Latest News

UNICEF/Clarke for UNOCHA

Yemen: Human suffering at risk of further deterioration, warns UN aid chief

24 May 2018
Humanitarian Aid

An escalation in fighting, increasing obstacles to aid delivery and lack of food and fuel, is compounding Yemen’s dire humanitarian crisis, the United Nations top relief official warned on Thursday, calling on all parties to the conflict to end the violence.

World Bank/Grant Ellis

New health board aims to break ‘cycle of panic and neglect’ on pandemics

24 May 2018
Economic Development

A group of international experts has been tasked with helping the planet to better prepare for outbreaks, pandemics and other emergencies that have an impact on health.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

UN envoy urges ‘inclusive’ talks to resolve crisis in Burundi

24 May 2018
Peace and Security

Inclusive talks remain the only way to find a lasting solution to the political, socio-economic and humanitarian crisis that has engulfed Burundi since 2015, the United Nations envoy for the African Great Lakes country said on Thursday.

‘Gravely concerned’ over northern Somalia clashes, UN and partners call for ceasefire

24 May 2018
Peace and Security

The United Nations and its partners on Thursday expressed grave concern over armed clashes which have broken out in northern Somalia, urging all parties to immediately halt the violence.

UN Photo/Gill Fickling

Not so fast on fracking, UN agency tells developing countries

24 May 2018
Economic Development

The hydraulic extraction of natural gas, commonly known as fracking, produces cleaner energy than oil and coal, but it is not necessarily in the best interests of the world’s poorest countries, UN development experts said on Thursday.

UNDP Zimbabwe/Sirak Gebrehiwot

UN development official urges greater international support for Zimbabwe

24 May 2018
Economic Development

With a new administration in place and plans to hold free and fair general elections later this year, authorities in Zimbabwe are hoping to see greater international investment in their country, according to the top United Nations official there.

UN Photo/Violaine Martin (file)

UN chief ‘deeply concerned’ over cancellation of US-North Korea summit

24 May 2018
Peace and Security

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday that he was “deeply concerned” by the cancellation of the planned meeting between the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly-known as North Korea.

World Bank/Arne Hoel

HIV/AIDS still impacting work and costing billions in lost earnings – new UN agency report

24 May 2018
Health

Outlining the economic and social toll HIV and AIDS continues to take on workers around the world, the International Labour Organization (ILO) called on Thursday for an “urgent effort” to improve treatment, step up testing and ensure healthier and more productive workplaces.

UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre

UN chief launches new disarmament agenda ‘to secure our world and our future’

24 May 2018
Peace and Security

The United Nations chief announced a bold new vision for global disarmament on Thursday, to help eliminate nuclear arsenals and other deadly weapons from a world that is just “one mechanical, electronic and human error away” from destruction.

UN Photo/Cia Pak

Peace and security challenges in Africa’s Sahel region require ‘holistic approach’, says UN official

23 May 2018
Peace and Security

A “holistic approach” is needed to the address peace and security challenges in Africa’s vast Sahel region, a senior United Nations peacekeeping official told the Security Council on Wednesday, calling for more investment in better government, social services and youth opportunities.