Global development our 'first line of defence’: Marcos Neto warns 'multilateral system under strain'
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
UN official Marcos Neto states global development is the 'first line of defence' against instability.
AI Summary
UN Assistant Secretary-General Marcos Athias Neto asserts that global development is currently facing a profound crisis and should be considered the "first line of defense" against instability. Neto, also UNDP Assistant Administrator, emphasizes that development is foundational to global stability, not a secondary concern. He argues that in an era marked by geopolitical tensions, climate disruption, and economic uncertainty, development has become critical. This perspective highlights the strategic importance of global development efforts in maintaining international order amidst a strained multilateral system.
What's Being Done
Still monitoring this story for developments.
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
1 sourceMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Global development our 'first line of defence’: Marcos Neto warns 'multilateral system under strain'
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Global Power Shifts
Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
GlobalOil expert warns of 'nightmare scenario' Iran war could spark
It was a day of major volatility in global energy markets and a moment of real concern for consumers. Oil prices surged overnight, coming close to $120 a barrel, but by the end of the trading day prices had fallen sharply. Still, the national average price of gasoline per gallon has risen nearly 50 cents since the Iran conflict began. Geoff Bennett discussed the developments with Daniel Yergin.
GlobalTrump warns Cuba is at "the end of the line"
President Trump is hinting at changes in Cuba's future. Michael Bustamante, an associate professor at the University of Miami, joins CBS News with more insight.
GlobalA world at war: The Iran conflict goes global
<p>Ten days into President Trump's <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_blank">Iran</a> campaign, the war has gone global.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/iran-war-countries-gulf-qatar-us" target="_blank">At least 20 countries</a> are now militarily involved — shooting, shielding or quietly supplying — while a widening energy shock punishes nations far from the front lines.</li></ul><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>This isn't World War III. But it may be the closest we've come in decades — drawing in more countries, more great powers and more overlapping conflicts than any crisis since the Cold War.</p><hr><p><strong>Zoom in: </strong>Iran has <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/iran-war-expanding-israel-lebanon-gulf-cyprus" target="_blank">struck at least 10 countries</a> since the war began, hitting U.S. and Israeli bases, Persian Gulf capitals, oil infrastructure and civilian areas in an attempt to impose maximum pain on Washington and...
GlobalPakistan strikes Afghan base after its president warns ‘red line’ crossed
Islamabad hits Kandahar facility after Taliban drones strike civilian areas and military sites as conflict intensifies.
GlobalIran's new supreme leader 'likely disfigured', US defence chief says
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded and "likely disfigured", casting doubt on his ability to lead after nearly two weeks of conflict.
GlobalIn rural America, a teacher pipeline from abroad starts to dry up - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxNZHUyRXJkS0RtRDFUZ2RfOENVN3VDck9zcUdneVVHV2U1NlFDclFlckd5WERUQUZTOWVMZXo2R1I3RHo1bUJuLVZ4ZnRWRG5hN1BjZEpad0QtSVNWcHVYUUh5UXgwNkJoRHZ4cVhNVnNXamNnSFFwaWRyZEo1amVKZ3drWHJ2TmpVT0NXenJvOTB5dXZ0NGF4TlRfZ3dUVGM?oc=5" target="_blank">In rural America, a teacher pipeline from abroad starts to dry up</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

US and Iran Keep Up Strikes as Trump Mulls Possibility of a Deal - Bloomberg.com
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Whitmer's office calls for probe into why weather service didn't issue tornado watch - The Detroit News

Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions

Rubio designates Afghanistan as ‘state sponsor of wrongful detention’

Senate Democrat calls for investigation into Texas drone incidents

WADA to weigh barring Trump, US officials from LA Olympics and possibly World Cup over unpaid dues - AP News


