KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jan 08 (IPS) - Climate change is one of the most serious global threats to the future of the world’s population. Its impact extends far and wide, from the economy to governance to the very health and well-being of society.

The Security Council met on Wednesday to discuss political and humanitarian developments exactly a month on from the collapse of the Assad regime. The transitional authorities also outlined their vision for the country’s future for the first time in a major international forum.

UN independent human rights experts have called for the immediate release of Zayn al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn, known as Abu Zubaydah, who has been detained without charge by US authorities at the Guantánamo Bay detention facility for almost 20 years.

The launch of yet another ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is of serious concern, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday, highlighting the persistent threat to global efforts towards disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.

Russian forces continue to subject Ukraine’s people to “relentless attacks” by aerial glide bombs, long-range missiles and drones, in a bid to capture further territory in the east of the country, the UN’s deputy human rights chief said on Wednesday.

While the war in Gaza grinds on with dozens of civilians already reportedly killed and injured so far this year - and as the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon largely holds - hopes are still high for a successful transition of power in Damascus following the overthrow of the Assad regime, although needs and challenges are immense. On Wednesday, ambassadors held their first meeting of the year on Syria, with all eyes on a potential lifting of sanctions. App users can follow live here.

SAN FRANCISCO, USA, Jan 07 (IPS) - When news broke over the weekend that President Biden just approved an $8 billion deal for shipping weapons to Israel, a nameless official vowed that “we will continue to provide the capabilities necessary for Israel's defense.” Following the reports last month from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch concluding that Israeli actions in Gaza are genocide, Biden’s decision was a new low for his presidency.

DELHI, Jan 07 (IPS) - History seems to be chasing Bangladesh even while the interim government is grappling with real issues of administering a country thrown into chaos.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan 07 (IPS) - The forthcoming fourth United Nations Financing for Development conference must address developing countries’ major financial challenges. Recent setbacks to sustainable development and climate action make FfD4 all the more critical.

UN teams in Gaza have carried out a rapid needs assessment in two makeshift sites in Deir Al-Balah following a recent airstrike, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.