News headlines for “Food and Agriculture Issues”, page 17
Climate Finance Will Be the First Casualty of Rising Militarism: Ali T. Sheikh Warns Ahead of COP30
- Inter Press Service

As the COP30 approaches amid darkening geopolitical clouds—marked by rising rightwing extremism, corporate backtracking and rising militarism—Ali T. Sheikh, Pakistan’s leading expert on sustainable development and climate change, views the world’s largest diplomatic gathering with a mix of apprehension and caution.
UN Member States Convene To Discuss Urgent Need for Equity in NCD and Mental Health Responses
- Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, September 26 (IPS) - World leaders convened in New York to deliberate over the efforts needed to address non-communicable diseases.On September 25, the United Nations (UN) convened a high-level meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being during the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA80).
UN at 80: Civil Society Must Have a Say in the Struggle for Renewal
- Inter Press Service

LONDON, September 26 (IPS) - As the high-level opening week of the UN General Assembly unfolds, with heads of states delivering often self-serving speeches from the UN’s podium, the organisation is undergoing one of its worst set of crises since its founding 80 years ago. This year’s General Assembly – ostensibly focused on development, human rights and peace – comes as wars are raging across multiple continents, climate targets are dangerously being missed and the institution designed to address these global challenges is being hollowed out by funding cuts and political withdrawals.
African Voices at UNGA80: Building Sustainable and Self-Reliant Systems Through Innovation
- Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, September 26 (IPS) - On September 24, African-led organizations convened a high-level side event during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The event – African-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid – was organized in partnership with eHealth Africa, Population Services International (PSI), Population Council, and Reach Digital Health. The dialogue amplified voices from African-led organizations and highlighted the importance of homegrown innovations for sustainability—regardless of the availability of foreign aid—amid shrinking donor funding and widening global inequalities.
Ending Child Marriage Needs a Culture of Accountability, Respect for the Rule of Law
- Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, September 26 (IPS) - Global leaders came together at the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly to commit to ending child marriage, calling on all world leaders to make concerted efforts to ensure accountability and enforce the laws that prohibit it.
An Overdose of Renewables, New Energy Risk in Brazil
- Inter Press Service

RIO DE JANEIRO, September 25 (IPS) - Wind and solar power sources, essential for the energy transition to mitigate the climate crisis, have become a risk of power outages in Brazil.
The Struggle to Be Heard on Sign Language Rights in Uganda
- Inter Press Service

KAMPALA, September 25 (IPS) - Every Last week of September the Deaf community in Uganda and the rest of the world celebrates sign languages and the rich identity of Deaf people and Deaf culture. The day is also an opportunity to advocate for the enforcement of sign language laws and policies.
African Leaders Commit to Climate-Health Nexus and Adaptation Solutions
- Inter Press Service

ADDIS ABABA, September 25 (IPS) - At the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 8-10 September, African leaders committed to the climate and health nexus and their desire to advance climate-resilient and adaptive health systems on the continent.
Food Insecurity Rising in Africa, Falling in Latin America and Caribbean
- Inter Press Service

NAIROBI, September 25 (IPS) - The 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report shows a modest global decline in hunger since 2022, with 673 million people facing hunger in 2024, indicating a decrease of 22 million compared to 2022. While progress is seen in Asia and South America, hunger is rising in Africa and Western Asia.
Toxic Air in Tanzania’s Port City Threatens Millions, Researchers Warn
- Inter Press Service

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania , September 24 (IPS) - On a hot afternoon in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam’s bustling commercial hub, the air is a swirling mix of diesel exhaust, charcoal smoke and dust kicked up by the shuffle of feet. Traders tie handkerchiefs over their noses to deter haze from drifting into their throats and lungs.

