A major South Korean newspaper ran an article today about North Korean arms exports, based on information they received from a North Korean defector. It’s a fascinating view of one of the scariest parts of a frightening economy. North Korea sells everything from small arms to warheads, and it has a whole set of structures set up to support the trade. One highlight “North Korea's main weapons production base is Kanggye General Tractor Plant No. 26”
The top UN official in Haiti traveled to UN headquarters for the first time in eight weeks and briefed the press on Haiti recovery efforts. Here are some (paraphrased) highlights from the briefing. You can watch for yourself via UN webcast
Actors, Musicians, ambassadors and under-secretaries of state mingled together in the plush Ben Franklin room at State Department Headquarters last night in a reception to honor a Hollywood Star-Washington, D.C. wonk collaboration known as Summit on the Summit. The idea, conceived by Ethiopian-born musician Kenna, brought Hollywood stars, PhD's and DC-based advocates on a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness about global water issues.
Happy International Women's Day! Here on UN Dispatch we are celebrating by asking our friends and readers to compile a list of their favorite books, articles, and blogs that touch on the themes of women’s rights and human rights. What do you think should be required reading for International Women's Day?
UN Foundation President Senator Timothy Wirth pens an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle: