In his final address to the UN General Assembly, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi called for stronger protection and increased funding for displaced populations worldwide. Grandi highlighted that, for the first time in nearly a decade, the global number of refugees and people fleeing war, violence, and persecution has decreased—from 123 million at… [Read More]
Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Wiping Out Nearly a Third of National Wealth
Hurricane Melissa has left 1.5 million Jamaicans affected and caused damage equivalent to 30% of the country’s GDP, marking it as the worst climate disaster in Jamaica’s history, UN officials said Thursday. The Category 5 storm generated nearly five million tonnes of debris across western Jamaica—roughly 500,000 truckloads—and has left communities struggling to recover. Authorities… [Read More]
UN Warns of Widespread Alleged Atrocities in Sudan’s El Fasher
The UN Special Adviser on genocide prevention has raised alarm over reports of widespread war crimes in Sudan’s El Fasher, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia took control of the Darfuri capital after more than 500 days of siege. Chaloka Beyani, who recently assumed the role of Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for… [Read More]
UN: Israel Blocks Over 100 Humanitarian Aid Requests in Gaza Since Ceasefire
The United Nations reported on Thursday that Israeli authorities have rejected more than 100 requests to deliver relief materials to Gaza since a ceasefire took effect nearly a month ago. Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York that 107 aid requests—including blankets, winter clothing, and equipment for water, sanitation, and hygiene services—have… [Read More]
UN Warns Armed Conflicts Are Devastating Ecosystems and Livelihoods Worldwide
From Gaza to Ukraine and beyond, ongoing conflicts are not only causing widespread human suffering but also wreaking havoc on natural resources, including forests, farmland, and water systems. The environmental damage disrupts livelihoods, drives displacement, and fuels instability, often persisting long after hostilities end. Speaking to the UN Security Council, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Foreign Minister… [Read More]
Brazil Launches Tropical Forests Forever Fund to Boost Climate Action
Brazil has launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a new initiative designed to place forest protection at the center of global climate efforts. Announced during a summit in Belém ahead of COP30, the fund aims to reward countries that successfully halt deforestation, making standing forests more valuable than cleared land. The facility could channel up… [Read More]
Doha Summit Urges Countries to Turn Social Pledges into Action
The Second World Summit for Social Development concluded in Doha on Thursday with calls for countries to move from commitments to implementation, ensuring the Doha Political Declaration translates into measurable progress on poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion. Speaking at the closing press conference, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the Summit as… [Read More]
Uganda Advances Integration of Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Services
Uganda is taking decisive steps to integrate health service delivery for communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), addressing the country’s growing double burden of disease. Speaking at the three-day National Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference and the 19th Joint Scientific Health Conference, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero emphasized the urgency… [Read More]
Nigeria Advances Towards Measles and Rubella Elimination by 2030
Abuja, Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to the global goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2030. As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria’s progress is critical not only for regional but also for global efforts. The comprehensive Integrated Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign demonstrates strong government leadership and collaboration with local and international partners… [Read More]
Nigeria, WHO, and Partners Renew Commitment to Eradicate All Forms of Polio by 2030
Abuja, Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is intensifying efforts to eliminate all forms of polio by 2030 through strong government leadership, community engagement, and targeted vaccination campaigns. Every year on 24 October, World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to eradicate poliomyelitis, a disease… [Read More]
WHO Calls for Bold Financing and Access Strategies to Ensure Equitable Distribution of Novel TB Vaccines
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, launched on the sidelines of the G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Limpopo, South Africa, urges urgent action to guarantee that novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines reach adolescents and adults in high-burden countries. The report, Catalysing Solutions for Equitable Global Access for Sustainable Financing for Novel Tuberculosis Vaccines for Adults… [Read More]
WHO Launches Global Research Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new technical report, The Future of Paediatric Clinical Trials – Setting Research Priorities for Child Health, presenting a global research agenda aimed at addressing critical gaps in evidence for children aged 0–9 years. This initiative responds to WHO’s 2024 guidance on best practices for clinical trials, which… [Read More]
