UN human rights experts have raised serious concerns over the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) pursuing criminal prosecution against students who peacefully protested the university’s research partnerships with Israeli institutions. The experts emphasized that publicly funded research must not contribute, directly or indirectly, to war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide,… [Read More]
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UK’s Climate Action Fund Opens to Support Low-Carbon and Resilient Food Systems
The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has launched its Climate Action Fund – Food Systems programme, inviting applications for long-term, partnership-led projects aimed at transforming food systems across the UK. The fund offers grants ranging from £2.5 million to £7 million for projects lasting five to seven years, with up to ten initiatives expected to… [Read More]
Sierra Leone Invites Private Developers to Boost Rural Electrification Through SOGREA Initiative
The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) Initiative has launched its first Call for Pre-Qualification Applications, inviting private sector companies to develop and upgrade green mini-grids in rural communities across Sierra Leone. The initiative, backed by the European Union and the Government of Denmark, aims to expand clean and reliable electricity access while promoting climate-resilient… [Read More]
Western Balkans Receives €171 Million EU Support Package to Strengthen Infrastructure and Enterprises
The European Commission has announced a €171 million support package to strengthen infrastructure and private sector development across Western Balkans partner countries. This funding combines contributions from multiple EU sources, including the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) bilateral donors, and the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF), targeting projects… [Read More]
From Refugee Camp to Garden: How Green Thumbs Are Transforming Lives
Inside the Hagadera Refugee Camp in Dadaab, eastern Kenya, Mariam has transformed her kitchen garden into a source of nutrition and self-reliance. Having lived in the camp for 19 years after fleeing political unrest in Somalia, she has worked tirelessly to make her surroundings feel like home. Her garden provides diverse, nutritious produce for her… [Read More]
52.8 Million People in West Africa and Sahel Could Face Severe Food Insecurity in 2026
The food and nutrition crisis in West Africa and the Sahel continues to worsen, affecting millions of households. According to the latest Cadre Harmonisé (2025) analysis, 41.8 million people are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, and without urgent interventions, this number could rise to 52.8 million during the 2026 lean season from June to August…. [Read More]
FAO Supports Tree Planting and Climate-Smart Invasive Species Management in Eastern Zimbabwe
Communities in Muwango Village, Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, are enhancing forest-based livelihoods and climate resilience through community-led tree planting and innovative biochar production. The initiative is supported technically by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Forestry Commission, and partner organizations, with financial backing from the Government of Italy under the Miombo… [Read More]
WHO Urges Schools Worldwide to Promote Healthy Eating for Children
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new global guideline urging countries to promote healthy eating in schools, emphasizing evidence-based policies and interventions to create nutritious school food environments. For the first time, WHO recommends a whole-school approach that ensures the food and beverages provided in schools, and available throughout the broader school environment,… [Read More]
Independent Experts Criticize US Immigration Practices for Violating Children’s Rights
Thousands of children in the United States remain in immigration custody without access to legal counsel, forcing minors to navigate complex proceedings on their own and undermining their fundamental rights. The situation has drawn concern from three UN-appointed Special Rapporteurs, who are in ongoing contact with the US Government regarding these violations. Under the 2008… [Read More]
Gaza Crisis “Dire,” UN Reports Children Hit Hardest
UN officials have described the situation in Gaza as still “dire,” with hundreds of thousands of families facing urgent humanitarian needs. UN health partners have recently expanded basic services, including a catch-up vaccination campaign that has reached more than 6,000 children under the age of three to protect them from preventable diseases. Food assistance remains… [Read More]
Yemen: Security Council Votes on Final Extension of Hudaydah Mission
The United Nations Security Council has adopted Resolution 2813 (2026), submitted by the United Kingdom, voting in favor of a final extension of the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement. The resolution received 13 votes in favor, with China and Russia abstaining and no votes against, signaling broad support for an orderly conclusion of… [Read More]
hevening Activities Strengthen Women’s Economic Leadership in Guatemala
A series of events organized under the Chevening Alumni programme brought together specialists, entrepreneurs and local partners to promote dialogue, learning and networking aimed at strengthening women’s economic leadership in Guatemala. Supported by the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund, the initiatives were designed to enhance women’s leadership, economic participation and entrepreneurship by creating inclusive spaces for… [Read More]
