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Antonio Guterres

Antonio Guterres is the current United Nations Secretary General, championing human dignity, focusing on climate action, peacekeeping and UN management reform. He is known for his extensive career in public service and diplomacy. His responsibilities include mediating conflicts and advancing sustainable development. Previously, as prime minister of Portugal, he oversaw the euro transition and played a key role in resolving the East Timor crisis. He also served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, significantly improving the organisation’s response to global displacement. His expertise spans humanitarian affairs, international relations and administrative efficiency.

A man shades himself from the searing sun in Melbourne, Australia in January. Photo: EPA

Extreme weather

‘Flashing red’: UN alarmed as heat trapped by Earth hits record high

WMO confirms 2015–2025 as the hottest decade on record, as the UN chief warns of a state of emergency.

4 hours ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel may commit ‘new genocide’ in Lebanon with Iran as pretext, Turkey warns

15 Mar 2026 - 1:40AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon

14 Mar 2026 - 11:29PMvideocam

The Philippines

Philippines’ bid for UN Security Council seat sidesteps maritime row

As a potential council member, the Philippines is expected to address broader global security issues and be a ‘responsible middle power’.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Members of the UN Security Council listen as Gholamhossein Darzi, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, speaks at the UN headquarters on January 15. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Pakistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban open to talks with Pakistan as ‘open war’ continues

The attacks by Pakistan come as it continues to allege that the Taliban harbours militants seeking to overthrow the Islamabad government.

28 Feb 2026 - 1:34PM

Pakistan

Pakistan declares ‘open war’ with Afghan Taliban, attacks Kabul, Kandahar

The air strikes came hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops in what the Taliban government said was retaliation.

27 Feb 2026 - 5:06PMvideocam

United Nations

Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

The UN’s financial strain is a chance to rethink its structure, cut inefficiencies and empower local work that delivers more impact.

15 Feb 2026 - 5:30AM

Internally displaced Palestinians walk among the ruins of the Al Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City on February 11. The UN human rights office has maintained a presence in Gaza despite the challenges. Photo: EPA

Israel

Israel’s ‘de facto sovereignty’ of West Bank condemned as illegal annexation

Ministers admit new land rules aim to block a Palestinian state, a move the UN and Arab nations slam as a grave violation of international law.

10 Feb 2026 - 9:09PM

US-China relations

As UN grapples with cash crisis don’t expect China to fill the gap, experts say

United Nations chief has warned of financial collapse due to unpaid fees, a situation also said to reflect a shift in how US sees the body.

6 Feb 2026 - 8:13PMvideocam

Africa

‘Burned in their houses’: survivors recount terror of Nigeria massacre

With 162 dead, survivors describe gunmen executing residents at close range and razing their village to ash.

6 Feb 2026 - 2:48PM

Razed homes in the Muslim-majority village of Woro, Nigeria. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Trump’s peace board no match for UN and a possible boon to China, analysts find

As Beijing ponders its invitation, experts predict a cautious approach and point to the benefits of a diverted Washington.

2 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump after the Board of Peace meeting at Davos on January 22. Photo: AFP

Asean

Asian Angle | ‘Old order is not coming back’: Trump’s US, not China, threatens status quo

American unpredictability is pushing countries to hedge more proactively – and, ironically, soften existing tensions with China.

31 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

Africa

Uganda opposition leader’s wife in hospital after soldiers invade home

Incumbent ruler Yoweri Museveni, 81, president since 1986, was declared winner of the January 15 election, but Wine alleged extensive fraud.

25 Jan 2026 - 12:03AM

Donald Trump

A ‘Trump UN’ with US$1 billion entry? Nations cautious on Board of Peace plan

US president invites 60 nations to join his ‘Board of Peace’, with permanent membership available for states that pay US$1 billion.

19 Jan 2026 - 1:11PM

US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. Photo: AP

US-Venezuela conflict

US attack on Venezuela a ‘death certificate’ for United Nations: analyst

UN chief ‘deeply alarmed’ about implications, while China is described as seeing openings to entrench itself as alternative to America.

6 Jan 2026 - 10:31AMvideocam

A helicopter carrying Venezuela’s deposed leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrives in New York on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

United Nations

‘World stands at a crossroads’: UN chief issues grim New Year message