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Renewable energy transforming the landscape

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Category: World Hot News
Published: Thursday, 18 April 2024 20:43
Written by Gentry

Wind turbines line the coastal highway in Yancheng, China.© Yan Wang Wind turbines line the coastal highway in Yancheng, China.

Renewable energy, if supported by governments, can “truly change the landscape” in terms of achieving equitable access to affordable and clean energy, but only if those governments can move from “commitment to action”; That’s according to the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

 

Renewable energy is generally defined as any energy source that is continuously replenished. It includes solar and wind power as well as bioenergy (organic matter burned as fuel) and hydroelectric power. 

IRENA’s Francesco La Camera, spoke to UN News ahead of a special meeting on Friday on transitioning to sustainable sources of energy which is taking place at the United Nations in New York as part of the first ever Sustainability Week.

Ensuring access to affordable reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all people wherever they are in the world, is the aim of Sustainable Development Goal 7.

UN News:  What challenges have you faced when trying to persuade governments, international organizations and other stakeholders to embrace renewable energy?

Francesco La Camera: There are no difficulties in persuading governments to adopt renewable energy, but from the commitments to the action, there is always something lagging.  

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera (second left) visits an offshore wind power project by China’s Yancheng City.
UN News/Jing Zhang RENA Director-General Francesco La Camera (second left) visits an offshore wind power project by China’s Yancheng City.
 

What is important in relation to the countries, with our members, is to support them in finding the right way to translate commitment into action. I think this is the challenge we have to face: how we can move to tripling renewable installation capacity by 2030? Now what is at stake is how we can really achieve this goal.

UN News: How to overcome these challenges to ensure that countries commit and take actions?

Francesco La Camera: All the countries have made commitments. We have to rewrite the way international corporation works. In this respect, all different entities involved must make an effort.  

For example, at IRENA, we have been working with President William Ruto of Kenya to forge a partnership to accelerate the renewable energy deployment in Africa. This initiative, ‘Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa’ (APRA), was launched during the first Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi last year and a joint statement was signed by leaders of APRA at COP 28 to drive the renewable energy transition as a strategic solution to energy access, security, and green growth in Africa. 

We now have seven African countries, including Kenya as well as developed countries such as Denmark, Germany, the US and we also have the UAE involved. This is an example of how we are trying to rewrite the landscape of international cooperation. We are building the plan and supporting these countries in creating their own plans for fostering renewables. Together we transform to a new international cooperation mechanism to turn their plans into reality.

UN News:  Are there notable differences in approaches, commitments, and reactions between developing and developed countries, when it comes to the energy transition?

Francesco La Camera:  The developed world has to change the system. But the developing countries can leap forward and transition directly to a new energy system as there are lack of real energy systems. The main difference lies in the status of the energy system in these different parts of world, which is reflected largely in the existing inequality.

The other aspect is that the developed countries may have the tools, instruments, and financial resources to drive the changes. 

A farmer in Madagascar connects a solar-powered pump in order to irrigate his crops.
UN News/Daniel Dickinson Annects a solar-powered pump in order to irrigate his crops.

The developing world needs support in many aspects. Countries require financial and technological support, to exchange experiences and technology. These are barriers that need to be overcome today to speed up the transition, especially in Africa. 

In this respect, Africa is probably the most important powerhouse in the world for renewable energy and green hydrogen [a clean and renewable energy carrier]. But Africa lacks the infrastructure to make this potential beneficial to its people, which would also benefit the world. Infrastructure such as ports, pipelines, and civil infrastructure are decisive and crucial.

UN News:  Could you give us an example of a site visit where you witnessed the critical role of renewable energy in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030?

Francesco La Camera:  One example that impressed me was Mauritius, where our support for the solar panel installation in private houses, private buildings and public buildings has been truly transforming the landscape, giving a big impulse for achieving SDG 7. 

UN News: Do you think the examples you mentioned can be replicated elsewhere in the world?

Francesco La Camera:  To speed up the transition, we need to overcome some structural barriers that exist today. Infrastructure is the first barrier to overcome. Without efficient electricity, and without providing storage interconnectivity, flexibility, balancing of the grids, we cannot progress. Modernizing and building infrastructure where absent is the top priority. 

There are also the problems linking to the existing legal framework. The market is still designed in a way that does not favor the deployment of renewables. There are still a lot of subsidies for fossil fuel projects which I think should be tackled immediately. 

