Links to recent news and analysis on the United Nations and other multilateral institutions tasked with rules-based international cooperation to deliver sustainable development.
UN trembles before a second Trump Presidency
15/11/2024: Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20 next year may be another calamity for the United Nations—particularly if the second term turns out to be a re-run of his first presidency (2017-2021). Those were difficult years to say the least in terms of US-UN relations.
Source: Inter Press Service
WTO confusion over reappointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
14/11/2024: The chair of the World Trade Organization’s General Council is instigating the reappointment of the incumbent Director-General, without formal approval of the members. Some are concerned at the apparent haste to complete the process before the Trump Administration takes office.
Source: Third World Network
Which 2 African States should get a permanent seat in the Security Council?
10/11/2024: An informal reader survey has favoured South Africa and Nigeria for the two mooted permanent seats on the UN Security Council. The enthusiastic response indicates the growing urgency with which reform of the Security Council is viewed, particularly among developing nations. The choice of which two countries should get seats — if it happens — would have to be made by heads of government at an African Union summit.
Source: PassBlue
Somalia elected non-permanent member of the UN Security Council
7/6/2024: Somalia was elected unopposed by the UN General Assembly after the African Union agreed in principle earlier this year. Being a member of the Council is a turnaround for Somalia’s stature on the international stage, having been under UN sanctions until last December. Somalia had last served on the Council in 1971-72 term, during the reign of the Siad Barre regime.
Source: The East African