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China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes place in Brussels

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China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes place in Brussels

China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes place in Brussels

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DR Congo crisis: Aid teams appeal for support to help displaced communities left with nothing

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DR Congo crisis: Aid teams appeal for support to help displaced communities left with nothing

Since the beginning of the year, Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have swept across eastern DRC, taking key cities including Goma and Bukavu. The violence has displaced more than one million people in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Speaking from the village of Sake in North Kivu, UNDP Resident Representative Damien Mama described meeting a woman whose house had been destroyed after she fled the advancing fighters in January.

Cut off from livelihoods

“You know, with five children, you can imagine what this represents,” Mr. Mama said. “She was telling me that [her family] were given food and temporary shelter; but what she needs is to go back to her farm to continue farming, to continue her activities, and also have her home rebuilt.”

All those newly displaced by the M23 rebel advance are in addition to the five million people already living in displacement camps in eastern DRC.

Health workers have repeatedly warned that the crowded and unsanitary conditions provide ideal conditions for the spread of diseases including mpox, cholera and measles.

Given the scale of need it is urgent that small businesses get the help they need to get up and running again “providing income-generating activities for the women and the youth creating jobs”, the UNDP official insisted.

“The economy has suffered a lot,” he explained. “The banks have closed, businesses have been destroyed, and many are now operating under 30 per cent of their capacity, which is a major blow to their businesses.”

Support for women and girls

At the same time, the UN agency remains committed to helping the many women and girls impacted by alarming levels of sexual violence.

This echoes an alert issued last month by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), that during the most intense phase of this year’s conflict, a child was raped every half an hour.

In the next five months, UNDP intends to support the creation of 1,000 jobs and restore basic infrastructure, benefiting about 15,000 people.

To do this, the UN agency will need $25 million.

“We have so far secured $14 million thanks to [South] Korea, Canada, UK as well as Sweden; and our call will be to encourage other countries and donors to provide us with [the] $11 million gap.”

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Share a better world at Expo 2025 in Japan

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The UN is participating alongside more than 150 countries and organizations during the World Rally, which carries the prospective theme: Design future society for our lives.

The United Nations pavilion is divided into four zones; A calendar in the first field explains the history of the UN and its agencies, while the second-the so-called Orb room-describes the range of diverse work of the organization through a series of everyday objects displayed on the walls.

An immersive video in the third field offers an overview of what a future world could look like if the development takes place in a sustainable way, while the fourth is a rotary exhibition which highlights specific agencies.

Here is what some visitors to the United Nations pavilion have thought of their experience.

Kaneko Sayaka (left) and his sister have exhibitions promoting the SDGs.

Kaneko Sayaka: I liked the video because I felt that I was in a forest surrounded by trees and animals. It showed me that environmental protection is very important.

Mikako Takeuchi: I was sucked in the immersive experience of the video presentation. He was really engaging and, although he explained the problems that the world faces, he also presented the solutions and gave hope.

Phil Malone (left) and his companion visit the United Nations pavilion.

Phil Malone: The message of immersive video on sustainability and rights and responsibilities of people towards the environment was clear and easily understandable by the young and older public.

It is difficult to explain the Sustainable development objectives (SDD) In a short video, although I think that Japanese public generally knows the goals. SDGs are highlighted by Japan institutions, and I have never seen this level of promotion in certain African countries where I worked for a development organization focused on agriculture.

SDGs are frequently promoted by the private sector in Japan, in this case in Tokyo. the capital.

Tomoyuki Kadokura: I learned a lot about the ODDs of the interactive quiz while I was lining up to enter the pavilion. In Japan, we focus more on the objectives that focus on the environment and sustainable consumption, so I wanted to know more about other objectives, for example poverty and human rights, which do not get much attention here.

I was also surprised by the number of United Nations agencies working on the SDGs.

Agaka Sato (left) and Takato Ishida explore the Orb room in the United Nations pavilion.

Takato Ishida: At school, we learn the SDGs, so many Japanese are interested in objectives, but I did not know that progress towards them was so slow in many regions of the world.

I appreciated the special projects section that highlighted the role UN volunteers Play around the world to support sustainable development.

Agaka Sato: I did not know that there were so many different United Nations agencies and I learned a lot about them thanks to the interactive display of objects in the Orb room.

