Wars, climate, trade top global challenges for leaders at Davos
More than 2,800 leaders from 120 countries were expected at the World Economic Forum gathering this week.
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.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Al-Shabab militants seize U.N. helicopter and personnel in Somalia
The U.N. in Somalia confirmed "an aviation incident" with a U.N.-contracted helicopter in Galmudug, Somalia.
Rich economies bounce back as developing economies lose ground
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.4% this year, down from 2.7% in 2023 and 3% before the pandemic began.
Dutch politician takes on challenge of coordinating U.N. aid for Gaza
Sigrid Kaag, a fluent Arabic speaker with extensive Middle East experience, has endured threats of political violence.
U.N. panel demands aid flow to Gaza as population goes hungry
At least 576,600 people or 1-in-4 households in Gaza are out of food and face extreme hunger as the risk of famine spreads.
U.N. chief forces Security Council to address Gaza humanitarian crisis
For the first time since becoming leader of the world body, António Guterres invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter.
Opinion | At treaty talks, geopolitical theater for a polluted material world
A handful of fossil fuel producers show no interest in a strong, restrictive and legally binding instrument for plastic pollution.
Negligible relief seen for people of Gaza as pause in fighting begins
The U.N. and other aid agencies scrambled to step up relief as Israel and Hamas began a four-day truce.
Top human rights official blasts 'indiscriminate' bombing in Gaza
More than 12,250 people have been killed – including 101 U.N. staff helping Palestinian refugees and at least 4,300 children – and 32,300 others injured in the Gaza war, officials said.
Some are allowed out, but for most in Gaza the conditions only worsen
In one glimmer of hope, hundreds of people were allowed to enter Egypt from Gaza, which one U.N. official called a "graveyard" for children who are caught up in the fighting.
Swiss vote marks return to a more conservative, less green mindset
Swiss right-wing populist and Socialist parties gained strength at the expense of Greens, reflecting increasingly conservative voter sentiment on issues like climate, health and migration.
Progress fades on women's rights as the world grow more militaristic
A new U.N. report finds the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected nations doubled in five years.
Israel rejects cease-fire in Gaza as diplomats warn of war spreading
While Israel pounded Gaza with increasingly intensifying airstrikes in response to Hamas' surprise attacks, the U.N. chief emphasized the rules of war must be obeyed.
Caught up in the war in Gaza, civilians anxiously await aid
Despite some aid trickling into Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing, needs are soaring as tensions flare.
UPU closes fourth 'Extraordinary Congress' in Riyadh on digital future
The talks centered on climate, financial services and more cooperation among governments and private partners.
Reprisals against human rights defenders cited among 42 nations
A new report's evidence of threats and retaliation extends to 12 of the U.N. Human Rights Council's 47 member nations.