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global action > newsfile
Bigger response to global threats essential, says UN
In a new global assessment of the State of the World, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) says that governments, businesses and individuals have not given environmental action the priority required despite better scientific understanding that the future of humankind depends on a healthy environment. ... more
'Disaster diplomacy' could save many lives
Natural disasters strain the social and economic fabric of affected communities, often reinforcing inequalities and even triggering disputes. However, according to a new report, donor governments, disaster relief agencies, and others can capitalise on unusual peacemaking opportunities when disaster strikes in areas of acute conflict. ... more
World Summit ends with mixed feelings
by John Rowley
The UN World Summit, which ended at the weekend with the adoption of a formal document, has disappointed many non-government groups. Christian Aid said �the UN has failed the world�s poorest people by watering down pledges on key development issues�. Friends of the Earth criticised the summit for failing to agree any firm action on climate change. But others took hope from new global commitments. ... more
COMMENTARY
G8 leaders fail to lead
by John Madeley
The eight top world leaders who went to Gleneagles in July for the G8 summit achieved very little by meeting together. ... more
G8: hope for Africa but gloom over climate
by Ewen MacAskill, Patrick Wintour and Larry Elliott
The world's wealthiest countries yesterday signed the biggest aid deal in history for Africa, a package Tony Blair said he hoped would "lift the shadow of terrorism". ... more
Focus on Africa at G8 summit
Africa and climate change will be centre-stage at the annual summit of the world's eight most powerful leaders, when they meet at Gleneagles in Scotland, from July 6-8. This special report is by John Madeley. ... more
Poor progress in efforts to curb child deaths
The World Bank has warned that progress is lagging in a United Nations campaign to reduce child deaths and expand educational opportunities by 2015, and has called on rich countries to come up with additional financial aid. ... more
Women chart environmental agenda
Urgent investigation into the impact of toxic chemicals on women and girls was one of a number of recommendations made today at the close of a landmark UN Environnment Programme (UNEP) conference on Women and the Environment in Nairobi. ... more
New global effort to tackle water and sanitation crisis
A group of high-level experts have been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to ensure that the world stays on track to meet the UN development targets on water and sanitation. ... more
Terrorism, Iraq saps energy from sustainable development
The attention of high level politicians has been diverted from sustainable development by "the recent emphasis given to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and the war in Iraq," United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has warned. ... more
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