U.N. push for carbon neutrality gains ground but not a majority
At a U.N. summit, 77 nations committed to 'net zero' carbon emissions and 70 simply promised stronger climate actions.
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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Counterterrorism forum taking the fight online to become independent
A global task force to fight online extremism announced it will become an independent watchdog organization.
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.
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.