Ever since Taliban took power in Afghanistan in August 2021, it has been a regressive tale of human rights abuses and curtailment of freedom for women and young girls in Afghanistan.

UN: Taliban treatment of women could be 'gender apartheid'

Ahead of World Refugee Day dozens of multinational companies have vowed to hire refugees from across Europe including more than 13,000 refugees from Ukraine over the next three years, on Monday (June 18). The pledge was made at a business summit in Paris organised by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a global business coalition of over 300 companies.&nbsp;

<h2>Employment for refugees in Europe</h2>

A day before World Refugee Day, 41 companies including Amazon, Marriott, Accenture, Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft and so on, have said they would hire, connect to work or train a total of 250,000 refugees out of which 13,680 would be getting jobs directly in those companies.

The pledges made on Monday amount to the single largest batch of commitments made in the history of the Tent Partnership for Refugees since it was founded back in 2016, reported CNN. &nbsp;

Kelly Clements, United Nations deputy high commissioner for refugees, on Monday said, “Every number is a story of an individual family who left everything, seeking safety, seeking protection and wanting to be able to rebuild as quickly as possible.”&nbsp;

She added, “So the commitments that businesses are going to make on Monday are absolutely essential.” According to the UN official, 110 million people have been displaced across the world out of which an estimated 12 million are from Ukraine and more than half of them live in Europe.&nbsp;

The event in Paris was organised by Tent Partnership for Refugees which is a nonprofit founded by Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya which connects businesses and refugees. Notably, the group’s first summit was held last year in the United States and witnessed pledges to hire 22,725 refugees.

<h2>Which companies have joined the pledge?</h2>

The biggest pledge, on Monday, was made by Amazon which has vowed to hire at least 5,000 refugees in Europe over the next three years. This would be followed by Marriott and Hilton with 1,500 each, Starbucks and ISS with 1,000 each, reported the Associated Press. Meanwhile, brands like Adidas, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, Hyatt, and so on have made smaller commitments.&nbsp;

“This is good for us as a company because the opportunity to add diversity to our workforce will continue to make us a stronger company,” said Amazon Vice President overseeing human resources, Ofori Agboka, as quoted by AP.&nbsp;

He added that many of these jobs would be hourly roles at fulfilment and storage centres and in transport and delivery. This comes after the company announced mass layoffs and fired thousands of employees late last year. However, Agboka said that the job cuts primarily affected salaried office jobs.&nbsp;

Similarly, Marriott also said their jobs will predominantly be hourly positions like housekeepers, kitchen staff and front desk attendants. Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano said, “We’re seeing record levels of demand for our properties across many markets here in Europe,” adding that the company is “hiring aggressively” to meet the rising demand, reported AP. 
 
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Ahead of World Refugee Day dozens of multinational companies have vowed to hire refugees from across Europe including more than 13,000 refugees from Ukraine over the next three years, on Monday (June 18).

Ahead of World Refugee Day dozens of multinational companies have vowed to hire refugees from across Europe including more than 13,000 refugees from Ukraine over the next three years, on Monday (June 18). The pledge was made at a business summit in Paris organised by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a global business coalition of over 300 companies. Employment for refugees in Europe A day before World Refugee Day, 41 companies including Amazon, Marriott, Accenture, Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft and so on, have said they would hire, connect to work or train a total of 250,000 refugees out of which 13,680 would be getting jobs directly in those companies. The pledges made on Monday amount to the single largest batch of commitments made in the history of the Tent Partnership for Refugees since it was founded back in 2016, reported CNN. Kelly Clements, United Nations deputy high commissioner for refugees, on Monday said, “Every number is a story of an individual family who left everything, seeking safety, seeking protection and wanting to be able to rebuild as quickly as possible.” She added, “So the commitments that businesses are going to make on Monday are absolutely essential.” According to the UN official, 110 million people have been displaced across the world out of which an estimated 12 million are from Ukraine and more than half of them live in Europe. The event in Paris was organised by Tent Partnership for Refugees which is a nonprofit founded by Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya which connects businesses and refugees. Notably, the group’s first summit was held last year in the United States and witnessed pledges to hire 22,725 refugees. Which companies have joined the pledge? The biggest pledge, on Monday, was made by Amazon which has vowed to hire at least 5,000 refugees in Europe over the next three years. This would be followed by Marriott and Hilton with 1,500 each, Starbucks and ISS with 1,000 each, reported the Associated Press. Meanwhile, brands like Adidas, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, Hyatt, and so on have made smaller commitments. “This is good for us as a company because the opportunity to add diversity to our workforce will continue to make us a stronger company,” said Amazon Vice President overseeing human resources, Ofori Agboka, as quoted by AP. He added that many of these jobs would be hourly roles at fulfilment and storage centres and in transport and delivery. This comes after the company announced mass layoffs and fired thousands of employees late last year. However, Agboka said that the job cuts primarily affected salaried office jobs. Similarly, Marriott also said their jobs will predominantly be hourly positions like housekeepers, kitchen staff and front desk attendants. Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano said, “We’re seeing record levels of demand for our properties across many markets here in Europe,” adding that the company is “hiring aggressively” to meet the rising demand, reported AP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dozens of big companies vow to hire, train over 250,000 refugees from across Europe

United Nations on Monday (June 19) adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty as a "historic achievement".

The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans.&nbsp;

"The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet and today you have pumped new life and hope to give the ocean a fighting chance," he told delegates. &nbsp;

The treaty was a result of more than 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations. The UN member states agreed to text for the treaty in March.

Watch | Climate change can trigger deadly tsunamis: Study

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The text, since frozen, has been pored over by the UN's lawyers and translators to make sure it matches in the body's six official languages.&nbsp;

"Countries must now ratify it as quickly as possible to bring it into force so that we can protect our ocean, build our resilience to climate change and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people," said Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance. &nbsp;

Scientists have increasingly come to realise the importance of oceans, which produce most of the oxygen we breathe, limit climate change by absorbing CO2, and host rich areas of biodiversity, often at the microscopic level.&nbsp;

<h2>Life-sustaining oceans</h2>

Oceans produce most of the oxygen we breathe. They limit climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Besides this, oceans are rich areas or biodiversity from the largest creatures to microscopic life forms.

But with so much of the world's oceans lying outside of individual countries' exclusive economic zones, and thus the jurisdiction of any single state, providing protection for the so-called "high seas" requires international cooperation.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-labels-afghanistan-pakistan-early-warning-hotspots-predicts-worsening-food-insecurity-600868">United Nations labels Afghanistan, Pakistan 'early warning hotspots', predicts worsening food insecurity</a> 
 
Because of this, high seas have long been ignored in many environmental fights since the spotlight has been on coastal areas.

A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters.&nbsp;

Currently, only about one percent of the high seas are protected by any sort of conservation measures.&nbsp;

<h2>A crucial treaty</h2>

This treaty is seen to be crucial to countries protecting 30 per cent of global oceans and land by 2030. The world governments agreed on this in a separate historic accord that was reached in Montreal in December.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations on Monday (June 19) adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity.

United Nations on Monday (June 19) adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty as a "historic achievement". The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans. "The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet and today you have pumped new life and hope to give the ocean a fighting chance," he told delegates.  The treaty was a result of more than 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations. The UN member states agreed to text for the treaty in March. Watch | Climate change can trigger deadly tsunamis: Study × The text, since frozen, has been pored over by the UN's lawyers and translators to make sure it matches in the body's six official languages. "Countries must now ratify it as quickly as possible to bring it into force so that we can protect our ocean, build our resilience to climate change and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of billions of people," said Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance.  Scientists have increasingly come to realise the importance of oceans, which produce most of the oxygen we breathe, limit climate change by absorbing CO2, and host rich areas of biodiversity, often at the microscopic level. Life-sustaining oceans Oceans produce most of the oxygen we breathe. They limit climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Besides this, oceans are rich areas or biodiversity from the largest creatures to microscopic life forms. But with so much of the world's oceans lying outside of individual countries' exclusive economic zones, and thus the jurisdiction of any single state, providing protection for the so-called "high seas" requires international cooperation. Also Read | United Nations labels Afghanistan, Pakistan 'early warning hotspots', predicts worsening food insecurity Because of this, high seas have long been ignored in many environmental fights since the spotlight has been on coastal areas. A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters. Currently, only about one percent of the high seas are protected by any sort of conservation measures. A crucial treaty This treaty is seen to be crucial to countries protecting 30 per cent of global oceans and land by 2030. The world governments agreed on this in a separate historic accord that was reached in Montreal in December. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Historic high seas treaty adopted at the UN

In a solemn ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Office for Counter Terrorism dedicated a tree to the victims of terrorism, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed by extremists. The event coincided with the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city. Mumbai 26/11 attack victim, Karambir Singh Kang, who was the General Manager of the Taj Hotel, was invited to speak at the occasion.

Recalling the harrowing night that changed his life forever, Karambir Singh Kang recounted the heroic efforts of his staff and a few local policemen, who defied all odds to save the lives of nearly 1900 people. He spoke of the unyielding bravery displayed by his team, unarmed and standing their ground against heavily armed terrorists. Their selfless actions garnered worldwide acclaim and recognition for their unwavering resolve in the face of terror.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modis-us-visit-a-watershed-moment-for-india-us-ties-605341">Also read:&nbsp;Narendra Modi`s US Visit: A watershed moment for India-US ties</a>

Standing beside a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of non-violence, the newly dedicated tree served as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resolve. For Kang, it represented a testament to the human values that empower individuals to rise by lifting others. He firmly believed that through solidarity and unity, victims of terrorism transform into a force that can face any adversity. "By standing together," he declared, "we are no longer victims; we become stronger together."

