Despite geopolitical upheavals, the shift from a fossil-fuel-based global economy to one driven by clean electrification remains on track. According to the International Energy Agency (an autonomous international agency that is not part of the UN system), lithium demand grew by nearly 30 per cent in 2024, and nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths by … Read more
“Individually, you come from diverse regions and disciplines, bringing outstanding expertise in AI and related fields. Collectively, you represent something the world has never seen before,” The UN chief told scientists on Tuesday at the first meeting of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. The 40 experts aim to help close “the AI knowledge … Read more
Antonio Guterres presented his latest biennial report on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to Member States during an informal meeting of the General Assembly. It shows that in 2024, an estimated 304 million people were migrants, or 3.7 per cent of the world’s population. Children accounted for between 12 to 14 … Read more
Ahead of World Wildlife Daymarked annually on 3 March, we’re delving into why medicinal plants matter. Plants are critical for ecosystems to economies, said Danna J. Leaman, the outgoing co-chair of the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “In the last 15 … Read more
Briefing reporters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said any strike against civilians anywhere – or any civilian buildings or other infrastructure is “unacceptable and unjustifiable.” “Between yesterday and the early hours of today, an overnight large-scale drone and missile attack across Ukraine and frontline hostilities resulted in dozens of residential buildings damaged in … Read more
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