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The World Health Organization (WHO), with financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has strengthened Pakistan’s immunization efforts by handing over 20 four-wheel-drive vehicles to the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The vehicles will be deployed in 20 priority districts where large numbers of “zero-dose” children—those who have never received a single vaccine—live in… [Read More]

Drug use disorders are emerging as one of the most serious and rapidly growing public health challenges in the Americas, according to a new study published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health. The findings show that drug use is now among the top 10 risk factors contributing to death and disability across the… [Read More]

The Government of Canada has launched a new call for proposals to support innovation in Indigenous early learning and child care, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children have access to high-quality, culturally grounded programs that reflect their languages, traditions, and values. Indigenous-led early learning and child care is seen… [Read More]

Lebanon has unveiled its National Digital Health Transformation Strategy for 2025–2030, setting out an ambitious roadmap to modernize the country’s healthcare system through technology, innovation, and collaboration. The strategy presents a forward-looking vision that leverages e-health solutions, medical informatics, and artificial intelligence–driven decision-making to improve service delivery, strengthen health outcomes, and ensure more efficient use… [Read More]

The UK Government has announced a major overhaul of the Disability Confident scheme, aimed at improving workplace standards and expanding employment opportunities for sick and disabled people. The reforms are designed to help employers better recruit, retain and support disabled workers, while boosting living standards and workplace inclusion as part of the Government’s wider Plan… [Read More]

The National Conversation on Education was officially launched today by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan, marking the start of a once-in-a-generation public dialogue on the future of Ireland’s education system. Beginning on… [Read More]

Ireland has announced new humanitarian funding for Ukraine, with three leading Irish NGOs each receiving €1 million to support communities affected by the ongoing conflict. Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond confirmed that Concern, the Irish Red Cross and Trócaire will receive the funding through Irish Aid to deliver urgent humanitarian… [Read More]

The world has just marked its eleventh consecutive year of record-breaking global warmth, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Wednesday, underscoring the accelerating pace of climate change. After reviewing eight international datasets, WMO confirmed that 2025 ranked among the three warmest years ever recorded, despite the presence of a cooling La Niña phase…. [Read More]

The forced closure of a United Nations-run health clinic in East Jerusalem has sparked serious concerns over an escalating disregard for international law, UN officials warned this week. On Monday, Israeli forces entered the UNRWA-operated Jerusalem Health Centre and ordered it to shut down for 30 days, while also demanding the removal of United Nations… [Read More]

Yemen’s fragile calm is rapidly eroding as political tensions, economic strain and deepening humanitarian needs push the country closer to renewed crisis, senior UN officials warned during a briefing to ambassadors. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said recent political and security developments, particularly in the south, highlighted how quickly relative stability can unravel… [Read More]

Government leaders, United Nations agencies, and development partners came together in Tirana to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing jobs and social protection reforms in Albania. The High-Level Partners Meeting on Jobs and Social Protection, held at the Center for Openness and Dialogue, brought national institutions, international partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector… [Read More]

Global unemployment may be holding steady, but meaningful progress toward decent work has slowed to a standstill, according to the International Labour Organization’s Employment and Social Trends 2026 report. While economic growth has shown resilience, the report warns that millions of workers—particularly young people and women—continue to face poor job quality, insecurity, and exclusion, with… [Read More]

Germany has reaffirmed its position as a vital partner of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in the Middle East and North Africa, providing critical support at a time of growing humanitarian needs and shrinking global aid budgets. Germany’s continued commitment has enabled WFP to deliver life-saving assistance and strengthen resilience for millions of… [Read More]

The FutureGen Girls Foundation and Microsoft Hong Kong have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding to expand access to AI and STEM education for teen girls and young women aged 12-19 across Hong Kong. Starting in 2026, the collaboration will focus on developing future-ready skills, mentorship networks, and career pathways, helping students explore diverse opportunities… [Read More]

The Circular Food Systems for Rwanda (CIRF) project convened its annual learning event in October 2025 to reflect on achievements and chart next steps as the initiative approaches its conclusion in December 2026. Partners and SMEs highlighted successes such as increased revenues, new jobs created through circular products, and significant policy influence, including Rwanda’s adoption… [Read More]

Arctic communities face increasing risks as the region warms three to four times faster than the global average, resulting in extreme weather, permafrost thaw, sea ice loss, avalanches, wildfires, and coastal erosion. These changes disrupt traditional livelihoods, isolate remote settlements, strain healthcare and emergency services, and negatively affect mental health, particularly among Indigenous populations whose… [Read More]

Four months after Tropical Storm Erin battered the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão in Cape Verde, communities continue to recover from the devastating floods that destroyed homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. While visible signs of the disaster have faded, many families still face the long-term challenges of rebuilding their lives. In response, the Cape… [Read More]

For over a decade, Western countries and international organizations invested roughly €753 million in Belarus with the aim of promoting good governance and democratic reforms. Despite these significant financial resources, the country has remained a “closed autocracy,” highlighting the limitations of foreign aid in influencing entrenched authoritarian systems. Aid initiatives followed two primary approaches: a… [Read More]

The Women’s Humanitarian Leadership Fund (WHLF) represents a transformative approach to supporting Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) in Ukraine, addressing long-standing gaps in funding, decision-making, and recognition within the humanitarian sector. Despite global commitments to localization, WROs often remain marginalized, underfunded, and excluded from strategic decision-making, even as they provide critical services to communities in crisis…. [Read More]

Wildfire risk is increasing across Europe due to hotter summers and changes in land use, making effective land and fire management a growing priority. A recent report on Cyprus provides important lessons, highlighting the development of the country’s first Integrated Fire Management strategy, which emphasizes prevention, active land stewardship, and community involvement rather than relying… [Read More]

A cross-regional coalition of 30 non-governmental organizations and human rights groups has issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations, demanding immediate emergency action to halt what they describe as “horrific mass killings” of protesters in Iran. According to credible reports cited by the coalition, more than 12,000 people have been killed since nationwide demonstrations… [Read More]

Journalism in Somaliland is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional reporting on official statements and breaking news toward in-depth coverage of complex and sensitive issues. Supported by targeted training and production funding, a new generation of journalists is increasingly reporting from spaces that were previously inaccessible, including displacement camps and areas affected by gender-based… [Read More]

On 6 January 2025, heavy clashes between Government Forces and the SDF in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, home to over 300,000 people including 40% IDPs from Afrin, caused significant civilian casualties, mass displacement, and widespread damage to health and public infrastructure. The escalation paralyzed economic activity, forced the suspension of schools and public services, and… [Read More]