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- Russia digs in heels over vote on Syria
Russia was increasingly isolated on the world stage as it continued to push back against UN efforts, backed by Western and Arab powers, to strike a deal over a resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down over the many months of bloodshed during which at least 5,000 people have been killed. As fighting moved closer to the capital, Damascus, a growing number of Syrians were viewing armed struggle as the only solution. The Washington Post (1/28), Chicago Tribune/Reuters (1/30), The Economist (1/28)      - Iran says IAEA visit defuses tensions, promotes talks
A delegation of nuclear inspectors from the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency may stay in Iran longer than the three days originally planned, said Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi. The visit has "created a new atmosphere," according to Salehi, and could spur renewed talks with Western powers about the country's controversial nuclear activities. BBC (1/29), Bloomberg (1/30)  | - Landmark drug deal targets tropical diseases
Thirteen of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies have agreed to donate drugs, as well as share research, to eradicate 10 neglected tropical diseases, among them Guinea worm, that affect some 1.4 billion people worldwide. "These ancient diseases are now being brought to their knees with stunning speed," said Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization. The commitment from industry comes as the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation announced a $363 million grant to work on these afflictions. The Guardian (London) (1/29) - Shot at Life chief talks vaccination progress
Vaccines can help prevent many of the 1.7 million deaths of children every year from preventable diseases such as pneumonia, Peg Willingham, executive director of the United Nations Foundation program Shot at Life, says in this interview. Willingham recently traveled to Honduras where an ambitious vaccination program targeting 99% of the country's children is helping slash child-mortality rates. Mom Bloggers for Social Good blog (1/30) - UNDP official sees Haiti development
Haiti has made significant progress in earthquake recovery efforts and the international community must remain engaged to help promote long-term development, says Rebeca Grynspan, United Nations Development Programme regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Haiti has worked to clear debris, enhance security and spur increased economic activity in the two years since the deadly earthquake struck but development is a long-term process. UN Foundation/National Journal (1/25) - New Global Fund chief eyes overhaul, better management
Saying that "there is nothing broken that can't be fixed," Gabriel Jaramillo, the new chief of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, emphasized in an interview that he plans a major overhaul of the fund's operations, especially its management. Specifically, Jaramillo said he will establish "a disciplined private-sector governance process" not only to encourage new donations, but to better manage grants and improve risk management relative to each country. The Wall Street Journal (1/30) - Nobel laureate to expand reach of African malaria alliance
 Africa can be free of the need for development aid within a generation, writes Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the president of Liberia and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Johnson-Sirleaf, who this week will assume leadership of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, said she intends to broaden ALMA's mission to other issues that affect maternal and child health. The Huffington Post (1/29) - Coastal communities battle climate change
Dozens of countries have signed on to the Manila Declaration after meetings in the Philippines, agreeing to work together to protect coastal communities around the world from the effects of climate change. A United Nations Environment Program report published this month outlines ways in which countries can promote economic gain and stability through sustainable investment and development in the marine sector. United Press International (1/30) - Rising temperatures have major effect on wheat yields
 As episodes of extreme heat are becoming more prevalent across the globe, the findings of a study released today show that wheat ages more quickly, reducing yields, in temperatures that exceed 34 degrees Celsius. The study, led by scientists at Stanford University, projects grain losses of up to 20%. AlertNet/Reuters (1/29) - Haitians go mobile for banking services
Mobile money has emerged as the currency of choice in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake destroyed much of the country's physical bank presence. Mercy Corps and The Gates Foundation helped local cellphone companies set up mobile banking systems in a bid to enhance security, flexibility and access to services. The Christian Science Monitor (1/27) - Ban pledges support for Libya recovery efforts
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has told Libya's prime minister that the world body remains committed to helping the country rebuild from recent conflict and emerge from decades of rule under Moammar Gadhafi. Libya is grappling with a host of political and economic issues such as ongoing clashes between opposing militia groups and widespread allegations of torture at detention facilities. CNN (1/29), CNN (1/26) 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.
- Turner: Goals are only part of the journey
 United Nations Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner talks about what motivates him to set lofty goals on development, sustainability and the future of the world community. Turner wants to help save the world, he says in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, and even though he knows the goal is unachievable, the joy comes from achieving the smaller milestones along the way. Read more and watch videos from Ted Turner's "Master Class" with Oprah Winfrey. Oprah.com (1/30) | |  | | Position Title | Company Name | Location | | Africa Program Specialist | METI Inc., contractor for the USDA Forest Service Office of International Programs | Washington D.C., DC | | Program Director - Sustainable and Thriving Environments for West Africa Regional Development | METI Inc, contractor for the USDA Forest Service Office of International Programs | Freetown, Sierra Leone | | Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum Program Assistant/Coordinator | Social Science Research Council | Brooklyn , NY | | Program Officer, Adolescent Girls | United Nations Foundation | Washington DC, DC | | Senior Associate, Planning and Learning | United Nations Foundation | Washington DC, DC | | Administrative Assistant, shot@life | United Nations Foundation | Washington DC, DC | | Communications Officer, Nothing But Nets | United Nations Foundation | Washington DC, DC | | | Click here to view more job listings. | | |
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