Category: Global Politics

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October 22, 2025 Climate and environment

No country is immune to the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday, calling for early warning systems to be made accessible to all.

"Early warning systems work," he emphasized, speaking at a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forum in Geneva. "They enable farmers to protect crops and livestock, allow families to evacuate safely, and protect entire communities from destruction."

According to the UN Secretary-General, the mortality rate from natural disasters is at least six times lower in countries with effective early warning systems. He added that a 24-hour warning of impending disaster can reduce damage by 30 percent.

In 2022, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warning for All initiative, which aims to ensure that every person on the planet is protected through warning systems by 2027.

According to the WMO, more than half of the world's countries are already equipped with multipurpose early warning systems. Least developed countries have nearly doubled their capacity in this area since official reporting began, but, as Guterres noted, "there's still a long way to go."

At a special session of the World Meteorological Congress earlier this week, countries endorsed the Secretary-General's urgent call to action to address remaining gaps in the monitoring system.

Increased impacts of extreme weather

WMO chief Celeste Saulo, who advocates for the widespread implementation of early warning systems, warned that the impacts of climate change are intensifying: "Extreme weather events are devastating lives and livelihoods, undermining development gains."

She noted that today there is a real opportunity to use climate analytics and technological advances “to build a more sustainable future for all.”

According to the WMO, weather, water and climate hazards have claimed the lives of more than two million people over the past five decades, with 90 percent of deaths occurring in developing countries.

Financing and climate commitments

Antonio Guterres stressed that a significant increase in funding is needed for countries to act "at the speed and scale required."

"To reach every community, a dramatic increase in financing is needed," he said. "Too many developing countries face limited fiscal space, slowing investment growth, unsustainable debt burdens, and systemic risks."

The UN chief called for action to address the root causes of the climate crisis to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels – even though he said that threshold would inevitably be exceeded in the coming years.

"It's already clear: we won't be able to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius in the coming years," Guterres warned. "Overshooting is inevitable. This means we're headed for a period—more or less prolonged and intense—with temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius."

However, the Secretary-General continued, humanity is “not doomed to live with warming at 1.5 degrees” if there is a global shift in attitudes towards this problem and countries take the necessary measures.

Ahead of the UN Climate Conference

At the next UN Climate Change Conference, which will take place from November 10 to 21 in Brazil, where countries must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, "we need to be much more ambitious," Guterres said.

"In Brazil, leaders must agree on a realistic plan to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to finance climate action in developing countries," the UN chief stressed.

Guterres called on developed countries to deliver on their pledge to double climate adaptation funding to $40 billion this year and to provide substantial contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

In closing his speech, the Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the scientific community and stressed that the “ideas, knowledge and influence” of WMO, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, “are needed today more than ever.”

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October 22, 2025 Climate and environment

Countries must accelerate action to minimize global temperature rise and reduce methane emissions. Otherwise, the Global Methane Agreement's target of reducing methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 will not be achieved, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Methane remains the second most significant contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide, accounting for 30 percent of global warming.

Observational data is a vital tool

A critical tool for tracking methane emissions is real-world data, which has historically been underreported. UNEP reports that oil and gas companies—participants in the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), created under the organization's auspices—plan to track a third of global methane emissions using real-world measurements.

“Reducing methane emissions can quickly change the trajectory of global warming, buying time for long-term decarbonisation efforts, so it is encouraging that data-driven tools are helping the oil and gas industry report its emissions and set ambitious reduction targets,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

Reaction to warnings

UNEP notes that while in 2024 only one percent of recipients (governments and companies) responded to methane emission warnings recorded by UNEP, this figure has risen to 12 percent this year. However, nearly 90 percent of such warnings remain unanswered.

"To maintain the ability to meet the Paris Agreement's goals, progress in reporting must translate into real emissions reductions. Every company must join the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, and governments and operators are obligated to respond to satellite warnings—and then take action to reduce emissions," Andersen emphasized.

Transparency in the industry is growing, but concrete action is needed

OGMP 2.0 is the global standard for measuring and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector and serves as the basis for methane legislation in the world's largest consuming market – the European Union.

Over the past five years, the number of OGMP 2.0 participants has more than doubled. The partnership now includes 153 companies from various countries, representing 42 percent of global oil and gas production.

