With the horrific deaths of five of its staff members in Islamabad earlier this week, the UN’s World Food Program has a lot of explaining to do. Just how did a bomber swiftly pass through what was believed to be a topnotch security system?

The UN offices throughout Pakistan now remain closed pending an investigation- the Taliban have now claimed responsibility for the acts. Many outside the UN system are questioning the overall effectiveness of UN global security measures in dangerous or potential conflict zones. The World Food Program provides over 10 million people in Pakistan with food aid.

UN Secretary-General spokeswoman Michele Montas stated in response to a call for a full investigation:

“We are at a phase of assessment to see how vulnerable our offices are. Islamabad was one of the best protected UN centers in Pakistan.”

Some 50-80 personnel were believed to be inside the building. Footage from a UN security camera revealed the bomber walking through a door into the main entry hall while carrying a half-metre long cylindrical object.

Dozens of UN offices have been victim to attacks by opposition and insurgent groups in recent years including in Somalia, Iraq and Algeria– to name a few.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said the bombing was a “terrible tragedy,” leaving many of skeptics wondering if this rhetoric is assurance enough to stop a growing and increasingly violent Taliban force inside Pakistan.

Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki, Foreign Minister of Iran, spoke with United Nations correspondents today about the current crisis in his country and on the nuclear debate.  He was questioned on his recent trip to Washington to meet with officials to discuss opening up dialogue.

“Enjoyment of a peaceful nuclear program is the right of all member states. All of these issues (nuclear, economic sanctions) require comprehensive dialogue. Naturally, such dialogue is important among countries that play a leading role in the international scene. Therefore we are not going to lose any opportunity to address these issues. And we are trying to find holistic solutions. ” Mottaki said.

The Head of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) made strong statements this week regarding Iran’s failure to disclose the new nuclear facilities that are under construction. Mr. Mottaki responded that there is still no sufficient evidence to show that Iran has not respected its obligations to the IAEA.

A Geneva Summit which took place today with the 5 permanent members plus one (Germany) and representatives from Iran, drew a mixed response from the members (United States, France, Untied Kingdom, Russia and China) and put increasing pressure on the Iranians to respect the recommendations of the IAEA and to show transparency in its nuclear producing interests.

Mottaki underlined that Iran has been a member of NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) for 40 years and  a committed member of the IAEA. He outlined Iran’s action to inform the IAEA has taken place for over a year and a half.

“Iran announced nuclear sites and facilities 18 months earlier that it needed based on IAEA regulations” he said.

Mottaki added Iran has the right to defend itself and is doing everything in compliance of the United Nations Charter and IAEA regulations.

“In the talks I had with foreign ministers from the P-5 countries, it was clear expectations should not be high about this October 1st meeting and the hope was for the continuation of such talks. Iran supports this will.”

 

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Secretary of State Hilary Clinton chaired a Security Council meeting today to adopt a resolution to combat sexual violence of women and children in armed conflict. The resolution 1888 of 2009, drafted by the United States, outlines actions the UN and Member States can take to help prevent conflict-related sexual violence and end impunity.

The Security Council’s action to adopt this resolution is part of the Obama Administration’s work to protect women and children in conflict situations.

Resolution 1888 states that “ending impunity is essential if a society in conflict or recovering from conflict is to come to terms with past abuses committed against civilians affected by armed conflict and to prevent future such abuses.”

The new resolution takes from lessons learned in previous Security Council resolutions, 1820 and 1325, which were central to raising the issue of sexual violence in conflict regions. More specifically, it calls for among others– the appointment of a Special Representative to lead efforts to end conflict-related sexual violence against women and children, and demands action from the Secretary-General to submit annual reports on the implementation of both resolution 1888 and 1820, as well as for more systematic reporting on conflict-related sexual violence.

The United States mission to the Untied Nations states:

“Conflict-related sexual violence against women and children continues in many areas around the world.  Many of the survivors of sexual violence are children, particularly girls.  In the Democratic Republic of Congo approximately 1,100 rapes are being reported each month, with an average of 36 women and girls raped every day.  In addition to these rapes and gang rapes, of which there have been hundreds of thousands over the duration of the conflict, the perpetrators frequently mutilate the women in the course of the attacks.”

President Obama issued a statement in support of the adoption of the resolution:

“I am pleased that the Security Council, chaired by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, unanimously approved a US-sponsored resolution that will increase the protection of women and children in conflict. In particular, the resolution focuses on one of the most abhorrent features of modern war: the use of rape as a weapon, and other forms of sexual violence against women and children.”

It was a win-win day for Obama as he hosted a historic Security Council Summit on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. This was the 6,191 meeting of the Security Council. The five permanent and ten rotating members of the Security Council (including to name a few– Uganda, Austria, Croatia, Mexico and Libya (although Qaddafi did not show) voted unanimously in support of Resolution 1887.

