Aridity is a slow-moving but deeply disruptive climatic condition marked by long-term dryness that gradually erodes ecosystems and landscapes. Unlike sudden disasters such as floods or cyclones, aridity develops quietly—through declining rainfall, drying soils, shrinking rivers, and a steady loss of environmental resilience. Global data shows that more than 77% of Earth’s land became drier… [Read More]
ADB Report: Asia-Pacific Advances on Water Security for 2.7 Billion, Yet Ecosystem Loss Looms
More than 60% of people in Asia and the Pacific—around 2.7 billion individuals—have moved out of extreme water insecurity over the last twelve years, according to the Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2025. The report credits this progress to stronger political commitment, targeted investments, and governance reforms since 2013. However, it warns that rapid environmental… [Read More]
2025 Equator Prize: UNDP Recognizes 10 Indigenous and Community Climate Solutions
The 2025 Equator Prize Award Ceremony will honour ten exceptional nature-based solutions led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide. The event highlights the critical role these groups play in protecting ecosystems, advancing climate action, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. This year’s winners will receive between US$15,000 and $25,000 in recognition of their efforts to restore… [Read More]
UNDP Analysis: Cyclone Ditwah Submerges 20% of Sri Lanka
An estimated 2.3 million people, more than half of them women, were living in areas flooded by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka on 28 November. New UNDP geospatial analysis reveals that more than 1.1 million hectares—almost one-fifth of the country—were inundated, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services. According to disaster-related data… [Read More]
North Carolina Agencies May Face Challenges Due to HUD Federal Funding Shifts, Experts Say
Housing advocates in North Carolina are raising concerns over changes to federal funding that could significantly affect efforts to address homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is revising its Continuum of Care program, the largest initiative supporting homeless services, which will reduce funding for permanent housing projects and introduce new eligibility… [Read More]
Enabling Environments for Civil Society: Comparative Insights from Africa, Latin America & Europe
Across Africa and Latin America, civil society faces an increasingly constrained environment. From restrictive NGO laws and shrinking civic space to rising digital surveillance, polarised narratives, and reduced funding, civil society actors encounter mounting barriers to participation. Yet, networks are responding by organising, connecting, and shaping political agendas in innovative ways. Forus, together with partners… [Read More]
Global Leaders Commit $1.9 Billion in Abu Dhabi to End Polio and Safeguard Children Worldwide
International leaders, philanthropists, and global health partners gathered in Abu Dhabi on December 8, 2025, to pledge a collective US$ 1.9 billion toward polio eradication. This includes approximately $1.2 billion in new commitments, reducing the remaining funding gap for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) 2022–2029 Strategy to $440 million. The funds aim to reach… [Read More]
Why Addressing South Africa’s Water Crisis Can Fix Energy and Food Challenges Too
South Africa is facing severe challenges across water, energy, and food sectors. Drought, overuse, and ageing infrastructure strain water supplies, while reliance on coal-fired electricity contributes to unsustainable energy production and high greenhouse gas emissions. Rising food prices have left tens of millions unable to afford sufficient nutrition, with around one in four families going… [Read More]
Supporting the Next Generation of Canadian Innovators
Google has been a long-standing supporter of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), promoting coding and computational thinking among students. This year, during CSEdWeek, Google joined the global Hour of AI alongside partners Code.org and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) to help educators and learners better understand, use, and create with artificial intelligence. To support… [Read More]
Canadian Government Invests in Programs Supporting Community Reintegration
The Government of Canada, through the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, has announced a Call for Applications for the Grants and Contributions Program to Voluntary Organizations. This initiative provides funding to non-profit organizations that deliver programs supporting the reintegration of individuals involved in the criminal justice system back into society. The funding opportunity… [Read More]
Global Environment Facility Council to Evaluate High-Impact Initiatives and Funding Opportunities
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) will hold its second-to-last Council meeting of the eighth funding cycle from December 15-19, 2025, to review progress on its current targets and consider over $350 million in new funding for high-impact environmental initiatives. The proposed funding spans the GEF Trust Fund, Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), Special Climate Change… [Read More]
FAO and Poland Collaborate to Support Conflict-Affected Households in Sudan
