UNITED NATIONS, Sep 12 (IPS) - The annual United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, commemorated annually on September 12, serves as a powerful reminder of the spirit of solidarity and cooperation that transcends geographic borders — a spirit that is crucial for securing a better and thriving future for all. In a world facing cross-cutting challenges, the importance of this South-South solidarity cannot be overstated.

A once-in-a-generation UN summit bringing together countries from around the world marks a critical opportunity for far-reaching agreements on international collaboration for a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday as part of a global call to action to support the Summit of the Future, which begins on 22 September.

Despite recent economic de-escalation agreements, Yemen remains at risk of a return to full-scale conflict, with continued fighting and increased rhetoric between the warring sides, the UN envoy for the country warned on Thursday.

Social protection is essential to safeguard people from shocks, but half the world is without any coverage, including over 90 per cent of people living in climate-vulnerable countries, according to a new report released on Thursday by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The UN chief on Thursday described the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas as “unconscionable”.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is stepping up lifesaving support to the Congolese Government to protect children under 15 from mpox, who account for around 60 per cent of suspected cases and 80 per cent of deaths in the African nation so far this year.

More than 22,500 people – a quarter of those wounded in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began – have life-changing injuries, requiring rehabilitation services “now and for years to come”, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sep 11 (IPS) - Marginalised and dominated economically by the Global North, developing countries must urgently cooperate to better strive for their shared interests in achieving world peace and sustainable development.

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 11 (IPS) - Human practices, such as unsustainable fishing, pollution, coastal development, and fossil fuel use have pushed the Earth's oceans to their limits. This has resulted in warmer, more acidic waters. As global temperatures rise yearly due to climate change, oceans continue to see significant losses in biodiversity, rising sea levels, and environmental damage.

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Sep 11 2024 (IPS) - A new report says African cities will record rapid urbanization in the next decade, creating a mixed bag of socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the continent.