Study says bottled water industry undercuts safe drinking water for all
The bottled water industry is expected to grow to $500 billion a year in sales but isn't aligned with the U.N.'s Global Goals.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a democratic republic and the world's fourth most populous nation. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a member of the G-20, the U.N., and ASEAN, its foreign policy is characterized by its principle of "free and active" engagement. Its diverse economy relies on services, manufacturing, and agriculture, including major exports like palm oil and rubber.
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World's aging dams lose storage capacity at alarming rate
Storage loss by 2050 will equal the combined yearly water use of Canada, China, France, a U.N. University report shows.
U.S. backs WTO deadline extension on patent waivers for COVID-19
WTO has long deadlocked over a proposed annual waiver of parts of a major intellectual property agreement.
Pandemic sets back childhood vaccinations for first time in 30 years
The report blames misinformation, conflicts and wars, lockdowns, supply chain disruptions and diverted resources.
Food crises to worsen with war, climate shocks
Tens of millions of people in 20 hunger "hotspots" will need emergency aid as they face a sharply increased risk of starvation, two U.N. agencies predicted.
UNICEF says lead poisons up to 800 million kids
A third of the world's children have elevated levels of lead in their blood that could lead to irreversible harm, UNICEF and Pure Earth reported.
ASEAN hardens stand on China sea claims
ASEAN leaders pushed back at China, asserting a 1982 U.N. treaty should serve as the basis for resolving disputes over claims in the South China Sea.
U.N. resolution calls for global virus effort
The U.N. General Assembly urged all nations to join in ensuring universal access to medical supplies, drugs, future vaccines and testing for the pandemic.
U.N. Security Council renews Syrian aid, but cuts humanitarian crossings
The U.N. relies on crossings to truck supplies through Turkey, Iraq and Jordan into Syrian areas beyond Assad's control.
G-20 ministers press to elevate the importance of global trade rules
G-20 foreign ministers agreed WTO reforms are urgently needed to boost its relevance amid a U.S.-China trade war.
ASEAN leads way to trade bloc with China and reduced trade barriers
Ten nations sign trade bloc with six countries including China and conclude negotiations on a new economic partnership.
U.N. chief points to 'deficit of trust' prompting mass street protests
A year of protests exposed an erosion of public trust in political leaders who aren't listening to people's real problems.
United Nations faces severe cash shortage, could default on payments
The world body could run out of money by the end of this month dealing with its worst budget crisis in at least a decade.
Cease-fire plan for Syria's northwest is blocked in U.N. Security Council
Russia and China vetoed a resolution seeking to impose a cease-fire in Idlib governorate, the last rebel stronghold.
IAEA and ASEAN agree to work on developing nuclear technology
IAEA will collaborate with ASEAN's 10 nations on a framework for developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
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.