The tragedy of the Mumbai attacks cut deep for Karambir Singh Kang, as he lost his wife and two young sons in the horrifying event. Their memories, along with the 166 innocent lives lost that day, were forever etched in his heart. The Indian delegation was led by Mr Praveen Vasishta Additional Secretary in MHA who also laid a rose at the foot of the Memorial Tree in memory of the victims of terrorism.

Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to host Indian PM Narendra Modi

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Addressing the gathering, Kang emphasised that terrorism knows no borders, transcending nations and affecting lives globally. He stressed the urgent need for peace-loving nations to join hands and eradicate this menace, emphasising that such an endeavour could only succeed through trust and cooperation.

As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his visit to New York, the dedication of this solidarity tree serves as a powerful backdrop. The tree, standing tall behind the iconic figure of Mahatma Gandhi, stands as a reminder that unity and trust are the building blocks for a safer and more resilient world.

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In a solemn ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Office for Counter Terrorism dedicated a tree to the victims of terrorism, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed by extremists.

In a solemn ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Office for Counter Terrorism dedicated a tree to the victims of terrorism, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed by extremists. The event coincided with the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city. Mumbai 26/11 attack victim, Karambir Singh Kang, who was the General Manager of the Taj Hotel, was invited to speak at the occasion. Recalling the harrowing night that changed his life forever, Karambir Singh Kang recounted the heroic efforts of his staff and a few local policemen, who defied all odds to save the lives of nearly 1900 people. He spoke of the unyielding bravery displayed by his team, unarmed and standing their ground against heavily armed terrorists. Their selfless actions garnered worldwide acclaim and recognition for their unwavering resolve in the face of terror. Also read: Narendra Modi`s US Visit: A watershed moment for India-US ties Standing beside a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of non-violence, the newly dedicated tree served as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resolve. For Kang, it represented a testament to the human values that empower individuals to rise by lifting others. He firmly believed that through solidarity and unity, victims of terrorism transform into a force that can face any adversity. "By standing together," he declared, "we are no longer victims; we become stronger together." The tragedy of the Mumbai attacks cut deep for Karambir Singh Kang, as he lost his wife and two young sons in the horrifying event. Their memories, along with the 166 innocent lives lost that day, were forever etched in his heart. The Indian delegation was led by Mr Praveen Vasishta Additional Secretary in MHA who also laid a rose at the foot of the Memorial Tree in memory of the victims of terrorism. Watch: US President Joe Biden to host Indian PM Narendra Modi × Addressing the gathering, Kang emphasised that terrorism knows no borders, transcending nations and affecting lives globally. He stressed the urgent need for peace-loving nations to join hands and eradicate this menace, emphasising that such an endeavour could only succeed through trust and cooperation. As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his visit to New York, the dedication of this solidarity tree serves as a powerful backdrop. The tree, standing tall behind the iconic figure of Mahatma Gandhi, stands as a reminder that unity and trust are the building blocks for a safer and more resilient world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

At UN campus, tree planted to honour victims of terrorism; Mumbai attack survivor shares inspiring story

Israel has set to approve thousands of building permits in the West Bank, despite US pressure to halt settlement expansion that Washington sees as an obstacle to peace with Palestinians. Israel has included its plans to approve over 4,500 housing units in various areas of the west bank although only over 1,300 are up for final approval, the remainder units are yet to undergo the preliminary clearance process.

United Nations deeply concerned over Israel settlement expansion

The issue of the UNSC Reforms is linked to the broader issue of reform of the international architecture which is clearly updated be it the financial institutions or the United Nations. So there is broad support across the United Nations and here I can remind that during UNGA 77th in September about 75 heads of state and government agreed that the security council needs to reform in both categories and I'm happy to say that as the debate have progressed this year there are many voices who feel something that is long overdue and that action must be taken forward. Of course, this is something which will not be easy, it is one of the most complex processes in the United Nations but there's a high degree of interest and importantly recognition that something needs to be done.

Ruchira Kamboj, India's permanent representative to the UN talks to WION about UN reforms

United Nations has spoken out against Russia stating that the latter has declined the request to aid in the relief efforts in the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam destruction. Earlier, the UN asked Moscow to act in accordance to their obligations under the International Humanitarian Law, while Moscow maintained its allegations against Kyiv.

Dam breach: Russia declines UN aid, latter says, 'obligation under International Humanitarian Law'

The United Nations fund for agricultural development has lauded India for reviving focus on millets and exporting 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to 18 countries that faced an acute shortage of food last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine. 
 
Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD), also said that India's G20 presidency has the potential to "transform" the global food systems as some of New Delhi's priority areas are in sync with that of the UN body. 
 
In an exclusive interview to PTI, Lario, a noted development finance expert, said the Indian expertise could support the agricultural and rural development in other countries in the Global South. 
 
"We also appreciate India's exports of wheat - 1.8 million tonnes - to 18 countries facing an acute shortage last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine," he said.

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-wheat-procurement-set-to-fall-below-estimate-by-20-595569">India's wheat procurement set to fall below estimate by 20%</a> 
 
Lario was in India to attend the G20 agriculture ministers meeting. 
 
The IFAD is a specialised agency of the UN that has been focusing on financing projects in various poor and vulnerable countries to help them battle poverty, hunger and food insecurity. 
 
"India has also shown thoughtful leadership in South-South cooperation. I very much appreciate, for instance, India's focus on the revival of millets," he said. 
 
"We've seen that millets are an important crop for farmers to adapt to climate change, given that they're drought resistant, and to ensure nutrition in some of the poorest and most remote parts of the world," Lario added. 
 
The IFAD president said India can play a global role in its capacity as the G20 president to transform global food systems. 
 
"India's G20 presidency has the potential to transform food systems. A food system includes all the aspects of feeding and nourishing people: growing, harvesting, packaging, processing, transporting, marketing and consuming food," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-bring-in-gender-parity-in-15-years-indias-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant-to-wion-604956">Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION</a> 
 
"Food systems have been shaken to the core in the last few years --cumulative shocks have reversed years of progress and exposed their weaknesses," he added. 
 
The COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate change have severely impacted the global food security that has triggered a food crisis in the African countries. 
 
India has been strongly flagging the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on food, energy and fertilisers which have impacted the Global South or the developing countries 
 
"The war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis. It has led to increasing food and fuel prices globally, which in turn is impacting the world's most vulnerable people," Lario said. 
 
"In addition to limiting the provision of grains, it is limiting affordable access to energy and fertilisers. This has been catastrophic for the ability of small-scale farmers - who grow at least one-third of the world's food -to keep producing food and also their ability to access markets," he said. 
 
Ukraine has been a major global supplier of wheat and the Russian invasion of the country resulted in a global food crisis as the supplies were badly hit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-considers-barter-trade-with-crisis-hit-egypt-in-credit-line-talks-605516">India considers barter trade with crisis-hit Egypt in credit line talks</a> 
 
Lario said the "ripple effects" of the war in Ukraine, compounded with other ongoing crises, are a reminder that there is a need to invest heavily in medium to long-term development to avoid being caught again in a similar "costly crisis". 
 
"The key areas identified by the Indian G20 presidency for food systems transformation - ensuring global food security and nutrition; promoting climate-smart agriculture; building inclusive and pro-poor value chains; and using digital technology to create smart solutions -- are the same areas IFAD is concerned about," he said. 
 
Lario also complimented India's overall success in becoming a food surplus country from a food deficit one. 
 
"India has long been an important partner for IFAD -- it is a founding member, and our largest borrower, and also one of our top 15 donors. The impressive progress India has made, going from a food deficit to a food surplus country, can clearly serve as an example for countries facing similar issues," he said. 
 
The IFAD president said at New Delhi's invitation, IFAD has supported India to strengthen its focus and share its experience on local production systems and building markets and resilience. 
 
"It is estimated that we need between USD 300 billion to USD 350 billion per year to revamp food systems. This is not even 3 per cent of the money wasted through the inefficiencies of the current global food systems each year," Lario said. 
 
"It is less than 0.5 per cent of the global GDP. The IFAD's expertise and long-standing partnership with governments can help make public investment more efficient, and food systems more attractive to private investors," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-grain-deal-extended-for-two-more-months-turkey-593357">Ukraine grain deal extended for two more months, Russia slams ‘distortions’ in implementation</a> 
 
The IFAD president also noted that small-scale farmers produce up to 70 per cent of the food consumed in low and middle-income countries and they often bear the brunt of climate change and other natural disasters. 
 
"We need climate finance both to mitigate emissions and to help economies adapt to the change. The current pace of action is not enough to meet global commitments under the Paris Agreement. 
 
"Between 2017 and 2018, small-scale producers received only USD 10 billion, or 1.7 per cent of climate finance.," he added.

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The United Nations fund for agricultural development has lauded India for reviving focus on millets and exporting 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to 18 countries that faced an acute shortage of food last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine.

