Category: United Nations

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 10, 2025 Peace and security

More than a billion firearms are circulating worldwide, UN Deputy High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Eboh stated during an open debate in the Security Council on Monday. He presented the Secretary-General's report, which outlines both the progress achieved and the remaining threats.

According to Ebo, over the past two years, states have taken important steps, including the adoption of the Global Framework for Ammunition Life Cycle Management and the establishment of an expert group on weapons technology.

Regional problems

At the regional level, efforts have recently intensified: arms control roadmaps have been adopted in Central America, the Caribbean, the Balkans, and within the African Union. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General's report documents serious embargo violations in Libya, Yemen, and Haiti, where weapons are reaching criminal groups through poorly secured borders. Problems persist in countries where arms embargoes have been partially lifted, such as the Central African Republic and Somalia.

The UN is particularly concerned about the growth of illicit weapons production, including the proliferation of 3D-printed weapons, particularly in Western Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

In Haiti, criminal groups are expanding their control over territories by using smuggled weapons to undermine state authority. In Africa, illicit arms flows in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region are turning local conflicts into cross-border crises. As Ebo noted, this is a clear symptom of a governance deficit: limited state capacity forces communities to arm themselves for self-defense, further exacerbating instability.

The humanitarian consequences of weapons proliferation

During his speech, Ebo also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of small arms proliferation. In 2024, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded at least 48,000 civilian deaths in conflicts—a 40 percent increase from the previous year. In some war zones, up to 30 percent of these deaths were caused by small arms. Furthermore, firearms were also used in 88 percent of cases of sexual violence in conflicts between 2022 and 2024.

Small arms violence has a devastating impact on socioeconomic development. In 2023, the combined revenue of the world's 100 largest arms companies was $632 billion. In 2024, global military spending reached $2.7 trillion—a 37 percent increase from 2015. The Secretary-General's report, "The Security We Need," calls for a reassessment of existing priorities and a rebalancing of investments for peace.

Implementation of technologies and strengthening of border controls

Ebo presented specific recommendations to combat the illicit proliferation of weapons. He called on states to implement comprehensive arms and ammunition management at all stages, from production to disposal. Proposed measures include improved marking and tracing, the introduction of new technologies, and enhanced border controls. Ebo emphasized the important role of the Security Council in integrating these issues into peacekeeping mandates and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs.

The Deputy High Representative for Disarmament Affairs concluded his address with a call for strengthened international cooperation and technical support. He presented a new initiative – a small arms fellowship program aimed at strengthening national capacity and fostering cross-border cooperation. The UN, he stated, stands ready to support countries in implementing effective, inclusive, and sustainable arms control strategies.

Interpol: Three lines of response

Interpol Special Representative to the United Nations, Roraima Ana Andriani, called for increased international cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of small arms. She noted that weapons from conflict zones are increasingly falling into the hands of criminal and terrorist groups, fueling violence and cross-border crime.

Andriani emphasized that modern technologies—including 3D printing and online illicit trade—make firearms accessible and difficult to trace. Interpol offers three avenues of response: information sharing, joint operations, and strengthening police capacity. The organization has already coordinated raids that seized tens of thousands of weapons and trained hundreds of police officers worldwide.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 10, 2025 Climate and environment

The world is rapidly descending into a new cycle of instability, where armed conflicts intersect with intensifying climate disasters. Millions of refugees, internally displaced persons, and residents of host communities are trapped in this dangerous situation, according to a report released today by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The authors warn that climate shocks don't just disrupt established ways of life – they deprive people of the opportunity to rebuild their lives after conflicts and trigger new waves of displacement.

By mid-2025, the number of people fleeing war, violence, and persecution will reach 117 million. Three-quarters of them ended up in countries most vulnerable to climate threats. According to UNHCR, over the past decade, natural disasters have displaced approximately 250 million people within their own countries. Floods in South Sudan and Brazil, record temperatures in Kenya and Pakistan, and severe water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia—extreme events are becoming the final straw for communities already living in a state of chronic instability.

"Extreme weather around the world is putting people's safety at risk. It's destroying homes, cutting off access to basic services, depriving people of their livelihoods, and forcing families – many of whom have already fled – to flee again," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

"These are people who have already suffered great losses. Now they face further suffering—droughts, floods, sweltering heat. And yet, they lack the resources to begin rebuilding their lives," he added.

Read also:

From promises to action: COP30 delegates demand accelerated climate progress

In some regions, this isn't just hardship; it's a direct threat to survival. In flooded areas of Chad, refugees arriving from war-torn Sudan are forced to make do with less than 10 liters of water per day. This is several times lower than the norm. By 2050, it's predicted that refugees living in camps in the hottest areas will spend up to 200 days a year exposed to dangerous heat stress. The combination of extreme heat and high humidity makes some areas virtually uninhabitable.

