Latest news with #AntnioGuterres
Scoop
22-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Biodiversity Loss Demands Urgent Global Action, Says UN Chief
UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres has called on countries to radically rethink their relationship with nature, warning that biodiversity loss is a global crisis no nation can ignore. In a message marking Thursday's International Day for Biological Diversity, the UN chief raised alarm over the 'lightning pace' of degradation of the natural world. 'Biodiversity is the bedrock of life and a cornerstone of sustainable development,' Mr. Guterres said. 'Yet humanity is destroying biodiversity at lightening pace, the result of pollution, climate crisis, ecosystem destruction and – ultimately – short-term interests fuelling the unsustainable use of our natural world.' He stressed that no country, 'however rich or powerful,' can address the crisis in isolation, nor thrive without the ecological richness that defines life on Earth. Alarm bells ringing The International Day comes amid stark concern for the future: one million species are at risk of extinction, 75 per cent of land ecosystems and two-thirds of marine environments have been significantly altered by human activity. Furthermore, if current trends continue, progress towards eight of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be jeopardized. Mr. Guterres called for urgent implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the landmark agreement adopted to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. This includes delivering on national biodiversity action plans, scaling finance for conservation, shifting harmful subsidies, and supporting local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth. Live in harmony with nature Biological diversity underpins food security, livelihoods, health and climate resilience. Roughly three billion people eat fish for 20 a per cent of their animal protein intake, and 80 per cent of rural populations in developing countries rely on plant-based medicine. Yet the destruction of natural habitats is also increasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, making biodiversity preservation a key factor in global health. 'Living in harmony with nature and sustainable development is humanity's path to a better world for all,' Mr. Guterres said, echoing this year's theme. 'Together, let us take it.' The International Day The UN officially designated 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2000 to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
India makes significant pledges at UN peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin
India, which is among the largest troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, has made key pledges at a peacekeeping ministerial meeting, including a quick reaction force company and one women-led formed police unit (FPU). India pledged a Quick Reaction Force company, an armed police or mixed armed police unit, one women-led Formed Police Unit and a counter-improvised explosive devices/ explosive ordnance disposal unit as well as a K-9 unit and a SWAT police unit, the UN Department of Peace Operations said in a post on X. "Thank you India for your support", UN peacekeeping said. The United Nations peacekeeping ministerial 2025 concluded in Berlin, Germany Wednesday. More than 130 member states and international partners over a thousand participants in total came together to reaffirm their support for UN peacekeeping and to announce concrete pledges aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations in the face of evolving global challenges. A total of 74 member states made pledges. In troubled spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today's realities and tomorrow's challenges, United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres said in his opening remarks at the ministerial meeting on Future of Peacekeeping'. Guterres said that the international community owes it to peacekeepers and the populations they protect to continue strengthening their ability to answer the call to peace and to do so in the face of daunting challenges, such as complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts; growing polarisation and division around the globe; terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability and the ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable. Guterres underscored the need for shaping peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future and making peacekeeping operations more adaptable and flexible. Hosted by the Government of Germany, the two-day high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Member State support and help shape the future of UN peacekeeping. The Ministerial focused on the Future of Peacekeeping, reflecting the need for innovative approaches to address complex conflicts, leverage emerging technologies, and address threats such as mis- and disinformation, a press release by UN Peacekeeping said. Guterres welcomed member states' political statements of support for peacekeeping as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support. This meeting is also about something more fundamental: the future of peacekeeping itself, Guterres added. German minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul said in the statement released by UN Peacekeeping that in an interconnected world, no nation can achieve peace and security for its citizens on its own. We all agree that setting up strong and effective peacekeeping missions is our joint responsibility. We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness. This is the way forward in a world in which peacekeeping is more important now than ever before, but where the challenges are greater than at any time in the past, he said. Key outcomes of the peacekeeping ministerial included 53 member states pledging uniformed capabilities, including 88 military and police units, as well as various critical capabilities, airlift, individual experts, staff officers and individual police officers. Fifty-nine member states pledged specialised training on critical issues such as peacekeeping-intelligence, protection of civilians, gender and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse; 18 member states made pledges related to technological advancements and data-driven approaches to improve mission effectiveness. Thirty-eight member states made pledges to further implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including gender-responsive peacekeeping and women in peacekeeping. Sixteen member states pledged capabilities and projects to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers. Eleven member states made pledges related to the conduct and accountability of peacekeepers and UN peacekeeping's fight against sexual exploitation and abuse. "This response includes targeted contributions to the Trust Fund for victims and eight member states made pledges to support the UN's strategic communications efforts and contribute resources to strengthen information integrity. India ranks among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions with 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, across 10 missions as of September 2024. Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have been killed in action, the highest number by far from any troop-contributing country. India deployed the first all-female FPU to Liberia in 2007. The Berlin Ministerial is part of a series of high-level meetings aimed at galvanising political support and generating tangible commitments to improve UN peacekeeping. It follows previous Ministerial meetings held in Accra (2023), Seoul (2021), New York (2019) Vancouver (2017) and London (2016). The 2025 Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping.
