Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Hamas attack on Israel and called on the world to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 25, 2025 UN

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly via video link on Thursday, saying his people are experiencing "genocide, destruction, famine and displacement" as a result of the Israeli military's war in Gaza.

He noted that over the course of nearly two years of fighting, more than 220,000 Palestinians, most of them women, children, and the elderly, have been killed or wounded, while two million have been pushed to the brink of starvation due to the blockade. He added that more than 80 percent of homes, schools, hospitals, churches, mosques, and infrastructure in Gaza have been destroyed.

"What Israel is doing is not just aggression, it is a war crime and a crime against humanity," Abbas said, calling it "one of the most horrific chapters of the humanitarian tragedy of the 20th and 21st centuries."

He also highlighted the rise in settler violence and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as part of the "Greater Israel" strategy, which, he said, threatens to "divide the West Bank," "isolate occupied Jerusalem," and "undermine the two-state solution." Religious sites in Jerusalem, Hebron, and Gaza have also suffered destruction, citing attacks on mosques, churches, and cemeteries.

Condemnation of the events of October 7

Abbas condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, stressing that these actions "do not represent the Palestinian people and their just struggle for freedom and independence."

He stated that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and the Palestinian Authority is ready to assume full responsibility for its governance and security based on the principle of "one state, one law and one legitimate security force."

"We do not seek a militaristic state," he told world leaders, describing his vision of a "modern and democratic" Palestine based on the rule of law, a peaceful transfer of power, respect for human rights, and the empowerment of youth and women.

An appeal to the international community

Addressing the international community, President Abbas expressed regret that more than a thousand UN resolutions on Palestine remain unimplemented, despite the fact that the Palestinian leadership has supported peace agreements and recognized Israel since the 1993 agreements.

He accused Israel of "systematically" undermining those agreements, noting that the Palestinians had fulfilled their obligations, including renouncing violence and reforming national institutions.

Abbas welcomed the results of the meeting held in New York this week high-level conferences, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. He expressed gratitude to the growing number of countries recognizing Palestine and called on others to follow their example and support Palestine's full membership in the UN.

He stressed Palestine's readiness to cooperate with the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Nations and all partners in implementing the peace plan adopted this week, adding that "peace cannot be achieved without justice, and there will be no justice without the liberation of Palestine."

Palestinians, he said, will never give up their homeland and their rights.

"No matter how long the suffering, it will not break our will to live and survive," Abbas declared. "The dawn of freedom will rise, and the Palestinian flag will soar in our skies as a symbol of dignity and resilience."

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.

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Ilham Aliyev at the UN: Peace with Armenia opens a new era in Azerbaijan's history

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 25, 2025 UN

At the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared that his country had entered a "new era of peace and development" by ending a long-standing conflict with Armenia and signing a joint declaration with that country.

"We won both the war and the peace. We ended the occupation and began reconstruction. Justice prevailed, sovereignty was strengthened, and de facto peace was achieved," the head of state emphasized.

Peace process and regional integration

According to Aliyev, nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territory resulted in the expulsion of a million Azerbaijanis and the destruction of hundreds of towns and villages. In 2020, the country restored its territorial integrity during a 44-day war.

The President recalled that peace negotiations, which began in 2022, were crowned with success in the summer of 2025: on August 8, at the White House, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed the text of the peace treaty, and Aliyev and the Armenian prime minister signed a joint declaration with the participation of US President Donald Trump.

He also noted that the OSCE Minsk Group had ceased to exist as an "obsolete mechanism" and highlighted the importance of a new transport corridor called the "Trump Path for International Peace and Prosperity" (the road is expected to pass through Armenia and connect Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic – editor's note).

Partnership with the United States and territorial restoration

The President of Azerbaijan emphasized that the strategic partnership with Washington opens new horizons for his country in politics, economics, energy, and security. He called the US administration's decision to lift sanctions imposed under Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act historic.

