A sign in a Colombian city on the Pacific coast indicates an evacuation route in case of a tsunami. Top news of the day | Wednesday: Doha, Abyei, Serbia, tsunami UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: Second UN World Summit on Social Development in Doha, Security Council meeting on the situation in Abyei, anniversary of the collapse of the canopy at the railway station in Serbia, World Tsunami Awareness Day.
Social Summit in Doha
At the Second World Summit on Social Development taking place in Doha (Qatar), education issues took center stage these days. Almost 14 thousand people registered to participate in the forum. Politicians, educators and youth activists agree that decent learning is the foundation of inclusive and sustainable communities. Qatar’s Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Misned delivered a keynote speech calling for renewed commitment to education. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this message, calling education “the best tool to fight poverty.” He warned of growing inequality, chronic underfunding and a global shortage of qualified teachers.
The situation in Abyei
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee, together with Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa Guang Kong, briefed the Security Council on the current situation in Abyei, a region disputed by Sudan and South Sudan. Pobi recommended the immediate deployment of Security Council-authorized police units to Abyei and urged Sudan and South Sudan to provide their full support. Guang Kong said bilateral engagement between Sudan and South Sudan on the final status of Abyei remains limited. It continues to engage with both governments to improve bilateral relations and will provide its full support to the African Union in efforts to resolve the final status of Abyei.
Anniversary of the Novi Sad tragedy
A year after the collapse of a awning at a train station in Serbia killed 16 people and sparked a wave of protests, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for renewed efforts to bring those responsible to justice. He stressed that restoring public trust in government institutions and upholding the rule of law are critical. Over the past year, Serbians have held protests across the country, demanding that those responsible for the Novi Sad tragedy be brought to justice, the fight against corruption strengthened, and the release of people arbitrarily detained during peaceful protests. Authorities reject these demands, accusing protesters of inciting violence and claiming “external interference.”
World Tsunami Awareness Day
November 5th is World Tsunami Awareness Day. The theme for 2025 is to highlight the need to build resilient communities as part of the global Tsunami Preparedness programme. This year’s campaign promotes prevention and brings together governments, scientists, local leaders and the public to reduce the risk of tsunamis. The campaign also calls for investing in community resilience and shared responsibility for keeping coasts safe.