The touch screen which explains the role of these agencies is linked to objects lining the wall of the room. I think it’s fun for young children to make the link between objects such as phones, firearms and health kits and UN work.

Masako Yukita: The United Nations pavilion made me think about the changes that people have to make to contribute to the SDGs and world peace. When I come home, I will think about what I can do more as an individual.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

President Costa to travel to Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 summit on 15-17 June 2025

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China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes place in Brussels

The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada) to take part in the G7 summit from 15 to 17 June 2025. Hosted by Canada as the rotating G7 presidency, the Summit will bring together the leaders of the seven G7 countries, as well as the European Union and other invited countries to discuss pressing global issues, including international peace and security, the global economic outlook and energy security.

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The Security Council meets in emergency session on the Iranian-Israeli conflict, in the midst of strikes and counters

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The Council has erased its initial schedule to fight against the rapidly evolving crisis, also hearing the chief of the international nuclear surveillance dog supported by unrofit, who warned against serious risks for regional stability and nuclear security.

Night from Thursday to Friday, Israeli military strikes targeted nuclear installations across Iranincluding the Natanz enrichment site. Media relationships indicate that Hossein Salami, the head of the body of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), as well as several eminent nuclear scientists, were one of the people killed.

Strikes have also caused significant damage, including dozens of civilian victims. The region’s airspace has been widely closed and the security forces are on a high alert.

Additional Israeli strikes were reported on Friday evening to local time on Friday evening as well as ballistic missile launches by Iran which would have struck parties of Israel, including Aviv.

Avoid conflagration at all costs: Dicarlo

Rosemary Dicarlo, under-secretary general of the United Nations for political affairs, told ambassadors that the repercussions of the attacks are already reflected.

“I reaffirm the Secretary general Condemnation of any military climbing in the Middle East“She said, urging both Israel and Iran to show maximum restraint and”Avoid at all costs a descent into a deeper and wider regional conflict».

She also noted that military climbing came at a time when “certain important diplomatic developments” took place, in particular the planned takeover of the American-Iranian talks to Oman this weekend. The latest reports indicate that Iran will no longer witness it.

Ms. Dicarlo urged the parties to suspend the diplomatic course.

“” A peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best way to ensure the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program“She said.

“We must at all costs avoid an increasing conflagration which would have enormous global consequences.”

The nuclear surveillance dog head urges the protection of atomic sites

Briefing of the Council, Rafael Grossi, Managing Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (Aiea) said his agency was in constant contact with the Iranian nuclear regulatory authority to assess the state of affected installations and determine the larger impacts on nuclear safety and security.

Rafael Grossi (on the screen), managing director of the IAEA, briefs of the Security Council.

He stressed that nuclear sites should never be targeted – in no case.

“” Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear security, nuclear security and guarantees, as well as regional and international peace and security“Said Mr. Grossi.

He is ready to go to the region as soon as possible, he added, to assess the situation and support the efforts of security, security and non-proliferation in Iran.

“It is clear that the only lasting path to follow for Iran, for Israel, the whole region and the international community is one based on dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability and cooperation. “”

Mr. Grossi concluded by offering the IAEA as a neutral platform where “the facts prevail over rhetoric” and where technical commitment replaces climbing.

“I reaffirm my personal will and the agency to facilitate dialogue and support efforts that promote transparency, security and peaceful resolution of nuclear problems in Iran.”

Broadcast of the Security Council meeting.

Russia “strongly condemns” Israeli actions

Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned that Israel’s actions in the Middle East “push the region to a large-scale nuclear disaster”.

“This completely uninsured attack, regardless of what Israel says on the contrary, is a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations And international law, “he said, expressing the” strong condemnation “of Russia of strikes.

He accused the “Western members” of the 2015 Iranian nuclear agreement – officially known as Complete full action plan (JCPOA) – To contribute to the current crisis through their policies towards Iran and its nuclear program.

“They did everything to fuel climbing and essentially prompted it,” he told ambassadors.

Mr. Nebenzia concluded by exhorting renewed diplomatic efforts. “Once again, the settlement of problems related to the Iranian nuclear program is only possible if a peaceful, political and diplomatic journey is followed,” he said.

“Iran has the right to defend itself”: Pakistan

Pakistan Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has told the Council that Israel’s “blatant provocations” constitute a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

“Iran has the right to defend itself under article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations,” he said, alleging that the actions of Israel in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen “reflect a continuous model of unilateral militarism”.

