Difficult pandemic treaty talks to be extended with extra spring session
Negotiators and officials aim to wrap up so that May's 77th World Health Assembly can consider a proposed text.
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Disease, hunger, violence threaten millions of refugees in Africa
WHO warns disease and hunger are at alarming levels in the Congo, where almost 10 million people are on the move.
U.N. Security Council for first time agrees to demand cease-fire in Gaza
On a 14-0 vote with the U.S. abstaining, the council urged a cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Biden signs U.S. spending bill with halt on UNRWA funds through 2025
The spending bill also has other 'key pro-Israel provisions' aimed at the U.N. and other international organizations.
U.N. Security Council blocked again on a proposal urging Gaza cease-fire
After the U.S. vetoed the first three proposals, China and Russia stopped the council's fourth try at a Gaza resolution.
U.N. Syrian appeal set at more than $4B for humanitarian crisis
Some 16.7 million people need humanitarian aid in Syria, up from 15.3 million a year ago, as its devastating war drags on.
Geological organization rules the Anthropocene is not a formal epoch
IUGS rejected declaring that we live in a new epoch defined by far-reaching human impacts on the planet since the 1950s.
U.N. General Assembly adopts first resolution on artificial intelligence
The resolution, backed by the U.S. and China, reflect fears AI will severely disrupt business, infrastructure and governance.
Recycling rates falling behind the pace of e-waste generated globally
Just 22.3% of all the e-waste - any product that has a plug or battery - was properly collected and recycled in 2022.
Most nations failed to meet WHO fine particle pollution standards
Ambient fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 is considered the world’s leading environmental health risk factor.
Study finds 37% rise in illegal profits from forced labor over past decade
By far the largest share of the US$236 billion a year in illegal profits comes from forced commercial sexual exploitation.
U.N. weather agency has ‘red alert’ warning as Earth grows ever hotter
WMO reports 2023 smashed climate records at previously unimaginable levels, bringing 'misery and mayhem.'
Pandemic treaty negotiators in final stretch ahead of May deadline
WHO's chief warned that 'a torrent of mis- and disinformation' affects pandemic treaty negotiations restarting this week.
Partial funding by Western nations restored to UNRWA for aid in Gaza
Several top donors including Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the E.U. resumed funding contingent on agency reforms.
Nations pushing for AI governance around issues of access and privacy
A top U.N. official cites strong concerns about mental privacy, which is 'a line that we should not cross at all' as AI develops.
Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.