Category: United Nations

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September 18, 2025 UN

Their work may seem invisible at first glance, but without them, not a single meeting of the General Assembly or Security Council, not a single conference or forum at the UN would be held. The High-Level Week, which begins on September 22, would also be impossible without them. Simultaneous interpreters help world leaders understand each other. Moreover, the interpreters themselves sometimes have to catch on quickly, as not all delegations submit speeches in advance.

Ahead of High-Level Week, Lyudmila Blagonravova spoke with translators Anna Kadysheva from the English booth and Sergey Gogin from the Russian booth about how they are preparing for the event and how they are using new tools, such as artificial intelligence, in their work.

Always be up to date

During the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, also known as the Week of General Policy Debates, there will be so many meetings and sessions that there won't be enough interpreters to cover all the events. Staff from other UN language services, such as translation and verbatim reporting specialists, will be called upon to handle the work. Among them are some who have previously provided simultaneous interpretation and are currently undergoing the necessary training.

"Our colleagues work with colleagues from other language services so they can help us when we have a particularly heavy workload," says Kadysheva.

"We will actively engage them. This work is very important. And, by the way, it will pay off handsomely during High-Level Week," says Gogin.

Photo from personal archive

Sergey Gogin

To prepare for general political debates at the individual level, it is crucial for interpreters to understand the context and stay up-to-date on the latest events and trends, as speeches from world leaders and other delegates are not always provided in advance, and sometimes they must be interpreted literally by ear.

"You can look at the list of speakers in advance and have a rough idea of who you'll be interpreting for, although your schedule may be disrupted. That's why we carefully familiarize ourselves with what's happening in a given country recently, looking at last year's speeches and the topics covered. You can listen to a specific speaker or head of state to get used to their delivery," explains Kadysheva.

"I think a general outlook is also very important. A translator must constantly follow the news. We must always be up-to-date with events, aware of what's going on," notes Gogin.

Artificial Intelligence – a Threat or a Working Tool?

Translation is one of those fields directly affected by the rapid development of artificial intelligence. There are dire predictions that translators—like many other professionals—will soon be completely out of work. However, our colleagues at the simultaneous interpretation service are optimistic. Artificial intelligence is still far from perfect, especially from replacing simultaneous interpreters.

"In a high-level context like the UN, where every word, every nuance is important, a specialized human translator is truly needed, human oversight is essential, especially since there are untranslatable wordplays, nuances, allegories, irony, and artificial intelligence isn't very good at handling all of that yet," explains Kadysheva.

"It will be, in my opinion, a symbiosis of man and machine. It's still impossible to hand over everything to artificial intelligence for various reasons. For example, there are strictly confidential closed meetings where, in principle, technical means are not used. Paper presentations are brought to us at the last minute, and then immediately withdrawn. There are negotiations on international conventions and treaties where UN member states would prefer not to see new technologies used," Gogin adds.

Virtual assistant

Today, simultaneous interpreters actively use AI to prepare for meetings or as a virtual assistant during them. Artificial intelligence, for example, can compile a glossary on any topic—even the most complex—in seconds, arming the interpreter with the necessary terminology.

Photo from personal archive

Anna Kadysheva

"A couple of months ago, I was translating at the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, and one of the experts said, 'I'm now going to give a short technical briefing on geochemistry as it applies to seafloor morphology.' I asked the AI to quickly create a glossary for me—the key terms in my working languages that might arise in this context. Without such technology, it would have been much more difficult to translate on the fly," says Kadysheva.

"AI greatly simplifies our preparatory work. So, as you can imagine, we no longer need to review all the documents. We can ask AI to prepare a summary or identify key points in a report or presentation," Gogin emphasizes.

Every second counts

Artificial intelligence can also help interpreters in situations where a speaker hasn't provided a transcript. This often happens during High-Level Week: there are many speakers, and the order of the speeches can change, leaving interpreters without the necessary materials.

"When you don't have a text, you can ask the AI what a particular member state's position is on a particular issue, or request a summary of the latest Security Council meeting on a particular topic to get context," Kadysheva explains.

