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February 12, 2026 Economic development

Today, an important step was taken towards developing a global scientific understanding of artificial intelligence. The General Assembly reaffirmed appointment of 40 members of the new Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, created under the auspices of the UN. Secretary-General António Guterres made this statement on Thursday.

According to the Secretary-General, the candidates were selected from more than 2,600 applicants following an independent evaluation conducted by the International Telecommunication Union, UNESCO, and the United Nations Office on Digital and Emerging Technologies. They will serve in their personal capacity for three years.

The Secretary-General emphasized the multidisciplinary composition and gender balance of the group, which includes experts from around the world. They will conduct independent and impartial assessments. opportunities, risks, and consequences of AI development, including in the interests of the new Global Dialogue on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence.

"In a world where AI developments are rapidly accelerating, this group will provide what has been missing until now: rigorous, independent scientific analysis that will allow all Member States, regardless of their technological capabilities, to participate in the discussion on an equal footing," said a statement released by the UN chief's press service.

Guterres expressed confidence that the experts' work will facilitate collective dialogue on artificial intelligence issues and help make decisions based on facts and solidarity.

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February 12, 2026 Peace and security

On Thursday, the United Nations celebrated the fourth anniversary International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to TerrorismThis year's theme is dedicated to the role of new technologies.

Alexander Zuev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, speaking to journalists in New York, emphasized that while harnessing the opportunities of the digital age, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the risks and ensure respect for human rights.

Speaking about artificial intelligence, he noted: "This technology offers real promise for prevention—from the early detection of dangerous narratives to more targeted, community-based responses. But it is also being misused to spread myths and disinformation, promote extremist content, and recruit and radicalize to terrorism, especially among young people and adolescents."

According to a UN representative, the Organization is expanding its practical assistance to states in the face of new digital threats. "This includes new areas of work on artificial intelligence and online gaming systems," he said.

These measures, Zuev continued, complement traditional methods of countering disinformation and preventing youth radicalization.

Repatriation and responsibility

Responding to a question about the reintegration of former fighters, the acting UN deputy chief emphasized the need to adhere to legal procedures. He stated that in these cases, investigations must be conducted to ensure that those who committed crimes are held accountable in accordance with national or international standards.

He also drew attention to the situation of women and children who are members of the families of militants. He cited the example of Central Asian countries, particularly the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which, he said, "are making significant efforts to reintegrate and socially rehabilitate the families of former militants, as citizens of these countries were among those recruited."

Platform for joint action

The International Day aims to unite States, UN entities and a wide range of partners – from civil society and religious leaders to business, academia and the media – to strengthen our shared resolve to counter conditions conducive to terrorism.

Particular attention is given to inclusive, gender-sensitive and human rights-based approaches that are built on dialogue, partnership and community-led initiatives.

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February 12, 2026 Climate and environment

Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and weakening trust in multilateralism, international climate cooperation can ensure security and economic prosperity, said Simon Steele, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

He spoke at a press conference in Istanbul as part of planning discussions for the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP31), which will be held in Antalya. Steele thanked Turkey, the COP31 presidency designate, and Australia, as the chair of the negotiating track, for "valuable discussions."

The New "World Disorder"

The upcoming Climate Conference will take place in "extraordinary times," according to the head of the Climate Secretariat.

“We find ourselves in a new world disorder,” Steele said. “This is a period of instability and insecurity. An era of coercion and trade wars. The very concept of international cooperation is under attack".

Nevertheless, he emphasized, climate action can become a factor of resilience. "In the face of the current chaos, we can and must ensure a new era of international climate cooperation," Steele said.

From problem identification to the implementation stage

The Executive Secretary recalled that over the decades, global efforts to combat climate change have gone through several stages – from recognition of the problem itself to the development of agreements, includingParis Agreement.

"It didn't solve the climate crisis, but it changed our course," he said, adding that the agreement demonstrated the ability of countries to achieve breakthroughs when they act together.

Read also:

What's important to know about climate change: A WMO expert discusses alarming trends, the spread of misinformation, and the need for joint action.

He also cited specific figures: in the ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, investment in clean energy has increased tenfold – from 200 billion to more than two trillion dollars annually, and in 2025, investment in it will more than double investment in fossil fuels.

Now, he said, the world must actively advance the third stage – the stage of practical implementation.

“This is a phase of acceleration and scaling,” Steele emphasized.