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Poland, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have signed a USD 1 million project agreement to address Sudan’s escalating food insecurity and nutrition crisis. The initiative aims to support vulnerable conflict-affected households in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. Sudan is experiencing… [Read More]
Forum Highlights Link Between Waste Reduction, Agrifood Systems, Water Security, and Climate Resilience
Every day, small losses in food supply chains—from spoiled produce to uneaten meals at homes and restaurants—have outsized consequences, consuming precious water and accelerating the climate crisis. Globally, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, representing a waste of water, land, energy, and labor. With agriculture consuming 78 percent of the world’s freshwater… [Read More]
Strengthening South Africa’s Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture: FAO Initiatives
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is advancing efforts to strengthen South Africa’s inland fisheries and small-scale aquaculture sectors. These sectors are vital to national priorities, including job creation, food and nutrition security, sustainable livelihoods, rural development, gender equality,… [Read More]
Influenza Updates: PAHO Monitors Rising Cases Across the Americas This Winter
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has urged countries across the Americas to strengthen their health service preparedness as the Northern Hemisphere enters the winter season, which typically sees increased circulation of influenza and other respiratory viruses. PAHO emphasized that a combination of vaccination, surveillance, hospital readiness, timely diagnosis and treatment, and personal preventive measures… [Read More]
Zoonotic Influenza Preparedness: Implementing a Multisector Partnership Framework
A study conducted by the Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit at WHO SEARO and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, presents a practical framework and reflection tool designed to help national programme managers operationalize multisector partnerships (MSPs) for zoonotic influenza preparedness and response. Published in Health Policy and Planning, the study addresses… [Read More]
$33 Billion 2026 Humanitarian Appeal Launched to Aid Millions in Crisis
The $33 billion Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) 2026 was launched on Monday with the goal of reaching 135 million people across 50 countries. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized that the appeal prioritizes saving lives, stating that the focus must be on providing aid “life by life.” The appeal comes after a challenging year marked… [Read More]
Global Support Critical as Syria Faces Fragile Post-Conflict Transition, UN Says
The UN has praised the determination of Syrians working to rebuild their country, emphasizing that sustained international engagement is essential to maintain progress amid ongoing security and humanitarian challenges. UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi highlighted that Syrians have shown remarkable courage over the past year, seizing the first real opportunity in generations… [Read More]
Global Atrocity Risks Escalate, UN Expert Issues Urgent Warning
Chaloka Beyani, the UN Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, shared his first reflections since taking office in August, highlighting the origins of his mandate, which was established by the UN Security Council in response to the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica. He emphasized the growing global risks of atrocities, noting disturbing similarities between past… [Read More]
IOM 2026 Global Appeal: Supporting 41 Million People on the Move Worldwide
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its 2026 Global Appeal, seeking USD 4.7 billion to assist 41 million people on the move while strengthening systems to ensure migration is safe, orderly, and regular. The Appeal underscores the urgent reality that people migrate in search of protection, stability, and opportunity, requiring sustained humanitarian and… [Read More]
Strengthening Labour Rights and Violence Prevention in the Cotton Industry
From 1 to 3 December 2025, Jizzakh city hosted a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme that brought together representatives from the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, as well as farmers and agricultural workers involved in cotton cultivation. The training focused on promoting fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) and fostering appropriate workplace behaviour,… [Read More]
Capacity Building for Cambodian Leaders in Technical and Vocational Education Policy
Officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) have strengthened their capacity to conduct an evidence-based review of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2017–2025. In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), MLVT organized a three-day training from 26 to 28 November 2025, attended by over 30 officials… [Read More]
ILO Supports Kiribati’s Launch of Inaugural National Employment Policy
The Government of the Republic of Kiribati has launched its first-ever National Employment Policy (NEP) for 2025–2029, marking a historic step toward promoting decent work, inclusive growth, and sustainable livelihoods. Developed through extensive consultation with government authorities, tripartite partners, civil society, and development stakeholders, the policy provides a comprehensive framework to address pressing employment challenges,… [Read More]
