‘Dangerous nostalgia’ is a threat to multilateralism, UN Deputy Chief Warns

‘Dangerous nostalgia’ is a threat to multilateralism, UN Deputy Chief Warns

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General has warned that the foundations of the international rules-based order are under increasing strain, urging countries to recommit to the principles of the UN Charter and strengthen global cooperation. Speaking recently, Amina Mohammed described the UN’s founding document as a guiding framework for international relations and called on governments to […]

‘A wave of truth’: COP30 targets disinformation threat to climate action

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva set the tone at the opening session, declaring that the battle for truth has become just as critical as the fight to cut emissions. COP30 must mark “a new defeat for climate denialists,” he said.  On Wednesday, 12 nations – including Brazil, Canada, France, Germany and Spain – signed […]

World News in Brief: Executions surge in Iran, nuclear test threat, Burkina Faso declares top official unwelcome

World News in Brief: Executions surge in Iran, nuclear test threat, Burkina Faso declares top official unwelcome

At least 841 people have been put to death by the Government of Iran since the beginning of the year, with ethnic minorities and migrants “disproportionately targeted”, said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. Some executions have been carried out publicly, she added, with seven reported this year based on available information: “The real situation might be […]

Terror threat posed by ISIL ‘remains volatile and complex,’ Security Council hears

Terror threat posed by ISIL ‘remains volatile and complex,’ Security Council hears

While multiple Da’esh leaders have perished in the past few years, “the group has managed to retain its operational capacity”, Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) told the Security Council Wednesday.   Da’esh makes use of regional and domestic affiliates and continues to receive substantial global donations, operating through regional hubs […]

With sustainable development under threat, Sevilla summit rekindles hope and unity

With sustainable development under threat, Sevilla summit rekindles hope and unity

“The human consequences of rising debt burdens, escalating trade tensions and steep cuts to official development assistance have been brought into sharp relief this week,” she told the closing session of the pivotal gathering, amid sizzling temperatures across southern Spain. Multilateralism at work But against that backdrop, the conference has delivered a strong response – […]

UN’s lifesaving programmes under threat as budget crisis hits hard

UN’s lifesaving programmes under threat as budget crisis hits hard

Member States had paid just $1.8 billion towards the UN’s $3.7 billion regular budget for 2025, as of 9 May. Including unpaid contributions from previous years, total unpaid assessments stand at approximately $2.4 billion as of 30 April. The United States is the largest debtor at about $1.5 billion, as the Trump Administration is withholding […]

So lonely I could die

So lonely I could die

Social isolation, loneliness could be greater threat to public health than obesity, researchers say. Loneliness and social isolation may represent a greater public health hazard than obesity, and their impact has been growing and will continue to grow, according to research presented at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association. “Being connected to […]