“I will draw upon my background in sustainable development” Right before the opening of the 68th session of General Assembly, its President, John W. Ashe, gave a special interview to DESA News. He points out how his background may help him promote the building of Sustainable Development Goals among Member States. He also explains why he is the first PGA to extensively use social media and online communication. On 18 September 2013, John W. Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda took … [Read more...]
A new era of discussions on migration and development
October 2, 2013 by
For the second time in history, the General Assembly will convene a high-level event on 3-4 October, devoted to international migration and development at the United Nations. This meeting provides an opportunity for the international community to review progress since the first High-level Dialogue in 2006 and promote and advance the debate and cooperation in the field of migration and development. Governments are increasingly recognizing that partnership and cooperation are needed to leverage … [Read more...]
Children are Children – STOP this madness, Syria – Take Action!
September 14, 2013 by
First Syrian Refugees Land in Germany 'Is Hanover Near the Sea?' Some are injured, some are traumatized, but all have been forced to flee. A million Syrians have left their country because of the civil war. Germany has agreed to offer temporary asylum to 5,000, and the first refugees took off for Hanover on Wednesday. Departing from Beirut: Some 107 refugees from Syria flew from Lebanon to Germany on Wednesday. Sisters Noura and Nada lost most of their family in a rocket attack. Their … [Read more...]
SYRIA: A DISASTER FOR WOMEN
September 14, 2013 by
PETER BIRO/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE Syria: It's a problem, a political conundrum—and a disaster for women and children, who make up the bulk of the 2 million people who have fled the country. Even when they arrive in camps in neighboring countries, female refugees find little security; instead they're often subjected to rape and sexual harassment. Shelter, water, medical care—all are in short supply in the camps. Fortunately, many international nonprofits are helping bridge that gap. … [Read more...]
Can diplomacy work with Syria?
September 12, 2013 by
International responses to the apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria continue to evolve rapidly. US plans for military intervention are on hold for now as various parties consider a Russian-led proposal-below to place Syria's chemical arsenal under international supervision. My team of Middle East, US and Russia analysts has been covering the Syrian crisis extensively, and we caution that while any non-military route is to be welcomed in principle - given the grave implications of … [Read more...]
IRAN Surprises Herself and the World, Brookings Essay
September 12, 2013 by
Suzanne Maloney is an expert on Iranian politics, energy and economic reform in the Middle East, and U.S. policy toward the region. Prior to her position as a senior fellow with the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, she was a member of the State Department’s policy planning staff; a Middle East advisor at ExxonMobil Corporation; and director of a Council on Foreign Relations task force on America’s Iran policy. Author of Iran’s Long Reach and contributor to such works as Which … [Read more...]
A Solution for Syria – Take Action NOW!
September 7, 2013 by
Just weeks ago the kids in this image were gassed to death in their sleep. There is one peaceful way to stop these massacres - if Iran and the US sit down to talks and bring the warring parties to the table to get a ceasefire. For the first time the two Presidents are showing dialogue is possible. Let's tell them the world wants talks to start saving lives now! Sign the Petition NOW! Just weeks ago the kids in this image were gassed to death in their sleep, but it feels the world … [Read more...]
CANADA, further support to those affected by the violence in Syria
September 6, 2013 by
PM announces further support to those affected by the violence in Syria September 6, 2013 St. Petersburg, Russia Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced further Canadian support to help address the worsening humanitarian situation in Syria. “The Government of Canada stands with the people of Syria as they continue to face unfathomable hardships at the hands of the Assad regime,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Canada’s support, together with that of its allies, will help … [Read more...]
Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), a new standard
August 1, 2013 by
A new statistical standard to measure sustainable development The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), an international standard on statistics, was recently agreed among UN Member States, and is currently being implemented. The aim of this standard is to report on the interrelationships between the economy, the environment and the society through clear, concise and coherent statistics and indicators.Image: DESA Statistics Division The SEEA became a statistical standard in … [Read more...]
