Yvonne Murray

in New York

For the world's great powers, retreating ice in the Arctic is opening up a treasure trove

Melting ice leads to new cold war in the Arctic Circle

Melting ice in the Arctic could release greenhouse gases and zombie pathogens. But it is also leading to a burgeoning power struggle over resources and trade routes that were previously inaccessible.

World • 31 Jul 23

Irish businessman Chay Bowes is one of the latest Russian invitees at the UN Security Council

Who is Chay Bowes and why did he speak at the UN?

Irish businessman Chay Bowes is one of the latest people invited by Russia to address the UN's most senior decision-making body. He described the Ukraine conflict as a NATO proxy war.

World • 01 Jul 23

Guantanamo Bay facility began operating in 2002 as part of the US-led 'war on terror' launched in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks

Irish expert finds 'cruel treatment' at Guantanamo Bay

A United Nations human rights envoy has issued a damning assessment of the UN-run detention facility at Guantanamo Bay over "sustained human rights violations" and "ongoing cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment," following a long-awaited UN visit to the camp this year.

World • 27 Jun 23

A plastic cup floats in the Sea of Marmara (file image)

Landmark high seas treaty agreed at UN

The world's first international treaty to protect the high seas has been adopted at the United Nations - a landmark environmental accord designed to protect remote ecosystems vital to humanity.

Climate Change • 20 Jun 23

Antonio Guterres reserved the harshest criticism for the fossil fuel industry whose behaviour he compared to that of Judas (File image)

UN chief condemns 'pitiful' global response on climate

The UN Secretary-General has delivered a damning assessment of the world's progress in tackling climate change, calling the collective response "pitiful".

Climate Change • 15 Jun 23

The research is based on data collected in 91 countries covering 85% of the global population

Survey shows stagnation in attitudes toward women

Men make better political leaders than women according to half of all people surveyed for the latest UN report on gender bias. The research is based on data collected in 91 countries, covering 85% of the global population.

World • 13 Jun 23

Antonio Guterres said alarm bells over generative AI "are deafening" (file pic)

AI threat similar to nuclear war risk, says UN chief

The UN chief has voiced concern over artificial intelligence, saying it represents an "existential threat to humanity on a par with the risk of nuclear war".

World • 12 Jun 23

The flagpoles are bare at UN headquarters in New York

Air too dirty for flags at UN in New York

The flags of the UN's 193 member states are not flying at its New York headquarters tod

World • 08 Jun 23

Earlier this year, a group of ambassadors got together to demand bike access at the UN

UN says get on your bike, but bans bicycles at HQ

The UN is gearing up to mark its annual World Bicycle Day tomorrow, but don't try cycling into the UN's headquarters in New York as bikes are banned from the premises.

Environment • 02 Jun 23

Private Seán Rooney was killed while on duty in Lebanon last December

UN awards Seán Rooney posthumous medal of honour

Private Seán Rooney, the Irish peacekeeper who died in Lebanon last December, has been honoured at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Ireland • 25 May 23