A power line supplies electricity to the Afghan capital, Kabul.
UN Photo/Jawad Jalali A power line supplies electricity to the Afghan capital, Kabul.
 

Additionally, power purchase agreements are designed in a way that discourages renewable energy development. Market pricing mechanisms often do not support renewables, because renewables need long term contracts for stability and security in the electricity provided and the cost to be paid. 

Finally, we need skilled professionals and skillful workforce to be deployed on the ground.

We have to overcome these three barriers, if we truly want the energy system to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, as called for at COP28 in Dubai a few months ago.

UN News: How can normal citizens contribute to the renewable energy transition?

Francesco La Camera:  Top of FormWe are striving to be more efficient in all our choices, but what is more important is the legal environment where everyone feels compelled to take action. We cannot only call for the moral imperatives, the society also makes an easier and simpler environment for people to make the right choices, in terms of efficiency and energy conservation.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

SDG 7: CLEAN ENERGY FOR ALL

  • Increase share of renewable energy globally
  • Double global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
  • Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern, sustainable energy services
  • Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology
  • Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing nations, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and land-locked developing countries

International funding for clean energy in developing countries has dropped to just $10.8 billion in 2021 from a peak of $26.4 billion in 2017.

...

IRENA is an intergovernmental agency aiming to support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. Earlier this year on 26 January, the UN observed the first International Day of Clean Energy which coincides IRENA’s founding anniversary.

Palestine’s status at the UN explained

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Category: World Hot News
Published: Thursday, 18 April 2024 16:36
Written by Gentry

The General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2012 granting to Palestine the status of non-member observer State in the United Nations. (file)UN Photo/Rick Bajornas The General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2012 granting to Palestine the status of non-member observer State in the United Nations. (file)

What will it take for Palestine to become a full UN Member State? As the Security Council takes up the matter while the devastating war in Gaza enters its seventh month, we looked at Palestine’s current status and what it takes to become a UN Member State.

Palestine’s current status

Right now, Palestine is a “Permanent Observer State” at the UN, enjoying the status that allows it to participate in all of the Organization’s proceedings, except for voting on draft resolutions and decisions in its main organs and bodies, from the Security Council to the General Assembly and its six main committees.

However, some other participation is off-limits to Permanent Observers. This was made clear by a General Assembly resolution, which temporarily, for the year 2019 during which Palestine served as chair of the Group of 77 developing countries and China (G77), accorded to Palestine additional rights: to submit proposals and amendments and introduce them, to exercise a right of reply and to raise procedural motions, including points of order and requests to put proposals to the vote. These rights temporarily accorded to Palestine then expired as of 2020.

On 2 April 2024, Palestine sent the UN Secretary-General a letter requesting renewed consideration be given to the application of Palestine for admission to membership in the UN, a request originally submitted in 2011. Upon receipt of the request, the UN chief forwarded it to the Security Council, which on 8 April took up the matter in an open meeting.

The process is a continuation of what happened in September 2011, when the Palestinian President sent a letter with the application request for UN membership to the UN chief, who promptly sent the application to the Security Council and the General Assembly. In accordance with the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, the Security Council referred the matter to its Committee on Admission of New Members, where members deliberated but were not unanimous on approving the request.

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, (left) talks with a participant at a special meeting held in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. (file)
UN Photo/Evan Schneider Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, (left) talks with a participant at a special meeting held in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. (file)

How UN Member States are born

Agreement between the UN General Assembly and the Security Council is needed to admit any new Member States.

Any application for UN membership comes to the UN Secretary-General and then is forwarded to the Security Council and the General Assembly.

The 15-member organ decides whether or not to recommend the admission to the 193-member General Assembly after its Committee on Admission of New Members deliberates on the matter.

The process is outlined in the UN Charter, whereby UN membership “is open to all other peace-loving States which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter” and “are able and willing to carry out these obligations”.

The Council can vote on the proposal and must have at least nine members in favour and none of its permanent members – China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States – using their veto power.

Committee of Admission of New Members

As per rule 59 of its provisional rules of procedure, the Security Council referred the matter to its Committee of the Admission of New Members. The Committee met twice, on 8 and 11 April 2024.

