National Council

Leading figures in the technology industry have appealed to the United Nations, asking global institutions to establish oversight of the artificial intelligence tools they helped build. The message, discussed around a UN Security Council session on AI, frames regulation as necessary for humanity's safety. Commenters are debating whether creators of a technology calling for its own control is a genuine warning or an attempt to shape the rules in their favour.

The United Nations Security Council convened a formal meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The session, carried on UN media, comes as the Council continues to weigh the conflict, ceasefire efforts and humanitarian conditions in the region. Member states were expected to restate positions on Palestinian statehood and security concerns, with no immediate announcement of agreed measures after the discussion.

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, is scheduled to brief the United Nations Security Council next week on artificial intelligence, according to Reuters. The session would place the head of one of the world's leading AI companies directly before the body charged with international peace and security, as governments weigh how to regulate advanced AI. Details of the briefing's agenda and who requested it were not immediately available.

The United Nations has announced a renewed commitment to protecting the world from future pandemics. The pledge, also referenced by the Council of Europe, signals continued international focus on pandemic preparedness and cooperation between states. Details on specific measures or funding commitments attached to the declaration remain limited in the available reporting.

The Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process delivered remarks at the United Nations Security Council on the Secretary-General's report on implementation of Resolution 2334, which concerns Israeli settlement activity. The briefing came as part of the Council's regular monitoring of the resolution, adopted in 2016, amid continued concern over settlement expansion and the broader prospects for a two-state solution.

The United Nations has added more than 60 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The move, published by the UN Human Rights Council, lists businesses it says are involved in settlement-related activities that Palestinians and rights groups consider illegal under international law. Israel has condemned the listing, while supporters see it as accountability.

Japan has rejected accusations of militarisation after Russia voiced opposition to Tokyo gaining a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over Japan's defence policy and its long-sought bid to expand the council, where Russia holds a veto as one of five permanent members. The dispute underscores widening friction between Moscow and Tokyo amid broader geopolitical rivalry.

The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation briefed the press at UN Headquarters in New York. The appearance came as part of the minister's engagements at the United Nations, where Russia's positions on ongoing international disputes remain under close scrutiny. Journalists and diplomats are following the remarks for signals on Moscow's stance ahead of Security Council discussions.

Developing nations are intensifying their demands for permanent seats on the UN Security Council, arguing the body no longer reflects the realities of the modern world. The push for reform has gained renewed momentum, with countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America calling for a council that better represents the global south. The campaign challenges a structure largely unchanged since 1945.

The United Nations has expanded its database of Israeli companies operating in West Bank settlements to 215 firms. The list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, names businesses deemed to be enabling settlement activity, which Israel and the United States oppose as politically motivated. Rights groups welcomed the move, while Israel denounced it, and the list is expected to fuel debates over corporate responsibility in occupied territory.

Renewed calls are emerging to reform the United Nations Security Council, with critics arguing that its current permanent membership and veto structure no longer reflect global realities. Supporters of change say the body's handling of recent international crises has exposed its limitations, reviving long-standing debates over expanding representation to include powers from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Nigeria has renewed calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that Africa, despite holding three non-permanent seats, lacks a permanent voice in the body's decisions. African nations have long pressed for permanent representation, pointing to the continent's size and the number of conflicts the council addresses there.

The United Nations has expanded its database of companies operating in Israeli West Bank settlements to 138 firms. The list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, flags businesses the UN says are involved in activities supporting settlement expansion, which it considers illegal under international law. Israel rejects the blacklist, and its publication has drawn criticism from Israeli officials and mixed reactions from companies and governments.

Germany has called for 'profound' reforms to the United Nations, according to an Anadolu Agency report. The appeal adds to long-running debate over whether the UN, particularly the Security Council, reflects current global realities. Berlin's position is being closely watched amid ongoing discussions about the organisation's structure and effectiveness.

The United Nations has expanded its database of Israeli companies operating in West Bank settlements, adding firms to bring the total to 215. The list, compiled by the UN Human Rights Council, names businesses deemed to support or benefit from Israel's settlement enterprise, which most of the international community considers illegal. Israeli officials have condemned the blacklist, while human rights groups see it as accountability pressure.

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council, arguing the continent deserves a standing voice in the body that decides on global peace and security. Africa currently holds only non-permanent, rotating seats despite being frequently affected by Council decisions. The demand renews a long-running reform push backed by many African governments.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Algeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs at the United Nations, according to UN Media. No details of the discussion were released, but such meetings typically cover regional security, the situation in the Sahel and Western Sahara, and cooperation between Algeria and the organization. Algeria is a key diplomatic player in North Africa and a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

The Atlantic Council argues the United States needs a coherent strategy toward the Global South on technology, framing it as essential to American competitiveness. The piece suggests Washington must engage developing nations on digital and tech issues or risk ceding influence to rival powers seeking those markets and partnerships.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council, has submitted his resignation. He had held the post since January 2024. Kovalenko said he remains involved in national security work and cognitive confrontation with Russia. It is not yet known who will replace him as head of the center.

