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International Telecommunication Union Seeks Green Digital Transformation Consultant for Global Projects

International Telecommunication Union Seeks Green Digital Transformation Consultant for Global Projects

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), is establishing a roster of Green Digital Transformation Consultants. These consultants will support projects aimed at advancing a net-zero ICT sector globally. The role is home-based and remote worldwide, with a closing date for applications on December 31, 2026. Consultants will be remunerated between US$185 and US$360 per day. The ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) coordinates these efforts, focusing on development policies, strategies, programs, and technical cooperation activities to ensure universal access to affordable, high-quality, and secure telecommunications and ICTs. The Climate Change and Emergency Telecommunications Division is specifically building this roster to implement ITU’s green digital transformation projects, which assist Member States in tracking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use from the digital sector, providing ca...
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UN General Assembly Remains Vital Platform for Global Diplomacy Despite Challenges

UN General Assembly Remains Vital Platform for Global Diplomacy Despite Challenges

The United Nations General Assembly continues to serve as a crucial forum where the UN's 193 Member States convene to address pressing global issues, including war, peace, development, climate change, and human rights. Richard Gowan, Director of UN and Multilateral Diplomacy at the International Crisis Group, emphasizes the Assembly's enduring importance, noting that it provides a unique platform for countries, particularly smaller nations and middle powers, to voice their concerns and engage in global affairs. Historically, the General Assembly played a central role in decolonization, allowing newly independent states to assert themselves on the world stage and challenge existing power structures. Even during the Cold War, when the Security Council was often deadlocked, the General Assembly facilitated discussions and mandated peacekeeping operations, such as the one that helped end the Suez crisis in 1956. Despite criticisms and the rise of other diplomatic forums like the G20, the Assembly continues to ...
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At UN, developing nations call for bigger say in shaping AI future

At UN, developing nations call for bigger say in shaping AI future

By Doyinsola Oladipo UNITED NATIONS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Developing nations are demanding a greater role in shaping the rules governing artificial intelligence, warning that a technology poised to transform economies could instead deepen global inequalities if its development and regulation remain
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Social Security Administration's Digital Identity Push Faces User Burden Challenges

Social Security Administration's Digital Identity Push Faces User Burden Challenges

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reached 105 million 'my Social Security' accounts, making it a significant test case for digital identity verification at scale within the federal government. Access to SSA's online services now requires users to sign in through Login.gov or ID.me, replacing the agency's old username and password system. While Login.gov is designated as the universal sign-on for covered public services by an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum, agencies can offer alternative solutions if Login.gov cannot meet specific user needs or imposes undue burdens. The SSA's strategic plan aims for 110 million accounts by the end of fiscal year 2027, with an earlier, more ambitious goal of 200 million by the end of calendar year 2026 still being pursued. Identity proofing for these services can involve biometrics, such as selfies and facial matching, particularly with ID.me and Login.gov's enhanced IAL2 service. However, reports indicate that some users, including those withou...
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New Zealand Boosts WTO's STDF with Contribution for Safe and Inclusive Trade

New Zealand Boosts WTO's STDF with Contribution for Safe and Inclusive Trade

New Zealand has made a new contribution to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership aimed at strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity in developing and least developed countries (LDCs). This contribution was welcomed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who noted it would help developing countries implement international standards, enhance transparency, and roll out digital tools like ePing and e-SPS certification. Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, at New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated that New Zealand is pleased to support the STDF's work, particularly its efforts with Pacific Island Countries. The funding will assist governments and private sector stakeholders in implementing SPS measures based on international standards, consistent with the WTO's SPS Agreement, and will support projects to strengthen regional risk-based approaches and pilot new digital tools for safe trade.
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Oil prices rise for second session on continued Middle East supply concern

Oil prices rise for second session on continued Middle East supply concern

By Sumit Saha Sept 29 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose for a second successive session on Tuesday as lingering concern over Middle East supply disruption brought about by US-Iran conflict outweighed signs of recovering crude exports from the region.
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Using old election playbook, Netanyahu projects image as Israel's protector despite Hamas attack

Using old election playbook, Netanyahu projects image as Israel's protector despite Hamas attack

By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using the same campaign playbook that has served him for decades as he tries to retain power in an election next month, presenting himself as the only person who can keep Israelis safe in a hostile region.
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UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Apologizes for Misinterpreting Nazi Camp Term and Origin of Antisemitism

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Apologizes for Misinterpreting Nazi Camp Term and Origin of Antisemitism

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, has issued an apology for misinterpreting the term 'Muselmann' used in Nazi concentration camps and for incorrectly stating the original meaning of 'antisemitism'. Albanese had claimed in an interview that Jews in Nazi camps were called 'the Muslims' when being taken to gas chambers, and that 'antisemitism' originally referred to hostility towards all Semitic peoples. Her comments drew criticism from Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, which accused her of 'clear and dangerous historical revisionism'. Yad Vashem clarified that 'Muselmann' was a term for severely emaciated prisoners, not exclusive to Jewish individuals, and did not imply Nazis regarded Jews as Muslims. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance also states that 'antisemitism' was coined in 1879 specifically to denote anti-Jewish campaigns. Albanese acknowledged these errors in an apology posted on X, stating she 'misread the term 'Muselmann' ...
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Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand access

Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand access

Bill Gates is warning technology companies and world leaders that they must act now to ensure artificial intelligence combats social inequities
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Oil prices up, but off highs as Qatari mediators plan US-Iran talks

Oil prices up, but off highs as Qatari mediators plan US-Iran talks

By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Monday, but eased off session highs on expectations that Qatari mediators would hold talks with the US and Iran to try to find a possible peace deal.