UNCTAD/Pierre Albouy UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the UNCTAD Global Leaders Forum in Geneva.
The right to development is inextricably linked with trade which the world’s poorest countries - now “mired in debt” through no fault of their own - have every right to pursue on much fairer terms, UN chief António Guterres insisted on Wednesday.
In a speech marking 60 years of UN Trade and Development – the agency previously known by the acronym UNCTAD - the UN Secretary-General highlighted the multiple challenges standing in the way of a more sustainable and inclusive global economy for all.
“New and protracted conflicts are having a ripple effect across the global economy. Global debt has soared while key development indicators, including poverty and hunger, have regressed,” Mr. Guterres told the UN Trade and Development Global Leaders Forum.
Global system’s flaws exposed
On a flying visit to Switzerland, Mr. Guterres reprised previous warnings that the world’s international financial architecture “has been exposed as outdated, dysfunctional, and unjust”.
It has “failed to provide a safety net for developing countries mired in debt”, the UN chief insisted, as he issued the worrying assessment that the international trading system faces pressure “on all sides”, to the extent that it is now “teetering on the verge of fragmentation”.
Taking sides
Against this deeply concerning backdrop, and amid escalating geopolitical tensions, rising inequality and soaring debt, Mr. Guterres insisted that the role of the Geneva-based agency UN Trade and Development was “more relevant than ever” in working for a more sustainable and inclusive global economy, through trade and investment.
The UN agency cannot be neutral on development problems – “just as the World Health Organization could not be neutral on malaria”, the UN chief said, referencing the famous words of Raul Prebisch, UNCTAD’s first Secretary-General.
“Trade has become a double-edged sword: a source of both prosperity and inequality; interconnection and dependence; economic innovation and environmental degradation,” Mr. Guterres said, as he urged greater dialogue between nations in the face of a near-tripling of trade barriers since 2019, “many driven by geopolitical rivalry, with no concern for their impact on developing countries”.
He added: “The world cannot afford splits into rival blocs. To implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - and to ensure peace and security – we need one global market and one global economy, in which there is no place for poverty and hunger.”
Mr. Ahmed Fathy, the President of American Television News, was interviewed by the American BCC television station, providing a preliminary analysis of the outcomes of the UN Security Council's Gaza peace agreement.
BBC Host: We are now joined from New York by Ahmed Fathi, the accredited correspondent at the United Nations. Welcome, Mr. Ahmed. When is the vote expected to start, and have the reservations about the original draft resolution been addressed after the amendments?
Ahmed Fathi, President of American Television News at the UN Media Center: The meeting at the Security Council tonight will start precisely at 3:00 PM New York time. As for the draft resolution, it is the second item on the agenda, the first being the vote on a resolution regarding ongoing counterterrorism efforts. However, the second item will be about the Palestinian issue.
Regarding the Russian stance, it is important to note that the Russian position has not changed, nor has the Algerian position as the Arab member of the council for this term. It is crucial to note that Russia proposes a significant difference; they seek a clear and unambiguous text calling for an immediate, permanent, and sustainable ceasefire before any other actions or negotiations can begin. This specific stance aligns closely with the demands of many. Meanwhile, the draft resolution is a comprehensive reiteration of the Israeli proposal initially presented by President Biden during his visit to Washington. About the three phases, the first phase is a six-week ceasefire, then the second phase involves engaging in negotiations, as negotiations are ongoing and involve Egypt and Qatar, there will be a ceasefire. The second phase pertains to reconstruction, during which it is expected that displaced Palestinian civilians will safely return to their homes, and Israeli forces, which have been heavily deployed in these areas, will withdraw from populated areas swiftly. This might also be a point of contention as Hamas has demanded a complete withdrawal.
BBC Host: Mr. Ahmed, why did the United States resort to the Security Council if its Secretary of State is in the region calling on regional leaders to pressure Hamas to accept the agreement, assuming hypothetically that Hamas accepted, what is the value of the Security Council's resolution?
Ahmed Fathi, President of American Television News at the UN Media Center: In this case, it would serve as an additional legal document to reinforce this agreement, acting as a formal and binding commitment between the involved parties. Initially, I was expecting this draft to be presented only after we had reached mutual understanding and agreement as a way to confirm the seriousness and commitment of all parties involved. However, there are certain developments and activities happening behind the scenes, which I am not at liberty to disclose at this moment, that have unexpectedly accelerated the process.
Thank you very much, Ahmed Fathi from New York, the accredited correspondent at the United Nations.
Ahmed Fathi is an Egyptian-American international journalist, a resident correspondent at the United Nations, a global affairs analyst, and the Editor-in-Chief of American Television News (ATN), focusing on underserved areas of multilingual news production in United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish). He has reported from the Americas, Europe, South America, North Africa, and Asia and is a multicultural and multilingual journalist fluent in Arabic, English, Dutch, French, and Afrikaans.
