© UNICEF/J. James Health workers in Bunia in eastern DR Congo are being disinfected to protect against Ebola. Top news of the day | Thursday: Iran, Ebola, Sudan, El Niño UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: the IAEA is ready to begin verification of the Iranian nuclear program, a senior coordinator on the Ebola problem will begin work in the DR Congo, the Secretary General called for de-escalation in Sudanese Northern Kordofan, UN agencies have requested funds to protect people from the consequences of the phenomenon El Niño.
Iranian nuclear program
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi welcomed the signing of the initial memorandum between Iran and the United States and announced the agency’s readiness to begin practical work, including verification of Iran’s nuclear program. Recognizing the indispensable role of the IAEA is a good starting point, he said. According to media reports, the memorandum provides for negotiations to be held within a maximum of 60 days from the date of its adoption in order to conclude a final agreement. One of the key issues remains the enrichment of uranium by Iran, while Tehran must confirm that it has no intentions to create nuclear weapons.
Ebola Outbreak
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher appointed Julien Harneys, who previously led the Organization’s humanitarian operations in Yemen, as senior coordinator for Ebola. The decision was made after consultations with the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom. Ghebreyesus. Harneis will coordinate the activities of UN agencies and partner NGOs, based in the city of Bunia, one of the hotbeds of the Ebola outbreak in the east of the DR Congo.
Violence in Sudan
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the escalation of hostilities in the area of the city of El Obeid in the Sudanese state of Northern Kordofan. Of particular concern are drone strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as reports of the Rapid Reaction Forces deploying significant reinforcements to the city. The UN chief called on all parties to show restraint and take the necessary measures to protect civilians.
El Niño Phenomenon
$202 million is required to protect nearly 9 million people in 22 countries who may suffer from the effects of the powerful climate phenomenon El Niño. This is stated by representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program. According to forecasts, in the remaining months of 2026, as well as in 2027, El Niño will intensify: in some regions there will be atypical drought, while in others, on the contrary, the risk of flooding will increase due to heavy rainfall.