The United Nations fund for agricultural development has lauded India for reviving focus on millets and exporting 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to 18 countries that faced an acute shortage of food last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD), also said that India's G20 presidency has the potential to "transform" the global food systems as some of New Delhi's priority areas are in sync with that of the UN body. In an exclusive interview to PTI, Lario, a noted development finance expert, said the Indian expertise could support the agricultural and rural development in other countries in the Global South. "We also appreciate India's exports of wheat - 1.8 million tonnes - to 18 countries facing an acute shortage last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine," he said. ALSO WATCH | India's wheat procurement set to fall below estimate by 20% Lario was in India to attend the G20 agriculture ministers meeting. The IFAD is a specialised agency of the UN that has been focusing on financing projects in various poor and vulnerable countries to help them battle poverty, hunger and food insecurity. "India has also shown thoughtful leadership in South-South cooperation. I very much appreciate, for instance, India's focus on the revival of millets," he said. "We've seen that millets are an important crop for farmers to adapt to climate change, given that they're drought resistant, and to ensure nutrition in some of the poorest and most remote parts of the world," Lario added. The IFAD president said India can play a global role in its capacity as the G20 president to transform global food systems. "India's G20 presidency has the potential to transform food systems. A food system includes all the aspects of feeding and nourishing people: growing, harvesting, packaging, processing, transporting, marketing and consuming food," he said. ALSO READ | Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION "Food systems have been shaken to the core in the last few years --cumulative shocks have reversed years of progress and exposed their weaknesses," he added. The COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate change have severely impacted the global food security that has triggered a food crisis in the African countries. India has been strongly flagging the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on food, energy and fertilisers which have impacted the Global South or the developing countries "The war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis. It has led to increasing food and fuel prices globally, which in turn is impacting the world's most vulnerable people," Lario said. "In addition to limiting the provision of grains, it is limiting affordable access to energy and fertilisers. This has been catastrophic for the ability of small-scale farmers - who grow at least one-third of the world's food -to keep producing food and also their ability to access markets," he said. Ukraine has been a major global supplier of wheat and the Russian invasion of the country resulted in a global food crisis as the supplies were badly hit. ALSO READ | India considers barter trade with crisis-hit Egypt in credit line talks Lario said the "ripple effects" of the war in Ukraine, compounded with other ongoing crises, are a reminder that there is a need to invest heavily in medium to long-term development to avoid being caught again in a similar "costly crisis". "The key areas identified by the Indian G20 presidency for food systems transformation - ensuring global food security and nutrition; promoting climate-smart agriculture; building inclusive and pro-poor value chains; and using digital technology to create smart solutions -- are the same areas IFAD is concerned about," he said. Lario also complimented India's overall success in becoming a food surplus country from a food deficit one. "India has long been an important partner for IFAD -- it is a founding member, and our largest borrower, and also one of our top 15 donors. The impressive progress India has made, going from a food deficit to a food surplus country, can clearly serve as an example for countries facing similar issues," he said. The IFAD president said at New Delhi's invitation, IFAD has supported India to strengthen its focus and share its experience on local production systems and building markets and resilience. "It is estimated that we need between USD 300 billion to USD 350 billion per year to revamp food systems. This is not even 3 per cent of the money wasted through the inefficiencies of the current global food systems each year," Lario said. "It is less than 0.5 per cent of the global GDP. The IFAD's expertise and long-standing partnership with governments can help make public investment more efficient, and food systems more attractive to private investors," he said. ALSO READ | Ukraine grain deal extended for two more months, Russia slams ‘distortions’ in implementation The IFAD president also noted that small-scale farmers produce up to 70 per cent of the food consumed in low and middle-income countries and they often bear the brunt of climate change and other natural disasters. "We need climate finance both to mitigate emissions and to help economies adapt to the change. The current pace of action is not enough to meet global commitments under the Paris Agreement. "Between 2017 and 2018, small-scale producers received only USD 10 billion, or 1.7 per cent of climate finance.," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chief of UN farm fund lauds India for reviving global focus on millets, exporting wheat to 18 countries

In order to prevent a global disaster, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged nations on Thursday to phase out coal and other fossil fuels. Yes, it's a bold remark coming from the head of the UN, who said that the global response to the looming catastrophe was insufficient. The UN Chief was speaking at a press conference at the U.N. headquarters in New York after meeting with global leaders in civil society who are concerned about climate change.

UN Chief slams 'pitiful' world response to climate change

The Greek authorities have arrested nine survivors from the fishing boat that capsized and sank 80 kilometres off the country's coast. They have been arrested on suspicions of belonging to the smuggling ring that had arranged the fateful voyage.&nbsp;

The nine arrested are all Egyptian nationals and include the captain of the dilapidated vessel.&nbsp;They were rounded up from the port of Kalamata where the survivors are being cared for at the moment.&nbsp;

The arrests were a result of two days of interviews with the survivors, "cross-referencing the information and honing down the possibilities of who among the survivors might have been part of the trafficking ring that profited from this enterprise and the profits are enormous", according to an Al-Jazeera report.&nbsp;

The publication stated that going by the assessment of one of the migrants on the boat, everyone on board paid at least $4,000 to $5,000 to undertake the voyage,&nbsp;meaning, the entire ship and its human cargo was worth in excess of $3.5 million.&nbsp;

The boat was spotted in international waters late on Tuesday by an aircraft that belonged to the European Union border agency Frontex, around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the town of Pylos in southern Greece, said the coast guard. The boat was headed to Italy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-die-several-missing-after-boat-capsizes-and-sinks-off-greece-604406">Also read |&nbsp;At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece</a>

As per AFP reports, the rescue operation included navy vessels, an army plane, a helicopter and six other boats that were in the area.

"Since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard," the coast guard said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-declares-three-days-mourning-over-migrant-boat-tragedy-604817">Watch |&nbsp;Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy</a>

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<h2>100 children were onboard</h2>

The authorities fear that by the time the rescue operation concludes, the death toll could run into hundreds.&nbsp;

"We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating," the UN International Organization for Migration said.&nbsp;

Survivors say the boat was practically packed in every corner and had no lifeboats or any safety measures in place. Some unconfirmed reports say as many as 750 people were onboard including 100 children.&nbsp;

“The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," a coastguard spokesperson said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Greek authorities have arrested nine survivors from the fishing boat that capsized and sank 80 kilometres off the country's coast. They have been arrested on suspicions of belonging to the smuggling ring that had arranged the fateful voyage.

The Greek authorities have arrested nine survivors from the fishing boat that capsized and sank 80 kilometres off the country's coast. They have been arrested on suspicions of belonging to the smuggling ring that had arranged the fateful voyage. The nine arrested are all Egyptian nationals and include the captain of the dilapidated vessel. They were rounded up from the port of Kalamata where the survivors are being cared for at the moment. The arrests were a result of two days of interviews with the survivors, "cross-referencing the information and honing down the possibilities of who among the survivors might have been part of the trafficking ring that profited from this enterprise and the profits are enormous", according to an Al-Jazeera report. The publication stated that going by the assessment of one of the migrants on the boat, everyone on board paid at least $4,000 to $5,000 to undertake the voyage, meaning, the entire ship and its human cargo was worth in excess of $3.5 million. The boat was spotted in international waters late on Tuesday by an aircraft that belonged to the European Union border agency Frontex, around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the town of Pylos in southern Greece, said the coast guard. The boat was headed to Italy. Also read | At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece As per AFP reports, the rescue operation included navy vessels, an army plane, a helicopter and six other boats that were in the area. "Since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard," the coast guard said. Watch | Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy × 100 children were onboard The authorities fear that by the time the rescue operation concludes, the death toll could run into hundreds. "We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating," the UN International Organization for Migration said. Survivors say the boat was practically packed in every corner and had no lifeboats or any safety measures in place. Some unconfirmed reports say as many as 750 people were onboard including 100 children. “The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," a coastguard spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nine Egyptian nationals arrested for trafficking after Greece migrant ship tragedy

UN Chief Antony Guterres on Thursday called on countries to phase out coal and other fossil fuels to avert climate catastrophe as per the world's response to deal with the impending disaster was inadequate now.

'End the Fossil fuel age': UN Chief calls on countries to phase out coal | WION Climate Tracker

It's been two months since a deadly conflict broke out in Sudan, displacing at least two million while killing over a thousand. The power struggle between the two generals, Abdel Fattah-al Burhan and the paramilitary commander Mohammed Hamdan Daga-lo, plunged the country into a devastating war, which seems nowhere near its end.

Sudan crisis worsens: At least 2 million people displaced so far, says UN | WION Newspoint

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after&nbsp;the massive Kakhovka&nbsp;dam on the Dnipro River was breached.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi</h2>

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-deliberately-hit-kakhovka-dam-with-himars-rockets-604095">Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets</a>

The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP)&nbsp;but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.”

He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv,&nbsp;said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky.&nbsp;

Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a>

<h2>Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant?</h2>

The IAEA chief's&nbsp;trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed.&nbsp;

The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-frances-macron-promises-more-military-aid-to-kyiv-as-counteroffensive-begins-603681">Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins</a> 
 
The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief</h2>

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”.&nbsp;

Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-fsb-arrests-former-defence-industry-workers-suspected-of-spying-for-ukraines-military-intelligence-603962">Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence</a>

Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached.

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached. ‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory. This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.” He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv, said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky. Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant? The IAEA chief's trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed. The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough. ‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”. Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.” ALSO READ | Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Very concerned’: UN nuclear chief about Zaporizhzhia plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive

The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday (June 14) said that a record 110 million people across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes.&nbsp;

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fight&nbsp;in Sudan have pushed hundreds and thousands of people to seek shelter abroad and those displaced within their own country to an unprecedented level, AFP reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-13-wounded-after-russia-missiles-strike-civilian-buildings-in-odesa-604213">Also read |&nbsp;Three killed, 13 wounded after Russian missiles strike civilian buildings in Odesa</a>

The UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi, during a press conference, said, "We have 110 million people that have fled because of conflict, persecution, discrimination and violence, often mixed with other motives -- in particular the impact of climate change." He added that it's quite an indictment of the state of our world.&nbsp;

Last year, the agency in its Global Trends in Forced Displacement report&nbsp;stated that 108.4 million people were displaced. It&nbsp;added that recent Sudan's conflict triggered further displacement reaching 110 million.&nbsp;

The number was 19.1 million up from 2021, making it to be the biggest increase since the records began in 1975. Stating data for 2022, Grandi said that globally 35.3 million refugees fled abroad, with 62.5 million displaced internally.

<h2>Numbers likely to increase</h2>

The UNHCR chief Grandi expressed his fear that the numbers might increase in the coming months and years.&nbsp;

He said that the swelling displacement this year might increase but they'll ensure a "more hostile" environment for refugees. "Leadership is about convincing your public opinion that there are people that deserve international protection."

