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.
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.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
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.
U.N. chief: Structural reform in the works, but members need to pay up
A major financial squeeze is hitting the embattled U.N., which is owed $5.1 billion for its regular and peacekeeping budgets.
System-wide funding cuts bring aid disruptions and U.N. staff protests
With the loss of billions in financial support, the U.N. must weigh potential widespread downsizing and consolidation.
U.N.'s worst fiscal crisis forces restructuring bid to stay relevant
The U.N. could mark its 80th anniversary by streamlining and reassuring donors taxpayer money reaches people in need.
ICJ finishes public hearings into Israeli obligations on Gaza aid
A Palestinian diplomat told the U.N.'s top court that Israel uses aid as a 'weapon of war,' targeting civilians and aid workers.
China reportedly using 'puppet organizations' against its critics
A human rights group and journalists question Beijing's use of 'Chinese government-organized NGOs' at the U.N.
Trump orders U.S. to expedite permits for deep seabed mining
The order would allow exploratory mining of the ocean floor that is overseen by an organization the U.S. hasn't joined.
A papal messenger of climate action and 'hope, humility and humanity'
U.N. leaders hailed Pope Francis as a champion of the environment and tireless advocate of refugees and migrants.
The Elders' chair Santos: The next U.N. chief 'should be a woman'
Colombia's former president Juan Manuel Santos says his nation's peace process benefited from women leaders.
Myanmar junta seeks aid, struggles to deal with devastating earthquake
U.S. Geological Survey predictive modeling shows the death toll from a 7.7-magnitude earthquake could exceed 10,000.
Trump drops Stefanik's U.N. envoy nod over narrow margin in House
In a surprise turnaround, the U.S. president wants the New York Republican congresswoman to stay in her job.