BBC News Briefing

23 January, 2026

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet looks at how the US-led Board of Peace could rival the United Nations' role as peacemaker-in-chief. From South East Asia, my colleagues explain the challenges facing Vietnamese leader To Lam's bold economic goals. And finally, a cat reported stolen by a delivery driver is reunited with her owners.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Trump withdraws Canada's Board invite

US President Donald Trump holds up a Board of Peace charter displaying his signature and the words 'thank you!' written in black marker

The UN, 193 members strong, has long lost its role as peacemaker-in-chief, writes Lyse Doucet. Credit: Reuters

Presenting the Board of Peace in Davos on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said it would work "in conjunction with the United Nations". But for many observers and officials around world, writes Lyse Doucet, the initiative offers "more proof of Trump's drive to dismantle the post-war international architecture and replace it with new institutions - dominated by him." Just days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned of a "rupture" in the US-led global order, Trump announced he had withdrawn Canada's invitation to join the board. But what will this board, of which Trump is chairman for life, actually do? And what does it mean for the UN?

Read Lyse's analysis

War in Afghanistan: Trump's claim that Nato troops stayed "a little off the front lines" during the conflict has sparked outrage in the UK.

Gaza's future: The US has unveiled its plans for a "New Gaza" that would see the devastated Palestinian territory rebuilt with skyscrapers.

Abu Dhabi talks: Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators are heading to the UAE for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Follow live updates.

WORLD HEADLINES

Syrian security force member pictured holding a gun and standing next to a blue metal gate at al hol camp with women in niqabs crowding at the gate

UN to take over Syrian camp for IS families

The al-Hol camp holds thousands of people with alleged links to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).

What happened >

A sign for the World Health Organization outside its Geneva headquarters.

US officially leaves World Health Organization

The withdrawal, first announced by executive order last year, deprives the UN agency of one of its biggest donors.

What this means >

People throw snowballs on a snow-covered bridge in Massachusetts on 19 January

Parts of US may see up to 12in (30cm) of snow

The National Weather Service expects "life-threatening cold air" from the Arctic to affect people across 30 states.

What to know >

TikTok seals deal to split US from global business

ByteDance will licence the algorithm to a new US entity, in a deal the Trump administration valued at $14bn (£10bn).

More details >

A combined image of Ariana Grande next to Brad Pitt. Ariana has brown hair and brown eyes and wearing a choker diamond necklace and a black gown. BRad has short blond hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a white long-sleeved top.

Eight surprises from the Oscar nominations

This year's nominations, from the very first category to the last, have delivered a string of snubs and surprises.

Key takeaways >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Russian tankers: BBC Verify has tracked dozens of oil ships sanctioned by the UK sailing through the English Channel this month.

Barron Trump: The US president's son contacted police saying he witnessed a friend in London being "beat up" during a video call, a court has heard.

Queen Elizabeth II: The memorial to the late monarch will feature a statue of her standing, rather than on horseback as previously illustrated.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Vietnam's leader sets out bold ambitions