Nearly 80 per cent of the world’s poor – 887 million people – live in regions that are exposed to extreme heat, flooding and other climate hazards, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the issue.

BANGKOK Thailand, October 17 (IPS) - The Asia-Pacific region has long served as a springboard for transforming socio-economic implementation gaps into development opportunities. With the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals fast approaching, policymakers are stepping up efforts to translate policy announcements into tangible impacts.

UNITED NATIONS, October 17 (IPS) - The US hostility towards the UN is threatening to escalate, as a cash-starved world body is struggling for economic survival.

HYDERABAD, India, October 16 (IPS) - When crops fail, people move not by choice, but by necessity. As families are displaced by droughts and failed harvests, the pressures do not always stop at national boundaries. In short, hunger has become one of the most powerful forces shaping our century.

IDLIB, Syria, October 16 (IPS) - The war has deprived thousands of Syrian children of their right to education, especially displaced children in makeshift camps. Amidst difficult economic conditions and the inability of many families to afford educational costs, the future of these children is under threat.

NEW YORK, October 16 (IPS) - The ceasefire agreement and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are only the first steps on the long and treacherous road that could end the calamitous, decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In my recent article, “A Rare Alignment: The World Stands Ready, Are the Palestinians?”

The UN has condemned Madagascar’s military takeover, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order following last week’s ouster of President Andry Rajoelina.

A severe funding shortfall is threatening to cripple UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with the Organization warning that it will have to scale back patrols, close field offices and repatriate thousands of ‘blue helmets’ due to delayed payments from Member States.

As a fragile ceasefire holds in the Gaza Strip, UN aid teams are intensifying efforts to deliver urgently needed assistance.

The United Nations called on Thursday for Afghanistan and Pakistan to permanently end recent deadly hostilities and protect civilians.