“The fact that these attacks on Iran have occurred in the midst of a negotiation process aimed at finding a peaceful diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue makes it even more repugnant and against international standards,” he added.

Mr. Ahmad urged all parties to avoid additional escalation and to prioritize the dialogue. He also called the Security advice “Keep the attacker responsible for his actions. This council must refuse Israel the free hand and the impunity with which it continues to operate in defiance of international law and international opinion. “

Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons: United States

Speaking for the United States, McCoy Pitt, a senior State Department official, accused Iran of having launched “uninsured, direct and proxy attacks” against Israeli civilians and propagation of terrorism, instability and human suffering in the region.

“As President Trump said on several occasions, this dangerous regime cannot be authorized to have nuclear weapons,” he said.

Mr. Pitt noted that the United States had been informed of Israeli strikes in advance but was not militarily involved.

“Our absolute and most important priority is the protection of citizens, staff and American forces in the region,” he said.

He also declared that the United States would continue to seek a diplomatic resolution which guarantees that Iran never acquired a nuclear weapon or will be a threat to instability in the Middle East.

“Iran’s management will be wise to negotiate for the moment,” he said.

Iran calls for responsibility

The Iranian ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told the Security Council that he was addressing the organization on behalf of his government and his people “with the greatest urgency and the serious alarm”.

“We condemn the barbaric and criminal attack strongly and unequivocally, a series of targeted assassinations against senior military officials, nuclear scientists and innocent civilians,” he said.

“These deliberate and systematic murders were not only illegal and inhuman, a frightening demonstration of calculated aggression. These atrocities constitute a clear act of state terrorism and the blatant violation of international law, “he added.

He said that Israel’s attacks on protected nuclear installations have challenged not only the fundamental principles of international law, but also “common conscience”, warning that damage to these sites could release catastrophic radiological consequences in the region and beyond.

“Only a regime devoid of humanity and responsibility would endanger millions of lives in the pursuit of its destructive ambitions,” said Iravani.

“Those who support this regime, with the United States at the forefront, must understand that they are accomplices. By helping and allowing these crimes, they share the full responsibility of the consequences. ”

Israel defends “the act of national preservation”

Israeli ambassador Danny Danon began his remarks by reminding members of the Security Council that – while they were talking – Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israeli cities and injured civilians.

He said that the strikes of Israel were preventive and carried out with “the most advanced precision, goal and intelligence”.

The mission, he added, was clear, “dismantling the nuclear program of Iran, eliminating the architects of its terror and its aggression and neutralizing the capacity of the regime to follow its repeated public promise to destroy the state of Israel”.

Mr. Danon accused Iran of taking measures towards the construction of a nuclear arsenal. He also criticized the international community for omitting to act and reinstate in Tehran.

“Israel did not act recklessly-we have waited,” he said.

“It was an act of national preservation. It was the one we undertook alone, not because we wanted it, but because we were not left. ”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

President Costa to travel to Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 summit on 15-17 June 2025

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President Costa to travel to Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 summit on 15-17 June 2025

The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada) to take part in the G7 summit from 15 to 17 June 2025. Hosted by Canada as the rotating G7 presidency, the Summit will bring together the leaders of the seven G7 countries, as well as the European Union and other […]

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Societies are struggling with a “silent but silent” prison crisis

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A decade ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the rules of Nelson Mandela-a set of 122 directives establishing minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, inspired by one of the most influential former political prisoners in the world-the South African Civil Rights icon, Nelson Mandela.

These rules aim to guarantee security, security and respect for human dignity, offering clear benchmarks for prison personnel.

Despite this, penitentiary systems around the world continue to face deeply rooted challenges. The General Assembly met on Friday to discuss the way of better protecting companies against crime by focusing on rehabilitation and preparing prisoners for life after prison.

Overcrowded cells

“Prison cells are overflowing,” said Ghada Waly, executive director of the United Nations Drugs and Crime (Unodc), noting that 11.5 million people are currently imprisoned worldwide.

“” Overcrowding deprives people of their most fundamental rights, including access to health care, drinking water and sanitation“She warned. However, the penitentiary services remain underfunded, sub-priorized and undervalued.

