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Design of the Master Programme in Business Excellence

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Design of the Master Programme in Business Excellence

Join us in co-creating the future of digital business education in Europe Are you ready to contribute to a new Master School programme that will equip tomorrow’s digital leaders with the business excellence, innovation mindset, and technological expertise needed to transform Europe’s future? Submit your proposal to EIT Digital Design of the Master Programme in […]

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Gaza: UN warns of ‘weaponised hunger’ and growing death toll amid food chaos

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Gaza: UN warns of ‘weaponised hunger’ and growing death toll amid food chaos

Speaking to journalists in Deir al Balah on Saturday, Jonathan Whittall, who heads the UN humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) in Gaza and the West Bank, said: “The attempt to survive is being met with a death sentence.”

Since Israel eased its total blockade last month, more than 400 people are reported to have died trying to reach food distribution points.

We see a chilling pattern of Israeli forces opening fire on crowds gathering to get food,” Mr. Whittall said, noting many of these sites are in militarised zones. Others have been killed along access routes or while protecting aid convoys.

“It shouldn’t be this way,” he said. “There shouldn’t be a death toll associated with accessing the essentials for life.”

Empty warehouses, overwhelmed hospitals

Conditions across Gaza continue to deteriorate. Water wells have run dry or are located in dangerous areas, sanitation systems have collapsed, and disease is spreading rapidly.

“Our warehouses stand empty,” Mr. Whittall said. “Displaced families flee with nothing – and we have nothing to give them.”

Partially functioning hospitals are overwhelmed by near-daily mass casualty events. Some have been directly hit, while others are choked by fuel shortages and forced evacuation orders.

UNICEF reports more than 110 children are being treated for malnutrition every day. Mr. Whittall said humanitarian agencies are capable of reaching every family in the shattered enclave but are being systematically blocked. “We have a plan…but we are prevented from doing so at every turn.”

Death sentence

He described the situation as “weaponised hunger”, “forced displacement”, and “a death sentence for people just trying to survive”.

“This is carnage,” Mr. Whittall said. “It appears to be the erasure of Palestinian life from Gaza.”

He urged the international community to act: “We need a lasting ceasefire, accountability, and real pressure to stop this. This is the bare minimum.”

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Stability and growth pact: Council decides on way ahead for Belgium and Romania under the excessive deficit procedure

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Stability and growth pact: Council decides on way ahead for Belgium and Romania under the excessive deficit procedure

The Council today approved a decision regarding Romania and a recommendation to Belgium under the excessive deficit procedure.

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EIT Community Hub Launched in Bulgaria

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EIT Community Hub Launched in Bulgaria

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Community is expanding its reach in Bulgaria with the launch of a new national hub to support local innovation and connect stakeholders to Europe’s wider innovation ecosystem.  The EIT Community Hub Bulgaria was officially launched today during the Green Transition Forum 2025, held at the Sofia Event […]

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Interview: Visitors to Expo 2025 appreciate the “positive vision” of the UN

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Visitors can explore the 80th anniversary of the UN history to advance peace, human rights, sustainable development and climate action and see how the work of the United Nations system has an impact on the lives of all people around the world.

Naomi Ichikawa (on the left) welcomes the 10,000th visitor to the United Nations Pavilion in April, just five days after the opening of the 2025 Expo.

What are the different sections of the pavilion and what they are trying to achieve?

We have four exhibition zones. The first zone represents 80 years of the history of the UN, highlighting the key stages from 1945 to today. It also shows the evolution of the relationship between Japan and the UN.

In the 1940s, after the devastation of the Second World War, Japan was a recipient of the United Nations assistance. But after Japan joined the UN (in 1956), he gradually started taking leadership in different fields, for example in climate change issues, reduction in disaster risks and the supply of universal health coverage.

Zone two shows the work of various United Nations entities. Visitors will note that there are many everyday objects on the wall; A toilet, a helmet, a car seat, a postal box, but they may not realize that these articles are in fact closely linked to the UN work.

Visitors to the United Nations Pavilion explore the “Orb” room.

By pressing the monitor, the elements light up and an explanation is given on its relationship with the work of the UN.

One of the objectives of this area is to demonstrate that the UN does not only concern conflict resolution. In Japan, when the UN is mentioned, many people think of Security advice And ask why Japan is not a permanent member.

