Benchmark of global food prices eases from painful record highs
FAO's Food Price Index tracks five commodity groups. Experts say food distribution is a worry even if supplies are plentiful.
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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Rich economies bounce back as developing economies lose ground
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.4% this year, down from 2.7% in 2023 and 3% before the pandemic began.
Cash-strapped U.N. aid appeal falls to $46 billion for 181 million
The U.N.'s global humanitarian appeal for itself and 1,900 partners in 2024 already assumes 40% in unmet needs.
Pandemic treaty talks pursue global 'equity' and 'right to health'
Negotiators are expected to submit a draft pandemic accord to the 194-nation World Health Assembly for approval next May.
World on track to breach Paris treaty and head to almost 3° C. of warming
Emissions must decrease 42% by 2030 to keep the 1.5° target alive. Instead, they're expected to rise 3% by then.
U.N. sees no reduction of primary gases that cause global warming
Heat-trapping greenhouse gases keep collecting in the atmosphere at a record rate, the U.N. weather agency found.
Nations seeking to expand fossil fuel production despite climate pledges
Government plans would blow past limits needed to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Hidden costs of 'broken' agrifood systems exceed $10 trillion a year
The food on our tables often comes with high, unseen costs to our health, environment and society, a new FAO report finds.
As climate adaptation costs rise, so do the potential life-saving benefits
Two U.N. reports show more aid for developing nations could reduce the millions of deaths a year from climate shocks.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
A first-of-its-kind provision cites an 'urgent need' for nations to address concerns about autonomous weapons systems.
World 'dangerously' unprepared for another pandemic, panel concludes
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urged more trust-building to boost monitoring, accountability and financing.
Progress fades on women's rights as the world grows more militaristic
A new U.N. report finds the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected nations doubled in five years.
IEA forecasts renewables nearing 50% of global electricity mix by 2030
The International Energy Agency says it expects a far greater role for solar, wind, and other clean technologies this decade.
U.N.'s world of words: AI finds leaders' top 3 universal concerns
By region, the word clouds differ but are similar enough to show the top shared concerns at the U.N. General Assembly.
Extreme weather likely to displace 113 million children in next 30 years
UNICEF forecasts 96 million displaced by river flooding, 10.3 million by cyclonic winds, and 7.2 million by storm surges.
UPU closes fourth 'Extraordinary Congress' in Riyadh on digital future
The talks centered on climate, financial services and more cooperation among governments and private partners.