Aliyev also spoke about the large-scale reconstruction of liberated lands, where "more than 50,000 people already live, work, and study as part of the Great Return program." He also pointed out the serious problem of mine hazards: since 2020, over 400 people have been killed or injured by explosions.

Global challenges and climate

Turning to international issues, Aliyev noted the deteriorating environmental situation in the Caspian Sea and called on the Caspian states to join forces, emphasizing their readiness to cooperate with the UN.

He recalled that Azerbaijan hosted the COP29 Climate Conference in 2024, where the Baku Financing Targets were adopted – a new commitment by developed countries to allocate at least $300 billion annually for the climate needs of developing countries until 2035.

Energy and transport corridors

Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's role as a reliable partner in the energy sector: "We supply gas to 14 countries—a world record for the number of countries receiving gas via pipelines." At the same time, the country is developing renewable energy sources, planning to obtain 40 percent of its electricity from them by 2030.

He noted an increase in cargo transportation by almost 90 percent through the Middle Corridor and recalled the Digital Silk Road project, which will turn Azerbaijan into a regional digital hub.

Concluding his speech, Aliyev called for “building a world without double standards, where the rule of law is always respected, and peace is achieved not only in words, but also in deeds.”

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.

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Georgian President at the UN General Assembly: "We are ready to extend a hand to everyone for the sake of peace and cooperation."

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 25, 2025 UN

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili addressed the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that his country, with its three-thousand-year history and unique culture, remains committed to peace, dialogue, and sustainable development. "Georgia's history is a chronicle of the struggle for survival, but we have always maintained humanism, tolerance, and justice," he said.

Support for Ukraine and Georgia's role in the region

Kavelashvili recalled the tragic consequences of the 2008 war and stated that the Georgian people "understand better than many the pain Ukraine is experiencing today." He reaffirmed his "firm and unwavering support for the Ukrainian people."

The President also noted his country's efforts to transform the South Caucasus from a conflict zone into an area of dialogue and cooperation. He welcomed initiatives to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as "efforts to quickly end the war between Russia and Ukraine."

Transit corridor and energy security

The Georgian leader paid special attention to his country's role as a "natural bridge between Europe and Asia." He announced large-scale projects within the Middle Corridor: railway modernization, the construction of a deep-water port in Anaklia, a new international airport in Tbilisi, and a submarine cable across the Black Sea. According to him, these projects "provide access to the sea for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus and strengthen Europe's energy security."

Kavelashvili emphasized that Georgia is ready for constructive relations "with the largest economies – the United States, China, the European Union, and others," but will demand respect and "will never accept the language of ultimatums and threats."

Appeal to Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The president devoted a separate section of his speech to addressing his "Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and sisters." He stated, "Our cultural code has not changed. For us, diversity is not a problem, but a formula for existence. We will always welcome our compatriots on the other side of the occupation line with an open heart and an outstretched hand." Kavelashvili expressed confidence that one day Georgians will live in a "united, happy, and developed country."

A Call for Reform of the Global Order

The President emphasized that the world is experiencing a "transitional moment when the future of the international order remains uncertain." He called on the UN to become "an inevitable alternative to war and the main guarantor of peace" and assured that Georgia is ready to engage in dialogue on global and regional security issues.

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.

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September 24, 2025 Interview with Alexander Kochergin, Director of the Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park, protected area

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

"Why was building a visitor center so important for the national park?" "Currently, around 50,000 people visit the national park annually. The absence of a visitor center deprives us of the opportunity to conduct comprehensive visitor management. After all, today the national park only has small information centers—one at the national park office and the Baklanovo Ecocenter. We'd long dreamed of building a visitor center; 12 years ago, we applied for a federal program to support the construction of a visitor center. We developed a design, passed environmental assessments and the Main State Expertise, and planned the construction of a permanent facility. But an unforeseen circumstance arose—the program was terminated. And we were left high and dry."