We wanted to show in an interesting interactive way that UN work is much more than that.

In zone three, which represents the future, we show through an immersive film, a vision of the sustainable future that we can achieve if we work together. In the film, the UN Secretary General says that this future is not automatic, but it is the one we can achieve together.

The last part of the pavilion is the special exhibition zone which presents the work of different United Nations entities each week.

Why is it important that the UN is here at Expo?

I would say that 90% of Japanese people know the Sustainable development objectives (ODD), but many do not know what they can do in their lives to contribute to the SDGs, or understand the positive role played by the UN by making SDGs a reality in a global context. We therefore considered that it was important to explain this work.

There are around 160 different countries participating in the exhibition and they are there to present their own cultures.

But it is the UN that can encourage countries to work together to reach peace and a sustainable world. Thus, collaboration and multilateralism are key themes of the pavilion.

Why is this message important?

The world is divided right now and you can feel anxiety about it, even in Japan. This anxiety is not only focused on political issues, but also on environmental and other challenges that go beyond the country’s level. At the United Nations pavilion, they can learn more about these challenges but also about solutions.

I am so proud to be part of a team that explains how the UN helps solve these global problems. It is rewarding to interact with visitors and support their UN understanding.

Many are surprised by the range of work in which the organization is initiated, and everyone is inspired by our messages.

What is the most surprising reaction you had from a visitor?

There has been a great interest and a great commitment to the immersive video which envisages a future full of hope that all humanity can appreciate if we work together. It has a very simple message on collaboration which can be easily understood by people of all ages and from all horizons.

Many people have been deeply affected by his message and I have seen moved tears.

A boy participates in an event in the United Nations pavilion to promote the SDGs.

I believe that visitors feel closer to the UN after having lived the video and the rest of the pavilion. I come from Japan and I think a lot of people are surprised to meet a Japanese national working for the UN. It also helps to bring them closer to the UN work.

What is the importance and relevance of an exhibition in today’s world?

There is really no other place like this one, where you can meet people from Uzbekistan, then people next to Malta. I think it is such a rare opportunity, in particular at this time of the Internet, to be able to discover the culture and values ​​of so many different nations.

Initially, the Japanese were somewhat skeptical and critical of the cost of setting up, because they said they could find all the information on the Internet.

However, when they visit, they realize that they can really see, feel and discover different cultures in person. It’s very different to read something on the internet or watch YouTube.

This place is so special and people come here with an open and interesting mind.

I think the time of this exhibition is important because there is so much uncertainty and conflict in the world. At the UN, we are here to promote a better world for all people built on equality, dignity and peace, living in harmony with nature and supporting our planet. We hope to share this positive vision with as many visitors as possible to the end of the exhibition in mid-October.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Gaza: A warns of “armed hunger” and the number of growing deaths in the middle of food chaos

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Addressing journalists from Deir Al Balah on Saturday, Jonathan Whittall, who heads the United Nations Humanitarian Coordination Office (Ochha) in Gaza and in the West Bank, said: “The attempt to survive is sentenced to a death sentence. “”

Since Israel has relaxed its total blockade last month, more than 400 people have died by trying to reach food distribution points.

“” We see a frightening scheme of Israeli forces opening fire on the crowds that come together to get food“Said Mr. Whittall, noting that many of these sites are in militarized areas. Others have been killed along the access routes or while protecting convoys of help.

“It shouldn’t be so,” he said. “There should be no death report associated with access to the essentials with life.”

Empty warehouses, exceeded hospitals

Conditions through Gaza continue to deteriorate. The water wells have been dry or is located in dangerous areas, the sanitation systems collapsed and the disease spreads quickly.

“Our warehouses are empty,” said Whittall. “” Displaced families flee with nothing – and we have nothing to give them. “”

Partially functional hospitals are overwhelmed by almost daily mass events. Some have been directly struck, while others are stifled by fuel shortages and forced evacuation orders.

Unicef reports that more than 110 children are treated every day for malnutrition. Whittall said that humanitarian agencies are able to reach each family in the broken enclave but are systematically blocked. “We have a plan … but we are prevented from doing so every turn. »»

Death conviction

He described the situation as “armed hunger”, a “forced displacement” and “a death sentence for people who try to survive”.