What needs to be done

We are talking about the implementation of the agreements reached following the firstGlobal summing up: doubling energy efficiency, tripling clean energy capacity by 2030, a just transition away from fossil fuels, strengthening resilience and increasing financing for the most vulnerable countries and populations.

"By the second Global Stocktake in 2028, we must be on track to meet these commitments," the UNFCCC chief said.

© UNFCCC/D. Herculano

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Steele speaks at COP30 in Brazil.

Progress can be achieved through the rapid scaling of climate projects and partnerships between governments, financial institutions, and businesses, while simultaneously sharply increasing available financing, particularly for developing and vulnerable countries.

The executive secretary warned that failing to lead on climate would mean losing economic opportunities.

“Those who retreat from climate leadership are simply handing over this ‘gold mine’ of new jobs and the dividends from their creation to competing economies,” he noted.

Climate and safety

"Taking action on climate change is a contribution to overcoming the daily challenges faced by citizens around the world," he said.

The UN representative emphasized that climate cooperation is not an abstract goal, but a practical response to instability, as the consequences of climate change harm every person and the entire economy. This includes increased hunger, forced displacement, conflicts over resources, and distrust in governments that fail to provide citizens with the basic necessities.

Steele called it especially important access to electricity for developing countries, where hundreds of millions of people still live without it. Furthermore, climate action is necessary to ensure the world's population has enough food.

"Climate cooperation is the antidote to today's chaos and coercion," he said. "Renewable energy is the clearest and cheapest path to energy security and sovereignty," Steele added.

The path to KS-31

In conclusion, Steele emphasized that Turkey, as a crossroads of regions and diplomatic traditions, can become a platform for advancing common solutions. The UN, he added, will support the chairs "every step of the way" to ensure the success of the conference for the sake of people, prosperity, and the planet.

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February 12, 2026 Climate and environment

Natural background radiation remains the main source of human exposure worldwide, according to a new scientific report by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), published Thursday.

According to the document, natural sources of ionizing radiation—including radon and thoron, cosmic rays, and naturally occurring radioactive substances in soil and food—provide the overwhelming majority of the radiation dose received by the population. The contribution of anthropogenic sources is generally significantly lower, with the exception of rare cases of major nuclear or radiation accidents.

Global Research

The findings are presented in a new UNSCEAR scientific supplement, "Assessment of Public Exposure to Ionizing Radiation." This is the most comprehensive global analysis to date of public exposure to ionizing radiation from both natural and man-made sources. The report is based on data from the Global Public Exposure Study and an analysis of the scientific literature for the period 2007 to 2022.

According to the Committee's estimates, the average global annual effective dose from natural sources is approximately 3.0 millisieverts (mSv). The largest contribution comes from the inhalation of radon, thoron, and their decay products—approximately 1.8 mSv per year. This is followed by the intake of natural radionuclides with food and water (0.5 mSv), external exposure to radionuclides in the Earth's crust (0.4 mSv), and cosmic radiation (0.3 mSv).

The new figure is higher than the previously published global average of 2.4 mSv, published in 2008. However, UNSCEAR emphasizes that the increase is due to improved data availability and methodology, rather than an actual increase in environmental radiation levels.

“The new assessment provides a clearer and more globally representative picture of the radiation doses people receive in their daily lives,” said UNSCEAR Chairperson Dr. Sarah Baatout. “With better data and advances in science, we can more accurately assess population exposure and support national and international efforts to protect public health.”

Contribution of anthropogenic sources

The report notes that the contribution of man-made sources – including medical, industrial, scientific and domestic uses of radiation technologies – under normal operating conditions typically amounts to only a few microsieverts per year.

Radiation doses to residents living near nuclear power plants also remain very low, typically no more than a few dozen microsieverts per year. The collective effective dose per unit of generated electricity is estimated at 0.4 person-sieverts per gigawatt-year.

Nuclear tests

Radiation exposure in former nuclear test sites has significantly decreased. While radiation levels were high immediately after the tests, today's annual doses at test sites in New Mexico, the Marshall Islands, Mururoa and Fangataufa, and Semipalatinsk are generally significantly lower than natural background levels.

Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents

Population exposure levels related to the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents continue to decline due to radioactive decay, natural processes, and decontamination measures. Currently, annual doses in areas around Chernobyl range from tens of microsieverts to several millisieverts, and in non-evacuated municipalities near Fukushima, from several microsieverts to approximately 0.3 mSv.