In a world where much of the work has moved online since the pandemic began and new technologies are rapidly developing, the work of interpreters has become a little easier, she adds: "When speeches are provided in advance, we receive them immediately online. Printed copies are also distributed to our booths, but before, you had to wait for them to reach you. When someone is about to begin their presentation, those seconds can be incredibly valuable, so in this regard, it's become easier."

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September 18, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: the catastrophic situation in Gaza, the Security Council meeting on Syria, the report on UN activities, International Equal Pay Day.

The Gaza crisis

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is warning of the catastrophic situation facing civilians in Gaza City. In just five days, strikes have damaged 11 UNRWA facilities, sheltering approximately 11,000 people. According to the latest data, approximately 200,000 displacements from north to south of the enclave have been documented in the past month alone. The UN is reiterating its call for a ceasefire, increased supplies to Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional return of hostages and the release of those arbitrarily detained.

The situation in Syria

Success political transition in Syria Depends on the broad participation of all communities and population groups. This requirement was emphasized by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, speaking to the Security Council. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, in turn, recalled that more than 70 percent of Syrians require humanitarian support. Fletcher called on the members of the UN Security Council to maintain stability through continued engagement to prevent violence, to adequately fund humanitarian measures, and to facilitate the reconstruction of Syria.

Report of the UN Secretary-General

In a year when international crises are only intensifying, the United Nations has maintained its commitment to promoting peace and sustainable development. in the annual report of the Secretary-General, presented ahead of the High-Level Week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Thus, in 2024, the UN and its partners managed to mobilize $25 billion (50 percent of the target), which enabled them to provide assistance to 116 million people in need in nearly 80 countries. UN efforts also contributed to the protection of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the advancement of peace processes.

Equal pay

Women worldwide still earn, on average, 20 percent less than men. Gender equality is not fully achieved due to persistent historical and structural barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls. UN Women notes this. International Equal Pay Day, which is celebrated on September 18. The organization calls for coordinated action aimed at reducing the gender gap.

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September 18, 2025 Climate and environment

Water is the source of life on Earth, but today it is increasingly becoming the cause of natural disasters. According to a report released Thursday by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), climate change is increasing pressure on the planet's water resources, triggering disasters affecting millions of people worldwide.

A year of record heat and devastating floods

Last year was the hottest in 175 years of record-keeping, with the average surface temperature of the Earth exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.55 degrees Celsius.

The anomaly directly affects the water cycle: warm air holds more moisture, leading to more intense precipitation and, as a result, devastating floods.

"Water disasters continue to take a heavy toll this year," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. "Flooding in Pakistan and South Sudan, and deadly downpours in Bali, are just part of the alarming picture. Unfortunately, there's no end in sight to this trend."

Storm Boris and the "centennial" floods

In September 2024, Central and Eastern Europe were hit by the powerful storm Boris, causing flash floods and the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. In the Czech Republic, river levels reached levels that, statistically, would only occur once in a century. As Stefan Uhlenbruck, Director of the WMO's Hydrology Division, notes, such "century-scale" events are becoming increasingly common.

Monsoons off schedule and drought in the Amazon

Water cycle instability is also evident in other regions. In India, the monsoon arrived earlier than usual this year, bringing heavy rains to the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Amazon basin, northwest Mexico, and southern Africa experienced severe drought, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon.

"El Niño certainly played a role, but scientific evidence shows that it is climate change and rising temperatures that lead to extreme events – both droughts and floods," Saulo explained.

Melting glaciers: a global threat

One of the most alarming trends on the planet is the rapid disappearance of glaciers. In 2024, they lost 450 gigatons of ice—a volume equivalent to 180 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. This added 1.2 mm to global sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding.

Everything is interconnected: from the Arctic to Asia

The report emphasizes that the water cycle is a closed global system.

"We're not dealing with localized problems," says WMO researcher Sulagna Mishra. "Melting glaciers in the Arctic influence monsoons in Asia, and hurricanes in the Pacific influence weather patterns around the world."

Against the backdrop of global climate change, the World Meteorological Organization is calling for urgent action: improved monitoring, data sharing on water flows, groundwater and its quality, as well as international cooperation and urgent investment in early warning systems.

