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 […]
Interview: Visitors to Expo 2025 appreciate the “positive vision” of the UN
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
The United States strikes Iranian nuclear marks of perilous turn: diplomacy must prevail, explains Guterres
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
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 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.
Guterres condemns a deadly attack on peaceburns in the Republic of Central Africa
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
What is development financing?
These are among the 17 goals agreed by almost all countries, called the Sustainable development objectives (ODD). The plan is to hit these targets by 2030.
But we are late. A great reason? There is simply not enough coherent funding to make real progress.
This is why world leaders, economists and other decision -makers meet at the end of this month in Seville, Spain, for a major event called the fourth international conference on development funding. It is called a “unique opportunity” to rethink the way the world pays for sustainable development.
What is development financing?
Basically, development funding works to answer a simple question-how does the world pay for a more balanced and more balanced aid, trade and development system?
Traders in Madagascar. One of the most underdeveloped countries in Africa, transports charcoal on the market.
The global community’s response has been to create a system that mobilizes the entire international financial architecture – taxes, subsidies, trade, financial and monetary policies – to the development agenda.
Architecture aspires to be as inclusive as possible, engaging a wide range of funding sources allowing countries to become more self -sufficient so that their citizens can lead a healthy, productive, prosperous and peaceful life.
Development financing essentially consists in “changing the functioning of the system to ensure that developing countries can … actually invest in their future”, Shari Spiegel, director of Funding for sustainable development the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Desa), says UN News.
Among these sources of financing are multilateral development banks which provide financial and technical support to developing countries. International and national commercial and revised trade policies also strive to relaunch development economies.
And, official development assistance (ODA) creates a channel through which aid from developed countries can flow directly to developing countries.
Why is development for development important?
From increasing debt and the decline in investments to help reduce development objectives, the current system fails to the people it is supposed to serve.
People everywhere pay the price:
- The debt increases, investments decrease and helps the donors shrinks.
- 600 million people could still live in extreme poverty by 2030 if we do not change lessons And it will take much more decades to reach the SDGs.
- Today, 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more to reimburse debt than for health or education.
- In addition, billions of people will continue to live in countries that must prioritize debt payments on development.
- This means less money for schools, hospitals, drinking water and jobs – the basics that people need to prosper.
And for people who face the consequences of the inaction of the world, it is an unacceptable chronology.
What systemic changes should be made?
As growing commercial obstacles and official development aid decreasing each year, an approach to financing financing for development is not sustainable.
The work began on a rapid public transport system connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The next conference in Seville offers the opportunity to change course, mobilize large -scale finance and reform system rules to impose people’s needs at the center.
The conference will bring together countries, representatives of civil society and financial experts to discuss new approaches to development financing.
Above all, this conference will also offer developing countries a headquarters at the table, so that their needs are treated in international financial decision -making.
What role does debt play?
In the current financing system, developing countries continue to pay exorbitant amounts to serve their debt while being confronted with borrowing costs which can be up to two or four times higher than their developed counterparts.
These costs tend to increase in particular during or directly during crisis periods, creating a feedback loop through which developing countries cannot afford to develop the very structures which would allow them to pay these costs.
“Faced with debt expenses and a high capital cost, developing countries have limited prospects of finance the objectives of sustainable development,” said UN secretary general, António Guterres.
Children stand at the door of a house in a district struck in poverty in Lebanon. (deposit)
What can we expect from the conference?
The secretary general said that “big ideas” and “ambitious reforms” would need to get back on the right track to end poverty, hunger and inequalities.
“” [The conference] Presents a unique opportunity to reform an overwhelmed, dysfunctional and unfair international financial system, “said Chief António Guterres of the UN.
Member States have reached an agreement on a project that will launch an ambitious set of reforms and actions that countries must fill to fill the financing gap of $ 4.
The United States has withdrawn from the conference process on Tuesday During the final negotiations on the result documentsaying he couldn’t get on board with the project.
The reform will partly come from the effective mobilization of all stakeholders – private and public, formal and informal, developing and developed – and aligning their incentives and commitments to a sustainable future.
This includes emphasis on multilateralism as the basis of all development, increasing taxes that directs public funds towards international development objectives, reducing the cost of capital for developing countries, restructuring existing debt and the search for even more innovative financing methods.
“Seville is a moment in time. It’s really the start, not the end of the process. So now, the question is how to implement commitments? ” said Ms. Spiegel.
The reform of a broken financing system is difficult, but Ms. Spiegel is optimistic that multilateralism is up to par.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025
Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities. Source link
Media advisory – EU-Canada summit, 23 June 2025
Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities. Source link
The UN chief “ seriously alarmed ” by the American bombing of Iranian nuclear sites
“I am seriously alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” said the UN chief, reiterating that there is no military solution.
“” This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. »»
President Donald Trump pronounced a television address to the nation from the White House at 10 pm, local time and said that Iranian nuclear installations in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan had been “completely erased” describing the long -term bombing raid as a “spectacular military success”.
President Trump called on Iran’s management to “make peace” and return to negotiations on his nuclear program or to undergo a much greater wave of attacks.
The Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of damage to the three sites in central Iran. Earlier in the day, the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs would have warned the United States against any involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict that broke out on June 13.
Fatal strikes
At least 430 Iranians have been killed in waves of strikes since then with around 3,500 injured, according to figures from the Iranian Ministry of Health.
In Israel, 24 civilians died in reprisal attacks according to local authorities with more than 400 missiles would have been dismissed to the country.
B-2 bombers were involved in American strikes, confirmed President Trump, dropping so-called “Bunker Buster” bombs on the Uranium enrichment site in Fordow which is buried deeply in a mountain south of the Téheran capital.
‘Avoid a spiral of chaos’
In his declaration, the secretary general reiterated his concerns expressed THE Security advice During Friday’s emergency meeting on the crisis that the conflict “could quickly become uncontrollable – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world”.
He called on all the Member States to defuse the situation which threatens the stability of the Middle East and beyond, calling everyone to respect its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
“” At this perilous hour, it is essential to avoid a spiral of chaos“, He added by calling for an immediate return to the negotiations between the parties at war.
“” There is no military solution. The only way to follow is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com