Japan eyes reduced emission cut target: official
Japan may backpedal on its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter, an official said Wednesday, dealing a further blow to already deadlocked global warming talks in Doha.
Abbas wins UN 'birth certificate' for Palestine state
The UN General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly voted to make Palestine a non-member state, inflicting a major diplomatic defeat on the United States and Israel.
Iran in focus at UN atomic energy meeting
Iran is set to be the main talking point at a two-day meeting of the UN atomic agency starting Thursday, amid ongoing weaponisation fears and safety concerns over Tehran's only operating nuclear power plant.
UN backs holding G-Global in Kazakhstan
From economic and political points of view Kazakhstan is eligible to bid for hosting G-Global under the aegis of the United Nations: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Kyoto under the microscope in quest for new climate deal
As the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol draws to a close, the world will dissect its record for successes to emulate in the fight against global warming -- and pitfalls to avoid.
UN passes first resolution on female mutilation
The UN General Assembly on Monday passed its first resolution condemning female genital mutilation, which opponents say more than 140 million women worldwide have had to endure.
Troubled Iranian reactor in focus at UN nuclear agency
Iran is set to be in focus at a UN atomic agency board meeting starting Thursday, not only because of ongoing suspicions of a covert weapons drive but also over safety concerns over its only operating nuclear power plant.
Climate talks resume amid warnings of looming calamity
Nearly 200 nations gather in Doha from Monday for a new round of climate talks as a rush of reports warn extreme weather events like superstorm Sandy may become commonplace if mitigation efforts fail.
Portugal pulls bulk of police from East Timor
Portugal withdrew the bulk of its police officers from East Timor on Saturday as international forces wind up a 13-year mission in Asia's youngest nation, where thousands have died in political bloodshed.
Fighting in DR Congo after rebels reject calls to end offensive
Fighting erupted in the DR of Congo after rebels defiantly rejected international calls to pull out of the strategic city of Goma and end an offensive that has stoked fears of a wider conflict and humanitar
Britain recognises Syria opposition as fighting rages
Britain formally recognised a newly-formed opposition bloc as the sole representative of the Syrian people on Tuesday, as UN head Ban Ki-moon said he feared Syria could become a "regional battleground."
Israel halts threatened Gaza invasion as truce talks build
Israel on Tuesday halted a threatened Gaza ground offensive to give Egyptian-led truce talks a chance as top diplomats flew in to boost efforts to end nearly a week of cross-border violence.
Israel mulls Gaza truce as toll tops 100
Israeli leaders Tuesday discussed an Egyptian plan for a truce with Gaza's ruling Hamas, reports said, before a mission by the UN chief to Jerusalem and as the toll from Israeli raids on Gaza rose over 100.
Ban vows peacekeepers will stay in threatened Goma
UN leader Ban Ki-moon vowed Sunday that peacekeepers will stay in the DR Congo city of Goma after UN combat helicopters and government troops failed to stop a rebel advance amid growing international alarm.
UN court to rule on fate of Croatia's 'war hero'
The UN Yugoslav war crimes court rules Friday on the appeal of Croatian ex-general Ante Gotovina.
Gaza conflict adds tension to Palestinian UN bid
Israel's air strikes on the Gaza Strip have heightened the tensions surrounding the Palestinian bid for observer membership at the United Nations planned for later this month.
US defends Israeli attacks on Gaza at emergency UN meeting
Arab nations demanded the UN Security Council condemn Israel's deadly attacks on Gaza at an emergency meeting, but the United States strongly defended Israel's military strikes.
UN chief urges Israel to avoid 'new cycle of bloodshed'
UN leader Ban Ki-moon urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ease tensions with Gaza militants Wednesday and also discussed the crisis with Egypt's president.
N. Korea shipped missile parts to Syria: media
North Korea tried to export ballistic missile parts to Syria in May in violation of UN sanctions, Japanese media said Wednesday, citing diplomats who have seen a classified UN report.
UN rights chief warns Australia on refugees
The UN's top human rights official Wednesday described a hunger strike by refugees banished by Australia to the remote Pacific as a sign of the "unbearable conditions" of their detention.