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.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals are a universal blueprint for a better world. Adopted by all 193 U.N. member nations, these goals provide a roadmap to address the most urgent global challenges — from ending poverty and hunger to improving health, education, and climate action. The diplomatic and international efforts to achieve these goals by 2030 depend on global cooperation and are essential for peace and prosperity.
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World Bank and IMF caution on slowing growth in global economy
Leaders of the financial institutions called on 189 member nations for help in easing trade and geopolitical tensions.
World Bank and IMF accent small island nations at their fall meetings
The economic outlook challenges countries already struggling with climate change, trade wars, and geopolitical tensions.
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.
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.
AfDB 'getting out of coal' with no more financing for fossil fuel energy
The African Development Bank Group says it will no longer support '19th century technologies' like coal and oil.
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.
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.
IEA says oil supply is plentiful despite attacks on Saudi facilities
The Paris-based organization pointed to oil companies' reserves that still can meet demand for more than a month.
UPU drama over Trump challenge affects U.S. voting and opioids
For only a third time in its 144-year history, the U.N. postal agency will hold an Extraordinary Congress.
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.
Nations challenged to restore land fertility from desert landscapes
Farming, logging, mining and other human activities add to climate impacts on land, costing up to 17% of global GDP.
Women and children account for most human trafficking victims
U.N. leaders used the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to call for increased prevention against a web of factors.
Norwegian diplomat to lead U.N.'s top economic and social forum
Mona Juul, Norway U.N. ambassador, won election as president of the 54-nation U.N. Economic and Social Council.
Central bankers worried about the risks of trade wars and cheap money
The global bank for central banks said U.S. and European stimulus measures won't provide "sustainable momentum."