Environmental problems only exacerbate the situation. New data show that three-quarters of Africa's land is subject to degradation, and more than half of refugee and internally displaced person settlements are located in areas with the highest environmental stress. This means less water, less food, and fewer livelihood opportunities. In some areas of the Sahel, the lack of such opportunities is driving people, seeing no other option, to join armed groups. Thus, environmental problems fuel the cycle of violence.

Meanwhile, countries hosting refugees receive only a quarter of the funding they need.

"Funding cuts severely limit our ability to protect refugees from the impacts of extreme weather. If we truly want stability, we need to invest in the areas where the situation is most dire. To prevent further displacement, climate finance must reach communities already living on the edge," Grandi emphasized.

Despite alarming trends, UNHCR emphasizes that solutions exist. Both displaced people and the communities hosting them must be part of national climate strategies and plans. With the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) kicking off today in Belém, Brazil, UNHCR is calling on governments, financial institutions, and international organizations to take concrete, long-term measures: integrating refugees into climate planning, investing in adaptation, and ensuring that climate funds reach the most vulnerable communities.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 10, 2025 UN

At an altitude of 3,200 meters, a large-scale mural dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was unveiled in the Shymbulak ski resort in Kazakhstan. The 36-by-6-meter mural was created by Kazakh artist Adil Aubekerov.

"This work of art was not commissioned by the UN, but rather was the initiative of the community itself—the private sector and local partners," emphasized Vlastimil Samek, a representative of the UN Department of Global Communications, speaking at the opening ceremony. "Here in Shymbulak, it calls for a world where innovation serves people, nature is protected, and no one is left behind in progress."

Representatives from public organizations, cultural and scientific circles, the diplomatic corps, and the media attended the unveiling of the mural. Guests were briefed on the project's concept and history, and resort specialists described the technical solutions required to implement the project in high-altitude conditions.

Artist Adil Aubekerov noted that the concept is based on the visual and symbolic heritage of nomads, reimagined in a contemporary artistic form: "Each fragment carries a specific memory. Together, they speak of what unites us—respect for nature, for our neighbors, for the world. For me, this is a mosaic of the values the UN has championed for 80 years, as well as the nomadic vision, looking to the future."

Adil Aubekerov's mural has become the largest high-altitude art installation in the world dedicated to the UN. The project was completed in challenging climatic conditions, including sudden temperature fluctuations, thin air, and strong winds. Thanks to its original technical solutions, the structure serves both a protective and artistic function.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 9, 2025 International law

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale condemned the attack on a vehicle in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region of Ukraine, which was used to evacuate civilians.

According to Shmale, the vehicle, which belonged to the humanitarian organization Proliska, had the appropriate markings.

The vehicle was being used to assist people fleeing the war-torn city, which has been without water and electricity for several days. A drone struck the vehicle. No one in the vehicle was reportedly injured.

"Civilians and civilian objects are fully protected by international humanitarian law and are not targets," Schmale said.

He expressed solidarity with all humanitarian organizations helping civilians evacuate.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 8, 2025 Climate and environment

Thousands of diplomats, experts, and activists are heading to Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon, for COP30, the latest round of UN-led climate talks. Their primary goal is to turn pledges into action by agreeing on more ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

After decades of negotiations and annual, not always successful, summits – from Kyoto to Sharm el-Sheikh – the planet continues to warm. Public pressure on governments and big business to act has recently reached critical levels.

The holding of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon – the world's largest tropical forest – underscores the scale of the problem: the region is both a vital carbon sink and a frontline in the fight against deforestation and climate change.

This year, the forum aims to change course. Delegates will examine in detail the climate plans of various countries, advocate for $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance, adopt new climate adaptation measures, and advance the concept of a "just transition" to a green economy.

"Time to act"

Conference organizers are positioning COP30 as a turning point and a test of global solidarity. The summit opens amid alarming forecasts: scientists warn that the planet is moving toward exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement.

Experts note that this excess could be short-lived – but only if countries immediately step up efforts to reduce emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change, and mobilize financial resources.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated bluntly: "The time for negotiations is over. The time has come for action, action, and more action."

© UNFCCC/K. Worth

The conference, chaired by Brazil, will be built around an agenda of 30 key goals, each overseen by a group responsible for scaling up solutions. The initiative is called "Mutirón," a word from an indigenous Brazilian language meaning "collective task." It reflects Brazil's desire to highlight the leadership and active participation of indigenous peoples in the conference and in the global fight against climate change.

