Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on the situation in the Middle East (Syria).
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
What plans does the government have to review the decision to cut funding to creative and performing arts teaching grants in universities? Nicholas Trench, the Earl of Clancarty, is an artist and Crossbench member of the House Lords who regularly speaks on the arts and creative industries. We hear from him about his recent question to the government on funding cuts to creative and performing arts teaching grants.
đź“ş Watch the full question to hear from other Lords members on the topic, and see how the government responded https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/38849949-2cb4-4d80-9f9b-e2ab65b16236?in=15:12:38
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Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
What happens to the numbers when a country’s debt is forgiven? In this episode of The Economy – How Do You Measure That?, Jim Tebrake talks with David about debt forgiveness, how it changes a country’s finances, and why it matters for understanding a government’s financial position and future borrowing
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
What do a thrifty saver, a big spender, and the world economy have in common? More than you think. Learn how the choices countries make about saving and spending can shape growth, debt, and financial stability worldwide.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
#GovZAUpdates | The SIU has referred the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality land matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action and possible prosecution, which may lead to a criminal investigation to ensure that parties found to have been involved are held accountable.
As part of consequence management, the SIU has also secured legal measures to protect the municipality’s interests.
Read more on 👉🏾 https://zurl.co/w1HC3
#GovZAUpdates #SIU #Accountability #SpecialTribunal
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated, “we must raise our collective voice and reject hatred. And we must redouble our efforts to tackle hate speech, online and offline.”
Guterres spoke at the Global Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech. The Conference was jointly organized by the Kingdom of Morocco, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The Secretary-General highlighted that the effort to counter hate speech must be truly inclusive, grounded in respect and equity; shaped by women, men, and youth; and welcoming of religious, traditional, and community leaders, Indigenous Peoples, and minority groups.
He also emphasized, “reining in hate speech does not mean extinguishing freedom of expression. But freedom of expression must never be an excuse for causing or compounding harm.”
Guterres underscored, “we cannot conquer hate speech on our own. Governments, regional and multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society — including faith communities, academia, and the media — have a shared responsibility to help build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”
“We all have a role to play,” the UN chief said, “no bystanders.”
Guterres continued, “that is why I come to you today with an urgent message: We must work together to foster mutual understanding. To end the tragic cycles of fear, hatred, and violence. And to build the cohesive and stable societies envisioned in our Charter.”
The Secretary-General conclude, “let us rise to this challenge. And let us deliver on our shared promise to current and future generations.”
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Minister Maropene Ramokgopa says that the power of democratic institutions lies not in their perfection but in their ability to hold themselves accountable
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on the situation in the Middle East (Syria).
In his address to the Council, humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher said, “since December 2024, more than 2 million internally displaced Syrians, 1.8 million refugees have gone home voluntarily. This is a historic wave of return – the highest in Syria in two decades – is a profound sign of hope.”
Fletcher said, “through 300 partners, we’ve reached over 2.5 million people monthly this year with humanitarian support, reopening key routes into Al-Hassakeh and flights to Deir ez Zour in August. However, four major obstacles threaten this progress: continued displacement, localized insecurity, regional escalation, and landmines.”
He said, “as winter approaches and the regional situation remains unstable, funding will be vital as a bulwark against losing those advances Syria has fought so hard to achieve. If we fail to invest today, the costs will be higher tomorrow – in renewed displacement, deteriorating services and lost opportunities to consolidate stability and transition towards reconstruction and development in Syria.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press conference by Sarah Hendricks, Director of Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. (17 Sept 26)