Lesotho Powers Ahead with Renewable Energy to Expand Inclusive Access
Lesotho is marking significant progress in its clean energy transition with the Renewable Lesotho Programme, which will celebrate tangible milestones on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at Itekeng Combined School in Pitseng, Thaba-Tseka. The school is among eight facilities electrified during the first year of the Access to Affordable Renewable Energy (AARE) initiative, implemented by UNDP… [Read More]
Brazil Pledges US$72 Million to Strengthen Global Immunisation Through Gavi
Brazil has announced a landmark pledge of US$72 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for the organisation’s 2026–2030 strategic period, reaffirming its role as a key player in global health and vaccine manufacturing. The commitment underscores Brazil’s leadership in South–South cooperation and its dedication to protecting communities across Latin America and beyond. The announcement, made… [Read More]
Ideas and Pioneers Fund: Key Considerations for Applicants
The Ideas and Pioneers Fund team has shared insights from last year’s round to help potential applicants better understand what makes a successful submission. Last year, when the Fund reopened, it received an overwhelming 319 applications and awarded 30 grants. The range of bold, transformative ideas was inspiring, reflecting the Fund’s commitment to supporting innovative… [Read More]
Civil Society Under Threat: Georgian Human Rights Defenders Speak Out Against Crackdown
Civil society and human rights organizations in Georgia are facing increasing pressure from authorities, with shrinking civic space and growing legal restrictions threatening their work. Recently, the bank accounts of seven leading organizations were frozen, part of a broader campaign targeting and harassing civil society actors. The adoption of a new law criminalizing NGOs that… [Read More]
Norway Commits NOK 30 Billion to Tropical Forest Forever Fund to Protect Global Rainforests
Norway has announced plans to allocate up to NOK 30 billion to a new international initiative aimed at safeguarding the world’s tropical forests for generations to come. The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) is designed to provide stable, long-term funding to countries working to reduce deforestation and protect vital ecosystems. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre… [Read More]
£150,000 in Grants Awarded to Support Health and Wellbeing in Reading
Reading Borough Council has allocated £150,000 in Better Care Fund grants to support the physical and mental health of local residents through ten community-based projects. The funding aims to empower people to remain independent and well while providing timely intervention to prevent long-term health issues. One of the successful projects, the Parish Nurse initiative at… [Read More]
EU Commits €1.4 Billion to Boost Deep Tech Startups with 2026 European Innovation Council Work Programme
The European Commission has adopted the 2026 European Innovation Council (EIC) work programme, allocating €1.4 billion to support Europe’s most promising deep tech entrepreneurs and researchers. The initiative is designed to address the needs of European innovators, offering simplified access to substantial funding, investment opportunities, and connections to customers and partners across Europe and beyond…. [Read More]
Ventures Platform Secures $64M First Close for Pan-African Fund II to Drive Africa’s Tech Growth
Ventures Platform, Africa’s leading seed-stage venture fund, has announced the $64 million first close of its second fund, VP Pan-African Fund II, aimed at expanding seed investments, catalyzing Series A rounds, and accelerating pan-African growth in the technology sector. The fund is targeting a final close of $75 million. Seventy percent of the Limited Partner… [Read More]
Africa’s Development Future Depends on Strong National Institutions
Following the Sevilla Summit, a discussion with an African diplomat highlighted a crucial truth: while global commitments, such as pledges to double Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) by 2030, are welcome, the real work begins at home. The diplomat emphasized that doubling aid from a very low base will not generate… [Read More]
Locally Led Adaptation: Building a Climate-Resilient Future from the Ground Up
Communities around the world are demonstrating that locally led adaptation solutions are essential to a climate-resilient future. These approaches, grounded in lived experience, traditional knowledge, and local systems, address the daily realities of climate change while empowering communities to lead the way. Over the past five years, the UNDP-Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (UNDP-AFCIA) has… [Read More]
Kenya’s New Cybercrime Law Threatens Freedom of Expression, Human Rights Watch Warns
Kenya’s recently enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendments) Act, 2025 has raised serious concerns over potential threats to online freedom of expression. Passed by Parliament and assented to by President William Ruto on October 15, the amendments broaden an already controversial 2018 law, risking the criminalization of legitimate online speech. Human Rights Watch has called… [Read More]
