WHO declares global emergency over virus
WHO said the coronavirus outbreak is a global health emergency, after the epidemic first detected in China spread to 7,800 cases and 170 deaths.
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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Confidential report shows sophisticated hack of U.N. offices
The U.N. report said 42 computer servers - but no sensitive data or confidential information - were 'compromised.'
U.K. and France stick to Iran nuclear deal
Britain and France recommitted to the Iran nuclear deal despite the U.S. undermining it and Europeans triggering a process that may reimpose sanctions.
HRW warns China is undermining human rights and institutions
Experts cautioned that China has been using its economic muscle to silence critics at home and increasingly abroad.
U.N. proposes global biodiversity pact to ward off mass extinction
Negotiations began last summer in Nairobi to draft a global wildlife treaty on the scale of the Paris climate accord.
U.N. Security Council renews Syrian aid, but cuts humanitarian crossings
The U.N. relies on crossings to truck supplies through Turkey, Iraq and Jordan into Syrian areas beyond Assad's control.
India's energy progress hailed by IEA, but major challenges loom
About half of India’s population — 700 million people — only gained access to electricity between 2000 and 2018.
Enraged at U.S. airstrike, Iran abandons nuclear deal limits
European nations urged Tehran to stop taking steps away from compliance with the nuclear deal it signed with world powers.
New U.S. 'Space Force' may conflict with international space treaties
The U.S. military's first new branch in decades could prompt another Trump administration withdrawal from a treaty.
World Bank warns of crippling debt accumulation among 100 countries
Historically low global interest rates fueled the debt run-up but lowered the immediate risk of another financial crisis.
Marathon U.N. climate summit falls short on global carbon markets
Nations agreed to little more than another pledge to make more cuts in carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases.
Europe unveils climate-neutral Green Deal to reach net zero by 2050
The E.U.'s three-decade blueprint would remake the 28-nation bloc's economy and help reshape 21st century climate policy.
U.S. forces WTO to shutter appeals court for resolving trade disputes
The World Trade Organization's ability to resolve trade disputes among nations is arguably its most critical function.
WADA hands Russia 4-year global sporting ban over 'doping crisis'
The decision prevents Russia from staging official teams bearing its flag and anthem at premier events through 2023.
UNDP warns inequality drags on progress based on opportunity
Inequalities caused a 20% loss in global progress towards aspects of needed "human development" last year.
Western powers urge Iran to stay in nuclear deal despite U.S. pullout
Britain, France and Germany called on Iran to remain in the 2015 deal, but did not press to reactivate U.N. sanctions.