Three-quarters of Earth’s land is significantly drier since the 1990s
People living in drylands doubled to 2.3 billion, more than a quarter of the world population, in the past three decades.
Malaysia
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NATO at 75 grapples with a 'constant threat of new types of attacks'
The Biden administration hosts a celebration for an expanding NATO's 75th anniversary amid political turmoil.
Dutch PM Mark Rutte set to become NATO chief after lining up support
The outgoing Dutch prime minister is tipped to replace Jens Stoltenberg, who will step aside at a summit next month.
Opinion | Science will prevail over profits for a planet of plastic eaters
Some pointed to a recent landmark human rights ruling on climate change as a potential use for a Global Plastics Treaty.
ICJ largely rejects Ukraine's ‘terrorism’ case against Russia
The ruling is the first of two that are expected this week from a decade of conflict-turned-war between Russia and Ukraine.
U.N. court hears S. Africa case alleging Israeli genocide in Gaza
Though it cannot enforce its orders, the court issues advisory opinions that carry legal weight and moral authority.
U.N. climate transparency hampered by funding gap and internal controls
An internal audit found a US$31 million funding gap and deficiencies in U.N. Climate Change's Transparency Division.
U.S. currency dispute puts IMF role in spotlight
The IMF was thrust into a dispute over currency manipulation as the U.S. accused Vietnam and Switzerland of currency manipulation.
ASEAN hardens stand on China sea claims
ASEAN leaders pushed back at China, asserting a 1982 U.N. treaty should serve as the basis for resolving disputes over claims in the South China Sea.
IAEA and ASEAN agree to work on developing nuclear technology
IAEA will collaborate with ASEAN's 10 nations on a framework for developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
China tries to ease debt trap worries about its 'Belt and Road' program
Despite fears about being weighed down with too much debt, developing nations embraced the infusion of Chinese cash.
U.N. Security Council waters down provisions to eliminate rape in war
Opposition from the U.S., China and Russia forced the removal of measures for investigations and sexual and reproductive health care services for victims.
Arrest makes ICC trial possible for ousted Sudanese longtime leader
Sudan's defense minister announced Omar al-Bashir was arrested and declared a state of emergency for three months.
New e-data shipping rules come online to standardize public data
The International Maritime Organization requires industry upgrades and streamlining electronic information exchanges.
U.S. strips visa from chief prosecutor of war crimes tribunal
The U.S. State Department said ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda can visit the U.S. only for "official U.N. purposes."
More children die of illness due to contaminated water than from war
Hundreds of millions of youth are at risk of contracting water-borne diseases because more countries suffer from conflicts.