Alarm as COVID-19 cases surpass 1 million
Infections surpassed 1 million and deaths exceeded 52,000 in the coronavirus pandemic, forcing lockdowns for half the world and economic collapse.
China
China is a global power with the world’s second-largest economy and an increasing geopolitical rivalry with the United States. As the U.S. has reduced its engagement with certain multilateral institutions, China has increasingly sought to fill that vacuum by increasing its funding to the U.N. and placing its nationals in leadership roles.
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World's 'greatest test' delays climate talks
The coronavirus pandemic that has caused 47,000 deaths worldwide represents what officials call humanity's worst crisis since World War II.
U.N. urges cease-fire as cases near 400,000
The U.N. chief called for a global cease-fire to help vanquish the pandemic, imploring warring parties to disarm and fight the virus as a "common enemy."
WHO and foundations launch virus fund
WHO and two international foundations launched a first-of-its-kind fund to help vulnerable populations and weak health systems cope with the pandemic.
WHO: World's first coronavirus pandemic
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic — the global spread of a new disease — marking the first time a coronavirus has gained that distinction.
U.N. warns of $2 trillion in economic losses from coronavirus
Trade economists who advise the U.N. said COVID-19 could push nations into recession and depress global annual growth.
U.N. reboots 1995 plan for gender equality
A U.N.-led global commission recommitted the world to achieving gender equality, in a relaunch and update of a quarter-century old landmark agreement.
Nuclear watchdog agency to help in global fight against coronavirus
IAEA says countries in need of help can get training in nuclear science knowhow to tackle disease transmission.
WHO says coronavirus cases top 100,000
WHO announced the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 100 000, a grim milestone requiring leaders to "step forward" and save lives.
UNCTAD sees $50 billion exports drop
The global coronavirus outbreak likely caused a $50 billion decline in manufacturing exports from China in February alone.
Democracy on decline in health checkup
Freedom House warned of a continued decline in global democracy in an annual checkup blaming a "leaderless struggle" undercut by autocrats and populists.
IAEA reports Iran's uranium almost triples
Iran violated its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers by nearly tripling its stockpile of enriched uranium since November, IAEA reported.
WHO raises COVID-19 risk to 'very high'
WHO raised its global risk assessment for the coronavirus to “very high” as some nations struggled with containment and economic fears lashed markets.
U.N. issues 'call to action' on human rights
U.N. leaders challenged nations, businesses and citizens to respond to a "call to action" for greater efforts to withstand a rising tide of human rights abuses.
Sudan to hand over al-Bashir for ICC trial
In a surprise move, Sudan's transitional government will extradite former leader Omar al-Bashir to the ICC on charges of genocide and war crimes in Darfur.
WHO teams with Big Tech to fight against the coronavirus 'infodemic'
Officials are concerned about misinformation on the outbreak, including conspiracy theories and secret cures.