Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
While it is true that death and taxes are unavoidable, good tax policies can help delay the inevitable. So-called sin taxes on alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and other harmful products can raise revenues and reduce public healthcare spending. In this podcast, economist Christoph Rosenberg says sin taxes are relatively easy to collect and, done right, can nudge people towards healthier lifestyles.
Comments to the media by Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, on the question concerning the country.
A UNICEF relief mission reached the town of Tebnine in south Lebanon on Thursday, only to find massive destruction and staggering needs.
As a fragile ceasefire with Israel beginning 16 April still holds, an unknown number of people are streaming back to their homes in the south facing major challenges over access to water, electricity, health and education.
Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)
EU leaders meet in Cyprus on 23–24 April for an informal summit hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides and chaired by European Council President António Costa.
On the agenda: Europe’s response to a changing geopolitical landscape, the next long-term EU budget for 2028–2034, and the latest developments on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, with an address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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The European Council is the highest political body of the European Union, bringing together the heads of state or government of all EU member states, its President and the President of the European Commission. It sets the EU’s political agenda, addressing major challenges and defining strategic priorities, such as those outlined in the Strategic Agenda 2024–2029, which focuses on a free and democratic Europe, a strong and secure Europe, and a prosperous and competitive Europe. The European Council also plays a crucial role in crisis management, from responding to Russia’s war in Ukraine to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Decisions are typically made by consensus, and its meetings, often called ‘European summits’, are held at least four times a year in Brussels, Belgium.
The Council of the European Union (often referred to simply as the Council) is where the daily legislative and policy work of the EU is done. The Council comprises ministers of each EU member state and negotiates and adopts laws, usually in partnership with the European Parliament, across 10 policy areas, from foreign affairs to energy. Unlike the European Council, the Council operates under a rotating six-month presidency, held by each member state in turn. Meetings are held regularly in Brussels and Luxembourg, ensuring that every EU country, regardless of size, has an equal voice in shaping European policies.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Haiti
Trust Fund in Support of GSF
Lebanon
Lebanon/Humanitarian
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Yemen
Central African Republic/Peacekeeping
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mexico
Unctad
International Days
Financial Contribution
Briefing Tomorrow
HAITI
This morning, at the Security Council, Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, briefed on the situation in Haiti. He said that Haiti stands at a pivotal moment, he said, where political and institutional progress is laying the foundations for a credible path forward.
Haitian stakeholders are clear, Mr. Ruiz-Massieu said, that elections remain the only legitimate path back to constitutional order and our political mission continues to support national efforts and to coordinate international assistance to help deliver credible and inclusive elections in the country.
But, without tangible improvements on the security front, progress will be difficult to sustain. As national security forces continue to be strengthened, the full and timely deployment of the Gang Suppression Force is essential to reinforce these efforts.
Mr. Ruiz-Massieu told Council members that with sustained national commitment and coordinated international support, it is possible to turn this critical phase into a genuine turning point for the country. He renewed our commitment to work alongside the Haitian authorities to help turn this window of opportunity into tangible progress towards restoring security and re-establishing democratic institutions.
TRUST FUND IN SUPPORT OF GSF
The State of Qatar has confirmed a pledge of $30 million to the UN Trust Fund in support of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with $10 million to be paid annually over 3 years.
We thank the State of Qatar for their support to the Gang Suppression Force and Haiti.
The Trust Fund has now received a total of $203.3 million, with $174.1 million received in cash.
LEBANON
The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the death of a second French peacekeeper in the attack that happened on 18 April when peacekeepers came under fire from non-state actors, presumed to be Hizbullah. Corporal Anicet Girardin, succumbed to his wounds in Paris yesterday.
Further on the situation in Lebanon, we condemn the killing of Lebanese journalist, Amal Khalil, in a reported Israeli airstrike in Tiri, in Southern Lebanon yesterday. We extend our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Amal, and we express our hopes for a full and swift recovery of the second journalist injured in the same incident.
Following the strike, UNIFIL contributed to deconfliction efforts with the Israel Defense Forces to facilitate access for the Lebanese Red Cross to provide assistance to the affected journalists.
The Secretary-General recalls that civilians, including journalists, must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for a prompt and impartial investigation into this killing. Targeting civilians and obstructing aid are violations of international humanitarian law. He reiterates that journalists must be able to perform their essential duties without interference, intimidation or harm.
And as an update on the resupply issue I raised over the past few days, following further deconfliction efforts with the IDF, UNIFIL was able to resupply several isolated positions.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-04-23
The UN Security Council addressed Thursday the deepening crisis in Haiti, centered on the Secretary-General’s latest report which highlights a security landscape of both intensified enforcement and rising civilian risk. The UN Special Representative told ambassadors elections are the ‘only legitimate path’ back to political stability, while his counterpart with the GSF said its success depends on ‘effective coordination’.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers keynote address during the official opening ceremony of the Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong, Kingdom of Lesotho.
The inauguration of the bridge represents a landmark achievement under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and stands as a testament to the enduring partnership and close cooperation between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa.
The project signifies bilateral cooperation, contributing significantly to regional water security and economic development.
