Nations adopt goal of achieving universal health coverage by 2030
The U.N. General Assembly called for all nations to work towards enabling affordable, quality health services for all.
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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Scientists report nations need to triple carbon-cutting to meet targets
A day before a U.N. summit, climate scientists said nations must reduce 'glaring' gaps between intention and action.
Youth climate activists at U.N. demand leaders stop wasting time
Students and young leaders met for a first U.N. Youth Climate Summit, pressing leaders to 'walk the talk' and 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.
Cease-fire plan for Syria's northwest is blocked in U.N. Security Council
Russia and China vetoed a resolution seeking to impose a cease-fire in Idlib governorate, the last rebel stronghold.
Major investors with $35 trillion in assets 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
For only a third time in its 144-year history, the U.N. postal agency will hold an Extraordinary Congress.
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. fact-finding panel urges trials on genocide charges in Myanmar
The panel reported Myanmar's armed forces killed thousands of Muslim Rohingya people during 'clearance operations.'
Slow progress in getting more children into classes around world
About 285.4 million children, adolescents, and youth, or one-sixth of all those globally in this age group, 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 $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.
UNCTAD stresses climate impacts of trade ahead of summit to spur action
UNCTAD is looking at how to solve the climate crisis, particularly how sea level rise impacts small island nations.