United Nations

The United States currently pays about 22 per cent of the United Nations’ regular budget and 27 per cent of the peacekeeping budget. As of now, the United States owes $1.5 billion to the UN’s regular budget.

In the past five years, 88 per cent of countries have passed laws to eliminate violence against women and girls. 44 per cent are working towards improving the quality of education and training. More girls are now attending secondary and tertiary education compared to boys.

During a fiery exchange in the Oval Office, Trump accused Zelensky of “overplaying his hand” and dismissed Ukraine’s appeals for defined security guarantees.

In more positive developments and despite a global rise in executions, a growing number of countries are abolishing the practice – spurred by the Global South.

As the third year of war unfolds, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine remains one of the most pressing global emergencies. The need for sustainable peace cannot be overstated.

“Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges. We see a dark spirit of impunity spreading.  The prospect of nuclear war remains – outrageously – a clear and present danger.”

India still faces significant hurdles in addressing climate change, pollution, and inequality. While India has made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty (Goal 1) and improving infrastructure (Goal 9), it lags behind in areas such as quality education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), and environmental sustainability (Goals 13, 14, and 15).

Nearly half of PM2.5 pollution in the worst-affected countries comes from the burning of fossil fuels, biomass, and agricultural waste – also major contributors to climate change. As extreme weather events worsen due to climate change, air pollution is expected to become an even greater threat, UNICEF warned.