Leadership race for U.N.'s top job narrows ahead of public hearings
Withdrawals and regional divisions unsettle the field, while closed-door straw polls and veto power shape the outcome.
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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Governments turn to AI firms as new layer of governance emerges
Direct agreements with developers reflect a shift toward operational oversight as regulatory systems lag behind.
CERN's Sharma: Global science runs on trust not just new technologies
CERN senior scientist Archana Sharma argues for negotiation, credibility and coordination to underpin shared systems.
Pandemic treaty talks extend to final stretch as equity dispute persists
The move allows more time for negotiators 'to work towards convergence,' as the meeting report's negotiated text put it.
Security disputes and U.N. efforts raise pressure for global AI rules
Leaders, multilateral initiatives and defense conflicts all point to the widening gap between capability and governance.
Global waste crisis deepens as costs rise and garbage systems fall behind
The World Bank points to the inability of infrastructure and financing to keep pace, particularly in lower-income nations.
Pandemic treaty faces last test as equity fight stalls final annex
The U.N. health agency's chief urged delegates to make good on the 'only chance' remaining to seal a global treaty.
Earth's energy imbalance hits record high in a new climate benchmark
U.N. weather agency adds a new climate indicator as oceans absorb accelerating heat and global systems destabilize.
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.
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.