In 2011, Committee members considered Palestine’s request at meetings held over two months, but could not unanimously advise the Council to approve the application, with some members in favour, others noting that an abstention was envisaged in the event of a vote and several suggesting other options, including that as an intermediate step, “the General Assembly should adopt a resolution by which Palestine would be made an Observer State,” according to the Committee report.

Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Sharette (left) is congratulated by Haiti’s representative Stephen Alexis in the General Assembly after Israel’s admission in 1949 as the UN’s 59th Member State. (file)
UN Photo/Albert Fox sraeli Foreign Minister Moshe Sharette (left) is congratulated by Haiti’s representative Stephen Alexis in the General Assembly after Israel’s admission in 1949 as the UN’s 59th Member State. (file)

World body holds a vote

After receiving the Council’s positive recommendation, the General Assembly plays its role.

In cases of approvals – like with Israel in 1948 and dozens of others, including South Sudan, in 2011, the newest UN Member State – the Assembly is tasked with drafting a resolution.

Shortly after receiving a Council recommendation, the General Assembly holds a vote on the matter, with all 193 Member States joining in the process.

Granting full membership status

In admitting more than 100 Member States since the founding of the UN in 1945, the General Assembly needs a two thirds majority in a vote to admit a new member.

Once a resolution is adopted, the new member is officially admitted to the UN.

Membership entails participating in UN meetings, paying annual dues and voting on all issues that come before the Organisation. The new member’s flag is then added to the row of members that stretch across the front of UN Headquarters in New York and other main UN offices around the world.

A view of the General Assembly Hall as Mahmoud Abbas (shown on screens), President of the Palestinian Authority, addresses the Assembly before the vote on its status in 2012. (file)
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas A view of the General Assembly Hall as Mahmoud Abbas (shown on screens), President of the Palestinian Authority, addresses the Assembly before the vote on its status in 2012. (file)

Non-member Permanent Observer status

In the case of Palestine, one year later in 2012, the General Assembly decided to recognise it as a “non-member Permanent Observer State”.

While the only other current non-member Observer State is the Holy See, representing the Vatican, the practice of according the status dates from 1946, when the Secretary-General accepted the designation of the Swiss Government as a Permanent Observer to the United Nations. Observers were subsequently put forward by certain States that later became UN Member States, including Austria, Finland, Italy and Japan.

As a Permanent Observer State, Palestine’s flag does fly outside the UN Secretariat building in New York, although it is slightly separated from the UN Member State flags and is not part of the alphabetic line-up.

The flag of the State of Palestine is raised at the United Nations in Geneva. (file)
UN Photo/Jean Marc Ferré The flag of the State of Palestine is raised at the United Nations in Geneva. (file)

How Palestine became a non-member Observer State

On 29 November 2012, the General Assembly adopted a resolution granting to Palestine the status of non-member observer State in the United Nations, with a vote of 138 for, nine against (Canada, Czech Republic, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Panama, Palau, United States), with 41 abstentions.

Until 2012, Palestine had observer status in the UN General Assembly, but not as a State.

The vote came on the same day that the UN observed the annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Established in 1977, the Day marks the date in 1947 when the Assembly adopted a resolution partitioning then-mandated Palestine into two States, one Jewish and one Arab.

Upon the adoption in 2012, Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, said its aim in coming before the world body to change its status was to try to “breathe new life” into the peace process.

Russian attacks ‘a daily destructive pattern’ in Ukraine, Security Council hears

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Category: World Hot News
Published: Thursday, 11 April 2024 20:06
Written by Gentry

Rescue personnel search a bombed out building Kyiv. (file)© UNICEF/Aleksey Filippov Rescue personnel search a bombed out building Kyiv. (file)

Russian attacks on cities and towns across Ukraine, including intense and systematic targeting of the energy infrastructure, “have become a daily destructive pattern” in recent weeks, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday. 

Miroslav Jenča, an Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav in the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, warned that the escalation is a direct threat to international security.

Affected regions include Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk.

Deadly trend 

“We are appalled by the increase in civilian casualties as a result of these relentless attacks,” Mr. Jenča said. 

At least 126 civilians were killed and 478 injured in March – a 20 per cent increase over the previous month, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR.  At least 57 children were killed or injured in March alone, double the number from February. 

The deadly trend has continued this month, with daily drone, missile, rocket and artillery attacks reported across the country. The most recent - carried out overnight and into Thursday morning - targeted energy facilities, with some reportedly resulting in casualties, including fatalities. 

