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The first Li of China calls for solidarity, peace and economic prosperity shared in the UN address

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“Solidarity raises everyone, while the division drags everything,” said Mr. Li to the General Assembly, warning that unilateralism and protectionism were undergoing international order built over the decades.

Humanity, he said, “has arrived at a crossroads again. »»

Prime Minister Li recalled the defeat of fascism and the United Nations Foundation eight decades, affirming that the lessons of history demanded a renewal of commitment to peace, equity and justice.

“When he could dictate the law, the division and the regression of global risks,” he said, urging that all the countries, “large or small, are treated as equals. »»

China, said Mr. Li, is committed to being a “faithful defender of world peace and security”.

He underlined Beijing’s contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping – the second largest budgetary contributor and the greatest contributor to troops among Security advice Permanent members-and its role in promoting political solutions to conflicts, notably Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestine crisis.

On the world economy, the Chinese chief said that slow growth was aggravated by “pricing increases and erection of walls and barriers”. He highlighted the expansion and the constant role of his country as a engine of global development, contributing to around 30% of economic growth in recent years, and noted that the country had lowered the prices – while remaining the second largest importer in the world for 16 consecutive years.

Reject “civilizational superiority”

China would continue to continue “cooperation on high quality belts and roads” with more than 150 countries, he said, while opening its broader economy in the world.

Mr. Li also urged further exchanges between societies and warned against “civilizational superiority or circles based on ideology”, which, according to him, said confrontation.

With regard to global challenges, Mr. Li called for a stronger collective action on climate change and emerging technologies.

He said that China had built the largest renewable energy system in the world and advanced a low carbon content development. It has also urged rapid progress on international rules for artificial intelligence, reiterating the Beijing call for a “global IA cooperation organization”.

As part of his United Nations commitment, Prime Minister Li announced that China would present lunar soil samples picked up by its last robotic explorer on the other side of the moon – the very first collected – in the United Nations.

He also declared that China would associate with the UN to establish a global development center in South-South China-Un, with $ 10 million in initial funding, and a global sustainable development center in Shanghai in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (Predict).

“We have to join the principles of people centered on people, technology for the benefits of good and fair,” said Mr. Li.

By concluding his speech, Mr. Li reaffirmed China’s support for reforms to make the UN “more efficient and representative”.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Live security advice: resolution to avoid the “snapback” of the UN sanctions against Iran fails

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The UN Security advice voted for an effort by China and Russia to extend the sanctions to Iran for six months under nuclear agreement – officially known as the Complete Complete Action Plan. The so-called “snapback” mechanism remains in force which will see sanctions reimposed in Tehran this weekend, after the end of the JCPOA. Follow our cover live below; UN applications users can go here.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

World News in Brief: New declaration on NCDs and mental health, Khartoum shelter crisis, WFP lifeline in Ukraine, South Sudan rights update

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World News in Brief: New declaration on NCDs and mental health, Khartoum shelter crisis, WFP lifeline in Ukraine, South Sudan rights update

The text, negotiated over five months, will go before the General Assembly for approval in just a few weeks’ time.

It was adopted at a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters late on Thursday, where heads of State, government leaders and health ministers stressed the urgency of coordinated action.

NCDs such as heart and lung disease, cancer and diabetes are the world’s biggest killers.

Over 40 million premature deaths annually

They claimed 43 million lives in 2021, including 18 million people under 70. Mental health conditions affect more than a billion people worldwide.

The declaration sets specific targets for 2030: 150 million fewer tobacco users, 150 million more people with hypertension under control, and 150 million with access to mental health care.

It also broadens focus to include oral health, childhood cancer, kidney and liver disease, and rare conditions, while tackling environmental risks such as air pollution, unsafe cooking fuels and hazardous chemicals.

Strengthened measures address e-cigarettes, junk food marketing to children and the elimination of trans fats. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic are also built in, along with recognition of digital harms linked to social media, excessive screen time and misinformation.

People living with NCDs and mental health conditions must be at the heart of our response, said the World Health Organization (WHO).

Sudan: Khartoum returnees face a shelter crisis, warns IOM

The ongoing war between rival militaries in Sudan has left vast areas devastated and people returning to their homes without adequate shelter and only limited access to water and food.