The Resolution affirmed the Council’s commitment to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons and to ensure nuclear safety and security. Obama said he’d hoped the Resolution would strengthen the global nonproliferation regime. He added that he wanted all countries to stop producing nuclear materials within four years. Obama underscored the United Nations institution was created at the “dawn of the atomic age.” But now, the goal should be a global partnership to commit to put an end to the production, smuggling, trade and financing of nuclear materials.

“Once more, the United Nations has a pivotal role to play in preventing this crisis.  The historic resolution we just adopted enshrines our shared commitment to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.  And it brings Security Council agreement on a broad framework for action to reduce nuclear dangers as we work toward that goal.  It reflects the agenda I outlined in Prague, and builds on a consensus that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them.”
The United States is expected to host a summit next April to keep nations on the four year agenda. The Summit proceedings further isolated North Korea and Iran and President Sarkozy of France emphasized that Iran has violated five security council resolutions and must be sanctioned and held accountable. He reiterated that North Korea has also threatened global security with the launch of missiles in April–and by ignoring several warnings by the Security Council to stop building its nuclear program.

United Nations US Ambassador Dr. Susan Rice met with reporters directly following the opening session:

“So we are very pleased at the outcome today. We view it as building important momentum going into next year’s Nonproliferation Review Conference, going into the president’s own Nuclear Security Summit next year. And of course, we had Secretary Clinton as well here today speaking before the CTBT session, underscoring our commitment to ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.”

The Ugandan representative said Africa was not interested in nuclear weapons but nuclear energy–which he said costs only 4-5 cents compared to 14 cents use in solar energy.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown from the United Kingdom added:

“Today we are at a watershed moment…a future of arms race or arms control.”

In a provocative speech delivered to the United Nations General-Assembly, President Mahmood Ahmadinejad of Iran called for an end to intimidation by western nations. He questioned how a small minority of countries had control over the economic policies of so many developing nations.

“I have talked about the two conflicting outlooks prevailing in our world; one that is based on the predominance of its materialistic interests through spreading inequality and oppression, poverty and deprivation, aggression, occupation and deception, and tends to bring the entire world under its control and impose its will on other nations. This outlook has produced nothing but frustration, disappointment and a dark future for the entire humanity.”

The other, he espoused, was in the belief and teachings of God.

Western powers, he cites, are “using the ugliest methods of intimidation and deceit under the mantle of freedom as a democratic practice, and approaches through which sometimes dictators are portrayed as democrats, lack legitimacy and must be totally rejected.”

Ahmadinejad argued in defense of Palestinians and said they had the right to arm themselves in self-defense. He also voiced strong support for Iraq’s right to self-governance. He emphasized reform and restructure of the United Nations as a central path to building partnerships globally.

Outside the UN, hundreds of anti-Ahmadinejad protesters voiced anger at his participation in the General-Assembly. Many still question his legitimacy as President of Iran.

Amidst a packed room full of security guards, press and dignitaries, President Obama spoke about global responsibilities and shared values among peoples in the world. This speech received a warm applause juxtaposed to a tepid reception to his United States action plan to tackle climate change at the UN Climate Summit held yesterday.

Obama identified four key pillars where the United States will focus in the coming years: 1) non proliferation, 2) promotion of peace and security, 3) preservation of the planet, and a 4)  global economy that advances opportunity for all people.

“When America acted unilaterally–this fed into reflexive anti-Americanism–I will never apologize for defending my nation and people–but it is my belief that in 2009-the interests of people are shared.”

He emphasized the use of technology to interconnect the world’s common goals, interests and responsibilities. He added now is the time for all the world to interconnect on a shared global response to genocide, mass atrocities, melting ice caps, persistent poverty and pandemic disease.

“Now, like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my nation and my people, and I will never apologize for defending those interests.  But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 — more than at any point in human history — the interests of nations and peoples are shared.  The religious convictions that we hold in our hearts can forge new bonds among people, or they can tear us apart.  The technology we harness can light the path to peace, or forever darken it.  The energy we use can sustain our planet, or destroy it.  What happens to the hope of a single child — anywhere — can enrich our world, or impoverish it.”

Obama said he was mindful of the tough challenges ahead and was determined to lead the United States in the right direction. He added that political differences have caused many in the world to view Americans with skepticism and mistrust.

“On my first day in office, I prohibited — without exception or equivocation — the use of torture by the United States of America. I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law.  Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example.”

UN Secretary_General, Ban Ki-Moon underlined that now is the time to act to put “united” ” back in the United Nations and to recognize green growth is the lifeline in the 21st century.”

The Secretary-General also touched on promoting democracy in Myanmar:

“We need friends and neighbors to do much more in the interest of its people so elections to be held next year will be seen as credible and open to all.”