The chief added that countries need to remain open so that people can seek shelter and asylum to feel safe.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Putin tells west to stop arming Ukraine

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<h2>Sudan continues to pose fear</h2>

Grandi said that the refugee agency is not in a good financial situation this year. He said that it has only 16 per cent fund needed for Sudan&nbsp;and&nbsp;added that the fight in Sudan might continue for a while.&nbsp;

Officials predict that some 467,000 people have fled Sudan since the fighting between parties broke out in April, while over 1.4 million have become internally displaced.&nbsp;

The countries hosting the most refugees are Turkey (3.6 million), Iran (3.4 million), Colombia (2.5 million), Germany (2.1 million) and Pakistan (1.7 million).&nbsp;

However, last year, over 390,000 refugees returned back to 38 countries, while some 5.7 million internally displaced people returned home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday (June 14) said that a record 110 million people across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fight in Sudan have pushed hundreds and thousands of people to seek shelter abroad and those displaced within their own country to an unprecedented level, AFP reported.

The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday (June 14) said that a record 110 million people across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fight in Sudan have pushed hundreds and thousands of people to seek shelter abroad and those displaced within their own country to an unprecedented level, AFP reported. Also read | Three killed, 13 wounded after Russian missiles strike civilian buildings in Odesa The UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi, during a press conference, said, "We have 110 million people that have fled because of conflict, persecution, discrimination and violence, often mixed with other motives -- in particular the impact of climate change." He added that it's quite an indictment of the state of our world. Last year, the agency in its Global Trends in Forced Displacement report stated that 108.4 million people were displaced. It added that recent Sudan's conflict triggered further displacement reaching 110 million. The number was 19.1 million up from 2021, making it to be the biggest increase since the records began in 1975. Stating data for 2022, Grandi said that globally 35.3 million refugees fled abroad, with 62.5 million displaced internally. Numbers likely to increase The UNHCR chief Grandi expressed his fear that the numbers might increase in the coming months and years. He said that the swelling displacement this year might increase but they'll ensure a "more hostile" environment for refugees. "Leadership is about convincing your public opinion that there are people that deserve international protection." The chief added that countries need to remain open so that people can seek shelter and asylum to feel safe. Watch | Putin tells west to stop arming Ukraine Sudan continues to pose fear Grandi said that the refugee agency is not in a good financial situation this year. He said that it has only 16 per cent fund needed for Sudan and added that the fight in Sudan might continue for a while. Officials predict that some 467,000 people have fled Sudan since the fighting between parties broke out in April, while over 1.4 million have become internally displaced. The countries hosting the most refugees are Turkey (3.6 million), Iran (3.4 million), Colombia (2.5 million), Germany (2.1 million) and Pakistan (1.7 million). However, last year, over 390,000 refugees returned back to 38 countries, while some 5.7 million internally displaced people returned home. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Record 110 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, numbers might increase, says UN

The latest United Nations report on trade and development shed light on the UK's exports, revealing that, aside from Japan, the UK has had the worst export track record among the G7 countries. According to the UNCTAD, UK goods and service exports were worth 813 billion pounds in 2012. and it only increased by 6% to $862 billion in 2021.

Export growth remains sluggish in UK

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

The deal, called Black Sea Grain Initiative, was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year. Russia has been threatening to walk away from the deal if obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser shipments are not removed.

"I am concerned and we are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters.

Gravitas: Ukraine secures first victory in counter-offensive

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To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea grain deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which UN&nbsp;officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertiliser exports.

Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions which were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. However, Moscow says payment restrictions, logistics and insurance have created obstacles.

On Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that Russia "cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," TASS news agency reported. Vershinin was speaking after his meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, the top UN trade official. The meeting took place in Geneva on Friday.&nbsp;

Among the demands made by Russia are the resumption of its ammonia exports via a pipeline to Ukraine's port of Pivdennyi and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system.

Also Read &nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-swap-nearly-200-prisoners-kyiv-says-it-recaptured-two-villages-in-offensive-603241">Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins</a>

The United Nations has helped boost Russian exports of food and fertilisers, facilitating a steady flow of ships to its ports and lower freight and insurance rates, a UN&nbsp;spokesman said on Friday.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Due to its grain exports, Ukraine is often regarded as the "breadbasket of the world". Russian invasion made it difficult for grain export to continue and this raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The existence of a safe passage for grain shipments was thus deemed important. The United Nations and Turkey brokered the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, even after being struck, has almost always faced uncertainty.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The deal, called Black Sea Grain Initiative, was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year. Russia has been threatening to walk away from the deal if obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser shipments are not removed. "I am concerned and we are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters. Gravitas: Ukraine secures first victory in counter-offensive × To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea grain deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which UN officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertiliser exports. Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions which were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. However, Moscow says payment restrictions, logistics and insurance have created obstacles. On Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that Russia "cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," TASS news agency reported. Vershinin was speaking after his meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, the top UN trade official. The meeting took place in Geneva on Friday. Among the demands made by Russia are the resumption of its ammonia exports via a pipeline to Ukraine's port of Pivdennyi and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system. Also Read | Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins The United Nations has helped boost Russian exports of food and fertilisers, facilitating a steady flow of ships to its ports and lower freight and insurance rates, a UN spokesman said on Friday. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Due to its grain exports, Ukraine is often regarded as the "breadbasket of the world". Russian invasion made it difficult for grain export to continue and this raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The existence of a safe passage for grain shipments was thus deemed important. The United Nations and Turkey brokered the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, even after being struck, has almost always faced uncertainty. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN chief worried over Russia possibly quitting grain deal in July

A report by the United Nations released on Monday (June 12) shows&nbsp;that despite the rise in women’s rights groups and social movements over the past decade or so, progress towards gender equality has stagnated. &nbsp;

The report has&nbsp;noted that nearly 90 per cent of both men and women or almost nine out of 10 men and women worldwide&nbsp;hold “at least one” fundamental bias against women.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the report about?</h2>

The UN Development Programme released its latest Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) report which revealed there has been no progress on biases against women in the last decade. Among both men and women, “biased gender social norms are prevalent worldwide: almost 90% of people have at least one bias” of the seven biases analysed by the UN agency.&nbsp;

This comes as the report noted that prejudices remain “deeply embedded” in society along with cultural biases and pressures that have continued to hinder women’s empowerment. These prejudices “are widespread among men and women suggesting that these biases are deeply embedded and influence both men and women to similar degrees,” the report stated.&nbsp; 
 
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The report uses data from the international research programme World Values Survey (WVS) collected between 2010-2014 and 2017–2022 from 80 countries and territories accounting for at least 85 per cent of the global population.&nbsp;

According to the UNDP report, the index has shown “no improvement in biases against women in a decade,” adding that this is “despite powerful global and local campaigns for women’s rights,” such as MeToo. It is also worth noting that in 38 of the surveyed countries, people with “at least one bias” decreased to just 84.6 per cent from 86.9 per cent.

<h2>What are these biases?</h2>

More than half of the world’s population (69 per cent) believes that men make “better” political leaders when compared to women, said the UNDP report. Additionally, more than 40 per cent of people reportedly believe that men are better business executives than women.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slow-progress-on-womens-rights-decried-at-un-summit-331912">Slow progress on women's rights decried at UN summit</a>

The report also noted that only 27 per cent of people believe that women having the same rights as men is essential for a democracy. Meanwhile, 25 per cent of people or one in four respondents believe that a man beating his wife is justifiable, the report also noted how more direct harm to women’s well-being could be seen from this&nbsp;view on violence.&nbsp;

According to the report, some 28 per cent believe that university is more important for men. This comes as education is seen as the key to improving women’s economic status. However, the UN report also said that the data showed a persistent gender pay gap even when education rates are high.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breakthebias-this-is-why-we-celebrate-international-womens-day-460133">#BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day</a>

Notably, in 57 out of the countries surveyed, where adult women are more educated than men the average income gap was reported high at 39 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Disappointing’: UN officials about the report</h2>

The report has prompted UN officials to raise concerns about the agency’s goal of gender parity by 2030. Heriberto Tapia, research and strategic partnership adviser at UNDP and co-author of the report, as per Reuters, has called the degree of improvement over the past decade or so “disappointing". 
&nbsp;

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Women still face an uphill battle. 
 
Our 🆕 Gender Social Norms Index shows that in the last decade, progress towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GenderEquality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GenderEquality</a> has stagnated. 
 
Let’s level the playing field. It’s time to shift norms towards equality. <a href="https://t.co/2YRa8xXFt6">https://t.co/2YRa8xXFt6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheckYourBias?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CheckYourBias</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gimi9DIHuL">pic.twitter.com/Gimi9DIHuL</a>
— UN Development (@UNDP) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDP/status/1668108362469330944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Furthermore, the report also said that these “hurdles” which have been created by prejudices against women have “manifested in a dismantling of women’s rights in many parts of the world.” This&nbsp;has also been attributed to biased social norms and a broader human-development crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/womens-rights-have-gone-too-far-say-most-men-in-a-latest-survey-570905">Women’s rights have gone ‘too far’, now men feeling discriminated, says latest survey</a>

Meanwhile, Head of the UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, Pedro Conceicao said, “Social norms that impair women’s rights are detrimental to society more broadly, dampening the expansion of human development.” He added, “Lack of progress on gender social norms is unfolding against a human development crisis.”&nbsp; 
 
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A report by the United Nations released on Monday (June 12) shows that despite the rise in women’s rights groups and social movements over the past decade or so, progress towards gender equality has stagnated.

