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 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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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.
Science diplomacy takes a direct hit as U.S. withdraws from institutions
Trump's order signals further retreat from global cooperation and a dismantling of science diplomacy infrastructure.
U.N. flags uneven staff health services as agencies absorb aid cuts
The review comes as agencies operate with fewer resources, increasing pressure on staff in high-risk settings.
Veto limits and aid overhaul urged as the remedy for 'new world disorder'
At the top of IRC’s agenda is a push to strip five veto-wielding nations of their ability to paralyze the U.N. Security Council.
Nations approve health pact for 2030 despite U.S., Argentina opposition
The plan integrates mental health with chronic disease, sets ambitious targets for tobacco, hypertension, and care access.
Peak rate of extinction for world's glaciers anticipated by mid-century
With 4° C. of warming, the peak shifts to the mid-2050s and intensifies to around 4,000 lost per year, researchers found.
U.N. rights chief warns of system-wide collapse due to funding crisis
OHCHR is in 'survival mode' as it is forced to make wide-ranging cuts to programs and investigative mandates.
Survey finds online violence against women on the rise boosted by AI
Seven-in-10 of women in 119 nations who are human rights defenders, activists or journalists experienced online violence.
The U.N.'s 'heartbreaking' 2026 appeal for emergency aid is halved
The appeal is less than half the $47 billion needed to help tens of millions of people in 2025, of which just 25% was raised.