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October 31, 2025 International law

Airstrikes carried out by the United States in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean against vessels "allegedly linked to drug trafficking" violate international human rights law, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on Friday.

"Since early September, US forces have reportedly carried out a series of attacks on shipping in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of more than 60 people. These actions are unjustifiable under international law," the High Commissioner said.

"Such attacks and the growing death toll are unacceptable. The United States must cease these strikes and take all necessary measures to prevent extrajudicial executions of people aboard these vessels, regardless of their alleged criminal activities," he added.

American authorities claim that these operations are being carried out as part of the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism and fall under the norms of international humanitarian law.

The United States must stop these strikes and take all necessary measures to prevent extrajudicial killings of people.

"However, combating drug trafficking across international borders—as states have long recognized—is a law enforcement task and is governed by strict limits on the use of lethal force established by international human rights law," Türk emphasized. "Under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is permissible only as a last resort against individuals who pose an immediate threat to the lives of others."

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The UN Security Council discussed rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean region.

“Based on the very limited information released by the US authorities, none of those on the targeted vessels appeared to pose an imminent threat that would justify the use of lethal force under international law,” the High Commissioner noted.

Türk called for prompt, independent and transparent investigations into these attacks.

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October 30, 2025 Economic development

Kyrgyzstan's capital has tripled in size in recent years and acquired new transportation options. Bike paths have been built and the facades of schools and buildings have been greened. On World Cities Day, celebrated on October 31, Bishkek's First Deputy Mayor, Mirlanbek Baigonchokov, spoke with Lyudmila Blagonravova about how the capital is transforming into a more environmentally friendly and convenient metropolis.

MB: In recent years, Bishkek has made significant progress in implementing large-scale changes, which were, of course, aimed at developing the city and improving people's quality of life.

I'd like to highlight the key changes that affected the following areas. Just last year, we underwent an administrative-territorial reform, as part of which the city of Bishkek more than tripled in size. While Bishkek's territory previously covered approximately 13,000 hectares, it has now grown to almost 41,000.

This places certain obligations on the municipality. Over the past few years, we have embarked on a large-scale construction and reconstruction of social facilities, including schools, kindergartens, medical centers, various sports facilities, and public spaces in general. Last year alone, we built approximately 10 kindergartens and four educational facilities.

We have completed the reconstruction of our central square, the Alga complex, and other public facilities. At the same time, a master plan for Bishkek through 2050 is being developed. We have begun upgrading public transportation, purchasing electric buses and natural gas buses.

We're implementing various innovative parking projects. We're the first in the city to install rotary parking systems. These are just the first steps, of course, and I think we'll continue to do so.

Environmental and greening issues are also pressing, and we've launched the "Thousands of Green Walls" project and other large-scale environmental initiatives. We've begun improving our transportation and waste management systems. We're actively planting trees, improving lawns and parks, cleaning rivers, and upgrading street lighting.

LB: Can you give examples of any projects or programs that have already been implemented and that have led to specific results?

MB: The city of Bishkek annually adopts a socio-economic development program, which determines the directions and priorities of the city's development and budget policy. Thanks to a systematic approach, we implement approximately 80 percent of the planned activities.

Last year, we modernized and rehabilitated central streets, water supply, and sewerage systems. We are improving service quality and introducing modern technologies into public utilities.

© Unsplash/M. Dudin

Large-scale projects to modernize the city are being carried out in Bishkek.

We're implementing a variety of innovative digital methods. For example, we've developed and implemented the "My City" app, where every citizen can contact the authorities with problems, and we respond to requests promptly. We've also integrated a public transit tracking feature into the app, allowing citizens to see the route passing through and when public transit will arrive while waiting at a stop.

We've also introduced a visually impaired transport mode with voice notifications so our citizens can know where they've arrived. We're also introducing intercity transport traffic indicators. We've also implemented a workflow tracking system that integrates with the "My City" app, which tracks citizen complaints about municipal services' performance.

In the post-pandemic period, we identified five informal settlements, home to approximately 75,000 people, and implemented a pilot project to connect them to water and sewerage systems and build roads. This project was supported by the UN and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

LB: Tell us about the project that is currently being implemented with the support of UN agencies and which is aimed at reducing poverty.

MB: With UN support, we began implementing this project, and the main focus was on improving social protection, simplifying access to assistance, and introducing a social contract model to engage families in business.

