ILO: Pandemic dwarfs global financial crisis
The U.N. labor agency estimated job losses in 2020 due to the pandemic were quadruple those during the 2008-2009 global financial crisis.
Global Issues
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China overtakes U.S. in new foreign investment
China surpassed the United States as the world's top recipient of foreign direct investment with inflows of US$163 billion in 2020, new UNCTAD figures show.
Study finds most large dams obsolete by 2050
Most of the world's population by mid-century will face risks living downstream from tens of thousands of aging concrete dams, says a U.N. University report.
Nuclear weapons ban enters into force
Advocates of world peace celebrated "EntryIntoForceDay" as the first legally binding treaty to ban nuclear weapons finally became international law.
WHO welcomes U.S. back to the 'family'
WHO basked in renewed U.S. cooperation as President Biden sent Dr. Anthony Fauci to repair damage from the Trump administration's withdrawal.
U.S. reversals on global health and climate policy
Moves to rejoin WHO and the Paris climate treaty were among a burst of immediate directives issued by U.S. President Joe Biden upon taking office.
Panel cites 'early failings' in virus response
An expert panel faulted WHO along with China and other nations in a report that found numerous "lost opportunities" to try to head off the pandemic.
WHO chief angered at rich grip on vaccines
The WHO chief expressed moral outrage at rich nations' young, healthy adults getting vaccinated ahead of poor nations' elderly and health care workers.
Virtual Davos targets pandemic-era mistrust
Thousands normally descend on Davos this time of year. But with the pandemic still raging, WEF will meet virtually to take on mistrust and division.
ILO concerned for pandemic homeworkers
ILO reported the number of home-based workers soared with the pandemic, prompting the need for more employment protections.
U.N. warns pandemic used to fuel extremism
A top counterrorism official advised the U.N. Security Council that terrorists are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to fuel violent extremism.
Leaders stoke ambitions to reverse nature crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.N. and World Bank leaders hosted a virtual summit to improve the planet's health and save biological resources.
WHO virus team to enter China this week
China announced it is "ready to receive" World Health Organization experts this week on an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Global coronavirus cases surpass 90 million
Confirmed COVID-19 infections exceeded 90 million — two-thirds in the Americas and Europe — with 1.93 million deaths worldwide.
WHO urges end to bilateral vaccine deals
The head of the U.N. health agency asked wealthy countries to stop hoarding most of the world's COVID-19 vaccine supply, saying it hurts poorer nations.
China negotiating with WHO over experts visit
China said it is still negotiating the dates and terms of a visit by a World Health Organization-led team to study the origins of COVID-19.