Hi, this is Michelle. Over the past year, headlines have painted a picture of international Geneva being in palliative care. But today, we have proof that the pulse is still beating.
The ITU's HQ, built between the late 50s and 60s, is finally closer to getting a makeover. Stalled construction works are finally poised to move forward, though hurdles remain, our tech reporter Maurizio Arseni reports.
And on World Environment Day, a UN official in Geneva takes to our op-eds section to demand an end to empty climate rhetoric and start delivering on the ground – a timely message in a week of announcements of looming weather extremes. |
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The ITU has outgrown the Varembé building, its headquarters since 1962. (Credit: ITU/Flickr) The ITU has outgrown the Varembé building, its headquarters since 1962. (Credit: ITU/Flickr)
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After nearly a decade of planning, redesigns and budgetary setbacks, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) says its long-delayed plan to rebuild part of its Geneva headquarters is finally moving forward. Member states received an update on the new building project in April during a council meeting, according to the ITU, which told Geneva Solutions by email that the project “was on budget, on schedule and on scope”.
The decision comes as a boost for international Geneva at a time when several agencies are downsizing their presence in the diplomatic hub.
But the project is not out of the woods yet. The UN tech agency must keep construction costs within a CHF172.69 million ceiling while preserving donor commitments after the withdrawal of a major sponsor, and develop a logistical plan to continue hosting dozens of meetings a year during demolition and construction work on its campus near Place des Nations.
Read the full story on Geneva Solutions.
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❝Communities don’t need another decade of climate pledges – they need delivery
As countries gear up for another round of climate talks, they must address the gap between climate commitments and the operational systems needed for local change, writes Jean-François Laurent, UNOPS acting director in Geneva.
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Here's what else is happening
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✈️Ebola travel bans are impacting response, WHO warns.
The United States, Bahrain, Mexico and other countries have imposed restrictions on travellers coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the virus continues to spread.
Politico (EN)
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🪖Switzerland to deploy 4,000 troops on its side of border as France hosts G-7 summit.
The Swiss army said military personnel will be tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, including the Geneva Airport, boosting border surveillance, and monitoring key transport routes and Lake Geneva, during the gathering expected to bring world leaders to Evian in mid-June.
Reuters (EN)
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🗳️Germany fails to win UN Security Council seat in major diplomatic setback for Merz.
Countries instead awarded Austria and Portugal the two non-permanent seats, breaking Berlin's winning streak of obtaining a western European slot every eight years. Germany's foreign minister blamed it on its support for Israel.
Politico (EN)
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🤖AI's growing appetite for energy and water raises governance questions.
A report by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health warns that data centres are poised to become major consumers of electricity, water, land and critical minerals, adding immense pressure on the environment and existing infrastructure.
Arete News (EN)
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GS news is a new media project covering the world of international cooperation and development. Don’t hesitate to forward our newsletter!
Have a good day!
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