Today, companies report—or will soon report—one-third of global oil and gas production in accordance with the OGMP 2.0 "Gold Standard," which means emissions are tracked based on actual measurements. This allows not only for effective measurement but also for emission reduction.

Sixty-five companies, representing 17 percent of global oil and gas production, have already achieved the Gold Standard. About 50 companies, representing another 15 percent of global production, are on track to achieve full compliance. Another 22 companies provide emissions data, but their reporting does not yet meet the Gold Standard requirements.

UNEP expands support for companies

UNEP's International Methane Observatory is expanding its Steel Methane Programme, which will, among other things, improve transparency in the sector.

As part of the observatory, UNEP also supported 46 scientific studies on methane across six continents. These studies filled knowledge gaps, including by testing new technologies for measuring emissions at oil and gas facilities and quantifying emissions in coking coal mining regions. The international observatory is also developing estimates of methane emissions from rice cultivation and livestock farming.

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October 22, 2025 Peace and security

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Roshdi, stressed the need for urgent steps to ensure an inclusive transformation in the country, particularly with regard to the political participation of women and members of ethnic and religious minorities.

Women are the key to Syria's future

Roshdi noted that the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 is an opportunity to reaffirm women's right to participate in peacebuilding in Syria. Despite President Ahmed al-Shara's promises to form an "inclusive transitional government," women remain underrepresented: of the 119 elected members of the Transitional People's Assembly, only six are women. Their representation in electoral bodies and among candidates also remains minimal.

"Syrian women are the country's greatest resource. They want to participate in political transformation—and they should be able to do so on equal terms with men," Roshdi said.

Critical remarks

According to Roshdi, the October 5 elections were generally peaceful, despite isolated incidents, including the murder of a candidate in Tartus. However, the election process was met with criticism regarding opaque procedures, weak civil society engagement, and limited representation of ethnic and religious communities. Among those elected were only one Christian, three Ismailis, three Alawites, four Kurds, and no Druze. Consequently, the Deputy Special Envoy called for a more inclusive approach in future elections.

Economy and sanctions

Roshdi emphasized that without large-scale international support, the transition process in Syria is doomed to failure. She called for the swift lifting of sanctions, including export restrictions, and welcomed the US Senate's decision to repeal the Caesar Act (a set of measures aimed at economically isolating the Assad regime – editor's note).

Call for respect for Syria's sovereignty

Roshdi condemned ongoing attempts at external interference, including Israeli operations in the south of the country, and called for the 1974 disengagement agreement to be respected. She stressed the importance of dialogue and international support, particularly in the context of concerns among Druze and Bedouin about their future in Syria.

In closing, Roshdi reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting the Syrian people and the country's new authorities in building a secure, inclusive, and prosperous future.

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October 22, 2025 International law

The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations as an occupying power with respect to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations and third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Court confirmed that Israel is obliged to comply with international humanitarian law, including providing the population with food, water, shelter, fuel, medical care and other necessary means for survival.

The Court ruled that Israel must "accept and facilitate by all possible means humanitarian operations," including the work of UN agencies, primarily UNRWA, and not obstruct their work. Furthermore, Israel is obligated to respect and protect medical and humanitarian personnel, prevent forced displacement and deportation, and not use starvation as a method of warfare.

The International Court also stated that Israel must cooperate with the UN in good faith, ensure the inviolability of the Organization's premises and property, and respect the privileges and immunities of UN and other international personnel.

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October 21, 2025 Peace and security

Ongoing attacks across Ukraine over the past five days have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and severe damage to energy infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday.

According to local authorities, the heaviest damage occurred in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipro, Kherson, and Chernihiv regions. At least 12 civilians were killed and over 100 others were injured.

In the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions, several overnight strikes on energy infrastructure resulted in widespread power outages and water supply disruptions, affecting over 150,000 people. Amidst the cold snap, such incidents raise concerns about heating and other essential services in the affected areas, OCHA stated.

The Office emphasizes the need for stable funding to support the efforts of the humanitarian community within the framework of Winter Response Plan.

Meanwhile, the UN continues to support Ukrainian specialists working on the front lines of humanitarian aid. Last year, nearly two-thirds of the more than $160 million allocated through the OCHA-managed Ukraine Humanitarian Fund went to local organizations.

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October 21, 2025 Humanitarian aid

As winter approaches, the situation in Ukraine's frontline areas is becoming increasingly dire. Andrea De Domenico, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) office in Ukraine, told the UN News Service.