The Brazilian government says it wants to involve all sectors – from indigenous communities to the business community – in fulfilling the country's previous climate pledges.

Mobilization of finance

The agenda at UN climate conferences is traditionally based on voluntary commitments rather than legally binding norms. Yet the scale of the required investments is enormous: at least $1.3 trillion annually is required by 2035.

Without urgent action, scientists estimate that global temperatures could rise by 2.3 to 2.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, making vast regions of the planet uninhabitable due to flooding, extreme heat, and ecosystem destruction.

The Belem talks will center on the Baku-Belem roadmap, prepared by the COP29 and COP30 presidencies. This document outlines five resource mobilization priorities, including strengthening the six multilateral climate funds, expanding cooperation on taxing polluting activities, and converting sovereign debt into climate investments—a move that could unlock $100 billion for developing countries.

The report also calls for removing barriers, such as investment treaty provisions that allow corporations to sue governments over climate policy. Such disputes have already cost states $83 billion in 349 cases.

© Unsplash/I. Johansson

Why are climate conferences important?

The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as the COP, remains the leading global forum for addressing the climate crisis. Decisions at these summits are made by consensus, facilitating cooperation on mitigation, adaptation, and financing.

Over the years, UN climate conferences have adopted key documents. In 2015, the Paris Agreement set a goal of holding the global temperature increase "well below 2 degrees Celsius" above pre-industrial levels and aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius. At COP28 in Dubai, countries agreed to phase out fossil fuels "in a fair, orderly, and equitable manner" and to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Last year, in Baku, the annual climate finance target for developing countries was raised from $100 billion to $300 billion, with a roadmap for increasing it to $1.3 trillion.

Taken together, the legal architecture built over the past three decades has helped prevent the projected four degrees of warming by the end of the century.

KS-30 will open on Monday, November 10, and run until Friday, November 21.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 8, 2025 Refugees and migrants

Mary, a University of Manchester student, arrived in Belfast from South Sudan with her younger brother in the summer of 2021, when she was 18. Because her brother was a minor, he was immediately placed into care, and Mary was housed in a hotel. Anxiety and loneliness plagued Mary's first weeks in the new city.

"That first day I set foot in Belfast, everything seemed strange," she recalls. "The weather was cold, even though it was summer. The culture, the language—everything was new to me. I felt alone."

Everything changed when Mary learned about the refugee football programme run by Street NI through its Street Soccer initiative.

"I was so happy," she says. "I was really nervous and didn't know anyone… and then I started playing soccer, joined Street Soccer—and everyone was amazing. The people, the coaches—everyone was friendly."

Street NI was founded by Justin McMinn to support vulnerable groups in Belfast. Over time, the organization grew and began to include refugees in its programs. Today, Street NI offers not only football training but also language courses, food and clothing assistance, gym access, and volunteer opportunities.

Justin says one of the best parts of his job is seeing how football brings people together and helps them overcome the challenges of living in a new country.

© UNHCR/E. Testa

Justin McMinn, founder of Street NI.

"The most remarkable thing about Street Soccer and the power of football is its ability to unite communities," he says. "At first, we worked with Protestant and Catholic communities, building bridges and combating sectarian hatred. And in recent years, we've begun to include refugees—now we're breaking down barriers, fighting racism, and bringing people together."

"Football is a common language," Justin adds. "Even if you don't speak English, you can still understand others on the field."

Many program participants later become volunteers. For example, Louise, who joined Street Soccer when she was homeless, now helps the initiative almost daily.

"I do a little bit of everything," she says. "It really helps my mental state. I feel useful."

Louise recalls how Mary's English rapidly improved after starting the lessons, and then she began helping the new refugees adapt. Mary became an indispensable member of the team, both on and off the field.

In 2022, Louise and Mary traveled together to Dundee, Scotland, to participate in the Homeless World Cup, a football championship for the homeless.

"For me, we're all one," says Louise. "When you come to Street Soccer, no one judges you—everyone supports each other."

© UNHCR/E. Testa

(Left to right): Justin McMinn, Louise McGonnell, Mary Edonga and Andy Hardy.

The Irish Football Association, which also supported Mary, invited her to speak at its conference. The association implements projects that combine football training with long-term integration support: employment programs, coaching qualification courses, and internships.

"It really helps refugees integrate into the local community and find work," explains Andy Hardy, Community Engagement Officer for the Irish Football Association. "They learn, they develop, and it shows on their CVs."

In May 2021, UEFA and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the social inclusion of refugees through football. Initiatives include financial support for national football associations across Europe, the participation of refugees in UEFA Fan Fests, and the Unity EURO Cup, an international tournament featuring mixed amateur teams composed of refugees and local players.

