Latest from United Nations

'Last chance' for emissions treaty uphill battle

192 nations have pledged to agree a global treaty at a two-week negotiating marathon in Paris at the end of 2015 - the most ambitious political task in history.

NZ primed for Security Council role

NZ's UN Ambassador Jim McLay says there are heavy expectations on New Zealand's shoulders when it takes Security Council seat.

War ends but the battle goes on

The war is officially over, victory secured. And Afghanistan, once again, has been rebuilt. But for many, life in the restive provinces is much as it ever was.

Coups save face for Obama

Assumptions that President Barack Obama was a lame duck, counting down his last quarter after Republicans seized Congress, were confounded by several White House coups.

Control over anti-pirate weapon ships urgently needed, agency warns

Sony's very own ransom thriller

This week, as The Interview's December 25 US release date loomed, the Guardians of Peace threatened "the world will be full of fear", hinting at a 9/11-style attack.

World's deadliest route revealed

The UN's refugee agency has revealed "the most lethal route in the world" after a record number of deaths.

CIA torture report may spark violence

US embassies have been told to prepare for violent protests ahead of a report into the CIA's use of torture.

Climate change proposal earns kudos

New Zealand's proposal to tackle climate change on an international scale is seen as "the only game in town" by the United States, Climate Change Minister Tim Groser says.

Jack Tame: Goody bags a start to big stuff

In the UN General Assembly hall it was Christmas at every desk.

UN seat doesn't mean Iraq action

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says winning a seat on the United Nations Security Council does not mean New Zealand is committed to military action in Iraq.

Audrey Young: NZ must now walk the tough talk of UN campaign

UN choices may strain friendships, McCully says

Foreign Minister Murray McCully is quite prepared to test friendships including with China and the US during New Zealand's two-year term on the Security Council, starting in 2015.

Dr Damien Rogers: Raft of complexities for small country to navigate

New Zealand's appointment to the UN Security Council will afford a number of benefits, and also open up a raft of complexities to navigate.

Key: NZ will have 'a loud voice'

Although a small country, New Zealand will have "a loud voice" on the United Nations Security Council as it works for global peace and stability, Prime Minister says.

NZ wins seat: 'Victory for small states'

NZ winning a seat on the UN Security Council 'proves small countries have a role to play' says the Prime Minister, as his Foreign Minister expresses relief.

Dita De Boni: NZ independent? Tell that to the marines

If New Zealand becomes a member of the UN Security Council early tomorrow, hoping to get a pay-off for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in schmoozing we've done to get there, let us see how much of an independent voice we will retain.

UN campaign of huge benefit to NZ - McCully

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says whether or not New Zealand wins a seat on the United Nations Security Council tomorrow morning, the campaign has been of huge benefit to New Zealand.