Latest news with #UNGA


News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Sanjana Sanghi Becomes Youngest Indian To Address UNGA As UNDP Youth Champion
Last Updated: In 2024, Sanghi achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest Indian to deliver a keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Actor and humanitarian Sanjana Sanghi has etched her name as one of the leading voices for global change through her association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As a UNDP Youth Champion, she actively supports key pillars of sustainable development, from youth empowerment to digital inclusion and gender equality. The UNDP, the UN's leading agency, continues its mission to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and support sustainable growth across more than 170 countries. Its core approach focuses on shaping national policies, building capacity, and strengthening leadership to support the Sustainable Development Goals and empower communities worldwide. In 2024, Sanghi achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest Indian to deliver a keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), following in the footsteps of global icons like Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Sanghi's commitment to grassroots change dates back to her college days. Reflecting on her journey, Sanjana shared Sanjana said, 'It's incredibly empowering to see young people not just dreaming of a better world, but actively building it. My association with UNDP allows me to amplify these voices and help create pathways for their impactful solutions." She added, 'Working with the UNDP has been an enriching journey. It's a privilege to contribute to a global mission that directly impacts lives and empowers the next generation to be the architects of a sustainable future. From working on ensuring education proliferation amongst underprivileged communities to promoting digital literacy and gender equality among young people." This year, she was also invited to the UN Headquarters to lead 'Youth For Change' — UNDP's flagship campaign aimed at encouraging the younger generation to take on leadership roles and address global challenges. The initiative serves as a dynamic platform for raising awareness and inspiring youth to act as changemakers by recognising global issues and offering innovative solutions. Taking to her Instagram, Sanjana also shared a series of pictures straight from the UN Headquarters, proudly carrying the UNDP logo on her outfit. Along with the post, she wrote: 'Nothing like being back at the @unitednations HQ and working towards being the architects of our future, and not just the inheritors of it." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjana Sanghi (@sanjanasanghi96) Looking ahead, Sanghi is set to launch the finale of the 2025 Youth Co: Lab, a social innovation platform organized in partnership with Niti Aayog. Now in its third year, the initiative incubates young entrepreneurs who are creating purpose-driven ventures for social good. Beyond her advocacy work, the Dil Bechara actress finds inspiration in New York City, often expressing her fondness for the city's iconic spots like Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her experiences in the city continue to fuel her passion for global change. With her growing influence and unwavering commitment, Sanjana Sanghi stands as a beacon of hope for youth-led global transformation. First Published:


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Syria's president Al Sharaa to deliver speech at UNGA
dpa Damascus Interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa will deliver Syria's speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York in September, sources close to new administration in Syria said on Tuesday. This will be the first time in more than 50 years that a Syrian president takes part in the UNGA meetings in New York, as former leaders Bashar Al Assad and his predecessor and father Hafez never took part in the meetings. Hafez Al Assad served as president of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, after which Bashar took over until he was overthrown by an Islamist-led rebel alliance commanded by Al Sharaa in December. Syria's new leadership has been seeking to garner world recognition and economic support to rebuild the country. His trip to the US would be a further diplomatic boost for Al Sharaa, who has already been to several countries in the region, as well as France for talks with President Emmanuel Macron. He also met US President Donald Trump in Riyadh. Once an insurgent leader, Al Sharaa has since renounced both al-Qaeda and Islamic State. However, doubts remain as to whether he has fully abandoned extremist ideology. Syria's crisis started with peaceful pro-democracy protests in March 2011 against Al Assad, before it turned into a full-blown conflict, drawing in foreign fighters and powers.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Syria's interim president to address UN General Assembly, sources say
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa will deliver Syria's speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York in September, sources close to new administration in Syria said on Tuesday. This will be the first time in more than 50 years that a Syrian president takes part in the UNGA meetings in New York, as former leaders Bashar al-Assad and his predecessor and father Hafez never took part in the meetings. Hafez al-Assad served as president of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, after which Bashar took over until he was overthrown by an Islamist-led rebel alliance commanded by al-Sharaa in December. Syria's new leadership has been seeking to garner world recognition and economic support to rebuild the country. His trip to the US would be a further diplomatic boost for al-Sharaa, who has already been to several countries in the region, as well as France for talks with President Emmanuel Macron. He also met US President Donald Trump in Riyadh. Once an insurgent leader, al-Sharaa has since renounced both al-Qaeda and Islamic State. However, doubts remain as to whether he has fully abandoned extremist ideology. Syria's crisis started with peaceful pro-democracy protests in March 2011 against al-Assad, before it turned into a full-blown conflict, drawing in foreign fighters and powers.


New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean, GCC, China call for ceasefire and two-state solution in Gaza
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China leaders called for a durable ceasefire in the Middle East and Gaza. In a joint statement after the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, it said all parties should be given the most effective and efficient access for humanitarian aid, relief supplies, as well as basic necessities and essential services. This includes the restoration of electricity and water, and allowing the delivery of fuel, food and medicine throughout Gaza. "(We) call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, refrain from targeting them and to abide by international humanitarian law, particularly the principles and provisions of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949." They also called for an end as soon as possible to the unlawful presence of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory by acknowledging the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024. They expressed their support for the ongoing efforts to release all hostages and those under arbitrary detention. "(We) urge all parties concerned to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a view to realising the two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and UN General Assembly resolutions, including UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 on the Admission of New Members to the UN dated May 10, 2024." The blocs would also support efforts of the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution, and note the initiatives of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the kingdom Norway and the European Union towards realising an independent Palestinian state. They also recognised Qatar's mediation efforts in reaching a ceasefire and facilitating aid delivery, as well as China's contributions to Palestinian internal reconciliation, particularly its role in facilitating the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by Palestinian factions in July 2024 in Beijing. The leaders also welcomed the resolution of UNGA adopted on Dec 11, 2024, in which the General Assembly called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. They called upon all parties to enable the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to fulfil its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, across all areas of operation, with full respect for humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. "With firm resolve, we pledged to advance the spirit of inclusivity, sustainability, resilience and equal partnership, charting a united and collective path towards a peaceful, prosperous and equitable future," they said. The inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit concluded yesterday. It was alongside the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.


Indian Express
22-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
International Day for Biological Diversity 2025: Know the date, theme, history, and significance
International Day of Biodiversity 2025: Biological diversity, the concept first coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985, entails the diversity of all life forms and is the pillar upon which we build civilisations and human existence, and their well-being depends. According to the UN, around 1 million plant and animal species are at present at risk of moving towards extinction, with human intervention posing a significant threat to biodiversity. As a result, to address this pressing issue and increase awareness of the urgent need to protect biodiversity globally, the UN established the International Day for Biological Diversity. While it was initially marked on 29th December, the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) shifted the observance to May 22nd in 2000, as it commemorates the momentous adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, back in 1992. This year's observance will fall on Thursday, May 22, 2025. It will be marked under the theme Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development, which highlights the connection between this initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Just two days to go until #BiodiversityDay! On 22 May, we celebrate the Convention on Biological Diversity, adopted in 1992—a milestone in protecting life on Earth. 2025 theme: Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development 🔗 #ForNature — UN-Water (@UN_Water) May 20, 2025 It also emphasises the importance of advancing both agendas in tandem, as they mutually support one another, thereby instilling a sense of urgency, as five years are left to meet both near-term targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the SDGs.