Newborn hearing screening is crucial for early detection of hearing loss, which plays a key role in language development, communication, and social inclusion. In Panama, a national program focused on newborn hearing screening and the use of advanced technology is helping children hear from the very first days of life, opening doors to learning, development,… [Read More]
Longer School Days Boost Learning Outcomes in Latin America and the Caribbean
Extending the school day can improve learning outcomes only when the additional time is used intentionally to strengthen education, inclusion, and community engagement. When schools function as educational, cultural, and social hubs, they can help reduce learning gaps and support vulnerable students. Across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), students lag behind their OECD peers… [Read More]
Innovative Nature-Based Projects Transforming Social Infrastructure in LAC
Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) provide cost-effective and efficient approaches to protect social infrastructure from floods, extreme heat, hurricanes, and other severe climate events. These solutions, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), demonstrate tangible benefits such as energy savings, flood reduction, improved water management, and enhanced urban and coastal resilience through green roofs, vertical gardens, rainwater… [Read More]
Ending Hunger: WFP Executive Director Appeals to World Leaders
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has outlined the agency’s strategic priorities for 2026 as it tackles rising global hunger amid escalating humanitarian challenges and resource constraints. According to WFP’s 2026 Global Outlook, 318 million people worldwide face crisis-level hunger or worse, driven by violent conflicts, extreme weather, and… [Read More]
Support and Relief Available for North-West Queensland Flood Victims
Residents affected by floods in Flinders, Richmond, and Winton can now access Personal Hardship Assistance to support their recovery from the impacts of the North Queensland Monsoon Trough. This assistance provides payments of $180 per individual and up to $900 for families of five or more to cover emergency essentials such as food, clothing, and… [Read More]
$2 Million Fodder Support Boosts Flood-Affected Graziers in North-West Queensland
A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package has been announced to assist graziers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, and Richmond Shires following record-breaking floods in the northern outback. The funding, provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will cover costs such as jet fuel, helicopter hire,… [Read More]
$38 Million Boost for North-West Queensland Flood Recovery Efforts
North-west Queensland is set to benefit from a $38 million disaster recovery package aimed at supporting communities affected by recent record-breaking floods caused by a monsoonal trough. The Australian and Queensland Governments have funded the assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help flood-impacted areas recover and build resilience against future… [Read More]
Disaster Relief for Flooded Small Businesses in Northern and Northwestern Regions After Heavy Monsoon Rains
Disaster loans have been activated to support small businesses affected by widespread flooding in north and north-west Queensland. Eligible businesses across 13 local government areas can access low-interest loans of up to $250,000 to cover recovery costs, as well as up to $100,000 to maintain ongoing operations. The assistance targets businesses in Burke, Carpentaria, Cassowary… [Read More]
Back to Sudan: A CARE Leader’s Story Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Daw Mohamed last saw his mother in October 2022, six months before Sudan descended into full-scale civil war. For nearly three years, he feared for her safety while working in some of the world’s most dangerous humanitarian settings. Born in a small farming village in West Kordofan, Mohamed’s family remained trapped in a conflict zone… [Read More]
Ensuring Public Trust in Climate Reforms: Lessons from Georgia and Moldova
Georgia and Moldova are navigating dual transitions, aiming for a green and just development agenda while managing complex political challenges. Both countries are at strategic geopolitical crossroads, where political pressures shape public discourse and information spaces. In Moldova, the state’s transfer of gas distribution from Gazprom’s subsidiary to Energocom in August 2025 marked a strategic… [Read More]
How Civil Society Is Redefining Its Place in the World
Narratives play a critical role in shaping how we perceive civil society, the legitimacy we grant it, and the expectations we hold, particularly in a fast-changing world marked by political shifts, technological advances, conflicts, and evolving public perceptions. Today, global, regional, and national narratives are shifting, signaling a deeper redefinition of civil society’s role and… [Read More]
Lessons from USAID: Navigating Rapid Change in Development Operations
As the United States faces democratic backsliding, rising political violence, and attacks on civil society, defenders of democracy must adapt to rapidly changing challenges. The dismantling of USAID in 2025 represents a significant loss for global democracy, but its previous work offers valuable lessons that can guide pro-democracy efforts in the U.S. and worldwide. Operating… [Read More]