The dream became a reality when a joint project with the "Zapovednoye Posledstvo" (Protected Embassy) Charitable Educational Foundation was launched. A huge thank you to Natalia Romanovna Danilina, the foundation's President, for initiating a comprehensive development project by "Zapovednoye Posledstvo" (Protected Embassy) with the support of JTI Russia to develop the Smolenskoye Poozerie (Smolensk Lake District) area. The project includes infrastructure development, reforestation, the creation of a navigation system, bison population support, and the development of a volunteer movement within the national park. Park staff, local residents, and the Smolensk Region Government are now aware of another significant outcome of this joint project: a new visitor center, exceptional in size and facilities, will open its doors early next year.

I'm very pleased that the Smolensk Region Government, led by Governor Vasily Nikolaevich Anokhin, has paid close attention to the project. The national park received significant assistance in connecting our visitor center to electricity. The Przhevalskoye administration also assisted with connecting the water supply.

What new opportunities does the visitor center open up for the development of the national park? Most importantly, the park will be home to a facility that will unite all existing environmental education sites: nature trails and the Baklanovo Ecocenter. All information about the national park will be centralized here. It will be a hub for cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders working in the national park. The benefit for visitors is the opportunity to explore the park's facilities: accommodations, dining options, and business services (horseback riding, canoeing, SUPs, etc.).

It's symbolic that the visitor center construction project began in the year of the 300th anniversary of the village of Przhevalskoye, formerly Sloboda, an important socio-cultural and administrative center. The construction of the visitor center has transformed the central part of the village, which once housed the estate of the famous explorer Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky and numerous natural, historical, and cultural heritage sites. Plans include improving the shoreline of Lake Sapsho. Including the new visitor center in this development project as an important element will make the area more attractive to visitors.

Developing the area adjacent to the visitor center is a new direction for us. We'll need landscaping and installation of environmental education elements. We'll need to develop a souvenir line and engage creative people, including local residents, in the process. We'll explore holding master classes, and with the opening of the visitor center, we'll be able to devote even more attention to this area.

Importantly, the national park will now feature a museum exhibition, something previously unheard of. Interpreting natural and cultural heritage through interactive information is a new standard, and we intend to develop this approach further.

We plan to train professional specialists to greet visitors and interact with them effectively. The uniforms and merchandise must be appropriate, and this will require significant work from the entire team. Maintaining the visitor center's operations will also require significant effort from us as an institution. Of course, many questions will still arise. But the most important things have been accomplished.

What events are you planning to hold at the visitor center? We've already planned several exhibitions of our artists. We're currently in talks with the State Hermitage Museum about organizing an exhibition of archaeological finds from the Northwestern Expedition.

Large-scale public events will undoubtedly find their place on the visitor center's grounds after the area is improved. We will host nature conservation festivals on our stage, moving the Stork Festival and ethnographic celebrations such as Maslenitsa from the village's central square. We will screen new films in the visitor center's conference hall in preparation for the national park's 35th anniversary celebration in 2027, and two years later, we will host the Smolenskoye Poozerie anniversary events themselves.

This year, we're holding the Przhevalsky Memorial Conference in Smolensk, but we'll then bring the participants to the Smolensk Poozerye Visitor Center. This is a scientific expert community that can assist in organizing scientific museum exhibitions.

– If we talk about the visitor center as a club place for local residents, what potential do you see here?

"It's important for the visitor center to feel like a familiar, not alien, facility for the village residents, so that locals understand that the visitor center is theirs, too. We understand that this is crucial for the local community. If visitors learn about guesthouses and accommodations, and if the local community sees opportunities to sell their own products, all of this will benefit the community."

We'll be engaging creative people living in the village, working with the Community Center to hold lectures, tea parties, free tours for schoolchildren, and meetings with famous people. We'll be exploring ways to collaborate, as this is very important.

– How do you plan to organize excursion activities?

We hope that volunteer tour guides will also assist us at this site as part of our joint project with the Zapovednoye Poslost Charitable Foundation, "Nature Volunteer – Assistant Tour Guide in Smolenskoye Poozerie." This year, they completed internships at three sites: the "Poozerie Without Barriers" eco-trail in Baklanovo, the Zubrinets aviary complex, and the Aptekarsky Garden. The visitor center is the fourth site where volunteer tour guide assistants could be helpful. We only have two tour guides on staff, and in the summer, when workloads are high, volunteers could assist them. Because when the visitor center receives a flood of visitors, it will be difficult for us to cope on our own.

