Nuclear weapons ban enters into force
Advocates of world peace celebrated "EntryIntoForceDay" as the first legally binding treaty to ban nuclear weapons finally became international law.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific is a vast region that encompasses Asia and the nations of the Pacific Rim. It is home to over 4.3 billion people and is the world's fastest-growing economic zone. Its economic dynamism and geopolitical importance make it a critical hub for global trade.
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Biden favors renewal of U.S.-Russia nuke accord
U.S. President Joe Biden proposed seeking an extension to the last major U.S.-Russia nuclear accord, which the Trump administration decided to let lapse.
Panel cites 'early failings' in virus response
An expert panel faulted WHO along with China and other nations in a report that found numerous "lost opportunities" to try to head off the pandemic.
Forum approves path to Libyan elections
A U.N.-backed Libyan forum voted to authorize a new way of choosing a transitional government that will hold nationwide elections in late December.
Virtual Davos targets pandemic-era mistrust
Thousands normally descend on Davos this time of year. But with the pandemic still raging, WEF will meet virtually to take on mistrust and division.
ILO concerned for pandemic homeworkers
ILO reported the number of home-based workers soared with the pandemic, prompting the need for more employment protections.
Leaders stoke ambitions to reverse nature crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.N. and World Bank leaders hosted a virtual summit to improve the planet's health and save biological resources.
WHO virus team to enter China this week
China announced it is "ready to receive" World Health Organization experts this week on an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Global coronavirus cases surpass 90 million
Confirmed COVID-19 infections exceeded 90 million — two-thirds in the Americas and Europe — with 1.93 million deaths worldwide.
China negotiating with WHO over experts visit
China said it is still negotiating the dates and terms of a visit by a World Health Organization-led team to study the origins of COVID-19.
WHO chief criticizes China over virus team
The U.N. health agency chief expressed rare displeasure with China over delays preventing a scientific team from investigating how COVID-19 originated.
Iran begins 20% uranium enrichment
Iran resumed enrichment of uranium to 20% in a move closer to weapons grade levels and further away from the 2015 nuclear deal.
E.U. and China reach pact on business investment
The European Union moved to clinch a business investment deal with China despite concerns from the United States and human rights organizations.
WTO delays IP waiver proposal for pandemic
A proposal for WTO to suspend IP protections of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments is set to expire this month, kicking the issue over to 2021.
COVID-19 cases exceed 80 million worldwide
The world surpassed 80 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1.75 million deaths, as the coronavirus keeps accelerating and affects nearly every region.
WTO subsidy talks to curb overfishing drag on
Diplomats failed to meet an end-of-year deadline for a deal on halting government subsidies that contribute to overfishing, WTO officials said.