WHO grants emergency use of China's Sinopharm
WHO added a Chinese shot to its list of COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use, providing COVAX another option to broaden vaccine access.
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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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.
E-commerce rises to 19% of all retail purchases
Global online sales among seven major economies jumped to almost one-fifth of all retail sales last year during the pandemic, UNCTAD reported.
Diplomats see progress on Iran nuclear talks
Major powers completed a third round of talks in Vienna amid "cautious and growing optimism," seeking ways to resuscitate the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal.
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.
ASEAN calls for end to Myanmar killings
Nine Southeast Asian nations demanded that the military in Myanmar — the tenth ASEAN member — should immediately cease all violence and killings.
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.
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.