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Annalena Baerbock: "The UN must demonstrate its relevance to the world"

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 17, 2025 UN

In anticipation of the opening high-level debate of the UN General Assembly The President of its 80th session, Annalena Baerbock, stated the need to renew and modernize the United Nations so that it can cope with the challenges of the coming decades.

Baerbock previously outlined her vision for the coming year under the theme "Working Together," emphasizing unity, solidarity, and collective action as fundamental principles.

The need for reform

"No country, no matter its size, strength, or wealth, can confront the immense challenges we face alone," she explained, speaking to reporters in New York on Wednesday. "This Organization was born in a moment of profound division—perhaps the darkest hour in history. But it gave us the UN Charter, which remains a guiding light today, guiding our work and reminding us of what we want to achieve together."

Read also:

EXPLAINED | What you need to know about the 80th session of the UN General Assembly

However, according to Baerbock, eighty years is a long time, and the world has changed significantly. Therefore, as the UN celebrates its anniversary, it is necessary to "rethink and restructure" its work in order to "show the world's eight billion people why this Organization still matters."

Baerbock also noted that the General Assembly's efforts during her presidency will be focused on advancing the reform agenda within the framework of UN-80 initiatives, the election of the next Secretary-General and implementation of the Pact for the Future.

High Level Week

Speaking about the upcoming High-Level Week, Baerbock said that approximately 150 heads of state and government, as well as thousands of delegates, are expected to attend. She emphasized that she intends to use every opportunity to emphasize the need for dialogue and diplomacy. "My message to leaders will be: speak, listen, discuss“,” said the Chairperson of the General Assembly.

Among the planned events, Baerbock highlighted:

a meeting to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations; the Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine; a high-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the World Programme of Action for Youth; a meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being; a conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar; and a meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Principled conviction

According to the General Assembly President, the Organization faces a growing list of challenges with limited resources. "We are at a crossroads—a moment of truth for the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole. But right now, we must work even harder," Baerbock noted.

"Our predecessors in 1945 showed the courage and wisdom to overcome differences and work together. We need the same principled conviction today," she added. Baerbock emphasized that she would convey this message to world leaders during the debate and throughout the session to "turn promises into action, commitments into progress, and hope into reality."

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 Security Council: Restrictions on education and work for girls and women undermine Afghanistan's development

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 17, 2025 Peace and security

"Ideologically motivated decisions" could undermine opportunities for sustainable development and exacerbate the suffering of the Afghan population. This was the warning issued by Roza Otunbayeva, who is soon to leave her post as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday.

“Shortly before I arrived in Afghanistan three years ago, a devastating earthquake struck the southeast of the country – similar to the one recently occurred in a number of eastern provinces"At that time, I visited the site of the tragedy, met with the victims, and discussed cooperation with the local de facto authorities. I saw the people's despair and their need for assistance, as well as the efforts of the local authorities. I called on the international community to provide funds, and the UN system, in cooperation with the de facto authorities, provided first emergency and then long-term assistance," she said.

However, the Special Representative continued, several months after these events, the de facto authorities imposed a ban on women's education and then banned them from working in non-governmental and international organizations. According to her, "these decisions demonstrate competing tendencies within the de facto power structures: one is more pragmatic and focused on the needs of the Afghan people, the other is focused on creating a so-called 'pure Islamic system,'" brings more and more restrictions for Afghans".

Consequences of restrictions on women

This especially affects the situation of women and girls"After three and a half years of school closures for girls above sixth grade, an entire generation risks becoming a 'lost generation'—with massive long-term consequences for the country—causing grave concern and despair throughout Afghan society," Otunbayeva emphasized.

United Nations News Service

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva.

A recent survey conducted by UN Women found that the overwhelming majority of Afghans oppose the ban on girls' education. The World Bank estimates that this restriction costs the country's economy $1.4 billion annually.

In a statement released today to mark the fourth anniversary of the ban, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell recalled that by the end of 2025, more than 2.2 million girls will be excluded from the education system. She emphasized that the devastating earthquake, which claimed the lives of over a thousand children, highlighted the "critical role of educated and skilled women in health and social care." According to Russell, "this ban poses a serious threat to the country's long-term stability and progress." "No nation can prosper if half its population is left behind," the UNICEF executive said in a statement.

Constructive steps by the de facto authorities

Otunbayeva also noted a number of positive developments since August 2021. She noted that the country has seen a reduction in the scale of armed clashes, which has ensured relative security stability.

The Special Representative also emphasized that the ban on opium poppy cultivation has remained in place since the spring of 2023, bringing long-term benefits to the region and the world, although it has had a short-term impact on the lives of some rural residents. Furthermore, the "general amnesty" announced in August 2021 has helped reduce the scale of repression in the country, despite isolated violations, which, as the head of UNAMA emphasized, "are unacceptable and must be stopped." Otunbayeva also cited decisions issued by the Taliban leadership, including the ban on torture and the right to legal representation, as well as constructive engagement with the UN Mission, which has granted human rights groups access to all 34 prisons in the country.

