Virus fears amplify appeals for Syria peace
Human rights experts warily eyeing the first cases of coronavirus in Syria renewed long-ignored calls for an end to the war, this time in the name of health.
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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G-20 pledges US$5 trillion to fight virus
Leaders of G-20 major economies promised to spend more than US$5 trillion to prop up the global economy and hasten recovery from the pandemic.
U.N. launches US$2 billion anti-virus plan
The U.N. asked governments and private donors to provide US$2 billion to meet emergency health needs in the poorest countries coping with the pandemic.
IOC and Japan postpone Tokyo Olympics
In an unprecedented move, the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo will be postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
U.N. urges cease-fire as cases near 400,000
The U.N. chief called for a global cease-fire to help vanquish the pandemic, imploring warring parties to disarm and fight the virus as a "common enemy."
Europe's mixed progress toward U.N. goals
Air pollution levels exceed recommended health limits in all but 10 mainly European countries, but most lowered carbon emissions and expanded forest cover.
Syria's horrific war marks grim milestone
Almost 5 million children in Syria have known nothing but war for nine years while another 1 million were born as refugees into a harsh life, UNICEF reported.
WHO and foundations launch virus fund
WHO and two international foundations launched a first-of-its-kind fund to help vulnerable populations and weak health systems cope with the pandemic.
WHO: World's first coronavirus pandemic
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic — the global spread of a new disease — marking the first time a coronavirus has gained that distinction.
WMO warns Earth halfway to Paris limit
Signs of global warming are everywhere, WMO said in a report that found the world officially crossed the halfway point to a major climate crisis benchmark.
U.N. warns of US$2 trillion losses to virus
Trade economists who advise the U.N. warned COVID-19 could cost the world economy up to US$2 trillion in 2020 and push nations into recession.
E.U. offers A.U. new strategy for relations
The E.U. has a new strategy for relations with the A.U. that emphasizes an overhaul in climate and digital policies to end a legacy of colonialism and aid.
U.N. reboots 1995 plan for gender equality
A U.N.-led global commission recommitted the world to achieving gender equality, in a relaunch and update of a quarter-century old landmark agreement.
WHO says coronavirus cases top 100,000
WHO announced the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 100 000, a grim milestone requiring leaders to "step forward" and save lives.
ICC allows Afghanistan war crimes probe
The ICC ruled unanimously to authorize an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan by the Taliban, Afghan military and American-led forces.
Ex-U.N. chief Pérez de Cuéllar dies at 100
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, the fifth U.N. chief from 1982 to 1991, who arranged an Iraq-Iran cease-fire and aided democracy in his native Peru, died at age 100.