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November 3, 2025 Climate and environment

On November 3rd, International Day of Biosphere ReservesThe Ramit Biosphere Reserve in Tajikistan has been included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The organization notes that 2025 marks a record year for expansion of this list: UNESCO approved the inclusion of 26 new sites in 21 countries—the largest addition in the past 20 years.

Three altitude zones

Situated on the southern slopes of the Hissar Range, the Ramit Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 657.6 square kilometers. Its ecosystems span three altitude zones: mountain steppe, forest-steppe, and alpine meadows. It is home to 32 mammal species, including the snow leopard, as well as other rare species listed in the Red Book of Tajikistan.

Thanks to this rich biodiversity, Ramit is an important center for scientific research, environmental education and ecotourism development.

Preserving traditions

The transition zone, covering 467.7 square kilometers, is home to approximately 12,000 people engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, and forestry. Local communities maintain traditional activities such as gardening and the use of medicinal plants, while simultaneously implementing new initiatives to develop ecotourism and preserve cultural heritage.

The reserve hosts environmental seminars, school excursions, and scientific expeditions. It is managed in accordance with the Tajik Law "On Specially Protected Natural Areas." A coordinating council, including representatives of local authorities, communities, and non-governmental organizations, ensures the participation of all stakeholders in decision-making and the development of a common conservation and sustainable development strategy.

Historical event

The inclusion of the Romit Biosphere Reserve in the World Network was a historic event for Tajikistan and made a significant contribution to the development of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Central Asia. This step, as noted by UNESCO, contributes to the conservation of natural heritage and the promotion of sustainable development principles in the region.

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November 3, 2025 Humanitarian aid

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, who have been particularly hard hit by the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.

In a phone call with Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday, Guterres stressed that "international support is critical" to help Jamaica. cope with the consequences of a Category 5 hurricaneThe UN chief called for the mobilization of significant resources to address the consequences of the natural disaster.

The UN allocated $4 million

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has released $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to enable UN agencies and their partners to rapidly scale up humanitarian operations in Jamaica.

Five days after the hurricane struck the western part of the island, many residents, according to local media, are still waiting for aid – roads are impassable, and entire neighborhoods remain without power and water. According to government data, the death toll has reached at least 28.

The UN Resident Coordinator on the island, Dennis Zulu, said 13 UN agencies were working with authorities to clear roads and help restore critical infrastructure.

Support for children and families

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than 700,000 children in the Caribbean region, including Jamaica, Haiti and western Haiti, were affected by the hurricane.

Together with the Government of Jamaica, UNICEF provides nutrition assistance, sanitation and hygiene support, and psychological support to 284,000 children.

In Haiti, the UN agency is supplying hygiene kits and medical supplies, as well as providing cash assistance to families with children.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNICEF delivered humanitarian supplies to Cuba for more than 90,000 people affected by the hurricane.

International solidarity

“At times like these, international solidarity is not just a principle, it’s a lifeline,” said OCHA Director Tom Fletcher.

UN teams are already in Jamaica, helping coordinate the humanitarian response and ensure effective information sharing. UN agencies and NGOs are restoring access to affected areas, providing medical assistance and clean water, and assisting families who have lost their homes.

Cuba managed to prepare for the hurricane's onslaught.

The $4 million CERF funding allocated to Cuba in advance allowed UN agencies to stockpile essential supplies before the disaster struck. The World Food Programme (WFP) provided food for 180,000 people, while UNICEF provided mobile water purification units and hygiene kits.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) pre-delivered medicines and generators, while the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided seeds and materials to protect shelters and critical resources. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed health and dignity kits for women and girls.

Haiti: Early Warnings

In Haiti, where the crisis is exacerbated by gang violence, humanitarian teams are working with authorities to provide emergency assistance. Just days before the disaster struck, thanks to $4 million from CERF, preparations were made – more than 3.5 million warning messages were sent, helping save lives.

UN agencies and their partners are providing assistance to those forced to live in temporary shelters, providing food, essential items and cash support to those in need.

"Local leadership, global solidarity, and early action are saving lives across the region," said Tom Fletcher. "This is the new humanitarian model in action—working together for greater impact."

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November 3, 2025 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new recommendations for countries facing a sharp and widespread reduction in external financial aid for health. This reduction is already disrupting vital health services in dozens of countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

International aid to support health is projected to decline by 30–40 percent in 2025 compared to 2023. The impact is already palpable: according to a WHO survey conducted in March 2025 in 108 countries, in some regions, health services—from vaccinations and obstetrics to emergency response—have declined by 70 percent. More than 50 countries reported massive layoffs of health personnel and disruptions to specialist training.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the situation critical, emphasizing that sudden and unprepared aid cuts have already cost many countries lives and jeopardized the achievements of recent years. He also noted that the crisis could be transformed into an opportunity to transition from dependence to sustainable development using domestic resources.