There were so many plans, ideas, and concepts. Thanks to the designers, the persistence of the staff of the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Charitable Foundation, and the support of JTI Russia, the project turned out to be very interesting.

AUTHOR: Tatyana Margulyan

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.

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On September 25, 2025, the Moscow Sustainable Development Club discussed the ecology and culture of protected areas.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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A Threat to Humanity or a Guarantee of Security? The Security Council Discussed the Future of AI

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 24, 2025 Peace and security

Artificial intelligence is transforming everyday life, the information space, the global economy, and impacting international security at breathtaking speed. These were the words of Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking Wednesday at the UN Security Council's high-level open debate on AI.

“The question is not whether AI will impact international peace and security, but how we will shape that impact,” the UN chief said.

Defense tool or weapon?

When used responsibly, Guterres noted, AI can help prevent conflicts and protect populations, including by identifying potential outbreaks of violence. AI is also used in mine clearance and other areas.

At the same time, it can also be turned into a weapon. Artificial intelligence is already actively used in conflicts.

"AI-enabled cyberattacks can destroy critical infrastructure or disrupt its operations in minutes. The ability to falsify and manipulate audio and video footage threatens the integrity of information, increases polarization, and could trigger diplomatic crises," the Secretary-General said.

AI, International Security, and the Role of the Security Council

One of the main objectives of the open debate in the Council is to stimulate discussion on the issues of reducing the risks associated with the use of AI and maximizing its benefits in the context of international peace and security, taking into account the potential role of the Security Council in this process.

“The UN [Security] Council and member states must ensure that the military use of AI is fully consistent with international law and the UN Charter,” Guterres said.

Human control

He stressed that a person must control any decision to use force.

"The fate of humanity cannot be left to the discretion of an algorithm. People must always retain control over life-and-death decisions," he stated.

Guterres also called for the creation of a global regulatory framework for the use of AI.

AI could put all of humanity at risk.

Given the significant advances in artificial intelligence technologies, which can both enhance and undermine international security, Security Council members have recently begun to pay increased attention to this issue. Today's meeting is the third formal meeting of the Council dedicated to AI. The United Kingdom held the first meeting on this topic in July 2023, and the United States held the second in December 2024.

The debate on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week is being held under the presidency of South Korea. Guest speakers include Yejin Choi, a senior fellow at the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered AI, and Yoshua Bengio, a professor at the University of Montreal and co-president of the non-profit organization LawZero.

Bengio warned that humanity currently lacks the knowledge to control the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. This is already creating serious problems, he noted, citing recent incidents involving chatbots that could have endangered the lives of people with mental disorders.

Read also:

UN chief: AI skills key to empowering youth in digital age

The professor added that AI could outperform humans in most cognitive tasks within the next five years.

"If the capabilities of artificial intelligence models continue to exceed human capabilities without scientific guarantees of their safety…, we will reach a point where AI can act irreversibly, beyond anyone's control and putting all of humanity at risk," Bengio said.

"We must be careful not to cede our collective human and national sovereignty to companies or the AI models they use. We must act immediately to collectively mitigate all these risks. This problem is not limited to the borders of any one country; it threatens us all," he added, addressing the Security Council members.

Democratizing AI

Yejin Choi stated the need to ensure that AI systems represent all communities and are accessible to the entire global population. Much remains to be done to achieve this, she noted.

"We must shift our focus to what truly matters to humanity: linguistic and cultural diversity and pluralistic values. Current leading AI models are ineffective in many languages other than English and reflect limited cultural attitudes," the professor said.

This leads to the systematic exclusion of entire communities from AI development and the maximization of its benefits. Choi emphasized that systems must be built from the ground up to be receptive to diverse languages, contexts, and perspectives.

