WMO confirms 2023 breaks global heat record and nears limit
The World Meteorological Organization said the world hit the record books, up 1.45° C. from pre-industrial times.
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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U.N. court hears S. Africa case alleging Israeli genocide in Gaza
Though it cannot enforce its orders, the court issues advisory opinions that carry legal weight and moral authority.
Al-Shabab militants seize U.N. helicopter and personnel in Somalia
The U.N. in Somalia confirmed "an aviation incident" with a U.N.-contracted helicopter in Galmudug, Somalia.
Benchmark of global food prices eases from painful record highs
FAO's Food Price Index tracks five commodity groups. Experts say food distribution is a worry even if supplies are plentiful.
Rich economies bounce back as developing economies lose ground
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.4% this year, down from 2.7% in 2023 and 3% before the pandemic began.
U.N. council seat adds twist to Guyana-Venezuela tensions
Guyana, an impoverished former British colony, controls the Essequibo region and the US$1 billion a year it generates.
Europeans and U.S. condemn Iran's acceleration in nuclear program
The U.N. nuclear watchdog has reported that Tehran increased its output of near weapons-grade uranium.
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.
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.
COVAX to close after delivering almost 2 billion vaccine doses
The multilateral effort fell short of its ambitious targets but still managed to save an estimated 2.7 million lives.
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 nation's broad support for Gaza cease-fire
Nations voted 153-10, with 23 abstentions, to demand a cease-fire and express “grave concern" for the humanitarian situation.
Cash-strapped U.N. aid appeal falls to US$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.
Pandemic treaty talks pursue global 'equity' and 'right to health'
Negotiators are expected to submit a draft pandemic accord to the 194-nation World Health Assembly for approval next May.
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.
First "global stocktake" dominates negotiations at COP28 climate talks
Rich nations have pledged less than 0.2% of the US$400 billion a year that developing countries need for losses and damage.