WHO chief urges treaty and 'lot of work'
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus closed out the World Health Assembly with a warning against complacency and an appeal for a global pandemic treaty.
Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, home to 54 recognized countries. With the world's youngest population, over 60% of its inhabitants are under the age of 25, creating both opportunities for innovation and challenges for job creation.
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U.S. blocking call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire
The U.S. prevented the U.N. Security Council from issuing a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.
Expert panel says pandemic was preventable
An independent expert panel faulted the World Health Organization and world leaders with a slow-moving response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Methane cuts urged as cheaper climate path
A new U.N. report recommended methane emissions cuts as the most efficient way of preventing another 0.3 degrees Celsius of global warming.
U.S. and WTO chief push IP vaccine waiver
The United States and WTO chief backed waivers to vaccine patent protections aimed at speeding efforts to end the coronavirus pandemic.
Global COVID-19 infections top 150 million
Two of every five cases were in the United States, India and Brazil alone — with more than 3.1 million deaths and 87 million recoveries worldwide.
COVAX expands with World Bank backing
The World Bank approved US$2 billion in financing for COVID-19 vaccines in 17 developing countries as part of a two-year US$12 billion package.
China rejects call for U.N. probe in Xinjiang
China lashed out against Human Rights Watch's report calling for a U.N.-led probe of alleged crimes against humanity targeting Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province.
ICC hails reversal of Trump-era sanctions
The International Criminal Court hopes to 're-engage' with the United States after it revoked former Trump administration sanctions and visa restrictions.
Primary forest loss up 12% despite pandemic
Old-growth tropical forest losses rose 12% in 2020 accelerated by commerce and climate-related factors, according to Global Forest Watch.
World leaders propose new pandemic treaty
Twenty five nations joined with the European Council and World Health Organization in making an "urgent call" for creation of an international pandemic treaty.
Delays foreseen with COVAX vaccine deliveries
International organizations acknowledged significant delays in delivering COVID-19 vaccines to poor nations due to pressure from India.
U.N. handoff to Libya's new unity government
The U.N.-backed administration in Libya transitioned to an interim government without a hitch in a process leading to nationwide elections in late December.
U.N. calls on Myanmar military to show 'restraint'
The U.N. Security Council unanimously agreed to condemn violence against Myanmar protesters and called on its military to exercise the 'utmost restraint.'
U.N. study shows 'horrifying' violence against women
About 30% of all women worldwide have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at least once during their lives, U.N. agencies found in a survey.
Risk of child marriage rising with pandemic
Child marriage is increasing with up to 10 million more girls at risk of becoming brides before the age of 18 due to the pandemic, UNICEF reported.