Category: 24-7

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 28, 2025 Economic development

The proportion of overexploited fish species in the Mediterranean and Black Seas has fallen to its lowest level in ten years. However, threats to the sustainability of these waters' resources remain, according to a report published today by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Aquaculture – the commercial breeding and cultivation of aquatic organisms – is rapidly expanding and is becoming the main source of marine bioresources in the region.

Since 2013, General Commission member countries have adopted 11 management plans, established 11 closed fishing zones, and initiated 18 research programs and pilot projects. However, 52 percent of assessed stocks remain overexploited. This is an improvement from 87 percent ten years ago, but still too high for the sustainability of marine ecosystems, experts note.

At the same time, demand for seafood in the region will grow due to population growth and changing consumer preferences. To maintain current per capita consumption levels, production must increase by 14–29 percent by 2050, the report's authors emphasize.

Stocks are being restored

The 2025 report "State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries"—the most comprehensive to date—covers 120 marine species in the region. It shows that close cooperation and science-based management are already yielding results. In ten years, fishing pressure has been halved, and a number of key stocks have begun to recover.

From 2013 to 2023, marine mortality from fishing activities decreased sharply, and the biomass of commercially important species increased by 25 percent thanks to strengthened science-based management measures. The report documents significant progress for a number of key species. For example, red mullet and deep-sea red shrimp have demonstrated a steady decline in fishing mortality.

Species under specialized management plans recover faster. For example, the European sole in the Adriatic has shown a 42 percent reduction in mortality and a 64 percent increase in biomass since 2019. The Black Sea turbot has shown an 86 percent reduction in mortality and a 310 percent increase in biomass since 2013.

Meanwhile, sardines continue to be overexploited. European hake, despite a 38% reduction in fishing mortality since 2015, is showing only modest signs of recovery.

Aquaculture as a growth driver

For the first time, the report includes a detailed analysis of the state of aquaculture in the region. Including freshwater species, the sector generates nearly 3 million tonnes of production and $9.3 billion in revenue. Marine and brackishwater aquaculture generates $5.2 billion and employs 113,000 people.

Marine and brackishwater aquaculture accounts for over 45 percent of aquatic bioresources, reaching 940,000 tonnes of production in 2023. Combined, fisheries, aquaculture, and associated value chains generated 2.06 million tonnes of production, $21.5 billion in revenue, and 1.17 million jobs in the region in 2023.

Only 11 species account for 99 percent of production, of which 34.5 percent is sea bream and 29.7 percent is sea bass. Eight countries produce 95.5 percent of the total output, with Turkey (400,000 tonnes), Egypt (147,000 tonnes), and Greece (139,000 tonnes) leading the way.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 28, 2025 Healthcare

Europe is failing to meet the challenge of early HIV detection and treatment: more than half (54 percent) of all diagnoses in 2024 were made too late to provide optimal treatment. This is according to new data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe ahead of World AIDS Day.

"A serious failure"

The study's authors warn that a serious failure in testing, compounded by rising numbers of undetected cases, significantly undermines the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

According to the annual HIV/AIDS monitoring report, 105,922 new cases of HIV infection were registered in the WHO European Region, which encompasses 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, in 2024. Although the total number of registered cases has decreased slightly compared to 2023, available data indicate persistent gaps in testing and diagnosis.

Late diagnosis

The high rate of late diagnoses means that many people do not receive life-saving antiretroviral therapy and medical care in a timely manner. This increases the risk of developing AIDS, death, and further HIV transmission.

In the 30 countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA), 24,164 HIV cases were registered, representing a rate of 5.3 per 100,000 people. Key findings from the 2024 data indicate that 48 percent of diagnoses in these countries are late.

Sex between men remains the most common route of HIV transmission in the EU/EEA (48 percent), but the number of cases associated with heterosexual transmission is increasing and accounts for almost 46 percent of all diagnoses.

Read also:

UNAIDS report: HIV response faces biggest crisis in years

Vulnerable groups

In the WHO European Region, 54 percent of diagnoses were made late. The highest proportion of late diagnoses is observed among people infected through heterosexual contact (especially men) and people who inject drugs.

Almost one in three new diagnoses in 2024 occurred in people born outside the country of diagnosis. In EU/EEA countries, migrants accounted for more than half of new cases, highlighting the need for accessible, targeted, and culturally appropriate preventive and diagnostic services.

Hidden Crisis

WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge believes the data "paints a mixed picture." He noted that HIV testing in the region has recovered since 2020, leading to an increase in diagnoses in 11 countries in 2024. In 2024 alone, 105,922 people were diagnosed with HIV, bringing the total number of cases registered since the 1980s to 2.68 million. "However, the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV is growing—a hidden crisis fueling the spread of infection," he added.