The relationship between poverty, food security, and nutrition was analyzed. The primary goal was to reduce dependence on social assistance and increase the resilience of vulnerable groups.

LB: You've already mentioned environmental issues. Air pollution is a significant problem in Bishkek. Tell us about the programs being implemented in this area.

MB: Bishkek, as a development center, the center of the republic, and a metropolis, faces environmental challenges. And here I would like to note that the main sources of air pollution are motor vehicles.

© UNDP/D. Usmanov

Some houses in Kyrgyzstan are heated with coal.

We also have a combined heat and power plant, which was built back in the Soviet Union. It's operational, providing us with heat and light, but it's also a source of pollution. Of course, there are also boiler houses that serve various neighborhoods, industrial enterprises, private farms, and private homes that use coal to heat their homes. All of this impacts the city's ecology. Consequently, the municipality has begun implementing comprehensive measures to improve the environmental situation.

One such measure is the "Thousand Green Walls" project, which involves vertical greening of building facades. We have begun a pilot project to green several schools and residential buildings in one of the city's neighborhoods. We hope the project will bear fruit, and based on this pilot experience, we will continue to expand.

We also insulate the facades of municipal buildings and social facilities. We also advise private households that their homes need to be insulated first and foremost to prevent heat loss, thereby achieving energy efficiency.

We install heat pumps in public facilities, which in turn reduce energy consumption and, consequently, emissions. And since motor vehicles are a major cause of pollution, over the past two years, with the support of the government, our development partners, and the Asian Development Bank, we have begun a large-scale procurement of environmentally friendly vehicles, including electric buses.

© UNDP/D. Usmanov

Motor transport is one of the main sources of pollution.

We're implementing the appropriate infrastructure in the city, creating opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists. We're purchasing natural gas-powered buses. And one more thing: we've begun construction of a waste processing plant that will generate electricity.

I'd like to point out that for years, waste at the sanitary landfill smoldered rather than burned, releasing waste. This also had an impact on the environment. Just last year, we stopped this smoldering by implementing various innovative methods, and we no longer have any smoke. Furthermore, by the end of the year, we hope to commission a waste incineration plant, which will also contribute to improving the city's environment.

LB: You mentioned bicycles; many cities around the world are now building bike paths. How is the situation in Bishkek?

MB: We are increasing the space so that city residents can get somewhere on foot, can use bicycles, and are building bike paths in the city.

Of course, this is just the beginning; we've begun paying more attention to this in the last year or two. I hope this process will accelerate in the future, and we'll increase the length of bike lanes to encourage more residents to use bicycles. As the number of cars in the city increases and congestion increases, we'll encourage this mode of transportation by expanding the number of bike lanes.

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October 30, 2025 Human rights

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic warned today that renewed violence is undermining hopes for stability that emerged after the fall of Syria's previous government last year.

Human rights violations

The commission expressed deep concern that ongoing mass killings and human rights violations, including those reportedly committed by members of the interim government's security forces, could drag the country back into conflict.

Photo UN/J-M. Ferrier

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Commission Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro called on the interim Syrian authorities and UN member states to address the root causes of the recent violence and prevent its recurrence.

"Syria's future hangs in the balance, and the country urgently needs assistance that goes far beyond the humanitarian plan, which itself remains woefully underfunded," Pinheiro said.

The return of refugees

Since December 2024, more than a million Syrian refugees have returned home, "swept up in an unprecedented wave of optimism," the Commission said in a statement. This progress was made possible by the creation of a new transitional justice body and a National Authority for Missing Persons, which experts called "critical steps toward justice for victims."

In addition, the interim authorities granted the Commission members full access to various regions of the country, including Latakia, Tartus, As-Suwayda and the surrounding areas.

However, according to Pinheiro, “despite the positive steps taken by the government towards state-building, repeated outbreaks of violence are alarming and call into question the ability of the interim authorities to end the entrenched cycles of violence in Syria.”

Mass executions

In March, an estimated 1,400 men, women and children were killed in massacres in the governorates of Latakia, Tartus and Hama, in some cases involving members of the interim government's security forces.

© OCHA/A.H.Suleiman

A new cycle of violence began after coordinated attacks by forces loyal to the former government. Armed individuals filmed gross human rights violations against the Alawite population, including executions and the bodies of murdered and burned people lying in the streets.

“It is alarming that the Commission continues to receive reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, ill-treatment and forced displacement of Alawite civilians in Damascus and the western governorates,” Pinheiro said.

