Rise of populism and trade wars erodes international cooperation
The Trump administration's broadsides embolden nations with poor rights records and encourage attacks on journalists.
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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World faces 'stress test' of dangerous conflicts and climate change
Huge security threats loom from the crisis in Yemen to Afghanistan's fighting to the U.S.-China trade war.
Japanese pullout from organization marks return to commercial whaling
Japan will leave the International Whaling Commission, which will drop to 88 members, and resume whaling in April.
Fridays for Future student climate protests escalate around the world
The strikes are not affiliated with any political party but support international organizations seeking emissions cuts.
First global migration pact approved at U.N. in bid to 'prevent suffering'
The non-binding deal tries to solve some of the polarizing but age-old issues surrounding people crossing borders.
Hatred stirred by populism brings deadliest year yet for journalists
In the past year at least 80 journalists were killed, 348 were detained in prison and 60 were taken as hostages.
Nations overwhelmingly approve global 'new deal' for refugees
The effort accompanied a similar pact for migration that the U.N. General Assembly also approved this month.
Nations agree to Paris climate rulebook at U.N.-brokered talks
Negotiators overcame a deadlock on a crucial element about how nations must report their greenhouse gas emissions.
UNAIDS promises instant reforms but its leader will linger a half-year
Despite UNAIDS' insistence on urgency, its leader announced he would wait to resign his position until the end of next June.
Leaders appeal for action and unity at polarized U.N. climate talks
The summit is supposed to work out a 'rulebook' for nations to follow to fulfill their Paris Agreement climate pledges.
Anti-corruption movement is betting on 'the power of people's pressure'
Corruption has wide-ranging impacts. Transparency International says ordinary people can fight back.
Panel finds toxic work culture under 'patriarchal' UNAIDS leadership
An independent panel says the embattled U.N. agency is rife with sexual harassment, bullying and abuse of power.
Global carbon emissions projected at record high with 2-3% annual rise
Ahead of U.N. climate talks, studies show carbon dioxide released in 2018 will be the biggest increase in seven years.
'Instaplomacy' worth 1,000 missives as leaders turn to social media
Instagram is fast becoming the go-to social media for leaders, international organizations and governments.
Global health care systems hang in the balance of U.N. climate talks
Air pollution concentrations tied to greenhouse gases worsened in almost 70% of cities from 2010 to 2016.
Qatar quits OPEC to boost its liquefied natural gas production
Qatar joined OPEC in 1961 and has been its 11th biggest producer, putting out 600,000 barrels of crude oil a day.