The Secretary General has held a miserable record on Myanmar–many of the key government representatives have refused to meet with him upon his previous visits to the country.

The new 64th UN General Assembly President, Libyan Ali Abdussalam Treki said the question of the Arab and Israel conflict still remained unresolved and there is now “universal recognition that with rapidly deteriorating conditions in the Occupied Territories, the situation has become unbearable.”

Following Obama and his fellow Libyan, Muammar Qaddafi, shocked General Assembly hall participants–over 190 countries represented. He held up a copy of the United Nations Charter and slammed the preamble–citing hypocrisy and massive contradiction. He underlined the UN was created with the goal of preventing another World World II.

“We were not present at the time” he added. Now, “… You are like a decor. Like Hyde Park. You make your speech and then disappear. The General Assembly is the parliament of the world.”

Qaddafi underlined that the United Nations is tailored to the three countries that created the United Nations-namely the United States, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. “We are rejecting the UN charter and veto the charter. Since the preamble, 65 wars have broke out with millions of victims. And the Security Council members enjoy a veto given to themselves and not by election. Of the five permanent members–(US, UK, France, Russia and China)–only China was democratically elected.”

Qaddafi called for a full reform and breakdown of the Security Council and to turn the power over completely to the over 190 members of the General Assembly. “The Security Council is terrorism. We cannot leave it to the superpowers, this is terrorism in itself.”

The message was clear from the start of the largest ever climate summit– “Power Green Growth, Protect the Planet,” organized on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly. People across the globe are suffering from severe environmental consequences and its happening faster than ever predicted.

Djimon Hounsou, celebrity actor from the film “Blood Diamond,” headlined the summit and pleaded with participants:

“Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has asked itself who and what has created us? Why are we here and what is our legacy to those who follow us?” There is no escaping this fact–for one brief moment in time, we all exist on this same planet.  The world’s leading scientists warn that if we continue on this present course, life on this pale blue dot will be radically transformed. Indeed, it could cease to exist as we know it. That pale blue dot, the only home we have ever known.”

The Secretary-General added that climate change has increased pressure on water, food and land and exacerbated poverty. As the world’s glaciers continue to melt–the pace of the negotiations must be accelerated.

“You have the power to chart a safer and more prosperous course,” he added. “Now is your moment to act. Failure to reach broad agreement in Copenhagen will be morally inexcusable.”

The Secretary-General’s key man on climate change, Janos Pasztor, reiterated  the goals of the Summit:

“We have not heard of any country that said we did not need a agreement.  The only question now is what will be in that agreement–some countries are more interested in adaptation and others in financial provisions. At the end of the day, negotiations need to be able to go beyond immediate domestic concerns in every country.”

Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the horrifying statistics that recent sea levels have risen 17 centimeters.

“With this increase…every storm surge results in an increase to threats to life.”

Pachauri added the frequency of heavy precipitation events has increased in most areas. “The world is increasing emissions–which in the next decade will increase the temperature at a rate of over 12 degrees Fahrenheit.”

He said several island states will be immediately threatened including Bangladesh.

President Obama said  he hoped later this week to work with colleagues at the G-20 to phase out fossil fuel emissions.

“Most importantly, the House of Representatives passed in June a clean energy bill. Because no one nation can meet this challenge alone, the US has joined forces–in Trinidad, with the World Bank in developing nations–and put climate at the top of our diplomatic agenda. Taken together, these steps are a historic recognition. We understand the gravity of climate threats. We are prepared to act. We did not come here to celebrate progress –we came because there is so much more work to be done. As we head to Copenhagen, the hard work remains in front of us.”

“I am here today to say difficulty is no excuse for complacency. Each of us must do what we can, when we can to grow our economies without endangering our planet. We also cannot allow the old divisions to block our progress, ” Obama added.

Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China launched a new plan at the Summit which underlined bold changes to promote and tackle global warming in 4 key areas:

1) intensified efforts to conserve energy and cut carbon dioxide per unit GDP by 2020 from 2005 levels, 2) vigorously develop nuclear and renewable energy, 3) energetically promote forest carbon by 40 million hectars by 2020 by 2005 levels and 4) step up efforts to develop green economy and climate friendly technologies.

“Global climate change has a profound impact on the survival of mankind and  a major challenge affecting all countries.  I wish to highlight a few principles. –the principle of common and differentiated consensus. Achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Developed countries should support developing countries in tackling climate change. We should make our endeavor a win win for both developed and developing countries. Promoting common development should be the basis of our effort. China has taken and will continue to take practical steps to tackle this challenge.”

China has planted 2.6 billion trees in a massive country-wide green campaign.

