Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark call to world leaders on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week, warning that a “global crisis” of war, climate change, inequality and technological risk demands urgent, coordinated action.

The Secretary-General shared a progress report on Thursday on structural reforms and programme realignments under the UN80 Initiative, setting out proposals to make the United Nations more coherent, effective and better equipped to respond to global challenges.

The United States once again vetoed a UN resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following a vote in the Security Council on Thursday.

The UN relief chief Tom Fletcher has highlighted recent diplomatic progress made towards a three-month pause to the brutal fighting in Sudan between rival militaries.

The last remaining lifelines for civilians in Gaza City are collapsing as Israel ramps up military operations, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday.

Once again, the Security Council is due to vote on a resolution put forward by its 10 non-permanent members demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza – and the immediate release of all hostages. The resolution also demands an end to Israeli restrictions on aid, calling on the occupying power to ensure safe and unhindered distribution to all in need – against the backdrop of a devasting offensive to take full control of Gaza City. News app users can follow our live meetings coverage by going here.

Syria’s tentative steps towards recovery could quickly unravel without inclusive politics, sustained aid and respect for national sovereignty, top UN officials cautioned the Security Council on Thursday.

The world’s water resources face growing pressure from climate change while emergencies involving the life-giving resource are increasingly impacting lives and livelihoods, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Thursday.

During a year of escalating global turmoil – from widening wars and economic hardship to the relentless advance of the climate crisis – the United Nations has held its ground, working to promote peace, drive sustainable development, and ease human suffering.

UNITED NATIONS, September 17 (IPS) - As climate-induced disasters continue to devastate the Global South, nations are steadily mounting pressure at the United Nations for wealthier countries to deliver on long-promised climate reparations through the Loss and Damage Fund. For Indigenous peoples, whose territories are often the most ecologically intact yet most damaged by climate change, these negotiations define survival, sovereignty and recognition as rights-holders in global climate governance.