“We are also witnessing hostilities spreading across Ukraine’s borders, with regular cross-border strikes into the Russian Federation,” he added. 

Nuclear fears 

Critical civilian infrastructure has been heavily affected by the escalation in attacks, he continued. 

Since March, more than two dozen energy facilities have been destroyed or damaged, including the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant, disrupting electricity and water supply for millions.   

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest and under Russian occupation since the early days of the war, was directly targeted in military action on Sunday - the first time since November 2022.  Three people were reportedly injured, and subsequent drone attacks were reported on Monday and Tuesday. 

‘A disturbing reminder’ 

The incident was “a disturbing reminder of the serious risks posed by this war”, he said, joining the call by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, for “the immediate cessation of such inexcusable attacks to avoid a major nuclear accident.”  

Mr. Jenča welcomed the renewal of the mandates of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry for the country.  

Stressing the importance of their work to efforts towards accountability, he said the UN continues to urge Russia to fully cooperate and grant both OHCHR and independent monitors access to areas of Ukraine that it occupies. 

A wider threat 

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Jenča underlined the need for peace as “the current trajectory of escalation of this war is a direct threat to regional stability and international security. Most of all, it is an existential threat to the people of Ukraine.” 

He reiterated the UN General Assembly’s call supporting de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, as outlined in its resolution adopted last February. 

Situation will worsen 

OHCHR has verified that more than 10,810 civilians have been killed, and more than 20,550 injured, since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, though the actual numbers are likely to be higher. 

Continuing escalation of the hostilities will only worsen the already dire situation for millions in the country, said Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA. 

More than 14.6 million people, roughly 40 per cent of the population, require some form of humanitarian assistance.  Most, 56 per cent, are women and girls. 

The wave of attacks has also impacted humanitarians as the already challenging operational environment is further affected by more frequent and bigger aerial strikes.

‘Troubling pattern’ 

Ms. Wosornu said recent weeks have also revealed “a particularly troubling pattern in the sequencing of attacks.” 

As first responders or emergency services rush to the scene of attacks, a second wave of strikes target the same location, killing them and the wounded.  

“Attacks directed against the wounded and those helping them are prohibited by international humanitarian law. They are cruel, unconscionable, and must stop,” she said. 

Global food security 

Meanwhile, continuing attacks on the port city of Odesa remain a concern, given their impact on global food security.   

Reiterating that Ukraine’s Black Sea ports are an essential component of the global supply chains for grain and other key agricultural commodities, she warned that attacks could undo progress made in stabilizing grain markets and driving down prices.  

“With staggering levels of food insecurity persisting in parts of the world, safe navigation in the Black Sea and the protection and safe operation of ports and related civilian infrastructure must be assured,” she said. 

Ms. Wosornu upheld humanitarians’ commitment to support the people of Ukraine but stressed the need for more funding.  A $541 million plan for the country this year has so far received just $3.1 billion. 

Revenge strikes: Russia 

The “mass strikes” on Ukraine’s energy facilities in Ukraine were “a response to the Kyiv regime’s attempts to deal a blow to Russia's oil and gas facilities,” Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia told the Council. 

“We have met our goals,” he continued, noting that “reserves can no longer be sent to where they need to go” and energy supply has been disrupted. 

He said that as in all previous cases, Russia did not threaten the civilian population, “despite assertion to the contrary by the Zelenskyy regime."

“What is getting in the way of western propaganda mongers are the views of ordinary Ukrainians, who are on social media calling on fellow Ukrainians not to fear Russian high-precision strikes but rather to fear Ukrainian air defences, which have been deployed in residential areas in violation of international humanitarian law,” he added.

Infrastructure deliberately attacked: Ukraine 

Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya said Russia has fired nearly 1,000 missiles, roughly 2,800 Shahed drones, and almost 7,000 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian cities and villages since the beginning of the year. 

Their total explosive power exceeded nine kilotonnes and only three per cent hit military targets, while 97 per cent struck civilian infrastructure. 

“Russia deliberately targeted the critical energy infrastructure, as we heard today, in particular power generation.  Following the March attacks, 80 per cent of thermal power generation was destroyed,” he reported. 

Hydropower plants also sustained heavy damage, he added, noting that Russia had particularly targeted the Dniester and Kaniv plants “indicating its intention to replicate the catastrophe” caused last June, with the destruction of the Khakova Dam. 

