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- China is trying to stifle UN Darfur report
Sources say China is attempting to block publication of a UN report alleging that munitions from the country are being exported -- in clear violation of UN sanctions -- to the Darfur region of Sudan. Shell casings reportedly manufactured in China have been found at the sites of attacks against peacekeepers in Darfur, where the government is battling rebels in a conflict that has killed 300,000 and displaced 2.7 million. The Washington Post (10/16)       - Biodiversity conference sets an urgent tone
The loss in biodiversity throughout the world will become irreversible if not addressed within the next decade, according to officials speaking at the ongoing UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan. Participants hope to spur action by the world's governments by pointing to economic data showing that the loss of species and ecosystems costs trillions of dollars annually to the global economy. BBC (10/18)  - Mining mishap kills at least 30 in China
A gas leak in a coal mine in central China had resulted by today in the deaths of at least 30 miners, with the number expected to climb. Rescuers are being stymied by some 2,500 metric tons of coal dust set loose by the leak. CNN (10/18) - Asian laws hamper HIV/AIDS fight
Laws that criminalize HIV/AIDS exposure or commercial-sex work are adversely affecting prevention programs and the ability of HIV/AIDS sufferers to access treatment across Asia, health advocates warn. The laws also reinforce social stigma associated with the disease and contribute to abuses by security forces. IRINNews.org (10/15) Top five news stories selected by UN Wire readers in the past week. - Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
- Science fuels Brazil agricultural surge
Brazil is poised to surpass the United States as the breadbasket to the world on the strength of growth in the agricultural region of Cerrado, which covers nearly one-fourth of the country. Seen formerly as a wasteland, scientists have learned how to fertilize the soil there while developing specific varieties of crops that thrive in the area. The Washington Post (10/16) - U.S., China spar over clean-energy subsidies
Chinese officials have reacted angrily to a U.S. announcement that American trade officials will pursue investigations into Chinese government subsidies for companies manufacturing wind turbines, solar power products and developing other clean-energy technologies after the American steelworkers union filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization. The WTO complaint accuses China of providing free land and clandestine loans to companies. The New York Times (free registration) (10/17)  | - Myanmar closes elections to foreign observers
No foreign election observers or international media will be allowed into Myanmar to monitor Nov. 7 elections, the ruling junta says. Rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns that the ruling military junta will manipulate elections and many opposition leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, will not be taking part in the poll. Diplomats, United Nations officials and media already based in-country will be allowed to observe voting. Mail & Guardian (South Africa)/Agence France-Presse (10/18) - Merkel calls German multiculturalism a failure
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has waded into a public debate over immigrants, saying in a speech to conservatives that years of efforts to build a multicultural society have "utterly failed." It is not enough to simply live side by side, she said, adding that immigrants must learn German as well as accept the country's cultural norms. TIME/The Associated Press (10/17)
- A new poll from the Better World Campaign says that 59% of Americans support the United Nations and 63% support paying our UN dues. Surprised?
 | Yes -- those numbers seem high | | Yes -- those numbers seem low | | No -- that seems about right |
- Register now for the mHealth Summit in Washington, D.C.
The 2010 mHealth Summit brings together leaders in government, private sector/industry, academia and not-for-profit organizations to share information and experiences related to the intersection of mobile technology, health research and policy.Featured speakers include Bill Gates, Co-chair and Trustee of the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation; Aneesh Chopra, U.S. Chief Technology Officer; Dr. Julio Frenk Dean of Faculty, Harvard School of Public Health; and Ted Turner, Chairman, UN Foundation. The mHealth Summit takes place Nov. 8 to 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Click here for more information and to register. |
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