UN condemns attack by members of presidential guard
The United Nations (UN) mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) strongly condemns an attack by members of the presidential guard which wounded 10 peacekeepers…reports Asian Lite News
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the attack on members of an Egyptian police peacekeeping unit “appears to be a deliberate and unjustifiable attack” on the blue helmets, Xinhua news agency reported.
A civilian died in a related accident, Haq added.
UN condemns attack by members of presidential guard
The mission, known as MINUSCA, reported the peacekeepers were shot and wounded, including two seriously, by members of the presidential guard in the capital of Bangui on Monday, he said. The Egyptian police officers landed at Bangui’s airport earlier in the day. They are part of the periodic rotation and deployment of troops in the country.
“They were on their way to their base when they suffered heavy fire from members of the presidential guard,” he said.
“The mission said in a statement that the police officers were fired at without any warning or response. They were unarmed.”
Attempting to flee the attack, about 120 metres from the presidential residence, the bus carrying the Egyptian police unit hit a woman, who died, the spokesman said.
“A MINUSCA delegation later met the victim’s family to offer condolences. They also condemned this tragic accident.”
“The leadership of our UN peacekeeping mission and members of the Central African government immediately initiated a dialogue for the opening of the necessary investigations into this incident, and to ensure accountability in accordance with the obligations under the agreement between the United Nations and the CAR government,” Haq said
The rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Ethiopia has severely impacted civilians and reportedly resulted in large-scale displacements and relief needs…reports Asian Lite News
Fighting and hostilities in and around Dessie and Kombolcha towns in the Amhara region over the weekend reportedly resulted in large-scale displacement and increasing humanitarian needs, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The two towns were already hosting a large number of displaced people from nearby areas, Xinhua news agency reported.
“The escalation of hostilities risks worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in Tigray, Amhara and Afar, where millions of people need urgent life-saving assistance,” the OCHA said.
Antonio Guterres
“Humanitarian supplies, including food, nutrition, medicine, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter and non-food items are reportedly available, but the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance has been hampered by ongoing insecurity,” the office said.
Restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Tigray continue, the OCHA said. Since early August, fuel for the humanitarian response has not entered Tigray, forcing UN humanitarian partners to suspend or significantly reduce humanitarian programs.
The movement of humanitarian workers in and out of Tigray through road remains restricted. The office added that personnel movement by air remains suspended.
The United Nations continues to call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitate the free and safe movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel as required by international humanitarian law, the OCHA said.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), emphasised that Dubai has an ambitious plan for the next 30 years to achieve zero carbon emissions and reach 100 percent of clean energy by 2050…reports Asian Lite News
Al Tayer made these remarks in his keynote speech at the World Cities Day, which was organised by the UN Habitat, Dubai Executive Council, and The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with the theme ‘Better City, Better Life,’ at Expo 2020 Dubai. That was part of the Urban and Rural Development Week, which brings together leaders, experts and specialists to discuss the challenge the world’s existing cities and communities face and explores how to transform the way we move, build, consume and live in the habitats of the future. The World Cities Day addressed many topics including adapting to climate change and enhancing the resilience of cities, especially after recovering from COVID-19 crisis. A large number of local and international officials, CEOs, experts and scientists took part in the event.
Dubai unveils roadmap for carbon-neutral economy by 2050
“Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, we are turning challenges into promising opportunities. During Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE announced a strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, making the UAE the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to do so. We will do this by intensifying the nation’s efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth with a direct positive impact on the GDP. in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote the transformation of Dubai to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has approved an in-depth study on how the Emirate of Dubai can achieve carbon neutrality (Net Zero Emissions) by 2050 through a clear strategy and roadmap to transform Dubai into a centre of excellence in the essential new technologies to achieve zero carbon emissions and reach 100 percent of clean energy by 2050. Dubai has an ambitious plan for the next thirty years. Programs and mechanisms have been developed for the next period. It includes the energy and water sectors, transportation, industry, buildings, and waste. The plan also includes all the necessary enablers, regulations and R&D,” Al Tayer said.
“The ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative launched by our wise leadership aims to diversify and strengthen the UAE’s economy. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has praised the public and private sectors for their robust response to the wide-ranging challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE has presented a global role model in dealing with crises and overcoming challenges. It made significant achievements with its flexibility and efficiency; presenting best practices that will bring about fundamental positive changes to our planet. Despite the pandemic, we maintained our business continuity by implementing our sustainable projects and initiatives, as well as mitigating climate change by balancing economic development and preserving a clean, healthy, safe, and sustainable environment,” Al Tayer added.