The UNSCEAR report aims to provide governments and international organizations with updated scientific evidence for policy development in the field of radiation protection and public health.

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February 12, 2026 Peace and security

At a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday, humanitarian officials and the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen presented a grim picture of the situation in the country, where protracted conflict continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and undermine prospects for sustainable stabilization.

UN Special Envoy: Stabilization is impossible without a political process

Speaking from Riyadh, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in the country cannot be resolved without progress on the political front. He noted that initial signs of improvement are being seen in some areas, including the restoration of electricity, the payment of salaries to civil servants, and the formation of a new cabinet. However, these achievements remain fragile amid protests, violent incidents, and attacks on journalists.

Grundberg welcomed the appointment of three women to ministerial posts and stressed the need for their full participation in decision-making and peace negotiations.

The special envoy warned that the conflict has become significantly more complex over the years of war: "Lines of confrontation are multiplying, local contradictions are intensifying, regional tensions are fueling the conflict and are themselves fueled by it."

He stressed that the political process must take into account the interrelationship of political, economic and military aspects and be based on both short-term and long-term perspectives.

Grundberg focused particularly on the issue of detainees. He recalled that a year ago, a UN World Food Programme employee died in custody in Yemen, and no investigation has yet been conducted. He called on the Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, to immediately and unconditionally release all detained UN and NGO employees and drop the prosecutions.

Amid rising tensions throughout the Middle East, Grundberg warned that Yemen "must not be drawn into a wider confrontation." He emphasized that decisions about war and peace cannot be made unilaterally.

"Desperate" humanitarian situation

Speaking on behalf of the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Lisa Doughten reported that the situation in Yemen is "more desperate than ever." She stated that 22.3 million Yemenis, half the country's population, will need humanitarian assistance by 2026. "Currently, 73 UN staff remain arbitrarily detained by the de facto authorities, along with dozens of NGO workers and civil society representatives," she said.

According to the UN, more than 18 million Yemenis currently face acute food insecurity, and 5.5 million live in the worst possible food insecurity.

The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.

Yemen's healthcare system is on the brink of collapse: 40 percent of medical facilities are non-functional or at risk of closure, and outbreaks of preventable diseases, including measles and cholera, are on the rise. Yemen currently has the third-highest number of cholera cases in the world.

The rise in child and maternal malnutrition is particularly alarming: 2.2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, and 570,000 from severe malnutrition. Almost one in two children in the country suffers from stunting.

Humanitarian organizations were able to provide assistance to millions of people in 2025, including food support and treatment for children with severe malnutrition. However, the UN humanitarian plan was only 28.5 percent funded, forcing agencies to cut programs.

Doughten called on UN member states to ensure sustainable funding for humanitarian programmes and to increase pressure on the country's de facto authorities to release detained aid workers and stop interfering with humanitarian activities.

Both speeches concluded with a call for Security Council member states to support the UN's efforts – both to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and to return the parties to an inclusive political process.

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February 11, 2026 Human rights

More than 70 percent of legislators worldwide reported experiencing violence from members of the public, including online, according to a new report from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York on February 11, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong warned of rising hostility toward elected officials. The report, "When Society Becomes Hostile: Political Violence Against Parliamentarians," focuses on the growing incidence of intimidation and harassment of parliamentarians by citizens.

"The violence is largely concentrated online, with between 65 and 70 percent of MPs in the five countries reporting instances of online abuse," Chungong said.

The report is based on a survey of hundreds of parliamentarians, as well as in-depth research in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. According to the data obtained, the most common forms of pressure include insults and derogatory remarks, the dissemination of false or misleading information, and threats. Most respondents believe the situation is worsening. In Argentina and the Netherlands, up to 80 percent of parliamentarians reported an increase in violence over the past five years.

"Online violence is often triggered by elections, high-profile parliamentary debates, or polarizing political and cultural issues," Chungong noted.

Online violence is often triggered by elections, high-profile parliamentary debates, or polarizing political and cultural issues.

The report also highlights the gender dimension of the problem. Women parliamentarians are more often the target of attacks: 76 percent of female MPs in the countries surveyed reported experiencing violence, compared to only 68 percent of men.

Speaking about the situation in the United States, Chungong called it "very acute" and noted the rise in attacks on politicians and even their family members. He mentioned the arson attack against Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the attack on the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the recent physical attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a campaign rally.

