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A sea lion swims past a starfish, highlighting the vibrant biodiversity of marine ecosystems

UN ‘high seas’ treaty clears ratification threshold, to enter into force in January

A landmark UN treaty to safeguard marine biodiversity on the high seas has now met the required 60 ratifications for entry into force, clearing the way for it to take effect in January 2026

2 min read

Carbon markets are systems where carbon credits are traded

What are carbon markets and how do they work?

Carbon markets are systems where carbon credits are traded. These credits represent a reduction or removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Governments, companies and even individuals can buy these credits to offset their emissions

8 min read

Women receive antiretroviral therapy for HIV at a clinic in Kaduna state of Nigeria. (file)

Africa’s push for HIV independence advances with first procurement of locally made medicines

Sub-Saharan Africa has taken a cautious but critical step toward greater health self-reliance as locally produced HIV medicines and diagnostic tests begin reaching national programmes – including, for the first time, procurement of African-made treatment for Mozambique.

3 min read

Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed addresses the closing plenary of the UN Food Systems Summit +4 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Deputy UN chief urges bold action to transform food systems at global summit in Addis Ababa

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Tuesday called on countries to double down on efforts to transform food systems, describing them as “one of the greatest solutions” to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4 min read

The NSW Governor and other key stakeholders attending the reception at Government House

Honouring the UN at 80: A Reception at Government House

Members of the UNAA NSW community gathered at Government House for a very special reception hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Patron of UNAA NSW. The reception was held in recognition of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary

7 min read

Climate activists voice their opinion outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague

World Court says countries are legally obligated to curb emissions, protect climate

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, issued its advisory opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change, read out by the President of the Court, Judge Iwasawa Yuji, on Wednesday.

3 min read

The clean energy era is an immense opportunity for humanity – providing cheap, clean energy to all, and bolstering jobs, health, food security, energy security, and more

A Moment of Opportunity

The UN Secretary-General focused on a hopeful story emerging amidst the ongoing climate devastation and turmoil: that of a new energy era. He outlined a compelling and evidence-backed case for why a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy is inevitable – and the vast benefits it will bring for people and economies.

17 min read

Inequalities persist across the world including in Ghana (pictured)

‘A compass towards progress’ – but key development goals remain way off track

Global life expectancy increased by an astonishing five years between 2000 and 2019. And then since the COVID-19 pandemic, it slid backwards by almost two. More than 110 million children have entered school since 2015 – but by 2023, 272 million children still had no access to the classroom.

4 min read

A display at the United Nations Headquarters in New York illustrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

UN forum to spotlight health, gender equality, oceans, in critical bid to meet development goals

As the deadline for the 2030 Agenda looms, ministers, experts, and civil society leaders from around the world will convene in New York next week for a high-level UN forum to fast-track action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

3 min read

Developing countries like Bangladesh (pictured) spend large amounts of money servicing international debt, diverting vital resources away from development efforts.

New UN report charts path out of debt crisis threatening global development

A decade after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), development is facing serious headwinds – including what UN officials describe as a “silent crisis” of surging debt service payments in low-income countries.

2 min read

The UN Charter being signed by a delegation at a ceremony held at the Veterans’ War Memorial Building on 26 June 1945

80 years later, the UN Charter is a ‘living miracle,’ Secretary-General says

In front of a multimedia exhibit at United Nations Headquarters entitled “Reviving the Spirit of San Francisco,” Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed home the UN Charter which was signed in 1945 in the Californian city.

2 min read

A report launched at the Third UN Ocean Conference, in Nice, shows that 35 per cent of the global fish stocks are being harvested unsustainably

‘Plenty of fish in the sea’? Not anymore, say UN experts in Nice

At the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the “catch of the day” wasn’t a seabass or a red mullet – it was a figure: 35 per cent. That’s the share of global fish stocks now being harvested unsustainably, according to a new UN report released Wednesday.

4 min read

Around 50% of our coral reefs have been lost due to climate change, acidification, pollution, and overfishing

Wonder, sustaining what sustains us

The ocean is our life source, producing over 50% of our oxygen, feeding billions, and regulating our climate. Yet, it's under threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

3 min read

There are now more microplastics in the seas than there are stars in our galaxy

Beat Plastic Pollution

Plastic permeates every corner of the planet - even in our bodies. This World Environment Day (5 June), join the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution. Drawing inspiration from nature and science we can all take action to build a cleaner, healthier future powered by real solutions.

3 min read

A scene of devastation in the wake of Hurricane Irma, which struck Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean region in 2017.

Real cost of disasters is 10 times higher than previously thought, says UN

As countries face increasingly steep bills from natural hazards, the true cost of disasters is actually 10 times higher than previously estimated, with far-reaching effects across healthcare, housing, education and employment.

3 min read

The unrestricted exploitation of wildlife has led to the disappearance of many animal species at an alarming rate, destroying Earth's biological diversity and upsetting the ecological balance.

International Day for Biological Diversity 22 May

The unrestricted exploitation of wildlife has led to the disappearance of many animal species at an alarming rate, destroying Earth's biological diversity and upsetting the ecological balance.

3 min read

Three out of four crops across the globe producing fruits or seeds for human use as food depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators

Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all

Three out of four crops across the globe producing fruits or seeds for human use as food depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators

4 min read

The Secretariat Building at United Nations Headquarters, in New York.

UN chief calls for major reforms to cut costs and improve efficiency

The Buddha's teachings of compassion, tolerance and selfless service resonate deeply with the values of the United Nations. In an era of profound global challenges, these timeless principles must guide our shared path forward

4 min read

Peregrine falcons have adapted to urban environments, nesting on man-made structures

Shared spaces: Creating bird-friendly cities and communities

World Migratory Bird Day - observed on 10 May and 11 October – promotes the importance of a healthy coexistence between humans and birds by focusing on creating bird-friendly communities and cities.

1 min read