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]
Women’s Leadership in Humanitarian Action: Lessons on Power, Trust, and Impact
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 Prevention Insights from the Mediterranean: The Role of Active Management and Local Communities
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]
30 International NGOs Call on UN to Intervene Amid Mass Killings in Iran
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]
Gender-Based Violence in Somaliland: Reporting Mechanisms and Support
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]
Aleppo Crisis Update: Basic Services Gaps and Recovery Priorities in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh
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]
Charting a Safe and Inclusive Digital Future with the DPG Standard and DPI Safeguards
Digital systems are increasingly shaping how people access essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion, making it critical that these technologies are designed to be safe, inclusive, and rights-respecting from the outset. The recent Annual Members Meeting of the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) in Brazil highlighted how countries are leveraging open, interoperable… [Read More]
PAHO-Ferrero Partnership Boosts Country-Level Health Initiatives and Vaccination Efforts
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has formalized a new three-year partnership with Ferrero International S.A. to support public health initiatives across the Americas, with a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, and families living in vulnerable conditions. This collaboration builds on a shared commitment to advancing public health through ethical,… [Read More]
UK’s 2026–2030 Plan Strengthens Partnerships with Small Island Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a vital part of the global community, representing 20% of UN members and stewarding vast ocean territories rich in biodiversity. They face heightened vulnerability to climate change, extreme weather events, and economic shocks, making tailored support essential. The UK maintains deep connections with SIDS through the Commonwealth, Overseas Territories,… [Read More]
Europe’s Climate Transition in Action: Insights from 52 Cities
Across Europe, 52 cities have been piloting innovative approaches to achieve climate neutrality, testing ways to cut emissions, implement new financing models, and turn abstract climate goals into practical, local action. Over two years, the cities engaged more than 184,000 citizens, trained over 1,400 public officers, created 256 new jobs, launched 40 follow-up projects, and… [Read More]
FATF Committee of Experts Reviews Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Efforts
Poland has made significant progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, according to a follow-up report by the Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL Committee. The evaluation highlights improvements in Poland’s technical compliance with FATF standards, particularly regarding non-profit organisations (Recommendation 8) and the use of new technologies (Recommendation 15), supported by recent EU… [Read More]
Trump Executive Order Leads to US Withdrawal from IRENA
The United States has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Renewable Energy Agency following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, placing IRENA among 66 international organisations targeted for withdrawal. The decision affects bodies largely involved in climate, labour and migration-related work and includes institutions such as the International Solar Alliance and… [Read More]
Belgium Provides New Funding to UNDP for Innovative and Sustainable Development Solutions
The Government of Belgium has announced a multiannual contribution of €30 million to the United Nations Development Programme’s core resources for the period 2025–2028, reinforcing its position as one of UNDP’s top core donors. This flexible funding will enable UNDP to respond quickly to crises while supporting long-term development planning, at a time when global… [Read More]
New Mayor-Led Scheme Aims to Secure Up to £8 Million for Low-Income London Families
The Mayor of London has launched a new £2.2 million programme aimed at helping low-income families across the capital access financial support they are entitled to but not currently receiving. Delivered through the Family Financial Resilience Partnership, the initiative brings together 12 London boroughs, London Citizens Advice and the London Legal Support Trust to provide… [Read More]
Explained: Haiti’s Gang Violence Crisis and How to Support Relief Efforts
Haiti is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises as armed gangs tighten their grip on the country, driving escalating violence, hunger and mass displacement. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, political instability and economic hardship created a power vacuum that gangs have exploited, with armed groups now controlling most… [Read More]
Community-Led Green Projects Across the North East Receive £1 Million Funding
Community-led green projects across the North East and Moray are set to benefit from £1 million in funding through the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund. Following an online public vote held in late 2025, residents in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray helped decide which local eco-friendly initiatives would receive support, ensuring that investment reflected… [Read More]
Five Organisations Receive €1.5m in Connected Communities Fund Support
Five organisations dedicated to promoting inclusion and strengthening local communities have been selected as recipients of the €1.5 million Connected Communities Fund. The three-year fund was established by Mason Hayes & Curran and Rethink Ireland, with matched funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the Dormant Accounts Fund, to… [Read More]
Malala Yousafzai Pledges $300,000 for Girls’ Education in Gaza and Conflict-Affected Regions
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai has announced a $300,000 donation to support girls’ education in Gaza and other conflict-affected regions. The funding will be channeled through the Malala Fund and directed toward areas facing severe educational disruptions due to ongoing crises. The donation will specifically support education initiatives in Gaza,… [Read More]
UNHCR Official Salih Urges Stronger Solidarity and Long-Term Refugee Solutions in Kenya
On his first official visit as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih called for stronger global support to help refugees secure durable solutions and rebuild their lives. Speaking in Nairobi after visiting Kakuma municipality in northern Kenya, he acknowledged Kenya’s long-standing generosity in hosting refugees and praised policies that allow refugees to work,… [Read More]
Sri Lanka Receives 500 Tonnes of Rice from Myanmar After Cyclone
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar organized a ceremony at the Asia World Port Terminal in Yangon Port, Ahlon Township, to donate 500 tonnes of rice, equivalent to 10,000 bags, to people affected by a cyclone in Sri Lanka. The event was attended by key officials, including Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein,… [Read More]
Russian Banking Restrictions Halt Funding for Human Rights Groups
Human rights organizations in Russia are facing unprecedented financial pressures, with banks linked to the government blocking access to domestic donations. These measures are forcing NGOs to shut down despite having committed no crimes. Online payment platforms have cut off services to these groups without explanation, leaving them unable to receive their primary source of… [Read More]
$50 Million Gift: Indian Developer Boosts The Rotary Foundation’s Humanitarian Work
Ravishankar Dakoju, a longtime Rotary member, announced that he and his wife, Paola Dakoju, would donate approximately US$50 million (4.5 billion Indian rupees) to The Rotary Foundation. The pledge was made during Rotary’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, on 13 January. Declaring that “giving is a duty,” Dakoju emphasized that the majority of their wealth… [Read More]
Saudi Arabia Sees Unprecedented Spike in 2025 Executions
In 2025, Saudi authorities executed at least 356 people, setting a new national record for the highest number of executions in a single year since monitoring began. This follows a similar surge in 2024, when 345 people were executed, marking two consecutive years of escalating capital punishment in the country. Human Rights Watch called on… [Read More]
