Treaty talks' geopolitical theater for a polluted material world
A handful of fossil fuel producers show no interest in a strong, restrictive and legally binding instrument for plastic pollution.
United States (U.S.)
The U.S. is a major global power and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. It is a founding member of NATO and a key participant in a vast network of international organizations, including the G-7, G-20, OECD, and World Bank. It is currently re-evaluating its alliances and relationships, particularly with China and Russia, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war and addressing new trade tensions with key partners like India.
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Negligible relief seen for people of Gaza as pause in fighting begins
The United Nations and agencies rushed to provide humanitarian aid as Israel and Hamas began a four-day truce.
Threats of diminished U.S. role in U.N. returns with political season
Nikki Haley has adopted Trump's hard line against U.N. participation but stopped short of calling for total withdrawal.
U.N. sees no reduction of primary gases that cause global warming
Heat-trapping greenhouse gases keep collecting in the atmosphere at a record rate, the U.N. weather agency found.
Plastic pollution treaty targets production or waste management
This is the third round of talks to develop an international legally binding deal that includes plastic waste in the ocean.
'World Court' gains new judges and Russia loses seat with U.N. election
The election adds only the sixth female judge and denies Russia a seat for the first time in the court's 77-year history.
Nations seeking to expand fossil fuel production despite climate pledges
Government plans would blow past limits needed to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
G-7 urges 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza to let in desperately needed aid
Medical facilities are running out of supplies and fuel, which Israel hasn't allowed into Gaza for a month now.
Some are allowed out, but for most in Gaza the conditions only worsen
Hundreds of people were allowed to enter Egypt from Gaza, which one U.N. official called a 'graveyard' for children.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
A first-of-its-kind provision cites an 'urgent need' for nations to address concerns about autonomous weapons systems.
World 'dangerously' unprepared for another pandemic, panel concludes
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urged more trust-building to boost monitoring, accountability and financing.
Gaza operations put on life support as fuel runs out and war rages on
Humanitarian agencies were forced to scale back as fuel and other items were depleted and diplomats were at an impasse.
Israel rejects cease-fire in Gaza as diplomats warn of war spreading
Israel pounded Gaza with increasingly intensifying airstrikes. The U.N. chief emphasized the rules of war must be obeyed.
Caught up in the war in Gaza, civilians anxiously await aid
Despite some humanitarian aid trickling into Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing, needs are soaring as tensions flare.
U.N. resolution seeking 'pauses' for aid in Gaza divides major powers
The U.S. blocked a Security Council resolution as Russia pushed to omit mention of Hamas or Israel's self-defense.
Aid groups call for humanitarian corridor and respect for rules of war
Officials say civilians' basic needs and protections must be upheld in accord with international humanitarian law.