“Winter is approaching and weather conditions are getting worse every day, so one of our priorities is to support people, especially the vulnerable, so they are prepared for the winter period,” De Domenico said.

According to him, with the increasing range of attack drones and glide bombs, the number of populated areas under daily attack is growing. "These daily attacks are striking civilian infrastructure. It is particularly alarming to see strikes on critical energy facilities, which make winter survival even more difficult," the UN representative added.

In August and September, he added, there were mass displacements due to pressure on the front lines. "The situation is particularly alarming in cities close to the front lines, where civilians are forced to flee constantly just to survive," De Dominico said.

Delivering aid under fire

Last week, a UN humanitarian convoy came under fire in the Kherson region, two trucks caught fire. Such are the realities of war—this year alone, there have been nearly 100 attacks on humanitarian operations. However, according to De Dominico, not counting the attack on IAEA staff, this is the first direct attack on a United Nations humanitarian mission. Humanitarian workers, as an OCHA representative noted, “were shocked,” but continued their work. “Risk is part of the conditions in which we live. This is what it looks like.” humanitarian operation in a war zone"," he said, adding that the UN has developed clear safety protocols to help protect the lives and health of staff.

De Domenico emphasized the role of local partners, who bear the brunt of the aid delivery: "The majority of humanitarian aid is delivered by local authorities and partners. We commend them for the fantastic work they do every day."

Priorities and resource constraints

"We are guided solely by people's needs," the OCHA representative noted, speaking about prioritization in a context of limited resources. He identified the key areas as providing assistance along the frontlines, supporting evacuations, responding to the aftermath of airstrikes, and assisting internally displaced persons. "This is a collective effort to prioritize and a collective effort to deliver aid to the millions of Ukrainians who need it," De Domenico said.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | Ukraine: How humanitarian support from the UN and its partners is helping peaceful Ukrainians survive

According to him, local authorities, public and volunteer organizations play a special role: “We cooperate with numerous civil society organizations, dedicated to helping people. We try provide resources, which are necessary to move huge amounts of aid – after all, there are at least a million people living along the front lines who need support.”

Preparing for winter and appealing to donors

"We started thinking about winter back in the summer because preparation takes time," De Domenico said. The primary focus is on frontline areas where the most vulnerable groups remain—the elderly, many of whom have difficulty moving. "Programs are now operating at full capacity, and humanitarian partners and UN agencies are already delivering aid," he explained.

However, a new wave attacks on energy infrastructure creates additional difficulties. "We see that 60 percent of gas production facilities are damaged, and the electricity supply system is affected. Without water and electricity, it is very difficult for people to survive in the winter," the UN representative noted.

"We need more support from the international community to address this challenge," he added.

In total, he said, the UN humanitarian plan is designed to provide assistance to six million people, and by the end of August, it had managed to provide support to almost four million of them. "We are preparing for winter requested 277 million dollars"We've managed to mobilize approximately 50 percent of that amount," De Domenico said. "If we don't receive the rest, people won't be able to stay in their homes and will have to evacuate. That's the only way out," he noted.

Most people don't want to travel far from their hometowns: "People want to stay close to home, that's natural. But as the front gradually shifts and the range of attacks increases, they're forced to move again."

According to an OCHA representative, the most vulnerable displaced persons are being housed in collective centers supported by both the government and humanitarian organizations. "Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale recently allocated additional resources to support such centers through the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine. It's crucial for us to continue receiving funds so we can flexibly and quickly direct them to where assistance is most needed," De Domenico said.

The Face of War

When asked about his personal impressions from traveling around the country and interacting with Ukrainians, Andrea De Domenico said: “When I started systematically going to the front lines and meeting people, I realized that war has the same color, the same smell, and the same sound as elsewhere. The peculiarity of Ukraine is that here the elderly suffer especially“The young people were able to leave [the frontline areas], but the older ones stayed.”

"When they have to evacuate, you see the pain in their eyes and the realization that they might never return home. It's terrible. And that's the price of war, the face it bears here," he concluded.

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October 21, 2025 Climate and environment

Air pollution remains one of Kyrgyzstan's most pressing environmental and health issues. In the capital, Bishkek, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels regularly exceed World Health Organization standards.

In this regard, the Second National Multistakeholder Dialogue on Air Quality was held in Bishkek on October 21. More than 100 participants from across the country—experts, government representatives, local authorities, civil society, international organizations, and other institutions—focused on the issue of transport emissions.

