In its latest publication on the numbers of Somali people currently at risk of starvation, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared a sixth area suffering famine conditions affecting an estimated 4 million people. In light of recent calls to increase aid provided to the affected regions, experts have warned against the general perception that by just providing enough money, the Somali famine could be tackled effectively.

After months of relentless fighting in Libya Moammar Gadhafi have been forced out of power, and the opposition National Transitional Council is establishing itself as the transition government of the oil rich country. With Gadhafi’s fall, eyes have turned towards the future of Libya and its assets. This has become a major focus of discussion within the international community, as numerous states seek to promote and protect their interests.

According to the 2011 Trade and Development Report, released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) last week, developed countries are recovering more slowly from the economic crisis than developing ones. Despite widespread announcements of economic and financial system reforms, little has changed, the report concludes.

From 3-5 September, 2011, the 64th Annual UN Department of Public Information/NGO Conference was held in the German city Bonn, bringing together 2.000 participants from over 100 different countries. The conference, entitled “Sustainable Societies Responsive Citizens” addressed the importance to link sustainable development with public engagement and aimed to provide input for next year’s UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD).

Sierra Leone is among the countries with the greatest gender inequity, one of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be achieved by 2015. Nine years after the end of the civil war, women continue to suffer from severe discrimination in their daily life and according to a new report released by Amnesty International, many pregnant women and girls in continue to be denied free access to necessary drugs and medical care. Although the government has taken some action, much remains to be done, the report concludes.