When people think of the world’s deadliest threats, armed conflicts usually come to mind first. Yet every year, organized crime quietly claims a comparable number of lives. Since 2000, the UN estimates that organized criminal groups have been linked to about 95,000 homicides annually. That figure is strikingly close to the average annual death toll … Read more
Many of the United Nations’ biggest successes are the crises that never make the headlines. Around the world, special political missions work quietly to ease tensions, broker agreements and support fragile political transitions. Their tools are negotiation, mediation and diplomacy. Unlike the perhaps more visible peacekeeping missions, they have no armored vehicles or armed troops. … Read more
Despite sport’s ability to promote diversity and inclusion, the report noted that those from racial and ethnic minorities lack representation at many levels of global sport, with governance and access disparities reflecting broader structural inequalities. Ashwini KPthe Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, recognized sport’s … Read more
Key takeaways Hantavirus officially over Ebola virus spreads in DR Congo Tonnes of supplies delivered in quake-hit Venezuela Air pollution remains “invisible” killer Youth must be protected online Taking the world’s temperature on pressing health matters, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus provided the latest on current global challenges – and successes when it comes to … Read more
“El Niño will also give an extra boost to global temperatures,” said WMO scientist Alvaro Silva. “We know that during El Niño years, the global temperatures normally reach record levels.” Key points El Niño has developed in the tropical Pacific Rapid development expected from July to September El Niño typically peaks between November and February. … Read more
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday that drone strikes had recently damaged schools, a site housing internally displaced people and fuel stations and tankers amid a significant buildup of Rapid Support Forces militia and allied troops in the North Kordofan capital. Several Member States are warning that an increasing number of deadly airstrikes have … Read more
Key takeaways The report outlines findings across seven key domains: AI science, advances and trajectories Societal applications in science, health, education and agriculture economic implications Security, systems and environmental implications Human rights, information and democracy Cultural benefits, autonomy and child safety Management, governance and reliability “The science is here,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at … Read more
Just a few years ago, it could answer questions or generate text. Today, it can write computer code, analyze vast amounts of data, create realistic images and videos, help scientists discover new medicines and increasingly act on its own with little human supervision. However, while AI’s capabilities are accelerating, experts say that the rules ensuring … Read more
The decision taken by the General Assembly on Tuesday follows recommendations from its Fifth Committeewhich is responsible for administrative and budgetary matters. It comes as the UN continues to face a severe liquidity crunch as governments delay paying their mandatory financial contributions, forcing cuts across the system affecting everything from hiring to peacekeeping operations and … Read more
The convoy, operated by the John Dau Foundation, was transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger training exercise when it came under attack on Monday along the route between Payuel Payam and Pajut, in Duk county. Four others were injured, and several civilians were also reportedly killed or wounded. “Humanitarian workers dedicate their … Read more