Women's commission opens annual session amid pushback on equality
Global ministers, activists and diplomats gather in New York as new figures show representation advancing only slowly.
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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G7 signals readiness to tap reserves as Middle East war jolts markets
Finance ministers warn of supply risks as oil prices spike and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption.
Regulators confront ‘waterbed effect’ as illicit finance shifts
From cash limits to crypto rules and digital currencies, policymakers are trying to close gaps in payment systems.
ISC chief: Science advice is under strain and science must reform itself
The International Science Council president says the gap between scientific and political cultures is a major challenge.
U.N. report details global trafficking into cyber-scam compounds
Hundreds of thousands forced into online fraud operations marked by violence, surveillance and coercion.
U.N. urges renewed push to finish decolonization as climate warms
With 17 non-self-governing territories remaining, U.N. leaders call for dialogue, climate resilience and inclusive processes.
Global perception of corruption sinks as integrity leadership falters
Transparency International index points to weaker accountability and fewer high-integrity governments.
Services reshaping least developed economies, but not their prosperity
UNCTAD urges better links in services, industry and exports to turn growth into higher incomes and productivity.
Nature’s decline is a business crisis, IPBES says in global assessment
More than 150 governments approve science-policy report showing that current incentives drive biodiversity loss.
Global plastics treaty talks regroup in Geneva after stalled negotiations
A brief procedural session aims to reset leadership and process after divisions derailed talks last year.
U.N. names independent global AI science panel amid funding strain
Forty proposed panel members submitted for approval would serve in their personal capacities for a three-year term.
HRW says global rights under strain and warns of U.S. ‘authoritarianism’
Human Rights Watch urges rights-respecting democracies to coordinate as U.S. and other powers weaken global norms.
U.N. chief issues stern warning of financial collapse from unpaid dues
Cash shortages and widespread arrears cast doubt on the U.N.’s ability to execute its 2026 program budget.
WHO warns U.S. exit could undercut disease surveillance and response
Move follows year-long U.S. withdrawal process and comes as WHO members advance talks on a new pandemic agreement.
U.N. chief calls out world leaders putting cooperation on 'deathwatch'
His speech also highlighted a record humanitarian crisis, with 120 million people now forcibly displaced worldwide.
Earth marks one of three hottest years on record as warming accelerates
Scientists warn that the 1.5° C. climate threshold could be breached by 2029 following an intense three-year heat streak.