“It’s carnage,” said Whittall. “It seems that it is the erasure of the Palestinian life of Gaza.”

He urged the international community to act: “We need a sustainable ceasefire, responsibility and real pressure to stop this. This is the bare minimum. “

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

The United States strikes Iranian nuclear marks of perilous turn: diplomacy must prevail, explains Guterres

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After ten days of air strikes initiated by Israel aimed at paralyzing the Iranian nuclear program which led to fatal daily exchanges of missile shots between Tehran and Tel Aviv, the UN chief said that diplomacy should now prevail.

“” We are now likely to go down into a reprisals after reprisals“He said, responding to the American intervention overnight to support the military campaign of Israel, which targeted three installations involved in the enrichment of uranium.

Back to essential serious negotiations

“” We must act – immediately and decisively – to stop fighting and return to serious and supported negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program“Added Mr. Guterres.

He told ambassadors that citizens in the wider region of the Middle East could not have another cycle of destruction yet. Demanding a ceasefire, he also put Iran to note that he must “respect” the treaty of non-proliferation on the development of nuclear weapons as the cornerstone of peace and security in the world.

Iran has always denied the allegation of Israel and others that its ambitions should become a nuclear armed state, compared to atomic energy for purely peaceful purposes.

Israel, the United States and Iran face a brutal choice. “A path leads to a broader war,” continued the UN chief, “deeper human suffering and serious damage to international order. The other leads to de -escalation, diplomacy and dialogue. ”

Grosi warns against major risks after the strikes

The head of the UN guard dog with atomic energy, the Aiea,, Inflected ambassadors The recent military strikes of Israel and now the United States on nuclear sites in Iran have seriously compromised security and could present serious risks if the situation is getting worse.

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said that the attacks had caused “a Strong degradation of nuclear safety and safety“, Even if there had been no radiation leaks which could potentially have an impact on the public so far.

The head of the IAEA warned the ambassadors that if the short window of opportunity to return to the dialogue closes, the destruction could be “unthinkable” while The global nuclear non-proliferation regime “as we know, it could collapse and fall”.

Grossi confirmed that the main establishment of enrichment of Iran in Natanz had undergone major damage, in particular key electricity infrastructure and underground rooms containing uranium materials.

He said that the main concern inside the site was now chemical contamination, which can be dangerous if it is inhaled or ingested.

Massive radiation leak always possible

He also listed damage to other nuclear sites across the country, including Esfahan, Arak and Tehran, adding that if the radiation levels remained normal, the attacks had made the alarm on the Iran operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr.

Mr. Grossi warned that any strike on Bushehr could trigger a release of massive radiation in the region. “The risk is real,” he said. “Military climbing threatens lives and delays diplomacy which is necessary to resolve this crisis.”

He urged all parties to be restrained and said that the AIEA was ready to return experts to help monitor and protect damaged nuclear sites.

High person in political affairs: “no military solution”

Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča told ambassadors that the world was facing a “dangerous moment” after the American bombing mission, while Iran considers potential reprisals.

He warned the Council that the region risks being “engulfed in new instability and volatility”, with “no military solution to this conflict”.

Mr. Jenča confirmed important damage to Iranian sites, citing open -source satellite imagery and Iranian relationships that the tunnels and buildings of the Fordwow nuclear installation had been affected. He urged Tehran to Give IAEA inspectors to access “as soon as the security conditions allow”.

Death assembly

Hostilities between Iran and Israel are now in their tenth day, and Jenča said that humanitarian toll was riding. “” Most [of the 430 killed in Iran] have been civilians, “he noted, while also citing Israeli reports out of 25 dead and more than 1,300 injured.

He also reported growing threats from non -state armed groups, including Houthis in Yemen, warning that their reprisals could widen the conflict. The Iranian parliament, on the other hand, expressed its support for the closure of the crucial commercial road through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.

“” The world will not be spared ramifications of this dangerous conflict “,” Mr. Jenča said, urging countries to act in accordance with international law and Charter of the United Nations.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Live security council: “diplomacy must prevail” on Iran after the American military intervention, urges Guterres

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The UN Secretary General told the Security Council on Sunday that the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by the United States marks a “perilous turning point”, warning that the region cannot bear another “destruction cycle”. António Guterres said it was to be an immediate cease-fire and returned to “serious and supported negotiations”. We will have live updates from our Meetings coverage The team below and applications can follow here.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

EIT Community Hub Launched in Bulgaria

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The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Community is expanding its reach in Bulgaria with the launch of a new national hub to support local innovation and connect stakeholders to Europe’s wider innovation ecosystem. 