In October 2024, Mary took part in the Unity EURO Cup panel discussion at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, along with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister.

During the discussion, Mary spoke about how football and the people who supported her through various community programs changed her life. She later admitted that participating in this event was one of her greatest achievements.

© UNHCR/E. Testa

“At first I was scared, but when I saw the video of the event, I felt proud and happy,” she says.

The Northern Ireland team took a respectable third place in the 2024 Unity EURO Cup tournament, while the Latvian team emerged victorious.

Mary met participants from all over Europe and other parts of the world. She came to the tournament with her friend Vinta, whom she met through football. Now they communicate every day.

"We support each other, inspire each other, share secrets. Football gives me friends who become family," explains Mary.

Reflecting on her journey—from a lonely girl unsure of where to start to a confident student with a close circle of friends—Mary speaks of hope and unity: “It was really, really hard. I was scared. But thanks to football, I overcame it all.”

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 7, 2025 UN

The top news of the day in the UN and around the world: the US refusal to participate in the Universal Periodic Review process within the Human Rights Council, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom in Bangladesh, abductions and disappearances in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The United States and the Human Rights Council

The UN Human Rights Council expressed regret over the United States' decision not to participate in the review of the country's human rights situation. Under this process, known as the Universal Periodic Review, UN member states report on the steps they have taken to implement and protect human rights and receive recommendations from experts. The United States was scheduled to appear before the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on Friday but withdrew. This marks the first time a country has chosen not to participate in the review. Members of the Human Rights Council called on Washington to resume cooperation with the mechanism and announced they would reschedule the review until 2026.

Orlando Bloom in Bangladesh

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom visited Bangladesh this week and toured the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. The British actor met with the children and their families living there. According to Bloom, they are "100 percent dependent on aid." But aid is dwindling, he warned. The lack of funding threatens education, healthcare, and the very survival of people in the camps. In June, UNICEF was forced to temporarily close most schools in Cox's Bazar, depriving nearly 150,000 children of the opportunity to learn. The schools eventually reopened, but face further closure in 2026.

Abductions in Syria

Eleven months after the fall of the former regime in Syria, alarming reports of abductions and disappearances continue to emerge from the country. This was stated by Tamin Al-Khitan, a representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at a briefing in Geneva on Friday. He noted that following the change of power, the situation in the country remains unstable, with various forces and groups vying for influence. According to Al-Khitan, people are afraid to contact the UN due to threats, making it difficult to determine the actual number of abducted and disappeared. Since January 2025, 97 cases of abductions have been documented.

Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The situation in the region, captured earlier this year by the armed group M23, remains extremely difficult. In some areas, people are dying of hunger. Meanwhile, fighting between M23 and government forces continues, causing new waves of displacement. There are currently approximately 5.2 million internally displaced people in the eastern part of the country.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 7, 2025 Peace and security

On Friday, a new local ceasefire, brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), took effect near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). It will allow repairs to begin to restore the plant's connection to the grid and prevent a potential nuclear accident, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced.

Under the current agreement, demining and technical preparation work began this morning in the area of the damaged section of the 330 kV Ferrosplavnaya-1 power transmission line. Repairs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, and specialists expect to restore power in the coming days. Once completed, the plant will regain access to two external power sources, which, according to the IAEA, will significantly enhance its nuclear safety. The agency's team at the Zaporizhzhya NPP will monitor the repairs.

Two weeks ago, also thanks to the temporary ceasefire agreements reached with the participation of the IAEA, was restored The Dnipro 750 kV power transmission line. During maintenance work in late October, additional damage to the Ferrosplavnaya-1 line was discovered outside the initially agreed-upon ceasefire zones. This delayed its reconnection.

"The restoration of external power supply to Europe's largest nuclear power plant was a critical event for ensuring nuclear safety and security," Grossi emphasized.

“However, just one functioning supply line is clearly not enough, because before the war there were ten of them,” he added.

According to him, after "intensive and complex consultations with the Russian Federation and Ukraine," it was possible to agree on another local ceasefire to allow the work to be carried out.

Although all six reactors at the plant have been shut down for over three years, the facility still requires a constant power supply to cool the reactor cores and spent fuel pools to prevent overheating and possible radiation releases. In the event of a loss of external power, the plant must rely on backup diesel generators.

"Both sides recognize the risks associated with a prolonged power outage and the limited number of power lines at such a facility," the IAEA chief noted. "They have worked constructively with us to ensure these critical repairs are carried out. However, the overall nuclear safety situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP remains extremely precarious. We will only be able to speak of success when this devastating war ends without a nuclear accident."