Ahmed Fathi, Editor-in-Chief of American Television News, has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Political Science by the International Modern Pentathlon Union.
The adoption of a new constitution in Chad alongside new inclusive dialogue in Gabon, standout as positive recent developments in Central Africa, the head of the UN office for the region said on Monday.
But, briefing the Security Council, Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the region also warned that insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to plague nations.
Observers had reported Chad’s presidential elections in May took place “under good conditions”, albeit with some isolated incidents which had not compromised the conduct or credibility of the polls, he said.
“The difficult environment in which Chad finds itself [reminds us] of the need to continue our support to the authorities to assist the country as it searches for stability, particularly at this new point in its history,” he said.
Mr. Abarry, who also heads the UN Regional Office for the Central Africa (UNOCA), added that he will continue supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in the country, in the light of the Doha Peace Agreement.
Special Representative Abdou Abarry briefing the Security Council.
‘Turning point’ in Gabon
Gabon also reached “an important turning point” with the convening of a national inclusive dialogue in April, he continued, citing recommendations and actions for a full return to constitutional order.
A national constitutional committee has been tasked with drafting a constitution and new electoral code.
“The international community, under the auspices of the United Nations…has expressed its willingness to support the authorities in the implementation of inclusive reforms and stressing dialogue,” Mr. Abarry added.
Continued challenges
But regional challenges abound, Mr. Abarry said, reporting challenges to constitutional governance and democracy, exemplified by the recent attempts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The security situation also remains volatile with increased armed and terrorist group activities, such as in eastern DRC, in the Lake Chad basin, the Great Lakes region and elsewhere.
Insecurity coupled with worsening impacts of climate change are also driving humanitarian needs, he said. Devastating rains and floods destroyed thousands of homes, displaced populations and damaged vital infrastructure in several countries.
Such climate change-related crises not only exacerbate existing socio-economic vulnerabilities but also severely test the limited resources of governments and can potentially fuel new unrest and conflicts related to access to resources, he added.
Economic integration key
Mr. Abarry also highlighted the importance of strengthening economic integration within the region.
He noted the March meeting of the Heads of States and Governments of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), where discussions focused on regional economic integration and operationalizing a common regional market for free movement of goods and services.
Member countries of the bloc lifted their sanctions against Gabon, enabling it to rejoin the group.
“I remain convinced that facilitating intra-regional trade will play a crucial role in the promotion of stability and the prevention of conflicts in the region,” Mr. Abarry highlighted.
UN/Mohammad Ali UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers remarks in Jordan calling for an urgent humanitarian response in Gaza.
A comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza linked to the release of all remaining hostages cannot come too soon, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, as he welcomed the Security Council resolution adopted a day earlier seeking an end to the war there.
Speaking in Jordan at an international conference prompted by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, Mr. Guterres insisted that after more than eight months of intense hostilities, “the horror must stop”.
“I welcome the peace initiative recently outlined by President Biden and urge all parties to seize this opportunity and come to an agreement,” the UN chief said. “And I call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. This includes facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid both into and inside Gaza, as they have committed. All available routes into Gaza must be operational – and the land routes are absolutely crucial.”
On Monday, the United States-drafted text urged Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal announced on 31 May by President Joe Biden that has already been accepted by Israel, according to the White House.
The text urges both parties to fully implement the terms of the proposal “without delay and without condition”. It was adopted by a large majority with 14 votes in favour and Russia abstaining – choosing not to exercise its veto power.
Standing by UNRWA
Highlighting the key role played in the battered enclave by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA – which has been attacked and ostracized by Israeli leaders - the Secretary-General insisted that its presence “will remain critical not only during the conflict, but afterwards”.
Latest reports from Gaza show that around 60 per cent of all residential buildings and at least 80 per cent of commercial facilities have been damaged by Israeli bombardment, the UN chief said, with health facilities and educational institutions reduced to rubble.
In addition, more than one million “deeply traumatized children in Gaza” need psychosocial support and the safety and hope their schools used to provide, Mr. Guterres said, before insisting that “only UNRWA has the capacity, skills, and networks needed to support the Palestinian people to face the immense challenge on health, on education and so much more.”
Aid access obstacles endure
Echoing deep and repeated warning from humanitarians about the scale of the severe emergency across Gaza linked to the lack of aid access, the UN chief noted that “at least half of all humanitarian aid missions are denied access, impeded, or cancelled due to operational or security reasons”.
In Geneva, meanwhile, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, expressed profound shock at the impact of the hostage release operation in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp at the weekend.
OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said that hundreds of Palestinians, – many of them civilians – were reportedly killed and injured and that the way the raid was conducted “in such a densely populated area seriously calls into question” whether Israeli forces respected the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, as set out under the laws of war.
A recent escalation in fighting in Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv region, has left nearly 200 people dead, displaced thousands more and further crippled critical infrastructure, with implications for global food security, a senior UN humanitarian said on Friday.
Briefing the Security Council in New York, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya urged the international community to work to end the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year.
