Virus fears amplify appeals for Syria peace
Human rights experts warily eyeing the first cases of coronavirus in Syria renewed long-ignored calls for an end to the war, this time in the name of health.
World Health Organization (WHO)
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G-20 pledges US$5 trillion to fight virus
Leaders of G-20 major economies promised to spend more than US$5 trillion to prop up the global economy and hasten recovery from the pandemic.
U.N. launches US$2 billion anti-virus plan
The U.N. asked governments and private donors to provide US$2 billion to meet emergency health needs in the poorest countries coping with the pandemic.
IOC and Japan postpone Tokyo Olympics
In an unprecedented move, the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo will be postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
U.N. urges cease-fire as cases near 400,000
The U.N. chief called for a global cease-fire to help vanquish the pandemic, imploring warring parties to disarm and fight the virus as a "common enemy."
Europe's mixed progress toward U.N. goals
Air pollution levels exceed recommended health limits in all but 10 mainly European countries, but most lowered carbon emissions and expanded forest cover.
WHO and foundations launch virus fund
WHO and two international foundations launched a first-of-its-kind fund to help vulnerable populations and weak health systems cope with the pandemic.
Global trade services growth weakens as coronavirus spreads
The World Trade Organization's services trade barometer shows a further decline from last September.
WHO: World's first coronavirus pandemic
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic — the global spread of a new disease — marking the first time a coronavirus has gained that distinction.
U.N. warns of US$2 trillion losses to virus
Trade economists who advise the U.N. warned COVID-19 could cost the world economy up to US$2 trillion in 2020 and push nations into recession.
Nuclear watchdog agency to help in global fight against coronavirus
IAEA says countries in need of help can get training in nuclear science knowhow to tackle disease transmission.
WHO says coronavirus cases top 100,000
WHO announced the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 100 000, a grim milestone requiring leaders to "step forward" and save lives.
UNCTAD sees US$50 billion exports drop
The global coronavirus outbreak likely caused a US$50 billion decline in worldwide manufacturing exports from China in February alone, UNCTAD reported.
WHO raises COVID-19 risk to 'very high'
WHO raised its global risk assessment for the coronavirus to “very high” as some nations struggled with containment and economic fears lashed markets.
U.N. agencies say kids lose 'liveable planet'
Children who grow up in countries least responsible for global warming suffer twice as many health problems as wealthier nations that pollute the most.
Trump proposes steep cuts to global health
U.S. President Donald Trump sent a US$4.8 trillion budget plan to Congress proposing deep cuts to international organizations and global health programs.