The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has sounded the alarm over a growing global pattern of enforced disappearances targeting people who defend land, natural resources, and the environment—often in contexts marked by systemic discrimination and weak rule of law. “This report is a wake-up call,” the experts said, warning of a “clear… [Read More]
UN Rights Chief Condemns Second Sentencing of Chinese Journalist Zhang Zhan
The reported sentencing of citizen journalist and former lawyer Zhang Zhan to another four years in prison in China on the vague charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” has drawn sharp international concern. This marks the second time Zhang has been convicted and jailed under the same offence, which critics say is routinely used… [Read More]
UN to Review Montenegro, Benin, and Sri Lanka on Enforced Disappearances
The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) will hold its 29th session from 22 September to 2 October to assess how Montenegro, Benin, and Sri Lanka are implementing their obligations under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The session will open with a public meeting that includes a tribute… [Read More]
Can the UK Public Believe They Can Fight Global Poverty—and Make It Count?
The success of any charity appeal depends on people believing their actions can make a real difference. But where does that belief—known as personal efficacy—come from, and can it be strengthened to inspire more action against global poverty? At the Development Engagement Lab (DEL), researchers track how strongly people feel they can create change and… [Read More]
UK Civil Society Urges Stronger Action on Israel, Recognition of Palestinian State
A coalition of prominent UK civil society networks has released a joint statement calling on the UK government to take stronger action against Israel and formally recognise a Palestinian state as a step toward lasting peace. The appeal comes ahead of next week’s high-level sessions of the UN General Assembly. The networks warn that, despite… [Read More]
Beyond Tech: How Digital Traceability is Powering Fair Trade and Green Growth in the Global South
Small businesses across Africa and Asia are blending age-old practices with cutting-edge digital traceability to boost trade compliance, expand market access, and strengthen local economies. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopian and Indian researchers are testing enzyme-based tanning methods to replace harmful chemicals in leather production. Thousands of kilometres away in Pakistan and Bangladesh, each hide’s journey… [Read More]
Lawmakers Push Back Against Trump’s Disability Program Overhaul
Federal lawmakers are racing against a deadline to fund the government before the new fiscal year begins on October 1, with the risk of a shutdown if no agreement is reached. As part of the negotiations, Congress appears ready to reject President Donald Trump’s proposals to significantly alter the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)… [Read More]
New Children’s Book by Think Equal and UNESCO Highlights Wixárika Traditions in Mexico
The recent launch of El gran viaje de Totu, a children’s book inspired by the Wixárika pilgrimage, marks an important step in celebrating cultural heritage and strengthening community ties in Mexico. The book was presented in Mexico City by Think Equal in collaboration with Conservación Humana, El Hilo de Ariadna, UNESCO, and the National Council… [Read More]
UNESCO Announces Winners of the 7th Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO has announced the winners of the 7th edition of the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest, organized under the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme. This year’s theme, “Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage”, highlighted the critical role women play in safeguarding and passing down cultural traditions along the historic trade routes. The… [Read More]
Secretary Noem Secures $35 Million in Federal Disaster Relief Funding Boost
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced nearly $35 million in new disaster relief funding to accelerate recovery efforts in communities impacted by recent natural disasters. The funding highlights the administration’s push to streamline federal disaster response and ensure faster delivery of aid. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the move reflects a significant shift… [Read More]
Mini-Grant winners selected to promote Media Literacy and social cohesion in Kyrgyzstan
The mini-grants competition in Kyrgyzstan has successfully concluded, providing support to national and local actors, including community-based organizations, working on conflict transformation and social cohesion through Media and Information Literacy (MIL)-based approaches. The initiative is designed to strengthen critical thinking, build resilience against harmful content, and promote a culture of peaceful communication. It places particular… [Read More]
Finland Invests in UNDP to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Crisis Solutions