Ms. Msuya said the civilian toll has continued to mount since her last briefing to the Council three weeks ago.
Kharkiv under fire
While few areas have been spared from the hostilities, the Kharkiv region has suffered the heaviest impact after Russia stepped up attacks there on 10 May.
UN human rights monitors in Ukraine reported on Friday that at least 174 people were killed and 690 injured nationwide in May, marking the highest number of civilian casualties in nearly a year.
More than half of them were in Kharkiv, located in the northeast of the country.
“Shopping centres, homes, educational establishments, shops, office buildings, parks and public transport have all been struck in recent weeks,” she said.
At least 18,000 people in the Kharkiv region have been newly displaced, she added, citing estimates from UN migration agency IOM.
Some 50 humanitarian organizations have been providing food, water, clothes, cash, psychological support and other assistance to more than 12,000 people at a transit centre in Kharkiv city.
Meanwhile, civilians who remain in frontline and border areas with Russia face dire conditions, as many are cut off from access to food, medical care, electricity and gas. Elderly people have been disproportionately affected as they often are unable or reluctant to leave their homes.
“In northern Kharkiv – where the fighting is heaviest – more than half of those killed or injured have been over the age of 60,” she said.
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has verified that at least 11,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine, and more than 21,000 injured, since the conflict began on 24 February 2022, although actual figures are likely much higher.
Infrastructure attacks continue
Ms. Msuya noted that a year has passed since the Kakhova Dam disaster, “one of the most significant incidents affecting civilian infrastructure since the start of the full-scale invasion.”
The major dam was destroyed on 6 June 2023, resulting in monumental flooding that left large swathes of the surrounding area under water, destroying homes, displacing thousands of families, and disrupting water supplies for millions.
“It showed just how extensive and long-lasting the humanitarian impacts of a single incident affecting critical infrastructure can be,” she said. “That is why it is deeply concerning that systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – a feature of this war since February 2022 - continue.”
Since 22 March, the UN and partners have identified six waves of attacks across 15 regions which have impacted healthcare and other social, financial and transport services, and disrupted electricity, gas and water supply for millions.
Energy affected, global food supply threatened
Ms. Msuya said Ukraine’s energy system is now down over 60 per cent of its pre-war generation capacity, according to preliminary estimates from the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
“We note that strikes inside the Russian Federation in recent months, including in the Belgorod region, have also resulted in civilian casualties and damage to residential homes and other civilian infrastructure,” she said.
She also voiced deep concern over the impact of attacks on Ukraine’s transportation and port infrastructure on global food security. Recent weeks have seen “worrying indications of renewed upwards pressure on global grain prices, linked to this damage to infrastructure in Ukraine, among other factors.”
She stressed the need for safe navigation throughout the Black Sea, and the protection of ports and related civilian infrastructure, so that food exports can reach global markets.
Turning to the humanitarian front, Ms. Msuya reported that needs remain “vast” as more than 14.6 million Ukrainians, roughly 40 per cent of the population, require some form of assistance. More than half are women and girls.
A $3.1 billion funding appeal for 2024 has so far netted $856 million, allowing humanitarians to provide assistance to more than four million people during the first quarter of the year.
She pointed to the “many challenges” humanitarians continues to face, chiefly lack of access to some 1.5 million civilians in Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
“And as the conflict continues to escalate, and we look to kickstart preparations for another winter dominated by war, full funding of the humanitarian response plan is urgently needed to sustain operations,” she stressed.
End the suffering
Ms. Msuya said that fighting continues to rip apart lives, homes and futures in Ukraine more than three years since the escalation of the war, and the UN and partners remain committed to support affected civilians.
She warned, however, that “the longer the violence and destruction continue, the greater the suffering will become, and the bigger the task to rebuild shattered lives and communities.”
Concluding her remarks, she welcomed the Ukraine Recovery Conference that will be held in Berlin next week, calling it a key opportunity to advance the Government’s recovery priorities and leverage financing for critical development in affected areas.
“And we continue to urge the Security Council and all Member States to do everything within their power to ensure respect for the rules of war, pursue peace and bring the suffering of the Ukrainian people to an end.”
UNCTAD/Pierre Albouy UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the UNCTAD Global Leaders Forum in Geneva.
Ahmed Fathi, Editor-in-Chief of American Television News, has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Political Science by the International Modern Pentathlon Union.
© WFP/Jacques David In addition to battling a multidimensional humanitarian crisis, Chad is also sheltering hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees.
UN/Mohammad Ali UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers remarks in Jordan calling for an urgent humanitarian response in Gaza.
© IOM Aftermath of attack in the city center of Kharkiv, Ukraine.
© OCHA/Tanya Lyubimova An aid worker registers an evacuated woman for multi-purpose cash assistance at the transit centre.
© UNICEF/Diego Ibarra Sánchez A Ukrainian teenager stands in the rubble of her destroyed school in Zhytomyr (file).