Counterterrorism forum goes independent
A global task force to fight online extremism announced it will become an independent watchdog organization led by an executive director and a board.
United Nations (U.N.)
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.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Nations adopt 2030 health coverage goal
The U.N. General Assembly called on all nations to work towards enabling everyone to have affordable, quality health services by 2030.
Scientists point to gaps in climate ambition
A day before the U.N. Climate Action Summit, climate science groups said nations must reduce "glaring and growing gaps" between intention and action.
Youth at U.N. demand bold climate action
Students and young leaders met for the first U.N. Youth Climate Summit to demand world leaders "walk the talk" and “stop wasting time" to save the planet.
Student-led 'strike' gains steam ahead of U.N. climate summit
Millions of children worldwide skipped classes to send a message they want governments to lead on the climate crisis.
Syrian cease-fire plan blocked in UNSC
Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution seeking to impose a cease-fire in northwest Syria's Idlib governorate, the last rebel stronghold.
Major investors pressure for climate action
More than 500 institutional investors urged governments to finally take significant action to reduce carbon emissions.
UPU drama over Trump challenge affects U.S. voting and opioids
Delegates will consider what to do in the face of the announcement last year by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to withdraw his nation's participation.
U.N. tourism agency signals growth in greener, more ethical travel
Tourism now accounts for about 1-in-10 jobs worldwide, but it uses up significant amounts of energy and other resources.
U.N. panel urges Myanmar genocide trials
A special U.N. fact-finding mission urged the world to hold Myanmar's military responsible for "genocidal acts" against the Muslim Rohingya minority.
Slow progress getting more kids in classes
Over the past decade, there has been only slight progress in sending more children to classrooms worldwide. One-sixth of school-age kids lack an education.
Trump ally fills long-vacant U.S. ambassador post to United Nations
Incoming envoy Kelly Craft took up her new job issuing a terse statement while declining to take questions from reporters.
UNESCO-led Mosul's heritage reconstruction project is set for 2020
The US$100 million plan will reconstruct Mosul's cultural heritage, including its famed 12th-century al-Nuri mosque.
Iran defies nuclear deal with centrifuge use as stockpile grows
IAEA confirmed Iran is preparing to use arrays of more advanced centrifuges, in another violation of the deal.
As temperatures rise, climate gains status as top threat to human rights
The U.N. human rights chief says the climate crisis is a top threat and U.S. detention of migrant children is alarming.
Trump's refugee and humanitarian aid faulted for 'cruel practices'
Refugees International gave the Trump administration's U.S. practices a 'failing grade' for a second year in a row.