United Nations

Nuclear testing harms the environment, undermines economic development, and has devastating effects on people’s lives and health. It is a relic of the past that has no place in the 21st century.

“Nuclear tests do not prove strength. They shatter trust, invite reciprocal tests, fuel a nuclear arms race and betray every community still living with the legacy of past nuclear tests,” said UN Secretary-General ‌António Guterres on Saturday's International Day against Nuclear Tests.

“The world must never witness another nuclear explosion.”

The UN is supporting rescue and relief efforts in Nepal following this week’s deadly floods and landslides, which have left hundreds killed and many more injured or missing.

UN teams on the ground are helping affected communities with emergency food, medical supplies, shelter and other life-saving assistance.

We are also providing logistics support and satellite imagery to help responders reach communities cut off by the disaster.

The rules of war exist to protect civilians and humanitarians. Yet they are violated every day.

Too often, perpetrators escape accountability and violations go unpunished.

Accountability is essential to delivering justice for victims and survivors, as well as preventing and deterring further violations.

When these rules are violated, there must be consequences.

Investigate violations. Prosecute perpetrators. End impunity.
Protect civilians. Protect humanitarians. Protect humanity.

The UN is supporting the Government-led response in Nepal following the catastrophic flash floods on Wednesday.

Together with humanitarian partners, we are mobilizing supplies and personnel, delivering urgent assistance to support affected communities.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the fastest-spreading Ebola epidemic ever recorded, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns.

Stressing that time is running out, he calls on the world to urgently step up action and funding to stop the outbreak and save lives.

“It is time to summon the collective determination to act before the cost becomes more deadly, more difficult and more expensive.”

Thursday is World Lake Day. Did you know our planet is home to over 117 million lakes? Covering nearly 4% of the land surface, they are among the most vital natural resources on Earth.

Yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate due to pollution, climate change and unsustainable land use. We must act now to protect lakes and sustain life for current and future generations.

Do you have a favourite lake? Share in the comments why it’s special to you. ⬇️

“We are now dangerously close to crossing a moral red line: the autonomous targeting of humans by machines.”

UN and International Committee of the Red Cross renew urgent call on States to establish specific prohibitions and restrictions on autonomous weapon systems.

"Innovation must serve humanity, not endanger it."

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/notes-correspondents/2026-08-25/note-correspondents-renewed-call-un-secretary-general-and-icrc-president-adopt-rules-autonomous-weapons-systems

Meet some of our four-legged UN colleagues from around the world.

Whether detecting explosives, demining or providing support & comfort, these K9s play an important role within the United Nations family.

On Wednesday’s Dog Day, we thank them and their dedicated handlers for their hard work all year round.

Nine years ago, more than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee Myanmar for Bangladesh.

As the world’s largest stateless community, they have faced generations of discrimination, persecution and violence.

Urgent global support is needed to meet their humanitarian needs.

— via UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency