Experts warn of U.S.-led existential threat against global trade body
Experts warned the WTO could become irrelevant if trade wars and tensions cause "backsliding" to trade protectionism.
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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Clean energy investment lagging behind global decarbonization goals
Investment in renewable power dropped 7% last year and "there is a risk" that it will slow more this year, IEA said.
Faster eco-improvement urged on multiple fronts despite financial cuts
The Global Environment Facility, or GEF, sent up smoke signals warning that 'incremental change will not suffice.'
Food and fish waste challenge import-dependent poorer nations
A third of the world’s fish stocks are overfished, FAO said, and 35% of what's caught never makes it one someone's plate.
Twiplomacy study of social media finds 'all the world's atwitter'
The U.N. and UNICEF are the most popular organizations. Donald Trump overtook Pope Francis as most-followed.
An 'alphabet soup' of high seas rules stands in way of sustainability
Ocean areas and deep seabeds beyond national jurisdictions fall within a patchwork of rules for the global commons.
Chemical weapons watchdog augments its accountability powers
Until now, OPCW has been unable to name those it found responsible for carrying out chemical weapons attacks.
Behind the scenes at U.N. telecoms agency, 5G edges closer to reality
Before telecoms can revolutionize their equipment, ITU must develop new technical standards for putting it all to use.
Record 68.5 million people globally forced to flee their homes in 2017
In a world of 7.6 billion people, 44,500 people a day — one person every two seconds — are displaced, the U.N. said.
Gaming addiction to be classified by WHO as a mental health disorder
A global manual of health standards is adding 'gaming disorder' to its first update in nearly three decades.
U.N. report identifies vast climate risks in exceeding 1.5° Celsius limit
The report from the U.N.'s Nobel Prize-winning climate panel aims to strenghten nations' actions under the Paris treaty.
Blockchain technology charts path toward mainstream and standards
Organizations are adopting blockchain, which could transform everything from agriculture to health care to aid.
Global foreign investment reaches 3-year low as economic recovery lags
A report shows continued but slowing recovery from the crisis that began in 2008 and almost toppled the financial system.
Transition to renewable energy lags behind Paris treaty climate goals
High shares of renewables are being integrated in the power sector, but not fast enough to fight climate change.
Targeting NCDs, U.N. health agency panel balks at tax on sugary drinks
A World Health Organization commission ratcheted up the pressure in a fight against neglected chronic diseases.
Case made for top-down U.N. reforms in staff management
Overhauling the U.N. bureaucracy is a more urgent topic as the U.S. ratchets up pressure under the Trump administration.