World

UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

International health cooperation delivering progress in spite of adversity – UN official

21 January 2013
International cooperation on health is delivering positive results at a time when the world is dealing with multiple challenges such as difficult weather conditions, conflict and economic austerity, a senior United Nations official said today, calling on countries to continue their efforts to improve public health.

New UN report urges measures to ensure affordable health services for all

22 November 2010
The United Nations health agency today mapped out what countries can do, including raising more funds and spending it more efficiently, to ensure that everyone who needs health care can access it despite rising costs.

Once fed by the UN, champion runner Paul Tergat steps up to the plate for children

22 September 2010
Paul Tergat had so little to eat while growing up in rural Kenya that staying in class was a daily challenge. But when he was eight, the United Nations changed his life – and set him on the path to a glittering career in track and field that has brought him Olympic medals, global titles and a world record.

Online game developer and UN agency team up to combat global hunger

22 September 2010
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is teaming up with online game developer Zynga Games to combat global hunger, one of several initiatives announced today during a major gathering of private sector companies at the world body’s Headquarters in New York.

UN agency calls for safety of Afghan hospitals and medical staff

6 April 2009
A senior United Nations health official today called for medical facilities and staff to be protected in Afghanistan, speaking on the eve of World Health Day, which this year focuses on ensuring the safety of hospitals.

UN report advocates policy shift to address global economic insecurity

1 July 2008
A new United Nations report is advocating a shift in policies to ensure greater economic stability and security given the increased threats and vulnerabilities, from rising food prices and fuel prices to mortgage defaults and bank runs, facing the world today.

UN cultural chief calls for steps towards restoring damaged Italian landmark

9 April 2008
Following a fire at the famed Castello di Moncalieri, in the Italian Province of Turin, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has called for an urgent assessment of the damage with a view to restoring the ancient royal castle, which has been inscribed on the agency’s World Heritage List since 1997.

Middle East countries need to overhaul education systems – World Bank

5 February 2008
A new report by the World Bank finds that countries in the Middle East and North Africa need to overhaul their education systems to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive world.

Cities in Africa and Asia to double in size by 2030: UN Population Fund

27 June 2007
The population of African and Asian cities will double by 2030, adding 1.7 billion people, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says in a new report which calls for addressing rising urbanization by helping the poor.

World economic growth rate projected to drop to 3 per cent in 2007 – UN estimate

2 October 2006
The world can expect a robust economic growth rate of 3.6 per cent this year but a deceleration to 3 per cent is projected for 2007, according to the latest United Nations assessment.