A report by the United Nations released on Monday (June 12) shows that despite the rise in women’s rights groups and social movements over the past decade or so, progress towards gender equality has stagnated. The report has noted that nearly 90 per cent of both men and women or almost nine out of 10 men and women worldwide hold “at least one” fundamental bias against women. What was the report about? The UN Development Programme released its latest Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) report which revealed there has been no progress on biases against women in the last decade. Among both men and women, “biased gender social norms are prevalent worldwide: almost 90% of people have at least one bias” of the seven biases analysed by the UN agency. This comes as the report noted that prejudices remain “deeply embedded” in society along with cultural biases and pressures that have continued to hinder women’s empowerment. These prejudices “are widespread among men and women suggesting that these biases are deeply embedded and influence both men and women to similar degrees,” the report stated. ALSO READ | World rallies for International Women's Day under Ukraine war shadow The report uses data from the international research programme World Values Survey (WVS) collected between 2010-2014 and 2017–2022 from 80 countries and territories accounting for at least 85 per cent of the global population. According to the UNDP report, the index has shown “no improvement in biases against women in a decade,” adding that this is “despite powerful global and local campaigns for women’s rights,” such as MeToo. It is also worth noting that in 38 of the surveyed countries, people with “at least one bias” decreased to just 84.6 per cent from 86.9 per cent. What are these biases? More than half of the world’s population (69 per cent) believes that men make “better” political leaders when compared to women, said the UNDP report. Additionally, more than 40 per cent of people reportedly believe that men are better business executives than women. ALSO READ | Slow progress on women's rights decried at UN summit The report also noted that only 27 per cent of people believe that women having the same rights as men is essential for a democracy. Meanwhile, 25 per cent of people or one in four respondents believe that a man beating his wife is justifiable, the report also noted how more direct harm to women’s well-being could be seen from this view on violence. According to the report, some 28 per cent believe that university is more important for men. This comes as education is seen as the key to improving women’s economic status. However, the UN report also said that the data showed a persistent gender pay gap even when education rates are high. ALSO READ | #BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day Notably, in 57 out of the countries surveyed, where adult women are more educated than men the average income gap was reported high at 39 per cent. ‘Disappointing’: UN officials about the report The report has prompted UN officials to raise concerns about the agency’s goal of gender parity by 2030. Heriberto Tapia, research and strategic partnership adviser at UNDP and co-author of the report, as per Reuters, has called the degree of improvement over the past decade or so “disappointing". Women still face an uphill battle. Our 🆕 Gender Social Norms Index shows that in the last decade, progress towards #GenderEquality has stagnated. Let’s level the playing field. It’s time to shift norms towards equality. https://t.co/2YRa8xXFt6 #CheckYourBias pic.twitter.com/Gimi9DIHuL — UN Development (@UNDP) June 12, 2023 × Furthermore, the report also said that these “hurdles” which have been created by prejudices against women have “manifested in a dismantling of women’s rights in many parts of the world.” This has also been attributed to biased social norms and a broader human-development crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the report. ALSO READ | Women’s rights have gone ‘too far’, now men feeling discriminated, says latest survey Meanwhile, Head of the UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, Pedro Conceicao said, “Social norms that impair women’s rights are detrimental to society more broadly, dampening the expansion of human development.” He added, “Lack of progress on gender social norms is unfolding against a human development crisis.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Around 90% of people have at least one bias against women: UN report

The United Nations Security Council has put fresh allegations against the Islamist group, Taliban. In their latest report, the UN has raised concerns around the Taliban restoring its past form of governance that was before the US invasion of 2001.

UNSC report on Taliban-governed Afghanistan: End of Opium cultivation in Afghanistan | WION

The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper,&nbsp;The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires. The climate summit host country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had already garnered criticism from multiple environmental organisations as well as lawmakers over their pick to lead the negotiations in Dubai.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the British media report find?</h2>

The UAE, which is hosting COP28 in November, recently chose Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), to lead the upcoming UN climate summit. The decision has since sparked multiple calls for him to step down citing a conflict of interest.&nbsp;

The report comes after the COP28 previously claimed that its email system was a “standalone” and “separate” from that of the state oil company. However, The Guardian’s “expert technical analysis” showed that the COP28’s office shared email servers with Adnoc.&nbsp;

The British media report also claimed that it was not until their inquiries that the COP28’s office switched to a different server&nbsp;last week. The investigation first began in mid-May when the UK-based newspaper found links between UAE’s COP28 office and Adnoc after their inquiries into&nbsp;UN climate chief Christiana Figueres’ criticism who called the Emirati oil chief’s approach “dangerous".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-world-environment-day-5-international-deals-that-would-affect-environment-in-the-years-to-come-600963">Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come</a>

The email response that The Guardian received contained the text, “Adnoc classification: internal.” When the COP28 office was asked about it, they said it “sought input from several subject matter experts regarding emissions, including Adnoc".&nbsp;The report added, “internal classification mark had become part of the email chain as a result.”

In response to a different inquiry, the COP28 office also assured that their content, including emails, was “on a standalone, firewall-protected network, supported by a separate COP28 IT team,” as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

It was not until the previously mentioned “expert technical analysis” that they found that the oil company’s servers were used for both sending and receiving emails from the COP28 office.&nbsp;

The French Member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, has called the findings presented by The Guardian “an absolute scandal".

"An oil and gas company has found its way to the core of the organisation in charge of coordinating the phasing out of oil and gas," Aubry said.

She added, “It is like having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization,” as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>Al-Jaber’s reported stance on the environment</h2>

As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy, he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. However in a supposed change of stance, Al-Jaber urged countries to focus on “phasing out fossil fuel emissions,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/arctic-could-be-ice-free-in-summer-by-2030s-expert-says-it-was-not-expected-601453">Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts</a>

After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (June 7) both the EU and UAE have also pledged to support renewables in the upcoming climate summit. A&nbsp;joint statement by the EU and COP28 host said that both sides would “ensure maximum support on global 2030 targets for the tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency.”&nbsp;

It added, “These targets would support the transition towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels.” This also comes a month after over 100 members of the US Congress and European Parliament called for Al-Jaber’s removal as it would threaten the integrity of negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper, The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires.

The upcoming United Nations COP28 climate summit has yet again come under fire after a report by the British newspaper, The Guardian, on Wednesday (June 7), revealed that an Emirati state oil firm was able to read email exchanges between organisers and was also “consulted” on how to respond to the media inquires. The climate summit host country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), had already garnered criticism from multiple environmental organisations as well as lawmakers over their pick to lead the negotiations in Dubai. What did the British media report find? The UAE, which is hosting COP28 in November, recently chose Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), to lead the upcoming UN climate summit. The decision has since sparked multiple calls for him to step down citing a conflict of interest. The report comes after the COP28 previously claimed that its email system was a “standalone” and “separate” from that of the state oil company. However, The Guardian’s “expert technical analysis” showed that the COP28’s office shared email servers with Adnoc. The British media report also claimed that it was not until their inquiries that the COP28’s office switched to a different server last week. The investigation first began in mid-May when the UK-based newspaper found links between UAE’s COP28 office and Adnoc after their inquiries into UN climate chief Christiana Figueres’ criticism who called the Emirati oil chief’s approach “dangerous". ALSO READ | Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come The email response that The Guardian received contained the text, “Adnoc classification: internal.” When the COP28 office was asked about it, they said it “sought input from several subject matter experts regarding emissions, including Adnoc". The report added, “internal classification mark had become part of the email chain as a result.” In response to a different inquiry, the COP28 office also assured that their content, including emails, was “on a standalone, firewall-protected network, supported by a separate COP28 IT team,” as quoted by The Guardian. It was not until the previously mentioned “expert technical analysis” that they found that the oil company’s servers were used for both sending and receiving emails from the COP28 office. The French Member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, has called the findings presented by The Guardian “an absolute scandal". "An oil and gas company has found its way to the core of the organisation in charge of coordinating the phasing out of oil and gas," Aubry said. She added, “It is like having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization,” as quoted by The Guardian. Al-Jaber’s reported stance on the environment As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy, he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. However in a supposed change of stance, Al-Jaber urged countries to focus on “phasing out fossil fuel emissions,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (June 7) both the EU and UAE have also pledged to support renewables in the upcoming climate summit. A joint statement by the EU and COP28 host said that both sides would “ensure maximum support on global 2030 targets for the tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency.” It added, “These targets would support the transition towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels.” This also comes a month after over 100 members of the US Congress and European Parliament called for Al-Jaber’s removal as it would threaten the integrity of negotiations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UAE state oil firm was able to read email exchanges about COP28 climate summit: Report

The United Nation’s health agency, in a statement, on Thursday (June 8), declared an end to a nearly four-month epidemic of Marburg virus in the Central African nation of Equatorial Guinea, with 35 confirmed or suspected deaths due to the disease. This comes days after the World Health Organization (WHO) also declared the end of the Ebola-like virus&nbsp;in Tanzania.&nbsp;

<h2>What did WHO say about Equatorial Guinea?</h2>

In a statement, the WHO said, “The outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment.” The Central African nation first confirmed the outbreak on February 13 after the death of nine people in one province due to the disease.&nbsp;

According to data from WHO, a total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths were recorded due to the virus while all the 23 probable cases reported died. The statement added, “Four patients recovered from the virus and have been enrolled in a survivors programme to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equatorial-guinea-confirms-marburg-virus-outbreak-suspected-cases-in-cameroon-heres-what-we-know-so-far-562101">Equatorial Guinea confirms Marburg virus outbreak, suspected cases in Cameroon: Here's what we know so far</a>

WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said, “While outbreak-prone diseases continue to pose a major health threat in Africa, we can bank on the region’s growing expertise in health emergency response to act quickly and decisively to safeguard the health and avert widespread loss of life.”&nbsp;

She added, “The hard work by Equatorial Guinea’s health workers and support by partner organizations has been crucial in ending this outbreak. WHO continues to work with countries to improve measures to detect and respond effectively to disease outbreaks.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-declares-end-of-deadly-outbreak-of-marburg-virus-says-who-599633">Tanzania declares end of deadly Marburg virus outbreak, says WHO</a>

The UN health agency also said that the Marburg virus had affected some eight provinces in Equatorial Guinea with Bata district in Litoral province being the worst-hit in the country which reported some 11 laboratory-confirmed cases.&nbsp;

<h2>Tanzania declares end to deadly Marburg virus outbreak: WHO</h2>

On June 2, WHO also released a statement informing that Tanzania has declared an end to the deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus which reported a total of nine cases, out of which eight were confirmed and one was probable. Among the confirmed cases, three&nbsp;recovered, while the disease claimed the lives of six in the East African country.

