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.'
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.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
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.
Envoy says 126 nations seek carbon neutrality
The top U.N. official for global climate action said 65% of the world body's 193 member nations will seek net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
U.S. formally withdraws from Paris climate accord
The U.S. became the first nation to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement, jeopardizing efforts at curbing the worst impacts of global warming this century.
U.N. nuclear treaty ban to enter into force
Fifty nations ratified a treaty to ban nuclear weapons that will enter into force in 90 days, the U.N. confirmed on the same day it was founded 75 years ago.
Russian hackers accused in Olympic cyber plots
Russia vehemently denied accusations and charges by British and American authorities that its agents planned or carried out hacks of Olympic Games.
Eight nations craft rules to develop Moon from business 'safe zones'
The U.S. persuaded seven nations to sign agreements for cooperating and extracting resources from the Moon's surface.
Treaty shows global diversity goals off-track
Humans are trashing the planet so fast it would take 1.7 "Earths" to regenerate all the biological resources used up from 2011 to 2016, a U.N. treaty reported.
WADA dispute could entangle U.S. athletes
WADA said it will consider amending its rules to prevent the United States from jeopardizing the global anti-doping system.
Trump shuns multilateral vaccine effort
The Trump administration said it will steer clear of a multilateral effort to accelerate the development and production of COVID-19 vaccines.