insert_link Africa Research into Polymer biodegradation studies Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, from the UFS’s Department of Chemistry, is doing research into biodegradable polymers for application in disposable product packaging. BLOEMFONTEIN, 1 October 2024: A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution through her research into biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules – as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Plastic pollution is a global […] today2 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa SA’s Ramaphosa says the current approach to world peace is unjust, unfair and unsustainable South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa says at a time when the threats to international peace and security are many and complex, the world’s security can no longer be placed in the hands of a few major powers. He attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the current approach to world peace is unjust, unfair, and unsustainable, and the UN Security […] today30 September, 2024
insert_link World The State of Palestine demands UN resolution to end Israeli occupation he State of Palestine has presented a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly, demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within one year. The Palestinian Ambassador, speaking to the Assembly on Tuesday, emphasized the need to address Israel's impunity. On Wednesday, the U.N. General Assembly approved the resolution, which calls for Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories within 12 months. […] today18 September, 2024
insert_link Africa Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping By Jenna Russo, City University of New York In September 2024, the United Nations’ independent fact-finding mission to Sudan issued its first report. Citing grave human rights violations amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the report called for the immediate deployment of an independent and impartial force to protect civilians. Nearly 18 months after the outbreak of fighting, the humanitarian situation in Sudan has become […] today18 September, 2024
insert_link Africa WHO approves first Mpox vaccine for Africa The World Health Organization has approved the use of an Mpox vaccine for the first time, which it says should facilitate “timely and increased access” for millions at risk in Africa where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000 so far this year. Matt Wells from UN news reports. today16 September, 2024
insert_link World Six staff members of the United Nations killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says what is happening in Gaza is unacceptable, and dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop immediately. An Israeli airstrike on a central Gaza school being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians killed 18 people. Among those killed were six staff members of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. The school was sheltering around 12-thousand displaced people, mainly women and children. today12 September, 2024
insert_link World UN calls for urgent end to Gaza conflict The United Nations Human Rights says ending the war in Gaza and averting a full-blown regional conflict is an absolute and urgent priority. The latest attack in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people after Israel struck a designated humanitarian zone. UN commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, says states cannot accept blatant disregard for international law. Reuters reports that today10 September, 2024
insert_link Opinion Pieces World Leaders Must Re-boot Global Cooperation for Today and Tomorrow By the United Nations Secretary-General Final negotiations are underway in New York for this month’s Summit of the Future, where Heads of State will agree on reforms to the building blocks of global cooperation. The United Nations has convened this unique Summit because of a stark fact: global problems are moving faster than the institutions designed to solve them. We see this all around us. Ferocious conflicts and […] today9 September, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical WHO calls for greater access to assistive tech As the 2024 Paralympic games get underway in Paris, the head of the World Health Organisation has urged greater access to the so-called assisted technology that many people with disabilities rely on. WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the devices which include running blades, wheelchairs, and prosthetic limbs are important for the Paralympians. However, around the world, many still do not have access to these technologies due to the […] today29 August, 2024