The investigation continues

The Commission's investigations are ongoing, but it is already clear that the humanitarian needs of displaced communities, including Druze and Bedouin, are enormous and require urgent action ahead of winter.

Violence against women

Pinheiro also expressed growing concern about cases of violence and discrimination against women, citing numerous reports of abductions of women and girls by unknown armed groups. Some were reportedly subjected to sexual violence and forced marriages. Families claim that local authorities are taking no steps to investigate these disappearances.

Bringing the guilty to justice

According to the Commission Chair, further decisive and concrete steps must be taken to hold perpetrators accountable and restore trust between the state and the affected communities. This includes combating incitement, both online and offline, which fuels violence on the coast, in As-Suwayda, and elsewhere. Such hateful rhetoric, coupled with a sense of impunity following repeated massacres, is deeply alarming: there is a risk of a new surge in violence unless urgent reform and prevention measures are taken.

© OCHA/A.H.Suleiman

"The transitional authorities face enormous challenges, and they require the attention, support and resources of Member States to address them," Pinheiro stressed.

External intervention

The Commission also expressed grave concern about external interference, calling on Member States to take urgent measures to prevent the forced displacement and arbitrary detention of civilians as a result of Israel's advance into southern Syria last December, as well as ongoing Israeli airstrikes. "Such actions by third parties risk further escalating the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Syrian people," the statement said.

Tensions also remain in northeastern Syria, where clashes were reported in Aleppo and at the Tishreen Dam in early October.

Effective institutions

“A secure, rights-respecting Syria, reflecting the country’s rich mosaic of religious and ethnic communities, requires strong, inclusive, and effective state institutions rooted in human rights and the rule of law,” Pinheiro said.

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October 30, 2025 Human rights

Unilateral sanctions and their enforcement measures are increasingly undermining the realization of the right to education and other academic rights around the world, according to a new report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures Elena Dovgan.

A document presented to the General Assembly in October assesses the impact of sanctions on access to education, scientific resources, and international academic cooperation. According to Dovgan, sanctions limit the supply of educational materials and technologies, degrade the quality of education, lead to a "brain drain," and discrimination based on nationality or origin. This affects not only the countries targeted by sanctions but also the countries that initiate them and third countries.

“Unilateral sanctions, the means by which they are applied, and their excessive enforcement undermine the right to education, the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress, and academic freedom worldwide, including in countries imposing sanctions,” Dovgan said, speaking during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Global implications for education

The report cites numerous examples: in Cuba, the number of university professors fell from 54,078 in 2021 to 50,298 in 2024, with a disproportionately large decrease for women, from 32,807 to 21,611; in Zimbabwe, the state education budget was cut; in Venezuela, the Ministry of Education's budget was cut by nearly 90 percent, leading to mass student dropouts and the destruction of infrastructure. In Iran and Syria, sanctions have made it difficult to purchase lab equipment and textbooks, and access to online platforms like Coursera, edX, and others is often blocked by IP addresses.

In Russia, Belarus, and several other countries, sanctions restrict access to international academic programs such as Erasmus and Horizon. There have been cases of refusal to participate in joint projects, restrictions on academic mobility, student visa revocations, and deportation of enrolled students. In many cases, restrictions are imposed solely on the basis of citizenship or country of origin, without individual assessment. Furthermore, financial sanctions often make it difficult to pay for applications, certificates, and tests, further limiting access to international education.

According to the report, there have been repeated reports of reluctance by publishers based in sanctioning countries to supply printed materials to Cuba, Iran, the Russian Federation, and Belarus, citing fears of prosecution.

Self-censorship and research limitations

Even without being directly subject to sanctions or imposing sanctions, universities and scientists in third countries are forced to comply with restrictions out of fear of reprisals or legal risks.

The Special Rapporteur notes that academics from countries imposing sanctions are often wary of participating in academic events in sanctioned countries or elsewhere if researchers from sanctioned countries are participating, as well as of collaborating with colleagues, publishing joint papers, or even responding to correspondence from organizers. These concerns, she notes, sometimes lead to self-censorship and restrictions on academic freedom. Specifically, she cited the example of Tallinn University, which stripped its former rector of his emeritus status for participating in a conference in Moscow.

Violation of international obligations

The Special Rapporteur emphasized that such measures contravene Articles 13–15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which guarantee the right to education and scientific freedom. Restricting access to knowledge and technology undermines progress in this area, which is unacceptable, the report states.

