Treaty talks' geopolitical theater for a polluted material world
A handful of fossil fuel producers show no interest in a strong, restrictive and legally binding instrument for plastic pollution.
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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Negligible relief seen for people of Gaza as pause in fighting begins
The United Nations and agencies rushed to provide humanitarian aid as Israel and Hamas began a four-day truce.
Top human rights official blasts 'indiscriminate' bombing in Gaza
More than 12,250 people have been killed - including 101 U.N. staff - and 32,300 others injured in the Gaza war, officials said.
Some are allowed out, but for most in Gaza the conditions only worsen
Hundreds of people were allowed to enter Egypt from Gaza, which one U.N. official called a 'graveyard' for children.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
A first-of-its-kind provision cites an 'urgent need' for nations to address concerns about autonomous weapons systems.
Gaza operations put on life support as fuel runs out and war rages on
Humanitarian agencies were forced to scale back as fuel and other items were depleted and diplomats were at an impasse.
Swiss vote marks return to a more conservative, less green mindset
Swiss right-wing populist and Socialist parties gained strength at the expense of Greens on issues like climate and migration.
Progress fades on women's rights as the world grows more militaristic
A new U.N. report finds the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected nations doubled in five years.
Israel rejects cease-fire in Gaza as diplomats warn of war spreading
Israel pounded Gaza with increasingly intensifying airstrikes. The U.N. chief emphasized the rules of war must be obeyed.
Caught up in the war in Gaza, civilians anxiously await aid
Despite some humanitarian aid trickling into Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing, needs are soaring as tensions flare.
U.N. resolution seeking 'pauses' for aid in Gaza divides major powers
The U.S. blocked a Security Council resolution as Russia pushed to omit mention of Hamas or Israel's self-defense.
Aid groups call for humanitarian corridor and respect for rules of war
Officials say civilians' basic needs and protections must be upheld in accord with international humanitarian law.
UPU closes fourth 'Extraordinary Congress' in Riyadh on digital future
The talks centered on climate, financial services and more cooperation among governments and private partners.
Reprisals against human rights defenders cited among 42 nations
A new report's evidence of threats and retaliation extends to 12 of the U.N. Human Rights Council's 47 member nations.
Developing nations address climate threat at U.N.'s high-level gathering
Some in the developing world fear that the war in Ukraine is diverting attention away from the dangers of climate change.
Most of U.N.'s most powerful members to skip high-level meeting
The politics of catastrophe and climate inaction await the assembly's annual gathering of world leaders next week.