BANGKOK, Thailand, Oct 24 (IPS) - Over half of Asia-Pacific's population now live in cities. While urbanization brings people closer to opportunities and better services, many urban dwellers are also experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change such as floods, urban heat and infectious diseases. Urban activities are among the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

CAIRO, Oct 24 (IPS) - In a significant move to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the elderly, six Egyptian parliamentary committees met in Cairo on October 12 to discuss national strategies and legislative efforts.

KAMPALA, Oct 24 (IPS) - Until recently, Margaret Natabi would never have dreamed of taking her anti-corruption fight on the streets of Uganda's capital, Kampala.

The UN Special Rapporteur on cultural rights called on Thursday for States to act now to remove stereotypes in sport and ensure non-discrimination for all those competing.

Sudan’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with ongoing fighting between rival militaries displacing millions.

The UN on Thursday launched the “Common Pledge” initiative, designed to bring together mediators, governments, and civil society to ensure the full, equal and meaningful engagement of women in peace processes.

The UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon on Thursday urged the international community to push harder for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah warning that the country is on the brink of a humanitarian collapse.

The BRICS intergovernmental organization can play a greater role in strengthening multilateralism for global development and security, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday, in remarks to the group’s summit hosted by Russia in the city of Kazan.

An immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza as the enclave faces the additional threat of polio spreading, if the final phase of a vaccination campaign continues to face delays in reaching the besieged north, where the “nightmare is intensifying”, top UN officials stressed on Thursday.

Annual greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high, and urgent action must be taken to prevent catastrophic spikes in temperature and avoid the worst impact of climate change, according to a new report released on Thursday by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).