Global Stories

In a significant milestone for global environmental governance, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) convened its sixth session in Nairobi, Kenya, where India's groundbreaking resolution on sustainable lifestyles secured resounding approval from participating member states. This pivotal moment underscored a collective commitment to address pressing environmental challenges through proactive measures aimed at fostering sustainable...

Delegates from across Asia and the Pacific underscored the significance of population and development in a region home to more than 60 per cent of the world’s inhabitants, noting that decisions made by countries in this region shape the future of its 4.7 billion individuals as well as future generations across the globe. This important...

Amidst the challenging macroeconomic environment in many countries and concerns around public debt sustainability, progress in financing climate action in Asia and the Pacific has only fallen further behind, even as global emissions and energy needs continue to rise. A new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific...

The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21st, is a momentous occasion to reflect on the importance of peace and its significance in a world fraught with conflicts, tensions, and unrest. Established by the United Nations (UN) in 1981, this day serves as a global reminder of the imperative to strive for...

The G20 member nations united in their commitment to global cooperation by adopting the New Delhi Declaration during the G20 Leaders' Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the chair of the G20 under India's presidency, emphasised the significance of this achievement, praising the hard work of the team that facilitated consensus. PM Modi conveyed his...

Water scarcity has evolved into a critical global concern, casting its shadow over numerous regions worldwide. A convergence of factors, including rapid population growth, escalating urbanization, unchecked industrialization, the looming spectre of climate change, and ineffective water management practices, has coalesced to give rise to the widespread spectre of water scarcity. The ramifications of...

In the intricate world of international trade agreements, where economic interests often take centre stage, a surprising twist has occurred that underscores the growing influence of environmental concerns. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a groundbreaking trade pact involving thirteen nations, has encountered an unexpected obstacle—an anti-whaling provision that has thrown the entire agreement into...

Amidst growing global concerns about environmental and social challenges, the European Union (EU) has undertaken what it deems a significant move towards reinforcing corporate sustainability reporting. The EU's executive body, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, recently unveiled the final rules for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures through the European Sustainability Reporting...

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has made a historic announcement, unveiling a groundbreaking funding initiative of $1.4 billion. This unprecedented fund aims to rapidly address environmental crises worldwide, focusing on challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. With a particular emphasis on benefiting marginalised communities, especially women who bear a disproportionate burden, the...

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $300 million (Rs 2460 crore) loan to help expand and improve the quality of education in government-run schools in Chhattisgarh. The project aims to benefit about 40 lakh students from underprivileged communities in the state. The World Bank has also approved a loan of $200...

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 79th session in Bangkok today, with global and regional leaders calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its dire impacts. They urged countries in the region to meet their nationally determined contributions, intensify development of climate-sensitive technology, nurture...

World Red Cross Day and Red Crescent Day is celebrated on 8th May every year by the Red Cross society across all the countries. This day marks the birth anniversary of founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, who was born on 8 May 1828. The first 'International Red Cross...