Latest news with #2030AgendaforSustainableDevelopment
Scoop
a day ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Germany's Annalena Baerbock Elected President Of The 80th General Assembly
2 June 2025 She assumes the role at a challenging time, with ongoing conflicts, faltering development goals, mounting financial pressures, and the upcoming selection of the next Secretary-General. Ms. Baerbock received 167 votes following the secret ballot. Write-in candidate Helga Schmid (also from Germany) received seven. Fourteen delegations abstained. She becomes the first woman from the Western European group to hold the post and the fifth woman overall to lead the General Assembly. The presidency rotates among the world body's five regional groups. At 44 years, Ms. Baerbock is also one of the youngest leaders to secure the top job. Crucial juncture Ms. Baerbock's election comes at a critical juncture for the multilateral system, spearheaded by the United Nations. With the Security Council deadlocked – especially on moves to help end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza – the Assembly has become a vital forum for diplomatic engagement and consensus-building, even without binding authority on peace and security issues. As conflicts rage, the Assembly has passed a series of resolutions calling for ceasefires, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. Many now see the Assembly as an essential platform for accountability and maintaining international focus on intractable crises, especially through the 'Veto Initiative' adopted in 2022 which ensures that issues blocked by permanent members on the Security Council are debated in the Assembly as a priority. A power wielded by the five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – a veto (or negative vote) can block Council action even when all other members support a motion. Pledge to be an honest broker In her acceptance speech, President-elect Baerbock acknowledged the current global challenges and pledged to serve as 'an honest broker and a unifier' for all 193 Member States, emphasising her theme of 'Better Together.' She outlined three priorities for her presidency: making the Organization more efficient and effective; advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and making the Assembly a 'truly inclusive forum'. She called for a UN 'that embraces everyone. I see the diversity of the General Assembly as our strength. This is the place where all nations come together and where every country has a seat and a voice.' She also highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality, multilingualism, and engagement with civil society and youth. UN80 initiative Ms. Baerbock also touched on the UN80 initiative, which was launched by Secretary-General António Guterres in March. ' The UN80 Initiative should not be a mere cost-cutting exercise,' she said, stressing the need for bold ambition and readiness to take difficult decisions. ' Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble and fit-for-purpose organization. One that is capable of realising its core objectives – we need a United Nations that delivers on peace, development and justice.' A career defined by multilateralism In congratulating Ms. Baerbock, current President Philemon Yang described her as a leader defined by ' an unwavering commitment to multilateralism ', praising her 'Better Together' vision. Mr. Yang, who steered the Assembly through a year marked by the Summit of the Future and persistent global crises, expressed confidence in her ability to build trust and foster dialogue across divides. Secretary-General António Guterres said Mr. Yang's successor was taking the gavel amid a 'difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system,' noting she was only the fifth woman to lead the body. The UN chief warned that 'conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family,' and called on the Assembly to unite in forging common solutions. The world parliament The General Assembly remains the UN's most representative body, where each Member State has an equal voice – and an equal say in decisions. While its resolutions are non-binding, the GA – as the acronym goes in New York – helps define global diplomatic norms, convenes dialogues on worldwide challenges and holds the Security Council to account. The 80th session, starting 9 September, is expected to be pivotal – not only for sheer number and intensity of crises ongoing – but for advancing long-term reforms, including the UN80 initiative and the selection of the next Secretary-General before his term ends in 2026.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean-GCC-China to boost trade, tech and green economy cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: The first Asean–Gulf Cooperation Council–China Summit has pledged to foster collaboration aimed at promoting economic prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development across the regions. In a joint statement today, the blocs said this effort would be implemented based on mutual respect, trust, and benefit, and is anchored in the principles of inclusivity and sustainability in engaging all interested partners. The blocs also affirmed their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation by leveraging the complementarities among Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China. Priority will also be given to reaffirming the central and indispensable role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as the cornerstone of the rules-based multilateral trading system, which ensures a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, and open global trading environment. "Cooperation will also be explored, including through the priority areas of the Global Development Initiative and various frameworks or initiatives by Asean and GCC, to facilitate the attainment of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. "We will also promote free trade and welcome the full conclusion of the Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations and look forward to its early signing and entering into force, as well as an early conclusion of the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations," the statement read. The blocs also said it will enhance industrial and supply chain resilience and foster sustainable trade practices for new economic opportunities in potential areas in emerging and future-oriented industries, such as the digital and green economy and technologies. They added that the establishment of a regional business council to facilitate dialogue between businesses from Asean, GCC, and China in supporting enhanced trade and investment flows and the development of regional value chains will be explored. "This includes exploring regional financial cooperation, including capital markets, and financial technology among others, while empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). "Cooperation on local currency and cross-border payments, as well as coordinated and comprehensive actions to prevent and fight corruption, are also included." The blocs also reaffirm their collective resolution to work hand-in-hand to unlock the full potential of the partnership and to ensure that their cooperation translates into tangible benefits for their people and communities. It also said it will pursue opportunities in digital innovation and technology by exploring a cross-regional framework to promote the digital economy, in areas such as digital trade, e-commerce, digital payment, fintech, artificial intelligence, start-ups, and data security cooperation. In terms of food and agriculture, the blocs said they recognise the potential for cooperation in the food and agriculture sector and commit to promoting sustainable agriculture, including through reducing harmful agrochemicals, promoting digitalisation, advancing nature-based solutions and fostering public-private partnerships.
