World leaders must use lessons learned over the last 75 years in responding to the latest global challenge: the coronavirus pandemic, said United Nations political chief Rosemary DiCarlo as UN member states met virtually on Friday to mark the anniversary of the end of the Second World War. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the fact that "[a]n appreciation for international solidarity and our shared humanity" led to the creation of the UN after the war ended.

A United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a global cease-fire during the pandemic to allow countries to focus resources on fighting the virus failed to pass on Friday as the United States raised objections to language referencing "specialized health agencies." The US and China had previously faced off over whether or not the resolution should mention the World Health Organization.

International tourism could decrease by as much as 80% in 2020, costing billions in economic losses and millions of jobs around the world and hampering progress toward sustainable development goals, according to a United Nations World Tourism Organization report. Every country in the world has some form of travel restriction in place right now, the UNWTO says.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women is working together with Liberia's Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to supply women in the country with hygiene and sanitation supplies to help control the spread of coronavirus. UN Women Liberia Representative Marie Goreth praised Liberian leaders for recognizing women's needs as well as their role in the pandemic fight.

Three members of a United Nations Peacekeeping team were killed and more were injured on Sunday when their convoy hit a roadside explosive device. "We will combine all efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for these terrorist acts so that they can answer for their crimes," says Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the UN mission chief in Mali.

The World Health Organization has suspended staff activity in parts of Yemen controlled by Houthi militia groups, citing "credible threats and perceived risks which could have an impact on staff security." WHO officials are pressing the Houthis for transparency on the presence of coronavirus in the country, saying they suspect full-blown transmission despite official reports that only a few cases exist.

Face-to-face with evil: Interrogating Adolf Eichmann

"Routine Immunization is More Important than Ever"

One year ago today, 187 Parties amended the legally-binding @UN Basel Convention to better incorporate plastic waste.

Already, a new Plastic Waste Partnership, a Small Grants Programme & pilot projects are helping implement the #PlasticWasteAmendment.

basel.int/Implementation...

@brsmeas