Secretary-general candidates call for a more activist U.N. as race heats up
At the first globally televised debate of the 2026 contest, contenders argued the U.N. must rebuild trust through results.
United Nations
The United Nations is the world's primary forum for diplomacy and peace. Founded in the wake of WWII to prevent global conflict, this organization of 193 member nations now serves as the stage for addressing our most pressing challenges — from climate change to human rights. We cover the U.N.'s policies and efforts to build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world.
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U.N. appeal shows how regional conflict is reshaping Lebanon
While the request reflects immediate needs, officials describe the crisis as a threat to Lebanon's long-term resilience.
Germany's Security Council defeat exposes limits of influence at U.N.
Despite being the U.N.'s second-largest contributor, Berlin failed to secure a two-year seat, losing to Portugal and Austria.
Hormuz disruptions drive up aid costs amid U.N. funding squeeze
Shipping delays, rising transport prices and deep budget cuts force humanitarian agencies into difficult choices worldwide.
Immersive 'Portal of Nations' aims to connect public with multilateralism
New Geneva center opens as major powers challenge norms and U.N. institutions seek closer engagement with the public.
Scientists reopen contentious question on valid carbon offsets
A new study suggests temporary carbon storage may have a legitimate role in climate mitigation, though not for CO₂.
The Vatican moves into AI diplomacy
Pope Leo XIV’s first AI encyclical positions the Catholic Church inside a widening international struggle.
U.N. top court backs workers' right to strike in landmark labor ruling
International Court of Justice says strikes are protected under a core ILO convention, resolving a long-running dispute.
Major powers fuel new conflicts as aid to poorer nations declines
A new U.N. assessment says wars, energy shocks and shrinking aid push vulnerable economies deeper into debt.
Ecuador's Espinosa becomes fifth candidate to lead United Nations
If elected, Espinosa, Bachelet or Grynspan would become the first woman to serve as U.N. chief since the U.N.’s founding.
Anthropic, South Africa and the emerging divide in AI governance
As AI companies debate moral reasoning in AI, the Global South struggles to build credible systems for AI oversight.
Hunger entrenches across conflict zones as global food crises deepen
Global Report on Food Crises shows rising need around the world, weakening response capacity and widening data gaps.
Silent plea with teddy bears echoes U.N. findings on Ukrainian children
Two Ukrainian advocacy groups are raising awareness for children abducted from Ukraine by Russia during the war.
U.N. chief candidates diverge on priorities, converge on deadlock
In General Assembly dialogues, candidates show shared values but offer no specifics on reshaping power structure.
Ship seizures, stalled talks deepen Hormuz crisis as global risks mount
Rather than de-escalation, the Iran war shifted toward control of shipping flows in the strait while talks remain uncertain.
U.S. senators split over U.N. reform through budget cuts and nationalism
Senators agreed the U.N. needs revamping to align with American interests but diverged over precisely how to do that.