People, wildlife, planet pay cost of convenience for single-use plastics
A plastic layer in Earth’s geological record may become our legacy, marking a moment we turned into a single-use planet.
World Health Organization (WHO)
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Surveys show majority of public still trusts U.N. despite an overall decline
The U.N. appears to be more trusted than many governments, other multilateral institutions, and regional organizations.
From disease to pollution, health leaders asked to do more with less
Much of the financial angst this year was caused by the absence and impending withdrawal of the United States.
Top U.S. diplomat defends key foreign aid cuts at House hearing
The Trump administration and its allies in Congress sparred with Democrats over America's spending and stature abroad.
World Health Assembly formally adopts hard-fought pandemic treaty
The head of the International Peace Institute praised the treaty negotiators for their 'amazing' critical problem-solving.
WHO's $1.7B budget shortfall forces major contractions and reshuffling
'To be blunt, we cannot do everything,' WHO's chief said in announcing a management overhaul and other cuts.
System-wide funding cuts bring aid disruptions and U.N. staff protests
With the loss of billions in financial support, the U.N. must weigh potential widespread downsizing and consolidation.
U.N.'s worst fiscal crisis forces restructuring bid to stay relevant
As the U.N. marks its 80th anniversary, it could streamline and reassure donors that taxpayer money reaches people in need.
China reportedly using 'puppet organizations' against its critics
A human rights group and journalists question Beijing's use of 'Chinese government-organized NGOs' at the U.N.
The Elders' chair Santos: The next U.N. chief 'should be a woman'
Colombia's former president Juan Manuel Santos says his nation's peace process benefited from women leaders.
Nations make 'history in Geneva' with landmark pandemic treaty deal
WHO members finally reach consensus on a draft pandemic agreement after 13 formal rounds of meetings since Dec. 2021.
Global aid cuts pose 'threat of major backsliding' with maternal deaths
The loss of funding could unravel major progress since 2000 in reducing women's deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.
Myanmar junta seeks aid, struggles to deal with devastating earthquake
U.S. Geological Survey predictive modeling shows the death toll from a 7.7-magnitude earthquake could exceed 10,000.
Health leaders warn of huge risks if U.S. cuts support for Gavi vaccines
One donor predicts more than 1 million kids in poor countries could die without U.S. funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Childhood tuberculosis cases surge by 10% in Europe and Central Asia
The spike in the world’s deadliest infectious disease comes as officials warn global aid cuts could lead to a resurgence.
German election creates tough path to stronger role in E.U. and NATO
The coalition Merz forms will greatly influence his ability to govern the country or to strengthen multilateral institutions.