In 1950, the global population was 2.5 billion, with only 20 per cent living in cities. By 2050, two-thirds of population growth is expected to occur in urban areas, while rural populations decline, except in sub-Saharan Africa. Metropolitan regions known as “megacities,” with over 10 million inhabitants, are projected to expand further, reflecting the accelerating… [Read More]
How Less Than 1% of Military Budgets Could Eradicate World Hunger
By 2026, an estimated 318 million people are projected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse, more than twice the number recorded in 2019, according to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) 2026 Global Outlook. International support for the world’s most vulnerable populations remains slow, fragmented, and underfunded, leaving many unable to access the assistance… [Read More]
Ending World Hunger: A Global Investment That’s Under 1% of Military Spending
By 2026, an estimated 318 million people are projected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse, more than twice the number recorded in 2019, according to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) 2026 Global Outlook. International support for the world’s most vulnerable populations remains slow, fragmented, and underfunded, leaving many unable to access the assistance… [Read More]
From Talks to Action: Addressing Gaza’s Immediate Humanitarian Needs
Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized the urgent need to turn recent diplomatic progress into tangible actions on the ground in Gaza. While the UN does not play a formal role in finalizing the Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump, or in the planned stabilization force, it remains committed to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to… [Read More]
Ministry of Energy and UNDP Launch Inclusive Just Energy Transition Framework in Mongolia
In Ulaanbaatar on 3 November 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and supported by the Joint SDG Fund, officially launched the Just Energy Transition Framework (JETF). This national roadmap sets out Mongolia’s strategy for moving toward a clean, inclusive, and socially just energy future, emphasizing… [Read More]
Strengthening Migration Efforts: Ecuador Leads Global Compact Champion Nations Initiative
The Government of Ecuador hosted a regional Dialogue of Champion Countries of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), bringing together governments from across the Americas to review progress and build on discussions from Geneva, where Ecuador presented its National Implementation Plan (2025–2029). The forum provided an opportunity for countries to strengthen… [Read More]
New ASEAN Initiative Strengthens Child Labour Prevention Strategies
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched the ASEAN Roadmap for the Prevention of Child Labour Including the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour by 2035. Endorsed at the 47th ASEAN Summit, this Roadmap reinforces the region’s commitment to collective action to end… [Read More]
Thailand Construction Sector: Enhancing Protection and Accountability for Migrant Workers
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the EU-funded PROTECT Project, is collaborating with civil society and private sector partners to promote fair recruitment and decent work for migrant workers in Thailand’s construction industry. The sector depends heavily on migrant labour, with approximately 600,000 migrant workers employed in 2022, around one-third of whom are women. Many… [Read More]
$50 Million in Fraudulent Commonwealth Claims Seized During AFP Operation
The Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT), in collaboration with the Financial Crime and Money Laundering Working Group (FCML), has executed 33 search warrants across Australia as part of a nationwide crackdown on Commonwealth fraud. This operation involved over 75 investigators from multiple agencies, including the AFP, Services Australia, NDIA, NDIS Commission, and the Department… [Read More]
Sustainable Financing Solutions for Africa’s Food Security: Risks, Barriers, and Opportunities
Food security remains a critical and growing challenge in Africa, with the proportion of undernourished people rising even as global hunger shows modest improvements elsewhere. In 2022, nearly 19.7 percent of the African population was undernourished, marking a 4.6 percentage point increase since 2010. This chronic food insecurity affects hundreds of millions across the continent,… [Read More]
Africa’s Food Security Crisis: Financing Gaps, Emerging Risks and the Way Forward
Africa continues to face a deepening food security crisis, with nearly one in five people undernourished in 2022—a steady increase over the past decade. This challenge is intensifying as the continent’s population is projected to nearly double by 2050, raising urgent questions about sustainably expanding food production amid environmental pressures. Despite abundant arable land, natural… [Read More]
Caribbean Hurricane Disaster: New Emergency Grant for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti
Japan has announced an Emergency Grant of USD 4 million to support Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti following the severe destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. The funding aims to help communities recover quickly from the widespread damage inflicted across the Caribbean region. Through this grant, Japan will provide humanitarian assistance in critical sectors, including food supplies,… [Read More]