Finland has announced a contribution of EUR 1 million in flexible core resources to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for 2025. This support will strengthen UNDP’s capacity to accelerate sustainable development initiatives and provide timely assistance to the communities most in need around the world. Flexible core resources play a vital role in enabling… [Read More]
USDA Faces Staffing Crisis as Reorganization Threatens Research Agencies
On July 24, 2025, Secretary Rollins issued a memo outlining plans to reorganize staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a move drafted without consulting farmers or stakeholders. Since January 2025, the department has already lost more than 20,000 employees, and the reorganization is expected to result in thousands more departures. This has raised… [Read More]
UN Faces $500 Million Budget Cut and 20% Job Losses Amid Sharp Drop in US Funding
The United Nations is facing a severe financial crisis, with plans to cut $500 million from its 2026 core budget and reduce its workforce by 20%, equating to at least 3,000 jobs out of 35,000. The UN’s core budget will decrease from $3.7 billion to approximately $3.2 billion, marking reductions of 15.1% in resources and… [Read More]
From Innovation to Impact: How Congolese Entrepreneurship is Driving Jobs and Economic Growth
In the bustling neighborhoods of Kinshasa, Sivi Malukisa recalls the early days of her entrepreneurial journey when she had a vision but no production facility or funding. Today, her company, Manitech Congo, produces tons of peanut butter and chili sauces monthly, employs dozens, and supports local industries. Her success story is emblematic of the broader… [Read More]
From Hardship to Hope: Cash Transfers Helping Women Build Businesses in South Sudan
In June 2023, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan launched the South Sudan Productive Safety Net for Socioeconomic Opportunities Project (SNSOP), locally known as ‘Shabaka Meisha,’ a five-year, $199 million program funded by the World Bank. The initiative aims to provide cash transfers and income-generating opportunities to vulnerable communities while strengthening the National… [Read More]
Accelerator Program 2.0: Fast-Tracking Innovation and Growth
The Accelerator Program 2.0 is a World Bank initiative aimed at supporting governments in low- and middle-income countries to strengthen foundational learning and reduce learning poverty. The program focuses on improving interactions between teachers, students, and learning content—the instructional core—through technical assistance that enhances early-grade teaching and learning. Its overarching goal is to demonstrate that… [Read More]
Inat’s Journey from Lost Hope to Future Water Supply Engineer
Tanzanian student Inat Mzee Saleh faced a major setback in her academic journey when a fire destroyed her high school just weeks before her final exams. The tragedy left her without essential study materials, and her A-level results fell short of the requirements to pursue a medical degree. Heartbroken, she enrolled in a basic teaching… [Read More]
Stone by Stone: Strengthening Safety for Barbados’ Fishing Communities
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, caused over B$190 million in damages in Barbados, severely impacting coastal sectors, particularly the fishing industry. Approximately 90 percent of the island’s fishing fleet was destroyed or damaged, along with key infrastructure, including the Bridgetown Port and the Fisheries Marina. The storm’s surge displaced the… [Read More]
FAO, GEF, and Namibia Partner to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Dryland Farming
In August 2025, over 65 agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, extension officers, and community organizations, participated in a two-week Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Omuthiya, Omusati, and Rundu regions of Namibia. The training focused on strengthening resilience in dryland areas through modules on Community Seed Banks, Farmer Field Schools, and Green Value Chains. This initiative… [Read More]
Northern Ghana Boosts Climate Resilience with Early Warning and Anticipatory Action
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and key partners, is strengthening climate resilience in the Upper East and Savannah Regions by enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Anticipatory Action (AA) mechanisms. FAO views multi-hazard early warning systems and anticipatory action as essential for resilient… [Read More]
Zimbabwe Launches STOSAR II Project to Enhance Agriculture and Market Access
The Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, and the European Union (EU), has officially launched the second phase of the Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR II) project. Building on the successes of… [Read More]
FAO Study Highlights Critical Agricultural Land Degradation Across the Arab Region
A recent study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted alarming levels of agricultural land degradation in the Arab region. The report reveals that over 46 million hectares of agricultural land—representing two-thirds of the 70 million hectares affected by human-induced degradation—are at risk. Cropland in particular is highly vulnerable,… [Read More]