According to the Special Rapporteur, such actions effectively amount to discrimination on the basis of nationality and hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities.

Appeal to States and International Organizations

Dovgan called on states imposing sanctions to “lift all measures that are not in accordance with international law, including those directed against scientists and academic institutions,” and “ensure that the right to education and academic freedom are not affected by unilateral forms of pressure.”

Responsibility for violations of academic freedom lies with the states that impose sanctions and cannot be shifted to private entities or justified by geopolitical motives, the expert notes.

She also called on UNESCO to establish a mechanism to monitor the impact of sanctions on the right to education and academic freedom and to include these issues in evaluation reports on science and education. The International Labour Organization, she said, should monitor the impact of sanctions on child labor, access to decent work, and vocational training.

Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to examine either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are members of special procedures Human Rights Council. Special procedures experts are not UN staff and are independent of any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

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October 30, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: aid for victims of Hurricane Melissa, a massive strike on several regions of Ukraine, the inadmissibility of nuclear testing, and the worsening situation in Sudan.

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, and also impacted Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of Central America. The hurricane damaged homes, infrastructure, and crops, and severely damaged medical facilities. The UN and its partners are providing assistance to the population. The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a delivery operation to deliver humanitarian aid, including food, from a regional logistics hub in Barbados.

Strikes against Ukraine

On the night of October 29-30, Russian armed forces again launched a massive combined attack on several regions of Ukraine. Civilian objects were damaged, and emergency power outages were imposed in several regions of the country, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. According to preliminary data, at least two civilians were killed and 23 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia, including six children. Civilian casualties were also recorded in the Kyiv and Vinnytsia regions: a seven-year-old girl was killed and five people were injured.

Nuclear tests

"Nuclear testing must not be allowed under any circumstances," UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said, commenting on US President Donald Trump's announcement Thursday, at a journalist's request, of his intention to resume nuclear testing for the first time in decades. Haq recalled that the UN Secretary-General has repeatedly stated that nuclear risks are already extremely high, and any actions that could lead to miscalculation or escalation with catastrophic consequences must be ruled out. The UN also urges that the devastating consequences of more than 2,000 nuclear tests conducted over the past 80 years be remembered.

Conflict in Sudan

The situation in Sudan continues to rapidly deteriorate, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobi told the Security Council. She spoke, in particular, about new outbreaks of violence in the country. After more than 500 days of siege, the town of El Fasher in North Darfur was captured by the Rapid Reaction Force. Only isolated pockets of resistance remain. This event, Pobi noted, marked a turning point, changing the balance of power in the region. Other parts of the country are also suffering from fighting. There are reports of mass crimes, ethnic violence, and violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence.

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October 30, 2025 Peace and security

"Nuclear testing must not be allowed under any circumstances," UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said Thursday, commenting at a journalist's request on US President Donald Trump's announcement of his intention to resume nuclear testing for the first time in decades.

"The Secretary-General has repeatedly stated that current nuclear risks are already extremely high, and any actions that could lead to miscalculation or escalation with catastrophic consequences must be ruled out," the UN representative emphasized.

Citing the head of the United Nations, he said it was necessary to remember the devastating consequences of more than 2,000 nuclear tests conducted over the past 80 years.

"Nuclear testing must not be allowed under any circumstances," Haq added, referring to the United Nations position.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was adopted by the General Assembly on September 10, 1996, and opened for signature by all states on September 24, 1996. It has not yet entered into force, as it has not been ratified by all states listed in Annex 2 of the treaty. Among those that have not ratified the Treaty are Russia and the United States.

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October 30, 2025 Peace and security

The situation in Sudan continues to rapidly deteriorate, UN Assistant Secretary-General for African Affairs Martha Pobi told the Security Council. She spoke, in particular, about new outbreaks of violence in the country.

After more than 500 days of siege, the town of El Fasher in North Darfur was captured by the Rapid Reaction Force. Only isolated pockets of resistance remained. This event, Pobi noted, marked a turning point that altered the balance of power in the region.

Fierce fighting and drone attacks

Other parts of the country are also suffering from ongoing fighting. In recent weeks, clashes have intensified in the Kordofan region, which the UN estimates could become a new arena for fierce fighting. Last week, the Rapid Intervention Force captured the town of Bara in Northern Kordofan, just 40 kilometers from the state capital, El Obeid.

Both sides are actively using drones, expanding the geography of the conflict. Strikes are being carried out in Blue Nile, Khartoum, Sennar, and South and West Kordofan. After the reopening of Khartoum Airport was announced, it immediately became the target of massive drone attacks.

"The consequences of drone attacks are clear – growing civilian casualties, increasing humanitarian needs, and further destruction of infrastructure," she stressed.

Mass crimes

The UN is documenting evidence of widespread crimes, ethnic violence, and violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in El Fasher, mass killings, executions, and attacks on civilians attempting to flee the city have occurred over the past week. Communication with El Fasher has been cut off, and the exact death toll is unknown.

Despite the parties' stated intention to protect civilians, the civilian population of El Fasher is in danger and there are no safe evacuation routes.

There are also reports of mass killings in the town of Bara, where the UN says at least 50 people have died, including five Red Crescent volunteers who were allegedly executed without trial.

The UN will continue to seek accountability. Pobi recalled the recent extension of the UN Fact-Finding Mission's mandate and the International Criminal Court's verdict in the case of Ali Mohammed Ali Abd al-Rahman (known as Ali Kushayb).

Put an end to the conflict

The UN Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. "The time has come to take the first step toward lasting peace for the Sudanese people," Pobi said.

She also stressed that any outside interference in the conflict must stop, as the flow of weapons and mercenaries only fuels the war.

According to her, the Secretary-General's personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtan Lamamra, invited the parties to separately enter into negotiations with the UN, focusing on de-escalation and the protection of civilians.

Both sides have expressed their willingness to participate in this process, and the UN is counting on the support of states that have influence over them.

Pobi reported that an intra-Sudanese dialogue is being prepared under the auspices of the African Union within the Quartet mechanism (the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and the UN). Consultations are underway with key Sudanese stakeholders on the timing and role of international organizations.

She added that coordination of international efforts is critical. The UN and the African Union plan to hold a ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa to coordinate mediation efforts and identify priorities.

In closing, Pobee called on the Security Council to show resolve: "We must play our part to end this devastating war. We must stand with the people of Sudan, who have suffered for too long."

Statement by the Security Council

Security Council members issued a statement today reaffirming their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan and calling on all states to support efforts to achieve peace.

“In this regard, the Security Council reiterated its opposition to the establishment of a parallel governing body in the territories controlled by the Rapid Reaction Force,” the statement said.

Humanitarian disaster

According to UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan is worsening. He stated that El Fasher, already a symbol of suffering, has "descended into an even darker hell" after the Rapid Reaction Force entered the city and began carrying out mass executions.

Fletcher emphasized that what happened did not come as a surprise: the international community knew about the impending disaster.

According to the UN, nearly 500 people—patients and their families—were killed at the Saudi Arabian Maternity Hospital. This is just one of numerous attacks on medical facilities, which Fletcher said is "yet another example of the brutality with which this war is being waged."

In recent weeks alone, tens of thousands of people have fled their homes to escape violence. Most of the refugees—women, children, and the elderly—are walking toward the already overcrowded city of Tawila. Those attempting to leave face extortion, violence, and the risk of being killed along the way.

Despite ongoing threats and restrictions, humanitarian organizations working in Sudan provided assistance to 13.5 million people between January and August. UN and international NGO teams continue to provide emergency medical care, treat children for malnutrition, distribute food, and combat cholera outbreaks.

Fletcher announced the release of an additional $20 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to scale up assistance in Darfur and Kordofan. This funding complements funding from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which is supporting local partners working in the affected areas.

In concluding his speech, Fletcher noted that the crisis in Sudan is a failure of the system for protecting civilians and international law: “We do not hear the cries, but as we sit here, the nightmare continues.

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October 30, 2025 Human rights

On the night of October 29-30, Russian armed forces again launched a massive, combined attack on several regions of Ukraine, allegedly "targeting critical energy infrastructure." This was reported on Thursday by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

Civilians were killed and injured

The overnight raid was the third major combined attack in October targeting energy facilities, damaging civilian facilities and triggering emergency power outages in several regions of the country.

According to preliminary reports, at least two civilians were killed and 23 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia, including six children. The city was reportedly hit by more than eight ballistic missiles and twenty Shahed drones. Civilian casualties were also recorded in the Kyiv and Vinnytsia regions: a seven-year-old girl was killed and five people were injured.