Plea for more support

In an appeal for international support, the UN migration agency, IOM, said that two in every three people going back to the capital now live in shelters in need of urgent repair.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), meanwhile, reported that the war has uprooted more than five million children. Many youngsters face acute hunger and disease outbreaks, while millions still live in conflict-affected areas.

To help, the UN agency is providing life-saving support for health, nutrition, education and protection.

UN humanitarians in Darfur said that civilians in El Fasher, the besieged state capital, continue to endure relentless attacks, acute hunger and cholera.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric added on Friday that civilians face daily threats from shelling, air strikes and drone attacks, with fierce clashes reported in north-eastern districts of North Darfur in recent weeks.

Clashes have displaced millions and left half the population of Sudan acutely food insecure – nearly 25 million people. Famine has also been officially declared in North Darfur and South Kordofan.

Ukraine: WFP food boxes provide lifeline for frontline communities

Despite the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine, UN aid teams and their partners are still managing to support frontline communities, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.

The UN agency reported delivering more than a quarter of a million food boxes across eight frontline regions in Ukraine last month.

The boxes “continue to be a lifeline for people” on the frontline, WFP said.

It thanked the EU and Norway for supporting the aid operation which distributes basic foodstuffs in places where markets are closed or food prices are very high.

Partnership for the homeless

In a related development, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, announced a $5 million partnership with Saudi Arabia to support vulnerable Ukrainians forced to leave their homes because of the war.

The agreement was signed on the margins of the High-Level Week of the General Assembly in New York and follows the kingdom’s $10 million donation for Ukraine in 2024.

The UN refugee agency said Saudi Arabia’s support would ensure that families are protected against harsh winter weather conditions in Ukraine as temperatures drop.

UN raises alarm over South Sudan’s worsening human rights crisis

On Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk voiced deep concern over the rapidly worsening human rights situation in South Sudan, citing that nearly 2,000 civilians have been killed this year amid rising political tensions and violence.

According to his office, OHCHR, at least 1,854 have been killed, 1,693 injured, 423 abducted, and 169 subjected to sexual violence in civil conflict from January to September.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reports that the first quarter of the year saw the highest civilian casualties in a three-month period since 2020, with the second quarter showing a sharp rise in victims from 144 to 438 compared to last year, driven by conventional conflict parties and other armed groups.

Communal violence has also surged, with a 33 per cent rise in incidents, particularly due to intra-communal clashes among Dinka sub-clans in Warrap State and retaliatory attacks involving Murle, Dinka Bor, and Lou Nuer armed groups.

“Men, women and children have been killed, injured and displaced, and homes, schools, health centres and other infrastructure destroyed, with devastating consequences on civilians. This is unconscionable and must stop,” said Mr. Türk.

UN urges fair trial

Court proceedings got underway on Monday in the capital Juba, in the trial of First Vice President Riek Machar and other senior members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition.

They face charges of murder, treason, crimes against humanity, and other related offences related to a deadly attack earlier this year on a national army base, in which over 250 soldiers were allegedly killed by forces loyal to Mr. Machar.

“It is imperative that the ongoing judicial proceedings against First Vice President Riek Machar and his co-accused fully comply with international human rights standards,” said the UN rights chief.

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The Pakistani Prime Minister warns against regional tensions, calls for ceasefire in Gaza

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“Our world is more complex today than ever,” said Sharif, citing the intensification of conflicts, violations of international law and a climate crisis which “threatens our very survival”.

Multilateralism, he argued, was “no longer an option-this is the need for the time”.

Prime Minister Sharif said his country faced an “uninsured assault” by India earlier this year.

The armed forces of Pakistan had rejected the attack with “astonishing professionalism, a bravery and a meaning”, slaughtering several Indian planes, he added. He congratulated US President Donald Trump to get a ceasefire.

Dialogue with India

At the same time, Mr. Sharif also offered a dialogue.

“Pakistan is ready for a composite, complete and focused dialogue with India on all outstanding questions,” he said, warning that disputes over cashmere and water resources have remained volatile.

The alleged suspension of India in the Indus water Treaty, he added, “represents an act of war”.

Mr. Sharif promised a support for the Kashmiris, saying that Pakistan “would arguely” defend “their rights and repeat calls to an unleanished plebiscite.