“It should be a common task of the international community, not only Ukraine, to ensure that such large-scale environmental disasters no longer occur in Europe,” he said. 

Step back from the brink,’ to avert full-scale Middle East conflict, says UN chief

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Category: World Hot News
Published: Monday, 15 April 2024 06:45
Written by Gentry

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the UN Security Council following Iran's attacks on Israel.UN Photo United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the UN Security Council following Iran's attacks on Israel.

The people of the Middle East are facing a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict, António Guterres said on Sunday, urging “maximum restraint” across a region “on the brink”, hours after Iran launched attack drones and missiles against Israel overnight Saturday.  

“It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East...Now is the time for maximum restraint,” the UN Secretary-General told delegates at the opening of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. 

Mr. Guterres explained that the emergency session was called by Israel following what it described in a letter as ‘a direct attack launched by Iran... of more than 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel in clear violation of international law.’

The UN chief added that in a separate letter, Iran stated that it had carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives ‘in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defence as outlined...in the UN Charter, and in response to...its armed attack on 1 April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises’ – in Damascus.

The aftermath

According to the latest reports, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory toward Israel, with most intercepted.

Several missiles reportedly struck within Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country.

“And overall, a few civilians were injured,” the Secretary-General reported, repeating his strong condemnation of the attacks and his call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.

‘Responsibility to work for peace’

Recalling the international community’s shared responsibility to engage all parties to prevent further escalation, the Secretary-General added that there was a similar responsibility to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

There was a further shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line, and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea.

“We have a shared responsibility to work for peace. Regional – and indeed global -- peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” Mr. Guterres concluded.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan​ (at table) of Israel addresses the UN Security Council following Iranian attacks on his country.
UN Photo

Israel has been ‘sounding the alarm’

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan said Saturday night’s attacks had been launched from Iranian soil, as well as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.  

“Last night the world witnessed an unprecedented escalation that is clear proof of what can happen when warnings are ignored ... [Israel] was not crying wolf; it was trying to wake the world up to the dangers posed by Iran and Its proxies,” he said, adding: “Israel has been sounding the alarm bells.”

Israel’s representative showed a video of what he called an attack on the Temple Mount, and he asked the Security Council: “What have you done to protect the world from Iran?”

He said that Iran’s actions had long been clear, to arm, fund and train its terror proxies across the globe. But the mask of deniability has been removed: Iran had attacked Israel from its own territory; and Israel was surrounded by Iran’s proxies and being attacked on all fronts.

“The mask has come off and so the world’s complacency must also fall. The only option is to condemn Iran...and ensure that it knows that the world will no longer stand idle.”  

“This attack crossed every red line and Israel reserves the right to retaliate,” he stated.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, addresses the Security Council meeting on his country's attacks on Israel.
UN Photo

Council hypocrites shielding Israel

While emphasizing that Israel’s “false and unsubstantiated claims” deserved “no real response,” Ambassador Amir Saed Iravani reiterated Iran’s consistent position that it does not seek escalation or war in the region.  

“Iran's operation was entirely in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense. This concluded action was necessary and proportionate. It was precise and only targeted military objectives and carried out carefully to minimize the potential for escalation and prevent civilian harm,” the Ambassador explained.

Yet, it was regrettable, he said, that today certain Council members, including the US, the UK, and France had chosen to “turn a blind eye to reality” and overlook the root causes contributing to the current situation.  

“In hypocritical behavior, these three countries falsely blamed and accused Iran without considering their own failures to uphold their international commitments to peace and security in the region,” said Ambassador Iravani, calling out what he saw as “lies and disinformation” being used to discredit Iran’s right to self-defense.

Moreover, the Council’s inaction faced with “Israeli war crimes against the Palestinian people has only emboldened this regime to continue its violations unchecked” he said, adding that the US and its allies blocked Security Council on Gaza for over six months, protecting Israel from accountability.

“While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests... [we] will not hesitate to exercise this right when required,” he explained. 

Ambassador Robert Wood of the United States addresses the UN Security Council meeting on Iran's attacks on Israel.
UN Photo

Council must hold Iran accountable

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood strongly condemned “the unprecedented attack on the State of Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its militant proxies and partners,” and said, “Iran’s intent was to cause significant damage and death in Israel.”

