COGNICURRENT

According to a newly published UN index, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the ninth time in the last decade, with Estonia placing at 46th.

North Korea's ruling party will hold its 9th congress at the end of February 2026, marking its first since 2021, where plans to strengthen nuclear deterrence will be discussed.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre has faced calls from the UN for his arrest, which the Australian government has rejected.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the expiration of the New START agreement as a critical moment for international peace and security, urging Russia and the United States to start talks on a new nuclear arms control framework without delay.

Chile has officially nominated former president Michelle Bachelet for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, supported by Mexico and Brazil, two of the largest countries in Latin America.

The UN Security Council held an urgent meeting regarding deadly protests in Iran, amid threats from President Donald Trump of possible military intervention, with sharp accusations exchanged between Tehran and Washington.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated that the U.S. supports the 'brave people of Iran' and that President Donald Trump has made it clear that 'all options are on the table' to stop the bloodshed amid the crackdown on protests in Iran.

Israel's Foreign Ministry announced the termination of relationships with three international organizations, including two UN agencies, following the US's recent withdrawal from 66 global bodies.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that South Korea's hopes for improved relations are illusions that cannot be realized, as reported by the state agency KCNA.

Iran has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of fostering political instability and violence while endangering the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, according to Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani in a letter to the UN Security Council.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Israel in a letter that it could face legal action in the International Court of Justice if it does not revoke laws affecting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and return seized properties, amid Israel's dismissal of the threats.

Russia announced it will continue the war against Ukraine until President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees to what Moscow calls 'realistic conditions' for negotiations, according to Russian UN representative Vasily Nebenzya.

The United States and the United Kingdom condemned Russia for using the Oresnik ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, in its attack on Ukraine, leading to heightened tensions in the UN Security Council.

In 2025, the highest number of civilians were killed in Ukraine since 2022 due to intensified fighting and increased use of long-range weaponry by Russian forces, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres calls on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint amid deadly protests, expressing shock over reports of violence against demonstrators.

The UN has reported a significant increase in violence and displacement in the occupied West Bank, citing a record daily average of illegal attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians.

Food prices fell again in December, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline, primarily due to reduced prices of milk, dairy products, and meat, despite increases in the prices of grains and sugar, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret over the US announcement to withdraw from 66 international organizations, stating that UN agencies will continue their work regardless.

President Trump's administration will withdraw the U.S. from dozens of international organizations, halting support for various UN agencies and agreements critical to global cooperation.

The Russian Ministry of Transport has sharply condemned the U.S. seizure of the tanker Bella 1/Marinera, accusing Washington of violating the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

American Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Trump's attack on Venezuela, outlining six reasons against it amidst international condemnation at the UN Security Council.

Senator Bernie Sanders criticizes Trump's operation against Venezuela, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent in international law and has drawn global condemnation, including from key U.S. allies.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over increased instability in Venezuela following a US military operation that arrested President Nicolás Maduro.

During an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, China and Russia condemned the U.S. military action in Venezuela, while the U.S. defended its actions as a legitimate law enforcement operation, revealing deep divisions among world powers following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

North Korea announced it tested hypersonic missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, claiming it as a key step to strengthen its military deterrent.

The legality of the American action that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to be a focal point at the UN today, although Washington is unlikely to face criticism from its allies regarding its operations in the South American country.

The US military operation leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has raised significant concerns from the UN and other nations about violations of international law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern regarding Israel's announcement of suspending several international NGOs operating in the occupied Palestinian territories, urging the reversal of this measure.

Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, has made a public appearance at a state mausoleum, fueling speculation about her potential succession as leader of North Korea following a visit with her parents.

North Korea announced the launch of strategic long-range cruise missiles to test its nuclear deterrence capabilities, following recent advancements in its nuclear-powered submarine development.

Myanmar is conducting its first parliamentary elections today since the military coup nearly five years ago, with the UN urging for credible voting.