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 7, 2025 Humanitarian aid

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to rapidly worsen due to ongoing fighting, which has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warns.

Access of humanitarian organizations to areas, captured at the beginning of the year The M23 armed group remains extremely challenging, with a significant shortfall in aid funding further exacerbating the situation.

According to WFP Director in the DRC, Cynthia Jones, aid can be delivered more effectively if air access is restored.

"Two airports in M23-controlled areas have been effectively closed since the end of January… We urgently call for the creation of a humanitarian air corridor," she said, speaking via video link from Kinshasa at a briefing in Geneva on Friday.

Emergency situation

According to a new analysis within the framework Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)Nearly 25 million people in the DR Congo face a nutritional crisis (level 3 on the IPC scale). Particularly alarming is the fact that nearly three million people are in a state of emergency (phase 4) – almost double the number last year.

"This means families are missing meals, losing their livelihoods, selling their animals," Jones explained.

In some areas of eastern DR Congo, people are already dying of hunger, according to the WFP.

Meanwhile, as the UN agency representative noted, fighting between M23 and government forces continues, triggering new waves of displacement. There are currently approximately 5.2 million internally displaced people in the eastern part of the country, 1.6 million of whom have fled their homes this year. This is one of the largest crises of its kind in the world.

Financial crisis

At the same time, the WFP is experiencing acute shortage of fundsThe agency was forced to reduce the amount of assistance it provided: at the beginning of the year, 1 million people received it, and now only 600,000 people.

Without additional funding, only a small fraction of those in need will receive the support they need, Jones noted, calling for $350 million over the next six months. Otherwise, she said, the WFP will be forced to halve its assistance. 300,000 people will receive it—just 10 percent of those who need it.

Without an urgent influx of funds, all emergency food aid programs in eastern DRC could collapse by March 2026.

The financial crisis also affects the organization itself.

"We're closing offices, cutting costs, reducing staff, and trying to maintain a minimum operating capacity in an extremely challenging environment," Jones said.

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is vital for displaced people in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. People lack access to money and other means of subsistence.

"Women, children, and men—all suffer from relentless violence perpetrated by non-state armed groups. People are fleeing conflict, exhausted, and desperate for peace," the WFP representative emphasized.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 7, 2025 Climate and environment

The UN Secretary-General has called for urgent action to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. He said the world is on a dangerous trajectory leading to warming of the atmosphere by more than two degrees Celsius.

During a round table on energy transition held as part of the climate summit in Belém with the participation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Antonio Guterres stressed that the revolution in the field of renewable energy sources has already begun, but changes must happen faster.

According to data cited by the Secretary-General, 90 percent of new energy capacity in 2024 will come from renewable sources. Investments in clean energy have reached two trillion dollars—$800 billion more than the amount invested in fossil fuel extraction.

Read also:

What's important to know about climate change: A WMO expert discusses alarming trends, the spread of misinformation, and the need for joint action.

Renewable energy sources have become the cheapest way to generate electricity in almost every country, noted António Guterres. Every dollar invested in green energy creates three times more jobs than that invested in fossil fuels.

“Despite the progress we have made, we still we are moving towards dangerous warming"Even if all new national commitments are fully met, the world will still continue to move toward warming well above two degrees Celsius," the UN chief emphasized. "This means more floods, more heat, more suffering – everywhere."

Citing the latest scientific data, António Guterres warned that exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius level is inevitable as early as the early 2030s. To return to safe levels by the end of the century, global emissions must be cut almost in half by 2030, reach net zero by 2050, and then go negative.

Proposed measures

The UN Secretary-General called for transparency and coherence in international action, legislative reform, and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, which he said "distort" the market and hinder progress.

“We need to put people and justice at the centre of the transition: supporting workers and communities whose lives still depend on coal, oil and gas; providing training, protection and new opportunities – especially for young people and women,” said António Guterres.

The UN chief noted that infrastructure must keep pace with the growth of renewable energy sources and called for urgent investments in power grids, energy storage, and improved efficiency. All new electricity demand, including that of data centers and AI, must be met by clean energy sources, Guterres stated. Technology, he said, must be "part of the solution, not a new burden."

The problem of financing

The Secretary-General focused particularly on financing in his speech. He noted that Africa currently receives only two percent of global clean energy investment, highlighting the need to increase international cooperation, reduce the cost of capital, and attract private investment.

"Let's act quickly and in a coordinated manner!" urged António Guterres. "We must make justice the engine of acceleration and build an economy that is clean, inclusive, and sustainable… The era of fossil fuels is ending. Demand for clean energy is growing. Let's make this transition just, fast, and final!"

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.