“Iran’s reckless actions not only posed a threat to populations in Israel, but also to other UN Member States in the region, including Jordan and Iraq,” he said and added: “The Security Council has an obligation to not let Iran’s actions go unanswered.”

“Indeed, for far too long Iran has flagrantly violated its international legal obligations, notably through the actions of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC,” he continued and noted: “Iran also was, in a broad sense, complicit in the October 7 attack on Israel because it has provided significant funding and training for the military wing of Hamas.” 

“In the coming days, and in consultation with other member states, the United States will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations,” said Mr. Wood.

States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible,” he said, and stressed: “The United States is not seeking escalation. Our actions have been purely defensive in nature.”

Koussay Aldahhak, Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, addresses the Security Council meeting on on Iran's attacks on Israel.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Hypocrisy, double standards must end

Syrian Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak said that what the Middle East witnessed on Saturday had been the natural and inevitable outcome of repeat aggressions and grave violations of international law and the UN Charter “perpetrated [by the Israeli occupation authorities] in Syria and other countries in the region.”

He said that these violations were carried out in the region with “blind and unlimited” support of the US and had “mistakenly led the Israeli occupation authorities to believe that they are above the United Nations, above international law and above UN resolutions…for decades ... with no response and no consequence.”

The Syrian delegation had warned the United Nations about such activities and had called upon the Organization to put an end to Israel’s crimes. But in all cases, a few countries continued to shield Israel form accountability. Sadly, “the actions by these countries are nothing new.”

Finally, the Ambassador said that Syria holds the US Administration and Israel responsible for any further attacks and escalation in the region. “They must reconsider their destructive polices in our region and against our peoples; they must rectify their activities in the region. Our region has suffered enough,” he said, calling for an end to hypocrisy and double standards.

Moreover, the international community must end the Israeli occupation as well as take immediate action to end the "intentional starving" of the people of Gaza, ensure full humanitarian access to the Strip, and “end illegitimate existence of US military forces in my country, Syria.”

Make 2024 a ‘turning point’ for education, UN deputy chief urges

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Category: World Hot News
Published: Thursday, 11 April 2024 16:02
Written by Gentry

Addressing a high-level education on education convened by the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Amina Mohammed paid tribute in particular to the children of Gaza.UN Photo/Loey Felipe Addressing a high-level education on education convened by the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Amina Mohammed paid tribute in particular to the children of Gaza.

Addressing a high-level education on education convened by the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Amina Mohammed paid tribute in particular to the children of Gaza, who have had no education for over six months, and where there have been direct hits on 212 schools.

“Today, the light for Gaza and the children of Gaza, is out. We need a commitment to try to light that candle again for the children and the people of Gaza. Education is hope. Education is the future,” she said.

Building momentum

This year will see a series of meetings that will build on the Transforming Education Summit convened by the UN in September 2022 in response to a global crisis in education, after more than 90 per cent of the world’s children lost access to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September this year, world leaders will gather to forge a new international consensus as part of the Summit of the Future. 

 Ms. Mohammed called for two specific outcomes on education at the Summit. 

“First, we need a clear recognition from world leaders of the urgent need to transform and invest in education as a global imperative,” she said.

“Second, we need major breakthroughs on issues that are critical for education, including reform of the international financial architecture, strengthened digital cooperation and a new agenda for peace.”

Education a human right

Without additional measures, an estimated 84 million children and young people will still be denied access to the classroom by 2030, and approximately 300 million students will lack the basic – and vital – numeracy and literacy skills.

“Education is a fundamental human right. Investing in education is the greatest investment we can make in our common future, in peace, and sustainable development, and particularly in gender equality,” Ms. Mohammed stressed.

Contemporary education systems across the world are beset by challenges, including access, equity, relevance and digital inequality – which could leave billions of people behind, she added.

“I know that we can make 2024 a turning point for education. Let’s get to it.”

Spotlight on violence against women

During her visit to Brussels, the Deputy Secretary-General also chaired the Governing Body meeting of the Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest targeted effort to eliminate violence against women and girls.  

The UN initiative is in partnership with the (EU) and other stakeholders and responds to all forms of violence against women and girls. 

Its programmes across 30 countries and regions, focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence and rising rates of femicide, together with human trafficking. 

Since 2019, the initiative has resulted in more than 2.5 million women and girls accessing gender-based violence services, and two million men and boys have been educated on positive masculinity.

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