Jintao emphasized that China is implementing its national climate based program by reducing energy intensity, increase in forest coverage and sharing of renewable energy. He hoped in the years ahead, China will further integrate green climate actions into economic and social plans.

Former Vice President Al Gore, also known as the godfather of climate policy, addressed reporters directly after the Summit opening. He stressed the importance in getting the United States to sign off on the Markey-Waxman climate bill before Copenhagen.

“I think one of the most important statement made this morning by the President of the small island Maldives, is developed countries must undertake binding agreements on reductions. And the question of funding is obviously a necessary part of the agreement in order for an agreement to be ratified and accepted in developed countries—there has to be support, technology transfer and common obligations that are binding. I think that soil carbon conservation and re-carbonization of soil must be the next stage in this negotiating process. A clear signal should be set at Copenhagen.”

Japan was also highlighted as a key country and world’s top economy for added financial support to developing nations.

“I was extremely impressed by the new Prime Minister’s address–Japan has provided tremendous leadership on climate progress,” added Gore.

 

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New York City gears up for a busy week on climate, poverty, health pandemics, nuclear disarmament and conflict and peace negotiations. Over 100 world leaders from Russia, China, India, Iran and other developed and developing nations will gather at the UN’s Climate Summit and General Assembly, the Clinton Global Initiative and other smaller forums organized throughout the city. The climate debate is at the top of the agenda and industrialized leaders will travel to Pittsburgh at the end of the week where the G-20 will gather to discuss a plan to combat global warming ahead of a major international climate conference in Copenhagen in December.

Making your way through town, one can feel a buzz in the air–anti-Ahmadinejad and Qaddafi protests are rampant, as are tabloid papers masking themselves as the New York Post with headlines “We’re Screwed. What you’re not being told: Official City report predicts massive climate catastrophes, public health disasters.”

To add to the inflamed excitement, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, a lead organizer of Climate Week NY failed to show up at his city’s climate opening ceremony. But other notables took the reign including former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair who’s climate group launched a report today entitled”Breaking the Climate Deadlock: Cutting the Cost.”

The report outlines the economic benefits for countries that go green and reduce carbon emissions. The findings indicate that if a deal is reached at the global Copenhagen climate conference in December, cutting emissions could potentially create as many as 10 million new jobs in 2020 and thus generate additional economic growth via the adoption of low carbon technologies that  accelerate sustainable development in developing countries.

“This is more difficult that all the negotiations where I have been involved including the Middle East peace process and NATO,” Blair added. “However, there is a way — we must distinguish short term and long term targets. 2020 is a long way ahead. The enormous cost savings that can be achieved if countries act together are striking.”

CEO of the Climate Group, Steve Howard, summarized: “Climate Week is a partnership to see how we can come up with a successful deal in Copenhagen–but there is a lot of lifting to be done.”

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, said he wanted to ask Mayor Bloomberg to begin calling New York the “Big Green Apple.”

Celebrity actor Hugh Jackman also joined the opening ceremony and shared his “going green” experiences based on a recent trip to Ethiopia. Todd Stern, United States Special Envoy for Climate Change and the Administrator’s chief negotiator said he was hopeful Obama would go to Copenhagen with or without a Senate approved climate bill.

Representatives from China and India also commemorated the day–both recently lauded for implementing effective national plans to boost green energy. The word is also out that China plans to unveil an ambitious energy conservation plan tomorrow at the UN Climate Summit. According to Yves de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), who met with reporters earlier this morning, “Everyone knows about the one or two power plants China opens up every week, but nobody knows that China is also closing one or two power plants every week as well.” De Boer added “China doesn’t need anybody’s money, but they want to cooperate on clean technology.”

Nevertheless, de Boer believes “Obama is doing his darndest. But the international community is saying, what is the United States doing in all of this? Why has the protocol son not joined the international community?”

Many international skeptics have criticized the United States for being the world’s biggest polluter per capita, and at the same time, being slow to approve the Markey-Waxman bill and other climate change initiatives –when other countries have sped far ahead on this agenda.

Across town, at the Natural History Museum in New York’s Upper West Side, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) including Cape Verde, Grenada, Nauru, Maldives and Trinidad, got together to talk about the “murder” being committed by industrialized nations on small islands. Lead organizer, President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives said “Climate Change is already delivering damage not of our making. Should we, leaders of the most vulnerable and exposed countries, be asking our people to sign onto significantly greater degrees of misery and livelihood insecurity, essentially becoming climate change guinea pigs?”

AOSIS is calling on industrialized nations to demand a global warming limit in Copenhagen and to cut emissions by 45% by 2020. The Alliance group is also asking for global temperature increases to be well below 1.5 degrees C in order to ensure the survival of small and low lying islands and their inhabitants. Many smaller islands are disappearing leaving residents homeless due to rising water levels caused by melting polar ice caps and global warming.

 

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