Dutch politician takes on challenge of coordinating U.N. aid for Gaza
Sigrid Kaag, a fluent Arabic speaker with extensive Middle East experience, has endured threats of political violence.
United States
The United States 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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U.N. panel demands aid flow to Gaza as population goes hungry
At least 576,600 people or 1-in-4 households in Gaza are out of food and face extreme hunger as the risk of famine spreads.
Ballooning interest rates cripple developing nations with high debt
The World Bank is warning of a "lost decade" as rising interest rates push developing economies to the brink.
Nations clinch climate deal on 'transitioning away' from fossil fuels
The COP28 accord calls for weaning the world off burning oil, coal and natural gas 'in a just, orderly and equitable manner.'
U.N. vote shows broad international support for a Gaza war cease-fire
Nations voted 153-10, with 23 abstentions, demanding a cease-fire and expressing 'grave concern' for people suffering.
Cash-strapped U.N. aid appeal falls to $46 billion for 181 million
The U.N.'s global humanitarian appeal for itself and 1,900 partners in 2024 already assumes 40% in unmet needs.
U.S. vetoes U.N. cease-fire bid as Israelis push south into Gaza
Gaza's aid reached a breaking point as Israel fought to destroy Hamas and groups warned Palestinians face starvation.
U.N. chief forces Security Council to address Gaza humanitarian crisis
For the first time since becoming leader of the world body, António Guterres invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter.
Hotter than ever, world holds U.N. climate talks under cloud of doubt
'Minutes to midnight': World hits 1.4° of warming as Dubai summit opens with new report disputing a leader's credibility.
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.
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.