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
ASEAN, GCC and China pledge stronger economic, security, humanitarian cooperation
LEADERS from ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trilateral cooperation in economic integration, sustainable development, energy security and peacebuilding. They said this in a joint statement after the conclusion of the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur (KL). The summit highlighted shared civilisational ties and reaffirmed support for multilateralism, international law and ASEAN centrality in regional architecture. A unified stance was taken on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with leaders condemning attacks on civilians, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and backing a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders. The group supported humanitarian efforts, including Qatar's mediation and China's role in Palestinian reconciliation. The ASEAN-GCC-China leaders also pledged to enhance trade and investment, conclude free trade agreements (FTAs) and bolster regional value chains. 'Priority will be given to reaffirming the central and indispensable role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the core of the rules-based multilateral trading system, which provides a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory and open global trading system,' the statement reads. Among others, they supported digital transformation and development initiatives aligned with the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. On connectivity, plans were unveiled to advance infrastructure and digital connectivity via the Belt and Road Initiative and maritime cooperation, while exploring a regional business council. The summit also emphasised just energy transitions, renewable energy (RE) cooperation and climate action. Nations agreed to share knowledge on green tech, explore clean fuels and build cross-border energy infrastructure. On digital transformation, the leaders proposed a framework to boost digital economy sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (fintech) and smart cities, alongside education and skills training for inclusive growth. Additionally, commitments were made to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture and explore cooperation on halal food systems and agri-tech. The ASEAN-GCC-China summit also stressed cultural exchange, educational cooperation and tourism, including support for the UN's International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations. The joint statement called for concrete implementation through existing ASEAN-GCC-China frameworks, welcomed the upcoming Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Doha, Qatar, and recognised regional initiatives across trade, food security and climate resilience. The ASEAN-GCC-China was held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit in KL, which took place on May 26 and 27, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) following Malaysia's chairmanship this year. This year marks Malaysia's fifth chairmanship. — TMR
Malaysian Reserve
25-05-2025
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
The World Must Respond to Africa's Forgotten Crises
Education is a humanitarian lifeline for the world's most vulnerable children. Our investment in their education today is an investment in global security, economic stability and continued growth in the 21st century. The following content is by Yasmine Sherif, Education Cannot Wait Executive Director NEW YORK, May 25, 2025 /CNW/ –The challenges facing many parts of the African continent today are vast and immense. From the surge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to all-out-war in Sudan, years of progress are being obliterated by bombs, killings and other grave violations of international law. The single best investment we can make in addressing these multiplying humanitarian crises is an investment in the vast potential and talents of Africa's younger generations. By investing in their education, we empower them to prevent conflicts, end extreme poverty and ensure economic development, peace and stability. Without investing in education as part of this broader vision, none of these imperatives will be materialized. The returns on investment are significant. As noted by the World Bank, foundational learning has the potential to double the GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050. Responding to the education funding gap Many traditional donor countries have dramatically reduced humanitarian aid in the past year, with recent analysis from UNESCO revealing a concerning drop of 14% in global aid to education. Yet, we all want to see a stable and prosperous Africa – a continent that deserves no less. Still, Africa is falling even further behind. Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa. Learning poverty is a concerning global trend. Nowhere is this more pressing than across Africa. Around four out of five African children cannot read or understand a simple text by age 10, according to UNESCO, and many struggle with basic numeracy skills. Compounding challenges like conflict, climate change and forced displacement are derailing development gains and impeding access to life-saving education in humanitarian crises – an investment that is indispensable to achieve peace and economic prosperity. According to the recent global estimates study by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), about half of the world's 234 million crisis-impacted school-aged children reside in sub-Saharan Africa. An entire generation is being left behind. 