Political and budgetary priority

A new WHO document, "Responding to the Health Financing Emergency: Immediate Actions and Long-Term Changes," offers countries concrete steps to help them cope with financial shocks and build resilient health systems. WHO calls on governments to view health spending not as an expense, but as an investment in stability, dignity, and economic sustainability. Even in times of crisis, health care must remain a political and budgetary priority.

Recommendations include protecting healthcare budgets and key services, especially those vital for the most vulnerable populations. WHO also recommends increasing the efficiency of spending, for example, through smart purchasing, reducing administrative costs, and integrating externally funded programs into the overall primary health care system. Furthermore, the organization recommends using modern technologies and analytical tools to select the most effective healthcare services and medications.

Concrete steps

Some countries have already taken action. Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have increased or plan to increase their health budgets. Nigeria added $200 million to its health budget, allocating funds to vaccinations, epidemic control, and priority programs. Ghana lifted restrictions on the excise tax allocated to the National Health Insurance Fund, resulting in a 60 percent budget increase. Uganda has developed a strategy for integrating health programs to improve efficiency and maintain access to services.

The new WHO recommendations are based on the principles of universal health coverage and a strong primary health care system. They are also consistent with World Health Assembly decisions, including resolutions on global strengthening of financing and the health economy for all.

In December 2025, WHO, together with the Government of Japan and the World Bank, will launch a new UHC Knowledge Hub to help countries share experiences, obtain technical support, and address financial challenges.

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November 3, 2025 Healthcare

Mercury has been used for centuries in industry and medicine, and even in mirror manufacturing, but it has also caused enormous damage to the environment and human health. This was stated by Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at a meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Geneva.

She stressed that the international community is obliged to take measures to protect the environment and the planet's population from the toxic effects of this substance.

Mrema recalled the tragedy in the Japanese city of Minamata in 1956, where mass mercury poisoning led to paralysis, coma, and death among people and animals. This event became a catalyst for international action.

Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017, today unites 153 states.

The UNEP Deputy Director-General emphasized that tangible results have already been achieved:

Many countries have reduced or eliminated the use of mercury in dentistry; several initiatives in Africa are promoting the elimination of mercury-containing cosmetics; and chemical companies are switching to cleaner technologies.

"The Convention also addresses the complex issue of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, where the pursuit of profit stands in the way of change. In this context, the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities reminds us that environmental progress and justice are always intertwined," Mrema said.

She reiterated UNEP's role in combating mercury use. "We are using our scientific expertise, our convening power, and global partnerships not only to support the implementation of the Minamata Convention but also to reimagine what sustainable production can be," Mrema emphasized.

She also noted that science remains UNEP's "compass." Collecting global data and creating information platforms allows countries to see the full picture of mercury use and emissions and make effective decisions. This work is directly linked to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, helping to keep mercury on the agenda of international environmental discussions.

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November 3, 2025 Climate and environment

Around 1.7 billion people worldwide live in regions where agricultural yields are declining. The primary cause is human-caused land degradation. This is a serious, yet often overlooked, problem that reduces agricultural productivity and harms the environment. This is according to a new report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), presented Monday at the organization's headquarters in Rome.

The report's authors emphasize that land degradation is not just an environmental issue. It directly impacts how much food we can produce, how prosperous rural communities are, and the sustainability of our food system.

The report contains the most detailed analysis to date of the impacts of soil degradation. It identifies the world's most vulnerable regions and shows how declining crop yields are linked to poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

What is land degradation?

According to the FAO, degradation is the gradual deterioration of land's ability to perform its natural functions. This can occur due to natural causes, such as erosion or salinization, but is more often caused by humans: deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and improper irrigation.

Who is affected?

According to FAO estimates, crop yields decline by approximately 10 percent in areas with degraded land. These areas are home to 1.7 billion people, including 47 million children under five who suffer from stunting. This problem is particularly acute in densely populated Asian countries.

Is there a way out?

FAO estimates that restoring just 10 percent of degraded arable land would provide food for an additional 154 million people annually.

This requires a comprehensive approach: smart land-use planning, anti-deforestation laws, farmer support programs, and environmental requirements for receiving subsidies.

What does FAO offer?

The report's authors emphasize that degradation affects both large and small farms. However, approaches must be different: small farms have fewer resources, while large ones have greater opportunities to implement sustainable practices.