“One day soon, Inshallah [God willing]The tyranny of India in cashmere will stop. They will gain its fundamental right to self-determination by an impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations, “he said.

Call to ceasefire in Gaza

In the Middle East, the Pakistani chief condemned what he called “the genocidal assault” of Israel in Gaza, describing the fate of Palestinian children as “one of the most heartbreaking tragedies of our time”.

He called for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state inside the before 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital.

“Palestine can no longer remain under Israeli obstacles. He must be released, “he said.

The Pakistani leader has also addressed wider global problems, in particular the continuous invasion of Ukraine by Russia, where he expressed his support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

On terrorism, he recalled the sacrifices of Pakistan, saying that the country had lost 90,000 lives and 150 billion dollars to extremist violence for two decades.

Sharif also described climate change as an existential challenge, highlighting recent catastrophic floods that have moved millions and caused tens of billions of losses. Although he is responsible for “less than one percent of global programs”.

Pakistan wore a disproportionate burden, he said, calling it “not equity, not equality, not justice”.

By completing his speech, Mr. Sharif promised that Pakistan would continue to defend “peace, justice and development” thanks to multilateral cooperation.

“That this 80th anniversary does not just commemorate history,” he said. “Let’s make history and trace a future for the next eight years, with these United Nations as a sustainable hope to seek the global good.”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

The intensification of the threat is looming as large as the UN highlights the growing nuclear arsenals in the world

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September 26 Brand International Day which highlights the current scourge of the nuclear arms race – an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to nuclear disarmament.

Disarmament commitments, however, have not yet been honored.

“” Nuclear weapons continue to threaten our worldSaid the UN Cabinet chief COURTENAY CATRAYDeliver a statement on behalf of the UN chief António Guterres: “And despite decades of promises, the threat accelerates and evolves.”

Recalling the devastation room caused by the atomic bombing of Japan in 1945 by the United States, it invoked the Hibakusha, The survivors of the disasters of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago, who “have” transformed their suffering into a call to peace. “”

(Read our background on today’s conference)

“Somnambuole” in proliferation

However, he warned that we “sleepy” in a more complex, unpredictable and even more dangerous nuclear arms race.

“New technologies and new areas of conflict have erased the margin of error,” said Mr. Catéray, referring to cyberspace and space, and technologies such as hypersonic missiles and drones on the high seas which multiply the risks of climbing and bad calculation.

“” It is not only a weapon crisis. It is a crisis in memory, responsibility and courage. “”

New independent panel

To counter emerging threats, Mr. Detray announced the formation of an independent scientific panel by the UN to assess the effects of nuclear war and ensure that the “collective response to nuclear risk is based on rigorous scientific evidence.

Pointing to the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), a legally binding international agreement which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, he declared that there were no “good” conditions of disarmament and that this “will never happen if we expect”.

“” Disarmament is not the award of peace – it is the foundation of peace, ” He stressed.

Countries “must honor their commitments”

Mr. Cetray said that nuclear states should resume dialogue, implement measures to strengthen confidence and ensure that nuclear war remains in human hands – and not systems focused on artificial intelligence.

Addressing the plenary, he added that “states parties must also honor their commitments under the TNP”.

In addition, he called on all states to ratify the Complete nuclear test treatywhich prohibits nuclear tests, and urged the United States and Russia to negotiate and reduce their nuclear arsenals.

“These steps alone will not build a world without nuclear weapons. But without them, we abandon our future to fear – and write the promise of peace. ”

Potential of nuclear technology to “serve humanity”

President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned against the “complex” dangers posed by nuclear weapons, including the risk that they fall into the hands of terrorists or the rise of AI on the battlefield.

She pointed out that the treaties were not enough – unless the states are up to par – and have urged a “no first use” policy, as well as to pass arms race resources to climate action.

Ms. Baerbock encouraged the international community to think about how technology Can “serve humanity constructively and safely”, as in the treatment of cancer and environmental surveillance.

Listen to a story of survival in this The lid is on podcast:

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Netanyahu greets the “superb return” of Israel after the attack on October 7, promises to “finish work”

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“Last year, I was standing on this podium and I showed this card. This shows the curse of the Iranian terrorist axis, “he said.

