The United Nations wants a humanitarian pause declared in fighting affecting the Syrian city Aleppo, and it is discussing such a move with Russia and Syria. Meanwhile, a coalition of more than 200 human rights groups is asking the UN General Assembly to hold an emergency session to call for an end to attacks on Aleppo.

Some areas of South Sudan are experiencing ethnic cleansing, says a United Nations human rights panel. Actions must be taken to prevent a genocide similar to the one in Rwanda in 1994, the panel says.

Thursday was World AIDS Day, highlighting that countries around the world must continue to actively fight AIDS as well as support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria if the disease is to be controlled, write UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Isabella Lovin. Sufficient funding must be made available to ensure AIDS can be diminished, they write.

Monday is International Volunteer Day, when the world recognizes the efforts of the many volunteers demonstrating how "peace, cooperation and trust" can make a difference, writes Executive Coordinator at United Nations Volunteers Richard Dictus. Volunteers work directly and indirectly to make those qualities a reality, he contends.

Green technologies can become mainstream as long as policies and investment provide support, said speakers at last month's Asian Development Bank Green Business Forum for Asia and Pacific. Speakers outlined three ways that green technology can be incorporated into the energy mix.

Women are joining extremist groups to gain power and choices, says Fatima Akilu, executive director of the Neem Foundation, a counterterrorism nonprofit in Nigeria. Women who do leave groups such as Boko Haram find civilian life doesn't offer the same opportunities that they have come to expect, she contends.

Scale up efforts to prevent HIV infections in youth: UNICEF

"No Water for Thousands of People Trapped in Mosul. A Precarious Humanitarian Situation Deteriorates"

@UN Foundation: Modern slavery is often hiding in plain sight. Here are 10 ways to recognize it: http://bit.ly/1sxuNGG #50ff