Category: Global Politics

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March 30, 2026 Economic development

"Credit ratings and assessments paint a bleaker picture of developing countries than their economic reality warrants," said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General at a special meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Monday.

A credit rating is an assessment of a country's solvency, determining the interest rate at which it can borrow money on global markets. A low rating makes loans expensive or completely unavailable, hindering economic development.

Today's meeting at ECOSOC is being held within the framework of the commitments set out in the Seville Agreement: countries, rating agencies and other participants in the financial system must hold such discussions regularly.

According to Mohammed, debt servicing is becoming an increasingly unbearable burden for many developing countries today. It amounts to nearly $1.4 trillion per year.

She noted the critical situation for the population: “More than 3.4 billion people live in countries that spend more on debt interest than on health care or education.”

The conflict in the Middle East, which has triggered a rise in fuel and raw material prices, is further undermining the financial stability of developing countries and their access to credit.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that current assessments often fail to take into account the long-term potential of states. "These ratings and assessments systematically overstate risk, often failing to reflect the fundamentals, progress, and long-term potential of these countries," the First Deputy Secretary-General emphasized.

“Too often, these ratings are static, short-term focused, and often based on incomplete information, limiting a country’s ability to access financing at affordable rates,” she added.

The UN proposes three approaches to system change, starting with a transformation of thinking. "We must transform our thinking, moving from long-term speculation to long-term investment," urged Mohammed, adding that risk analysis should include scenarios and probabilities, capturing not only vulnerabilities but also opportunities.

The second approach involves rethinking success metrics beyond GDP. "GDP tells us the cost of everything and the value of very little. Financial decisions—including credit ratings—shouldn't be based solely on profit and loss figures," she noted.

Mohammed also proposed reviewing the "sovereign ceiling," which limits private sector ratings within the country. According to Mohammed, "it's time to review the sovereign ceiling, which could unfairly limit the credit rating of private sector debt, distorting risks and deterring investment."

The third pillar of reform must be accountability of all parties, including agencies and investors.

In conclusion, Mohammed emphasized that credit ratings must become a tool for progress: “The time has come to transform credit ratings from barriers into a tool for long-term financing and sustainable development.”

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March 30, 2026 Peace and security

A maternity hospital in Odesa was damaged by Russian shelling last weekend. This is the fifth Ukrainian hospital supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to be shelled this year.

According to the foundation, patients with newborn children and staff were forced to take refuge in the basement.

"Hospitals should never be targeted. Attacks on hospitals violate international humanitarian law," the UNFPA stated.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that two people were killed and 12 were injured as a result of the attacks on Odessa, including one child.

Residential buildings and critical infrastructure were also damaged in the city.

According to UNICEF, a 13-year-old boy was killed in the attacks in Kramatorsk, and a 13-year-old girl was killed and seven other children were injured in the village of Voskresenskoye in the Mykolaiv region. A school and other infrastructure were damaged.

"Stop the attacks and senseless destruction of young lives. Protect every child," the foundation stated.

UN humanitarian agencies and their partners provided emergency assistance to those affected, including materials for urgent home repairs.

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March 30, 2026 Peace and security

A month after the conflict in the Middle East began escalating, reports continue to emerge from the region of new strikes and rising casualties, including among personnel of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UN peacekeeper died, another was seriously injured on Sunday as a result of a shell hitting the mission's base in the Adchit al-Qusayr area in the south of the country.

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardiel told the UN News Service that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. It has not yet been determined who is responsible.

Death of a medical worker in Lebanon

Additionally, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Sunday that another medical worker had been killed as a result of Israel's escalating military operations in southern Lebanon. The medic was killed in an attack on an ambulance in the city of Bint Jbeil. A medical warehouse was also destroyed in the attack.

According to the WHO, at least 51 health workers have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, including nine paramedics – in just one day.

"Attacks on health facilities must stop immediately. This cannot become the norm. Health workers are protected by international humanitarian law and must not be targeted," the WHO chief emphasized.

Attack on a facility in Iran

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the heavy water plant in Khondab, Iran, has suffered "severe damage" and is no longer operational. Such plants are used to produce water enriched with deuterium, a naturally occurring, non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen.

According to the agency, based on an independent analysis of satellite images and technical information, the facility was attacked on March 27. However, according to Iran's declarations, no nuclear materials were present there.

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Work is also underway at the consumer level. Gangi notes the importance of engaging with supermarkets, retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers to optimize the food preparation process.

Energy crisis and food security

Today, the issue of rational consumption is particularly acute due to the instability of global markets.

"The entire energy-food complex is currently under close scrutiny. War affects not only the price of oil and gas, but also fertilizers. Fertilizers are a resource for food production, just like energy. All this means that food production could decline. This is why we urgently need to ration what we produce that becomes food waste," explains Gangi.

What can everyone do?

He reminded that solving a global problem begins with the personal choice of each person: “Every initiative matters, and every small action is important.”

