CANBERRA, Australia, Aug 27 (IPS) – Before the pandemic, many Pacific Island countries grappled with low numbers of students completing secondary education. Now experts in the region are concerned that the closure of schools to contain the spread of COVID-19, and the economic downturn, will lead to even more students dropping out of education early.
The Takeaway: UN General Assembly debate Day 5 
Lavrov issues call for new Eurasian ‘security architecture’ 
Cuba warns against ‘law of the jungle’ as Foreign Minister denounces US pressure 
Saudi Arabia warns Gulf security inseparable from global stability amid regional tensions 
Countries far from conflict paying the price for wars not their own, India tells UN 
Canada urges stronger partnerships as global order faces ‘rupture’