Pollution risks and factors

PM2.5 particles (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) contain substances such as sulfates, nitrates, and black carbon, which penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system. Exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

Read also:

Air pollution leads to millions of premature deaths every year.

While heating is the main source of pollution in Bishkek in winter, according to the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the transport sector accounts for a significant share during the warmer months. Factors exacerbating the situation include an aging vehicle fleet, low-quality fuel, ineffective traffic management, and limited alternatives to private transportation.

Recommendations and next steps

Opening the event, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev emphasized that air quality is not only an environmental priority but also an economic, social, and humanitarian one. During the dialogue, practical recommendations were developed to accelerate action to combat transport-related air pollution, which will be part of the national plan for 2026–2027.

UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic Antje Grawe noted the timeliness of the dialogue ahead of the winter season and emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable measures to improve air quality throughout the year, as well as expanding efforts beyond Bishkek to all cities in the country, particularly in the transport sector. She emphasized that the UN system, together with Member States, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank, continues to support the government's efforts.

Aidai Kurmanova, Head of the UNEP Regional Office for Central Asia, noted that switching to cleaner fuels, electrifying public transport, and developing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will ensure cleaner air and bring immediate benefits to human health and the climate. She also confirmed that UNEP will continue to work closely with other UN agencies, the government, and development partners to promote science-based and data-driven solutions to combat air pollution in Bishkek and across the country.

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October 21, 2025 Peace and security

Acting Head of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Milbert Dong-jun Shin, welcomed the peaceful and inclusive nature of the local elections held on October 12. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the same atmosphere in the second round of elections scheduled for November 9.

"I call on all parties to maintain the same calm and inclusive atmosphere in the second round of elections on November 9 so that people can continue to freely exercise their right to vote," Shin said in his address to the Security Council meeting on Kosovo.

Meetings under the auspices of the EU

He welcomed the June and September meetings in Brussels between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the EU. Shin emphasized that both sides must avoid steps that undermine trust and resolve issues constructively. He also noted the work of the working group on missing persons, which met in July under the chairmanship of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Shin welcomed the Kosovar authorities' efforts to simplify the registration process for Kosovo residents whose documents were issued by Serbian institutions. However, he expressed concern about the upcoming full entry into force on November 1 of the Foreigners' Law and the Vehicles Law, which could hinder access to basic services for members of minority communities.

"This could lead to administrative difficulties affecting access to basic rights and services, including healthcare, education, and employment. This is particularly concerning for permanent residents of Kosovo from non-majority communities, who continue to face difficulties obtaining the necessary documents," Shin said.

He also noted the concern of the UN and its international partners about the potential consequences of the closure of Serbian institutions in Kosovo. He said the Pristina authorities should actively consult with local communities before making decisions affecting people's daily lives and seek alternatives that minimize the negative consequences.

Freedom of expression

Shin emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of expression. He emphasized that arrests related to the display of cultural, national, or religious symbols are disturbing and could undermine trust in the judicial and law enforcement systems.

"Failure to maintain this balance risks violating international human rights standards and undermining public trust in the judiciary and law enforcement," Shin said.

He noted that civil society and free media are the foundation of Kosovo's democratic development, and therefore pressure on journalists and restrictions on freedom of expression require special attention.

Shin also stated that the multi-ethnic nature of society should be reflected in the institutions of power.

Building trust

He spoke about the UN mission's programmes in Kosovo aimed at building trust between communities, including joint projects with municipalities and training women leaders, many of whom were participating in elections for the first time.

The Security Council, by its resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999, authorized the Secretary-General to establish an international civil presence in Kosovo, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), to establish an interim administration for Kosovo under which the people of Kosovo could enjoy substantial autonomy.

Later, following the declaration of independence by the Kosovo authorities and the entry into force of the new constitution on 15 June 2008, the Mission's tasks were significantly adjusted to focus on promoting security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo.

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October 21, 2025 Climate and environment

Deforestation rates are declining globally, but forest ecosystems remain under significant pressure, according to a new report. Global Forest Resources Assessment The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that forests cover 4.14 billion hectares, or about a third of the planet's land area. More than half of the world's forests are concentrated in just five countries: Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and China.