"We're not doing enough to remove the deadly barriers of stigma and discrimination that prevent people from getting a simple test," Dr. Kluge emphasized. "Early diagnosis isn't a privilege, it's the path to a long, healthy life and the key to the fight against HIV."

Call to action

The study authors call for urgent action to expand and implement testing, including greater access to self-testing and community-based options that can reach people who do not seek medical attention.

The goal of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 remains achievable, but only if the European Region takes action now to close the testing gap, say experts from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

World AIDS Day

This year's World AIDS Day theme is "From Challenge to Transformation in the HIV Response." In his message for the Day, the UN Secretary-General recalls the progress made in recent decades but warns that for many people around the world, the crisis continues, and cuts to resources and services threaten "lives and hard-won gains."

According to Antonio GuterresThe fight against AIDS means empowering communities, investing in prevention, and expanding access to treatment for all. Every stage of this work, the UN chief believes, must be rooted in human rights, ensuring no one is left behind. "We can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030," Guterres declared, calling for "finishing the job."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 28, 2025 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report finding that global vaccination efforts have reduced measles deaths by 88 percent between 2000 and 2024, saving nearly 59 million lives.

However, despite the impressive decline in mortality, the disease continues to spread. In 2024, approximately 95,000 people died from measles, mostly children under five. This is one of the lowest figures in recent decades, but every death from a disease preventable with an inexpensive and effective vaccine remains a tragedy.

According to the WHO, the number of measles cases worldwide has risen sharply: in 2024, approximately 11 million were registered – 800,000 more than before the pandemic in 2019.

“Measles is the most contagious virus in the world, and these data show once again that it exploits any gaps in our collective defenses,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “If every child in every community is vaccinated, we can avoid outbreaks, save lives, and ultimately eliminate the disease.”

Regional trends

In the Eastern Mediterranean, the number of measles cases increased by 86 percent compared to 2019, in Europe by 47 percent, and in Southeast Asia by 42 percent.

Africa, by contrast, has shown a decline: the number of cases has fallen by 40 percent, and deaths by 50 percent, which is due to increased vaccination coverage.

In 2024, 84 percent of children worldwide received the first dose of vaccine, while only 76 percent received the second, while at least 95 percent coverage with two doses is needed to prevent transmission. More than 30 million children remained unprotected, three-quarters of them in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Large outbreaks

In 2024, major measles outbreaks were reported in 59 countries, almost three times more than in 2021. In 2025, the situation worsened in countries in North and South America, where large outbreaks also began.

The WHO warns that cuts in funding for laboratory networks and national vaccination programs could lead to further lapses in immune protection and an increase in the number of infections.

Moving towards a measles-free world

By the end of 2024, measles had been eliminated in 81 countries. In 2025, these countries were joined by the Pacific island nations, as well as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles—the first African countries to be certified as measles-free. A total of 96 countries now have measles-free status.

Even in developed countries, the disease sometimes resurfaces due to vaccination rates falling below the 95 percent threshold. The WHO is calling on governments to make sustained investments to ensure all children receive two doses of the vaccine and to strengthen surveillance systems.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 28, 2025 International law

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over developments in Guinea-Bissau. He strongly condemned the military coup d'état and any attempts to undermine constitutional order in the country.

According to a statement released by the UN chief's press service, ignoring the will of citizens who peacefully voted in the November 23 general elections is a "gross violation of the democratic process." Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials—including election organizers, opposition leaders, and other political figures.

The Secretary-General emphasized the need to exercise maximum restraint, uphold the rule of law, and respect the will of the people, acting strictly within the framework of international human rights law. All disputes, he noted, must be resolved through legal mechanisms and peaceful and inclusive dialogue.

Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the UN's full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the West African Elders' Forum to safeguard democracy, strengthen stability and ensure a peaceful conclusion to the electoral process, and ensure Guinea-Bissau's speedy return to a democratic path.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 28, 2025 Peace and security

UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Roshdi has strongly condemned the Israeli incursion into Syrian territory in the Damascus suburbs, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of civilians.

According to available reports, the invasion and accompanying airstrikes caused a mass displacement of families from the city of Beit Jinn. People were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring areas.

Roshdi stressed that such actions constitute a "serious and unacceptable violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and further destabilize the already fragile situation in the region.

The United Nations, she said, remains firmly committed to the principles of Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. The Deputy Special Envoy called for an immediate end to such violations and reiterated the need for full compliance with the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Conor Lenon, Riyadh

November 27, 2025 Economic development

The international community took another step towards making industrial development greener and fairer: on Thursday, the final day of the Global Industrial Summit in the Saudi capital, the Riyadh Declaration was adopted.

