Pandemic sets back development by decades
A new report says the pandemic halted decades of advances in fighting poverty and disease and reversed progress on the U.N.'s 17 anti-poverty goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Our coverage of the U.N.'s 17 'Global Goals' for ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring that by 2030 everyone is able to enjoy peace and prosperity.
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Rebuilding tourism industry a U.N. priority
The pandemic could eliminate 40% of global tourism's 300 million jobs — one of every 10 — and trillions of dollars essential to developing economies.
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.
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.