High seas treaty moves a step closer to reality among U.N. delegates
A new treaty is being negotiated aimed at protecting the rich biodiversity of the open ocean against commercial pressures.
Global Issues
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Hot planet on a path of 'suicidal emissions' from fossil fuel burning
The U.N. secretary-general demanded that nations act far faster and more decisively to combat the climate crisis.
Under pressure, global postal system grapples with tech and costs
For only a second time in its 144-year history, the Swiss-based Universal Postal Union held an "Extraordinary Congress."
Frontier of machine learning raises questions and risks for human rights
International organizations are calling on governments and technology companies to adopt a human rights declaration.
U.N. rights chief urges more global support for people and not nations
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein warned people's rights must be defended amid a rise in populist-driven authoritarians.
UNDP joins partnership with big tech testing AI for poverty reduction
Artificial intelligence could be a tool for sustainable development by organizations, tech giants and academics.
Out of limelight, a quiet force for civilian and political rights
Three times a year an obscure panel of human rights experts meets in Geneva and New York with a monumental task.
Modern slavery traps 40.3 million people around the world
North Korea had the highest concentration of modern slavery, but Australia, Europe and the U.S. also had growing numbers.
U.S. and Hungary reject U.N.-led push for a new global migration pact
A new global pact for promoting safe migration is advancing at the U.N. without the participation of the U.S. and Hungary.
Experts warn of U.S.-led existential threat against global trade body
Experts warned the WTO could become irrelevant if trade wars and tensions cause "backsliding" to trade protectionism.
Clean energy investment lagging behind global decarbonization goals
Investment in renewable power dropped 7% last year and "there is a risk" that it will slow more this year, IEA said.
Faster eco-improvement urged on multiple fronts despite financial cuts
The Global Environment Facility, or GEF, sent up smoke signals warning that 'incremental change will not suffice.'
Food and fish waste challenge import-dependent poorer nations
A third of the world’s fish stocks are overfished, FAO said, and 35% of what's caught never makes it one someone's plate.
Twiplomacy study of social media finds 'all the world's atwitter'
The U.N. and UNICEF are the most popular organizations. Donald Trump overtook Pope Francis as most-followed.
An 'alphabet soup' of high seas rules stands in way of sustainability
Ocean areas and deep seabeds beyond national jurisdictions fall within a patchwork of rules for the global commons.
Chemical weapons watchdog augments its accountability powers
Until now, OPCW has been unable to name those it found responsible for carrying out chemical weapons attacks.