Karnataka Governor calls for mutli-stakeholder cooperation to achieve SDGs
He added, 'It is important that knowledge sharing, cooperation, and information exchange help mitigate the challenges of climate change. The growing carbon footprint, pollution, deforestation, and other factors have led to a climate crisis, and it is imperative that we address these issues urgently. We need to inform and sensitise people about them. Our campaigns to save energy, water, and other resources are aimed at protecting the environment.'
O.P. Jindal Global University released its 'Sustainable Development Report 2025' at the conclave.
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Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Indian Express
US pulls out of UNESCO again. A look at the rocky ties tracing back to Raegan, with Israel at heart
The United States has once again withdrawn from UNESCO, reigniting a decades-old pattern of disengagement with the United Nations' cultural agency. This time, the trigger is familiar: the organisation's recognition of Palestine as a member state. Calling UNESCO's direction 'divisive' and 'ideological', the US Department of State said the body no longer aligns with American interests. 'Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,' said spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, accusing the agency of pushing a globalist agenda through its focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The final straw, she added, was the inclusion of Palestine, which the US says fuels anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation. It's a move that marks yet another chapter in the US's fraught history with UNESCO, one that has been marked by multiple withdrawals, funding freezes, and political posturing. The tensions go back as far as 1984, when the Ronald Reagan administration first pulled out, citing corruption, mismanagement, and a perceived pro-Soviet bias. The US eventually rejoined under George W Bush in 2003, only to slash funding again in 2011 under Barack Obama — ironically, over the same issue of Palestine's membership. The second withdrawal of the US in 2018 was again citing anti-Israel bias. Along with the US, Israel had completely stopped funding the organisation after it voted for membership of Palestine. The fund cut had deprived UNESCO of nearly a fifth of its budget, forcing it to slash programs. In 2023, after Joe Biden took over US presidency, the nation rejoined UNESCO after citing concerns that China was filling the gap left by the US in the agency's policymaking. Now, with Washington turning its back yet again, UNESCO faces fresh questions about funding and relevance, especially at a time when it's playing a key role in war-hit regions like Gaza. UNESCO has been supporting displaced children and families, helping them cope with the trauma they have been going through. According to UNESCO's website, as many as 1,580 displaced children have received aid through UNESCO's mental health and psychosocial support activities in shelters across Khan Younis and Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip since the war broke out. Apart from that, 810 caregivers have taken part in psychosocial support workshops, boosting their ability to provide aid to both themselves and the children in their care. Palestine, a member state Palestine was added as a member state of the agency after 107 members voted in favour of it to 14 against, with 52 abstentions during UNESCO's General Conference in 2011. Anticipating dissent from the US, UNESCO then Director-General Irina Bokova had raised concern that funding from the largest contributor may be jeopardized. Bokov was quoted as saying in a statement by UNSECO: 'I am worried we may confront a situation that could erode UNESCO as a universal platform for dialogue. I am worried for the stability of its budget. 'It is well-known that funding from our largest contributor, the United States, may be jeopardized,' she noted. 'I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that UNESCO does not suffer unduly as a result….' 'UNESCO's work is too important to be jeopardised,' she said.
