Teams under the leadership of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have been working on a wide-ranging set of proposals, spanning peace operations, development, human rights and humanitarian action, as well as cross-cutting areas such as data, technology and shared services, since the Initiative was launched in March 2025. This includes efforts to generate efficiencies within the … Read more
The finding comes in a UN-backed report that underscores the need for stronger political commitment and inclusive policies around land rights amid growing focus on climate change, biodiversity protection, gender equality and rural transformation. Over the past two decades, governments have adopted national and international frameworks on issues such as land policy in Africa and … Read more
The interception highlights to vital role of cooperation in tackling the rapidly evolving illegal drugs trade. In its 2025 Annual Reportthe International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) said that authorities used its pre-export notification platform to stop the diversion of three tons of the precursor 1-boc-4-piperidone – a chemical intermediate used in the manufacture of fentanyl. … Read more
In a new report on the underground global scourge that conservative estimates say generates up to $18 billion in illicit profits annually, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted that all regions of the world have been drawn in, although little data is available outside Europe. Globally, legal waste management was worth $1.2 … Read more
Tom Fletcher will focus on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the world’s youngest country and escalating protection risks for both civilians and aid workers. On arrival, he headed directly to Malakal in Upper Nile state, meeting with local communities, their leaders, and returnees. He heard firsthand about their needs and the challenges they face amid … Read more
Acknowledging dizzying geopolitical uncertainty marked by conflict in Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the Council to hold the line on human rights, which he warned were under a “full-scale attack…often led by those who hold the greatest power“. On Ukraine, specifically, the UN chief noted that Tuesday 24 February will … Read more
“Guided by science, we can transform AI from a source of uncertainty into a reliable engine for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said. He urged the international community to build a future “where policy is as smart as the technology it seeks to guide.” New expert panel The Secretary-General noted that “AI innovation is … Read more
From biometric grain dispensers and smart warehouses to crisis-mapping platforms and humanitarian communication avatars, the UN World Food Program (WFP) showcase at the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit demonstrated how data and machine learning are being applied to strengthen food and nutrition systems at scale. Among the most visible innovations is Annapurti – a “grain ATM” … Read more
Antonio Guterres highlighted the need to build skills, data capacity, affordable computing power and inclusive ecosystems. He expressed concern that without investment many countries will be “logged out” of the AI age. “Our target is $3 billion,” he said. “That’s less than one per cent of the annual revenue of a single tech company.” He … Read more
Speaking at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Mr. Turk told UN News that the technology must be governed through a human rights framework that ensures transparency, accountability and inclusion. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Volker Turk: Artificial intelligence is a technological tool and it needs to be developed on … Read more