War may cause 'irreversible' damage to Gaza's environment and health
Building debris may take US$647 million and 15 years to clean up. Around 800,000 tons might qualify as hazardous waste.
United Nations (U.N.)
Founded at the end of World War II, the New York-based United Nations is an international organization with 193 member nations. It began with 50 nations meeting at San Francisco in 1945 to maintain international peace and security. Over two months, the U.N. Charter was created as the basis for the organization's hope of preventing another world war. Founding members Britain, China, France, the Soviet Union and the United States took permanent veto-wielding seats on the powerful Security Council.
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World must exit 'highway to climate hell' as temps head above 1.5° limit
The U.N. chief urges a tax on fossil fuel profits and ban on fossil fuel ads amid new climate reports of breaching 1.5°.
AfDB boosts capital as African leaders target climate-tied debt
Calls for more debt relief and climate finance dominated the multilateral development bank's annual meeting.
Israel denies genocide charges over Gaza offensive at U.N.'s top court
ICJ justices heard arguments from South Africa calling on Israel to immediately withdraw its army from Gaza.
Geneva hosts U.S.-China talks on security and risks of AI systems
Both sides called the talks 'constructive' despite tensions and different approaches to calls for global AI governance.
Acute hunger hits nearly 282 million people as famine looms in Gaza
The number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity has increased every year since 2019.
Trillions needed for anti-poverty goals to deal with climate, debt, war
A new U.N. report shows how prioritizing debt over services like health care and education plagues the developing world.
Human Rights Council demands nations halt arms transfers to Israel
The U.N. body also demands Israel be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
ICJ says 'famine is setting in' as it orders Israel to free up aid in Gaza
The ruling orders Israel to allow aid trucks loaded with food and supplies to enter Gaza unhindered "without delay."
Biden signs U.S. spending bill with halt on UNRWA funds through 2025
The spending bill also has other 'key pro-Israel provisions' aimed at the U.N. and other international organizations.
Nations pushing for AI governance around issues of access and privacy
A top U.N. official cites strong concerns about mental privacy, which is 'a line that we should not cross at all' as AI develops.
Haiti on brink of collapse, famine as the rule of criminal gangs spreads
Escalating violence prompts U.N. condemnation as lawless gangs terrorize and displace thousands and impede aid.
Conditions continue to worsen in Gaza as officials warn of famine
Humanitarian groups demanded a probe into an 'apparent mass killing' at an aid drop where Israel blamed a stampede.
Most countries side against Israel during ICJ's six days of hearings
The International Court of Justice heard testimony on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories.
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.
In Munich, leaders confront strains of wars in Europe and Middle East
The summit is focused on Europe's uncertain security, clouded by Russia's threat and America's political turmoil.