FAO calls on countries to recognise these differences and develop policies that will help conserve land and increase productivity – for future food security.

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November 3, 2025 Humanitarian aid

UN humanitarian agencies have mobilized efforts in northern Afghanistan following powerful 6.3 magnitude tremors that struck on Monday night, just two months after destructive earthquake in the eastern regions of the country. According to preliminary reports, at least 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that agency staff are already at the scene and providing assistance to those affected. The World Food Programme (WFP) is conducting an emergency impact assessment and supporting residents in the affected areas.

An earthquake struck near Mazar-i-Sharif around 1:00 a.m. local time. The aftershocks destroyed buildings and trapped sleeping people under rubble. Videos posted on social media show residents moving among the ruins of the Blue Mosque, one of the most revered sites for Shia Muslims.

Casualties were also reported from the mountainous province of Samangan, but an initial aerial assessment by the UN, supported by Swiss authorities, showed that the damage was less extensive than expected.

"We flew over the most densely populated areas in the earthquake zone. Fortunately, we didn't see the kind of widespread destruction we witnessed in Kunar province just a few weeks ago," noted Richard Trenchard, Acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan.

The aftermath of the earthquake in Kunar

Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that destroyed thousands of homes and infrastructure in the eastern province of Kunar on August 31. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, and approximately half a million needed urgent medical care.

“What began as an emergency has now become a displacement crisis, with families forced to live in temporary settlements for long periods, facing increasing health risks"," the WHO statement said.

The organization warns of a shortage of drinking water, the spread of open defecation and limited access for women access to medical services due to the "lack of female doctors and conditions for privacy."

The WHO notes that mothers and newborns remain particularly vulnerable amid declining humanitarian funding. Furthermore, there are pressing concerns vaccination issues, treatment of chronic diseases and psychological support for victims.

UN agencies and their partners on the ground emphasize the importance of coordinating efforts and engaging local communities in recovery processes. They are currently deploying humanitarian supplies, mobilizing medical teams to prevent disease outbreaks, and helping rebuild damaged hospitals.

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November 3, 2025 Economic development

Against a backdrop of deepening global challenges – from rising hunger and poverty to climate instability – representatives from governments, civil society, and international organizations from around the world gathered in Doha on Monday to discuss concrete steps to address the most pressing challenges of our time.

The Second World Summit for Social Development will be held in Qatar from November 4th to 6th. In the lead-up to the summit, discussions were held within the Social Development Solutions Forum and the first meeting of the leaders of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

Learn from each other

Opening the Decision Forum, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that the event symbolizes the transition from discussion of problems to practical action.

"Too often we are faced with situations where we don't know how to help people who are suffering," she said.

“Or we have a solution, but we are unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps,” Baerbock added.

She said world leaders had gathered in Doha to "learn from each other, build on successful ideas, join forces, and follow common principles."

Successful solutions

The forum, co-organized by Qatar and France with the support of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, brought together representatives of governments, businesses, and various organizations to present successful examples of projects addressing poverty alleviation, ensuring decent work conditions, and social inclusion.

Baerbock cited several examples. Sierra Leone is implementing a program to support people with disabilities through training, employment, and microloans. In Sri Lanka, an innovation center provides vocational training for young people. In India, a national digital identity system has enabled the opening of over 300 million bank accounts and expanded access to social services.

These initiatives, she said, demonstrate what can be achieved when innovation, partnerships and resources are effectively used.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the need to move from promises to fulfilling commitments.

She noted the importance of the Doha Political Declaration, which is planned to be adopted at the summit: “This declaration calls for the creation of effective social contracts – fair, inclusive, and consistent with the realities of today.”

"To achieve this, we must scale up solutions that have already proven effective," Mohammed said, urging forum participants to share successful examples. "Use these examples, and let them inspire you," she added.

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

The first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty also took place on Monday.

Today, with more than 670 million people suffering from hunger and 2.3 billion food insecure, Baerbock emphasized that the crisis is not about food shortages, but about “inequality, conflict, and misguided policies.”

"These are billions of people who don't know where to get food for the next day. Parents forced to watch their children go to bed hungry… This crisis is preventable," she said.

The climate crisis is fueling instability.

Baerbock highlighted climate change as one of the key factors exacerbating food insecurity.

"Farmlands in the Sahel are turning to dust – this is the new front line in the fight against hunger," she said, warning that without decisive action, global warming could push another 1.8 billion people into hunger.

The Global Alliance, established in 2024 under Brazil's G20 Presidency, already includes nearly 200 members – governments, regional associations, international organizations, and civil society structures.