"I'd like to remind everyone that reducing waste is something we can all do every day," says Gangi. "Not just as producers, carriers, or retailers, but also as consumers: whether it's more carefully planning your shopping list, storing your food properly, or supporting businesses that reduce waste. Every time we make these choices, we help protect the environment and ensure that food ends up on plates, not in trash bins."

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March 29, 2026 Peace and security

Secretary-General António Guterres called for accountability for the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues. Another Indonesian peacekeeper was seriously injured.

According to UNIFIL, the peacekeeper was killed by a shell explosion at the mission's position.

The UN chief expressed his deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased, as well as to the Indonesian government. He wished the wounded peacekeeper a speedy and full recovery.

The Secretary-General said the incident was just the latest in a series of recent incidents that have put the safety of peacekeepers at risk.

Amid the ongoing escalation in the region, the UN chief reiterated the need to respect international humanitarian law. He reiterated that all parties are obligated to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property under all circumstances.

Attacks on peacekeepers are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may qualify as war crimes, the Secretary-General emphasized. He added that those responsible must be held accountable.

Guterres expressed his deep gratitude to all the men and women serving in UNIFIL, reiterating the importance of ensuring their protection and freedom of movement.

The United Nations calls on the parties to immediately de-escalate and fully comply with their obligations under Resolution 1701.

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March 27, 2026 Humanitarian aid

"A new wave of global instability is hitting Myanmar at the worst possible time," Michael Dunford, head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) office in Myanmar, warned on Friday. Rising prices for fuel, food, and fertilizer, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, threaten hunger for vulnerable families still recovering from the devastating earthquake a year ago.

The latest WFP data show that post-disaster recovery remains extremely fragile. In the affected regions of Sagaing and Mandalay, one in six families faces food insecurity, and at least half of all households are extremely vulnerable to any further shocks.

"People who survived the earthquake were just starting to get back on their feet, and now another blow is knocking them down again," said WFP Myanmar Country Director Michael Dunford.

Echo of the Middle East conflict

The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting transportation chains and causing fuel shortages throughout Myanmar. Rising fuel prices are increasing the cost of transporting food and agricultural goods, creating additional challenges for families already struggling to afford basic necessities.

The crisis has also hit farmers preparing for the monsoon season. Fertilizer demand is expected to rise for at least the next three months. Fuel shortages and rising input prices could lead to production costs doubling compared to last year.

The problem of financing

Over the past year, WFP has assisted half a million people affected by the earthquake. The organization is now shifting from emergency relief to rebuilding infrastructure that ensures long-term economic stability. To provide life-saving assistance to 1.5 million people across the country, WFP requires $150 million this year. Without sufficient funding, the agency will have to focus only on the most immediate life-saving measures.

"The people of Myanmar have been hit by blow after blow—conflict, climate disasters, a devastating earthquake, and now a global fuel crisis," Dunford said. "We must support them now. A year after the earthquake, they cannot withstand another shock."

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March 27, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria presented a report on the events in As-Suwayda, the UN Human Rights Council discussed the attack on a school in Minab, Iran, the UN Secretary-General created a task force to ensure supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, and the global climate action "Earth Hour" will take place on Saturday.

Violence in As-Suwayda

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria today released a new report on the events in As-Suwayda. The violence in July 2025 claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people and forced nearly 200,000 residents to flee their homes. The commission documented mass executions, torture, rape, and the burning of houses. Experts believe these actions may constitute war crimes. The commission called for urgent efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.

The Human Rights Council discussed the attack on a school in Minab.

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva convened for an urgent meeting to discuss the attack on a school in Minab, Iran, which killed more than 100 children. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated: "Whatever differences exist between countries, we can all agree on one thing: they must not be resolved by killing children in schools." Special Rapporteur on the right to education Farida Shaheed reported that over the month of war, more than 600 schools and educational institutions have been destroyed or seriously damaged. At least 230 children and teachers have been killed.

Strait of Hormuz Task Force

The UN Secretary General has created a special Task force to ensure supplies through the Strait of HormuzIt will be led by Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The group will include representatives from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Its primary objective will be to facilitate uninterrupted trade in fertilizers and develop technical mechanisms to address humanitarian concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earth Hour

On Saturday, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM New York time, Earth Hour will take place – a global initiative that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The UN chief is calling on everyone to join the initiative and turn off their lights for 60 minutes. The UN emphasizes that Earth Hour should not be just a symbolic gesture, but a reminder of the need for real change: a massive reduction in emissions and a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

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March 27, 2026 Humanitarian aid

Amid the escalation in the Middle East, UN Secretary-General António Guterres initiated the creation of a special mechanism to prevent a global food crisis and facilitate maritime trade in fertilizers. This was reported today by the UN press service.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the threat of its expansion disrupt global logisticsDisruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz risk triggering a "domino effect" that will directly impact the humanitarian situation and global agricultural production in the coming months, the UN statement noted.

Target group: composition and objectives

To promptly respond to these challenges, Guterres established a specialized Task Force. Its leadership has been entrusted to Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva.

