News headlines
Protecting Africa’s Ocean Future and Why a Precautionary Pause on Deep-sea Mining Matters
- Inter Press Service
VICTORIA, Seychelles, February 3 (IPS) - The world is entering a decisive period for the future of the ocean. With the High Seas Treaty coming into force and meaningful progress being made on the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, global momentum for stronger marine governance is building. Yet, new pressures linked to the push for deep-sea mining — the extraction of minerals from seabed thousands of meters below the ocean surface — threaten to undermine these gains. To safeguard progress, global decision-making will have to keep pace with such emerging risks. In this context, Africa will host several global discussions in 2026, including those that will shape the ocean’s future, with a series of opportunities for leadership starting with the African Union Summit in February to the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya in June.
Support Science in Halting Global Biodiversity Crisis—King Charles
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, February 3 (IPS) - British Monarch King Charles says science is the solution to protecting nature and halting global biodiversity loss, which is threatening humanity’s survival.
Explainer: Why Nature Is Everyone’s Business
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, February 3 (IPS) - Our food, fuel, and fortunes come from nature, but as these resources are turned into profits, the balance between exploiting and replenishing the planet is ever more precarious.
The Delicate Balance of International Migration
- Inter Press Service
PORTLAND, USA, February 3 (IPS) - The delicate balance of international migration relies on the high demand for labor and the enforcement of stricter immigration controls. This equilibrium is especially crucial when considering the international migration of students and skilled workers.
Is it the Budgetary Crisis – Or Leadership Crisis – Facing the United Nations – Or Both?
- Inter Press Service
NEW YORK, February 3 (IPS) - In the month of February 2025, one year ago, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commenced his briefing of the media by announcing that “I want to start by expressing my deep concern about information received in the last 48 hours by UN agencies — as well as many humanitarian and development NGOs — regarding severe cuts in funding by the United States.” He went on to warn that “The consequences will be especially devastating for vulnerable people around the world.”
High Seas Treaty Will Transform Our Fragile Ocean for the Better
- Inter Press Service
AMSTERDAN / LONDON, February 3 (IPS) - “The ocean’s health is humanity’s health”, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in September 2025. He was commenting after the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) [1] finally achieved ratification, going on to call for “a swift, full implementation” from all partners. As of January 17, 2026, the treaty has come into force, meaning the time for implementation is now. What is the High Seas Treaty?
Group of 77 — Representing 134 Nations, Plus China — Protest Funding Cuts for South-South Cooperation
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, February 3 (IPS) - A sharp cut in funding for “South-South Cooperation” (UNOSSC) has triggered a strong protest from the 134-member Group of 77 (G-77), described as the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries within the United Nations.
In Washington, Fletcher presses for action as Sudan war grinds on
- UN News
Sudan is now the world’s most severe humanitarian emergency, the UN’s top relief official warned on Tuesday, urging donors and diplomatic partners to act swiftly as the fighting nears a third year with no end in sight.
World News in Brief: Children at risk in South Sudan, Balochistan attacks, summit backs boost for undersea cable security
- UN News
More than 450,000 children in South Sudan are at risk of acute malnutrition as a surge in violence disrupts health and nutrition services, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday.
Nearly 40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented, UN study finds
- UN News
Up to four in 10 cancer cases globally could be prevented, new analysis has revealed, highlighting the need for stronger tobacco control and other measures to reduce risks and save lives.
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