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Business Standard
17 hours ago
- Business Standard
President Murmu urges MES officers to adopt green tech, build smart
As emerging leaders in the field of military construction, young Military Engineer Services (MES) officers have a crucial responsibility "not only to build but to build with responsibility", President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday. The MES plays a vital role in strengthening the operational readiness of the country's armed forces, she said. "By providing comprehensive engineering support, MES ensures that our troops are equipped with world-class infrastructure and facilities, enabling them to remain mission-ready under all conditions," Murmu said, addressing a group of MES probationers, who had called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Murmu further called on the officers to focus on adopting renewable energy sources to promote sustainable development and reduce the carbon footprint of defence infrastructure. The President noted that MES is actively promoting the use of indigenous materials and technologies under the Make in India initiative, aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. "This supports local industries and also strengthens the domestic defence ecosystem. MES must also become a pioneer in technological innovation. Integrating advanced tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), drone surveillance, and the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for predictive maintenance and project planning will enhance precision and effectiveness," Murmu said. Addressing the probationers of Indian Defence Estates Service officers, who had also called on the President, she said the integration of digital solutions is a necessity in this era of rapid technological transformation. "It is your duty to stay abreast of the technological advancements and apply them in your functioning. Artificial Intelligence, drone-based land surveys, satellite imagery, and blockchain for property record maintenance are no longer futuristic concepts; they are becoming part of governance," the President said. Murmu asked them to embrace green practices in infrastructure development, adopt renewable energy solutions, reduce wastage, and ensure water conservation in cantonments. "By combining technical expertise with innovation, you have the opportunity to make the Defence Estates a model of sustainable and smart urban management. But by far the most important element for your job is a sense of service," she said. A group of probationers of the Central Water Engineering Service also met the President. "Water resources management has always been a challenging task. Your contribution towards water infrastructure development by providing engineering solutions will make the country more resilient against natural and man-made water crises," she said. The sustainable development of water resources and efficient management of water is key to water security and growth, especially in the wake of changing climatic trends, Murmu stated. "Therefore, you are expected to play a key role in adopting a holistic approach to address the existing and upcoming challenges," she added. The President highlighted that by providing clean water and promoting water conservation, India can improve public health, boost agricultural productivity, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. Effective water management can play a significant role in securing a resilient future for generations to come, she noted. "I am confident that you will always uphold the highest ideals of public service and work tirelessly to build a stronger, inclusive, and more prosperous India. I wish you all a bright future," the President stated. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Scroll.in
20 hours ago
- Scroll.in
United States says it will withdraw from UNESCO
The United States on Tuesday announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, citing concerns about 'anti-Israel rhetoric' and the promotion of 'divisive' agendas. President Donald Trump had pulled out of the organisation in 2017 as well during his first term, a decision that his successor Joe Biden had reversed. US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday that Washington's continued involvement in UNESCO was 'not in the national interest' of the country. UNESCO is a body of the United Nations that promotes world peace through international cooperation in culture, arts, education and sciences. Bruce accused the organisation of advancing 'divisive social and cultural causes'. 'UNESCO…maintains an outsized focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy,' she said. The spokesperson also criticised the body's 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state, calling it 'highly problematic' and a contributor to 'anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation'. Washington is an ally of Israel and acts as a guarantor of the country's security. Both the US and Israel had stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state. In a social media post, Bruce said that 'going forward, US participation in international organisations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous'. The decision will take effect at the end of December 2026, her statement added. This is the third time US has pulled out of UNESCO. The country first withdrew from UNESCO in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan's administration, citing the international body's mismanagement, corruption, and advancement of Soviet Union interests. The US rejoined the organisation in 2003. Today, the United States announced our decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission. Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. — Tammy Bruce (@statedeptspox) July 22, 2025 UNESCO says withdrawal was 'anticipated' Responding to Washington's announcement, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that she 'deeply regretted' Trump's decision to once again withdraw from the international body. 'This decision contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism, and may affect first and foremost our many partners in the United States of America,' she said. Azoulay said that the announcement, although regrettable, was anticipated and added that UNESCO had prepared for it. The organisation had undertaken major structural reforms and diversified its funding sources since 2018, she added. 'UNESCO's overall budget has steadily increased,' she said, adding that the US now accounts for just 8% of its funding, compared to 40% for some other UN bodies. She added that the organisation is now better protected in financial terms due to support from other member states and private donors. The purpose of the international body is to welcome all the nations of the world, and the US is and will always be welcome, Azoulay said. 'We will continue to work hand in hand with all of our American partners in the private sector, academia and non-profit organisations, and will pursue political dialogue with the US administration and Congress,' her statement added.