New Reef-Positive Finance Pilot Set to Protect Solomon Islands’ Marine Ecosystems
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), co-led by UNCDF, UNDP, and UNEP, have launched a new partnership to invest in reef-positive enterprises in the Solomon Islands. As global attention turns to COP30, the initiative aims to support local businesses that protect coral ecosystems, strengthen community livelihoods, and build… [Read More]
How Freetown’s Blue Peace Financing Model De-Risks Urban Water Infrastructure
Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, continues to face severe challenges in providing safe and reliable water to its rapidly growing population. Years of post-conflict urban expansion, an overburdened public utility system and increasing climate pressures have left many residents—particularly women and young people—struggling daily to access clean water. Water access remains critically low across the city… [Read More]
The Human Cost of Digital Abuse: How One Activist Is Fighting for Safety and Rights
Ljubica Fuentes, a former law student in Ecuador, first faced harassment after challenging a sexist remark made by her professor. What began as mockery on campus quickly escalated into a wave of digital threats across social media, including rape threats and warnings that someone had been hired to physically harm her. Fearing for her safety,… [Read More]
Human Rights Priorities the New Thai Government Cannot Ignore
The new Thai government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has been urged by Human Rights Watch to take decisive steps to reverse years of deteriorating human rights conditions. Since taking office in September 2025, Anutin has been called on to prioritize human rights by ending repressive practices, revoking abusive laws, and clearing charges against… [Read More]
How Rising Conflict Threatens Women and Girls: Key Issues and What Must Change
Conflicts and crises harm people differently based on gender, and because women and girls already face legal, economic, and cultural discrimination in many parts of the world, they experience the impacts of war in uniquely severe ways. As global conflict reaches levels unmatched since the post–World War II period, there is an urgent need for… [Read More]
What Happens When Young People Take Charge of Climate Action?
The world is warming rapidly, and inequalities are widening, yet young people across the globe are stepping forward to reimagine solutions where existing systems fall short. As countries struggle to respond to the climate crisis, youth leaders are demonstrating what becomes possible when they are not merely included but genuinely trusted to lead. This article… [Read More]
End-of-Project Evaluation: Advancing Nigeria’s Civic Space and CSO Enabling Environment
The project titled Strengthening Nigeria’s Civic Space aims to improve the operational and regulatory environment for Civil Society Organizations by creating multi-stakeholder platforms and enhancing the capacity of subnational actors. Implemented by Global Rights with support from the European Union, the initiative responds to restrictive regulatory frameworks, low awareness of compliance requirements, and limited access… [Read More]
World Children’s Day 2025: Top Five Ways to Create a Better World for Children
World Children’s Day, celebrated on 20 November each year, is a global occasion to recognise children as rights-holders and reaffirm the commitments outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It encourages adults and communities to create safer, fairer, and more inclusive environments for children. The day also highlights ways to promote children’s… [Read More]
Community-Led Change in Nepal’s Mountains: From Trust Building to Better Sanitation
As the world marks World Toilet Day, experiences from Nepal highlight how trust and community ownership are crucial for strengthening resilience against climate-related shocks. Climate change is intensifying water and sanitation crises, with floods damaging toilets and pipelines, droughts limiting hygiene, and failing sanitation systems increasing the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera…. [Read More]
From Waste to Wealth: Transforming South Asia’s Food Systems for a Sustainable Future
South Asia, home to nearly two billion people, loses up to 40% of its food before it reaches consumers—an enormous challenge but also a major opportunity for transformation. With rising climate pressures, persistent undernutrition, and a rapidly growing youth population, the region is now mobilizing policy, innovation, and investment to build more resilient and efficient… [Read More]
Cotonou Declaration: West and Central Africa Unite for Accelerated Digital Transformation
Ministers responsible for the digital economy from West and Central African countries met in Cotonou, Benin, where they reaffirmed their collective commitment to accelerate digital transformation and the responsible development of Artificial Intelligence. They emphasized that digital progress must improve people’s lives by creating jobs, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing economic competitiveness. While acknowledging progress… [Read More]