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September 18, 2025 Peace and security

The success of the political transition in Syria depends on the broad participation of all communities and population groups. This prerequisite was emphasized by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in his address to the Security Council.

According to Pedersen, Syria urgently needs international assistance on a scale commensurate with its needs and ambitions. The return of the private sector to Syria is also essential, which requires political stability, regional and global support, and the easing of sanctions and export controls.

External intervention

The special envoy condemned ongoing external interference, including from Israel. He cited media reports of the killing of several Syrian soldiers, as well as the Israeli landing south of Damascus and further strikes in early September. "Such external interference is unacceptable and must end," Pedersen stated.

Relative stability

Speaking of situation in As-SuwaydaPedersen noted that the ceasefire announced on July 18 is generally holding. He welcomed the joint efforts of the United States, Jordan, and Syria, as enshrined in the September 16 statement. According to the Special Envoy, it is crucial that decisions simultaneously "guarantee the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria" and address "the legitimate concerns of the Druze community for their security, human rights, and political future."

Political transition

"The international community must support Syria and resolutely oppose foreign interference. But equally, the success of the transition will depend, first and foremost, on whether the state acts as a state for all, not only in words but also in deeds," the Special Envoy said.

He also added that Ahmed al-Sharaa will be the first Syrian president since 1967 to personally participate in debates during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.

"The United Nations stands ready to support efforts on all fronts," Pedersen reiterated.

Rebuilding the country

In turn, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher emphasized that more than 70 percent of Syrians need support, 9 million suffer from acute food shortages, about 7 million remain internally displaced, and more than 4 million are refugees in neighboring countries.

According to him, despite significant funding cuts, the UN and its partners provide vital humanitarian assistance to nearly 3.5 million people across Syria every month. However, donors have provided only 18 percent of the required funds, which is already leading to the closure of hospitals, women's and girls' centers, and the reduction of other programs.

He also stressed that millions of Syrians, returning to their native places After years of displacement, they need help to rebuild their communities.

Fletcher called on UN Security Council members to maintain stability through continued engagement to prevent violence, to adequately fund humanitarian efforts, and to support the reconstruction of Syria.

"Turn promises into concrete investments and expand support for major recovery, reconstruction, and development programs, creating livelihoods, rebuilding homes, and restoring essential services. Ultimately, this is restoring hope," he said.

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September 18, 2025 UN

In a year marked by intensifying international crises – from growing conflicts and economic hardship to rapid climate change – the United Nations remained committed to advancing peace and sustainable development.

This is stated in the annual report Secretary-General, presented ahead of the 80th High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly. The document assesses the Organization's efforts in the face of growing threats.

Antonio Guterres He emphasized the resilience of UN staff who continue to deliver aid to people around the world despite difficult conditions:

"This report shows that despite these difficult times – or rather, precisely because they are difficult – we can and must create a better world, and we know it is within our reach," the UN chief said.

In 2024, the UN and its partners mobilized $25 billion (50 percent of the target), reaching 116 million people in need in nearly 80 countries.

These funds supported programs in the Horn of Africa, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, and in regions affected by natural disasters – the earthquake in Vanuatu, droughts in Southern and East Africa, and floods in Southeast Asia.

But 2024 became the most tragic year in history for UN and humanitarian personnel: 373 humanitarian workers died. Most of them were employees of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, who were working in Gaza under extremely dangerous conditions.

© UNRWA/M. Hinawi

The UN continues to provide support to the residents of Gaza.

Peace and security are at the center of the UN mission

Despite growing threats, peace diplomacy remained the core of the Organization's work. The UN's daily efforts contributed to the protection of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the advancement of peace processes.

In Syria, under UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015), the Organization continued to engage with all parties to de-escalate violence and protect civilians. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the UN sought to end the violence and expand humanitarian operations. In Lebanon, efforts were undertaken in accordance with Resolution 1701 (2006), allowing civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.

