News headlines in September 2016

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 30 (IPS) - From electrifying hospitals in Somalia to providing waste management services in Sri Lanka, the UN Office for Project Services works in over 80 countries to provide practical support to help meet the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 30 (IPS) - The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) advanced its commitment to the safety of journalists after adopting a groundbreaking resolution with measures for states to ensure journalist protection. But this is only the first step, many note.

VIENNA, Sep 30 (IPS) - World leaders are recognizing the crucial role of industrialization in eliminating absolute poverty and promoting sustainable development. This was especially evident at the recent G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, which I attended as a member of the delegation of the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. The gathering demonstrated the growing consensus on the need for renewed efforts to facilitate inclusive and sustainable industrialization as one of the main drivers of economic growth and structural transformation in Africa, and especially the least developed countries (LDCs).

ATLANTA, Georgia, Sep 30 (IPS) - London's Waterloo Bridge over the River Thames is famously known as the "Ladies Bridge," for it was built largely by women during the height of World War II.  On another continent, women fighting a different war have built an equally remarkable structure: a 3,300-meter anti-salt dyke constructed by a women's association in Senegal to reclaim land affected by rising levels of salt water.

CANBERRA, Australia, Sep 30 (IPS) - Waves are ubiquitous in the more than 20 island states scattered across 165 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. But only this year, following a ground-breaking study by oceanographic experts, are they now seen as an economically viable source of renewable energy in the region.

ROME, Sep 29 (IPS) - The warning is sharp and the facts, alarming: 92 per cent of the world's population live in places where levels exceed recommended limits. And 6.5 million people die annually from air pollution.

DHAKA, Sep 29 (IPS) - Like the living room of any proud family, the one in Ajoy Roy's house boasts photos of the eldest son, Avijit.

Washington, DC, Sep 28 (IPS) - By recognising how closely connected the different aspects of sustainable development are, the Sustainable Development Goals create an important opportunity - and challenge - for a more coordinated approach to implementing development policies.

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 28 (IPS) - With malnutrition continuing to afflict one in nine people globally, the UN has appointed 29 global leaders to help tackle the problem head on.

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 28 (IPS) - Nearly one month after UN Security Council members visited troubled South Sudan, disagreement reigns over even the limited outside measures proposed to try to bring the security situation in the world's newest country under control.