UN Direct

SG to Kabul: after much media speculation, the SG’s spokesperson confirmed today that he has traveled to Kabul to co-chair the International Conference on Afghanistan tomorrow with President Karzai.  In his opening remarks, he is expected to call on the Afghan people to achieve peace through reconciliation and build a future based on economic development and cooperation.  He is expected to hold a joint press conference with Karzai as well.  In his remarks this morning at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, he called on the

SG: today the SG convened the first meeting of the MDG Advocacy Group in Madrid, which is co-chaired by Rwandan President Kagame and Spanish PM Zapatero.  He urged the Advocates to educate and inform on the MDGs and help send the message, especially in this time of economic uncertainty, that the Goals go beyond development and are about generating global economic growth.  This weekend, the SG travels to Geneva to attend the Third World C

SG: tonight he SG is off to Madrid to participate in the first meeting of the MDGs Advocacy Group tomorrow.

Fact 1: "Of the 192 member states of the United Nations, 85 have laws that still criminalize homosexual behavior and, in some of these countries, conviction can even result in the death penalty."