Chungong warned that this trend poses a serious threat to democratic institutions. "This phenomenon can have a negative impact on democracy," he emphasized, adding that rising societal hostility has "serious consequences not only for the safety and well-being of legislators themselves, but also for the work of parliaments and the quality of democratic debate." Many MPs interviewed reported changing their behavior. "They resort to self-censorship online and become more cautious in their public statements," he said.

The Geneva-based IPU is holding its annual parliamentary hearing this week at UN Headquarters in New York, jointly with the Office of the President of the General Assembly. Around 250 people are expected to attend, including approximately 150 parliamentarians from around the world.

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February 11, 2026 International law

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday called on Israel to reverse recent measures aimed at expanding its control over Palestinian territories in the occupied West Bank.

"This is yet another step by the Israeli authorities to make the creation of a viable Palestinian state impossible, which violates the Palestinian people's right to self-determination," he said.

According to Türk, if these decisions are implemented, “they will undoubtedly accelerate the dispossession and forced displacement of Palestinians, and will also lead to the creation of new illegal Israeli settlements.”

In turn, this will “further deprive Palestinians of their natural resources and limit their enjoyment of other human rights.”

Expanding control over land

On February 8, the Israeli security cabinet approved a package of measures, which provides for the expansion of Israeli civil powers in areas A and B of the West Bank, which make up about 40 percent of the territory.

Some of these powers, according to the Oslo Accords signed by the Israeli and Palestinian leadership in the 1990s, fall within the purview of the Palestinian Authority.

The new measures include a change in legislation that will allow Israeli authorities and private individuals to acquire land in Areas A and B, in violation of occupation law.

"This will further strengthen Israel's control and the integration of the occupied West Bank into Israel, cementing the illegal annexation," Türk stressed.

Violation of cultural rights

The decisions also strip the Palestinian Authority of planning and construction authority in parts of Hebron in the southern West Bank, including the Ibrahimi Mosque – known in Judaism as the “Cave of the Patriarchs” and a sacred site for followers of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

In addition, Israel will establish administrative control over another holy site – Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem – in order to accelerate settlement expansion.

"This violates not only the land rights of Palestinians, but also their cultural rights to places of special significance," the High Commissioner said.

"The decisions must be reversed."

Türk noted that the new steps come amid a broader picture – increasing attacks by Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as well as forced displacements, evictions, home demolitions, land seizures and restrictions on freedom of movement, among other documented violations.

"We are witnessing rapid steps to irreversibly change the demography of the occupied Palestinian territory, dispossess its people of their land and force them to leave," he said.

"This is accompanied by rhetoric and actions by senior Israeli officials and violates Israel's obligations as an occupying power to preserve the existing legal order and social fabric. These decisions must be reversed," Türk added.

The High Commissioner called for the evacuation of all settlements and an immediate end to the Israeli occupation.

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February 11, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: children killed in a strike in the Kharkiv region, Turk called for an end to measures to expand Israeli control in the West Bank, the UN Secretary-General will attend the African Union summit in Ethiopia, and measles cases in Europe and Central Asia have declined, but risks remain.

Casualties among Ukrainian children

Humanitarian organizations are providing emergency aid to residents of the city of Bohodukhiv in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. after the drone attack at night, which killed three children and their father. The family had recently fled from another frontline area in search of safety, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday. The day before, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) also reported minor casualties in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Humanitarian workers continue to support the affected families.

The situation in the West Bank

Recent decisions by the Israeli Security Cabinet to expand land expropriation in the occupied West Bank violate the Palestinians' right to self-determination" , UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated today. He warned that if these decisions are implemented, they will lead to the dispossession and forced displacement of Palestinians, as well as the creation of new illegal Israeli settlements. Türk called on Israel to reverse its measures to expand its control over Palestinian lands in the West Bank.

UN and African Union

Tomorrow the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Guterres will arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit. He also plans to hold a number of bilateral meetings. According to the UN press service, Guterres has been invited to participate in the second Italy-Africa Summit on Friday, and on Saturday he will address the opening of the African Union Summit. Guterres is expected to emphasize the role of developing the partnership between the two organizations.

Measles incidence

Number of measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2025 significantly decreased Compared to 2024, preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region indicate this. However, the threat of new outbreaks remains, warn the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2025, 33,998 measles cases were registered in the region—almost 75 percent fewer than the year before. However, the 2025 figures still exceed those of most years since 2000. In some countries, the number of cases was even higher than in 2024.

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