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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.

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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.

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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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October 20, 2025 Sustainable Development Goals

The World Tourism Organization has announced this year's list of the best tourism villages. It includes 52 rural settlements from around the world recognized as global leaders in sustainable tourism and community development. Among them are Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana in Ukraine, and Khinalig in Azerbaijan.

UN agency Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted that tourism has the potential to become "a powerful tool for achieving shared prosperity, inclusive growth, and territorial cohesion in rural areas."

Total in the global network rural tourist destinations, which promotes sustainable development, now includes 319 villages worldwide.

Caucasian Antiquity: Azerbaijani Khinalig

At an altitude of over 2,000 meters in the Caucasus Mountains lies Khinalig, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with a history dating back approximately 5,000 years. The village is home to a semi-nomadic people whose culture and way of life are shaped by seasonal migrations between summer and winter pastures and who preserve the ancient method of vertically moving livestock over long distances. The organically developed network, including ancient routes, temporary pastures and campsites, mausoleums, and mosques, demonstrates a resilient eco-social system adapted to extreme environmental conditions.

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The Heart of the Carpathians: Ukrainian Villages Preserving Nature and Traditions

Kolochava, located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains within the Synevyr National Park, is a living open-air museum where history, culture, and nature blend harmoniously. Its history reflects the diverse heritage of the region, which over the centuries was influenced by several states—from Austria-Hungary and Czechoslovakia to Romania and Hungary. This is reflected in the richness of cultural traditions, languages, and crafts that survive to this day. The village is renowned for its ten museums, craft traditions, and culinary heritage. Ancient crafts—from weaving and wood carving to cheesemaking—are being revived here. Local residents are actively developing ecotourism, hosting festivals and environmental events, creating 3D tours, inviting travelers to discover the Carpathians in a sustainable way.

© Wiki Commons/Moahim

Neighboring Synevyrska Polyana, mentioned as early as 1465, is known as the "Pearl of the Carpathians." Also located in the Synevyr National Park, the village is surrounded by primeval beech forests and famous for its eponymous lake, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine. The local community develops ecotourism and spa services, offers ethnographic programs, craft workshops, and traditional cuisine tastings, creating jobs and supporting local producers. Through the SynevyrECO initiative, local artisans and farmers unite to promote eco-friendly products and sustainable tourism, creating new jobs and strengthening the region's economy.

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October 20, 2025 Women

The world today faces the highest number of active armed conflicts since 1946, resulting in enormous suffering for women and girls.

More and more women are living near conflict zones.

According to the UN Secretary-General's 2025 report on women, peace, and security, 676 million women live within 50 kilometers of conflict zones. This is the highest figure since the 1990s. The death toll among women and children has quadrupled compared to the previous two-year period. "Women and girls are being killed at record levels, excluded from peace negotiations, and left unprotected, while conflicts escalate," said Sima Bacchus, Executive Director of UN Women.

In Ukraine, women and girls account for 31 percent of all civilian casualties, according to the report. Domestic violence in the country has increased by 36 percent since 2022, and 42 percent of women are now at risk of developing depression.

The report estimates that 640,000 Ukrainian women and girls have been affected by cuts in psychosocial support, HIV/AIDS services, and women's economic empowerment programs supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

“To counter this trend, the government, together with Germany and UN Women, has created an alliance bringing together 15 governments, major international financial institutions, civil society, and the private sector to improve financing for gender equality measures in Ukraine’s recovery process,” the report states.

It also says there has been an 87 percent increase in conflict-related sexual violence worldwide in two years.

The report was published on the 25th anniversary of the adoption UN Security Council Resolution 1325, in which the international community committed to ensuring greater participation of women in conflict resolution and peace processes, and to providing women and girls with the necessary protection in conflict situations.

Progress may be undone

As the report notes, more than two decades of progress in this area could be undone. For example, Georgia recently saw a significant increase in the number of women in municipal leadership positions—to 30 percent, compared to 13.4 percent in 2021. However, in April 2024, the Georgian parliament abolished mandatory electoral gender quotas, which could reverse this trend.

