UN Wire Sep 18, 2013 - 68th General Assembly to focus on social development issues, Syria

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Top Story 68th General Assembly to focus on social development issues, Syria The United Nations' 68th General Assembly meeting started on Tuesday and is concentrating on the Syrian crisis and social development issues such as human rights, development and women. "Syria is the biggest peace, security and humanitarian challenge we face," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. ABC News/The Associated Press (9/17) Share: Above the Fold Security Council members differ on basis of Syria draft resolution How will Chinese aid to Africa evolve? Female leaders seek action on climate change Fighting continues in Syria near capital UN Foundation, ExxonMobil Foundation release women's economic development report UN Radio Quote of the Day @UN: The 68th session of #UNGA is now underway. We've put some tips for how to follow along here on our blog: j.mp/1eL9pFp Share: UN Dispatch "One of the great innovations in global health over the past several years has been the use of so-called 'health extension workers.' ... Ethiopia is one of the countries that pioneered this strategy, and it is yielding positive health outcomes." UN Dispatch (9/17) Share: United Nations Security Council members differ on basis of Syria draft resolution United Nations Security Council members were in disagreement Tuesday about a draft resolution aimed at ensuring Syria adheres to its agreement to turn over its chemical weapons for destruction. Meanwhile, UN chemical-weapons inspectors plan to return to Syria to investigate additional incidents. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (9/17), United Press International (9/18) Share: Voters need to keep leaders on track with climate-change efforts, UN official says ABC News/The Associated Press (9/17) Share: Health & Development How will Chinese aid to Africa evolve? China has funded various development and trade projects in Africa for decades, primarily on a state-to-state basis. Researcher Xue Lei expresses hope that China will expand its relationships with nongovernmental organizations and other groups to finance projects that directly affect everyday people. IRINNews.org (9/17) Share: Eliminating inequality is about more than wealth, OECD chief says The world can reduce inequality through programs improving health and education, as well as through income and employment reforms, writes Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the OECD. "[I]t is more important than ever to put the necessary instruments in place to help us tackle inequality and create fair and inclusive societies," Gurria argues. The Guardian (London)/Poverty Matters blog (9/18) Share: Syria war creates challenges for UNRWA's mandate, agency chief says Frontline (India) (10/4) Share: Australian aid agency put under jurisdiction of foreign affairs ministry Devex.com (free registration) (9/18) Share: CAR health care lacking for 3.2 million people, aid groups say Thomson Reuters Foundation (9/17) Share: Women & Girls Female leaders seek action on climate change A global gathering of female leaders is being held this weekend to create a climate-change action plan that will be presented at the United Nations. "Women are putting the world on notice that we don’t think leaders are acting swiftly enough" on climate change, said Osprey Orielle Lake, head of the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus. Thomson Reuters Foundation (9/18) Share: Marriage isn't sanctuary for child brides in conflict regions, study says Council on Foreign Relations online/Development Channel blog (9/16) Share: Peacekeeping and Security Fighting continues in Syria near capital Fighting between Syrian government troops and rebels continues, largely in and near the capital of Damascus. Meanwhile, responsibility for the Aug. 21 chemical-weapons attack continues to be contested. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Reuters (9/18), BBC (9/18), The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (9/17) Share: Chief of elections panel killed in Afghanistan Thomson Reuters Foundation (9/18) Share: North Korea official asks for nuclear talks without conditions Voice of America (9/18) Share: Dissatisfaction with Islamist government grows in Tunisia The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (9/17) Share: 24 Ugandan peacekeepers recalled from Somalia over alleged black market activity Thomson Reuters Foundation/Reuters (9/18) Share: Nigerian troops clash with Boko Haram rebels; more than 150 may be dead BBC (9/18) Share: UN Foundation & Better World Campaign UN Foundation, ExxonMobil Foundation release women's economic development report This week the United Nations Foundation and the ExxonMobil Foundation released a first-of-its-kind report, "A Roadmap for Promoting Women's Economic Empowerment," outlining proven, promising and high-potential interventions to spur women's economic advancement worldwide. 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