<h2>What is Marburg disease?</h2>

According to the WHO, the Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent disease which comes from the same family of viruses that causes Ebola. The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused multiple and simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt, as well as the Serbian capital Belgrade.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marburg-outbreak-ebola-like-infection-kills-many-in-tanzania-prompts-alert-in-kenya-574755">Marburg outbreak: Ebola-like infection kills many in Tanzania, prompts alert in Kenya</a>

At least seven people died after being exposed to the virus who were said to have been conducting research on monkeys. The disease was also later associated with the African green monkeys from Uganda, however, the natural carrier of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nation’s health agency, in a statement, on Thursday (June 8), declared an end to a nearly four-month epidemic of Marburg virus in the Central African nation of Equatorial Guinea, with 35 confirmed or suspected deaths due to the disease.

The United Nation’s health agency, in a statement, on Thursday (June 8), declared an end to a nearly four-month epidemic of Marburg virus in the Central African nation of Equatorial Guinea, with 35 confirmed or suspected deaths due to the disease. This comes days after the World Health Organization (WHO) also declared the end of the Ebola-like virus in Tanzania. What did WHO say about Equatorial Guinea? In a statement, the WHO said, “The outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment.” The Central African nation first confirmed the outbreak on February 13 after the death of nine people in one province due to the disease. According to data from WHO, a total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths were recorded due to the virus while all the 23 probable cases reported died. The statement added, “Four patients recovered from the virus and have been enrolled in a survivors programme to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support.” ALSO READ | Equatorial Guinea confirms Marburg virus outbreak, suspected cases in Cameroon: Here's what we know so far WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said, “While outbreak-prone diseases continue to pose a major health threat in Africa, we can bank on the region’s growing expertise in health emergency response to act quickly and decisively to safeguard the health and avert widespread loss of life.” She added, “The hard work by Equatorial Guinea’s health workers and support by partner organizations has been crucial in ending this outbreak. WHO continues to work with countries to improve measures to detect and respond effectively to disease outbreaks.” ALSO READ | Tanzania declares end of deadly Marburg virus outbreak, says WHO The UN health agency also said that the Marburg virus had affected some eight provinces in Equatorial Guinea with Bata district in Litoral province being the worst-hit in the country which reported some 11 laboratory-confirmed cases. Tanzania declares end to deadly Marburg virus outbreak: WHO On June 2, WHO also released a statement informing that Tanzania has declared an end to the deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus which reported a total of nine cases, out of which eight were confirmed and one was probable. Among the confirmed cases, three recovered, while the disease claimed the lives of six in the East African country. What is Marburg disease? According to the WHO, the Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent disease which comes from the same family of viruses that causes Ebola. The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused multiple and simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt, as well as the Serbian capital Belgrade. ALSO READ | Marburg outbreak: Ebola-like infection kills many in Tanzania, prompts alert in Kenya At least seven people died after being exposed to the virus who were said to have been conducting research on monkeys. The disease was also later associated with the African green monkeys from Uganda, however, the natural carrier of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO announces end of deadly Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea

In November 2022, following the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, over 100 leaders from nearly 200 nations signed a contentious final deal. Meanwhile, the future of fossil fuels rests on an Emirati oil chief who the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has chosen to head the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai.&nbsp;

The importance of these international treaties is reiterated time and time again when countries vow to step up their response to the climate crisis or take measures to limit global warming to 1.5 degree&nbsp;Celsius from pre-industrial levels and their carbon emissions.&nbsp;

Every year, since 1973, World Environment Day has been celebrated by millions of people across the world, led by the UN Environment Programme. Since last year, for better or for worse, five prominent international agreements and treaties have been decided upon which&nbsp;are set to affect environment-related decision-making in the years to come.&nbsp;

<h2>COP27 summit: A contentious deal</h2>

Last year, the UN climate conference was hosted in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh and after days of debates and talks, nearly 200 nations finally announced the historic agreement on the “loss and damage” fund from climate change and the final declaration wrapping up the weeks-long conference.&nbsp;

The summit had to be extended by a day in a bid to break the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-un-climate-talks-extended-by-one-day-to-end-on-saturday-535390">deadlock </a>over the creation of a fund for developing countries which have been devastated by the fallout from global warming which the richer nations had previously declined to do. The COP27 cover decision or Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan for the first time incorporated specific sections on forests and “nature-based solutions,” which includes steps like restoring the mangroves.&nbsp;

COP27 was more focused on implementation, while COP26, held in Glasgow was about target setting. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-major-takeaways-from-the-un-climate-summit-reactions-from-global-leaders-535830">Key takeaways</a> from the two not legally binding papers included steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions; not cross the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold; hold businesses and institutions accountable for emissions and ensure transparency; financial aid for developing countries to lower emissions and climate-resilient development.&nbsp;

The goals fell short of pushing for the urgent “drastic” carbon-cutting needed to tackle global warming. “Our planet is still in the emergency room. We need to drastically reduce emissions now, and this is an issue this COP did not address,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgruntled-un-chief-antonio-guterres-calls-out-cop27-for-failing-to-meet-ambitions-535726">criticising</a> the nations.&nbsp;

<h2>COP15 summit: Historic billion dollar deal to save biodiversity</h2>

The UN biodiversity conference&nbsp;COP15 took place in December amid intense pressure where at least 190 countries agreed to raise $200 billion by the end of the decade to protect land and marine areas as well as save biodiversity in the developing world after it was dubbed as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop15-summit-rich-countries-oppose-creation-of-10bn-biodiversity-fund-542946">“last chance”</a> to address the issue.&nbsp;

The draft, 30 by 30, agreed upon in Montreal, Canada had four broad goals and 22 targets which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected.&nbsp;

During the summit, finance was one of the most contentious issues after some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-sign-historic-deal-at-cop-15-commit-billions-by-2030-to-save-biodiversity-544511">70 delegates</a> from African, South American and Asian countries staged a walkout and did not return for hours. The deal also accounted for the rights of Indigenous peoples and reaffirmed that they will have a voice in decision-making, a move which was praised by many.&nbsp;

<h2>UN High Seas Treaty approved after over a decade</h2>

Over 15 years of discussions and five rounds of protracted UN-led discussions later, more than 100 countries, in March, signed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-un-ocean-treaty-talks-resume-why-the-deal-to-protect-the-worlds-oceans-is-so-important-564112">legally binding pact</a> to protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), known as the high seas. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no attention since there are no borders.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-years-of-discussions-later-the-ship-has-reached-the-shore-nations-bag-global-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-568720">long-awaited</a> treaty will work to reverse marine biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development. The discussions ran as long as they did due to the economic interests which included developing nations wanting larger shares of the so-called "blue economy"&nbsp;and an agreement on the sharing of “marine genetic resources”.&nbsp;

<h2>Deep sea mining might begin with no regulations</h2>

In March, the UN associated, 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) convened in Kingston, Jamaica to negotiate on creating a legally binding document which would set the rules for how deep sea mining would be regulated in the high seas. As the discussions began, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-row-erupts-amid-talks-to-regulate-seabed-mining-heres-what-happened-574488">ISA chief</a> was criticised by diplomats who claimed that he has been pushing them to accelerate the process of beginning deep-sea mining. 
 
The ISA&nbsp;recently faced pressure from the tiny Pacific nation, Nauru, which triggered a clause in 2021 that would allow it to demand the adoption of the rules which are still being negotiated within two years.&nbsp;

The decision to allow permit applications by July 9 came by the end of March after the ISA’s governing council formulated a draft decision due to the triggered clause. As per a document seen by Reuters, the council plans to meet virtually before July to debate if the approval of these permits can be delayed.&nbsp;

<h2>UN to deal with world’s plastic problem&nbsp;</h2>

Last month, a UN committee met to negotiate a landmark legally binding global plastics treaty in Paris which would ideally end global plastic pollution. The debate was about whether the countries should limit the production of more plastics or recycle plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;

At the end of the recently concluded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-plastic-recycling-in-focus-as-countries-meet-in-paris-for-treaty-talks-598037">second meeting</a> in France, the decision to come up with a “zero-draft” by the end of November came at the 11th hour ahead of a third round of talks in Nairobi after some reported “nit-picking” and “delaying tactics” by countries, said the French foreign minister

<h2>COP28 summit: The way forward?</h2>

It has been a year of historic decision-making and passing contentious deals involving hundreds of countries across the world. So what’s next? The next COP meeting is already garnering criticism and has come under scrutiny after its host UAE selected Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to lead the upcoming climate summit.

As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. The COP28 climate summit is set to take place in December.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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In November 2022, following the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, over 100 leaders from nearly 200 nations signed a contentious final deal.

