Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday warned that the “fragile” legitimacy of the Security Council could endanger global peace if it remains gridlocked and fails to fulfil its primary purpose. Mr. Guterres was addressing ambassadors in the iconic chamber in New York on United Nations Day, marking 80 years since its founding. He spoke via video…
Approximately R60 billion has been withdrawn since South Africa’s new two-pot retirement fund system was implemented a year ago. In a recent briefing to the National Council of Provinces, National Treasury said the introduction of the two-pot system has been largely successful, improving public engagement with retirement funds, exposing non-compliance by some employers, and ensuring…
A renowned Ghanaian educationist and global thought leader, Professor Kwame Akyeampong, is set to launch his latest book, co-authored with Dr Sean Higgins, titled “Reconceptualising the Learning Crisis in Africa: Multi-dimensional Pedagogies of Accelerated Learning Programmes.” The book to be launched in Accra on October 22, is a powerful critique of dominant global narratives that…
The Secretary-General on Wednesday outlined a set of proposals to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness and improve coordination across its three core pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Addressing the General Assembly, António Guterres briefed Member States on the structural reforms and programme realignments that are needed across the UN System to make…
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has told parliament he backs suspending controversial 2023 pension reforms, in the face of crucial votes of no-confidence later this week. The changes, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, were seen as signature reforms in Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. “This autumn I will propose to parliament that we…
One of the commitments the South African presidency of the G20 made in its policy priorities document at the beginning of 2025 was to push for fairer, more transparent sovereign credit ratings. And to address the high cost of capital caused by an illusive perception of high risk in developing economies. South Africa proposed to…
The United Nations remains “the house of diplomacy and dialogue” in a divided world, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said as she closed the 80th session’s general debate, urging nations to convert the week’s momentum into concrete action on peace, climate change and institutional reform. Over six days, 189 Member States spoke from the iconic…
ACT CEO Nomvuyiso Batyi The Electronic Communications Act must be amended to accelerate connectivity in South Africa through better infrastructure investment, an industry lobby group has said. Nomvuyiso Batyi, a former director-general in the department of communications and now CEO of the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), has said that despite progress, there are…
The United Nations has finalised the revised estimates for its 2026 proposed programme budget, outlining more than $500 million in reductions, while also introducing the first measures of the UN80 Initiative – a wider effort to make the Organisation more effective and resilient as it marks its 80th anniversary. The revised estimates, communicated on Monday…
Rwanda has called for urgent reforms to the global climate finance system to ensure African countries get access to adequate resources without worsening their debt burden. ALSO READ: Kagame calls for sufficient climate finance for Africa Speaking at the Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia on September 8, the Minister of Environment, Bernadette Arakwiye, stressed that…
