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.
Global Issues
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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.'
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.
Global parliamentarians call for unity and stronger multilateralism
The declaration underscored that complex global problems demand unified responses and strong political will.
British physician Dr. David Nabarro, a global health visionary, dies at 75
Tributes highlighted Dr. Nabarro's profound influence and strategic acumen in tackling health and humanitarian crises.
Global droughts intensify threats to food security, trade, social stability
Experts call it a 'slow-moving global catastrophe' for food, energy, and trade that will require systematic monitoring.
U.S. and Italy reject WHO pandemic changes to global health regulations
In a move that undercuts health cooperation, the countries cited concerns the reforms would infringe on sovereignty.
U.N. refugee agency warns 11.6 million at risk in dire funding cuts
Financial aid and emergency relief deliveries have dropped 60% globally, as shelter programs are critically diminished.
U.N. launches new nuclear war impact study, first since 1988
A prevous study on climatic and global effects of nuclear war raised awareness of the concept of "nuclear winter."
Childhood immunization at 85% but some coverage gaps fuel outbreaks
The world is off track to meet its 2030 goal of halving the number of 'zero-dose' children who never received a vaccine.
Moderate gains in some areas but only 18% of the SDGs are on-track
A critical U.N. summit opened to confront the sobering reality that only modest gains have been made in a select few areas.
U.N. conference gains pledges for climate finance, launches initiatives
Leaders pushed for better financial systems at only the fourth U.N. conference on development financing held since 2002.
New global science panel set for chemicals, waste, and pollution
UNEP says it began work in 2022 to create a panel that could fill a major gap in the global environmental architecture.
U.S. abandons financing conference, will 'no longer reaffirm' Global Goals
The U.S. will not attend the FfD4 conference in Spain later this month to fund the Sustainable Development Goals.
Influencers, creators, and AI chatbots increasing as 'news' sources
A report finds populist politicians increasingly can bypass traditional journalism for friendly partisan media.