Through tireless efforts over more than 80 years, the United Nations has maintained its pivotal role in conflict prevention and peacekeeping. However, unpredictable shifts in the international landscape pose new challenges to the world’s largest multilateral organisation.

June 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the UK’s referendum on leaving the European Union (EU), the starting point of the Brexit “divorce” whose consequences continue to be felt today.

Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly won Viet Nam's only gold at the Asian Karate Championships, which wrapped up on June 21 in Indonesia.

From Asia to Europe, countries are being severely affected by unprecedented heatwaves. Extreme weather events continue to demonstrate that the fight against climate change remains an uphill battle, with a persistent gap between promises made and action taken.

The military conflict in the Middle East has triggered an unprecedented energy shock with far-reaching consequences across the globe. At the same time, it has created momentum for countries to build resilient energy defence lines for their economies. Securing energy self-sufficiency is being prioritised by an increasing number of nations as a key factor in ensuring economic stability and national security.

The digital environment helps children access knowledge, learn, interact, and integrate into the community quickly, as well as develop their creativity. However, amidst this “ocean” of information, children need guidance and knowledge to be able to select what is beneficial and stay away from harmful elements.

The prolonged conflict in the Middle East has had a profound impact on labour markets, aviation, tourism, public finance, and growth prospects across many major economies in Asia and Europe. Experts warn that even if the conflict comes to an end, the scars it leaves behind may take years to heal.

The US cancelled its planned attack on Iran on May 19 following requests from three Gulf countries. Tehran also urgently sent Washington a 14-point peace proposal through Pakistani mediation. These positive moves by the parties involved have given observers reason to hope that the conflict in the Middle East may soon come to an end.

The expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has just concluded in New Delhi. The meeting underscored the need to continue reforming the global governance system and strengthening the voice of developing countries in addressing global challenges.

The European Union (EU)’s Pact on Migration and Asylum - Brussels’ most comprehensive reform in migration management in recent years - is set to officially take effect in June. However, this marks only the beginning of a long and difficult journey.

The number of armed conflicts globally has risen sharply to levels not seen since the end of the Second World War, driving global military spending to a record high of nearly 2.9 trillion USD.

New developments related to the conflict in the Middle East, together with rifts within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), have confronted European countries with an unavoidable reality: being protected by a security umbrella does not necessarily mean enjoying sustainable safety.

Relations between the US and its allies in NATO have shown further strain after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany within the next 6 to 12 months.

Over its history of more than 80 years, the United Nations has affirmed the enduring vitality of multilateralism, along with its role as a “beacon” guiding humanity towards peace and cooperation through turbulent times.