WEF's top 5 global risks all environmental as planet heats up
The annual list, released to shape next week's gathering at Davos, overwhelmingly focuses on the climate crisis.
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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HRW warns China is undermining human rights and institutions
Experts cautioned that China has been using its economic muscle to silence critics at home and increasingly abroad.
U.N. proposes global biodiversity pact to ward off mass extinction
Negotiations began last summer in Nairobi to draft a global wildlife treaty on the scale of the Paris climate accord.
U.N. Security Council renews Syrian aid, but cuts humanitarian crossings
The U.N. relies on crossings to truck supplies through Turkey, Iraq and Jordan into Syrian areas beyond Assad's control.
IAEA and FAO team up to help Senegal researchers curb tsetse fly
A nuclear technique developed with U.N. support suppressed the disease-carrying tsetse fly without harming other insects.
India's energy progress hailed by IEA, but major challenges loom
About half of India’s population — 700 million people — only gained access to electricity between 2000 and 2018.
Bond for financing development shows confidence in organizations
The World Bank's benchmark bond was set at its tightest spread to U.S. treasuries in the organization's history.
U.N. leader reproaches a world of 'turmoil' in wake of U.S.-Iran strikes
Iran retaliated against the U.S., illustrating the U.N. chief's concerns that geopolitical tensions are at their highest level.
UNESCO warns of a legal 'duty to protect' cultural heritage sites
UNESCO's chief reminded Washington and Tehran they must protect cultural sites, after Trump made threats against Iran.
Enraged at U.S. airstrike, Iran abandons nuclear deal limits
European nations urged Tehran to stop taking steps away from compliance with the nuclear deal it signed with world powers.
Decade of sharp rise in attacks globally on children in conflicts
The number of grave violations against children in conflicts more than doubled in the past decade from a decade earlier.
E.U. to engage U.K. in major organizations despite onset of Brexit
A top E.U. negotiator says it turn to the U.N., WTO and G-20 as important go-betweens with the U.K. after leaving the bloc.
New U.S. 'Space Force' may conflict with international space treaties
The U.S. military's first new branch in decades could prompt another Trump administration withdrawal from a treaty.
Trade association seeks $5 billion fund to cut shipping emissions
London-based ICS proposed creating an organization to run a $5 billion fund for eliminating carbon from global shipping.
Poor nations focus of global refugee forum expected to raise billions
As financial help for refugees lags, some leaders have raised concerns that insufficient resources can destabilize regions.
Marathon U.N. climate summit falls short on global carbon markets
Nations agreed to little more than another pledge to make more cuts in carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases.