Africa

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a new crisis response initiative in Afghanistan, known as ABADEI, as part of efforts to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.  Among other things, it provides grants to small businesses, cash-for-work projects and support to marginalized individuals.

Despite increased climate ambition and net-zero commitments, Governments still plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Production Gap Report, released today.

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message to the Insurance Development Forum and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) leadership virtual round table on “Better reflecting risk management and insurance in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, in New York, 19 October:

Through a presidential statement, the Security Council urged signatory states of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as regional organizations and the international community, to coordinate their efforts to undercut the economic lifelines of armed groups that benefit from the illegal exploitation and trade in natural resources, and to prevent the exploitation of women and children in the trade of these resources.

Global foreign direct investment flows in the first half of 2021 reached approximately $852 billion, showing stronger than expected rebound momentum, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said today (UNCTAD).  Developed economies saw the biggest rise at an estimated $424 billion, UNCTAD noted.

Responding to the violent clashes in Beirut today, Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, condemned the use of armed violence outside of State authority and underscored the need for restraint, maintaining calm and stability and ensuring the protection of civilians.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Daniel Endres of Switzerland as Assistant Secretary-General to serve as the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for East Africa.

United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Staffan de Mistura of Italy as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara.

In Afghanistan, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that its first aircraft carrying life‑saving medical supplies arrived yesterday in Kabul through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Airbridge.  It will cover the needs of 100,000 children and women for the next three months.

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message to the fourth High‑level Event on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) “Strengthening Africa’s Pharmaceutical Industry – learning the lessons from COVID-19”, today: