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
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
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.”
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
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.
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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
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.
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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.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press Conference by Ms. Olga Cherevko, OCHA Spokesperson in Gaza. She briefs reporters from Deir al Balah on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on Threats to International Peace and Security.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The future is young. Half the world is under 30 and this generation is emerging as a powerful force for peace in a world marred by conflict and injustice.
Across the globe, young people are organizing protests, sparking global movements, and forging bonds of solidarity. In communities ravaged by violence, they serve as peacemakers, peacekeepers, and peacebuilders, laying the groundwork for a resilient tomorrow.
These are some of their many voices – calling for change, hope and a world that is fit for their generation. They have the greatest stake in our common future, yet they are too often excluded from the spaces where solutions are shaped.
It’s time to hear their voices and act now.
Learn more about the UN campaign guided on the powerful agency of young peacemakers – https://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/hear-us