Farming Rules Shake-Up Aims to Cut Pollution and Support Farmers
The government has proposed a set of new and clearer farming rules aimed at improving water quality, reducing pollution in rivers and giving farmers greater confidence to produce food sustainably. The proposals respond to ongoing concerns about agricultural pollution, which currently affects around 41 per cent of England’s rivers, lakes and streams. A public consultation… [Read More]
Beni Suef Governor, MoPEDIC and UN Agencies Meet to Implement Joint Programme on SDG Localization
The Governor of Beni Suef, Dr. Mohamed Hany Ghoneim, held a meeting with representatives from several United Nations agencies and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation to discuss the implementation of a joint development programme supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund. The meeting, attended by the Deputy Governor, focused on the… [Read More]
ILO and Morocco Spotlight New Global Conference and Campaign on Child Labour
The 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, scheduled to take place from 11 to 13 February 2026 in Marrakech, Morocco, alongside the launch of the “Red Card to Child Labour” campaign, comes at a decisive moment for global efforts to eradicate child labour. Despite significant progress since 2000, when child labour rates… [Read More]
Bangladesh Approves Gender and Skills Taskforce Action Plan 2025–2027 to Strengthen Inclusive TVET System
Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward advancing gender equality in skills development with the approval of the Gender and Skills Action Plan 2025–2027 at the second meeting of the National Steering Committee of the Gender and Skills Taskforce. The meeting, held in Dhaka, marked an important milestone in strengthening a more inclusive and gender-responsive… [Read More]
ILO Director-General Warns Against Fragmentation, Calls for People-First Tech Transition
At the Global Labour Market Conference held in Riyadh from 26–27 January 2026, International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo called for coordinated, human-centred, and rights-based policy responses to address major transformations affecting labour markets worldwide. He emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, a just transition, and renewed social dialogue amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and… [Read More]
World Bank Approves US$350 Million Financing to Boost Social Protection and Digital Transformation in Lebanon
The World Bank has approved US$350 million in new financing to support Lebanon’s economic and financial recovery by addressing the urgent needs of poor and vulnerable populations and improving the delivery of essential public services. The funding is intended to help stabilize livelihoods during a fragile recovery period while strengthening state capacity through digital transformation… [Read More]
Building Climate Action Capacity: Inside AVPN’s Sustainability Solutions Lab in Asia-Pacific
The Sustainability Solutions Lab (SSL) recognizes that climate nonprofits enter the programme with diverse levels of experience, capacity, and priorities. Rather than applying a standardized model, SSL begins by closely understanding these differences to ensure its support is relevant and effective. Through partner-led needs assessments, the lab evaluates grantees’ communications and technical capabilities, including storytelling,… [Read More]
Six Key Ways GAFSP Can Drive Global Food Security Impact in 2026
As the new year begins, GAFSP reflects on the vital role played by millions of smallholder farmers worldwide in strengthening food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. The program recognizes the resilience, innovation, and dedication of farmers, alongside the partnerships within GAFSP that support their work. Following a successful Steering Committee Meeting in Rome, GAFSP’s Coordination… [Read More]
Building Democratic Resilience: Lessons from Collaborative Civic Education
The quality and resilience of democratic systems are shaped not only by formal institutions but also by the civic knowledge, values, and participatory capacities of citizens. Education systems play a critical role in developing democratic norms, political literacy, civic agency, and public reasoning among young people. However, civic and electoral education is often fragmented, constrained… [Read More]
How Philippine Cities Are Scaling Circular Economy Initiatives: Key Lessons and Insights
Over a year ago, the first ten partner cities and municipalities in the Philippines, known as Local Government Units (LGUs), began their circular economy transition under the EU–PH Green Economy Partnership, funded through the Global Gateway initiative. This initial phase focused on introducing local stakeholders to circular economy concepts, illustrating how such strategies can address… [Read More]
How Non-Profits Use Data-Driven Decision Making: Real Case Studies and Insights
Non-profit organizations today face the challenge of maximizing impact while operating under limited resources. Integrating data-driven decision-making has become an essential strategy to optimize operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure initiatives are grounded in evidence rather than assumptions. By leveraging analytics, non-profits can improve program efficacy, engage donors more effectively, and allocate resources where they… [Read More]