In November 2022, following the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, over 100 leaders from nearly 200 nations signed a contentious final deal. Meanwhile, the future of fossil fuels rests on an Emirati oil chief who the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has chosen to head the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The importance of these international treaties is reiterated time and time again when countries vow to step up their response to the climate crisis or take measures to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels and their carbon emissions. Every year, since 1973, World Environment Day has been celebrated by millions of people across the world, led by the UN Environment Programme. Since last year, for better or for worse, five prominent international agreements and treaties have been decided upon which are set to affect environment-related decision-making in the years to come. COP27 summit: A contentious deal Last year, the UN climate conference was hosted in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh and after days of debates and talks, nearly 200 nations finally announced the historic agreement on the “loss and damage” fund from climate change and the final declaration wrapping up the weeks-long conference. The summit had to be extended by a day in a bid to break the deadlock over the creation of a fund for developing countries which have been devastated by the fallout from global warming which the richer nations had previously declined to do. The COP27 cover decision or Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan for the first time incorporated specific sections on forests and “nature-based solutions,” which includes steps like restoring the mangroves. COP27 was more focused on implementation, while COP26, held in Glasgow was about target setting. Key takeaways from the two not legally binding papers included steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions; not cross the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold; hold businesses and institutions accountable for emissions and ensure transparency; financial aid for developing countries to lower emissions and climate-resilient development. The goals fell short of pushing for the urgent “drastic” carbon-cutting needed to tackle global warming. “Our planet is still in the emergency room. We need to drastically reduce emissions now, and this is an issue this COP did not address,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, criticising the nations. COP15 summit: Historic billion dollar deal to save biodiversity The UN biodiversity conference COP15 took place in December amid intense pressure where at least 190 countries agreed to raise $200 billion by the end of the decade to protect land and marine areas as well as save biodiversity in the developing world after it was dubbed as the “last chance” to address the issue. The draft, 30 by 30, agreed upon in Montreal, Canada had four broad goals and 22 targets which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected. During the summit, finance was one of the most contentious issues after some 70 delegates from African, South American and Asian countries staged a walkout and did not return for hours. The deal also accounted for the rights of Indigenous peoples and reaffirmed that they will have a voice in decision-making, a move which was praised by many. UN High Seas Treaty approved after over a decade Over 15 years of discussions and five rounds of protracted UN-led discussions later, more than 100 countries, in March, signed the legally binding pact to protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), known as the high seas. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no attention since there are no borders. The long-awaited treaty will work to reverse marine biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development. The discussions ran as long as they did due to the economic interests which included developing nations wanting larger shares of the so-called "blue economy" and an agreement on the sharing of “marine genetic resources”. Deep sea mining might begin with no regulations In March, the UN associated, 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) convened in Kingston, Jamaica to negotiate on creating a legally binding document which would set the rules for how deep sea mining would be regulated in the high seas. As the discussions began, the ISA chief was criticised by diplomats who claimed that he has been pushing them to accelerate the process of beginning deep-sea mining. The ISA recently faced pressure from the tiny Pacific nation, Nauru, which triggered a clause in 2021 that would allow it to demand the adoption of the rules which are still being negotiated within two years. The decision to allow permit applications by July 9 came by the end of March after the ISA’s governing council formulated a draft decision due to the triggered clause. As per a document seen by Reuters, the council plans to meet virtually before July to debate if the approval of these permits can be delayed. UN to deal with world’s plastic problem Last month, a UN committee met to negotiate a landmark legally binding global plastics treaty in Paris which would ideally end global plastic pollution. The debate was about whether the countries should limit the production of more plastics or recycle plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. At the end of the recently concluded second meeting in France, the decision to come up with a “zero-draft” by the end of November came at the 11th hour ahead of a third round of talks in Nairobi after some reported “nit-picking” and “delaying tactics” by countries, said the French foreign minister COP28 summit: The way forward? It has been a year of historic decision-making and passing contentious deals involving hundreds of countries across the world. So what’s next? The next COP meeting is already garnering criticism and has come under scrutiny after its host UAE selected Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to lead the upcoming climate summit. As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. The COP28 climate summit is set to take place in December. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come

At least three people were killed in a 4.9-magnitude earthquake which shook western Haiti early Tuesday (June 6), as per media reports, while the nation was still reeling from the devastating floods. This comes as the&nbsp;Caribbean nation&nbsp;faces floods triggered by torrential rains which,&nbsp;leaving a&nbsp;least 42 people dead in the past couple of days.&nbsp;

<h2>Earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday&nbsp;</h2>

The United States Geological Survey reported that a 4.9-magnitude quake struck at a depth of just 10 kilometres with the epicentre near Les Abricots area&nbsp;in the Grand'Anse department,&nbsp;which is nearly 300 kilometres west of the capital city of Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;

Officials told the Associated Press that three deaths had been confirmed so far after a house collapsed.

Christine Monquele, head of the civil protection agency in Grand’Anse, told news agency AFP, “They are members of the same family and were killed when their house collapsed.”&nbsp;Additionally, the agency also confirmed that some 28 people have been injured and that the search for “other possible casualties” is underway.

A World Food Programme official in Jeremie told the AP that things fell around his house after the earthquake, on Tuesday.&nbsp;“I thought the whole house was going to fall on top of me,” said Eric Mpitabakana, which has prompted him and his colleagues to contemplate sleeping outdoors in case of aftershocks.

<h2>At least 42 killed, dozens injured after floods</h2>

The Caribbean nation is reeling from heavy rainfall and flooding that have&nbsp;killed at least 42 people and injured dozens of others in the past couple of days, said the officials on Monday. According to reports, more than 13,500 homes had also been damaged due to the floods.&nbsp;

The civil protection agency confirmed the death toll which had risen over the weekend after various parts of the country, including the capital, were hit by rains and floods. In a statement, on Sunday, Prime Minister Ariel Henry said “My government, together with national and international institutions, is adopting urgent measures to meet the demands of the day.”&nbsp;

The coastal city of Jeremie, which is in southwestern Grand’Anse and relatively isolated from the rest of the nation, also witnessed disruptions in transport after the main road linking the region with the capital city was affected by the&nbsp;three rivers bursting their banks in recent days. Officials from the World Food Programme also said that they would start providing hot meals to the displaced due to the floods.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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At least three people were killed in a 4.9-magnitude earthquake which shook western Haiti early Tuesday (June 6), as per media reports, while the nation was still reeling from the devastating floods.

At least three people were killed in a 4.9-magnitude earthquake which shook western Haiti early Tuesday (June 6), as per media reports, while the nation was still reeling from the devastating floods. This comes as the Caribbean nation faces floods triggered by torrential rains which, leaving a least 42 people dead in the past couple of days. Earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday The United States Geological Survey reported that a 4.9-magnitude quake struck at a depth of just 10 kilometres with the epicentre near Les Abricots area in the Grand'Anse department, which is nearly 300 kilometres west of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Officials told the Associated Press that three deaths had been confirmed so far after a house collapsed. Christine Monquele, head of the civil protection agency in Grand’Anse, told news agency AFP, “They are members of the same family and were killed when their house collapsed.” Additionally, the agency also confirmed that some 28 people have been injured and that the search for “other possible casualties” is underway. A World Food Programme official in Jeremie told the AP that things fell around his house after the earthquake, on Tuesday. “I thought the whole house was going to fall on top of me,” said Eric Mpitabakana, which has prompted him and his colleagues to contemplate sleeping outdoors in case of aftershocks. At least 42 killed, dozens injured after floods The Caribbean nation is reeling from heavy rainfall and flooding that have killed at least 42 people and injured dozens of others in the past couple of days, said the officials on Monday. According to reports, more than 13,500 homes had also been damaged due to the floods. The civil protection agency confirmed the death toll which had risen over the weekend after various parts of the country, including the capital, were hit by rains and floods. In a statement, on Sunday, Prime Minister Ariel Henry said “My government, together with national and international institutions, is adopting urgent measures to meet the demands of the day.” The coastal city of Jeremie, which is in southwestern Grand’Anse and relatively isolated from the rest of the nation, also witnessed disruptions in transport after the main road linking the region with the capital city was affected by the three rivers bursting their banks in recent days. Officials from the World Food Programme also said that they would start providing hot meals to the displaced due to the floods. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Haiti: At least three killed in earthquake days after deadly floods hit Caribbean nation

The fighting between Sudan’s warring factions has reportedly intensified after the expiration of the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire deal, on Monday (June 5). This also comes as the US has announced sanctions against both the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for provoking “appalling” bloodshed.&nbsp;

<h2>What is happening in Sudan?</h2>

As of Monday morning, Reuters citing residents has reported shelling in western areas of the Sundanese capital city of Khartoum after the rival military factions fought through the night. The fighting is now entering its eighth week with no signs of stopping after it intensified following the expiration of a US-Saudi Arabia-brokered ceasefire deal, late Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, witnesses, as per AFP, have reported “artillery fire” in eastern Khartoum and around the state television building which is in the capital’s sister city Omdurman. This comes after residents have also reported intense fighting across three major cities Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri.&nbsp;

As per reports, Sudan’s army said that it has brought in reinforcements from other parts of the country for “operations” in the Khartoum area. Meanwhile, speaking about the looting, a 37-year-old resident Mohamed Saleh told Reuters, “The neighbourhood where we live in the centre of Omdurman is looted publicly on a daily basis without anyone intervening to prevent it, with clashes and shelling continuing around us.”&nbsp;

Another resident told the news agency that in Khartoum East district, RSF troops have spread across the capital city and were in full control and looting “whatever they can get their hands on”.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, since the fighting first erupted on April 15 more than 1,800 people have been killed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, residents have also reported worsening in Sudan’s far west region of Darfur. Citing activists who monitor the region, Reuters reported that at least 40 people have been killed while dozens more were wounded. On Monday, the RSF also released a video supposedly showing that it has taken over army headquarters in Kutum in North Darfur State.&nbsp;

Doctors Without Borders (MSF), on Friday, describing the dire situation in Darfur said “armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying,” as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>US sanctions Sudan’s industries, people&nbsp;</h2>

Last week, the US sanctioned&nbsp;Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd and arms trader Tradive General Trading, two companies controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US Treasury also sanctioned two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Defence Industries System and Sudan Master Technology.&nbsp;“The United States stands on the side of civilians against those who perpetuate violence towards the people of Sudan,” said US Treasury&nbsp;Secretary,&nbsp;Janet&nbsp;Yellen.&nbsp; 
 
This was in addition to the visa restrictions&nbsp;imposed by the US State Department&nbsp;against the&nbsp;leaders of the warring factions for “undermining” the country’s “democratic transition,” without naming them.&nbsp;

Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has extended its political mission in Sudan for six months after the Sudanese Army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the UN envoy Volker Perthes of stoking the violence in the country and called for his removal.

