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Global perspective Human stories

Record rise in carbon dioxide levels during 2024: UN weather agency

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rose by a record amount in 2024, reaching new highs and locking in further long-term warming and extreme weather, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

15 October 2025

Guterres highlights ‘maximum impact’ reform agenda

The Secretary-General on Wednesday outlined a set of proposals to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness and improve coordination across its three core pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

15 October 2025

Gaza peace plan ‘at precarious moment’ as killings continue on both sides

The UN relief chief on Wednesday urged Israel and Hamas to honour their agreement to return deceased hostages and allow aid at scale into Gaza, warning that it should not be used as “a bargaining chip” amid reports of new civilian killings and extrajudicial executions.

15 October 2025

Humanitarian funding cuts pushing millions into hunger: WFP

Nearly 14 million people could face severe hunger by the end of the year, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Wednesday, as slashed humanitarian funding threatens six of its most critical operations. 

15 October 2025

UN rights chief underlines need for a permanent ceasefire and accountability in Gaza

Recovery in Gaza must also include accountability for violations, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Wednesday.

15 October 2025

Ukraine: Top humanitarian strongly condemns Russian attack on UN aid convoy

Russian drones hit a “clearly marked” UN convoy on Tuesday which was bringing desperately needed aid to a war-torn frontline town in southern Ukraine. 

14 October 2025

UN envoy warns Libya’s transition at risk amid stalled political roadmap

The UN’s top envoy for Libya warned on Tuesday that the country’s long-delayed political transition will stay on hold unless rival institutions swiftly resolve differences over election laws and key appointments.

14 October 2025

The ‘clean revolution is unstoppable’ but will it arrive too late?

A new report released on Tuesday warns the world is falling behind on its clean energy goals, prompting UN chief António Guterres to call once more for a ramped-up transition to a net zero global economy.

14 October 2025

Humanitarians call for greater support amid immense needs

With the end of the year fast approaching, humanitarians are urging donors to step up support for their operations which remain underfunded due to brutal cuts to aid budgets. 

14 October 2025

Israel restricts Gaza aid, saying Hamas must do more to return deceased hostages

Israel announced late on Tuesday that it will limit the flow of aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement by returning only four of the bodies of deceased hostages so far.

14 October 2025