Monthly Archives: November 2009
A photographer’s profile of world leaders at the UN Summit
During the UN General Assembly in September, New Yorker photographer Platon set up a small studio right outside the “green room” where world leaders waited prior to addressing the General Assembly. There, he was able to coax dozens of heads of state into posing for a profile photograph, a collection of which is included in this week’s New Yorker magazine. The New Yorker website has an interactive feature that includes commentary by the photograpger. *Of Qadaffi, Platon
Emissions reductions does not have to cost economic growth in the developing world
Under the Kyoto Protocol developing nations are expected to make submissions called as NAMAs (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions) which outline actions that will tilt their economies away from an emissions intensive growth path. All the outlined actions are to be financed fully by developed nations because a key principle recognizes that the ‘economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of the developing nation parties’.
Conflict Minerals on 60 Minutes
The famed television news magazine 60 Minutes broadcasts a segment on conflict minerals.
Remembering the World Food Program this Thanksgiving
For many readers, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving means leaving work early and travelling to our friends and families homes, all in preperaration for a giant meal tomorrow. This seems like an opportune time to remind people that there are over a billion undernourished people in the world. Here are some statistics on global hunger from the World Food Program.
Does Afghanistan need a “Tajik Solution?”
Foreign Affairs ran a recent essay describing Tajikistan as a model for ending the war in Afghanistan. George Gavrilis recommends the pragmatic strategy that ended the Tajik civil war be duplicated for Afghanistan. On its face, it’s a compelling argument – two neighboring countries, both Muslim, mountainous, plagued by drug trafficking and warlords. Both faced civil war. Tajikistan’s civil war ended twelve years ago, while Afghanistan fights on. Why not use Tajikistan as a model?
Trade issues at Copenhagen
China’s attempt to reduce emissions was faced by unlikely critics. Last week the EU and US filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization against China’s duty on exported metals, aimed at reducing overproduction and carbon emissions.
-
-
The SC; HRC; DPRK; South Sudan
The SC: The Security Council today held its last consultations under the Council Presidency of ROK. Tomorrow, Russia will take over the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for March under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
-
-
The SG; Mali; Middle East; Palestine
The SG: At the Fifth Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, Austria today, the SG emphasized the role of youth in ensuring a “prosperous, equitable and peaceful future.”
-
The SG; DRC; HRC; Palestinian Prisoner
The SG: In Ethiopia over the weekend, the SG is now in the United Arab Emirates. Today he met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, where the two discussed developments in the region, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
-