“This axis threatens peace from all over the world. He threatened the stability of our region and the very existence of my country, Israel. ”

Recalling the attacks led by Hamas against October 7, 2023, when militants burst into Israel by committing “unspeakable wilderness acts”, Mr. Netanyahu accused Iran and his allies in the region of tightening “a node of death around our throat”.

But last year had transformed the balance of powers, he added.

“Paralyzed” enemy axis

“We hammered the Houthis, including yesterday. We have crushed most of the Hamas terrorist machine. We have paralyzed Hezbollah, eliminating most of its leaders and a large part of its arsenal of weapons … and, above all, we have devastated the programs of atomic weapons and ballistic missiles from Iran. “

He described the War of Israel at 12 days with Iran as a turning point, declaring: “[US] President [Donald] Trump and I promised to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. And we held this promise.

Netanyahu warned that vigilance was essential and “we must not allow Iran to rebuild its military nuclear capacities,” he said, urging the sanctions against the country to be reinstated.

Turning again to Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu is committed to eradicating the remaining forces of Hamas. “The last remains of Hamas are locked in the city of Gaza. They swear to repeat the atrocities of October 7 again and again. This is why Israel must end the work. »»

Address to the hostages

He said that his words were broadcast live in Gaza and spoke to hostages held there: “It is Prime Minister Netanyahu who speaks to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you. Not even a second … We will not rest until we bring you back to home. »»

Netanyahu said that the decision of the leaders of France, Great Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries in recent days to recognize a Palestinian state was “a mark of shame” which has rewarded “the wildest terrorists of the earth”.

He insisted that Israel “will not allow you to push a terrorist state into our throat”, adding that it is not alone: ​​”My opposition to a Palestinian state is not simply my policy or the policy of my government. It is the policy of the State and the inhabitants of the State of Israel, “he said.

“The rise of Israel did not mean that attempts to destroy us would end,” he added.

“It meant that we could fight against these attempts. And that’s exactly what Israel has done since October 7. ”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

The UN warns that time is exhausted for families with terrorist ties blocked in the Syria camps

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This urgent humanitarian and security situation threatens stability in the region and beyond, but the current political transition in Syria could offer an opportunity to intensify repatriation.

The question was the subject of A high -level international conference Organized by the Government of Iraq with the technical support of the United Nations counter-terrorism office (Inocidental), held Friday on the sidelines of the debate of the general assembly.

Mainly women and children

Currently, more than 30,000 people, including alleged foreign terrorist fighters and family members, are detained at the famous al-Hol camp and other surrounding sites.

Most are women and it is estimated that 60% of the global population of these facilities is less than 18 years, and mainly under 12 years of age.

Foreign nationals have some 8,500 people of more than 62 countries.

The Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres (2nd on the right) met repatriated from Syria to the Jeddah Rehabilitation Center, in Iraq, in March 2023.

Iraq opens the way

At its peak, EIL has checked large areas through Syria and Iraq, committing generalized atrocities, including mass executions, rape and forced recruitment, in its desire to establish an Islamist caliphate.

Many detainees are from these two countries, and Iraq has played a leading role in the repatriation of its nationals, with more than 17,000 returns by integrated security, legal and humanitarian operations.

“Our goal is to reintegrate them into their communities and their places of origin,” said President Abdul Latif Rashid.

“We cooperate with international organizations to achieve this goal. Our goal is to assure them a safe future and a worthy life in their country. ”

“Potential radicalization incubators”

Back in Syria, the conditions in the camps “are disastrous and very alarming,” said the UN UN UNDER-SECRETARY General for the fight against terrorism, Alexandre Zouev.

Residents “are not only” confronted with prolonged detention without legal and without regular procedure “, but” women and girls have known or risks sexual violence “while children lack essentials and access to formal education.

“With Daesh attacks and assorted humanitarian actors limiting services, The camps threaten to transform into incubators of terrorist radicalization and future recruitment“He warned.

‘Window’ for the action

The UN believes that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria last December and other developments in the country provided “a window for decisive action” on the issue.

“While the situation in northeast Syria becomes more complex with increasing volatility, Daesh attacks and limited humanitarian access, Member States now have new paths to engage directly with different stakeholders and advance solutions“Said Guy Ryder, an under-secretary general for politics.

