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The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed grave concern over reports that a senior military leader is urging troops to carry out violence against civilians, warning that such rhetoric has already contributed to the displacement of more than 180,000 people. UN officials condemned calls for attacks on civilians as abhorrent and urged an… [Read More]

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark warning to the Security Council during a high-level open debate convened by Somalia, which holds the Council’s presidency for January. His remarks came at a moment of growing global instability, as conflicts multiply, tensions rise, and confidence in international institutions erodes, even as the United Nations marks 80… [Read More]

Now eight months pregnant and sheltering in a makeshift camp, Fatima says her greatest fear is not the freezing cold but what might happen if she goes into labour without access to medical care. As a displaced mother of three, she describes displacement as more than the loss of a home, noting that women are… [Read More]

Two senior officials from UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) say the ceasefire in Gaza has led to meaningful humanitarian improvements, but conditions remain extremely dangerous for children. Speaking to journalists in New York after a week-long visit to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, they stressed that while aid delivery has increased significantly,… [Read More]

Tuesday’s solemn commemoration marked 81 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp by Allied forces, a site where more than one million people were murdered during the Holocaust. The remembrance served as a powerful moment to honour the victims and reflect on the enduring legacy of one of history’s darkest chapters… [Read More]

From 29–30 January, WHO/Europe will host a two-day capacity-building workshop under the EU-funded Technical Support Instrument (TSI) 2025 flagship project, “EU Health Hub – Investing in Resilient Health Systems.” The initiative supports countries in strategically strengthening their health systems using European funding, with financial backing from the EU’s Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX), a… [Read More]

As 2026 begins, Asia and the Pacific are entering a significant electoral season, with hundreds of millions of citizens set to vote. This period represents a “year of opportunity” for governance renewal, allowing countries to either confirm existing leadership or embrace new directions. Elections in countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal illustrate a renewal of… [Read More]

The Community Foundation of Frederick County has awarded over $758,000 through its Impact Grant program to support projects that improve life in Frederick County. In 2026, more than 55 organizations received funding for initiatives spanning arts, historic preservation, agriculture, health and human services, education, cultural understanding, animal welfare, scholarships, elder care, youth programs, and civic… [Read More]

Across the globe, menstrual health and sanitation markets are already being reshaped by climate shocks, resource pressures, and environmental degradation. These markets are deeply connected to climate resilience, economic stability, and social equity. Building inclusive, climate-resilient systems is critical not only for environmental goals but also for ensuring equitable access to sanitation and menstrual health… [Read More]

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced that over the past year, more than £7.91 million in grants has been awarded to over 2,350 rural community organisations and businesses across Northern Ireland. These funds were distributed through the Department’s Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme and Rural Business Development Grant Scheme to support local initiatives, strengthen rural… [Read More]

The Province of Nova Scotia has launched the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Impact Grant program to support community-based organizations serving 2SLGBTQIA+ residents. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity, stability, and long-term impact of these organizations, helping them better serve underrepresented and underserved communities, including those in rural areas. This funding program is part of the Province’s… [Read More]

The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a year after former President Donald Trump ordered the exit. This move ends all US participation in the UN health agency but leaves behind an unpaid debt of approximately $260 million. The US Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that… [Read More]

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a series of new partnerships with global businesses, brands, and philanthropic organizations to accelerate vaccine innovation and expand access to primary healthcare in underserved communities. The announcement, made at Davos on 22 January 2026, emphasizes the continued relevance of Gavi’s public-private partnership model, which helps countries scale proven health… [Read More]

The European Union has unveiled its Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026–2030, aiming to continue efforts initiated after the 2020 George Floyd murder and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests. The plan includes reviewing and reporting on the implementation of anti-discrimination laws across all 27 EU member states, launching an EU-wide awareness campaign on equality, and doubling the… [Read More]

LUSH Malaysia has launched a refreshed approach to advocacy and giving, starting in late March 2026, linking product innovation directly with NGOs to drive measurable impact in conservation, community empowerment, and environmental justice. The initiative marks a shift from awareness campaigns to action-oriented projects that deliver tangible outcomes. The announcement was made at the LUSH… [Read More]

Residents near the Lega Dembi gold mine in Ethiopia’s Oromia region have long reported severe health impacts, particularly among children. Reports include children born with chronic health conditions, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Multiple studies have detected dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals, including cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, in the country’s largest gold mine, raising serious… [Read More]

In 2025, major donor nations significantly reduced funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, jeopardizing the right to health for millions worldwide. So far, only US$11.85 billion has been pledged for 2026–2028, far short of the US$18 billion urgently needed. All but one of the top 10 donors cut their contributions,… [Read More]

This week, Australia passed new legislation aimed at expanding government powers to ban hate groups and impose tougher penalties for hate crimes. The laws were introduced in response to the Bondi Beach mass shooting in December, where two gunmen killed 15 people during Hanukkah celebrations. While hate crime laws can play a crucial role in… [Read More]

Following renewed clashes between Syrian authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in north-east Syria, control over certain detention facilities and camps holding people suspected of Islamic State (IS) affiliation has shifted to the Syrian authorities. Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that these… [Read More]

The Syrian Private Sector Dialogue (PSD) is a flagship initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme with support from the Government of Japan, designed to bring together Syrian business leaders from across the country and the diaspora. Since 2018, the Dialogue has served as a trusted, evidence-based platform where entrepreneurs, chambers, policymakers, and international… [Read More]

After more than a decade of conflict, Syria is entering a pivotal moment following the 2024 transition. The country faces immense challenges, but also significant potential to rebuild livelihoods and restore economic stability. Central to this recovery are Syrian workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses that have endured years of instability, demonstrating resilience that can serve as… [Read More]

Uncertainty defined 2025 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with economic, social, and political volatility reaching historic highs. These pressures are set to continue in 2026, fueled by shifting geopolitical alliances, evolving trade rules, and a dense calendar of elections. Some countries benefit from higher commodity prices and renewed investment, while others remain mired… [Read More]

In 2025, India made significant strides in empowering millions of its citizens, from farmers to women and youth, through systemic improvements in digital health, social protection, and skills development. These changes provided stability, new opportunities, and practical support, reaching 42 million farmers, 32 million women, and 116,000 youth, and contributing to broader national progress. Dr…. [Read More]