The UN’s top political and peacebuilding official on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of societies, stressing the need to involve them in decision-making on issues ranging from conflict to climate change. Read the full story, “‘Investing in youth is investing in peace’, UN Security Council hears”, on globalissues.org ..read more

The Commissioner-General of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) briefed the Security Council in New York on Wednesday as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, telling ambassadors that life-saving deliveries are being blocked by Israel as part of an "insidious campaign" to push it out of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Read the full story, “‘Insidious campaign’ by Israel is denying life-saving aid to Gaza says UNRWA chief”, on globalissues.org ..read more

Despite facing formidable challenges, women-owned and run businesses in Afghanistan continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, serving as vital pillars of economic stability and hope amidst adversity, a new UN report has found. Read the full story, “Women in Afghanistan: The future ‘depends on them’”, on globalissues.org ..read more

Despite important achievements over the past decade to improve the well-being of Indigenous Peoples, safeguard their cultures, and expand their participation at the UN, “deep chasms” endure between commitments made and reality on the ground, the President of the General Assembly said on Wednesday. Read the full story, “Transform landmark Indigenous rights declaration into reality: UN General Assembly President”, on globalissues.org ..read more

HAVANA, Apr 17 (IPS) - With a bolder policy and flexible payment mechanisms, perhaps Alexis Rodríguez would have opted for solar panels for his home, instead of the portable generator that has made it possible for him to weather the frequent blackouts caused by Cuba's recurrent energy crises. Read the full story, “Better Incentives Needed to Expand Solar Energy in Cuba”, on globalissues.org ..read more

ABU DHABI, Apr 17 (IPS) - Investors, regulators, researchers, policymakers, and representatives of renewable energy companies, acknowledged the key challenges of shifting away from fossil fuels to renewable energy in Africa when they gathered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week. Read the full story, “Africa Pushing Limits To Boost Renewable Energy Supply Chain, Security Access”, on globalissues.org ..read more

UN and partner agencies insisted on Wednesday that “critical changes” are needed to improve aid access into Gaza, as they launched a $2.8 billion appeal to provide urgent assistance for millions of people in the devastated enclave, but also in the West Bank, where Palestinians have been targeted by increasing settler violence. Read the full story, “$2.8 billion appeal for three million people in Gaza, West Bank”, on globalissues.org ..read more

African women are 130 times more likely to die due to pregnancy or childbirth complications than women in Europe and Northern America, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) said in a new report published on Wednesday. Read the full story, “Violations of women’s reproductive health rights trigger rise in preventable deaths”, on globalissues.org ..read more

APEX, North Carolina / DUBLIN, Ireland, Apr 17 (IPS) - A third possible candidate for UN Secretary-General is Alicia Bárcena. Mexico’s current Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Bárcena boasts a professional background that is both broad and deep. Read the full story, “Who Should be the Next UN Leader?<br>PART 3”, on globalissues.org ..read more

ACCRA, Ghana, Apr 17 (IPS) - The World Bank has exaggerated probable gains from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote partial and uneven trade liberalisation that is unlikely to enhance development on the continent. Read the full story, “Trade Deception Returns in Pan-Africanist Guise”, on globalissues.org ..read more