This week, the repeated voting to choose the next UN Secretary-General, which has stalled, was widely reported. We look back through the headlines at a week that also included news on the humanitarian and development front: nutrition in Gaza, the effects of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz on food, and the adoption of a declaration on infectious disease response.
The 6th round of voting for UN Secretary-General also stalls amid opposition from permanent Security Council members
From the editors: The article reports that opposition from permanent members emerged again in the sixth round of voting, leaving the selection stalled. Attention turns to who will take the helm of the UN.
UN chief: “Subsidies for fossil fuels are subsidies for suicide” (AFP/Jiji)
From the editors: The article reports that the UN Secretary-General used strong language about fossil fuel subsidies. The headline conveys the UN’s awareness of the issues around climate change.
UN warns that the halt of commercial supplies leaves the response to malnutrition in Gaza fragile
From the editors: The article reports a UN warning that the stoppage of commercial goods has weakened the response to malnutrition in Gaza. It stands out as a headline showing the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Taliban step up recruitment of children; UN also points to frequent explosive-related casualties in Afghanistan (Jiji Press)
From the editors: The article reports that the UN pointed to growing recruitment of children in Afghanistan and to many casualties from explosives. It is content worth noting from the perspective of child protection.
UN agency IFAD: Closure of the Strait of Hormuz is also hurting crops, says its president
From the editors: The article reports that the head of the UN’s agricultural development agency said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is adversely affecting crops as well. It suggests how disruption to sea transport touches food.
Fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz risk a food crisis without a US–Iran deal, UN says (Reuters)
From the editors: The article reports that the UN voiced concern about a food crisis over the shipment of fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz. It is a topic that raises worry about the impact on farming.
Temperature rise above pre-industrial levels to exceed 1.5°C within a few years, UN warns (Science Portal)
From the editors: The article reports a UN warning that the rise in temperature from pre-industrial levels may exceed 1.5°C within a few years. It is a headline that again brings home the importance of responding to climate change.
UN Security Council issues presidential statement condemning the Houthis, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia
From the editors: The article reports that the UN Security Council issued a presidential statement condemning attacks by the Houthis. It draws attention as a Security Council move amid continuing tension in the Middle East.
UNDP chief: “Developing countries are short of 800 million jobs,” urges use of private investment
From the editors: The article reports the head of the UN Development Programme saying that developing countries lack 800 million jobs and urging the use of private investment. It shows that creating work for the young is a major challenge for development.
Declaration to strengthen pandemic response adopted at UN General Assembly; 153 countries in favor, US and others opposed
From the editors: The article reports that the UN General Assembly adopted, with 153 countries in favor, a declaration to strengthen responses to infectious diseases. Attention turns to how this international effort to prepare for the next outbreak will be put into practice.
Headlines belong to the respective news outlets and sources (copyright remains with each). Please read the full articles at the linked pages. The “From the editors” comments were written by the NGO Network Japan editorial team based on the headlines.