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.
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.
Twitter
Geneva
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.
Drought data shows “unprecedented emergency" for 1.84 billion people
Almost a quarter of the world faces human-induced drought, and 85% of those live in low- or middle-income countries.
U.N. climate transparency hampered by funding gap and internal controls
An internal audit found a US$31 million funding gap and deficiencies in U.N. Climate Change's Transparency Division.
World on track to breach Paris treaty and head to almost 3° C. of warming
Emissions must decrease 42% by 2030 to keep the 1.5° target alive. Instead, they're expected to rise 3% by then.
Treaty to curb plastic pollution stalled as industry pushes back
Oil and plastic producing nations and lobbyists sought more emphasis on recycling instead of production cuts.
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.
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.
Top human rights official blasts 'indiscriminate' bombing in Gaza
More than 12,250 people have been killed – including 101 U.N. staff helping Palestinian refugees and at least 4,300 children – and 32,300 others injured in the Gaza war, officials said.