'Although 75 million more African children are enrolled in school today compared to 2015, the number of out-of-school children has increased by 13.2 million to over 100 million during the same period,' according to the 2025 Transforming Learning and Skills Development in Africa report. You cannot have sustainable economic growth without stability. And you cannot achieve stability without education. Africa is a continent on the move, a continent of forced displacement as a consequence of armed and violent conflicts, as well as climate change. 'In 2020, 21 million Africans were living in another African country. Since 1990, the number of African migrants living outside of the region has more than doubled, with the growth in Europe most pronounced. In 2020, most African-born migrants living outside the region were residing in Europe (11 million), Asia (nearly 5 million) and North America (around 3 million),' according to the World Migration Report. Our collective failure to respond to this pressing education crisis will have dire global consequences. The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Just look at the terrifying situation unravelling in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This region has been plagued by violence for decades, but it's gotten much, much worse in recent months. In all, there are an estimated 3.5 million forcibly displaced children in DRC today. Millions risk unimaginable violations of their human rights, including killing, maiming, abduction and forced recruitment into armed groups. There are also unconscionable accounts of sexual violence against girls. In eastern DRC, a child is reported raped every half an hour, according to UNICEF. How can we tolerate the magnitude and depth of young girls and boys being systematically raped and killed? 'More than 79 million girls and women – over 1 in 5 – across sub-Saharan Africa have experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18,' according to UNICEF. Let's put that number in perspective. That's more than the total population of Australia and Spain combined. For the children living in the midst of this chaos and fear, the options are limited. For girls, it's a future as a child bride, continued poverty and early pregnancies. For boys, it might look like forced recruitment into terrorist organizations and other armed groups, forced labour or migration. For the world, this means growing forced displacement and migration, deeper and more widespread insecurity across the Global South, unstable markets, unstable populations and unstable futures. The consequences of the war in Sudan The situation in Sudan is soul-shattering and must end now. Recent estimates indicate that 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. More than 12 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since April 2023, straining education systems, budgets and capacity in neighbouring countries. In all, the conflict and continuing challenges – including forced displacement, climate change, poverty and other factors – have left about 16.5 million children out of school in Sudan. Education is the solutionAs the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its strategic partners are making a value proposition to increase humanitarian funding for education in Africa and beyond. In doing so, we contribute to joint programming on education, hence the broader goal of peace, stability and economic development. There is a strong economic argument to be made. Africa is the youngest, fastest growing continent on earth – 6 out of 10 people are under the age of 25. Within all that youth and energy lies opportunity. According to the World Bank, there is a 10% increase in hourly earnings for every extra year of schooling. At the same time, taken at a macro-economic level, the opportunity costs are unprecedented. 'This generation of students now risks losing a combined total of US$21 trillion in lifetime earnings in present value, or the equivalent of 17% of today's global GDP – a sharp rise from the 2021 estimate of a US$17 trillion loss.' The returns on investment in sub-Saharan Africa may be even more substantial, with some analyses indicating that every US$1 invested in tripling pre-primary education enrolment can generate up to US$33 in returns. A lasting legacyEducation – as a transformative, immediate, life-saving and long-term investment –breaks cycles of poverty, displacement and conflict. Only then can we achieve peace, stability and economic development. Deep inside us, we all agree that we can do better as a global community. We all know, instinctively, that the world would be a better place if we reduced global military spending – topping US$2.7 trillion – and instead invested in education, health, governance, infrastructure and livelihoods. We do know that we can be creative and turn vision into practical results. All it takes is investing just 0.02% (US$600 million) of this into education – and similar amounts into other sectors – which, together, provide the transformational power to build stability, spread peace and generate significant economic returns. This is not just logic. This is a legacy worth living.
