Science diplomacy takes a direct hit as U.S. withdraws from institutions
Trump's order signals further retreat from global cooperation and a dismantling of science diplomacy infrastructure.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked nation in Central Europe, known for its mountains, lakes, and highly developed economy. The country has a long-standing policy of armed neutrality, which has allowed it to host the headquarters of many international organizations, including the U.N. office in Geneva.
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U.S. pledges $2 billion to U.N. aid, reshaping humanitarian model
Investment brings reform and pooled funding even as deep aid cuts leave U.N. agencies struggling to meet record needs.
U.N. flags uneven staff health services as agencies absorb aid cuts
The review comes as agencies operate with fewer resources, increasing pressure on staff in high-risk settings.
Peak rate of extinction for world's glaciers anticipated by mid-century
With 4° C. of warming, the peak shifts to the mid-2050s and intensifies to around 4,000 lost per year, researchers found.
Former Iraqi president Salih put forward to head U.N. refugee agency
He is on track to become the first UNHCR leader with first-hand experience of forced displacement as a political exile.
U.N. rights chief warns of system-wide collapse due to funding crisis
OHCHR is in 'survival mode' as it is forced to make wide-ranging cuts to programs and investigative mandates.
Survey finds online violence against women on the rise boosted by AI
Seven-in-10 of women in 119 nations who are human rights defenders, activists or journalists experienced online violence.
New U.S. strategy to target 'erosion' of sovereignty by multilateralism
The document rejects past U.S. policy that it says 'lashed American policy to a network of international institutions.'
Global Fund secures $11.34 billion but progress threatened by shortfall
The amount of pledges was down from its $18 billion target, and 27% less than the $15.7 billion it raised three years ago.
Global aid hub in crisis with ICRC staff cuts and UNICEF job transfers
The ICRC restructuring is the most recent and most dramatic manifestation of a systemic financial crisis hitting Geneva.
CITES showdown looms on elephant ivory and rhino horn trade bans
The global wildlife treaty is charged with regulating trade in 40,920 species, including 6,610 animals and 34,310 plants.
Minamata Convention pivots to enforcement, illegal trade control
A new strategy will focus heavily on controlling black market flows, leveraging a decision to phase-out dental amalgam.
Minamata Convention mandates global phase-out of dental amalgam
The decision on dental amalgam was counterbalanced by the greater challenge of artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
UNEP schedules session to organize the resumption of plastic treaty talks
Negotiators must finish the financial mechanism and agree on binding measures to phase out toxic chemicals in plastics.
Mercury treaty shifts strategy to aim at dental fillings, illegal cosmetics
In the shadow of a decades-long toxic legacy, nations have been cracking down on mercury pollution with mixed results.
U.N. trade agency adopts sweeping mandate tackling global debt crisis
UNCTAD also launched a new platform to stabilize borrower nations and mobilize capital for a costly green transition.