Yvonne Murray

in New York

Washington appeared to have been caught off guard by China's diplomatic win in Saudi Arabia

Is China challenging America's diplomatic superpower?

In a challenge to the US-led liberal world order, China's economic power is turning into diplomatic influence in regions where the US has enjoyed preeminence. But how far do China's diplomatic ambitions extend?

World • 26 Mar 23

Two billion people do not have access to safe water and sanitation

Water talks: What did the UN achieve in three days?

The UN talked about water for three days. But what did it achieve?

Climate Change • 24 Mar 23

Tánaiste meets UN chief to talk peacekeeping, Ukraine

Micheál Martin reiterated Ireland's commitment to multilateralism and peacekeeping in a meeting with the UN Secretary-General. But Ireland faces a tough job in rallying support for sustainable development.

World • 16 Mar 23

Delegates to the Commission on Status of Women event walk past portraits of former UN Secretaries-General

Why the UN thinks gender equality is 'vanishing'

A commitment to equal rights for women has been a cornerstone of the United Nations since its founding, writes Yvonne Murray. So why has progress stalled?

World • 08 Mar 23

Greenpeace has said that member states must compromise instead of quibbling over minor points

UN deal to save the high seas 'closer than ever'

Activists have used stern words and star power to pressure UN states to sign a long-awaited treaty protecting biodiversity in the high seas. Delegates are hopeful negotiations will conclude today.

World • 03 Mar 23

In March 2022, 141 members voted in favour of a resolution calling for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine

Diplomatic scramble at UN ahead of vote on Ukraine war

Intensive lobbying has been under way by Ukrainian allies to drum up support for a United Nations resolution condemning Russia's war on Ukraine.

World • 22 Feb 23

Aerial view shows residents searching for victims and survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings in the village of Besnia in Syria's rebel-held northwestern Idlib province

The politics of aid delivery to Syria

Monday's earthquakes wrought further devastation on northwestern Syria - a region already torn apart by years of war.

Earthquake • 09 Feb 23

The OPCW found that the Syrian regime dropped chlorine gas on the city of Douma

UN Security Council condemns Syrian chemical weapon use

Several members of the United Nations Security Council condemned the Syrian regime and its Russian ally over a chemical weapons attack in the city of Douma in 2018.

World • 08 Feb 23

Afghan women pictured last month protesting against a Taliban ban on women accessing university education

UN appeal to Taliban over ban on women in education

"If the Taliban finds out, we will be in great trouble," said a female aid worker in Afghanistan who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity.

World • 26 Jan 23

Wednesday's UN Security Council meeting was convened by Japan to discuss rising tensions in the Middle East

Israel and Palestine face off at UN as tension rises

Israeli and Palestinian diplomats traded barbs at a UN Security Council meeting yesterday morning, convened by Japan, the current Council President, to address mounting tension in the Middle East.

World • 19 Jan 23