Final round of pandemic treaty talks end without draft agreement
Negotiators had to juggle the promotion of health access and global equity with reaffirmation of nations' sovereignty.
Liechtenstein
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Brazil vows to push for elusive U.N. reforms during its G-20 presidency
Non-veto wielding nations have tried for years to reform the U.N.'s post-World War II power structure with little success.
Nations agree to new scrutiny of U.N. vetos
Prompted by its own paralysis over Syria and Ukraine, the U.N. moved to prevent abuse of power by Russia and other permanent Security Council members.
E.U. regulator approves first COVID-19 vaccine
A two-shot vaccine from BioNTech and Pfizer gained official approval in the E.U., two days after Switzerland approved it through a normal procedure.
U.N. resolution calls for global virus effort
The U.N. General Assembly urged all nations to join in ensuring universal access to medical supplies, drugs, future vaccines and testing for the pandemic.
Europe's first legally binding treaty on violence against women turns 5
The treaty, which took effect in 2014, builds on efforts to protect women and girls from violence since the 1990s. Some nations say they oppose it based on sovereignty concerns.
Western nations rebuke Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi killing
The European Union and eight other nations condemned Saudi Arabia, demanding that it cooperate with a U.N.-led investigation into Jamal Khashoggi's brazen murder.
Switzerland's international role is put to the test in a popular vote
Even in a country with a tradition of hosting international organizations, one-third of all voters preferred to put the promise of "Swiss law first" ahead of global cooperation.
New data protection rules for privacy impact organizations
The centerpiece of the European Union's new rules, and what makes them relevant for international organizations, is the policy of accountability, experts say. Data handlers must be able to demonstrate compliance and delete data if asked.