New recombinant mpox strain detected in UK and India, WHO urges continued monitoring

WHO confirmed that two cases of the recombinant strain – combining genomic elements of clades Ib and IIb of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) – have been identified to date: one in the United Kingdom and one in India. Both patients had recent travel histories, and neither experienced severe illness. No secondary cases were detected following … Read more

UN chief urges renewed push to complete decolonization as 17 territories remain

Since 1945, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence. However, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain on the UN list, home to nearly two million people. They range from Western Sahara in Africa to small island territories in the Caribbean and Pacific. A core subject for the UN Opening the 2026 … Read more

World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum puts women at the heart of economic transformation

That was the central message of the Manama Declaration, issued at the close of the World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) held this week in Bahrain. The declaration places women at the heart of economic transformation, underscoring that empowering them within business and innovation ecosystems is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. It also … Read more

In the hands of innovators from the Global South, AI can transform lives

Fodder cutters are fearful machines with huge circular blades spinning at high speed, powered by small generators. Operated by rural workers in several developing countries, including India, Pakistan and Kenya, they pose a constant risk – many have had hands or arms amputated following accidents. The consequences are devastating. Tasks that shape daily life – … Read more

World News in Brief: Deadly strikes in Sudan, health systems in South Sudan near the brink, Guterres calls for unity ahead of Ramadan.

Over the past week, North Kordofan state recorded more than a dozen attacks in and around the towns of El Obeid, Bara, Rahad and Umba. In South Kordofan, suspected drone strikes hit health facilities in the state capital, Kadugli, and in Kuweik town, reportedly killing four medical workers, injuring more than 20 people. Concerns over … Read more

Political violence against MPs rising worldwide

Head of the IPU, Martin Chungong, told a UN conference in New York on Wednesday that “if the phenomenon goes uncontrolled, there will be major implications for democracies, parliaments and human rights worldwide“. In an interview with UN NewsValentina Grippo, an Italian MP with the European Delegation to the IPU – which partners with the … Read more

World News in Brief: Türk slams relentless Russian attacks, Gaza update, Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar

His reaction Followed overnight attacks on energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Dnipro and the key port city of Odesa. Nearly 8,800 multistorey buildings in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa are without heating. In Kharkiv, temperatures are forecast to drop to minus 10°C or 14°F on Thursday evening, said Viktoriia Andrievska from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. … Read more

Protecting children in war is key to lasting peace, top UN envoy warns

In an exclusive interview with UN News, Special Representative for Children and Armed ConflictVanessa Frazier, reflected on the alarming rise in grave violations against children and the urgent need to safeguard their future. “The recruitment and use of children is still one of the most widespread and devastating violations we face. In 2024 alone, over … Read more

Women and girls in science: Dismantling barriers, closing gender gaps

Across the world, a significant gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines due to lack of research funding, gender stereotypes, and discriminatory workplace practices. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the gap is particularly pronounced in technology, where women represent just 26 per cent of the workforce in data … Read more