The world asks the US to end embargo on Cuba, yet again

Source: Andreas Sandre von Warburg | Scoop New Zealand

The General Assembly of the United Nations has voted overwhelmingly in favour of ending the 45-year-old trade embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba. The resolution marks the sixteenth year in a row that the 192-Member body has urged the lifting of the stiff sanctions imposed on the Caribbean island in 1962.

Internet founding father steps down from ICANN

Source: Associated Press | by Anick Jesdanun

In the 1970s, Vint Cerf played a leading role in developing the Internet’s technical foundation. For the past seven years, he’s faced the more daunting task of leading a key agency that oversees his creation.

After fending off an international rebellion and planting the seeds for streamlining operations, Cerf is stepping down this week as chairman of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers.

Newsweek’s interview to Ban Ki-moon

Source: Newsweek | by Richard M. Smith

Since taking over “the world’s most impossible job” at the beginning of the year, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has remained determinedly upbeat, despite the usual sniping from all sides. The low-key former South Korean foreign minister is still figuring out where he can make his mark, but he is beginning to look more focused in his efforts to tackle some of the world’s most complex problems. In his office on the United Nations’ 38th floor last week, he talked with Newsweek Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Richard M. Smith.

UNEP: Time running out to save Earth, humanity

Source: The New York Times | by James Kanter

The human population is living far beyond its means and inflicting damage to the environment that could pass points of no return, according to a major report issued Thursday by the United Nations.

Climate change, the rate of extinction of species, and the challenge of feeding a growing population are putting humanity at risk, the United Nations Environment Program said in its fourth Global Environmental Outlook since 1997.

The EU, the new center of power

by Andreas Sandre von Warburg

As public opinion makes its way to become a more active player in the international community, the world seems to be drawn to new “herbivorous” centers of powers. The European Union tops the list of world citizens, more and more hostile to military power.

Secretary-General message for United Nations Day

Source: United Nations

The world is changing in the United Nations favour — as more people and Governments understand that multilateralism is the only path in our interdependent and globalizing world. Global problems demand global solutions — and going it alone is not a viable option. Whether we are speaking of peace and security, development or human rights, demands on our Organization are growing every day.

Kofi Annan Joins the Board of the United Nations Foundation

Source: UN Foundation

The United Nations Foundation announced today that Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and winner of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize, has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The UN and the US Presidential elections

By Andreas von Warburg

Candidates for the White House are rekindling an age-old debate over the scopes and successes of the United Nations and its leadership, some dismisses the Organization as an “extraordinary failure,” others defends it.