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.
United States (U.S.)
The U.S. is a major global power and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. It is a founding member of NATO and a key participant in a vast network of international organizations, including the G-7, G-20, OECD, and World Bank. It is currently re-evaluating its alliances and relationships, particularly with China and Russia, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war and addressing new trade tensions with key partners like India.
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U.N. Security Council blocked again on a proposal urging Gaza cease-fire
After the U.S. vetoed the first three proposals, China and Russia stopped the council's fourth try at a Gaza resolution.
U.N. General Assembly adopts first resolution on artificial intelligence
The resolution, backed by the U.S. and China, reflect fears AI will severely disrupt business, infrastructure and governance.
Pandemic treaty negotiators in final stretch ahead of May deadline
WHO's chief warned that 'a torrent of mis- and disinformation' affects pandemic treaty negotiations restarting this week.
Partial funding by Western nations restored to UNRWA for aid in Gaza
Several top donors including Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the E.U. resumed funding contingent on agency reforms.
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.
Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.
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.
With 2 new members, NATO trainings and Nordic area expand
Sweden does not share a border with Russia, but its coastlines stretch 3,218 kilometers to its east along the Baltic Sea.
WTO biennial summit goes extra day but lacks any new major agreements
From fishing subsidies to agricultural reforms, the World Trade Organization failed to reach common ground.
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.
Sweden’s NATO bid is assured with Hungary's vote, in a blow to Russia
The bid required approval by all NATO members, including Turkey and Hungary which each won concessions.
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.
Global climate change is pushing natural systems to the 'tipping point'
Warming threatens to upend ecosystems from Mongolia and the Amazon to crucial ocean currents in the North Atlantic.
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.
WFP food aid pauses as U.S. blocks another U.N. resolution on Gaza
Aid workers witnessed 'unprecedented levels of desperation,' confirming Gaza’s 'precipitous slide into hunger and disease.'