Good morning, this is Pip. Today we’re looking at the latest round of biodiversity talks as countries still struggle to agree on a strong text.

We’re also watching the UN Security Council vote on Afghanistan as the last US troops leave the country, and covering two exciting new initiatives opening in Geneva – one focused on quantum science, and the other for women in peace and security.

01.09.2021

On our radar

In 2018, the island nation of the Seychelles designated a third of its ocean waters as protected areas. One of the main global biodiversity goals under negotiations will aim to protect a third of all land and water areas. (Credit: Keystone/AP/The Ocean Agency)

🐟 Biodiversity talks. Another round of negotiations on the new biodiversity goals conclude on Friday. The group tasked with drafting the new framework have debated contentious issues such as the need for a stronger implementation mechanism to make sure that, unlike last time, the goals are met within the 10-year deadline, but not much progress was made, and some even suggested crossing out the 2030 targets altogether. States will meet in person next April in Kunming, China, to adopt the new roadmap with the hope of curbing nature’s rapid decline.

Geneva Solutions (EN)

Here’s what else is happening

🤖 EPFL launches new Center for Quantum Science and Engineering, to establish and promote programs for cross-disciplinary research, education and innovation in the field of quantum science and engineering.
EPFL (EN)
💉 Sierra Leone safeguards children with new vaccine against polio, with an immunisation campaign to protect around 520,000 children under five supported by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
WHO (EN)
⚖️ Trial of Olympic official opens in Geneva. The influential Sheikh Ahmad, a former IOC member and head of the global group of national Olympic bodies the ANOC, is accused of forgery.
AP News (EN)
☮ Initiative launched for women working in peace and security. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and Women in International Security (WIIS) Switzerland have announced a new collaboration to bridge the gender gap in the fields of peace and security.
UNIDIR (EN)

Image of the day

Credit: Keystone/AP Photo/David Guttenfelder

🇦🇫 UN adopts ‘watered down’ resolution as last US troops leave Afghanistan. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday saying it “expects” the Taliban to honour their commitment to allow people to freely leave Afghanistan, just hours before the last US military flight departed the country. The watered-down resolution, which was passed with 13 votes in favour and no objections, stopped short of demanding a UN-sponsored “safe zone” in Kabul as originally requested by French President Emmanuel Macron, who drafted the text along with the US and UK. The Council also suggested no specific reprisal if the Taliban did not allow people to leave after the final US withdrawal on 31 August, which marked the end of troops’ 20-year presence in the country.

France 24 (EN)

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