"Women don't need new promises – they need power, protection and equal participation," says Sima Bacchus.

Despite abundant evidence that women's participation in negotiation processes makes the world more stable, they remain almost entirely excluded from decision-making. Although more and more countries are developing national action plans to implement Resolution 1325, this rarely leads to real change.

In 2024, nine out of 10 peace processes did not feature a single female negotiator. Women accounted for only 7 percent of negotiators and 14 percent of mediators worldwide.

Investments in war

The report also points out that while global military spending exceeded $2.7 trillion in 2024, women's organizations in conflict zones received only 0.4 percent of that aid. Many are on the verge of closure due to a lack of funding.

According to Bacchus, these are not “dry numbers,” but a sign that the international community is deliberately investing in war rather than peace, while continuing to exclude women from decision-making.

The report also emphasizes the need for a "gender revolution" in data. Without gender-sensitive data, the global community knows little about the reality of women in conflict zones.

UN Women calls for concrete results – ensuring conflict resolution through inclusive political processes, increasing women's participation in leading security and recovery reforms, and strengthening accountability for violations against women.

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October 20, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the ceasefire in Gaza has been implemented, the Houthis have released UN staff from their compound in Yemen's capital, proposals to reinstate the death penalty in Kyrgyzstan, and World Statistics Day.

The situation in Gaza

The UN welcomes the parties' reaffirmed commitment to the ceasefire in Gaza and commends the mediators' efforts in this regard, the UN press service stated today. At the same time, the UN is deeply concerned about all ongoing violence in the enclave, including reports of shelling and attacks yesterday. The UN calls on all parties to fully implement their commitments, ensure the protection of civilians, and refrain from any actions that could lead to a resumption of hostilities or jeopardize humanitarian operations.

UN staff in Yemen

All 15 UN international staff members can now move freely The UN compound in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, is being used to maintain contact with UN agencies and their families. Five local staff members detained since October 18 at the same compound have been released, the UN Country Team in Yemen announced on Monday. Ansar Allah security personnel have left the UN compound in Sana'a. In recent years, the Houthis have repeatedly infiltrated UN offices in Yemen, detaining staff and confiscating property.

The death penalty in Kyrgyzstan

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the Kyrgyz authorities to immediately stop efforts to bring back the death penalty, warning that such a regressive step would constitute a serious violation of international law. Kyrgyzstan legally abolished the death penalty in 2010 after ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Türk called on the country's authorities to focus their efforts on ensuring effective protection of the law and adequate access to justice and reparations for victims of violence.

Statistics Day

Today – World Statistics Day, which is celebrated every five years on October 20. On this occasion, the UN Secretary-General stated that during crises such as the pandemicCOVID-19, statistical systems have proven their vital role, providing data that guides life-saving decisions and supports recovery efforts. The International Labour Organization also emphasized that reliable and transparent data are not just a technical tool, but the foundation of democracy and social justice.

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October 20, 2025 Women

Nearly 70,000 women in Afghanistan listen to Radio Femme, an online radio station run entirely by women. It disseminates knowledge and raises awareness about the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan's provinces.

With Afghan women barred from attending schools and universities, Radio Femme offers alternative forms of education. Eight teachers teach subjects such as mathematics and science.

This state of affairs continued until September 30, when the Taliban, without explanation, shut down the internet and mobile communications throughout the country, effectively forcing Radio Femme off the air.

The radio station's suspension is just one of many examples of how important the internet is for Afghan women. The lack of online radio broadcasting, coupled with the aftermath of the earthquake in the east of the country, the ongoing drought in the north, and the return of millions of refugees expelled from neighboring countries, is making life increasingly difficult for women and girls in Afghanistan.

"The current crisis is compounded by an existing one," said Arafat Jamal, a spokesman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. "Such intervention is completely unjustified, and its consequences will directly impact the lives of the Afghan people."