One of the largest attacks on Ukraine

This was one of the largest attacks on Ukraine since February 2022, with 705 munitions reportedly used. Explosions rocked several regions, including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and the Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Vinnytsia regions.

"If attacks of this scale and frequency continue, there is a serious risk of dangerous consequences for civilians this winter, including prolonged disruptions to heating, electricity, and water supplies," said Mission Director Danielle Bell. "These disruptions will be particularly severe for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with young children, who are least able to cope with the loss of vital services in harsh winter conditions."

Visit to the Chernihiv region

Bell visited the Chernihiv region yesterday, where she met with regional government and civil society representatives to discuss the situation in the region, where conditions remain challenging due to ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure ahead of winter.

Restoration of damaged objects

Despite constant attacks, local authorities and energy workers across Ukraine are making significant efforts to restore damaged facilities, often working in dangerous conditions. In 2025, according to the mission, at least 11 energy workers were killed or injured while performing their duties, providing vital services to the civilian population.

Strikes on Russian territory

At the same time, Ukrainian armed forces reportedly responded to Russian long-range attacks with their own drone and missile strikes, hitting energy and industrial facilities in Russia, but the impact of these attacks on civilians could not be independently confirmed by the UN Mission.

Heating interruptions in winter conditions

"As winter approaches, attacks on energy infrastructure increase the risk of prolonged outages of heating, electricity, and other vital services across Ukraine. This will have serious consequences for the country's population, particularly in regions where critical infrastructure is under pressure," Bell noted.

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October 30, 2025 Sustainable Development Goals

According to UN estimates, by 2050, nearly 70 percent of the world's population will live in cities. Urbanization brings not only economic opportunities but also serious challenges: from increasing waste volumes and overburdened infrastructure to social vulnerability. Ahead of World Cities Day Sustainable development expert Nelya Rakhimova spoke to the UN News Service about the challenges facing modern settlements and what the city of the future might look like.

This year's World Cities Day, celebrated on October 31, is themed "People-Centred Smart Cities."

Cities and Sustainable Development

“There are numerous examples around the world of how cities can develop sustainably,” notes Rakhimova. “Especially now, when we are faced with the challenges of climate change, sustainable urban development is a solution we should all not only consider, but fully embrace.” implement into all processes".

Many megacities already include elements sustainable development In urban planning, they modernize transportation systems, develop digital infrastructure, and implement smart technologies to improve quality of life. It's important not to limit yourself to technological solutions, but also to support social justice, equal opportunity, and citizen engagement in decision-making, the expert believes.

Main challenges

Among the key environmental problems of modern cities in Russia, Rakhimova highlights air pollution, waste management – including waste sorting and the presence of landfills within the city – and adaptation to climate change. More frequent floods, hurricanes and extreme temperatures have already become a reality, and urban infrastructure is often not adapted to such loads. The number of affected by the effects of climate change, particularly among the elderly population.

Social challenges are no less pressing. Cities tend to have a concentration of vulnerable groups. These include homeless people, LGBT community, migrants, women experiencing domestic violenceCivil society plays a huge role in supporting these groups, Rakhimova emphasizes.

© IISD/K.Worth

Sustainability Analyst Nelya Rakhimova.

Speaking about economic challenges, she noted that Russia is characterized by uneven regional development. "The outflow of citizens from small towns and cities to larger ones continues, seeking opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural and recreational opportunities," she explained.

The expert singled out single-industry towns as examples requiring special attention. "If we were to adhere to the principles of sustainable development and aim for a just transition, we would need to restructure the economies of towns that were originally created for mineral extraction," she said.

Civil initiatives

According to Rakhimova, sustainable city development is impossible without citizen participation. People come together to solve local problems—from helping the homeless to protecting green spaces. waste separation organizations.

"There are numerous initiatives that organize waste sorting. Sometimes they can be very local in scale, but sometimes they operate at the level of large cities and empower citizens to consciously separate, sort, recycle, and recycle their waste," the expert noted. "There are also initiatives that come together, for example, when a park is being developed. This mobilizes the population, and people are able to advocate for their interests and protect green spaces or the historical heritage of their cities."

According to some data, the number of local volunteers in the urban environment continues to grow, she added. This suggests people have a need to actively participate in public life.

What should the city of the future be like?

According to Rakhimova, the ideal city of the future is people-centered. "It's low-rise buildings, a well-developed public transportation system that operates virtually 24/7, and infrastructure that doesn't break down or require constant repairs," she described.