How Improved Public Spending, Skills Development, and Housing Policies Can Strengthen Portugal’s Economy
Portugal’s economy has shown resilience in recent years, with historically high employment rates and declining public debt. According to a new OECD report, structural reforms focused on strengthening public finances, boosting productivity, improving employment and skills, and advancing the climate transition could lead to stronger and more sustainable improvements in living standards. The OECD Economic… [Read More]
US Freezes Aid to Somalia Following Reports of Food Aid Misuse
The United States has suspended all assistance to Somalia, citing allegations that Somali government officials destroyed a United Nations World Food Programme warehouse and seized donor-funded food aid. According to the US State Department, reports indicated that 76 tonnes of food intended for vulnerable Somali communities had been illegally seized, prompting immediate action under the… [Read More]
How SORA Technology’s $2.5 Million Funding Could Revolutionize Malaria Forecasting in Africa
SORA Technology has raised $2.5 million, closing the second tranche of its late seed round and bringing its total funding to $7.3 million. This investment, announced in late 2025 and widely reported in early 2026, will support the company’s efforts to enhance AI-driven disease prediction models and expand drone operations across multiple African countries combating… [Read More]
$50,000 Innovation Grant Aims to Strengthen Agribusiness Development in Somalia
Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has awarded a total of $50,000 in innovation grants to 10 companies that emerged as winners of the 2025 Open Innovation Competition for Somali Farmers. The initiative recognizes enterprises that have demonstrated strong progress in agricultural production, business innovation, and job creation, with the goal of strengthening the country’s… [Read More]
Niger Emergency Law Raises Alarms Over Human Rights Violations
Niger’s military authorities adopted a sweeping “general mobilization” decree on December 26, granting the state extensive powers in the name of addressing security threats. While the authorities say the measure is designed to protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and public safety, it significantly expands government authority in ways that place fundamental human rights at risk…. [Read More]
Benin: Election Candidates Must Commit to Human Rights Protection Amid Civic Space Restrictions
As Benin approaches a series of national elections in 2026, human rights organisations are urging candidates to place the protection of fundamental rights at the centre of their political agendas. Amnesty International and 13 civil society groups have jointly called on those contesting the legislative and municipal elections in January and the presidential election in… [Read More]
Why Principled Humanitarian Aid to Palestinians Is Under Threat and Why It Matters
Humanitarian support to Palestinians is facing an unprecedented challenge following actions by Israeli authorities that directly affect the ability of aid organisations to operate. On 30 December, the Norwegian Refugee Council was formally notified that its registration would expire the following day unless it handed over sensitive personal data of its staff. Dozens of other… [Read More]
Understanding the Growing Threats Facing Civil Society Today
At a gathering at the Peace Palace in The Hague, civil society organisations from across sectors raised urgent concerns about a growing wave of cyberattacks targeting their work. Coordinated with the International Civil Society Centre, organisations such as WaterAid International, Doctors Without Borders, and Reporters Without Borders warned that digital threats are increasingly being used… [Read More]
How Beirut’s Tragedy Sparked a Global Movement for the Right to Health
The explosion at the port of Beirut on 4 August 2020 marked a turning point in the life of Marina El Khawand, who was just 18 years old at the time. As Lebanon descended deeper into economic, political, and healthcare crises following the blast, the COVID-19 pandemic, and months of unrest, she was urged by… [Read More]
WFP’s Approach to Advancing Refugee Self-Reliance and Sustainable Food Security
The global refugee population has grown dramatically over the past decade, driven by escalating conflicts and climate-related disasters, reaching an unprecedented 43 million people. Around 60 percent of refugees live in countries experiencing food crises, often enduring prolonged displacement that lasts an average of 20 years. In these conditions, many refugees remain dependent on long-term… [Read More]
$1.5 Million Community Support Grant Boosts Kosciusko County Community Foundation Initiatives
The Kosciusko County Community Foundation has received a $1.5 million Community Support Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the ninth phase of the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) initiative. The grant is intended to strengthen the foundation’s ability to serve local needs and support long-term community development across Kosciusko County. The… [Read More]