Canada Standard
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
In Berlin, broad backing for UN peacekeeping as global threats mount
More than 130 countries and international partners threw their weight behind UN peacekeeping at a high-level ministerial summit in Berlin on Wednesday, pledging military, tech and political support. The future of peacekeeping took centre stage on Tuesday in Berlin as UN chief Antnio Guterres urged Member States to do more to support the global bodys 'blue helmets' and stave off the worst impacts of deep funding cuts. UNSecretary-General Antnio Guterresmeanwhile warned that peace operations are under growing strain and must adapt to meet todays rising threats. The two-day conference on peacekeeping, hosted by the Government of Germany, brought together over 1,000 participants including defence and foreign ministers to reaffirm commitment to the UNs flagship tool for maintaining peace and stability. It concluded on Wednesday with a wide array of pledges, including 88 military and police units, specialized training, and investments in emerging technologies and strategic communications. Difference between life and death In trouble spots around the world, blue helmets can mean the difference between life and death, Mr. Guterres said in his opening remarks. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for todays realities and tomorrows challenges. Germany, which currently contributes troops to UN missions in South Sudan, Lebanon, and Western Sahara, announced82 million (around $91.7 million) in funding, along with commitments in training, renewable energy solutions and drone technology. Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping, said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Broad and diverse commitments A total of74 UN Member States made specific pledges, ranging from uniformed personnel to training and strategic support. This includes pledges which will bolster military and police units, including airlift and rapid deployment capabilities (53 national contributions), specialized training (59), technological enhancements (18), advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (38) and safety and protection (16). Eleven countries also committed to improving accountability and conduct, including support to the trust fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, and eight nations supporting the UNs efforts to counter mis- and disinformation through strategic communications. Mounting pressures At a press conference following the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged that peacekeepers operate in an increasingly complex and dangerous environment, citing a record number of global conflicts, the targeting of peacekeepers by drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the rising threat from disinformation campaigns. We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations,and what the outcomes and solutions should look like, he said, speaking alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Defence Minister Pistorius. Every context is different, and missions must be adapted accordingly. The UN chief also stressed the importance of sustained financial backing, highlighting that many missions continue to struggle with cash flow shortages due to delayed payments from Member States. It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations,paying their contributions in full and on time, he said. Crucial reforms The Berlin meeting feeds into the UNs broader reform efforts, including an ongoing Review of Peace Operations announced in last years Pact for the Future, aimed at making peacekeeping and peace enforcement more flexible, cost-effective, and aligned with real-world needs. This years Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 New York Summit on Peacekeeping. It follows similar high-level meetings in Accra, Seoul, Vancouver and London. Peacekeeping remains one of the UNs most visible activities, with over 61,000 uniformed personnel from 119 countries currently deployed across 11 missions, supported by more than 7,000 civilian staff.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
As Funding Cuts Bite, UN Chief Announces New Dawn For Peacekeeping
The future of peacekeeping took centre stage on Tuesday in Berlin as UN chief Antnio Guterres urged Member States to do more to support the global bodys 'blue helmets' and stave off the worst impacts of deep funding cuts. 13 May 2025 Addressing the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in the German capital, the Secretary-General told dozens of ministers from more than 130 countries that peacekeepers remain key to 'help countries move from conflict to peace.' 'In trouble spots around the world, blue helmets can mean the difference between life and death,' he insisted. 'They are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.' Despite the proven value of peacekeeping missions in ensuring a durable peace in countless countries from Cambodia to Liberia and Timor Leste, Mr. Guterres warned that today's challenges have made this task much harder. 