Nuclear tensions fuel disarmament agenda for Hiroshima G-7 summit
Humanitarian leaders say the risk of nuclear catastrophe is the highest 'since the worst moments of the Cold War.'
Japan
As a major global power and a leading member of the G-7, G-20, and OECD, Japan is a key player in international economic and political affairs. Its economy is a high-tech powerhouse known for its innovation in industries like automotive, robotics, and consumer electronics. The culture, a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern pop culture, is globally influential and celebrated for its art, cuisine, and emphasis on harmony.
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Council of Europe presses ex-member Russia for accountability
The 46-nation council reaffirmed support for Ukraine and initiated a register to account for damages by former member Russia so human rights victims can be compensated.
U.N. vote opposes Taliban constraints against females
A U.N. Security Council resolution calls on Afghanistan's de factor rulers to quickly restore the rights of women and girls.
G-7 pushes back against aggressive nuclear moves by Russia and China
The Group of Seven's nonproliferation directors expressed alarm that Russia, China and North Korea have all been pushing to expand their nuclear-armed capabilities.
Stockpiles of nuclear weapons available for use increased in 2022
Nuclear warheads available to nations for deployment reached 9,576 at the start of 2023, up from 9,440 a year earlier.
WHO fires Western Pacific regional chief over 'findings of misconduct'
The global health organization said it plans to hold a closed-door election to replace Dr. Takeshi Kasai in October.
Doomsday Clock set at 90 seconds to ‘midnight’ - closest ever in its history
The symbolic clock was reset closer to the symbolic hour of apocalpyse amid Russia's war in Ukraine, which raised the risk of a nuclear confrontation.
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.
Biodiversity summit poses call to act, decade of protections on line
UNEP's chief describes the summit as an opportunity to 'secure our life-support system, to make peace with nature.'
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.
Global Fund raises record amount but falls short of $18B goal
Reeling from pandemic setbacks, the world's largest disease-fighting fund sought money to work in more than 100 nations.
Showdown over U.N. report on alleged China abuses in Xinjiang
A closely watched U.N. report finds China's persecution of Muslim Uyghurs may constitute crimes against humanity.
Widespread racism in focus at U.N. review of U.S. racial justice record
Entrenched racism, white nationalism, aggressive policing and xenophobia stifle the rights of Americans nationwide.
U.N. human rights chief says her China visit did not find answers
Michelle Bachelet acknowledged she was unable to adequately judge the situation for Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province.
U.S. currency dispute puts IMF role in spotlight
The IMF was thrust into a dispute over currency manipulation as the U.S. accused Vietnam and Switzerland of currency manipulation.
NASA's Space Station launch signals new era of privatized exploration
The first privately run spacecraft certified by NASA to fly people managed to dock with the International Space Station.