She called for the creation of a public AI infrastructure that would be accessible to everyone.

Positions of countries

In his speech, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that the topic of artificial intelligence is not related to the "clearly defined mandate of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, as defined in the UN Charter."

According to him, there is an “unnatural bias towards the representation of Western countries” in the Security Council.

"Therefore, there is a high risk that this group of states, interested in maintaining and strengthening their technological leadership in this area, will attempt to impose their narrowly self-serving approach on the entire international community," Nebenzya said.

He added that specialized forums exist for discussing AI, including the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems and the UN Disarmament Commission. The UN as a whole "can and should play a coordinating role in AI development," the Russian Permanent Representative believes.

Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the UN Jay Dharmadhikari said that new opportunities offered by artificial intelligence should enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations.

"When used responsibly, AI's data collection and analysis capabilities can improve the protection of civilians and facilitate the work of peacekeeping operations," he said.

The diplomat called for the creation of a common AI governance architecture based on international law. The Security Council, he believes, has a special role to play in this.

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.

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Maritime shipping: Slowing growth, rising costs and new challenges for global trade

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 24, 2025 Economic development

Global shipping, which carries more than 80 percent of the world's merchandise trade, is entering a period of slowing growth, rising costs, and increasing uncertainty, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)'s annual report, "Maritime Transport Review 2025: Navigating Turbulent Waters," published on September 24.

Slower pace and new routes

In 2025, after robust growth the previous year, seaborne trade volumes remained virtually flat, with only a symbolic 0.5 percent increase projected. However, geopolitical tensions have led to a record increase in ton-miles—almost six percent—due to the increase in long-haul routes and detours.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasized that the upcoming transformations in the industry require a comprehensive approach: "The transitions we face—to zero carbon emissions, to digital systems, to new trade routes—must be fair. They must empower, not exclude. They must build resilience, not deepen vulnerability."

Geopolitics and trade barriers

The report notes that political disagreements, the introduction of new tariffs, and shifting trade patterns and routes are shaping a new geography of maritime trade. The United States and several trading partners have already announced additional measures, including new tariffs, port charges, and restrictions on entry into U.S. ports for foreign vessels.

"The result is more detours, missed port calls, longer journeys and, ultimately, higher costs," the document says.

Energy and Critical Minerals

The review pays special attention to energy transport. Coal and oil transport volumes are under pressure due to decarbonization efforts, while gas trade continues to expand.

At the same time, critical minerals needed for battery production, renewable energy, and the digital economy are becoming increasingly important. "Critical minerals are becoming a new source of tension in global trade as competition for access and value addition at the national level rages," the report's authors note.

This opens up new prospects for developing countries, but they need modern maritime logistics.

Digitalization and the human factor

In addition to geopolitical and economic challenges, shipping is experiencing internal transformations driven by digitalisation and changes in the workforce.

"Digital solutions such as single windows for maritime shipping and port community systems are becoming indispensable for improving port efficiency and facilitating trade. However, the industry's growing reliance on digital technologies has increased cyber risks and vulnerabilities that must be addressed," said Regina Asariotis, Chief of UNCTAD's Trade Logistics Branch.

She added that positive changes in gender equality are being observed in the industry. "Nearly 40 percent of port management positions are now held by women. However, there remains a shortage of women in operational positions, and this is where automation can open up new opportunities," the expert emphasized.

Asariotis also highlighted key priorities for the industry's successful development: training maritime specialists and protecting seafarers' rights. This, she said, will help address the growing labor shortage in shipping.

Development prospects

As UNCTAD experts emphasize, maritime shipping is at a crossroads: decarbonization and digitalization efforts, as well as route changes, are taking place against a backdrop of political tensions and economic uncertainty. The industry faces challenges that will require a fair approach, coordination, and global cooperation.

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.

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Top Stories of the Day | Wednesday: AI, Climate, Financing, Shipping

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 24, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: a Security Council meeting on AI in the context of international peace and security, climate and development financing in the spotlight of world leaders at the UN, and the transformation of global shipping.

