Alpinism added to UNESCO heritage list of traditions worth protecting
Enthusiasm for alpinism - and other climbing styles - remains strong today, but the pursuit is threatened by climate change.
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. forces WTO to shutter appeals court for resolving trade disputes
The World Trade Organization's ability to resolve trade disputes among nations is arguably its most critical function.
WADA hands Russia 4-year global sporting ban over 'doping crisis'
The decision prevents Russia from staging official teams bearing its flag and anthem at premier events through 2023.
UNDP warns inequality drags on progress based on opportunity
Inequalities caused a 20% loss in global progress towards aspects of needed "human development" last year.
Gavi approves new Ebola vaccine global emergency stockpile
The global health partnership said the stockpile will provide free vaccines to nations with low to modest incomes.
Davos reboots for 'stakeholder capitalism' beyond the profit motive
Ahead of its annual meeting, the World Economic Forum urged businesses to elevate the importance of doing good.
U.N. telecom agency's deal on 5G worries global weather experts
Negotiators announced a deal on new radio frequency standards for 5G, despite worries about forecasting impacts.
Progress and worry as children's rights treaty enters fourth decade
A human rights treaty helped make children healthier, but they still face threats like climate change and online abuse.
France and China advocate multilateralism in contrast to Trump
France and China urge more cooperation on climate, biodiversity and trade as the Trump administration retreats.
U.N. envoy sustains new peace talks among all sides of Syrian civil war
The peace talks, held for the first time under the auspices of a new Syrian constitutional committee, will go a second week.
Facebook CEO defends plans for a new digital currency and association
U.S. lawmakers grilled Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on his plans for a new cryptocurrency and Swiss-based association.
Swiss voters add momentum to climate-minded Europe's Greens
Switzerland's national elections delivered a major boost to left-leaning Greens who back urgent U.N.-led climate action.
Trump's top U.S. envoy for multilateralism resigns under cloud
An internal investigative report documented allegations of retaliation against career diplomats who did not back Trump.
Global Fund says it raised most ever for multilateral health organization
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced it reached its $14 billion target for pledges.
New clean air treaty goes into effect across Europe and North America
The agreement aims to limit heat-trapping black carbon emissions that accelerate melting of glaciers and sea ice.
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.