These systemic failures not only put detainees and staff, but also weaken efforts to reintegrate former prisoners – posing risks for the community in the broad sense, added President of the General Assembly Phillémon Yang.

Women behind bars

The number of women in prison has increased by 57% in the past 20 years, almost the rate of men.

Most systems are not equipped to meet their specific needs. “” It’s not sure. And it’s not human“Said Ms. Waly.

Women in detention are particularly vulnerable, faced with greater risks of sexual violence, limited access to reproductive health care and the separation of their children.

Time for daring reform

“” We need a daring vision-the one that goes beyond bricks and bars to focus on people and their potential“Said Ms. Waly, urging governments to reinvent how prisons are managed.

Managed in responsibility, prisons can support public security, justice and the rule of law. But today’s penitentiary environments are often dangerous and counterproductive.

UN officials stressed that rehabilitation should be at the heart of reforms, including support systems that reduce the probability of recurrence and help former prisoners to reintegrate into society.

“The real measure of justice is not the way we punish,” concluded Mr. Yang, “but how we protect, rehabilitate and build a better future for everyone, everywhere. »»

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Societies grappling with a ‘silent but growing’ prison crisis

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Societies grappling with a ‘silent but growing’ prison crisis

A decade ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Nelson Mandela Rules — a set of 122 guidelines setting minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, inspired by one of the world’s most influential former political prisoners – the South African civil rights icon, Nelson Mandela.

These rules aim to ensure safety, security and respect for human dignity, offering clear benchmarks for prison staff.

Despite this, prison systems worldwide continue to face deep-rooted challenges. The General Assembly  convened on Friday to discuss how to better protect societies from crime by focusing on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for life after prison.

Overcrowded cells

“Prison cells are overflowing,” said Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), noting that 11.5 million people are currently imprisoned globally.

Overcrowding deprives people of their most basic rights, including access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation,” she warned. Yet prison services remain underfunded, under-prioritised and undervalued.

These systemic failures not only endanger inmates and staff but also weaken efforts to reintegrate former prisoners — posing risks for the wider community, added General Assembly President Philémon Yang.

Women behind bars

The number of women in prison has increased by 57 per cent over the past 20 years — nearly triple the rate of men.

Most systems are not equipped to meet their specific needs. “This is not safe. And this is not humane,” said Ms Waly.

Women in detention are especially vulnerable, facing greater risks of sexual violence, limited access to reproductive healthcare and separation from their children.

Time for bold reform

We need a bold vision — one that goes beyond bricks and bars to focus on people and their potential,” said Ms Waly, urging governments to reimagine how prisons are managed.

Handled responsibly, prisons can support public safety, justice and the rule of law. But today’s prison environments often remain dangerous and counterproductive.

UN officials stressed that rehabilitation must be at the heart of reforms, including support systems that reduce the likelihood of reoffending and help former prisoners reintegrate into society.

“The true measure of justice is not how we punish,” Mr Yang concluded, “but how we protect, rehabilitate, and build a better future for everyone, everywhere.” 

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World News in Brief: Ages in Haiti, Sudan War sees Exodus in Chad, Optimism for food trade

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Between January 1 and May 30, at least 2,680 people – including 54 children – were killed, 957 injured, 316 kidnapped for ransom and many others subject to sexual violence and recruitment of children’s gangs.

“Also alarming, the figures cannot express the horrors that Haitians are forced to support daily,” said Türk.

Conflicts on all sides

In recent months, the gangs have attacked Mirebalais in the center of the country, looting police stations, destroying property and releasing more than 500 prisoners from the local prison.

Meanwhile, so-called self-defense groups have targeted individuals they suspect from affiliation of gangs. On May 20, at least 25 people were killed and 10 injured by a group accusing them of supporting gangs.

The police increased operations against them. Since January, the police have killed at least 1,448 people, including 65 during extrajudicial executions.

Mr. Türk called on the international community to take decisive measures to put an end to violence, including renewed support for the Security advice-Mut of the multinational security support (MSS) and the complete application of the boarding board of the Council.

He also reiterated his appeal to States not to refer anyone in Haiti.

“The coming months will be crucial and will test the capacity of the international community to take stronger and more coordinated measures – an action that will help determine the future stability of Haiti and the region in the broad sense,” added Mr. Türk.

