Latest news with #UnitedNationsGeneralAssembly
Yahoo
36 minutes 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.
News18
12 hours ago
- News18
World Bicycle Day 2025: 5 Health Benefits — Number 2 Will Blow Your Mind
Last Updated: World Bicycle Day 2025: The day celebrates the bicycle's impact on mobility and culture. World Bicycle Day 2025: Observed every year on June 3, World Bicycle Day celebrates over two centuries of the bicycle's impact on mobility and culture. Across the globe, this day encourages people to opt for cycling as a healthy, sustainable, and affordable way to get around, benefiting both individuals and the planet. World Bicycle Day 2025: History In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day. The day was initiated by Polish-American social scientist and professor Leszek Sibilski, who, together with his students, launched a campaign in 2015 to raise awareness about the bicycle as an eco-friendly mode of transportation. The initiative was first championed by Turkmenistan and later supported by 56 other countries. Today, World Bicycle Day is celebrated worldwide with cycling events, activities, and awareness campaigns, all aimed at encouraging people to choose bicycles for a cleaner, healthier future. World Bicycle Day 2025: Significance The day highlights the importance of promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport to address urgent global issues such as air pollution, traffic congestion and climate change. It encourages people to choose bicycles over fuel-powered vehicles whenever possible. Additionally, the day emphasises the health benefits of cycling, encouraging an active lifestyle, especially crucial in today's predominantly sedentary world. World Bicycle Day 2025: Heartfelt Wishes Wishing a Happy World Bicycle Day to all cycling enthusiasts! May your rides be filled with adventure, beautiful sights, and unforgettable moments. A bicycle is more than just a mode of transport; it bridges divides and promotes equality. Here's to good health and unity. Happy World Bicycle Day! Cycle for your health, cycle for the planet. Together, let's pedal towards a brighter, greener future. Happy Bicycle Day! Let's embrace cycling to ease traffic, reduce stress, improve our health and air quality, and revive our cities like days gone by. Happy World Bicycle Day! May this World Bicycle Day inspire everyone to experience the joy, freedom, and exhilaration that comes with every pedal stroke. First Published:
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
World Bicycle Day 2025: Why bicycle is more than just a ride; health benefits to know
Bicycles don't always get the respect they deserve. They don't roar like motorbikes, they don't have the glam of a sports car, and you won't see James Bond racing away from villains on a tricycle. But come June 3rd every year, the humble bicycle gets its moment to shine on the global stage—World Bicycle Day. So what's the big deal with bikes, and why do we have a whole day dedicated to them? Turns out, there's a lot more to this two-wheeled wonder than meets the eye. Why June 3rd? World Bicycle Day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2018, and the first one was celebrated later that year on June 3rd. The proposal for this special day came from none other than a professor from Turkmenistan, Dr. Leszek Sibilski, who worked tirelessly to get the UN's attention. His goal? To highlight how bicycles are not just a childhood rite of passage, but a powerful tool for development, sustainability, and health. Why June 3rd specifically? There's no secret backstory or hidden code—it was a date chosen to mark the spirit of mobility and eco-friendliness that the bicycle represents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo It's now globally recognized, with countries around the world using the day to promote bike-friendly policies, encourage people to cycle more, and remind us all that not every journey needs four wheels and a full tank. What makes the bicycle so special? Ah, where do we even begin? Let's break it down: 1. It's crazy efficient. The bicycle is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport out there. A person on a bike can travel farther with less effort than on foot—and without burning fossil fuels. No pollution, no traffic jams, no fuel bills. It's a win-win-win. 2. It's affordable. Bikes don't just cut your commuting costs—they often eliminate them. In many developing countries, bicycles are game-changers for kids who need to get to school, farmers transporting goods to market, and workers who can't afford buses or taxis every day. 3. It's healthy—body and mind. Regular cycling improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and burns calories without being too hard on your joints. And let's not forget the mental benefits. Nothing clears your head quite like a solo ride through fresh air and open space. 4. It's sustainable. With climate change creeping up on us faster than a delivery drone, we need greener options. Bicycles don't emit greenhouse gases, don't need batteries, and don't clog up the roads. They're eco-friendly by design. 