FAO notes that despite positive trends, ecosystems remain under threat Due to fires, diseases, and extreme weather conditions, the report found that in 2020, approximately 41 million hectares of forests were damaged by insects, diseases, and strong winds, primarily in temperate and boreal latitudes.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | Forest Ecosystem Conservation Expert: "Forests are like air—as long as they're there, you don't notice them."

Every year humanity still losing approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest, although this figure has declined significantly since the 1990s. The rate of net forest loss worldwide has been slowing primarily due to significant expansion of forest cover in Canada, China, Russia, and the United States.

Russia: The largest forested area on the planet

The Russian Federation accounts for the largest share of the planet's forests—20 percent. Forests occupy more than half of the country's territory. In 2025, Russia's forest area was estimated at over 832 million hectares, compared to 811 million in 1990. Almost 98 percent of Russia's forests are of natural origin.

According to the report, the forests of the Russian Federation are mainly in the boreal zone and have a natural level of biodiversity—they represent benchmarks for population, species, and ecosystem diversity. They can be considered a resource for restoring damaged biodiversity, the authors note. Russian forests provide a variety of services, from providing timber to the forest complex to non-timber forest resources and various ecosystem services.

Central Asia: Stable performance

In Uzbekistan, forest area increased from 2.55 to 3.89 million hectares between 1990 and 2023, accounting for approximately 9 percent of the country's territory. In Kazakhstan, forests occupy approximately 1 percent of the territory, remaining stable, with a slight increase from 3.16 million hectares in 1990 to 3.52 million hectares in 2025.

In Turkmenistan, forest area is estimated at 2.33 million hectares, or 5 percent of the country's territory. In Kyrgyzstan, forests cover 1.26 million hectares, or approximately 7 percent of the country's territory. In Tajikistan, forest cover covers 425,000 hectares (approximately 3 percent of the country's territory). In these countries, forest area has remained virtually unchanged since the 1990s.

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October 21, 2025 Humanitarian aid

The ceasefire in Gaza has allowed UN humanitarian missions to reach the majority of people on the brink of famine. However, according to representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP), humanitarian organizations need significantly greater access to the Strip.

WFP Senior Regional Communications Officer Abeer Etefa told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the agency had delivered more than 6,700 tonnes of food to Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect on October 11 – enough to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks.

"Daily deliveries continue, and are currently around 750 tons per day," Etefa said. "This is much more than before the ceasefire, but still significantly less than our target of approximately 2,000 tons daily."

She said achieving this goal was "almost impossible" unless all border crossings were opened.

Closed checkpoints

Currently, only the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings in the south are open, but “severe damage” is making it difficult to deliver supplies from the southern part of the strip to the north, where famine was officially declared back in August.

“We need to open the Erez and Zikkim crossings,” Etefa emphasized.

According to her, the priority remains the delivery of food to the northern part of Gaza by large convoys.

The rubble at the border crossings has been cleared, Etefa reported, allowing access to Gaza City, where the situation is particularly dire. "But if the crossings aren't opened, we won't be able to send large quantities of humanitarian aid there," she said.

Food distribution

WFP has begun restoring its food distribution system. Food distribution is planned at 145 locations across the sector. Currently, 26 locations have resumed operations.

"The response has been truly overwhelming," Etefa said. She added that many people are coming to the distribution points, expressing gratitude for the prompt delivery and the "decent conditions" in which they can receive their food rations.

Cautious optimism

Despite the improving situation, there's currently "cautious" optimism in Gaza, said a WFP spokesperson. Many residents of the Strip, having received food aid, are eating only part of it and saving the rest "for a rainy day" because they "don't know how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next."

"This is a fragile peace," Etefa noted. She also reported that food prices in Gaza remain very high, and most of the population is unable to afford food.

“There is food in the market, but for many it is simply out of reach – too expensive,” Etefa noted.

Financial assistance

WFP is providing assistance to those in need through digital payments, which have already enabled 140,000 people to purchase food at local markets. The program plans to double in size in the coming weeks.

Etefa reiterated its call for commercial supplies to be allowed into Gaza, in addition to humanitarian aid.

“Humanitarian aid alone will not solve the problem of malnutrition or provide adequate nutrition,” she explained.

According to a WFP spokesperson, only full compliance with the ceasefire terms will allow the agency to operate at the scale needed to address the crisis.

"It's crucial that the ceasefire holds," Etefa emphasized. "This is essentially the only way to save lives and stop the spread of hunger in northern Gaza."

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