The forced closure of a United Nations-run health clinic in East Jerusalem has sparked serious concerns over an escalating disregard for international law, UN officials warned this week. On Monday, Israeli forces entered the UNRWA-operated Jerusalem Health Centre and ordered it to shut down for 30 days, while also demanding the removal of United Nations… [Read More]

Yemen’s fragile calm is rapidly eroding as political tensions, economic strain and deepening humanitarian needs push the country closer to renewed crisis, senior UN officials warned during a briefing to ambassadors. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said recent political and security developments, particularly in the south, highlighted how quickly relative stability can unravel… [Read More]

Government leaders, United Nations agencies, and development partners came together in Tirana to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing jobs and social protection reforms in Albania. The High-Level Partners Meeting on Jobs and Social Protection, held at the Center for Openness and Dialogue, brought national institutions, international partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector… [Read More]

Global unemployment may be holding steady, but meaningful progress toward decent work has slowed to a standstill, according to the International Labour Organization’s Employment and Social Trends 2026 report. While economic growth has shown resilience, the report warns that millions of workers—particularly young people and women—continue to face poor job quality, insecurity, and exclusion, with… [Read More]

Germany has reaffirmed its position as a vital partner of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in the Middle East and North Africa, providing critical support at a time of growing humanitarian needs and shrinking global aid budgets. Germany’s continued commitment has enabled WFP to deliver life-saving assistance and strengthen resilience for millions of… [Read More]

The FutureGen Girls Foundation and Microsoft Hong Kong have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding to expand access to AI and STEM education for teen girls and young women aged 12-19 across Hong Kong. Starting in 2026, the collaboration will focus on developing future-ready skills, mentorship networks, and career pathways, helping students explore diverse opportunities… [Read More]

The Circular Food Systems for Rwanda (CIRF) project convened its annual learning event in October 2025 to reflect on achievements and chart next steps as the initiative approaches its conclusion in December 2026. Partners and SMEs highlighted successes such as increased revenues, new jobs created through circular products, and significant policy influence, including Rwanda’s adoption… [Read More]

Arctic communities face increasing risks as the region warms three to four times faster than the global average, resulting in extreme weather, permafrost thaw, sea ice loss, avalanches, wildfires, and coastal erosion. These changes disrupt traditional livelihoods, isolate remote settlements, strain healthcare and emergency services, and negatively affect mental health, particularly among Indigenous populations whose… [Read More]

Four months after Tropical Storm Erin battered the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão in Cape Verde, communities continue to recover from the devastating floods that destroyed homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. While visible signs of the disaster have faded, many families still face the long-term challenges of rebuilding their lives. In response, the Cape… [Read More]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]