Plastic treaty talks open with longshot bid for consensus deal
The negotiations in Geneva are the sixth round of talks since 175 nations agreed in 2022 to create a legally binding treaty.
United Nations
Founded at the end of World War II, the New York-based United Nations is an international organization with 193 member nations. It began with 50 nations meeting at San Francisco in 1945 to maintain international peace and security. Over two months, the U.N. Charter was created as the basis for the organization's hope of preventing another world war. Founding members Britain, China, France, the Soviet Union and the United States took permanent veto-wielding seats on the powerful Security Council.
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Geneva's plastic treaty talks at make-or-break moment for ocean health
The 10-day session at the U.N.'s European headquarters is widely seen as the definitive moment for a global accord.
Trump administration pulls plug on UNESCO again, cites anti-Israel bias
The U.S. will remain a full member of UNESCO until its withdrawal officially takes effect at the close of next year.
U.N. launches new nuclear war impact study, first since 1988
A prevous study on climatic and global effects of nuclear war raised awareness of the concept of "nuclear winter."
Moderate gains in some areas but only 18% of the SDGs are on-track
A critical U.N. summit opened to confront the sobering reality that only modest gains have been made in a select few areas.
Sand and dust storms intensify global health and economic crises
The World Meteorological Organization revealed these airborne hazards affect 330 million people in 150 countries.
U.N. conference gains pledges for climate finance, launches initiatives
Leaders pushed for better financial systems at only the fourth U.N. conference on development financing held since 2002.
Turning 80, the U.N. system is expected to contract by 30% in 2025
The reduction in support and services it can deliver is expected to drop to about $50 billion across the U.N. system.
Asia hit hard by climate change, drought, and rising temperatures
A new report from the U.N. weather agency shows Asia has been heating up nearly twice as fast as the global average.
Swiss to rescue Geneva's multilateral hub with $390 million relief package
Swiss and Geneva authorities approved measures that 'aim to ease acute funding shortfalls' for international organizations.
UN80: Seizing the opportunity for a more inclusive United Nations
If decision-makers can keep a long-term perspective on impacts, reforms can strengthen the U.N. despite budget cuts.
French Riviera's ocean summit aims to prevent 'Wild West' lawlessness
The summit created momentum for the adoption of the first legally binding rules to better protect international waters.
Surveys show majority of public still trusts U.N. despite an overall decline
The U.N. appears to be more trusted than many governments, other multilateral institutions, and regional organizations.
Leaders seek ways for U.S. to help end Sudan's humanitarian crisis
The U.N. estimates 150,000 people were killed over two years in the war between paramilitary RSF and Sudanese Army.
Top U.S. diplomat defends key foreign aid cuts at House hearing
The Trump administration and its allies in Congress sparred with Democrats over America's spending and stature abroad.
WHO's $1.7B budget shortfall forces major contractions and reshuffling
'To be blunt, we cannot do everything,' WHO's chief said in announcing a management overhaul and other cuts.