African nations assert leadership at the U.N. while regional crises persist
As leaders gathered, progress along climate and financial fronts contrasted with grim reports on rights and violence.
Group of 20 (G-20)
The G-20 is the premier international forum for economic cooperation, bringing together the world's major economies to address global financial and economic challenges. Its members represent over 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population, making it a critical body for policy coordination on issues from trade to climate change and sustainable development.
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U.S.-South Africa rift complicates Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg
Pretoria's ambitious agenda for the G-20 focuses on inclusive growth, food security, AI, debt relief, and climate finance.
Leaders push link between science, technology and government policies
From Africa to the Americas, leaders spoke of the need to ensure that policy decisions are more scientifically informed.
New A.U.-E.U. Innovation Agenda puts science diplomacy into practice
Adopted in 2023, the policy agreement is a major boost for multilateral science diplomacy between Africa and Europe.
Trump's climate retreat diverges from global shift to green initiatives
Trump's speech to Davos contrasted sharply with other leaders' creation of a Global Energy Transition Forum.
S. Africa to focus G-20 on 'solidarity, equality, sustainable development'
The South African president invoked Nelson Mandela's emphasis on global 'interdependence' and cooperation.
Trump strongly rejects international cooperation. Round 2 is underway.
Here's a timeline of Trump's actions involving international organizations and treaties, from his first term to the present.
Summit clinches $1 billion for U.N. health agency's funding gap
WHO says it needs $11.1 billion for its core work over the next four years, but has only $4 billion in projected income.
G-20 finance ministers agree higher taxes on super-rich are a priority
A proposed 2% minimum tax on billionaires will be taken up at Brazil's G-20 Leaders' Summit in November.
World must exit 'highway to climate hell' as temps head above 1.5° limit
The U.N. chief urges a tax on fossil fuel profits and ban on fossil fuel ads amid new climate reports of breaching 1.5°.
Global public debt soars to record $97 trillion, straining budgets
Developing nations' 30% share of global public debt in 2023, particularly in Asia and Oceania, rose from 16% in 2010.
Acute hunger hits nearly 282 million people as famine looms in Gaza
The number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity has increased every year since 2019.
U.N. climate chief says next 2 years will be 'essential' to saving the planet
This year and next mark the countdown to a 2025 deadline for governments to strengthen their carbon-cutting plans.
Brazil vows to push for elusive U.N. reforms during its G-20 presidency
Non-veto wielding nations have tried for years to reform the U.N.'s post-World War II power structure with little success.
Treaty talks' geopolitical theater for a polluted material world
A handful of fossil fuel producers show no interest in a strong, restrictive and legally binding instrument for plastic pollution.
World on track to breach Paris treaty and head to almost 3° C. of warming
Emissions must decrease 42% by 2030 to keep the 1.5° target alive. Instead, they're expected to rise 3% by then.