AI's growing appetite for energy and water raises governance questions
Data centers could soon require the same amount of drinking water needed by the world's population for about 1.6 years.
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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Rare contested election signals high stakes in debate over U.N. reforms
Bangladesh's Khalilur Rahman won a narrow vote to lead the General Assembly as nations prepare to confront reforms.
WMO warns El Niño likely to develop, raising risks of extremes
U.N. weather agency says forecasts are a 'call to action' as governments prepare for droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
Scientists reopen contentious question on valid carbon offsets
A new study suggests temporary carbon storage may have a legitimate role in climate mitigation, though not for CO₂.
The Vatican moves into AI diplomacy
Pope Leo XIV’s first AI encyclical positions the Catholic Church inside a widening international struggle.
WHO assembly backs major health measures as financial strains mount
New strategies on antimicrobial resistance, financing and radiation protection approved - while doing 'more with less.'
NPT review ends in deadlock as Iran dispute exposes nuclear divisions
The third consecutive failure of a nuclear treaty review shows widening tensions over the world's nonproliferation regime.
U.N. top court backs workers' right to strike in landmark labor ruling
International Court of Justice says strikes are protected under a core ILO convention, resolving a long-running dispute.
WHO-backed commission urges climate emergency declaration
European former leaders and health officials call for climate change to be treated as a security and public health crisis.
Joint expert report finds digital failures may cascade across borders
Experts say resilience planning has not kept pace with reliance on satellites, cables, data centers and power grids.
Global military spending hits record as Europe and Asia drive growth
U.S. decline over Ukraine war masks faster growth elsewhere as wars and long-term security shifts drive spending.
Nuclear treaty review opens amid war, testing threats, failed consensus
After repeated failures, nations will try again to agree on disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful nuclear energy.
Hunger entrenches across conflict zones as global food crises deepen
Global Report on Food Crises shows rising need around the world, weakening response capacity and widening data gaps.
U.N. chief candidates diverge on priorities, converge on deadlock
In General Assembly dialogues, candidates show shared values but offer no specifics on reshaping power structure.
Global growth downgraded as IMF warns war shocks energy markets
War-driven supply shock and Strait of Hormuz disruption force downward revisions even in best-case scenarios.
IMF chief warns Iran war shock strains growth, energy and food
Georgieva says oil and gas disruptions drive inflation risks, could push millions into hunger even if a ceasefire holds.