In progress at UNHQ

Amid Gains in Human Well-being, States Must Adapt National Plans, Forge Wide Partnerships for Greater Progress, Social Development Commission Hears

SOC/4846

While the Copenhagen Declaration had helped countries make great strides in improving living conditions, the international community must now align its work with modern reality, speakers told the Commission on Social Development today, with some calling on the 40-member body to revise its work programme and end duplication.

Speakers Call for Harnessing of Palestinian Diaspora Influence in Central America as United Nations Round Table on Question of Palestine Concludes

GA/PAL/1383

MANAGUA, 4 February — The United Nations Round Table on the Question of Palestine concluded in Managua today with diaspora members from around Central America supporting a declaration that called on them to step up cooperation in efforts to end the occupation and wield their collective power to influence Governments in defence of Palestinian rights.

Dynamic Central America Diaspora Vital for Building Bridges with Homeland to Support Self-Determination, Help End Occupation, Round Table Hears

GA/PAL/1382

MANAGUA, 4 February — The Palestinian diaspora was integral to reviving the vision of a State of Palestine living alongside a peaceful and secure neighbour in Israel, speakers said today, as the United Nations Round Table on the Question of Palestine opened in Managua, Nicaragua, amid calls to make 2017 a year of renewed hope for ending 50 years of occupation.

Continuing Session, Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends Consultative Status for 6 Entities, Defers Action on 80

ECOSOC/6812-NGO/845

Continuing its regular session for 2017, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today recommended six organizations for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and deferred action on the status of 80 others.

Speakers Highlight Rights-Protection Obligation of Governments as Commission for Social Development Discusses Inclusion, Link between Disability, Poverty

SOC/4845

Delegates spotlighted the obligation of Governments and international organizations to promote and protect the inalienable rights of the world’s 1 billion persons with disabilities today, as the Commission for Social Development entered the third day of its fifty-fifth annual session.

Secretary-General Appoints Susan McDade of Canada Assistant Administrator, Director, Bureau of Management, United Nations Development Programme

SG/A/1704-BIO/4929-DEV/3263

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Susan McDade of Canada as Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Management Services at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Removes One Entry from Its Sanctions List

SC/12705

On 3 February 2017, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the name below from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

Thousands of Civilians Risk Losing Access to Basic Necessities as Fighting Escalates in Eastern Ukraine, Security Council Told

SC/12704

The recent dangerous uptick in fighting seen in eastern Ukraine had left hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk of losing all access to water, heat and electricity, a particularly worrying development given the current plummeting winter temperatures, the Security Council heard this afternoon.