UN updates Model Tax Convention as digital economy reshapes international business

When a multinational company earns income across borders, which country gets to tax it? That question has grown more complicated as cross-border trade, foreign investment, and digital services have transformed the global economy. 

SDG Pavilion at COP30: A hub for action and hope in Belém

As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, for the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) from 10 to 21 November, the SDG Pavilion organized by UN DESA, will serve as a beacon for collaboration and innovation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement in synergy. 

The SDG Pavilion at COP30 will unite representatives from governments, civil society, science, the private sector, and more to advance integrated climate and sustainable development solutions for people and planet. 

Celebrating World Sustainable Transport Day and launching the UN Decade

Every day, billions of people rely on transport to reach school, work, and essential services. Transport systems enable the movement of freight powering businesses, supply chains, and entire industries. Yet too often, these journeys come at a cost. Transport is responsible for nearly a quarter of global CO₂ emissions, and more than 1.2 million people lose their lives each year in road crashes, leaving families and communities devastated. Safe, affordable, and clean mobility remains out of reach for millions, especially in developing countries.

Global data community to accelerate SDG progress

The 16th meeting of the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) will be held from 5 to 7 November 2025 in Kitakyushu, Japan. 

World Toilet Day 2025: “We’ll Always Need the Toilet”

In a changing world, one thing remains constant: we will always need the toilet. Sanitation protects our health, preserves our environment, and safeguards communities from disease. Today, 3.4 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation services, with the poorest, especially women and girls, worst affected.

Advancing the work of a historic 80th General Assembly

As the UN General Assembly (GA) welcomed presidents, prime ministers and premier public intellectuals, the halls of UN Headquarters in New York echoed with the dignity and urgency of what we’ve achieved and what more needs to be done. But did you know that beyond the High-Level Week, six Committees of the General Assembly meet over the coming months to address pressing priorities and debate the details? Learn more about two of the Committees that UN DESA is supporting substantively.

Second Committee – Economic and financial issues

Older persons driving local and global action

The 35th United Nations International Day of Older Persons will be held on 1 October 2025 at United Nations Headquarters in New York putting a spotlight on the theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights.” 

Experts set to convene on tax matters

The UN Committee of Experts on International Tax Cooperation will come together in Geneva from 21 to 24 October 2025 for what promises to be a significant moment in global tax policy. The gathering marks the inaugural session of the newly appointed 2025-2029 membership of this body charged with helping countries tackle the growing complexities of international tax amid urgent efforts to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone

Every five years, World Statistics Day (WSD) is observed on 20 October. Since it was first celebrated in 2010, the Day provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of official statistics and to highlight the contributions of national and international statistical systems. 

Climate and sustainable development crises must be solved together

The 2025 Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies, launched at the United Nations last month, found that tackling the climate and sustainable development crises together, through synergistic action that breaks down silos, can unlock efficiencies at scale and reduce government spending needed on these crises by nearly 40 per cent.