UN - Top Stories

1. Nations adopt historic pledge to guard against future pandemics

   After three years of negotiations sparked by the COVID-19 crisis, countries have adopted the world’s first-ever international agreement to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. The new accord marks a major step towards ensuring stronger global cooperation to protect lives and avoid the devastating consequences of future outbreaks.

2. Drone strikes on civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan must end: UN expert

   Repeated drone strikes over the past two weeks in Port Sudan have damaged key infrastructure across the crucial Sudanese aid hub, disrupted humanitarian operations, and placed civilians in danger, a UN-appointed human rights expert has warned.

3. World News in Brief: Terror-crime link alarm, child detention in Australia, judiciary in Maldives, Protection of Civilians Week

   The head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), called on Monday for renewed global commitment to combating emerging criminal threats and strengthening justice systems worldwide.

4. UN faces deepening financial crisis, urges members to pay up

   The United Nations is facing a worsening cash crisis that threatens its ability to carry out vital work, Member States warned this week, as the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee met to discuss the world body’s financial health.

5. Syrians heading home find few of the basics needed to survive

   Syrians trying to rebuild their lives in their war-torn country urgently need the support of the rest of the world to help them start again, UN aid agencies insist.