Veto limits and aid overhaul urged as the remedy for 'new world disorder'
At the top of IRC’s agenda is a push to strip five veto-wielding nations of their ability to paralyze the U.N. Security Council.
Global Issues
Global issues are complex challenges that require international cooperation, from mitigating climate change to addressing global poverty and geopolitical conflicts. Of the U.N.'s 169 targets for sustainable development, only 35% are on track or making moderate progress toward their 2030 deadline.
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Nations approve health pact for 2030 despite U.S., Argentina opposition
The plan integrates mental health with chronic disease, sets ambitious targets for tobacco, hypertension, and care access.
Peak rate of extinction for world's glaciers anticipated by mid-century
With 4° C. of warming, the peak shifts to the mid-2050s and intensifies to around 4,000 lost per year, researchers found.
U.N. rights chief warns of system-wide collapse due to funding crisis
OHCHR is in 'survival mode' as it is forced to make wide-ranging cuts to programs and investigative mandates.
Survey finds online violence against women on the rise boosted by AI
Seven-in-10 of women in 119 nations who are human rights defenders, activists or journalists experienced online violence.
The U.N.'s 'heartbreaking' 2026 appeal for emergency aid is halved
The appeal is less than half the $47 billion needed to help tens of millions of people in 2025, of which just 25% was raised.
CITES CoP20 delivers historic shark protection, curbs illegal pet trade
The conference agreed on new protections for the pet trade and rejected eased restrictions on rhino horns and ivory.
Pandemic treaty talks extended over sticking point on pathogen sharing
Developing countries and big pharma have struggled to bridge gaps over mandatory benefit-sharing during pandemics.
UNAIDS anticipates global health catastrophe after U.S. funding freeze
From 2010 to 2024, annual AIDS-related deaths fell 54% and new infections fell 40%. That progress is now in doubt.
U.N. chief's selection enters public phase as calls for transparency rise
Since 1946, a woman has never been chosen for the top job, and four of the nine U.N. chiefs have been Europeans.
Global Fund secures $11.34 billion but progress threatened by shortfall
The amount of pledges was down from its $18 billion target, and 27% less than the $15.7 billion it raised three years ago.
Global aid hub in crisis with ICRC staff cuts and UNICEF job transfers
The ICRC restructuring is the most recent and most dramatic manifestation of a systemic financial crisis hitting Geneva.
Global early warnings surge, but funding lags for universal protection
Some 119 nations have a coordinated system to warn about impending natural dangers, up from 56 nations a decade ago.
CITES showdown looms on elephant ivory and rhino horn trade bans
The global wildlife treaty is charged with regulating trade in 40,920 species, including 6,610 animals and 34,310 plants.
Global patent filings jump 5% to record high, trademarks stabilize
The shift cements Asia’s position as the world's leading innovation hub, led by China, Japan, and South Korea.
UNHCR pleads for urgent winter funding as donor support drops
The agency is launching its global winter fundraising campaign to raise at least $35 million for refugees globally.