“Cities around the world are increasingly suffering from the effects of climate and other challenges; such as floods, droughts, sea level rise, heatwaves, landslides, and storms. In the UAE, we have a clear strategies and plans to deal with climate change and address its overall impact. Promoting a climate-resilient economy to face climate change is a prerequisite for the UAE and Dubai to make this transformation. Dubai Government works closely with organisations that are addressing climate change and its impact, and has also set mitigation and adaptation plans for the Emirate. One of these plans is the Dubai Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Our plans are well aligned with this strategy based on our Climate Change Resilience Plan to assess and realistically forecast climate change. The plan identifies existing mitigation measures, preventative controls, and measures to ensure resilience in the future, as well as address the impact of various climate change drivers. The UAE has launched pioneering projects to diversify its clean energy mix. These include all available clean and renewable energy sources and technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), green hydrogen production using solar power, pumped-storage water technology, electricity generation from wind power, as well as peaceful nuclear power,” he added.
Al Tayer said that in 2019, Dubai once again proved its commitment and efforts to ensuring city sustainability, through Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), by achieving a platinum rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Dubai is the First City in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa to obtain this certification. Last September, Dubai was ranked first globally for its resilience and recognised as a role model for sustainability by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The award is presented to the best global cities in the efficiency of measures that enhance resilience and reduce risks. Dubai joined the world’s C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, becoming part of an elite group of the world’s cities committed to fighting climate change. This is a recognition of the city’s advanced role in environmental protection. Dubai also achieved significant reductions in carbon emissions. Net CO2 emissions in Dubai decreased by 22 percent in 2019, two years ahead of the target of the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 to reduce carbon emissions by 16 percent in 2021. The Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030, which has 11 programmes, achieved significant results between 2011 and 2020. In 2020, the annual per capita consumption of electricity decreased by 23 percent, and water consumption lowered by 21 percent compared to 2010. The total savings were 25 TWh of electricity and 40 billion imperial gallons of desalinated water, equivalent to a reduction of 11.5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions for the same period.
Al Tayer said that Dubai continues to roll out the phases of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. It is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and has a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030. We also commissioned the Green Hydrogen project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. “We are also developing an ambitious strategy for green hydrogen production to increase its uses in all suitable applications in the short, medium and long term until 2050.”
Libya’s JMC holds talks over withdrawal of foreign forces
Libya’s 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) has launched a new round of UN-sponsored talks in Egypt’s capital Cairo to discuss plans for the pullout of foreign forces…reports Asian Lite News
The two-day meeting was attended by UN special envoy for Libya Jan Kubis, and representatives from neighbouring countries, Xinhua quoted Egypt’s official Ahram Online news website as saying in a report.
After the meeting held in Geneva on October 8, the JMC signed a comprehensive Action Plan for the gradual, balanced, and sequenced withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces from Libyan territory.
Libya’s JMC holds talks over withdrawal of foreign forces
The work of the 5+5 JMC, or the security track, is one of the three intra-Libyan tracks that the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is working on, along with the economic and political tracks.
These tracks were endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2510 (2020), which called on both parties to reach an agreement for a permanent ceasefire.
Libya has been locked in a civil war since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The situation escalated in 2014, splitting power between two rival governments: the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in the capital Tripoli and a Tobruk-based one allied with military commander Khalifa Haftar.
In February, Libya’s warring factions agreed to form an interim government, under the auspices of the UN, to run the country until the general elections are held on December 24.
Tunisian Prez calls for cooperation between UN, African Union
Tunisian President Kais Saied called for solid cooperation between the United Nations and African Union…reports Asian Lite News
Tunisian President Kais Saied called for solid cooperation between the United Nations (UN) and various regional organizations, particularly the African Union (AU), according to a statement released on Thuesday by the presidency.
“Developing such cooperation is a strategic priority and an effective tool to deal with key challenges facing peace and security throughout the African continent,” Saied said.
Tunisian Prez calls for cooperation between UN, African Union
Saied made the remark during a high-level virtual debate organised by the Security Council on cooperation between the UN, regional and subregional organizations and the African Union, on the topic “Renewing solidarity to successfully deliver peace and security in a changing conflict environment,” Xinhua news agency reported.
The data also provides confidence that developed countries can mobilise more than $100 billion per year thereafter through to 2025…reports Asian Lite News
Canada and Germany have published a ‘Delivery Plan’, commissioned by the incoming UN Climate Conference (COP26) President, which outlines how developed countries plan to meet their joint commitment of mobilising $100 billion in climate finance annually from 2020 to 2025.
