Organizations call on G-20 to cancel debts
Four anti-poverty international organizations called on G-20 finance ministers to cancel debts in poor nations so they can deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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Chronic hunger threatens 130 million more
The number of people not getting enough nutrition rose by 60 million since 2014 — and the pandemic may add up to 132 million more this year.
Eight candidates in running for WTO chief
Eight contenders from Britain, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have until September 7 to campaign for the job of WTO chief.
Path steepens to 2030 anti-poverty goals
The U.N.'s annual forum on progress towards its 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 opened with a big challenge made far harder by the pandemic.
Africa's mobile money risks alarm Interpol
Interpol warned that organized crime has infiltrated Africa's mobile money industry as a platform for human trafficking, money laundering and the drug trade.
Global e-waste rises 21% in 5 years and is predicted to double by 2030
A big problem, the organizations say, is that collection and recycling programs don't keep pace with the rising pollution.
Global tourism may lose $3.3 trillion
The global coronavirus outbreak could cause as much as $3.3 trillion in losses to the global tourism industry if the pandemic lasts a year.
IMF forecasts 4.9% drop in world economy
The IMF estimated a 4.9% drop in global GDP for 2020, sharply revising its earlier prediction of a 3% drop due to the pandemic.
ITU seeks to counter online pandemic risks with new guidelines
The U.N. telecom agency says the pandemic raised the risks to countless kids who spend hours glued to tablets or computers.
U.N. forecasts foreign investments plunge
New business investment globally will likely drop by up to 40% this year and 10% in 2021 from the COVID-19 pandemic, UNCTAD reported.
Candidates vie to become next WTO chief
The embattled WTO shifted to selecting a new director-general in an expected race between candidates from Mexico, Africa and Europe.
E.U. leaders pitch huge recovery package
E.U. leaders unveiled a €750 billion coronavirus recovery plan to help continental members navigate the prospect of its deepest recession.
Oxfam forced to shutter aid in 18 nations
Oxfam International it will shed almost 30% of its global staff and pull up stakes in 18 nations due to financial hardship.
U.N. report forecasts 3.2% economic drop
The world economy is projected to shrink by 3.2% in 2020 — its biggest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression — due to the pandemic.
Singaporean chosen as next WIPO director
WIPO's top governing body appointed Daren Tang, a lawyer from Singapore, to serve as its next chief in a contest reflecting U.S.-China tensions.
IMF warns of worst recession since 1930s
The global economy will likely suffer the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression due to pandemic disruptions and shutdowns, IMF forecast.