Prospects for “relatively optimistic” food trade, says FAO

The organization of food and agriculture (Fao) published their annual report on food prospects on Thursday which offers a “relatively optimistic” overview of international food markets.

According to the report, production is expected to increase in almost all categories, cereal production should reach record levels. And although prices remain higher this year, between April and May, there has been an overall drop of almost one percent.

The report notes, however, that global trends – including the increase in geopolitical tensions, climate shocks and commercial uncertainties – can still have a negative impact on production.

“While agricultural production trends seem solid, drivers who may have a negative impact on global food security is increasing,” said FAO chief economist Máximo Torero.

Poultry, fish fraud and fertilizer flow

The report noted that the epidemics of avian flu have become more persistent and constitute “one of the most important biological threats to the global poultry sector”. Nevertheless, poultry exports have remained largely resolving so far.

The question of fish fraud – the false declaration of the location or the manner of capture – has also been discussed, with the FAO warning that the risks increase.

In addition, the report has examined fertilizer flows, noting the growing exports of Russia and the decrease in fertilizer prices from the cocovio pandemic.

Overall, the report indicates that the cost of imports worldwide increased by 3.6% or almost 2.1 billions of dollars.

Eastern Chad “reaching a break point” while refugees from the Sudan war continue to arrive

On Friday, aid teams in the east of the Chad warned that the reception communities are reaching the point of rupture due to climatic shocks and the pressure to accommodate neighboring Sudan war refugees.

In an alert, the highest official of the UN help in Chad, François Batalingaya, warned that a humanitarian disaster takes place almost unnoticed by the media in the world.

“Right now, nearly 300,000 people are blocked on the border, waiting to be moved to land,” he noted.

“Tens of thousands, mainly women and children, sleep in the free free air, clean water and health care. They are war survivors. They arrive traumatized, hungry and without anything. They tell stories of mass murders, sexual violence and destroyed entire communities. ”

Major exodus

Since the start of the war in Sudan in April 2023, more than 850,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed Chad. They have joined the 400,000 existing Sudanese refugees who have arrived in the past 15 years.

The head of the United Nations explained that even before the latest Sudanese arrivals, nearly a million people in eastern Chad had an urgent need for help.

Today, “they share the little they have – food, water and space – with those who flee war,” said Batalingaya.

In a call for international aid, he warned that clinics are overwhelmed, malnutrition is increasing and that basic services are snuggled.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

An Ocean Summit in Nice ends with a wave of commitments

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“We are closing this historic week not only with hope, but with a concrete commitment, a clear direction and an undeniable impulse,” said Li Junhua, under-secretary general of the United Nations for economic and social affairs and the secretary general of the summit.

Co-organized by France and Costa Rica, the five-day event brought 15,000 participants, including more than 60 heads of state and government, on the Mediterranean coast of France.

With more than 450 secondary events and nearly 100,000 visitors, the rally, nicknamed UNOC3built on the momentum of the previous ocean peaks in new York (2017) and Lisbon (2022). He resulted in a shared call to extend maritime protection, brake pollution, regulate the high seas and release the financing of vulnerable coastal and island nations.

Li Junhua, United Nations Subsecrétaire General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary General of UNOC3, during the closing press conference in Nice.

Ambitious commitments

The result of the conference, known as Beautiful ocean action planis a two -part executive which includes a political declaration and more than 800 voluntary commitments by governments, scientists, United Nations agencies and civil society since the previous conference.

“These range from young people to ecosystem literacy in high seas, capacity building in science and innovation and undertakes to ratify intergovernmental treaties,” said Mr. LI.

The promises revealed this week reflected the extent of the ocean crisis. The European Commission announced an investment of 1 billion euros To support the conservation of the oceans, science and sustainable fishing, while French Polynesia is committed to creating the largest protected marine zone in the worldEnclosing its entire exclusive economic zone – around five million square kilometers.

Germany has launched a Program of 100 million euros to remove underwater ammunition Baltic and northern seas. Furthermore, New Zealand has hired $ 52 million to strengthen ocean governance in the Pacific, and Spain has announced five new protected marine areas.

A coalition of 37 countries led by Panama and Canada launched the High ambition coalition for a calm ocean To combat underwater pollution. Meanwhile, Indonesia and the World Bank have introduced an “coral obligation” to help finance the conservation of reefs in the country.