However, the request was rejected by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who reiterated his “full confidence” in Perthes.&nbsp;So far, more than 1.2 million have been displaced within Sudan due to the conflict while 400,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, as per the UN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The fighting between Sudan’s warring factions has reportedly intensified after the expiration of the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire deal, on Monday (June 5).

The fighting between Sudan’s warring factions has reportedly intensified after the expiration of the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire deal, on Monday (June 5). This also comes as the US has announced sanctions against both the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for provoking “appalling” bloodshed. What is happening in Sudan? As of Monday morning, Reuters citing residents has reported shelling in western areas of the Sundanese capital city of Khartoum after the rival military factions fought through the night. The fighting is now entering its eighth week with no signs of stopping after it intensified following the expiration of a US-Saudi Arabia-brokered ceasefire deal, late Saturday. Meanwhile, witnesses, as per AFP, have reported “artillery fire” in eastern Khartoum and around the state television building which is in the capital’s sister city Omdurman. This comes after residents have also reported intense fighting across three major cities Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri. As per reports, Sudan’s army said that it has brought in reinforcements from other parts of the country for “operations” in the Khartoum area. Meanwhile, speaking about the looting, a 37-year-old resident Mohamed Saleh told Reuters, “The neighbourhood where we live in the centre of Omdurman is looted publicly on a daily basis without anyone intervening to prevent it, with clashes and shelling continuing around us.” Another resident told the news agency that in Khartoum East district, RSF troops have spread across the capital city and were in full control and looting “whatever they can get their hands on”. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, since the fighting first erupted on April 15 more than 1,800 people have been killed. Meanwhile, residents have also reported worsening in Sudan’s far west region of Darfur. Citing activists who monitor the region, Reuters reported that at least 40 people have been killed while dozens more were wounded. On Monday, the RSF also released a video supposedly showing that it has taken over army headquarters in Kutum in North Darfur State. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), on Friday, describing the dire situation in Darfur said “armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying,” as quoted by AFP. US sanctions Sudan’s industries, people Last week, the US sanctioned Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd and arms trader Tradive General Trading, two companies controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family. Meanwhile, the US Treasury also sanctioned two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Defence Industries System and Sudan Master Technology. “The United States stands on the side of civilians against those who perpetuate violence towards the people of Sudan,” said US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen. This was in addition to the visa restrictions imposed by the US State Department against the leaders of the warring factions for “undermining” the country’s “democratic transition,” without naming them. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has extended its political mission in Sudan for six months after the Sudanese Army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the UN envoy Volker Perthes of stoking the violence in the country and called for his removal. However, the request was rejected by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who reiterated his “full confidence” in Perthes. So far, more than 1.2 million have been displaced within Sudan due to the conflict while 400,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, as per the UN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan: Shelling, looting continue as fighting worsens after ceasefire expires; US imposes sanctions

UN has kicked with its operation to transfer oil from Yemen's corroding vessel 'safer' stranded in red sea . The oil tanker contains 1.1 million barrels of crude oil which is four times as much as oil spilled in 1989 exxon valdez oil disaster off the Alaska coast.

'Safer' vessel running out of time

The United Arab Emirates' Consul General has emphasised that in order to achieve game-changing results at the United Nations climate summit that it will host later this year, the fossil fuel industry must also be present at the table. The inclusion of the oil and gas law at earlier rounds of negotiations has drawn criticism and been criticised by environmental activists.

Majid Suwaidi: Oil industry must be at table

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Bit to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports as the United Nations has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparation for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine.

UN proposes a deal for safe Black Sea grain exports

The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.

As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled.

Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-300-million-package-for-ukraine-but-opposes-strike-inside-russia-598956">US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia</a>

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing.

"As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said.

The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter.

<h2>Appeal to&nbsp;improve grain corridor</h2>

The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters.

"Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm."

Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal.

Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year.

WATCH |&nbsp;Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note.

"All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said.

"In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes."

Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again.

Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline.

A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities.

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The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.

The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday. As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled. Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said. ALSO READ | US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing. "As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said. The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter. Appeal to improve grain corridor The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters. "Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm." Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal. Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year. WATCH | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note. "All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said. "In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes." Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again. Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline. A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN proposes 'mutually beneficial' deal for Black Sea grain exports

In Pics | Panic hits Seoul after North Korea attempts satellite launch

The United Nations on Tuesday said it was ready to start salvage work on an oil tanker standing abandoned off Yemen’s coast at the rebel-held port of Hodeida, holding 1.1 million barrels of crude. It has been speculated that the tanker is in miserable shape, and can explode or catch fire at any time, thus posing a tremendous risk to the local maritime environment.&nbsp;

The tanker has not been serviced since the civil war broke out in Yemen in 2015. As per media reports, the UN has purchased a super-tanker to help pump out oil from the stranded tanker and defuse 'the ticking time bomb.'

<h2>When will the crude oil be pumped out?</h2>

According to UN sources, the oil will be completely pumped out from the stranded tanker by a company called SMIT Salvage. The process, which will cost the UN $148 million, is expected to start within the next 10 days to two weeks. The oil will be shifted to the UN-owned tanker Nautica, and then the empty stranded ship will be towed away to a safe location.

David Gressly, the UN coordinator for Yemen, said in a statement, “We're very happy to be on site where we can start the work."

<h2>Preparatory work to start on Wednesday&nbsp;</h2>

The salvage process will be done with the assistance of an SMIT support vessel called the NDeavour, which arrived at the site on Tuesday. Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme, which is in charge of the salvage operation, said, “With the arrival of the Ndeavour next to the FSO in the Red Sea, we truly have reached a critical milestone."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/war-in-yemen-may-be-over-peace-still-needs-to-be-won-587069">Also Read |&nbsp;War in Yemen may be over, peace still needs to be won</a>

"If all goes according to plan, somewhere in late June, early July, we might be in a position to say that that critical phase of the ship-to-ship transfer could be completed," he added.

<h2>Stranded ship in Yemen: A ticking time bomb?</h2>

If the stranded oil tanker breaks apart before the crude stored inside is completely pumped out, a massive spilling crisis may follow, triggering an environmental emergency in the region. Oil spills can cause extensive damage to marine ecosystems. The oil coats the water's surface, affecting marine plants, animals, and birds. The oil can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms by clogging their gills, hinder the ability of birds to fly by weighing down their feathers and disrupt the delicate balance of marine food chains. &nbsp;

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The United Nations on Tuesday said it was ready to start salvage work on an oil tanker standing abandoned off Yemen’s coast at the rebel-held port of Hodeida, holding 1.

The United Nations on Tuesday said it was ready to start salvage work on an oil tanker standing abandoned off Yemen’s coast at the rebel-held port of Hodeida, holding 1.1 million barrels of crude. It has been speculated that the tanker is in miserable shape, and can explode or catch fire at any time, thus posing a tremendous risk to the local maritime environment. The tanker has not been serviced since the civil war broke out in Yemen in 2015. As per media reports, the UN has purchased a super-tanker to help pump out oil from the stranded tanker and defuse 'the ticking time bomb.' When will the crude oil be pumped out? According to UN sources, the oil will be completely pumped out from the stranded tanker by a company called SMIT Salvage. The process, which will cost the UN $148 million, is expected to start within the next 10 days to two weeks. The oil will be shifted to the UN-owned tanker Nautica, and then the empty stranded ship will be towed away to a safe location. David Gressly, the UN coordinator for Yemen, said in a statement, “We're very happy to be on site where we can start the work." Preparatory work to start on Wednesday The salvage process will be done with the assistance of an SMIT support vessel called the NDeavour, which arrived at the site on Tuesday. Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme, which is in charge of the salvage operation, said, “With the arrival of the Ndeavour next to the FSO in the Red Sea, we truly have reached a critical milestone." Also Read | War in Yemen may be over, peace still needs to be won "If all goes according to plan, somewhere in late June, early July, we might be in a position to say that that critical phase of the ship-to-ship transfer could be completed," he added. Stranded ship in Yemen: A ticking time bomb? If the stranded oil tanker breaks apart before the crude stored inside is completely pumped out, a massive spilling crisis may follow, triggering an environmental emergency in the region. Oil spills can cause extensive damage to marine ecosystems. The oil coats the water's surface, affecting marine plants, animals, and birds. The oil can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms by clogging their gills, hinder the ability of birds to fly by weighing down their feathers and disrupt the delicate balance of marine food chains. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ticking time bomb: UN to start salvage work on Yemeni tanker on brink of spilling massive crude in Red Sea

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be.

The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;

<h2>United Nations talks in Paris&nbsp;</h2>

The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year.&nbsp;

Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.”&nbsp;

The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and&nbsp;needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message.&nbsp;

<h2>Global plastic problem</h2>

A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain.&nbsp;

So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP.

Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled.&nbsp;

Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What do different countries and groups want?</h2>

The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials.&nbsp;

Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible.&nbsp;

The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”.&nbsp;

“We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday.

The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040.&nbsp;

“We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased.&nbsp;

However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry.&nbsp;

<h2>Environmental groups about the treaty</h2>

A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group.&nbsp;

They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult.&nbsp;

“If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks.

“Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN).&nbsp;

Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”.&nbsp;

<h2>What do the plastic producers want?</h2>

Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.”&nbsp;

They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic.&nbsp;

On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals.&nbsp;

“So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution.

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be. The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. United Nations talks in Paris The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year. Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.” The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay. French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message. Global plastic problem A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain. So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP. Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled. Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. What do different countries and groups want? The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible. The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”. “We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday. The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040. “We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased. However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry. Environmental groups about the treaty A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group. They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult. “If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW. Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks. “Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”. What do the plastic producers want? Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.” They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic. On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals. “So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks

A debate rages on, about the future of plastics and their use at the ongoing global plastics convention in France.

UN talks on plastic treaty get underway in Paris

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