This quantified long-term finance element of the Paris Agreement recognises common but differentiated historical responsibility for climate change as well as developing countries’ need for support to take climate action.
Based on the analysis from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Delivery Plan, published on Monday, shows that developed countries will make significant progress towards the $100 billion goal in 2022, and provides confidence that it will be met in 2023.
The data also provides confidence that developed countries can mobilise more than $100 billion per year thereafter through to 2025.
Climate finance plays a critical role in helping developing countries fight climate change and adapt to its impacts.
In 2009, developed countries agreed to mobilise $100 billion in climate finance per year by 2020, and in 2015 agreed to extend this goal through to 2025.
While developed countries have significantly scaled-up their support over the last decade, new analysis shows the $100 billion goal was unlikely to have been met in 2020 and is likely to also fall short in 2021 and 2022.
Ahead of COP26, President-Designate Alok Sharma asked Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Jochen Flasbarth, Germany’s State Secretary at the Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, to work together to produce the ‘Delivery Plan’ on the $100 billion commitment, to demonstrate how and when developed countries will deliver on their promise.
Building on assessments of progress on the $100 billion goal to date, the ‘Delivery Plan’ sets out an estimated trajectory of climate finance from 2021 through to 2025 – taking into account new climate finance pledges from individual developed countries and multilateral development banks.
It also sets out principles on how to improve the delivery of climate finance.
Responding to the ‘Delivery Plan’, Lorena Gonzalez, senior associate in the WRI Finance Center, told IANS: “This ‘Delivery Plan’, developed under the leadership of Minister Wilkinson from Canada and State Secretary Flasbarth from Germany, is a key step toward ensuring developed countries rapidly scale up climate finance.
“Though developed countries pledged 12 years ago to mobilize $100 billion in climate finance annually by 2020, the ‘Delivery Plan’ confirms it is unlikely that they delivered the requisite contributions last year.
“Developing countries need finance now so that they can invest in climate action to shift their economies’ long-term trajectory, as well as deal with mounting climate impacts.”
Most developed countries have not yet mobilized finance in accordance with their fair share.
The US is responsible for the greatest shortfall, and Australia, Canada, Italy, Greece, Iceland, and Portugal, among others, must do more.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed joined the ceremony in person and delivered the opening remarks commemorating the 76th anniversary of the United Nations…reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations on Sunday observed the “Honour Day” at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed joined the ceremony in person and delivered the opening remarks commemorating the 76th anniversary of the United Nations.
“We mark 76 years of hope creation, solidarity and working together to overcome common challenges. Challenges that have grown and multiplied with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inequality and the climate emergency,” she said.
“As the challenges rise, so has our level of determination to work together to create a better future. A future that Expo 2020 explores: keeping the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals for people and planet,” she added.
Ms. Mohammed was joined by dignitaries from the Government and Expo leadership, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo Maher Nasser, the UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE Dena Assaf, UN Country Team leadership, the diplomatic community and representatives of national pavilions in commemorating the anniversary.
The ceremony, on the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Dome, featured a cultural performance by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO).
“The UAE has always been a supporter of the United Nations’ global, regional and local efforts. We are happy to have the opportunity to celebrate this special day with the world from Expo 2020 Dubai, which only deepens our strong relationship with the UAE government as we continue to work together to realize our shared vision of a better world for all,” said Dena Assaf, the UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE and Deputy Commissioner-General for Expo2020 Dubai.
As part of the UN Day celebrations across the site of Expo 2020, visitors are encouraged to visit the UN Hub, which is in the Mission Possible-Opportunity Pavilion, to discover a unique depiction of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through artworks of local and international artists.
Additionally, an outdoor photo exhibition titled “#TheWorldWeWant”, displayed curated photographs from more than 50,000 images from over 130 countries, expressing hopes and dreams for the future.
The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra has also performed for the public, a special “Hymn to the United Nations”, which was composed 50 years ago by legendary cellist, composer and conductor Pablo Casals to commemorate the work of the United Nations on 24 October, 1971.
EXPO 2020
“Our presence at Expo 2020 offers the opportunity to build awareness about and support for the SDGs, the importance of individual actions, solidarity, hope and engagement. To build a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet, we need to work together,” said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020.
Audiences from all over the world joined virtually in the Honor Day ceremony, which was livestreamed across the UN YouTube channel and UN Web TV.
United Nations Day is observed on Sunday, 24 October, annually; it marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of the UN Charter, the UN’s founding document, the United Nations officially came into being.
UN Day offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 76 years.
Earlier in the day, Amina Mohammed was received by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for joint cooperation between the UAE and the UN and ways to enhance and support their programmes in various fields.