The goal of the meeting is to strengthen coordination within the alliance: expand social protection, support agriculture, and invest in climate-resilient farming.

"In a world with more than enough resources, every person can be fed," Baerbock emphasized. "A world without hunger and poverty is not a utopia, but a goal we can achieve if we act together."

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November 2, 2025 Peace and security

In the Samara district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, two boys, aged 11 and 14, were reportedly killed in a shelling attack on Sunday night. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced this today.

"The lives of children and their families have once again been devastated by attacks on residential areas," UNICEF said in a Platform X publication.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to assist people fleeing areas near the front lines. Staff are meeting evacuees at train stations, providing them with food, essential items, and hygiene kits, and helping them reach safe shelters.

In October, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with financial support from the King Salman Rescue and Humanitarian Centre, donated over 2,000 hygiene kits to women and girls in the Dnipro, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions.

The UN notes that civilians, including women and children, are bearing the brunt of the conflict, while shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure continues in many parts of the country.

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Between August 2023 and May 2025, UNESCO recorded the killing of 163 journalists. 109 media workers, including 12 women, died in conflict zones, mainly in Gaza (46), Sudan (13) and Ukraine (8).

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists was established by the UN General Assembly in 2013 and is observed on November 2. The date was chosen in memory of two French journalists killed in Mali in 2013. This day reminds the world that impunity for violence against media workers undermines freedom of speech, democracy, and the public's right to reliable information.

“I condemn the killings of journalists in Gaza, express outrage at their high numbers, and call for independent and impartial investigations,” the statement reads, published this year. report of the UN chief“I also note that the ban preventing international journalists from accessing Gaza is unacceptable.”

Murders of journalists continue to occur even in countries not engulfed in war. According to UNESCO, the situation in Mexico is more dangerous than in many conflict zones: 15 media workers were killed there during the period under review. The highest number of confirmed journalist murders was recorded in the Arab States (82), followed by countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (34), Africa (5), Asia-Pacific (30), and Europe and North America (12).

High degree of impunity

The global level of impunity for crimes against media workers remains very high, the UN Secretary-General notes: although it has decreased by one percent compared to 2022, 85 percent of journalist murders remain unsolved.

According to UNESCO, the highest levels of impunity are found in the Middle East and North Africa region, followed by Asia and the Pacific and Africa. The prevailing impunity in many countries continues to be attributed to weak and corrupt law enforcement and judicial systems, a lack of political will, and connections between politicians, corrupt business circles, and organized crime.

“On this International Day, we want to remind everyone how important it is for maintaining peace and ensuring social progress that journalists are safe, independent and protected in the performance of their mission,” the statement reads. message from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Arrests and prosecutions

According to data from Reporters Without Borders, cited by the UN Secretary-General in his report, at least 1,163 journalists were detained worldwide between 2023 and 2025, with 568 of them still in custody in 48 countries. Nearly half of all journalist imprisonments occurred in five countries: Belarus, China, Israel, Myanmar, and the Russian Federation.

In recent years, a number of States have seen an increase in the abuse of laws, including defamation laws (the public dissemination of information that defames a person's honor, dignity, or reputation), counter-terrorism laws, and other security-related legislation, the application of which is not consistent with international law.

Relationship with the exploitation of natural resources

According to the report, citing Reporters Without Borders, there is a correlation between the high intensity of natural resource exploitation in countries and their low ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. Between 2013 and 2021, 78 percent of hydrocarbons (oil, gas, and coal), 45 percent of mining products, and 67 percent of forest products came from countries with press freedom ratings of "challenging" or "very serious."

Journalists who cover environmental damage often have to report on the negative impacts of powerful corporations or their unfair practices, as well as corruption in regulatory agencies, collusion between government officials and corporations, government-approved projects with huge environmental impacts, and systemic flaws in environmental policies.

When journalists are silenced, we all lose our voice.

“Free and independent journalism is a vital public good, and journalists around the world must be able to work freely, impartially and without fear,” he recalled. Antonio Guterres in his report. "Despite this, attacks on journalists continue around the world."

To address the challenges facing journalists, it is crucial to take swift and more effective measures, the Secretary-General noted. He believes that, first and foremost, states should end impunity for the killings of journalists, which has reached "unacceptably high levels," through prompt, effective, thorough, impartial, and independent investigations.

“When journalists are silenced, we all lose our voice,” António Guterres emphasized. “Let us stand together to defend press freedom, demand accountability, and ensure that those who speak truth to power can do so without fear.”

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