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While the recent ceasefire agreement between the Government of Myanmar and representatives of eight ethnic armed groups marks an historic step for children in Myanmar who have suffered from some of the longest running civil conflicts in the world, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) remains concerned for an estimated 1.8 million children who are not covered by the accord.

Road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death globally and result in some 1.25 million deaths each year, taking an “unacceptable toll – particularly on poor people in poor countries,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report released today.

Warning of unprecedented shifts in population in urban areas of the Asia and Pacific – already home to 17 of the world’s megacities, with populations exceeding 10 million – the United Nations today launched a new report that highlights the region’s urban transformation progress and underscores the urgent need to make it more sustainable.

As slow-moving Typhoon Koppu brought intense rains and flooding to the Philippines that forced tens of thousands from their homes, the United Nations today lauded the storm-prone country’s early preparedness efforts as having minimized damage to life and property, with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) nevertheless expressing concern for children stranded in remote areas.

Visiting the Slovakian city of Levoca, the United Nations Secretary-General stressed the importance of the role of the local community, particularly mayors and governors, and the importance of living harmoniously and in a sustainable way.

Amid roiling tensions in the Middle East, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken to the airwaves to speak directly to the peoples of Israel and Palestine and to urge the leaders on both sides to end the “posturing and brinkmanship” and get serious about pursuing the two-state solution –“the only solution capable of durably stanching the bloodshed hatred and fear.

After meeting with families of refugees at a reception centre in Italy today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the global community has to “stand with people who do not have any means” and provide basic necessities, such as education and sanitation.

Recalling their statement last week which commended Libyan dialogue participants on finalizing a political agreement for the creation of a Government of National Accord, members of the UN Security Council today urged all Libyan parties to endorse and sign it.

Belgium needs to develop an inclusive national vision and action on the issue of foreign fighters at federal, regional and local levels, the United Nations Working Group on the use of mercenaries said today following a five-day visit to the European nation.

The first global agreement involving all stakeholders of food aid aims to “do business differently” in order to combat hunger and undernutrition among people living in protracted crises around the world, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.