Choosing pragmatism to overcome the crisis

Among the main challenges facing the country, she named a reduction in humanitarian aid of almost 50 percent in 2025, a weak economy, the threat of drought and natural disasters, as well as the mass return of Afghans from neighboring countries.

“The question remains whether the de facto authorities have the pragmatism to manage this ‘perfect storm’ of crises, or whether ideologically driven decisions will hinder sustainable solutions, prolonging the suffering of Afghans and undermining existing stability,” the Special Representative said.

After the devastating earthquake

Touching on the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the head of UNAMA reported that authorities had taken steps to evacuate victims and coordinate with international agencies. However, there were also reports on new restrictions against female UN employees, which seriously undermines the ability to provide aid. "We have issued a statement calling for this ban and its enforcement to be lifted, and I urge the Security Council to support our call," Otunbayeva said.

Roza Otunbayeva is leaving her post.

Concluding her remarks, she emphasized: "As I prepare to leave Afghanistan in a few days, I remain confident that the majority of Afghans want continued engagement between the international community and their country, despite the obstacles. I sincerely hope that a path can be agreed upon that will allow this engagement to continue and produce more positive results." especially for women and girls in Afghanistan".

Read also:

A Hundred Years of Struggle for Women's Rights in Kyrgyzstan: Roza Otunbayeva Calls for More

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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The Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China met with the heads of the defense ministries of Singapore and Cuba.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) — China's Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia held separate meetings on Wednesday with Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera.

Both ministers arrived in Beijing to attend the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which is being held from September 17 to 19.

During his meeting with Chan Chun Sing, the CMC Vice Chairman said that China is willing to join hands with Singapore to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, put genuine multilateralism into practice, and strengthen regional security cooperation.

Zhang Yuxia added that China is ready to work with Singapore to ensure maritime security and order, uphold international fairness and justice, and promote the progressive and positive development of relations between the two countries' militaries in order to bring greater certainty and stability to regional security.

Chan Chun Sing, for his part, noted that Singapore firmly adheres to the one-China principle and intends to deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, constantly raising the level of bilateral relations.

During his meeting with A. López Miera, Zhang Youxia stated that China expects to closely coordinate with Cuba on international and regional issues, deepen interstate and intermilitary ties through practical cooperation in various fields, and take the construction of a China-Cuba community with a shared future to a deeper and higher level.

A. Lopez Miera, in turn, noted that Cuba is ready to stand hand in hand with China against hegemonism and power politics, defending the common interests of the two countries and the international community. –0–

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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To the participants, organizers and guests of the High Technology Championship final.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The championship final takes place from September 17 to 21 in Veliky Novgorod.

Dear friends!

Welcome to Veliky Novgorod for the High Technology Championship.

You have chosen a profession that not only opens up unique opportunities for self-realization, but is also strategically important

for sectors of the national economy, ensuring technological leadership, and national security.

Digitalization fosters economic growth and enables the creation of new information products and services. Intelligent platforms enhance the efficiency of production processes, improve the speed of management decisions, and provide the necessary impetus for business development. And training highly qualified personnel in this field is of great importance for our country.

Students, schoolchildren, and young professionals from all Russian regions and abroad are participating in the High-Tech Championship. Reaching the finals is already a great achievement for each of you. I am confident that serious preparation, deep knowledge, skill, and the ability to solve problems of any complexity will help you achieve outstanding results. And, of course, you will prove that you are the best in your profession.

I wish everyone good luck in the upcoming struggle and well-deserved victories.

M. Mishustin

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Financial news: The recovery of the Russian derivatives market has slowed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The growth rate of the Russian derivatives market in 2024 and the first half of 2025 decreased due to limited access to external markets.

Foreign currency derivatives transactions stabilized in 2025. The decline in foreign currency settlements for foreign trade transactions limits the potential of this market segment.

The volume of interest-bearing derivatives has increased slightly, but the prolonged period of tight monetary conditions and the expectation of their gradual easing are reducing interest in hedging interest rate risks.

The lack of Russian indicators that accurately reflect current prices hinders the development of commodity derivatives. Only derivatives on precious metals are the most actively traded.

Exchange-traded derivatives are developing quite dynamically. The volume of open positions in futures contracts on the Moscow Exchange's derivatives market has grown by almost a third. The most significant increase was in the money market section.

Read more in the information and analytical material Derivatives Market.

