on “Ending Violence Against Women”, 12 countries announced Friday new, concrete initiatives to address this gross human rights violation. Responding to a call by UN Women under its initiative COMMIT, countries from every region pledged actions -- ranging from improved services for survivors to national advocacy and educational campaigns. These were initiatives to address workplace harassment, as well as National Acton Plans and other innovative interventions, according to a press statement released here.

No Women, No Elections

Kenya’s rights activists are furious that the country’s highest court “violated” women’s constitutional rights by ruling against the implementation of a gender quota in parliament ahead of the 2013 general elections.

“Chasing Ice” Reveals Stories on Global Climate Change

Combining art with science, U.S. photographer James Balog invites his audience to see the destructive and shocking effects of global climate change in his latest documentary film “Chasing Ice”.

Caribbean Islands Find Economic Advantages in Sustainable Energy

With the exception of oil rich Trinidad and Tobago, most, if not all, other Caribbean islands are extremely vulnerable when it comes to the high costs of imported fuels that are easily disrupted by natural disasters and other phenomena.

Syria Opposition Wins International Backing

More than 100 countries have recognised a new Syrian opposition coalition, opening the way for greater assistance to the forces fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad, including possibly military aid.

Crisis Hits Spain’s Roma Hard

Daniel introduces himself as a “gypsy and guitarist,” Francisco José wants to become a doctor, Yomara timidly says she likes to cook, and María has no idea what she wants to study.

Tunisia Gears Up to Host World Social Forum

Following in the wake of the wave of revolutions dubbed the ‘Arab Spring’, which originated here nearly two years ago, North Africa is gearing up to host the World Social Forum (WSF) for the first time.

Economic Reforms in Cuba Require Decentralisation

The social and economic model that is taking shape in Cuba based on changes gradually being implemented require reforms for strengthening and giving greater autonomy to local government bodies, which began to be renewed in October with the election of new municipal assembly members.

Chávez Names Civilian Heir for Sake of Unity

Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan vice president and foreign minister, has been announced by President Hugo Chávez as his political successor. Many analysts view this as a specific call for party unity, and a preference for a civilian over a former military leader.

Chávez Names Civilian Heir for Sake of Unity

Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan vice president and foreign minister, has been announced by President Hugo Chávez as his political successor. Many analysts view this as a specific call for party unity, and a preference for a civilian over a former military leader.

Diamonds Are Israel’s Best Friend

While Israelis aren’t new to the diamond trade, they’re fairly novice in diamond mining. Inspired by the words of a revered Rabbi who prophesied that gems are buried in the Promised Land, Shefa Yamim, the country’s first exploration and mining company, hopes to unearth huge diamonds deposits.

Diamonds Are Israel’s Best Friend

While Israelis aren’t new to the diamond trade, they’re fairly novice in diamond mining. Inspired by the words of a revered Rabbi who prophesied that gems are buried in the Promised Land, Shefa Yamim, the country’s first exploration and mining company, hopes to unearth huge diamonds deposits.

Taliban Face Sick Police

The Taliban’s ruthless campaign against security forces has demoralised the forces, who are unable to put up a strong resistance to Islamic militants.

U.N. Faces Complex Challenges Fighting Ilegal Drug Markets

“Despite enormous resources spent to fight drug control, there is enough evidence demonstrating lack of effectiveness of the current approach,” said Mike Trace, chair of International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) at a panel discussion Friday on “Drug policy reforms at the national and local levels.”  The meeting was organized by the Permanent Mission of Guatemala, in collaboration with the IDPCA and the Social Science Research Council.

YOUTH CALL FOR FULL PARTICIPATION IN SHAPING U.N.’s POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

A three-day Youth Forum, co-hosted by the Indonesian Government and the UN Population Fund, (UNFPA), generated recommendations on health, education, employment, families, youth rights,  civic participation, and well-being, including  sexuality.

Closing Intergenerational Gap Proves Critical For Survival of Growing Cities

An international expert group of government representatives, youth leaders, cultural experts and entrepreneurs, came together for a high-level working session -co-organised by the UN-Habitat and International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC).

Landfill in Argentine Capital “Kills Slowly”

“This isn’t like a tsunami, which appears all of a sudden, but a silent enemy that kills you slowly, as you breathe and drink the water,” says Hugo Ozores, who lives in González Catán, a working-class district in Greater Buenos Aires.

World Needs Volunteers to Move Forward

The United Nations believes that International Volunteer Day shows that people working without expectation of material reward are an essential feature to tackle world challenges. Currently there are over 7,700 UN Volunteers (UNV) worldwide.

Antigua Prepares for Consequences of Superstorm Sandy

Tourism-dependent Antigua may have been spared the ravages of superstorm Sandy, but the island is nevertheless feeling its effects on environmental, political and economic fronts.