SG on Syria: Warning of the prospect of a long-term civil war in Syria, the SG reiterated his call today for the international community to work together to resolve the ongoing crisis in the Middle Eastern country. In a message delivered on his behalf to the international consultative meeting on Syria, held in Tehran, Iran, today, Mr. Ban noted the “grim possibility of long-term civil war” in the country.
World Bank: The SG met with new World Bank President Dr. Kim Jim Yong today, stressing the Bank’s role in helping Member States achieve the MDGs, through initiatives such as Every Woman, Every Child and Sustainable Energy for All.
Post-2015: The SG announced the Sustainable Development Solutions Network to support the work of the post-2015 development planning, which includes the recently-launched High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. This initiative will bring to the debate the voices of the academic and scientific community under the leadership of Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the Special Advisor on the Millennium Development Goals.
Humanitarian Funds: OCHA announced today that it will allocate $55 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to bolster operations in eight countries with neglected humanitarian emergencies. The countries set to receive such funding are Afghanistan, Cameroon, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Sudan.
Food Price Index: UNFAO released its most recent Food Price Index today, reporting a 6% increase after three months of decline.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: In honor of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, held today, August 9th, senior UN officials highlighted the key role played by the media in empowering indigenous people, stressing that traditional and new media are an essential component to help them preserve their cultures, participate in the social and political aspects of their societies and challenge stereotypes. The SG spoke in honor of the day.
Libya: The United Nations today welcomed Libya’s peaceful transfer of authority from the National Transitional Council to the newly elected National Congress, and reiterated its continuous support to assist the North African country in its democratic transition.