“But this window can quickly shrink, and inaction would have serious consequences for regional stability and international peace and security.”

Syrian repatriated number

Mr. Ryder Spoke on Behalf of the Secretary-General Whose Special Severe Syria, Geir Pedersen, also Highlighted an Agreement signed in March Between the New Authorities in Damascus and the Kurdish-Led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the de facto authorities in the northeast.

He “underlined the need for complete integration of all civil and military institutions in northeast Syria in the administration of the Syrian state” and called to ensure “the return of all the Syrians displaced in their towns and villages and ensuring the protection of the Syrian state”.

Just repatriation “the first step”

UN officials stressed the organization’s commitment to support countries in their repatriation efforts, calling for an emergency and renewed momentum.

Iraq also proposed to share its expertise, President Rashid urging the international community to “turn the page on this inhuman chapter” and to empty the camps by the end of the year.

However, as Mr. Zouev pointed out, “repatriation is only the first stage of the long journey to break the cycle of violence”.

He explained that he “had to be supplemented by responsibility as well as by supporting rehabilitation and reintegration adapted to the various needs of the various repatriates”, and promoting confidence in the communities that receive them.

“In this regard, it is absolutely crucial not to lose sight of the imperative of justice for the victims and the survivors of terrorism,” he added.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Limits of AI in Learning About Religion

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Limits of AI in Learning About Religion

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping how we access and process information, it’s tempting to believe that a few well-phrased prompts can unlock deep understanding about any topic — including religion. Yet when it comes to learning about belief systems, doctrines, and spiritual practices, relying solely on AI can be misleading, and even unintentionally biased.

Religions are complex social and spiritual frameworks, often built over centuries, with intricate doctrines, rituals, and cultural contexts. To truly understand them, one must approach the source material directly: the sacred texts, the official teachings, and the practices as they are lived by adherents. AI, however, does not inherently “know” religion in this authentic sense. It processes vast amounts of online content — much of which reflects opinions, critiques, or misunderstandings — and then generates responses based on patterns in that data.

This creates a critical problem: AI will mirror the biases present in the information it was trained on. If most of the available material about a faith comes from external commentators, critics, or even hostile sources, the AI’s description may unintentionally skew negative or misrepresentative. It may confuse what believers actually practice and teach with what outsiders think they do.

As a result, asking an AI, “What does this religion believe?” can lead to an answer that is more about public perception than doctrinal truth. For instance, a prompt about a particular religious ritual might return descriptions laden with judgmental language or culturally biased interpretations, rather than simply explaining what the ritual consists of and what it means to practitioners.

The key to avoiding this pitfall is in how questions are framed and where the AI is directed to look for answers. A neutral, research-minded approach would seek to understand “what this religion teaches according to its own sources”, rather than “what people say about it.” This requires specifying, as clearly as possible, that the information should come from official doctrinal texts, recognized scholars of the tradition, or established institutions.

Moreover, human judgment remains essential. AI can be a useful tool for organizing information, suggesting connections, or summarizing large bodies of text. But it cannot replace the nuanced understanding that comes from critical study and direct engagement with primary sources. Religious studies — like history, law, or philosophy — demand context, interpretation, and respect for the diversity of voices within a tradition.

The challenge goes beyond technical limitations. Religion touches on deeply personal matters of identity, meaning, and worldview. Misrepresentation isn’t just an academic mistake — it can foster prejudice, misunderstanding, and even conflict. In a world where misinformation spreads at unprecedented speed, the responsibility to seek truth carefully is more important than ever.

In short, AI should be seen as a starting point, not a final authority. Those who wish to learn about a faith must go beyond what algorithms can generate. They must ask precise, unbiased questions and follow up by reading the original texts, listening to adherents, and considering multiple scholarly perspectives. Only then can they gain an accurate picture of a religion as it is truly lived and understood.

By treating AI as a tool — rather than a teacher — we can ensure that our exploration of religious traditions remains grounded in respect, accuracy, and genuine curiosity, free from the biases that too often cloud public discourse.

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Powering a path to Mars with reactor test bed

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Nuclear energy is a leading option to power space exploration, but its success depends on reactors that can

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European Day of Languages – open your heart and mind!

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European Day of Languages – open your heart and mind!

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