Latest news from the United States, Latin America and the world, today

Edmundo González Urrutia did not attend a citation by the Ministry of Public and has been summoned again. He claims there is no guarantee of independence. The CNE rector criticized the lack of transparency. María Corina Machado has called for new protests. Notable deaths in 2024 include Franz Beckenbauer and Glynis Johns. The PituRooms hotel in Indonesia aims to be the narrowest hotel in the world.

How can young people advocate for equality? France's youngest ambassador responds.

The article discusses the importance of youth involvement in advocating for gender equality, featuring an interview with Delphine O, France's youngest ambassador and secretary-general of the Forum Génération Égalité. Delphine O shares her experiences and the significance of the forum, which aims to renew political determination and set new concrete goals for gender equality. The forum, organized under the aegis of ONU Femmes and co-chaired by France and Mexico, seeks to involve civil society, youth, and various stakeholders in decision-making processes. The article also highlights France's feminist diplomacy and the efforts of President Emmanuel Macron in promoting gender equality.

Taylor Swift handles mid-Eras Tour wardrobe malfunction like a total pro; Watch

Taylor Swift adeptly managed a wardrobe malfunction during her sold-out Eras Tour stop in Stockholm, demonstrating her professionalism and poise.

G20 Leaders, You Can Make History

The article calls on G20 leaders to take decisive actions on critical global issues during their summit in Rome. It emphasizes the need for equitable COVID-19 vaccination distribution, urgent measures to combat climate change, fair economic recovery strategies, and addressing the global food crisis. Highlighting the significant influence of G20 countries, it urges them to honor their commitments and take moral and political responsibility for global well-being.

France Passes Much-Criticized Climate Bill

France's Senate has passed the Climate and Resilience bill, aiming for carbon neutrality and introducing measures such as the 'ecocide' offense, banning short flights with train alternatives, and promoting vegetarian meals in schools. The bill, part of President Emmanuel Macron's mandate, has faced criticism from environmental activists and political figures for not being ambitious enough. The Citizen’s Convention on Climate, which contributed to the bill, saw many of its proposals diluted. Despite the bill's passage, protests and calls for more robust climate action continue.

Why Does This Moroccan Village's Battle to Safeguard a Biodiversity Haven Matter?

The Dar Bouazza wetland in Morocco, a critical biodiversity hotspot, is under threat from housing developers. This 44-acre site, home to 800 species, including the threatened marbled duck, is at the center of a legal battle between the Moroccan state and civil society organizations. Local advocates, including members of Morocco's Ornithological Group and the Moroccan Wildlife Photographers Association, emphasize the wetland's environmental and social importance, particularly in a country prone to water scarcity. Despite a court ruling granting developers ownership rights, local NGOs continue to push for the site's protection, highlighting its role in mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity.

4 Iconic French Activists Who Made a Difference in Women's Rights

The article highlights four iconic French activists—Simone de Beauvoir, Olympe de Gouges, Simone Veil, and Françoise Giroud—who made significant contributions to women's rights. It discusses their achievements, such as de Beauvoir's feminist philosophy, Gouges' early feminist activism, Veil's legalization of abortion, and Giroud's leadership in media and politics. The article also mentions the Generation Equality Forum hosted by France and Mexico, convened by UN Women, aimed at accelerating progress on women's rights.

SDRs: France & African Leaders Unite in Call for $100 Billion for Africa’s COVID-19 Recovery by October

France, alongside African and European leaders, is advocating for the reallocation of $100 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to Africa by October to aid COVID-19 recovery. The Sustainable Financing for Africa summit in Paris emphasized the need for global financial support to ensure Africa's economic recovery. French President Emmanuel Macron and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the importance of reallocating SDRs and increasing vaccine production in Africa. Despite the IMF's allocation of $650 billion in SDRs, African nations face a significant financing gap, necessitating further international support.

France Becomes First Country to Donate COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to Low-Income Nations

France has become the first country to donate COVID-19 vaccine doses to low-income nations through the COVAX initiative, with the first batch of over 100,000 AstraZeneca doses arriving in Mauritania. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for global vaccine equity, highlighting the stark disparities in vaccine distribution between wealthy and poor regions. France plans to donate 500,000 doses by mid-June and aims to exceed its goal of supplying at least 5% of its acquired doses to COVAX by the end of 2021. The initiative is part of a broader campaign by Global Citizen to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and end the pandemic.

Morocco's World-Leading COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Is Being Hit Hard by Rich Countries Hoarding Doses

Morocco's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign is facing challenges due to global vaccine supply issues and hoarding by wealthier nations. Despite proactive measures and diverse vaccine sources, Morocco's efforts to achieve collective immunity are hindered by limited vaccine availability. The article highlights the disparity in vaccine distribution, with the world's poorest nations receiving a minimal share of doses. Morocco has outpaced global and European vaccination rates, aiming for collective immunity by summer, contingent on receiving more doses through COVAX.