Global splinters evident at G20 finance ministers meeting
JOHANNESBURG — The Group of 20 major economies has been instrumental in coordinating the response to crises like the COVID pandemic. But top officials from the U.S. and several other member states skipped the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in South…
As tariffs expand, focus also on workarounds for Chinese goods
WASHINGTON — As U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with an expanding net of tariffs, including an additional 10% for Chinese imports starting next week, industry insiders and experts say closing existing loopholes and workarounds that companies use to avoid…
Katy Perry, Gayle King to join Blue Origin spaceflight
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — Katy Perry and Gayle King are headed to space with Jeff Bezos’ fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, and three other women. Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, announced the all-female celebrity crew on Thursday. Sanchez, a helicopter pilot and…
$2.5 billion plan to deliver aid to 11 million people in DR Congo
The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for the DRC, announced on Thursday, aims to deliver lifesaving assistance to 11 million Congolese, including 7.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) – among the highest displacement figures globally. Overall, some 21.2 million Congolese…
UN chief calls for peace and justice as Ramadan begins
“In this Holy Month, let us all be uplifted by these values and embrace our common humanity to build a more just and peaceful world for all,” he said in a message. He also extended a special message of support…
UN agencies condemn Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the forced return of the Uyghurs, who had been detained in Thailand for over 11 years, was deeply troubling. “This violates the principle of non-refoulement for which there is a complete…
Haiti: Over one million displaced by gang violence
The “unprecedented crisis” in Haiti means that every number presented “is a new record,” said Ulrika Richardson, speaking from neighbouring Dominican Republic to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York. “The suffering that this is causing is immense, and I…
Packed with promise: Wisam’s journey back to school in Sudan
Despite the noise and bustle of classmates packing up, nine-year-old Wisam is focused on the picture she is bringing to life from her desk. When she’s finished, she puts her beloved pencils back into her bag. The supplies in her…
DR Congo: WHO tracks deadly mysterious illness
In recent months, disease surveillance has identified increases in cases and fatalities on three occasions across different areas of the country, which triggered follow-up investigations to confirm the cause and provide needed support, WHO said in a statement. Symptoms include fever,…
Gaza: Despite challenges, UNRWA says ‘unparalleled progress’ made during ceasefire
Agency teams have worked around the clock to provide services to a people who are overwhelmed following 15 months of constant bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical supplies, the agency said in a press release. “This reflects UNRWA’s commitment…