'We are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the founding of the United Nations and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge,' he said, before alluding to additional obstacles caused by an absence of political support for peacekeeping mandates. The UN's peacekeeping budget runs on a July-June cycle and has unpaid arrears of $2.7 billion. Practical approach To counter this and in the face of 'dramatic financial constraints' now affecting the UN in its entirety, the Secretary-General announced an urgent review of operations to inspire a new peacekeeping model that is 'fit for the future.' In coming years, 'a clear exit strategy' for peacekeepers will be key, Mr. Guterres said, as well as working with Member States and the Security Council 'to ensure that any new mandates 'are prioritized and achievable with the resources available.' Other clues about what UN peacekeeping 2.0 could look like post-reform might be gleaned from the missions that the UN chief referred to in his speech in Germany. Active missions such as UNIFIL in Lebanon have already shown that it is possible to adapt to today's challenges while still ensuring peace and aid deliveries, Mr. Guterres noted. And in a nod to MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, the Secretary-General highlighted its work in protecting civilians 'and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need.' In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, too and despite ongoing fighting there, peacekeepers from MONUSCO also remain in the field and protect vulnerable populations, the UN chief maintained. As Member States prepared to announce financial pledges for peacekeeping on Wednesday, Mr. Guterres stressed that the overall budget for missions represented only 0.5 per cent of global military spending. Peacekeeping 'is only as strong as Member States' commitment to it,' stressed Mr. Guterres. Amid massive cuts to UN funding by Member States, it remains to be seen if the upbeat mood in Berlin translates into desperately needed financial support for the global body's peacekeeping operations. 'UN peacekeeping today is more vibrant than ever,' insisted Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of Germany. 'It is and will remain a cornerstone of international stability. Let us commit to making it even more effective for the sake of those who depend on it.' Cutbacks The UN chief's push to streamline the global body comes a day after his call to push ahead with major efficiency improvements and cost-cutting in response to the chronic liquidity crisis caused by Member States falling into arrears. Important as these sweeping structural reforms are – with potential staff downsizing of up to 20 per cent – they are not the answer to the failure of some countries to pay the Organization to fulfil the mandates they have given it, Mr. Guterres insisted. According to information provided by the UN Controller to the General Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), only $1.8 billion has been received against the $3.5 billion regular budget assessments for 2025 – a shortfall of around 50 per cent. In the budget line for unpaid assessments these amounted to $2.4 billion on 30 April, with the United States owing about $1.5 billion, China $597 million, Russia $72 million, Saudi Arabia $42 million, Mexico $38 million and Venezuela $38 million. An additional $137 million has yet to be paid by other Member States. For International Tribunals, total contributions outstanding totalled $79 million on 30 April.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
UN Security Council holds 'closed-door consultations' amid India-Pak tensions
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the UN Security Council convened behind closed doors for urgent consultations — just hours after Secretary-General Antnio Guterres warned that the situation had reached its most volatile point in currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, had requested closed consultations to address the the Council president for May, Greece has scheduled a closed-door meeting for the afternoon of May 5. Unlike formal sessions held in the UNSC Chamber—where members convene around the iconic horse-shoe table — this consultation will take place in a separate room next to the Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Mohamed Khiari, who oversees Middle East, Asia, and Pacific affairs within the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO), will brief the Council on behalf of both entities. Following the meeting, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, may address reporters, according to news agency former Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told PTI that no 'consequential outcome' can be expected from 'a discussion where a party to the conflict seeks to shape perceptions by using its membership of the Council. India will parry such Pakistani efforts'.In August 2019, China requested closed UNSC consultations to discuss India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. That meeting had ended without any outcome or statement from the powerful 15-nation UN organ, dealing a huge snub to Pakistan's efforts, backed by Beijing, to internationalise the Kashmir issue, which an overwhelming majority in the Council stressed is a bilateral matter between New Delhi and AT THEIR PEAKadvertisementOn Monday morning, Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at 'their highest in years', saying 'it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point'. Guterres made the remarks to the press amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.'Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,' he said. Guterres stressed that it is essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. 'Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution,' the UN chief said.(With inputs from PTI)Tune InMust Watch