They also reviewed a number of issues of mutual concern, including climate change and the importance of strengthening collective international action to mitigate the effects of climate change and find solutions to enhance sustainability globally.
The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks held at Geneva
The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks, participated by members of the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s Small Body, will kick off in Geneva on Monday…reports Asian Lite News
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen told a press conference here Sunday that the parties have agreed to prepare and start drafting for constitutional reform, and “the new thing this week is that we will actually be starting a drafting process for constitutional reform in Syria.”
The UN envoy said that on Sunday morning, he had met with the Co-Chair nominated by the Syrian government and the Co-Chair nominated by the opposition, Xinhua news agency reported.
The latest round of Syrian constitutional talks held at Geneva
GEIR O. PEDERSEN, UN SPECIAL ENVOY, SYRIA: “For the first time, the two Co-Chairs, the one nominated by the government and the other nominated by the opposition, were sitting down together with me for a substantial and frank discussion on how we are to proceed with the constitutional reform and indeed in detail how we are planning for the week ahead of us.”
The UN envoy told reporters that the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria is extremely difficult, noting there are more than 13 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance.
The Syrian Constitutional Committee — which comprises representatives of the Syrian government, the opposition, and civil society — was officially launched in Geneva on October 30, 2019 to draft a new constitution for the war-torn country.
The Committee’s Small Body, including 45 delegates and 15 each from the three groups, has met in Geneva for five times, without making any major progress.
UNHCR provides food assistance for refugees in Tripoli
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that it has provided food assistance for thousands of refugees in Libya’s capital Tripoli…reports Asian Lite News
“In Libya, UNHCR joined forces with WFP (World Food Programme) to provide emergency food aid for thousands of vulnerable food-insecure refugees and asylum-seekers who have been impacted by conflict as well as the socio-economic impacts of the coronavirus lockdown,” Xinhua news agency quoted the Agency as saying in a tweet.
UNHCR provides food assistance for refugees in Tripoli
“These food boxes have been a vital lifeline for some of the most food-insecure refugees and asylum-seekers, including those released from detention,” it added.
So far this year, the UNHCR has distributed more than 60,000 food parcels for vulnerable people in Libya.
The Libyan authorities recently carried out raids and arrests against illegal migrants in different parts of the capital city.
Around 751 women and 255 children were among the thousands of migrants and asylum seekers caught up in recent mass arrests, according to the Unicef.
Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.
The UAE won membership on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term…reports Asian Lite News
In a new international achievement, the UAE won membership on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term after obtaining 180 votes from countries of the Asia-Pacific group during elections that took place today among members of the United Nations General Assembly by direct secret ballot.
This victory is the culmination of the UAE’s tireless efforts to strengthen human rights and freedoms and affirms the importance it places on human rights in achieving sustainable development on the regional and international levels, a press release stated.
The win also underscores the UAE’s enduring cooperation with various UN bodies in order to address challenges the international community is facing and achieve a more prosperous future for all countries and peoples of the world, it added.
The UAE believes in the pivotal role played by the Council in the promotion and protection of human rights, as the UAE, through its membership on the Council, aspires to enhance cooperation and constructive dialogue and strengthen partnerships between countries to enrich its work.
The election of the UAE as a Council member is evidence of the global standing it enjoys in the international community and the role it plays in defending human rights around the world.
Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, the Diplomatic Advisor to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, has said that UAE’s win of the UN Human Rights Council’s membership for the 2022-2024 term from the Asia-Pacific group for the third time reflects international acclaim of the crucial work being carried out to bolster human rights in this county.
“The UAE’s track record in this highly significant international file is not confined to the protection and promotion of political, economic and social rights, but also covers the State’s successful model in areas like women’s empowerment, religious and ethnic tolerance, judicial system, labour rights, combatting human trafficking and other key related issues,” Dr Gargash added.
He noted that this membership coincides with the launch of the UAE National Human Rights Action Plan at a time the country is accelerating its tireless efforts to complete the establishment of human rights institutions based on an internationally recognised set of standards for credibility, independence and effectiveness, like the National Human Rights Authority, the National Human Rights Committee and other similar federal and local institutions.
“The UAE society is founded on such core values as balance, and support for justice, where more than 200 nationalities co-exist together and enjoy the freedom of practising their civil rights under an efficient judicial system that ranks first regionally according to relevant international indices,” Dr Gargash continued.
The UAE will have efficient contributions to the UN Human Rights Council in its upcoming term, he said, explaining that the Emirates will share its successful experience in a number of issues with other countries, including member and non-member states, in order to ensure an inclusive and equitable approach toward the human rights file.
