Tag "United Nations"

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Environment International

The Role of International Organizations in Climate Governance

International organizations like the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) are in many ways the leaders of global climate mitigation efforts. With their professional knowledge, monitoring functions, and facilitating capabilities for collaboration, international organizations should receive as much data as possible regarding the international execution of climate policies from state actors. In turn, they should use the findings to bridge existing gaps between countries in order to instigate a more efficient and globally coordinated effort to mitigate climate change.

Environment Insights International

Opinion: Environmental Crime: A Global Threat to Our Planet

Green crime has climbed the agenda of financial institutions, law enforcement, regulators and the technology sector following the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased presence of the climate crisis. The pandemic in particular shone a blinding light on the global wildlife trade and the impact its lack of regulation can have. Companies are increasingly focusing on markers of environmental related crime, however the pace remains slow and poses a threat to increased levels of sustainability fraud. 

Africa Politics

Kenya: Camp Closures Weaponised as Relations with Somalia Sour

The maritime dispute between Kenya and Somalia has dragged diplomatic relations between the two neighbours to a new low, with the most likely outcome favouring Somalia. In threatening to close Dadaab and Kakuma, Kenya may be seeking a new source of pressure to apply to Mogadishu through deploying the prospect of thousands of returnees as leverage. 

Africa Politics

Mali’s “Fresh Start” is Becoming a Pipe Dream as Colonel Malick Diaw is Elected Head of Interim Legislature

The Malian coup d’état, that came to fruition on the 18th August last year, was motivated by a need to end the corruption and bad governance that had brought the country to standstill and to address the instability that continues in the north of the country. In the aftermath, the Comité Nationale pour le Salut de Peuple (CNSP) followed through, conducting consultations with key stakeholders to develop its charter for transition. It vowed to return the country to civilian leadership within a “reasonable timeframe”. Nevertheless, as the CNSP has become comfortable in its position of power, cracks are beginning to show. Army personnel dominate the interim government and even with ECOWAS bearing down, the hope of a more transparent and democratic government is beginning to dissipate. 

Africa Politics

Democratic Republic Of The Congo: Seeking Support In The Shadow Of Kabila

The collapse of the coalition between President Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila threatens to create a void in DRC politics. Whilst international actors have been swift to commend Tshisekedi, his own political fortunes now rely on finding allies amongst the very opposition who question his victory in 2018, all the while fending off Kabila’s still-potent influence. 

Africa Under The Radar

South Africa: Attempts at Continental Diplomacy

Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is seeking to regain the respect and authority it held in its early years of democracy.

North America Politics

The US abdicates a key role at UN Human Rights Council

In another sign of its abdication of global leadership, the US has decided to withdraw from the UN human rights council, citing the latter’s hostility to Israel and favorable treatment to regimes with unsavory human rights records. What are the consequences for the world – and the Council’s future?

International Security

How R2P impedes global governance

Despite the UN’s many member states that have attempted to redress R2P, the principle is still not included in the general assembly’s 2018 agenda and causes more controversy than benefit.

International Security

The U.N. hits another wall in Syria, but a resolution remains possible

The U.N. has continually failed to influence a political resolution in Syria. This does not mean that a political resolution is not possible, but shows that states in the ‘East’ are confident enough to challenge the Security Council’s authority and work together to bring stability.

Security Sub-Saharan Africa

The Security Briefing: Peace prospects for the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic’s security situation has been deteriorating since 2013. Will an increased United Nations presence and a new election be able to reconcile the deeply divided country?