The next U.N. leader may need to be a science diplomat
Scientists and policy leaders argue the secretary-general's job is increasingly shaped by science and technology.
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 children's education setbacks concentrate in 20 crisis-hit countries
The total number of crisis-affected children has increased by 21 million over the past 18 months, according to the report.
Grossi calls for 'a dose of realism' as U.N. faces a crisis of confidence
The IAEA chief argued that authority, credibility and practical results will determine the future of multilateral institutions.
G7 backs Iran agreement as leaders seek to turn ceasefire into diplomacy
Summit endorses postwar negotiating process, highlights role of international institutions in sustaining the deal.
World's first global treaty on platform work adopted by ILO
The convention extends international labor standards to hundreds of millions of workers in the global gig economy.
UNHCR launches push to halve long-term refugee displacement by 2035
Global forced displacement fell for the first time in a decade, but millions are trapped in years-long exile, dependent on aid.
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.
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.