Published on: 2026-08-13
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
August 12, 2026 UN
Top news of the day at the UN and worldwide: the UN and its partners continue to support the authorities of Colombia after a devastating earthquake, the UN chief called for resolution in the Middle East, UN agencies are ramping up efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo, and on International Youth Day, the UN chief urged that all young people be given access to the knowledge they need for the future.
Consequences of the earthquake in Colombia
The UN and its partners continue to support the efforts of the Colombian authorities. The World Food Programme is sending food to the earthquake-affected areas, while the World Health Organization is organizing deliveries of medicines. According to the latest data, more than 200 people have died, and at least 2,500 have been injured. Reports also indicate widespread infrastructure damage. Disruptions in communications, transport, and essential services systems still hamper rescue and recovery efforts.
UN Chief on the Situation in the Middle East
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is closely monitoring developments related to the conflict in the Middle East, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz area and the Red Sea. This was stated today by the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Chief, Farhan Haq. Guterres is convinced that a resolution can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiations. The Secretary-General’s personal envoy for the Middle East conflict, Jean Arnault, is ready to assist the parties and mediators in finding a long-term solution.
Almost every second person who contracts Ebola dies
UN emergency response coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that UN agencies continue to increase efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He emphasized the need to act more decisively and swiftly, as the number of cases now doubles every 20 days. According to the latest data, 4,449 cases have been confirmed and 2,061 deaths have occurred. Thus, nearly every second infected person dies.
International Youth Day
Today, half of the world’s population consists of people aged 30 and under, and it is expected that by the end of 2030 this figure will reach 57 percent. On International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12, the UN Secretary-General stated that youth are already at the forefront and showing leadership qualities. However, young people around the globe need to acquire skills that will shape the future, including digital literacy.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.