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Global perspective Human stories

First Person: Felipe Paullier, the youngest ever senior UN official, charged with giving a voice to young people around the world

A paediatrician by training, Felipe Paullier has long been an advocate for youth. Formerly Director of the Uruguayan Government's Youth Institute, a role which involved several joint actions with various UN agencies, he was appointed to run the UN Youth Office in 2023, the youngest senior appointment in United Nations history.

26 December 2025

Industrialisation without destruction: A UN blueprint for the future

Since the 19th century, industrialisation has had a transformative effect on the world, both positive and negative. It has created jobs and lifted millions out of poverty. But it has also had devastating consequences; destroying ecosystems, polluting the air, and driving the climate crisis that threatens to make large parts of the planet uninhabitable. 

24 December 2025

UN celebrates 10 years of progress in youth, peace and security agenda

The UN has long been at the forefront of efforts to involve young people in decision-making, and the last decade has seen significant progress, thanks to the adoption of a Security Council resolution on youth, peace and security which led to widespread changes in the ways that the voices of young people are not just heard, but also incorporated in peace plans and policies.

24 December 2025

Historic vote looms in Central African Republic as UN urges peaceful participation

With Central Africans set to vote in presidential, legislative, regional and long-delayed municipal elections this weekend, the United Nations has appealed for calm and restraint, warning that the credibility of the process will be critical to consolidating peace after years of conflict and instability.

24 December 2025

Paper and wood: Forest products show signs of recovery, UN agency says

From wood-based panels used in construction, to charcoal for cooking food, forest products are valued and traded all around the world.

24 December 2025

Gaza: Humanitarian response ongoing despite restrictions

 Although “significant restrictions and impediments” continue to hamper humanitarian operations in Gaza, teams are still responding to the population’s needs, the UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Wednesday. 

24 December 2025

DR Congo: Displaced people in South Kivu close to ‘utter desperation’, WFP says

An estimated 500,000 people have been forced from their homes since fighting erupted in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the beginning of December. 

23 December 2025

Security Council remains divided over Iran nuclear programme, sanctions stay in place

At a meeting to discuss nuclear non-proliferation on Tuesday, the Security Council’s stance on Iran’s nuclear activities remained divided on the issue, split between those who support the reinstatement of sanctions, and the members who believe the sanctions should be permanently lifted, whilst questioning the legality of the meeting itself.

23 December 2025

World News in Brief: Gaza aid restrictions, Syria humanitarian needs, lawyer reprisals in Burundi

The UN and partners continue to provide assistance to people in Gaza, where recent winter storms have worsened conditions for thousands across the enclave. 

23 December 2025

Overnight strikes leave death, destruction and power outages in Ukraine

A new wave of overnight strikes and front-line hostilities in Ukraine have caused further civilian casualties and damage to critical energy infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday.

23 December 2025