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Daily Wrap

8 January 2026

A view of the UN Headquarters, in New York.

UN's 'responsibility to deliver' will not waver, after US announces withdrawal from dozens of international organizations

Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed regret over the decision by the United States to withdraw from a number of UN entities, while underscoring that the system will continue to deliver on all its mandates.

UN Affairs

Myanmar vote a 'facade' to entrench military rule, independent rights expert says

An independent human rights expert has urged the international community to reject the electoral process organised by Myanmar's military government, after the first round of voting revealed widespread coercion, exclusion and violence.

Human Rights

Workers of a WFP-supported hot meals kitchen distribute food in Khan Younis, Gaza. The kitchen prepares over 11,000 daily meals for families affected by the war, continuing to serve the community.

Aid continues despite winter hardship in Gaza and West Bank, UN says

Despite harsh winter conditions and continuing access constraints, the UN and partners are maintaining large-scale humanitarian operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, with a focus on shelter, water, health and education.

Humanitarian Aid

Aid workers in blue uniforms distribute bottled water to displaced families in a van near Aleppo City, Syria.

World News in Brief: Fighting intensifies in Syria's Aleppo and South Sudan's Jonglei state, acute hunger in Niger

UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues to be gravely alarmed by escalating hostilities in Aleppo, Syria, and mounting reports of civilian casualties, his Spokesperson said on Thursday.

Peace and Security

A white car drives down a damaged street in Ukraine, flanked by heavily bombed apartment buildings with broken windows and charred facades.

Ukraine: New strikes disrupt basic services for millions

Several parts of Ukraine were hit by a new wave of Russian strikes between Wednesday and Thursday morning.

Peace and Security

A wide view of the United Nations Security Council meeting discussing the situation in Syria, with delegates seated around a large circular table.

Syria signals renewed cooperation on chemical weapons destruction

Progress continues to be made towards eliminating remnants of the chemical weapons programme in Syria that was developed under the Assad regime, the UN Security Council heard on Thursday.

Peace and Security

A bustling shopping mall in Japan filled with people walking between shops and street vendors, showcasing a vibrant retail district.

Global economy shows signs of steady but subdued growth

The global economy has shown resilience amid turbulence during the past year, including shifting trade policies – yet growth remains subdued and far below pre-pandemic levels, the UN said in a landmark report published on Thursday.

Economic Development

A general view of a Human Rights Council meeting. (file)

Human Rights Council elects Indonesian candidate President for 2026

The UN Human Rights Council – the world's principal defender of vulnerable people worldwide – has elected an Indonesian diplomat to be President for 2026 in a first for the country.