Trump strongly rejects international cooperation. Round 2 is underway.
The U.N. and other organizations expect a second round of reduced U.S. support and engagement with Trump's return.
UNESCO
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Almost nine in 10 journalist killings went unpunished around the world
UNESCO verified 162 journalist killings in 2022 and 2023 – one every four days – including 44% in areas of armed conflict.
Envoy to Yemen tells U.N. Security Council of a new 'path to de-escalate'
The U.N. secretary-general's special envoy for Yemen said regional dangers grew but the warring parties are talking.
U.N. revives Palestinians' bid for membership with vote on new rights
The 143-9 vote with 25 abstentions urges the U.N. Security Council to favorably reconsider the Palestinians' request.
Threats of diminished U.S. role in U.N. returns with political season
Nikki Haley has adopted Trump's hard line against U.N. participation but stopped short of calling for total withdrawal.
UNESCO recommends 13 years as minimum age for AI use in schools
The U.N. agency's first global guidance urges governments to quickly regulate generative AI in education and research.
UNESCO World Heritage sites contain 20% of known species
The 1,157 protected sites account for less than 1% of Earth's surface but play vital roles as biodiversity hotspots.
Diplomats examine AI risks to peace and potential for global oversight
British diplomats are leading a push at the U.N. that could be a starting point for a multilateral approach to regulating AI.
AI robots say they won't rebel but can run world better than humans
Nine social robots, flanked by their creators, offered mixed responses to reporters' questions about their future role in society and how strictly they should be regulated.
U.S. rejoins UNESCO as countermove to China's growing influence
The United States signaled its intent to return to UNESCO and pay arrears after China became its biggest contributor and a Chinese diplomat took over as deputy chief.
Paris summit approves drafting global plastic pollution treaty
The summit ended with support for creating a "zero draft" treaty ahead of the next negotiations at Nairobi in November.
Talks open on plastics treaty to defuse environmental 'time bomb'
About 69% of all the plastics produced, mainly through fossil fuel burning, are used just once or twice before they are thrown away. About 22% is mismanaged. Just 9% is recycled.
U.N. proposes global 'roadmap' to 80% cut in plastic pollution by 2040
The estimated annual social and environmental costs of plastic pollution range from US$300 billion to $US1.5 trillion.
Faking content is getting easier. Digging for truth is getting harder.
There's a growing industry and more tools for producing and distributing disinformation. Meanwhile, authorities are getting more aggressive and hostile toward journalists.
Odesa historic center added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
The listing means 194 nations that are party to the 1975 World Heritage Convention must commit to not deliberately cause direct or indirect damage to Odesa, and to help protect it.
Passing of Pelé mourned as his legacy of sport for peace lives on
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Pelé was unique in so many ways: the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup three times; an athlete with incomparable skills and imagination; and the ability to rise above racism and poverty.