Cision Canada
25-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
The World Must Respond to Africa's Forgotten Crises
Education is a humanitarian lifeline for the world's most vulnerable children. Our investment in their education today is an investment in global security, economic stability and continued growth in the 21 st century. The following content is by Yasmine Sherif, Education Cannot Wait Executive Director NEW YORK, May 25, 2025 /CNW/ --The challenges facing many parts of the African continent today are vast and immense. From the surge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to all-out-war in Sudan, years of progress are being obliterated by bombs, killings and other grave violations of international law. The single best investment we can make in addressing these multiplying humanitarian crises is an investment in the vast potential and talents of Africa's younger generations. By investing in their education, we empower them to prevent conflicts, end extreme poverty and ensure economic development, peace and stability. Without investing in education as part of this broader vision, none of these imperatives will be materialized. The returns on investment are significant. As noted by the World Bank, foundational learning has the potential to double the GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050. Many traditional donor countries have dramatically reduced humanitarian aid in the past year, with recent analysis from UNESCO revealing a concerning drop of 14% in global aid to education. Yet, we all want to see a stable and prosperous Africa – a continent that deserves no less. Still, Africa is falling even further behind. Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa. Learning poverty is a concerning global trend. Nowhere is this more pressing than across Africa. Around four out of five African children cannot read or understand a simple text by age 10, according to UNESCO, and many struggle with basic numeracy skills. Compounding challenges like conflict, climate change and forced displacement are derailing development gains and impeding access to life-saving education in humanitarian crises – an investment that is indispensable to achieve peace and economic prosperity. According to the recent global estimates study by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), about half of the world's 234 million crisis-impacted school-aged children reside in sub-Saharan Africa. An entire generation is being left behind. "Although 75 million more African children are enrolled in school today compared to 2015, the number of out-of-school children has increased by 13.2 million to over 100 million during the same period," according to the 2025 Transforming Learning and Skills Development in Africa report. You cannot have sustainable economic growth without stability. And you cannot achieve stability without education. Africa is a continent on the move, a continent of forced displacement as a consequence of armed and violent conflicts, as well as climate change. "In 2020, 21 million Africans were living in another African country. Since 1990, the number of African migrants living outside of the region has more than doubled, with the growth in Europe most pronounced. In 2020, most African-born migrants living outside the region were residing in Europe (11 million), Asia (nearly 5 million) and North America (around 3 million)," according to the World Migration Report. Our collective failure to respond to this pressing education crisis will have dire global consequences. The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Just look at the terrifying situation unravelling in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This region has been plagued by violence for decades, but it's gotten much, much worse in recent months. In all, there are an estimated 3.5 million forcibly displaced children in DRC today. Millions risk unimaginable violations of their human rights, including killing, maiming, abduction and forced recruitment into armed groups. There are also unconscionable accounts of sexual violence against girls. In eastern DRC, a child is reported raped every half an hour, according to UNICEF. How can we tolerate the magnitude and depth of young girls and boys being systematically raped and killed? "More than 79 million girls and women – over 1 in 5 – across sub-Saharan Africa have experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18," according to UNICEF. Let's put that number in perspective. That's more than the total population of Australia and Spain combined. For the children living in the midst of this chaos and fear, the options are limited. For girls, it's a future as a child bride, continued poverty and early pregnancies. For boys, it might look like forced recruitment into terrorist organizations and other armed groups, forced labour or migration. For the world, this means growing forced displacement and migration, deeper and more widespread insecurity across the Global South, unstable markets, unstable populations and unstable futures. The consequences of the war in Sudan The situation in Sudan is soul-shattering and must end now. Recent estimates indicate that 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. More than 12 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since April 2023, straining education systems, budgets and capacity in neighbouring countries. In all, the conflict and continuing challenges – including forced displacement, climate change, poverty and other factors – have left about 16.5 million children out of school in Sudan. Education is the solution As the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its strategic partners are making a value proposition to increase humanitarian funding for education in Africa and beyond. In doing so, we contribute to joint programming on education, hence the broader goal of peace, stability and economic development. There is a strong economic argument to be made. Africa is the youngest, fastest growing continent on earth – 6 out of 10 people are under the age of 25. Within all that youth and energy lies opportunity. According to the World Bank, there is a 10% increase in hourly earnings for every extra year of schooling. At the same time, taken at a macro-economic level, the opportunity costs are unprecedented. "This generation of students now risks losing a combined total of US$21 trillion in lifetime earnings in present value, or the equivalent of 17% of today's global GDP – a sharp rise from the 2021 estimate of a US$17 trillion loss." The returns on investment in sub-Saharan Africa may be even more substantial, with some analyses indicating that every US$1 invested in tripling pre-primary education enrolment can generate up to US$33 in returns. A lasting legacy Education – as a transformative, immediate, life-saving and long-term investment –breaks cycles of poverty, displacement and conflict. Only then can we achieve peace, stability and economic development. Deep inside us, we all agree that we can do better as a global community. We all know, instinctively, that the world would be a better place if we reduced global military spending – topping US$2.7 trillion – and instead invested in education, health, governance, infrastructure and livelihoods. We do know that we can be creative and turn vision into practical results. All it takes is investing just 0.02% (US$600 million) of this into education – and similar amounts into other sectors – which, together, provide the transformational power to build stability, spread peace and generate significant economic returns. This is not just logic. This is a legacy worth living.
