Global coronavirus cases surpass 60 million
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections across the world topped 60 million with 1.4 million deaths as drug makers rush to produce new vaccines.
John Heilprin
Award-winning U.N.-accredited journalist, with 30+ years on four continents, almost half of it for AP in Washington, New York and Geneva.
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WMO says CO2 levels again at record high
Atmospheric CO2 levels reached a record high in 2019 and are expected to keep rising this year despite an economic slowdown due to the pandemic.
Biden U.N. pick signals U.S. return to alliances
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as ambassador to the U.N. signals America's pivot back to multilateralism.
G-20 pledges global access to vaccines
G-20 leaders ended a summit promising to make COVID-19 vaccines affordable and equally accessible for all and to support the U.N. health agency.
IFRC finds climate aid not reaching most in need
None of the 20 nations most vulnerable to climate change were among the top recipients of aid to help adapt to global warming, IFRC reported.
WHO chief says vaccines alone won't end pandemic
WHO’s chief said reports of Moderna's experimental coronavirus vaccine were "encouraging news," but cautioned more will be needed to end the pandemic.
NASA launch to Space Station signals new era
The first privately run spacecraft certified by NASA to fly people launched into orbit and docked with the International Space Station carrying four astronauts.
Asia-Pacific nations sign world's biggest trade pact
Fifteen Asia-Pacific nations including China signed a pact to create the world's biggest trading alliance, covering 30% of global GDP.
Libyan sides agree to 2021 nationwide elections
Libya’s two main warring factions agreed to hold nationwide elections on December 24, 2021, the U.N. acting envoy for Libya said.
G-20 agrees to 'common framework' for debt relief
The G-20 major economies agreed to a framework for more debt relief among poor nations, responding to appeals from humanitarian and economic leaders.
Five judges win 9-year terms on U.N. top court
Four judges from China, Japan, Slovakia and Uganda were re-elected to the International Court of Justice, while a German candidate won the fifth open slot.
Days after election, U.S. rights under inspection
With U.S. elections just barely decided, the U.N. Human Rights Council finished putting America's human rights record under a microscope.
Pledges to ensure vaccines access in poorer nations
International organizations and European governments pledged to broaden access to vaccines among poorer nations at the third annual Paris Peace Forum.
Groups cite high number of land mine casualties
At least 5,554 people were killed or wounded last year because they stepped on a land mine or other unexploded devices from war, a new report found.
Envoy says 126 nations seek carbon neutrality
The top U.N. official for global climate action said 65% of the world body's 193 member nations will seek net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Coronavirus cases top 50 million worldwide
Coronavirus cases topped 50 million with 1.25 million deaths as a second wave made Europe the worst-hit region and brought a record number of U.S. cases.