From AlertNet: "Cereal stocks could run out by next month in Ethiopia where 2.4 million people are in immediate need of food aid, the United Nations warned on Tuesday. Some 11 percent of the emergency food aid required in March has been provided by donors, leaving a shortfall of 39,000 metric tons of cereals, the U.N. Office of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported."
"Tragically, the [Oil-for-Food] scandal comes at a time when the world body is needed more than ever to care for millions of refugees, keep the peace in places where it can be kept and stabilize countries prostrate from civil war." Read the editorial...
"Changes to the environment that are sweeping the planet are bringing about a rise in infectious diseases, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) has warned. Loss of forests; the building of roads and dams; urban growth; the clearing of natural habitats for agriculture; mining; and pollution of coastal waters are promoting conditions under which new and old pathogens can thrive, according to research published today in Unep's Global Environment Outlook Year Book for 2004/2005." More...
In today's WSJ (subscription required):
Our Mission Remains Vital
By KOFI A. ANNAN
February 22, 2005
In the past year I have read many attacks on the United Nations -- quite a few, but by no means all, in the pages of this newspaper.
That pains me, because I have served the U.N. all my life. I have done, and am still doing, everything I can to correct its imperfections, and to improve and strengthen it. And I believe profoundly in the importance of that task, because a strong U.N. is of vital importance to humanity.
Disturbing numbers published by UNICEF: "One in 12 of the world's children is involved in the worst forms of child labor, including slavery, forced labor, hazardous work, militant action and the commercial sex industry, according to a report published Monday by the U.N. child welfare agency, UNICEF." Full Article
Day 9 - Amani Toomer and Tony Richardson's Tsunami Trip Draws to a Close
J. Ethan Medley, NY Giants
February 19, 2005
Today was our final day of the trip, and with our planned visit to Ampara canceled, it was fairly low-key. After getting out of the hotel for a little bit, we all returned to pack our bags while Amani, Yola, and Tony prepared for the afternoon press conference. Members of the local and international press came out to hear first-hand about our trip and experiences in Sri Lanka, along with members of the World Food Program (WFP) and representatives from the US Embassy. Also in attendance was Aaron Taylor, former NFL offensive lineman and current ABC College Football analyst, who is in Sri Lanka working to build temporary housing for those in need. A friend of Amani and Yola, he heard our group was in town and came over to catch up briefly before our departure.
Great item on the WHO website: "In the lead up to World Health Day on 7 April this year, six mothers living in different countries of the world are sharing their experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. In this fourth part of Great expectations, the babies are one week old. They have reached a significant milestone in their lives, as the risk of death in the first seven days is higher than at any point in the first five years of a child's life." Read More...
Miami Herald:
Kyoto treaty offers opportunities
BY TIMOTHY E. WIRTH
The Kyoto Protocol took effect this week, beginning the worldwide process of reducing the emissions that are causing global warming. As one of the negotiators of that international accord, I know how big the climate change challenge is -- but where there is challenge, there is also opportunity.
Businesses increasingly are grasping the fact that a transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems presents enormous opportunities for innovation and change -- opportunities to offer consumers worldwide products and services that reduce carbon emissions and boost energy-usage efficiencies. Past cycles of innovation tell us that the pioneers -- not the laggards -- take home the jobs and economic benefits.
From a RAND press release: "A new RAND Corporation study finds that the United Nations provides the most suitable institutional framework for all but the largest and most demanding of nation-building missions, due to the UN's comparatively low cost structure, high success rate, and high degree of international legitimacy."
Full Document