The UN also supported peace negotiations, state-building processes, and the protection of citizens in Sudan and Abyei, where intercommunal violence was reduced. The UN Peacebuilding Fund allocated over $116 million to support national plans in more than 30 countries, with a particular focus on gender equality. Partnerships with regional organizations, such as the African Union, also played a vital role.

A New Vision of the Future

The 2024 Future Summit was a historic event in multilateralism. World leaders adopted the Pact for the Future—an agreement to revive international cooperation and find solutions for people and the planet. The document calls for strengthened diplomacy and conflict prevention, reform of the global financial system, accelerated action to combat climate change, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Pact's annexes endorsed the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. The former lays the foundations for a safe, open, and inclusive digital space, including bridging the digital divide and developing rules for the use of data and artificial intelligence. The latter, however, calls for taking into account the rights and interests of future generations when making decisions today.

These documents form the foundation of a renewed system of multilateral cooperation.

“By addressing the pressing challenges of our time, the United Nations is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future where digital technologies serve all humanity,” the Secretary-General said.

Photo UN/L. Felipe

The Future Summit was held at the UN headquarters in New York in 2024.

Human rights and sustainable development

The UN continues to believe that human rights are the foundation of peace, justice, and development. In 2024, work was underway to eliminate violence against women and girls, empower rural and marginalized communities, and ensure women's participation in peace and constitutional processes.

Human rights have been integrated into approaches to conflict, migration, climate change and digital governance.

Sustainable development and climate were equally emphasized. The UN supported 170 countries in implementing national emission reduction plans and assisted developing countries in transitioning to low-carbon models. The organization also advocated for reform of the global financial system to reduce the SDG financing gap and give vulnerable countries a chance to achieve the Goals.

Loyalty to humanity

António Guterres commended the courage of UN personnel working in dangerous conditions. He condemned targeted attacks on civilians, hospitals, schools, and humanitarian workers as a violation of international law and an undermining of the UN Charter.

Despite everything, the Organization's employees continue to carry out their mission.

“We will work for peace, sustainable development and the protection of human rights for all humanity,” the Secretary-General emphasized.

These efforts, he noted, reflect the spirit of the Organization, which seeks not only to respond to the crises of today, but also to serve people around the world.

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September 17, 2025 Economic development

Amid rapid technological advances and growing competition for intellectual resources, post-Soviet countries continue to seek a balance between the legacy of the past and the challenges of the future. The Global Innovation Index 2025 report, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), offers a fresh look at how former Soviet states are addressing the challenge of building an innovation-driven economy.

Who's on top?

The top ten rankings are dominated by traditional heavyweights in the field of technological innovation:

1. Switzerland

2. Sweden

3. USA

4. South Korea

5. Singapore

6. UK

7. Finland

8. Netherlands

9. Denmark

10. China

The People's Republic of China entered the top ten for the first time, overtaking Germany and strengthening its position thanks to increased patent activity and generous investments.

Leading countries are actively and purposefully investing in science, technology, education, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Europe remains the most innovative region in the world, and China is the engine of development among emerging economies.

Leaders and followers in the post-Soviet space

Among the post-Soviet countries, Estonia achieved the greatest success, ranking 16th thanks to effective digital governance, startup development, and investment in education. Lithuania (33rd) and Latvia (41st) also demonstrated steady growth, particularly in life sciences and financial technology. Georgia (56th) is focusing on IT and the creative industries, gradually improving its position.

Despite its high scientific potential, Russia ranked 60th—below expectations. The report notes weak commercialization of research, limited access to venture capital, and insufficient integration into global innovation chains. "Russia has a strong academic base, but it needs to more actively transform knowledge into marketable products," the report states.

Ukraine ranked 66th, Moldova 74th, Belarus 85th, Azerbaijan 94th, Kyrgyzstan 96th, and Tajikistan 108th.

Problems of a similar nature

Many countries in the post-Soviet space face similar challenges: insufficient funding for scientific research, brain drain, and weak intellectual property protection. However, there are also positive examples. Uzbekistan (79th place) entered the index for the first time, demonstrating interest in digitalization and educational reform. Armenia (59th place) is actively developing technology parks and cooperation with the diaspora. Kazakhstan (81st place) is investing in infrastructure and international partnerships, particularly in green technologies.