Analysts are debating whether the United Nations can still hold together a coherent world order, as geopolitical divisions weaken the institution's ability to act. Discussion centres on the Security Council's paralysis over major conflicts, the rise of competing power blocs, and growing questions about whether multilateral institutions remain fit for purpose in an increasingly fragmented international landscape.

Türkiye is promoting its 'the world is bigger than five' position at the United Nations, arguing that global governance should not be decided solely by the five permanent Security Council members. Turkish diplomats are framing the country's mediation and stability efforts as part of a broader call for a fairer, more representative international order.

The International Cricket Council is preparing a major reshaping of the international cricket calendar for the 2027–2031 Future Tours Programme cycle. The changes are expected to redefine how bilateral series and global fixtures are scheduled across formats. The sport's governing body is still finalising details, and national boards are watching closely as the new schedule will shape fixtures and revenue for years.

A commentary argues that power divisions within the United Nations mean diplomacy effectively stops whenever a permanent Security Council member casts a veto. The piece reflects ongoing debate about whether the veto power of the five permanent members blocks collective action on major conflicts and reforms of the UN system.

India and Pakistan are preparing to meet in a widely anticipated cricket match that has drawn attention across the region. Adding to the buildup, Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi will skip the India-Pakistan Asian Games gold medal match due to prior commitments, the ACC confirmed, as reported by The Times of India. Fixtures between the two nations consistently attract massive global audiences.

Fourteen Taiwanese technology companies, led by TSMC and backed by the National Development Council, held a recruitment campaign at the annual Taiwan Tech Summit in Silicon Valley over the weekend, offering more than 1,000 jobs. The drive reflects Taiwan's effort to attract overseas engineering talent amid a global race for semiconductor and tech skills.

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev took part in a working luncheon bringing together the foreign ministers of countries newly elected to the United Nations Security Council. The gathering offered the incoming members a chance to coordinate positions ahead of taking up their seats. Details of the discussions were not disclosed, but Kyrgyzstan's participation underscores its engagement with the UN as it prepares for a role on the council.

The International Federation for Human Rights delivered an oral statement at the United Nations during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Singapore, the process in which member states assess each other's human rights records. The statement forms part of the outcome session concluding Singapore's latest review cycle. It follows recommendations made by other states on Singapore's rights situation.

A city council candidate in Texas who took part in protests following an ICE-related shooting has been charged with 'riot participation'. The charge against a person actively running for local office is drawing attention amid ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the policing of protesters. Critics see the prosecution as politically charged, while officials point to the alleged conduct during the demonstrations. The case adds to tensions around ICE operations and protest crackdowns in Texas.

Former Solomon Islands politician Wale has called for the abolition of veto powers at the United Nations, according to Islands Business. The proposal would end the ability of the five permanent Security Council members to unilaterally block resolutions. Such calls are often raised by smaller nations who argue the veto stymies action on conflicts and humanitarian crises, and the renewed appeal is drawing attention to long-running debates over UN Security Council reform.

Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, delivered a message to a UN Human Rights Conference held in Geneva. In it she addressed the human rights situation in Iran, calling for accountability over abuses and repression by the Iranian authorities. The remarks are being circulated among opposition and human rights circles, drawing attention to ongoing debate over Iran's record at the United Nations.

A Texas city council candidate who took part in protests following a shooting involving ICE agents has been charged with 'riot participation'. The case has drawn attention to tensions around immigration enforcement and the treatment of protesters, with critics suggesting the charge may be politically motivated given the candidate's run for office. Further details about the shooting and the arrest have not been widely reported.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley addressed the UN General Assembly, repeating her call to strip the five permanent Security Council members of their veto powers, a long-standing demand of African and Caribbean states who argue the veto blocks action on conflicts affecting the Global South. Her speech is drawing wide attention across Africa and the Caribbean.

Turkey is considering putting forward a former foreign minister as its candidate for the United Nations' top job, according to multiple US news outlets. The reported deliberations come ahead of the process to select the next UN secretary-general, in which member states nominate candidates for the Security Council and General Assembly to consider.

New York mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani is drawing attention after his aides gave the City Council little insight into an influencer outreach effort, according to the New York Times. The story raises questions about transparency in his campaign's social media operation and how the young candidate coordinates online messaging with supporters as his candidacy gains national prominence.