Georgieva starts in new post as chief of the International Monetary Fund
Bulgarian economist Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the IMF must deal with inequality, climate risk, 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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Swiss clamor for U.N.-led action to fight rising temperatures and seas
Up to 100,000 people turned out for Switzerland's largest-ever climate demonstration to fulfill the Paris climate treaty goals.
UNCTAD warns trade tensions may cause global recession next year
The U.N. agency also cited currency and debt as factors contributing to the warning signs of a global recession in 2020.
U.N. chief warns against 'great fracture' in U.S.-China relations
The U.N. chief opened the U.N. General Assembly with a plea for U.S.-China unity to prevent war and fight climate change.
U.N. push for carbon neutrality gains ground but not a majority
At a U.N. summit, 77 nations committed to 'net zero' carbon emissions and 70 simply promised stronger climate actions.
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.
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.