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"Cities should be friendly to children, the elderly, and people with disabilities so that everyone feels like an equal citizen and member of society," concluded Rakhimova.

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BK: For as long as I can remember, I've always been interested in astronomy. I watched the Apollo 11 moon landing, although I was about a year old at the time and don't remember it.

Space is one of the key areas of global economic growth. The figures are staggering. It is estimated that by 2035, the "space economy" will be worth approximately $2 trillion, an increase of $600–700 billion from today. Beyond its economic impact, space has always been a sphere that unites people.

The International Space Station is one of the places where we cooperate, because we want to. But also because we have to; after all, space isn't the property of any one country.

This is an area that can expand, that offers literally limitless possibilities, but it also obliges us to collaborate.

UN News Service: The idea of cooperation is very important. Is this one of the reasons you want to work with the UN?

BK: In my view, some endeavors require a global perspective. Space is certainly one of them.

It's pointless to talk about planetary defense, lunar exploration, asteroid mining, or expanding into the solar system at the level of individual countries. Nothing will come of it.

There are areas where we are forced to cooperate on a global level. And I think this is a good thing, because it forces us to address complex issues related to diplomacy and technical negotiations.

Some may see this as a problem, but I think a huge advantage of space is that we are forced to think as one world.

© NASA

UN News: What do you think you can personally change in your new role?

BK: It is imperative that we expand our work, economy and ambitions in space.

My specialty, besides being something of an amateur enthusiast, is trying to tell and explain to as wide an audience as possible why space is so important and beautiful.

And, by the way, this audience is not only the public, but also political leaders, industrial leaders who may not realize the potential of space.

Science is one of the foundations of our civilization, and if people aren't taught its benefits, they won't be able to participate in its strengthening and development. If there's a lack of understanding, optimal decisions won't be made.

If this all sounds a bit dry, we are also asking fundamental questions, such as, are we alone in the universe?

UN News: I think this is the question you get asked most often.

BK: That's a great question. I think we all ask ourselves that question. The answer is: we don't know.

Let's put it more scientifically: How far beyond Earth would we need to go to detect life?

We don't know the answer to this question at this time, but we are trying to answer it.

UN News: Are there any misconceptions about space that you would like to dispel?

BK: Of course, there are misconceptions about space, which I think stem simply from a lack of information. The main misconception is that space exploration is a luxury, and that the industrialization of near-Earth orbit and the exploration of the Moon and asteroids should be left for the future.

I often hear that we should solve our problems here on Earth first before worrying about space.

The truth is that space already plays a vital role in solving the problems we face on Earth.

An obvious example is understanding how our climate is changing.

Satellite data on the atmosphere, ocean temperatures, and other factors are critical to our understanding of climate change and to addressing the challenges we face today, challenges we created in the pre-space era.

© NASA

Global positioning, satellite navigation GPS, is crucial not only for determining your location using a phone, but also for air traffic control, supply chain management, optimizing the delivery of goods and materials across the planet, and so on.

There are numerous examples of how space is already having a positive impact on Earth, and more such examples will continue to emerge in the future.

UN News Service: How do you plan to advocate for the peaceful and inclusive use of outer space, and especially for the participation of developing countries?

BK: I hope that I can contribute to the democratization of space and advocate for its development to be carried out by more than just the big players.

The arguments for all countries having a say in the space economy are similar to the arguments for countries having a say in the economy that exists on the surface of the Earth and in the oceans.

In certain areas, we must act as one planet. Space is one of the best examples, but we could also add climate change, pandemic response, or managing artificial intelligence.

These phenomena do not recognize international borders, which is why organizations like the United Nations are needed.

Space is perhaps the most obvious example of an economic sector that does not recognize national borders, because there are none there.

UN News: How do you think developing countries can become more involved in the space economy?

BK: I think we're currently in a transformative phase when it comes to expanding beyond Earth, industrialization, and the use of space. This means that the rules that everyone will need to agree to are already being developed.

How do we manage space traffic? How do we ensure equal access [to space]? If we start building bases on the Moon, how do we manage them? How do we manage this the same way we manage access to Antarctica, for example?

Obviously, these are global issues. They concern everyone, every country.

All countries must join forces to develop a structure that will allow us to become a multi-planet civilization.

I would like us to become an interstellar civilization, but I will not live to see it.

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.