In an interview with UN Women, an Afghan woman named Sama said the internet is vital for her work, starting a small business, and selling goods.

"Thanks to my online store, I've become famous," says Sama. "I'm making money, solving my financial problems, and becoming independent."

After the internet shutdown, Sama, like many other women, lost her only source of income overnight: “This deprives many of their last opportunity to study, earn money, and socialize.”

Internet access in Afghanistan has now been partially restored, but the outage demonstrated how valuable and fragile this channel of information exchange is. UN Women emphasizes that the importance of the digital space cannot be assessed from a purely technical perspective; the education, mental health, and livelihoods of Afghan women are at stake.

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October 20, 2025 Economic development

Preserving the existing international trading system remains a key challenge if the world is to avoid a devastating tariff war, Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan told the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Monday.

Addressing UNCTAD's 195 member states in Geneva, she stressed that 72 per cent of global trade still takes place within the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"We have so far avoided the chain reaction of tariff escalation that once brought the global economy to its knees—in the 1930s," Greenspan said. "And this happened not by chance, but because of you—because you kept negotiating even when it seemed pointless… and built bridges even when they were crumbling."

A difficult choice

The UNCTAD chief's comments come amid ongoing global economic uncertainty and new announcements of tariffs on US trading partners.

According to Greenspan, rising tariffs, record debt payments and growing mistrust between countries are holding back development.

"The debt and development crises continue to force countries to face impossible choices," she noted. Countries are forced to decide whether to stop paying their debts or undermine their own development.

Tariffs and uncertainty

Earlier, at the UN General Assembly, Greenspan reported that the average level of tariffs imposed by major economies, including the United States, rose this year from 2.8 percent to more than 20 percent.

"Uncertainty is the highest possible tariff," she emphasized. "It discourages investors, slows growth, and makes trade as a path to development much more difficult."

Public debt crisis

Speaking in Geneva, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock warned that developing country debt reached $31 trillion last year.

"Instead of investing in the future of their people – building schools or developing health care systems – many governments are forced to spend precious resources on debt servicing," she said.

Baerbock also noted that trust in the international system is eroding. Despite the global economy being valued at over $100 trillion annually, "half the world's population has seen almost no growth in their income," she added.

Investments are declining

UNCTAD Director Rebecca Greenspan warned that global investment flows have been declining for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, she noted, the current investment system still favors projects in developed countries over developing ones: "As a result, one dollar costs Zambia three times more than it does Zurich."

Greenspan added that freight costs have become too volatile, and that for landlocked countries and small island states, transport costs are three times higher than the global average.

Although artificial intelligence has the potential to increase global GDP by trillions of dollars, less than one-third of developing countries have strategies to capitalize on it, she noted. According to the UN, 2.6 billion people still lack internet access, most of them women in developing countries.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | UN Conference on Trade and Development chief: "In the digital world, landlocked countries have no geographic limitations"

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October 20, 2025 International law

All 15 international UN staff members are now free to move around the UN compound in Sana'a, Yemen's capital, and maintain contact with UN agencies and their families. Five local staff members detained since October 18 within the same UN compound have been released.

Representatives of the UN country team in Yemen reported this on Monday.

"Ansar Allah security personnel have left the UN compound in Sana'a," the statement said.

In recent years, the Houthis have repeatedly infiltrated UN offices in Yemen, detaining staff and confiscating property. As of early October, the total number of detained UN personnel numbered in the dozens. Some have remained in custody since 2021. A number of UN staff members have been released.

Previously, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement expressing concern over public accusations made by the Houthis against UN personnel in Yemen. He categorically rejected all accusations, which, he said, "threaten the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian workers and undermine life-saving operations."

He reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations to ensure the continued protection of humanitarian operations and personnel in accordance with international law.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the de facto Houthi authorities," the statement issued by the UN chief's spokesman said.

Guterres also recalled that, in accordance with their obligations under international law, the Houthis must leave UN premises and return seized assets and equipment.

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