“The waves of change have been formed,” said Mr. Li. “It is now our collective responsibility to propel them forward – for our people, our planet and future generations.”

Olivier Poivre d’Arvor (right), special envoy of France for the conference, during the closing press conference of UNOC3, in Nice.

A diplomatic scene

The summit opened on Monday with Austere warnings. “We do not treat the ocean as what it is – the ultimate global commons,” said the UN Secretary General António GuterresAlongside the presidents of France and the Costa Rica, Emmanuel Macron and Rodrigo Chaves Robles, who called for a renewed multilateralism anchored in science.

Friday, France’s special envoy for the conference, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, recalled the challenges: “We wanted Nice … to take a chance on a transformer change. I think we have advanced, but we can’t go back. »»

One of the main objectives of the conference was to accelerate progress High seas treaty – known as the BBNJ agreement – Adopted in 2023 to protect marine life in international waters. Sixty ratifications are necessary for it to come into force. During last week, 19 countries ratified the agreement, bringing the total number as for Friday, 50.

“This is an important victory,” said Poivre d’Arvor. “It is very difficult to work on the ocean right now when the United States is so little involved.”

The French envoy alluded to the absence of a senior American delegation, as well as to a recent decree of President Donald Trump, advancing deep exploitation. “The abyss is not for sale,” he said, echoing the remarks made earlier in the week by President Macron.

However, Mr. Poivre d’Arvor underlined the wide agreement concluded at the top. “A country can be missing,” he said. “But 92% of” co -owners “were present today in Nice.”

His counterpart, Arnoldo André-Tinoco, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, urged other nations to accelerate the financing of ocean protection. “Each commitment must be held responsible,” he said during the closing meeting of the conference.

Peter Thomson, the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Ocean, talks to the news of the UN.

Momentum – and a test

For Peter Thomson, the UN special envoy for the ocean, Nice marked a turning point. “This is not so much what is happening at the conference, that’s what happens later,” he said UN Newsrecalling the first days of ocean plea during the target of sustainable development 14 (SDG14), On life underwater, was established for the first time.

“From the desert in which we were in 2015 … where we are now, where you see this incredible commitment.”

For the future, attention already turns to the fourth conference of the United Nations Ocean, planned to be co-organized by Chile and South Korea in 2028.

“We will again see a big push up here,” predicted Mr. Thomson. He expressed hope that the main global agreements – including the BBNJ treaty, the subsidy agreement for WTO peaches and the future world plastics treaty – will all be ratified and implemented by then.

The 2028 summit will also mark a calculation moment, while SDG 14 approaches its 2030 objective.

“What are we doing when SDG 14 matures in 2030?” Mr. Thomson asked. “Obviously, this must be raised from ambition. It must be stronger. He stressed that if SDG14 had aimed to protect 10% of the ocean by 2020 – a target that the world has not reached – the new reference is 30% by 2030.

Wearing a shell collar offered by the Marshall Islands, the Native of Fiji congratulated the small island nations and the Atoll collectives for having fixed ambitious marine protections.

“If small countries can make great measures like that, why can’t the big countries follow suit?” He said.

He also praised the 2,000 scientists who met for the One Ocean Science Congress before the summit. “What a great way to manage things,” he said.

A unit demonstration

Despite the festive tone, the tensions lingered. Small island in development of states pushed to a stronger language Loss and damage -The damage inflicted by climate change that goes beyond what people can adapt. “You cannot have an ocean declaration without SMSN,” warned a delegate earlier this week.

Others, including President Chaves, from Costa Rica, called for a moratorium on the exploitation of the deep sea in international waters until science can assess risks – a step not included in the final declaration.

However, the political declaration adopted in Nice, entitled Our ocean, our future: United for urgent actionreaffirms the objective of protecting 30% of the ocean and the land by 2030, while supporting world executives as the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity agreement (Adopted in 2022, hiring countries to stop and reverse the loss of nature by 2030 through ambitious conservation targets and sustainable biodiversity management) and the UN International Maritime OrganizationClimatic objectives (IMO).

“The real test,” said Mr. Li, “is not what we said here in Nice – but what we do next. »»

While the sun plunged behind the Promenade des Anglais and the final plenary of the adjourned conference, the sea – old, vital and in danger – was silent of a fragile but shared promise.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com