The EIT Community Hub Bulgaria was officially launched today during the Green Transition Forum 2025, held at the Sofia Event Centre. This milestone marks an important step in strengthening Bulgaria’s position in the European innovation landscape. 

The launch event welcomed a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission, international experts from the EIT network, Bulgarian universities, research organisations, entrepreneurs and innovative companies. Martin Kern, EIT Director, gave a welcoming speech online at the event. 

This Hub, led by our colleagues Ms. Irina Ilieva and Ms. Mariyana Hamanova, is a one-stop-shop for anyone in Bulgaria looking to engage with the EIT…The hub isn’t just a helpdesk – it’s a dedicated local gateway to the EIT’s full pan-European offer…Let us work together to ensure that Bulgaria doesn’t just participate in Europe’s innovation future – but helps lead it

Stefan Dobrev, Chair of EIT Governing Board

What is the EIT Community Hub Bulgaria? 

The EIT Community Hub Bulgaria was established to support the development of the national innovation ecosystem and to connect Bulgarian organisations with the institute’s Europe-wide network. 

Located in Sofia, within the offices of Cleantech Bulgaria and JA Bulgaria, the hub offers a collaborative space for knowledge exchange, innovation support and development opportunities. It provides direct access to funding, mentorship, training and innovation programmes. 

Meet the Team Behind the Hub 

The hub is managed by two respected organisations with extensive experience in sustainable technology, education and entrepreneurship:

  • Ina Stoyanova, Project Coordinator, Cleantech Bulgaria 
  • Irina Ilieva, Programme Director, JA Bulgaria

Their combined leadership ensures the hub is well placed to deliver a meaningful impact on Bulgaria’s innovation landscape. 

Building on Proven Success 

Over the past years, Bulgaria’s role in the EIT Community has grown substantially. Since 2021, the EIT has supported: 22 Bulgarian organisations with more than €2.5 million in funding; the creation or growth of 188 ventures; the launch of 23 new innovations; and the training of over 8,300 learners through EIT programmes. Now, with the launch of the EIT Community Hub Bulgaria, the Institute is taking its commitment one step further. 

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Guterres condemns a deadly attack on peaceburns in the Republic of Central Africa

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The ambush took place on Friday along the Dafock Birao-Am axis in the Vakaga volatile prefecture, in the northeast of the car, near the border with Sudan affected by the conflict.

According to the stabilization mission, MinuscaThe patrol was targeted by “unidentified armed elements” in the locality of Am-Sissia.

The attack can be a war crime

In a statement published by his spokesperson on Sunday, Secretary General António Guterres extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the government and the people of Zambia, and wished a rapid recovery to the injured soldier.

He pointed out that attacks on the United Nations Peace Soldiers could constitute war crimes under international law and urged the Central African authorities “to Save no effort to identify the authors of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice».

This marks the third fatal attack on the peacekeeping patrols of MINUSCA since the beginning of 2025.

In March, a Kenyan peacekeeper was killed in the prefecture of Haut-Mbomou, and a month earlier, a Tunisian “blue helmet” lost his life in the North. Earlier this week, two Nepalese peacekeepers were injured in an assault in the South West.

Valentin Rugwabizahead of the United Nations mission, Decree on “Multiplication of attacks on peace soldiers” and echoed the appeal to justiceUndering the authorities to act decisively against those responsible.

Since its deployment in 2014, MINUSCA has undergone significant losses, with approximately 150 peacebuilders paying the ultimate price.

The strength of 17,000 people was established to help stabilize the car, a country embraced by decades of political instability, armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.

According to a February report from the United Nations Agency for Refugees (Hcr), the worsening of insecurity in certain parts of the country has forced Minusca to intensify patrols in several regions, including areas near the border with Sudan where violence and displacement have increased in the middle of the brutal civil war between rival soldiers.

The secretary general reaffirmed UN solidarity with the people and the government of the car, stressing the continuous commitment of the World Organization towards Peace and Stability in the region.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com