Preview photo: Locomotive74 / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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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At an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council, China condemned Israel's attack on Qatar.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

GENEVA, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) — China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva Chen Xu on Tuesday condemned Israel's attack on Qatar last week during an urgent debate of the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council convened at the request of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The Chinese diplomat noted that the Israeli attack constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar's territorial sovereignty and national security, violates international law and the UN Charter, and undermines efforts to achieve peace.

He stressed that China firmly opposes this attack and strongly condemns it.

Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states is one of the fundamental norms of international relations, Chen Xu recalled, adding that Israel has repeatedly ignored this principle and, at every opportunity, launches military action against neighboring countries.

As the Chinese Permanent Representative pointed out, Qatar plays a key role in mediating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and is making significant efforts to achieve peace, a fact widely recognized by the international community. He asserted that this Israeli action is a deliberate attempt to disrupt ceasefire negotiations.

Chen Xu emphasized that the use of military force will not resolve the issue. He urged all parties, especially Israel, to make more constructive efforts to end the fighting and resume negotiations, to conscientiously fulfill their obligations to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law, and to respect the right to life of people in neighboring states.

Chen Xu said China intends to play a constructive role with the international community in promoting a ceasefire, establishing peace and defusing regional tensions. –0–

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The Afghan government has rejected the US president's comments on the fight against drugs.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

KABUL, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) — The Afghan government has categorically rejected US President Donald Trump's recent remarks on combating illegal drugs in Afghanistan, insisting that the country is determined to win the war on drugs and completely eradicate the menace.

"The assertion that Afghanistan has failed in the fight against drugs is tantamount to ignorance of the real situation in Afghanistan. Such a statement is contrary to reality, and we completely reject it," said Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Afghan administration, as quoted by National Radio and Television of Afghanistan on Wednesday.

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Azerbaijan attracted $3.2 billion in foreign direct investment in the first half of 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Baku, September 17 /Xinhua/ — Azerbaijan attracted $3.2 billion in foreign direct investment in the first six months of 2025, the AZERTAC news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the country's Central Bank.

The largest investors in Azerbaijan were Great Britain /806 million dollars/, Turkey /629 million dollars/, Cyprus /353 million dollars/, Switzerland /226 million dollars/ and Iran /176 million dollars/.

During the reporting period, Azerbaijan invested $1.349 billion in direct investment abroad. The top five recipient countries were Israel ($542 million), Turkey ($177 million), the United Arab Emirates ($156 million), Georgia ($77.6 million), and the United States ($77.1 million). –0–

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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The active phase of the CSTO "Frontier-2025" military exercises has begun in Kyrgyzstan.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Bishkek, September 17 (Xinhua) — The active phase of the command and staff exercise "Rubezh-2025" with the Collective Rapid Deployment Forces of the Central Asian Region (CRDF CAR) began in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense reported.

The exercises are being held at the Edelweiss training center and in the waters of Lake Issyk-Kul. The exercise scenario involves the preparation and conduct of combat operations by the CAR CRRF to destroy illegal armed groups that have invaded the territory of a Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member state.

Military contingents from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and operational groups from the Joint Staff and the CSTO Secretariat are participating in the Rubezh-2025 exercises. A total of approximately 1,200 military personnel and 500 units of military and special equipment, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and combat boats, are involved.

As CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov stated at the opening ceremony, the exercises are taking place in a complex international environment, where new hotbeds of tension are emerging and old conflicts are escalating in various regions of the world.

"Today, the Collective Rapid Deployment Forces are an important component of the Organization's troops/collective forces and must be prepared to respond promptly and adequately to emerging challenges and threats to national and collective security in the Central Asian region," I. Tasmagambetov emphasized.

The CAR CRRF, formed in 2001, comprises units and subdivisions of constant readiness equipped with modern weapons systems and military equipment. The CAR CRRF's primary missions are to participate in repelling external military aggression and conducting joint counter-terrorism operations.

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China firmly opposes Israel's escalation of military operations in the Gaza Strip, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, September 17 (Xinhua) — China firmly opposes Israel's escalating military operations in the Gaza Strip and condemns all actions that harm civilians and violate international law, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

According to media reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in Israel on September 15 that the United States supports the Jewish state's plans to destroy the Palestinian movement Hamas. On September 16, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation and launched massive airstrikes on Gaza City. The IDF believes that approximately 40% of the city's population has fled, while the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (COI) has declared that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Answering a question about this at a daily press briefing, Lin Jian said China is deeply concerned about the further escalation of tensions and opposes any further fuel being added to the conflict by the relevant party.

The Chinese side calls on Israel to heed the serious concerns of the international community, immediately cease military operations in the Palestinian enclave, and achieve a complete and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible to avoid an even larger humanitarian crisis, the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

“We hope that the parties involved will act in the interests of peace and stability in the region, adhere to a fair position and responsible approach, and play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation,” the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry added. –0–

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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