5. It's inclusive. From toddlers on trikes to grandpas on vintage cruisers, cycling is for everyone. You don't need a license, fancy gear, or a particular body type. All you need is balance—and maybe a helmet. More than a sport or hobby For many people, bicycles are a lifestyle, not a leisure activity. Across parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, bikes are lifelines. They help people access healthcare, education, and jobs. Women in rural areas use bicycles to travel safely. Emergency responders use them to reach tight spots quickly. Even in bustling urban cities, cycling is having a moment. With rising fuel prices and chaotic traffic, more people are ditching the car and hopping on a bike. From cycle lanes to bike-sharing programs, it's clear: cities that bike more, breathe better. Celebrating World Bicycle Day You don't need to be a Tour de France champ to celebrate. Here are some ways you can roll into the spirit of World Bicycle Day: Take a ride. Whether it's around your neighborhood or a scenic route, just get moving. Organize a group ride. Grab some friends, family, or coworkers and go for a spin together. Support a cause. Donate an old bike to a local organization or help sponsor a ride-for-charity event. Push for change. Advocate for better cycling infrastructure in your city. Safe roads make a huge difference. Go car-free for a day. Trust us—it feels liberating. Keep pedaling World Bicycle Day isn't just about nostalgia for your first set of training wheels. It's a global reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best ones. A bike may not have AC, a radio, or cup holders—but it does offer freedom, health, sustainability, and joy. In a world that often seems to move too fast, the bicycle invites us to slow down, connect with our surroundings, and pedal toward a better future. So this June 3rd, let's celebrate the quiet power of the bicycle. One ride at a time. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Star
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Former German Foreign Minister Baerbock elected UNGA president
Annalena Baerbock of Germany addresses the United Nations General Assembly after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the body, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) HAMILTON (BERNAMA-ANADOLU): Former foreign minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock was elected on Monday (June 2) as president of the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which will begin in September, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Baerbock conveyed her gratitude for the "overwhelming support" from member states for her election. The current president of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang, wholeheartedly congratulated Baerbock on her election. "I warmly congratulate Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock, on her election as the next president of the United Nations General Assembly. "It is fitting that in this milestone 80th year of the General Assembly, leadership should fall to someone whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to multilateralism," Yang said. Arguing that the "challenges of our time are enormous," Yang said Baerbock's pledge to serve as an honest broker - to listen, build trust, and foster dialogue across different divides - is precisely what this Assembly needs. "Our priorities align powerfully with the aspirations of our global community," he said, expressing his "full support" for Baerbock. In her remarks, Baerbock expressed her commitment to serving all and said: "My door will always be open to everyone - better together." "My first key objective will be to support member states to renew, to refocus, and to make our organisation fit for purpose - fit for the 21st century," she said. As her second priority, Baerbock emphasised the importance of "the Pact for the Future." "It is key to further strengthen the role of the General Assembly with regard to peace and security matters, in close cooperation with the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission," she said, adding that her third priority "is a United Nations that embraces everyone." - Bernama-Anadolu
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock elected president of UN General Assembly
Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected president of the United Nations General Assembly on 2 June. Russia did not support her candidacy. Source: European Pravda; Spiegel, German weekly news magazine Details: A total of 167 countries voted for the former German foreign minister in a secret ballot. Baerbock was the only candidate for the post. Despite this, the vote was held in secret at the insistence of one UN member. Diplomatic sources say the secret ballot was initiated by Russia. Moscow made no secret of its displeasure at Baerbock's nomination, accusing her of "outright bias". As a foreign minister, Baerbock was consistently critical of Russia for its aggression against Ukraine and advocated a tougher policy towards the Kremlin, which repeatedly met with outrage from the Russian authorities. Background: Baerbock's nomination after her party's defeat in the German parliamentary elections drew some criticism in diplomatic circles. In her post-election speech, Baerbock thanked UN members for their confidence in her and promised to be an "honest broker" for all UN member states. Earlier, Baerbock had resigned from the leadership of the Green parliamentary faction for personal reasons. It was later reported that she would be nominated for the rotating post of president of the UN General Assembly. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