AI in the UN Security Council

Artificial intelligence is transforming everyday life, the information space, the global economy, and impacting international security at breathtaking speed. These were the words of the Secretary-General at the high-level open debate of the UN Security Council. Antonio GuterresWhen used responsibly, he noted, AI can help prevent conflicts and protect populations. However, it can also be used as a weapon. One of the main goals of the debate is to stimulate discussion on mitigating the risks associated with AI and maximizing its benefits in the context of international peace and security.

Climate summit

As part of the High-Level Week at UN Headquarters in New York the Climate Summit is taking place, convened by Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General outlined five key areas for action: clean energy, methane emissions reduction, forest protection, emissions from heavy industry, and climate justice, i.e., support for developing countries. Today's summit aims to accelerate preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in November in Brazil. Specifically, countries must submit data on their new climate plans before COP30.

Sustainable economy

A new exhibition has also opened at the UN headquarters in New York. Summit on a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global EconomyHeads of state, heads of international financial institutions, and representatives of regional unions attended the meeting. Their shared goal is to understand how to close the colossal gap in financing the Sustainable Development Goals, which currently exceeds $4 trillion annually. For many participants, including representatives of small island states, it is important to emphasize that global solutions must take into account the interests of those who are most often on the front lines of global crises.

Maritime trade

Global shipping, which accounts for over 80 percent of global merchandise trade, is entering a period of weak and fragile growth, rising costs, and increasing uncertainty. in the new edition of the annual report The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)'s "Review of Maritime Transport" report notes that political disagreements, the introduction of new tariffs, and changing trade patterns and routes are shaping a new landscape of maritime trade. Shipping is also undergoing internal transformations driven by digitalization and changes in the workforce.

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.

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UN Climate Action Summit: Clean Energy is Competitive, Climate Action is Mandatory

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 24, 2025 Climate and environment

Floods and record-breaking heatwaves in Europe have clearly demonstrated what scientists have been warning about for years: the climate crisis is growing faster than the measures needed to curb it. Against this backdrop, a climate summit convened by Secretary-General António Guterres is taking place at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, September 24.

A special event dedicated to High-Level Week The 80th session of the General Assembly will be a launching pad on the way to the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-30), which will take place in November in Belém, Brazil.

Ahead of COP30, all parties to the Paris Agreement must submit their new climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The climate summit aims to accelerate this process.

"Economics and science demand action"

In his opening remarks, Guterres reiterated that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century is still possible. "Science demands climate action. So does economics," the UN chief emphasized.

According to him, transition to clean energy already delivers jobs, growth and sustainable development, provides access to clean and affordable electricity, strengthens energy security and reduces economies' dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.

"Despite massive market-distorting fossil fuel subsidies, last year investment in clean energy was twice as high as in fossil fuels. The conclusion is clear: clean energy is competitive, and climate action is imperative," he said.

Preparing for KS-30

The Secretary-General recalled that the Paris Agreement has already achieved results: while ten years ago, warming was projected to be four degrees Celsius, current estimates point to 2.6 degrees Celsius—assuming full implementation of current national plans. However, this is not enough.

“We now need new plans for 2035 that go much further and much faster: delivering deep emissions reductions in line with the 1.5 degree Celsius target, covering all sectors and accelerating a just energy transition worldwide,” he said.

The Secretary-General outlined five key areas: clean energy, reducing methane emissions, protecting forests, reducing emissions from heavy industry, and climate justice, that is, supporting developing countries, which are least to blame for the crisis but are suffering the most.

High Stakes

The High-Level Week also includes discussions on solutions to combat climate change, bringing together national leaders, local authorities, businesses, and civil society. The discussions focus on five areas: reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy; strengthening adaptation to natural disasters; financing for developing countries; increasing transparency and countering disinformation; and other interrelated issues, from food systems to a just transition. The findings of the discussions will be reflected in the outcome document.

According to the UN chief, today's summit is not a replacement for COP30, but its results will be decisive for the success of the meeting in Belém.

