Counterterrorism forum taking the fight online to become independent
A global task force to fight online extremism announced it will become an independent watchdog organization.
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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Nations adopt goal of achieving universal health coverage by 2030
The U.N. General Assembly called for all nations to work towards enabling affordable, quality health services for all.
Scientists report nations need to triple carbon-cutting to meet targets
A day before a U.N. summit, climate scientists said nations must reduce 'glaring' gaps between intention and action.
Youth climate activists at U.N. demand leaders stop wasting time
Students and young leaders met for a first U.N. Youth Climate Summit, pressing leaders to 'walk the talk' and save the planet.
Major investors with $35 trillion in assets pressure for climate action
More than 500 institutional investors urged governments to finally take significant action to reduce carbon emissions.
U.N. tourism agency signals growth in greener, more ethical travel
Tourism now accounts for about 1-in-10 jobs worldwide, but it uses up significant amounts of energy and other resources.
Slow progress in getting more children into classes around world
About 285.4 million children, adolescents, and youth, or one-sixth of all those globally in this age group, lack an education.
IMF forecasts hit to global GDP from Trump's trade war with China
Tariffs imposed or threatened by the U.S. and China could reduce global economic output by 0.8% in 2020.
UNCTAD stresses climate impacts of trade ahead of summit to spur action
UNCTAD is looking at how to solve the climate crisis, particularly how sea level rise impacts small island nations.
U.N. rights chief wary of nationalism interfering with global cooperation
A warning that sovereignty and national borders are being invoked to prevent human rights issues from being addressed.
UNICEF poll finds widespread online bullying of children affects school
The 170,000 young people polled were split over whether to blame governments, companies or other young people.
No school for 3.7 million refugee children as financing falls short
Little more than 60% of all refugee children are able to go to primary schools, versus 90% among all children globally.
G-7 allies in turmoil over trade and climate as Trump takes hard line
The summit in France was overshadowed by fears of an escalating trade war between the United States and China.
U.N. health agency urges more extensive study of microplastics
Oceans, landfills and public spaces are filling with degraded bits and pieces of bottles, toys and other plastic pollution.
World leaders urged to adopt binding treaty protecting high seas
The treaty aims to strengthen protections for international waters beyond the jurisdiction of coastal nations.
New accord to protect defenders of environment and human rights
The aim is to better support advocates and to hold perpetrators of violence and intimidation accountable.