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- UNCTAD: Global finance is intrinsic to development
Governments have been too quick to pass austerity measures without first introducing financial reforms, said Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The remarks by the former director general of the World Trade Organization came as the UN agency faces pressure by wealthy countries to confine its mandate to trade and investment, excluding global financial markets. The Guardian (London) (4/20)      - More UN observers to deploy across Syria
The vote Saturday by the Security Council to authorize an enlarged mission of 300 monitors to Syria was described as a "pivotal moment" by United Nations-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, who said their deployment could stabilize the country after more than a year of violence that has killed at least 9,000. UN monitors have remained longer than anticipated in Homs, providing residents with respite from some three months of bombardment by the government. ForeignPolicy.com/Turtle Bay blog (4/20), BBC (4/22), Los Angeles Times/World Now blog (tiered subscription model) (4/22) - Human rights gain traction in Western Sahara vote
A draft resolution by the United Nations Security Council for the first time emphasizes respect for human rights in Western Sahara, but the measure is being criticized as not going far enough by South Africa and the Polisario Front independence movement. The UN body is scheduled to vote Tuesday to extend the mandate of its peacekeeping mission for another year. Reuters (4/23) - WHO: Malaria battle needs funding commitment
The battle against malaria has not been won in regions including Southeast Asia, and more funding is needed, the World Health Organization said ahead of World Malaria Day. "The high burden of malaria is associated with economic and development activities. This is why malaria control should be the collective responsibility of various sectors," said Samlee Plianbangchang, the region's WHO director. Newstrack India/Indo-Asian News Service (4/23) - Actor Sean Penn digs out in Haiti, then digs in
Actor Sean Penn has emerged as a major figure as Haiti rebuilds after the earthquake of 2010, becoming the first non-Haitian to be named an ambassador-at-large. Penn leads an aid group partially funded by the United Nations and is slated to receive the 2012 Peace Summit Award on Wednesday. "My job is to help people get the future they want to have," he said. The Miami Herald/The Associated Press (free registration) (4/22) - Child brides are kidnapped, converted in Pakistan
Human rights activists in Pakistan say that as many as 25 teenage Hindu girls are being kidnapped each month by young Muslim men who make them convert to Islam and become married. The girls, who are generally from northern Sindh province, reportedly convert under threat to themselves and their families, and the wedding is often attended by men armed with rifles. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (4/22) - U.S. to offer Afghan support through 2024
The U.S. on Sunday pledged to continue its support of the Afghan government for the decade after the exit of its troops in 2014, paving the way for Western allies to make similar commitments. The agreement, the details of which were not made public, is seen as a message to Afghans, the Taliban and Pakistan that the U.S. will not abandon the country. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (4/22) 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.
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The reduction of food waste and the improvement of soil fertility are among 15 agricultural innovations spotlighted by the Worldwatch Institute for their roles in addressing climate change, diminishing natural resources and other issues. 
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