Plastic contaminating the ocean is added to treaty on hazardous waste
A legally-binding global mechanism for managing plastic waste sends a political signal to markets and consumers.
China
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Iran to withdraw from parts of the nuclear deal after U.S. reneged
Tehran promised to return to the deal if China, France, Germany, Russia, the U.K. and E.U. give adequate help.
In Trump era, Arctic Council steers clear of addressing the climate crisis
Scientists say the Arctic region is warming about twice as fast as the rest of the planet, but the Trump administration blocked a council statement from referring to that threat.
E.U. publishes its plan for stronger global e-commerce safety rules
Businesses and consumers are subject to "a patchwork of rules" from bilateral and regional trade agreements.
China tries to ease debt trap worries about its 'Belt and Road' program
Despite fears about being weighed down with too much debt, developing nations embraced the infusion of Chinese cash.
U.N. Security Council waters down provisions to eliminate rape in war
Opposition from the U.S., China and Russia forced the removal of measures for investigations and sexual and reproductive health care services for victims.
Arrest makes ICC trial possible for ousted Sudanese longtime leader
Sudan's defense minister announced Omar al-Bashir was arrested and declared a state of emergency for three months.
Former Trump economic adviser begins World Bank presidency
David Malpass now oversees one of the most important international organizations set up after World War II.
Americans snub G-7 summit preparations at French resort
A meeting of foreign ministers in the French seaside resort of Dinard this week will not include two senior U.S. officials.
Global carbon emissions hit record high driven by surging power sector
Energy-related CO2 emissions rose 1.7% to 33.1 billion tons from the previous year, the highest rate of growth since 2013.
War crimes court rebuffed and threatened by Trump administration
These are turbulent times for the International Criminal Court, created 17 years ago as a court of 'last resort.'
Organizations lose 46 staff in Ethiopian Airlines jet crash
The U.N. reported losing 21 staff who worked for its agencies; other international organizations reported losing 25 staff.
Dispute over economic sanctions ends Trump-Kim nuclear talks
The leaders had contradictory accounts of why there was no agreement on dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons.
British envoy to U.N. links gold to Venezuela's authoritarian leader
Access to Venezuela's U.K.-held gold could help determine the leader's fate as his country collapses into economic chaos.
Human rights agenda seen to be 'losing ground' around the world
The Human Rights Council began with warnings of broken norms despite some powerful movements for social justice.
Trump administration's go-it-alone policies rapped at Munich summit
Leaders criticized the breakdown in transatlantic relations from U.S. isolationism despite China's growing power.