Two families – one still waiting for answers 75 years after a father was taken during the Korean War, the other pleading for a son’s return from captivity in Gaza – shared their testimonies before the UN Security Council on Thursday.

Intensified hostilities continue in the Gaza Strip, bringing further death, displacement and destruction as the weeks-long aid blockade grinds on, the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) said on Thursday.

Amid escalating trade tensions and growing policy uncertainties, the global economy stands at a fragile turning point, according to a new report on Thursday from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

The former Foreign Minister of Germany outlined her vision for the role of UN General Assembly President, pledging to make the world body more effective, inclusive and focused on results.

Between 2016 and 2024, the number of Egyptians with a bank account – which experts say is essential for financial inclusion - tripled, from 17.1 million to over 51 million.

A fragile calm has settled over Tripoli after a sudden surge of violence this week left parts of the city in ruins, claimed civilian lives, and heightened concerns about the stability of Libya’s already fragile political and security situation.

In just two years, between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy worldwide fell by 1.8 years – the largest fall in recent history according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNITED NATIONS, May 14 (IPS) - Since the dissolution of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in March, roughly 2 million Palestinians residing within the Gaza Strip have struggled to survive amid constant barrages of airstrikes from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and a persisting blockade on humanitarian aid. With essential border crossings in Gaza remaining closed, humanitarian organizations have expressed fear that the Palestinians within the enclave could experience exacerbated rates of famine and malnutrition.

PORTLAND, USA, May 14 (IPS) - Until the middle of the 20th century, marriage between men and women was the societal norm among countries, and the cohabitation of couples was uncommon and stigmatized. In the subsequent decades, however, that situation changed significantly worldwide.

WASHINGTON DC, May 14 (IPS) - In Nigeria, salt is deeply woven into the fabric of food and culture. It brings out flavor, preserves ingredients, and enhances tradition. But recently, salt has become the centerpiece of dangerous misinformation promoted by one of Nigeria’s most powerful spiritual leaders.