The group also included key international institutions: the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Read also:

Disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz increases risks for global energy and vulnerable economies

The structure's priority will be the development of technical mechanisms aimed at addressing humanitarian issues in the Strait of Hormuz. Additional expert institutions will be involved if necessary.

The UN emphasizes that the new initiative is based on the Organization's experience, in particular the implementation of the UN Verification and Monitoring Mechanism for Yemen, the Black Sea Grain Initiative and Mechanism 2720 on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts

The group's primary goal will be to facilitate uninterrupted trade in fertilizers and raw materials for their production. The UN noted that the mechanism's launch will take place in close cooperation with member states, with full respect for their national sovereignty and within the framework of international law.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed his commitment to finding a comprehensive and long-term solution to the problem, but stressed that action is needed immediately to mitigate the economic and humanitarian consequences of instability in the region.

"If this initiative is successful, it will strengthen trust between the countries in the diplomatic process to resolve the conflict, becoming an important step towards a broader political settlement," the statement said.

In parallel to the Task Force's technical work, political engagement with Member States will be led by the Secretary-General's newly appointed Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict, Jean Arnault.

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March 27, 2026 Peace and security

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva met in an urgent meeting to discussattack on a school in Iran's Minab, which claimed the lives of more than 100 children.

"Whatever differences there are between countries, we can all agree on one thing: they must not be resolved by killing children in schools," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

The missile strike killed 175 people.

An independent expert at the Human Rights Council stated that in nearly a month of war, more than 600 schools and educational institutions have been destroyed or seriously damaged. At least 230 children and teachers have been killed in these attacks.

Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed, reported that a US missile struck a primary school in Minab at 11:45 a.m. local time while classes were in session. At least 175 people were killed, most of them children aged 7 to 12.

According to Shahid, more than 1,000 civilians have died across Iran during the war, three million people have been forced to flee their homes, and hospitals and World Heritage sites have been destroyed.

"The killing of children can never, under any circumstances, be justified," she emphasized. Special Rapporteurs, it should be noted, are not UN employees and serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis.

Mother's testimony

Iranian resident Mohaddeseh Fallahat, who lost two children in the attack on a school in Minab, recounted the day the tragedy occurred: "Everything was as usual. I combed their hair and helped them put on their shoes and backpacks. Nothing foreshadowed that this would be our last meeting. As they left, they simply said, 'Mom, pick us up after school.' This phrase repeats in my head a thousand times, and each time my heart breaks with pain. No mother imagines that, after seeing her child off to school with a smile, she will later find herself in such a situation."

Iranian Foreign Minister: "This is not a mistake"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that the attack on the school was deliberate and not a "miscalculation."

"This atrocity cannot be justified or concealed, and it must not be met with silence or indifference," he told the Council via video link.

Humanitarian aid deliveries

Meanwhile, during a briefing for journalists in Geneva, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that aid deliveries from Dubai, a key logistics hub, are being restored following disruptions caused by the Iranian attacks in the Persian Gulf.

Robert Blanchard, head of the WHO's emergency operations team, noted that the first two weeks of the crisis were extremely difficult, but the use of charter flights is now allowing for faster delivery of vital medicines, including for residents of Gaza.

The situation in Lebanon

UN officials in Lebanon are warning of a deepening crisis due to intensified Israeli attacks. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), evacuation orders have forced refugees to flee within a short period of time. more than a million people have fled their homes.

In southern Lebanon, more than 150,000 people have been cut off from the rest of the country due to the destruction of key bridges, which is also limiting access to humanitarian supplies.

Latest data from Iran

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reports a rapidly deteriorating situation in Tehran. The city of 9 million people "seems completely empty."

Maria Martinez, the head of the organization's delegation in Iran, spoke of the tragedies suffered by rescue workers who discovered the bodies of their loved ones under the rubble. According to her, more than 1,900 people in Iran have died, and at least 20,000 have been injured.

According to the WHO, 21 attacks on healthcare workers and facilities have been recorded in Iran since the war began. Martinez noted that 17 Red Crescent centers were damaged, and approximately 100 ambulances were damaged or destroyed.

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March 26, 2026 Peace and security

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost its connection to the main external power line on Tuesday and now relies on a single backup line. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced the start of consultations with Russia and Ukraine aimed at agreeing on a local ceasefire to allow for urgent repairs.

The 750 kV Dniprovska power line was shut down on Tuesday after damage was reported. The plant's management and the Ukrainian grid operator are in contact with the IAEA regarding restoration plans. Agency experts at the plant continue to closely monitor the situation.

The repair timeline remains uncertain. However, according to the IAEA director, the agency has proposed that both sides establish a ceasefire to ensure safe conditions for assessing the damage and restoring infrastructure.

Previously, the IAEA has already contributed to the conclusion five such agreements, which made it possible to carry out six separate repairs on power lines associated with the Zaporizhzhya NPP.

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