Behind the scenes at U.N. telecoms agency, 5G edges closer to reality
Before telecoms can revolutionize their equipment, the International Telecommunication Union must develop new technical standards for putting it all to use.
Global Issues
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Record 68.5 million people globally forced to flee their homes in 2017
In a world of 7.6 billion people, 44,500 people a day — one person every two seconds — are displaced, the U.N. said.
Gaming addiction to be classified by WHO as a mental health disorder
The addition of "gaming disorder" to a global manual of standards is among the notable changes the U.N. health agency unveiled in its first update in nearly three decades.
U.N. report identifies vast climate risks in exceeding 1.5° Celsius limit
The report from the U.N.'s Nobel Prize-winning climate panel aims to strenghten nations' actions under the Paris treaty.
Blockchain technology charts path toward mainstream and standards
Organizations are adopting blockchain, which could transform everything from agriculture to health care to aid.
Global foreign investment reaches 3-year low as economic recovery lags
A report shows continued but slowing recovery from the crisis that began in 2008 and almost toppled the financial system.
Transition to renewable energy lags behind Paris treaty climate goals
High shares of renewables are being integrated in the power sector, but not fast enough to fight climate change.
Targeting NCDs, U.N. health agency panel balks at tax on sugary drinks
A World Health Organization commission ratcheted up the pressure in a fight against neglected chronic diseases.
Case made for top-down U.N. reforms in staff management
Overhauling the U.N. bureaucracy is a more urgent topic as the U.S. ratchets up pressure under the Trump administration.
#MeToo arrives at top U.N. labor forum with push for treaty
The ILO identified workplace harassment and violence as a top issue before the #MeToo movement emerged last year.
Clean energy enters business mainstream with shift to renewables
IRENA says 200 companies reported more than half the electricity they consumed came from renewables.
Refugee crises around the world push nations' limits of capacity
Lagging financial help for displaced people has raised concerns that it could destabilize neighbors and regions.
U.N. chief takes aim at the 'scourge of war' and weapons stockpiles
António Guterres launched a campaign underscoring the need for nations to scrap nuclear arsenals and other weapons.
Experts propose clean energy global fund to propel climate treaty
A global fund or organization could speed innovation so the energy sector can fulfill the Paris climate treaty.
Social media outreach is the new ‘game-changing opportunity’
By the start of 2018, the governments of 92% of the U.N.'s 193 member nations belonged to the Twitterverse.
Threats to press and repressive leaders pose danger to democracy
Reporters Without Borders says hatred for the press is 'steadily more visible' - and is not limited to authoritarian countries.