Week in Review

Welcome to the United Nations View in browser

UN News Global perspective Human stories

Week in Review 18 October 2025

Catch up on this week's must-read stories as UN Headquarters hosted world leaders for UNGA80 Let's not mince words: The UN faces a "race to bankruptcy" due to the Member States failing to pay on time, or at all. Meanwhile, staff worldwide are determined to continue to go on saving and changing lives for the better – whether it's Gaza, Haiti, the Central African Republic or Sudan. Not enough aid is getting into Gaza yet, but it's looking more positive this week as the UN's 60-day plan to surge aid picks up momentum, with the support of the US, as relief chief Tom Fletcher made clear. We had special feature stories this week on why there are still so many weapons getting into Haiti; how AI can help forge a fairer future for persons with disabilities; the 'food heroes' cultivating change – along with an extensive live page on World Food Day from FAO headquarters in Rome; and why the clean energy revolution is unstoppable. A groundbreaking new report highlighted the increasingly evident link between poverty and climate change and we looked ahead to next week, which for our friends at the World Health Organization is dedicated to raising awareness of lead poisoning – still linked to 1.5 million deaths each year.  Stay informed – follow UN News online, on our app, and on social media for the latest updates in New York, Geneva, Nairobi and around the world.

UN faces 'race to bankruptcy' as Guterres unveils sharply reduced 2026 budget The United Nations faces a "race to bankruptcy" unless Member States pay their dues in full and on time, Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday, presenting a sharply reduced $3.238 billion regular budget for 2026. Read more UN Affairs Haiti is under a UN arms embargo: So why are 500,000 illegal weapons in circulation? Up to 500,000 illegal weapons ranging from handguns to battlefield-grade semi-automatic rifles are thought to be in the hands of gangs in Haiti, even though the Caribbean country has been under a UN arms embargo for the last three years.  Read more Peace and Security UN urges opening of all Gaza crossings to deliver three-month food supply The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned food aid cannot reach everyone in Gaza unless all border crossings are opened, particularly in the north where famine was declared in August.  Read more Humanitarian Aid Groundbreaking report reveals powerful link between poverty and the climate crisis Nearly 80 per cent of the world's poor – 887 million people – live in regions that are exposed to extreme heat, flooding and other climate hazards, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the issue.  Read more Climate and Environment UN condemns Madagascar military takeover, urges return to constitutional order The UN has condemned Madagascar's military takeover, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order following last week's ouster of President Andry Rajoelina. Read more Peace and Security World Food Day LIVE: The task of feeding the world Amid the destruction of the Second World War, nations responded to the danger of hunger and malnutrition by creating the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 16 October 1945. The UN agency celebrates this achievement as World Food Day every year on its birthday, recognizing the work of all those who are committed to ensuring food for everyone. We'll be bringing you the highlights live from FAO throughout the day. UN News app users can follow coverage here. Read more SDGs The 'food heroes' cultivating global change People around the world who are transforming food systems in their local communities are being recognised and supported by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Read more SDGs Talks on net zero shipping framework shelved as nations fail to reach consensus Talks at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on adopting new global rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions from ships ended Friday without agreement, as delegates voted to defer a decision for 12 months amid sharp divisions over the proposed Net-Zero Framework. Read more Climate and Environment Funding crisis forces deep cuts to UN peacekeeping missions A severe funding shortfall is threatening to cripple UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with the Organization warning that it will have to scale back patrols, close field offices and repatriate thousands of 'blue helmets' due to delayed payments from Member States. Read more UN Affairs 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.  Read more Humanitarian Aid 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). Read more Climate and Environment Why are over 670 million people going hungry? More than eight per cent of the world population or around 673 million people are not getting enough to eat and going hungry, according to the UN. Read more SDGs

COPYRIGHT    |    FAQ    |    FRAUD ALERT    |    PRIVACY NOTICE    |    TERMS OF USE

Unsubscribe    |    Update preferences