April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Top news of the day | Thursday: Middle East, economics, DR Congo, autism UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: The head of the UN called for stopping the war in the Middle East, experts from the Conference on Trade and Development warn about a slowdown in the global economy, the humanitarian situation in the DR Congo continues to deteriorate amid violence, the UN calls for the necessary support for people with autism.
Middle East
The world is on the verge of a major war that could engulf the entire region and lead to catastrophic consequences at the global level. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced this on Thursday, speaking to reporters at the Organization’s headquarters in New York. He said he was in close contact with all parties and was sending his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to facilitate diplomatic efforts. The Secretary General again called on the United States and Israel to stop the war, and Iran to stop attacks on neighboring countries.
World Economy
The actual closure of the Strait of Hormuz has provoked a deep crisis that could gradually engulf the entire world economy. This is stated by experts from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The crisis has led to a catastrophic reduction in maritime traffic in the strait – by 95 percent. Against the backdrop of geopolitical instability, the growth rate of world trade in goods in 2026 could slow down three times, experts warn, to 1.5 percent. Global GDP growth is expected to decline from 2.9 percent to 2.6 percent.
Situation in DR Congo
UN humanitarian agencies warn that the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deteriorate due to ongoing violence in the eastern provinces of Ituri, Norte Kivu and South Kivu. In Ituri alone, in the Mambasa region, armed attacks killed at least 30 people yesterday. The total number of civilians killed there since March 11 has exceeded 100. During the same period, more than 390 civilians were kidnapped. The UN also reports widespread looting in medical facilities, including the theft of food, medicine and medical supplies.
Autism is not a death sentence
According to the World Health Organization, every 127th person in the world suffers from autism spectrum disorder. People with autism have difficulty communicating on a daily basis, may have a keen interest in certain topics, and analyze information in unusual ways. On World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, the UN reminds that with the right support, empathy and consideration for their needs, people with this neurological condition can participate productively in society.