The logo of the World Health Organization, at the 79th World Health Assembly, at the United Nations in Geneva ,18 May 2026. (Keystone/Salvatore Di Nolfi)

💼China has nominated candidate for WHO director general whose name remains undisclosed. Diplomatic sources say Beijing nominated a senior Chinese health official, citing Song Li as the possible nominee, but the candidate’s identity has yet to be confirmed by the UN agency.

🗳️ The race to select the next UN secretary general just got more complicated. The UN's Security Council yesterday held its latest straw poll, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remaining the top contender for the post. But her lead narrowed considerably since the last straw poll on 29 September.

🦠WHO seeks clarity on second pneumonia case in Russia amid plague fears. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged authorities to share transparent and timely information after media reports revealed the second infection.

🧸More unaccompanied children are taking dangerous crossings to Europe, UN says. Two thirds of children arriving by land or sea in southeastern and southern Europe were not accompanied by adults, with many experiencing violence and exploitation.

⚖️UN rights council keeps spotlight on Russia. Countries voted overwhelmingly to prolong the mandate of the special rapporteur on Russia.

🙅‍♂️Ivonne Baki says she Is staying in the secretary general race: ‘I don’t believe in quitting’. The Ecuadorian-Lebanese candidate, who has received abysmal results in straw polls, had a similar experience when she ran for the presidency in Ecuador in 2002.