World

A high degree of convergence has been reached in 29 out of 32 articles that are proposed to make up the treaty text. However, three areas require significant further work.

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.

A global analysis of 942 court rulings revealed a chilling reality: 74 per cent of traffickers belong to organized crime networks.

Accurate hurricane forecasts are not just scientific achievements; they have tangible benefits for society. Yale Climate Connections highlighted a 2024 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which estimated that improved hurricane forecasts could lead to over $10 billion in combined benefits for major hurricanes like Helene and Milton.

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

These measures, which followed executive orders aimed at “reevaluating” US foreign assistance and terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, risk undermining the freedoms that are vital to democratic societies.

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.