The challenges and prospects of regional security architecture in Europe, Middle East and East Asia were in focus as the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) continued its general debate today, with delegates presenting contrasting views on nuclear deterrence, non-proliferation and the humanitarian dimensions of nuclear weapons. The representative of Ukraine recalled that, in1994, his […]

Poverty eradication remains “the greatest global challenge” to the 2030Agenda and a prerequisite for advancing sustainable development, seniorUnited Nations officials and Member States stressed today asthe Second Committee (Economic and Financial) addressed the issuealongside agricultural development and food security. Charles Katoanga, Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and […]

With some 60 conflicts raging worldwide — the highest number since the Second World War — the United Nations human rights chief warned the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today that civilians face mounting violence, shrinking freedoms and new threats from artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human […]

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) began consideration of “the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction” today, speakers alternately emphasized the importance of combatting impunity and ensuring that justice is not applied selectively. Universal jurisdiction enables States to prosecute the most serious international crimes, regardless of where they were committed or the nationality […]