Experts and activists are monitoring three key signals during High-Level Week: whether the world's largest emitters will present plans with real commitments; whether climate finance will be expanded beyond symbolic pledges; and whether world leaders will acknowledge that expanding coal, oil, and gas production is incompatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“Science demands action. The law obliges them to"The economy is forcing them. People are calling for them," the Secretary-General concluded.

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.

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A draft historic Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health: What world leaders will discuss in New York

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 24, 2025 Healthcare

On September 25, the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health will be held at UN Headquarters in New York. For the first time, the topic of mental health is not only being discussed in preparation for the event, but is also included in the meeting's title. A political declaration is expected to be adopted, guiding government efforts in the coming years.

Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as mental disorders, remain the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. They are closely interrelated: for many people, physical and mental health conditions overlap and require a comprehensive approach.

The spread of NCDs is primarily due to five main risk factors: tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and air pollution, as well as limited access to diagnosis, treatment and care services.

The scale of the problem

According to the WHO, more than a billion people worldwide live with some form of mental disorder. "For the first time, we can report that more than one billion people suffer from mental health problems," Devora Kestel, Director of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, said in an interview with the UN News Service. "The key question is: how many of them actually receive care, treatment, and support that alleviates suffering and enables them to cope with life's challenges?"

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Access to services, she says, is extremely limited: "Only 9 percent of people with depression, the most common disorder, receive treatment. And only 40 percent of people with psychosis have access to support. This means countries must do much more to provide people with the help they need."

Barriers to assistance

Stigma remains one of the main obstacles. "When someone realizes they need help, the first barrier is admitting they have a problem and deciding to seek support. Stigma exists both in society and within individuals," explains Kestel.

Even where services exist, they are often inaccessible due to cost, distance, or lack of integration with other types of care. "We need community-based services: integrating mental health into primary care, programs in schools and workplaces, and specialized centers within walking distance," says the WHO representative.

The objectives set out in the text of the Declaration

The new political declaration targets not only general measures against non-communicable diseases, but also specific challenges in the field of mental health.

“Countries agreed to highlight specific themes: mental health of children and young people, suicide prevention, and the development of community-based services instead of the outdated model of large institutions,” notes Kestel.

The document aims to stimulate the exchange of experience and expand funding. "We want every community to know: if one country can build a system of aid, then it's possible. We can learn from each other, adapt best practices, and find funding mechanisms," the WHO representative emphasized.

Non-communicable diseases and mental health

According to Kestel, the risk factors largely overlap: "When we promote physical activity, healthy eating, and quitting tobacco and alcohol, it helps both prevent NCDs and improve mental health. Moreover, many people live with cancer or cardiovascular disease and depression or anxiety disorders simultaneously. A comprehensive approach is needed."

WHO to world leaders

The key issue is political will. "We've heard a lot of talk about the importance of mental health in recent years. Now we need concrete commitments. Leaders need to understand that mechanisms and solutions exist. Changes can be implemented with any resources—from promoting healthy lifestyles to ensuring personalized treatment approaches," notes Kestel.

What does the Declaration propose?

Some key areas that were recognised as a priority when preparing the text of the Declaration:

Primary health care: Basic health care, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment must be accessible to everyone. Medicines and medical technologies must be safe, effective, and of high quality. Sustained funding is essential, especially for low- and middle-income countries. Mental health and NCDs: It is necessary to recognize common risk factors and common needs for prevention and treatment, and give a voice to those living with these conditions. Collaboration across sectors: Health depends not only on medicine but also on nutrition, the environment, legislation, and the state of the economy. External factors must also be considered: air pollution, commercial activity (e.g., advertising of unhealthy foods and tobacco products), and social and economic conditions.

Draw attention to the problem

The upcoming high-level meeting at the UN is an opportunity to take the topic of mental health and noncommunicable diseases to the next level. The declaration won't be a "magic document," as Kestel puts it, but it can set the direction, unite countries, and demonstrate that accessible and equitable care is possible in every corner of the planet.

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.

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