The world is inexorably moving toward further industrialization, opening up opportunities to create decent jobs and improve the well-being of millions of the world's poorest people. But for industrial growth to truly benefit the entire population and the planet, international trade and industry must develop with a view to reducing emissions.

This hasn't always been the case in the past, but the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is striving to change that. "We're well aware of the challenges and problems, but we're here to offer solutions," says Manuel Mattiat, head of UNIDO. "With the knowledge we have, the technologies we have, and the financial resources we have, anything is possible."

Investing in the Global South

United Nations News Service

Manuel Mattiat, Head of UNIDO

Mattiat spoke to UN News on the final day of the summit, which discussed a wide range of issues related to industrial development in the Global South, from youth entrepreneurship to women's empowerment in business.

Against a backdrop of unprecedented attention to the UN's work, the Riyadh conference showcases the expertise and knowledge that the world's leading multilateral organization can offer investors and businesses, as well as a range of practical solutions aimed at helping the most vulnerable people escape poverty.

"We're here to build bridges," explains Matiat. "Many developed, industrialized countries with resources and a high level of development are ready to invest, but they haven't yet found suitable entry points. That's why we're here in Riyadh: to mobilize investment for the least developed countries."

United Nations News Service/K. Lennon

People come first

On Thursday, representatives of UNIDO Member States – both developed and developing – adopted the Riyadh Declaration, which calls for strengthened cooperation between governments, business and civil society to ensure that industrialization contributes to a green economy, equitable opportunities and improved living conditions.

The declaration, which draws attention to youth issues and women's rights, aims to expand access to skills and employment for all groups. The document emphasizes the importance of innovation and digital transformation – developing countries must be able to take advantage of new technologies and compete effectively in global markets.

The adoption of the declaration is seen as a turning point in global industrial policy: it lays the foundation for mobilizing resources and achieving tangible results for communities around the world.

Riyadh Declaration: in brief

Promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development as a driver of poverty reduction, job creation, and resilience. Calls for sustainable practices consistent with the Paris Agreement and UN climate goals. Encourages digital transformation and innovation to bridge the technological divide. Emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges such as inequality and climate change.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 26, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Famine in Sudan is a direct consequence of the war. More than two and a half years of armed conflict have pushed 21.2 million people—45 percent of the population—to the brink of starvation, with famine officially confirmed in two cities. However, where the fighting has eased and humanitarian organizations have gained access to those in need, malnutrition rates have begun to decline.

Aid volumes have increased in areas reached by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), bringing significant relief to the population. However, in areas where clashes continue, communities are cut off from humanitarian support, and the situation remains critical.

Two cities in the grip of hunger

Two towns, El Fasher and Kadugli, where famine has been declared, are largely isolated from aid supplies.

The WFP has been warning of a critical situation in El Fasher since April 2024, when the city came under siege.

However, WFP operations in Sudan have already helped turn the tide: while ten areas were classified as famine-stricken in December 2024, nine of them have since been graduated from that category or downgraded to “at risk of famine” status – primarily in areas where aid has been delivered regularly.

Aid is growing, but resources are running low

Over the past year, WFP has dramatically increased its support across the country, helping stem the spread of hunger in several regions. With safe humanitarian corridors, unrestricted access, and sufficient resources, this trend can be maintained.

WFP currently assists more than four million people monthly with food and cash assistance. This is double the monthly figure for last year.

Since the beginning of 2025, the number of people receiving assistance in areas where famine has been confirmed and in areas on the brink of famine has tripled. Over the past six months, approximately 1.8 million people in these areas have received monthly WFP assistance—85 percent of all those in need of support in these regions.

Restoring humanitarian access

The past year has also brought success in restoring humanitarian access to areas that were virtually inaccessible in 2024: Khartoum, Al Jazeera, parts of North Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, and Kadugli.

When fighting subsided in Khartoum in March-April 2025, WFP quickly delivered aid. Over the following months (April-June 2025), more than a million people in all seven districts of Khartoum received assistance.

In late October 2025, a UN humanitarian convoy reached besieged Kadugli – the first large-scale aid delivery since the start of the conflict, paving the way for the establishment of a regular humanitarian corridor.

Supporting agriculture is the way to reduce hunger

WFP has also played a key role in increasing wheat and sorghum production in eastern Sudan through projects supported by the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

Increased crop yields have been one of the reasons for the decline in malnutrition rates.

Increased funding is needed

WFP will require $662 million to continue delivering aid over the next six months. With additional resources, WFP will be able to scale up its operations and support 8 million people per month.

Funding is needed for both emergency aid and long-term projects aimed at increasing agricultural production, restoring damaged housing and infrastructure, and improving living conditions.

