BANGKOK, Thailand, Aug 25 (IPS) – Over the past two decades, the Asia-Pacific region has made remarkable progress in managing disaster risk. But countries can never let down their guard. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its epicentre now in Asia, and all its tragic consequences, has exposed the frailties of human societies in the face of powerful natural forces. As of mid-August 2021, Asian and Pacific countries had reported 65 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 1 million deaths. This is compounded by the extreme climate events which are affecting the entire world. Despite the varying contexts across geographic zones, the climate change connection is evident as floods swept across parts of China, India and Western Europe, while heatwaves and fires raged in parts of North America, Southern Europe and Asia.
Read the full story, “Resilience in a Riskier World”, on globalissues.org →
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’