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September 17, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: humanitarian workers injured in the Kherson region, evacuation from Gaza City, Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, General Assembly priorities.

Strikes in the Kherson region

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a drone strike in the Kherson region earlier this week injured two humanitarian workers and damaged a humanitarian vehicle. In this regard, the UN is warning of a disturbing trend: between January and August, at least seven humanitarian workers were killed and another 44 injured across Ukraine, with the highest number of casualties recorded in the Kherson region. UN Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale condemned the attack, emphasizing that humanitarian workers should not be targeted under any circumstances.

The Gaza crisis

OCHA continues to call for immediate security for Gaza's civilians. The issuance of evacuation orders does not relieve parties to the conflict of their responsibilities to protect civilians during hostilities, the UN stated. Today, the Israeli army once again ordered people to leave Gaza City within 48 hours. Thousands continue to flee amid intense fighting. Between Monday and Tuesday, humanitarian agencies recorded nearly 40,000 displacements to the south of the enclave. Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that the Israeli offensive is forcing women in Gaza to give birth on the streets, without medical care or clean water.

The situation in Afghanistan

"Ideologically motivated decisions" can undermine opportunities for sustainable development and increase the suffering of the Afghan populationThis was stated at a Security Council meeting by Roza Otunbayeva, who will soon be leaving her post as the Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in the country. She warned that closing schools for girls after sixth grade will have significant long-term consequences. Otunbayeva expressed hope that the international community and Afghanistan will be able to agree on a path that will achieve positive results, especially for the country's women and girls.

UN General Assembly

Ahead of the opening of the high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, the President of its 80th session, Annalena Baerbock stated the need for updating and modernization The United Nations, so it can address the challenges of the coming decades. Baerbock also noted that the General Assembly's efforts during her presidency will focus on advancing the reform agenda within the framework of the UN80 initiative, electing the next Secretary-General, and implementing the Pact for the Future.

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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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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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September 17, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Residents of Ukraine are preparing for their fourth winter amidst a full-scale war. Civilian infrastructure is currently under enormous strain, and families' resources are stretched to the limit.

Due to severe damage to energy, heating, and plumbing systems, many residential buildings, as well as healthcare and educational institutions, will be without heat, electricity, or water. The situation will only worsen as cold weather approaches. Since February 2022, district heating systems have suffered approximately $2.5 billion in damage.

Over the past three years, poverty levels among the Ukrainian population have risen, increasing the risks to children's health and well-being, especially in subzero temperatures in the regions hardest hit by the war. Last winter, one in five families reported health problems related to the cold at home.

"Children and families already living under daily stress will now be forced to endure another winter of war," said UNICEF spokesman Munir Mammadzadeh.

“We are working in collaboration with local partners to support vulnerable families and minimize the impact of the winter period,” he added.

UNICEF's response plan for the 2025–2026 winter months is based on past experience and addresses families' needs. Many noted that cash assistance significantly improved their living conditions: 94 percent of families stated that financial support was their most preferred form of winter assistance. Almost all households spent the funds on utilities, heating, and electricity, as well as winter clothing and footwear.

Read also:

Ukraine: More than 1,200 deaths caused by cluster munitions registered since war began

UNICEF plans to provide cash transfers to families and schools, as well as support the repair and modernization of district heating systems. The plan includes three key areas: cash assistance for 272,000 people in frontline areas, including approximately 122,000 children, as well as children with special needs; financial support for 600 educational institutions; and the provision of equipment and emergency repairs to district heating systems, which will provide heat to one million people, including 170,000 children.

This work is consistent with The UN and Humanitarian Partners Winter Response Plan for 2025–2026, aimed at providing assistance to more than 1.7 million people.

Winter preparation measures have been underway for several months to ensure the necessary materials and equipment are delivered in advance. For example, new gas boilers and pipes were recently delivered and installed for a boiler house in Konotop, Sumy Oblast, providing more reliable heating for 80,000 people. This is just one example, UNICEF notes.

The plan is currently 37 percent funded, and an additional $41 million is urgently needed to help the most vulnerable children and families survive the freezing winter months.

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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