In progress at UNHQ

Central African Republic


On the eve of the second round of the presidential election in Madagascar, the electoral observer missions and the members of the international community issued a statement calling on the two candidates to show restraint and to exhort their supporters to avoid any action that could compromise the electoral process.

Yesterday I was asked about money and percentages.  As of yesterday, the amount received for the regular budget in 2018 represents 97.8 per cent of the amount assessed.  While credit is given publicly to those Member [States] that have paid their budget dues in full, many others pay in tranches of varying sizes.

Noting that 2019 will mark 40 years of conflict in Afghanistan, the United Nations Children’s Fund says 2018 has been especially challenging.  A spike in violence, unprecedented drought and poverty has taken a disproportionate toll on children:  5,000 were killed or maimed in the first three quarters, compared to all of 2017.

The World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report reveals that in 2017, there were about 219 million cases, compared with 217 million in 2016.  About 70 per cent of all cases occurred in 10 African countries and India.  To boost prevention and treatment, WHO and partners launched a new country-led response.

In Paris, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is having three days of events to mark World Philosophy Day, including a Night of Philosophy, a presentation of digitized philosophy archives and a talk about Barbara Cassin, initiator of the International Network of Women Philosophers.