The growing digital divide, with a $2.8 trillion price tag to bridge it
As wealthy nations deploy next-generation technologies like 5G and AI, the digital gap is growing deeper, not shallower.
Global Issues
Global issues are complex challenges that require international cooperation, from mitigating climate change to addressing global poverty and geopolitical conflicts. Of the U.N.'s 169 targets for sustainable development, only 35% are on track or making moderate progress toward their 2030 deadline.
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Nations establish advisory bodies to serve as global watchdog for AI
The twin moves reflect an attempt to navigate intense competition between the U.S., China, and the E.U.
New front in humanitarian aid: the questionable price of new efficiency
Critics say the digital transformation is happening faster than governance can keep up, putting sensitive aid data at risk.
Negotiators debate funding and governance for high seas treaty
The U.N.-brokered treaty is close to becoming law, with 52 countries signed on and eight more needed to make it official.
Global economy dimmed by rising temps as worker productivity drops
New guidance from five decades of research reveals worker productivity declines 2-3% for every degree above 20°.
Advocates see human rights path forward for stalled plastic treaty
Leaders argue any successful treaty must be built on partnership with and respect for Indigenous communities.
Back to Busan: Global plastic pollution treaty talks end in disarray
The U.N.-hosted talks failed to overcome opposition to reducing plastic production among oil and gas producers.
Deadlock on production, chemicals as global plastic treaty talks falter
The latest draft text omitted any legally-binding production limits and a dedicated section on chemicals of concern.
Draft U.N. plastic treaty lacks teeth on production and chemicals
Many nations rejected a draft that avoids setting quantitative caps on production, relying on a less stringent approach.
Study indicates global involuntary exposure to toxic plastic chemicals
A global network of nonprofit groups advocating for stronger regulation underscored the need for a plastic treaty.
Scientists urge global food system overhaul to avert farmland crisis
Their plan would ‘bend the curve’ of land degradation by reducing food waste and restoring half of degraded lands.
Washington vows retaliation over U.N. shipping emissions plan
The move comes ahead of a critical vote to adopt a new fuel standard and global carbon pricing mechanism for emissions.
Global plastics treaty 'drama' on a knife-edge over production caps
European officials say they will not accept a deal 'at any cost' but maintain the bloc is ready to 'build bridges' to succeed.
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.'
WTO forecasts trade headwinds as U.S. tariffs soar to century high
Asian economies are projected to remain the largest positive driver of world merchandise trade volume growth in 2025.
Geneva's plastic treaty talks at make-or-break moment for ocean health
The 10-day session at the U.N.'s European headquarters is widely seen as the definitive moment for a global accord.