Source: International Criminal Court (video statements)
Kony case: Confirmation of charges hearing opening, 10 September 2025 – 1st session ACHOLI
ICC Kony case: Confirmation of charges hearing opening, 10 September 2025 – 2nd session ENGLISH
Source: International Criminal Court (video statements)
Kony case: Confirmation of charges hearing opening, 10 September 2025 – 2nd session ENGLISH
Peace Bell Ceremony: International Day of Peace 2025 | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
——————————–
Secretary-General António Guterres rang the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters, and said, “Peace is the most powerful force for a better future. And it is within our grasp – if we choose it.”
This year’s Peace Day carries the theme Act Now for a Peaceful World. Guterres said, “We know that peace doesn’t happen by accident. It is forged – through courage, compromise, and above all, action. We must act – to silence the guns and amplify diplomacy.”
António Guterres noted that the bell “was cast from coins and medals donated by people across the world.” He added, “This Peace Bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can forge something enduring. Even in a fractured world, we can come together to let peace ring. Let’s answer that call.”
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock also addressed the gathering. She said, “Peace. A principle on which the United Nations was founded. One enshrined in the Charter as our collective aspiration never again to return to the scourge of war.”
Baerbock then also rang the Peace Bell, before participants gathered for a group photo to close the ceremony.
State of the European Union 2025: Europe’s €500m Plan to Attract Top Scientists
Source: European Commission (video statements)
In the State of the European Union 2025 speech, President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €500 million “Choose Europe” package to attract top scientists and announced a new Global Health Resilience Initiative. Europe is stepping up to fight disinformation, protect public health, and lead on global resilience.
#soteu2025
State of the European Union 2025: Food Security in the European Union
Source: European Commission (video statements)
In her State of the European Union speech 2025, President Ursula von der Leyen stresses Europe’s farmers are the key to our food security. From cutting red tape to fair competition safeguards and a new “Buy European food” campaign, the EU is backing those who feed us.
#SOTEU2025
Syria: Progress in Eliminating the Chemical Weapons Programme – UNSC Briefing | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said that the support from the entire international community “will be critical for efforts to rid Syria of all chemical weapons.”
Addressing the Security Council today (12 Sep), Izumi Nakamitsu said, “Since 2014, the OPCW Technical Secretariat has not been able to confirm that the declaration submitted by the previous Syrian authorities was accurate and complete, because of the insufficient and inaccurate information it contained. A total of 26 outstanding issues were reported, of which 19 remain unresolved.”
She reported, “The OPCW Technical Secretariat reported that in addition the 26 declared chemical weapons-related sites, information made available to the OPCW suggests that there are more than 100 other sites that may have been involved in chemical-weapons related activities.”
She continued, “During the deployment that took place in April, the OPCW collected three samples at one of the visited locations. The OPCW has reported that the analysis of these samples conducted by OPCW designated laboratories revealed indicators of nerve agents. This is a concerning finding, and the OPCW has shared the results with the Syrian authorities and intends to address the issue in subsequent deployments.”
She stressed, “There are significant challenges ahead, and consistent support from the entire international community will be critical for efforts to rid Syria of all chemical weapons.”
She highlighted, that the commitment of the new authorities in Syria “to fully and transparently cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat is commendable.”
Ibrahim Alabi, Syrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said, “Syria will continue to resolutely proceed with rebuilding in order to overcome this legacy and spare no effort to destroy the arsenal of chemical weapons used against our unarmed people. This matter is receiving great attention from the highest levels of decision-making in the State in order to turn it into a ray of hope in the history of Syria.”
State of the European Union 2025 : The Future – Affordable European E-Cars
Source: European Commission (video statements)
In her State of the Union speech, President Ursula von der Leyen highlights that Europe should invest in small, affordable vehicles. An E-car that is environmental, economical, and European. The future is electric — and the cars of the future must be made in Europe.
#SOTEU2025
Johan Rockström on Climate Science & Urban Farmers in Uganda | WEF | Top Stories of the Week
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
This week’s top stories of the week include:
0:14 – What does the latest science say about the climate crisis? Johan Rockström explains: Planet Earth truly is in uncharted territory, says Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Here, he gives the latest take on what the #climate science is saying: how a drop in the planet’s resilience is drawing us ever closer to irreversible tipping points, from the mass collapse of coral reefs to permafrost melt, and how breaching a 1.5°C rise in global temperature is now ‘unavoidable’ – at least temporarily.
4:05 – Helsinki has gone a whole year without a traffic death. Here’s why: The last fatal accident on the streets of Finland’s capital was in July 2024
In 2022, Helsinki launched a 4-year programme to improve traffic safety, Here’s how it worked.
5:43 – How human roles are shifting in the age of robotics: People who operate machines are evolving into AI systems trainers, while logistics workers are transitioning to fleet co-ordinators for mobile robots. The incoming robotics and AI revolution is set to transform many industries from bottom to top. But while it’s set to be a major driver of #ob evolution, that doesn’t only mean losses – it could also create new roles with more valuable and complex skillsets, and greater satisfaction.
7:12 – These young Ugandans are becoming urban farmers in impoverished areas: Kamwokya is one of Kampala’s poorest districts, where many residents live on less than $1 a day. In 2024, an NGO set up an urban farm in the middle of the district.
______________________________________
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF
#WorldEconomicForum
State of the European Union 2025: Strengthening Media Freedom and Democracy in Europe
Source: European Commission (video statements)
In her State of the European Union speech (SOTEU 2025), President Ursula von der Leyen stresses the growing threats to democracy: disinformation, weakened media, and divided societies. The EU is planning bold steps: a European Democracy Shield, a Centre for Democratic Resilience, and new support for local, independent journalism. Because a free press is the backbone of democracy.
#soteu2025
Polish airspace violation -Security Council Joint Media Stakeout | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Joint Press Encounter ahead of the Security Council Meeting on "Threats to International Peace and Security", delivered by Marcin Bosacki, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland.
—
Speaking to reporters before the meeting Bosacki said, “For the first time since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine in 2022, Poland’s territorial integrity and, simultaneously, NATO and EU airspace were violated on such an unprecedented and massive scale.”