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.
Americas
The Americas is the combined landmass of North, Central, and South America and is home to 35 countries. The region has a combined population of more than 1 billion people and a collective GDP of over $32 trillion, making it a major force in the global economy.
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Challengers for U.N. chief lack official standing
The U.N. is considering one candidate for secretary-general in 2022 — incumbent António Guterres — despite the emergence of self-nominated challengers.
Biden summit buoys climate treaty hopes
A two-day global climate summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden ended with leaders and companies pledging to decarbonize the world economy.
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.
Thunberg calls vaccine inequity a 'moral test'
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined WHO in calling on rich nations to stop hoarding vaccines and start accelerating the spread of shots worldwide.
IAEA supports plan to release Fukushima water
The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency offered support for Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive wastewater from Fukushima into the ocean in 2023.
Iran trumpets nuclear progress amid U.S. talks
After a week of U.S.-Iran proximity talks on the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's president announced Tehran is testing a centrifuge to speed uranium enrichment.
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.
WHO report points to animal source of virus
The coronavirus was likely transmitted initially from bats to humans through another animal and not from an accident in a Chinese lab, scientists reported.
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.
U.N. investigator takes charge at Amnesty
Amnesty International named Agnès Callamard as its new secretary general, tapping a veteran human rights investigator to lead a 60-year-old organization.
NATO ministers agree to climate strategy shift
Foreign ministers to NATO agreed to elevate the importance of global warming and other major environmental threats in military planning and strategy.
Turkey exits 'human rights convention of women'
The Turkish president withdrew his nation from Europe's first legally binding treaty on preventing violence against women and removed the central bank chief.
America commits to rights overhaul in U.N. review
The U.S. accepted four-fifths of the almost 350 recommendations for improving its human rights record that other nations served up in a U.N. peer review.