WFP calls on the international community to urgently increase funding for projects in Sudan.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 26, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: a state of emergency due to drought in Somalia, peacebuilding resolutions, World Sustainable Transport Day, the selection of candidates for the post of UN Secretary-General.

Drought in Somalia

Somalia is experiencing rapidly worsening droughtFor the fourth consecutive rainy season, rainfall has been extremely poor, reservoirs have emptied, vast swathes of the country are without water, and millions of people are at risk of starvation and displacement. UN humanitarian agencies warned on Wednesday. On November 10, the Federal Government of Somalia officially declared a state of emergency and appealed to the international community for assistance. The situation continues to deteriorate, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Maintaining peace

The UN General Assembly and Security Council today adopted agreed resolutions on the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture. These decisions reaffirm the commitment to strengthening the UN's effectiveness in sustaining peace. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund reported exceeding the $1 billion mark in approved funding for programs since 2020. However, approximately $500 million remains needed to implement the 2020–2026 strategy. The fund currently supports more than 50 countries.

Sustainable transport

Transport is vital for connectivity, trade, economic growth, and employment. However, the transport sector is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. A balance must be achieved between sustainable transport development and economic growth. In this regard, the UN General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, declared the 2023 UN Sustainable Transport Strategy on November 26 World Sustainable Transport DayIn addition, December 10 marks the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.

Election of the General Secretary

On the eve, the President of the UN General Assembly and the President of the Security Council – the two main organs of the United Nations – officially launched the process of selecting the next Secretary-General, sending a letter to member countries inviting them to nominate candidates. As a reminder, the current UN chief's term expires at the end of 2026. According to the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 26, 2025 Economic development

Central Asia is experiencing profound demographic changes that will shape the region's economic and social future in the coming decades. According to the regional report "Generation 2050 in Central Asia," prepared with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than half the population of five countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—is now under 30 years old.

This creates a unique opportunity to reap a "demographic dividend": an increase in the share of the working-age population could lead to accelerated economic growth. However, this opportunity can only be realized through significant investment in human capital.

A young region in a rapidly aging world

Against the backdrop of global population aging, Central Asia remains one of the youngest regions in Eurasia. In Tajikistan, the median age is only 22, in Kyrgyzstan it is 25, and in Uzbekistan it is 27. Even by 2050, these figures will remain relatively low, increasing the window of opportunity for economic growth.

The region's population continues to grow: from 56 million in 2000, it has increased to over 84 million by 2025 and will reach nearly 112 million by mid-century. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are experiencing particularly rapid population growth: the former will add almost 5 million people by 2050, while the latter will add over 15 million. The number of women of reproductive age is also increasing, maintaining stable birth rates despite their gradual decline.

Investments in human capital

The report calls for investment in education, healthcare, and skills development for the younger generation. This is particularly important in Central Asia, as countries in the region still struggle with human capital.

According to the World Bank, children born in the region today will only realize 50-60 percent of their productive potential due to limited access to quality education, health care, and social protection.

If investment in children and youth remains at the current level, the region risks facing rising unemployment, increasing inequality, and a loss of economic potential, the report's authors warn.

A critical period

Today, there are approximately 60 dependents for every 100 working-age people in Central Asia—a historically low figure that will begin to rise after 2040 due to population aging. This means that the next 10–15 years are critical: without modernizing the education, healthcare, and social protection systems now, economic growth will be limited for decades to come.

Migration poses particular challenges. Millions of residents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan work abroad, and their children grow up separated from their parents, which impacts their emotional well-being, academic performance, and social adaptation. In the coming years, many migrants will return home at retirement age, increasing the burden on social services.

Urban Future: Opportunity or Risk?

By mid-century, 60.5 percent of the region's population will live in cities. However, infrastructure development—water supply, sanitation, transportation, and healthcare—has not yet kept pace with urban growth. This is particularly acute in the rapidly growing districts of Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Bishkek.

The climate factor is also exacerbating the situation: droughts, melting glaciers, and water shortages are already leading to population displacement and increased pressure on urban areas. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are also increasingly experiencing heatwaves, which threaten health and the economy.

Investing for the Future

Experts emphasize that two-thirds of future economic growth will come from investments in human capital. This means:

access to quality education from an early age; provision of children and adolescents with modern medicine and healthy nutrition; social protection systems that support families; employment and training programs for youth, including girls and young women; expanding access to water, sanitation, and a safe urban environment.

If these measures are implemented, Central Asia will be able to capitalize on its greatest asset: a young, energetic, and numerous generation that will shape the region in 2050.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | Bishkek: The City Is Growing, Greening, and Getting Smarter

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.