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‘On thin ice’: UN chief sounds alarm over rapid Himalayan glacier melt

The United Nations Secretary-General warned on Friday that Himalayan glaciers are “caving in,” urging immediate action to address the climate crisis, especially in the world’s most fragile ecosystems.…

Another year, another rise in food insecurity – including famine

In July 2024, famine was detected in the Sudan’s Zamzam IDP camp. In the following months, the official alert expanded to other camps in Darfur and Western Nuba Mountains. From December until now, famine has been confirmed in five other areas of the war-torn country. A further 17 areas are at…

Pandemic heroes stepped up in 2020 – now they’re asking world leaders to do the same

As world leaders meet in Geneva to negotiate a new UN-brokered agreement on pandemic preparedness, we revisit frontline doctors, community advocates, a youth volunteer and a journalist who lived through the storm of COVID-19. Their voices are just a few among millions that show why this moment…

UN’s Türk criticises ‘draconian’ decree limiting dissent in Mali

The military authorities in Mali have dissolved all political parties and repealed laws protecting political participation, drawing sharp condemnation from the UN’s top human rights official on Friday.…

World News in Brief: Russia-Ukraine talks, Sudan exodus worsens, Colombia displacement rises

The United Nations has welcomed talks between Russia and Ukraine held on Friday in Türkiye. Delegations met in Istanbul for the first direct negotiations in three years, including on a potential…

Gazans ‘in terror’ after another night of deadly strikes and siege

Amid reports that Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight into Friday killed at least 64 people, aid teams once again pushed back strongly at allegations that aid is being diverted to Hamas, demanding an end to Israel’s blockade…

UN needed ‘more than ever before’ says Germany’s candidate to head General Assembly

The former Foreign Minister of Germany outlined her vision for the role of UN General Assembly President, pledging to make the world body more effective, inclusive and focused on results. Annalena…

Gaza: New displacement orders force thousands to flee as famine looms

Intensified hostilities continue in the Gaza Strip, bringing further death, displacement and destruction as the weeks-long aid blockade grinds on, the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) said on Thursday.…

Over 60 per cent of the Arab world still outside the banking system

Between 2016 and 2024, the number of Egyptians with a bank account – which experts say is essential for financial inclusion - tripled, from 17.1 million to over 51 million. Even more impressively, the…

Sudden escalation of trade tensions sends shockwaves through global economy

Amid escalating trade tensions and growing policy uncertainties, the global economy stands at a fragile turning point, according to a new report on Thursday from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA…