Climate lead shifts to Global South as rich nations show lost 'enthusiasm'
As COP30 opened, its president said high-income countries are retreating from their Paris Agreement climate obligations.
Ecuador
Ecuador is a nation in northwestern South America named after the Equator, which runs directly through the country. The nation's diverse landscape includes the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and the unique Galápagos Islands, which are famous for their biodiversity.
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U.N. plastic treaty talks face deep divisions as deadline nears
Ecuadoran diplomat Luis Vayas Valdivieso, who chairs the proceedings, said 'progress made has not been sufficient.'
Plastic treaty talks open with longshot bid for consensus deal
The negotiations in Geneva are the sixth round of talks since 175 nations agreed in 2022 to create a legally binding treaty.
Scattered climate follow-through as more scientists offer grim updates
Record heat and rightward political shifts toward nationalist self-interest undermine efforts to cut fossil fuel dependence.
UNHCR forced to cut U.S.-related programs for refugees and migrants
Scoop: The cuts result from Trump abolishing Biden-era efforts to save lives through legal U.S. immigration options.
On Geneva visit, diplomats tout international humanitarian law
As the U.N. honored the Geneva Conventions, the Red Cross chief said non-compliance is a 'serious problem.'
Five countries gain uncontested seats on U.N.'s most powerful panel
The U.N. General Assembly elected Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia to the Security Council.
Nations disagree over cuts in production on road to plastics treaty
Environmentalists said they were disappointed the treaty talks did not address plastic production measures.
Negotiators meet in fourth round over global rules in plastics treaty
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
U.S. vetoes resolution seeking full U.N. membership for Palestine
The humanitarian nightmare and attacks on civilians in Gaza dominated the U.N. Security Council's quarterly open debate.
Developing nations address climate threat at U.N.'s high-level gathering
Some in the developing world fear that the war in Ukraine is diverting attention away from the dangers of climate change.
Amazon nations renew cooperation but fall short on deforestation plan
The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization agreed on some policies but not a unified goal to end deforestation.
Just 1-in-5 countries keeping up with U.N. human rights reporting duties
The treaty body that gets the worst cooperation is the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
U.N. inspectors find promise and hype with blockchain technology
Ten U.N. agencies use blockchain and most others plan to despite environmental issues, data privacy, and cyber risks.
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.
U.N. chief points to 'deficit of trust' prompting mass street protests
A year of protests exposed an erosion of public trust in political leaders who aren't listening to people's real problems.