In 2025, digital rights advocates, technologists, journalists, and civic leaders from around the world convened in Taipei, Taiwan, for RightsCon, one of the leading forums on human rights and technology. The summit provided a critical space for reflection and strategy, particularly for organizations navigating the increasingly restricted civic space in Southeast Asia. For Hivos’ Connect,… [Read More]
A New Chapter in the Amazon: Protecting Rainforests and Wildlife
Hivos has launched a new project in Colombia, Living Forests, Strong Communities, aimed at empowering Indigenous communities to use legislative tools to protect their lands and endangered forests. Colombia is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, with Indigenous peoples managing over 30 million hectares of forest. These communities, however, face multiple threats,… [Read More]
Billion-Dollar Military AI and Innovation Boost Through Strategic Partnership
The UK is set to become a global leader in defence innovation through a new strategic partnership with Palantir, designed to unlock up to £1.5 billion in investment, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and strengthen national security. The partnership, signed on 18 September 2025 by Defence Secretary John Healey, will see Palantir establish its European… [Read More]
Durham WWI Soldier Finally Laid to Rest 109 Years After Death
Sergeant Richard Rounsley of the 12th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, was finally laid to rest on 17 September 2025 in France, nearly 109 years after his death during the First World War. The burial, held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Warlencourt British Cemetery on the Somme, included two unknown soldiers and was organized… [Read More]
Ireland Hits €1 Billion in Horizon Europe Grants for Research and Development
Ireland has officially surpassed the €1 billion mark in funding secured from the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, according to Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless. This achievement places Ireland ahead of its national target of €1.5 billion (1.6%) of Horizon Europe’s €95.5 billion budget… [Read More]
UN Warns: Fragile Progress in Syria Threatened by Exclusion and Foreign Interference
The United Nations has issued a warning that Syria’s fragile gains are at risk due to foreign military action, political exclusion, and dwindling resources. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, who announced his resignation during the meeting, described the interim authorities in Damascus as inheriting not only the ruins of destroyed buildings but also a deeply… [Read More]
Gaza City Faces Humanitarian Collapse, UN Warns of Critical Aid Shortages
The head of the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, has renewed calls for foreign journalists to be granted access to the Gaza Strip to counter what he describes as an “information war,” which includes attempts to deny the growing famine in the area. OCHA reported that in just five days, 11 UNRWA premises in Gaza… [Read More]
UN Security Council: US Blocks Resolution Demanding Gaza Ceasefire
The UN Security Council held its landmark 10,000th meeting against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine and ongoing Israeli military operations are affecting civilians. During the session, the Council considered a resolution demanding a ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian… [Read More]
Sudan: UN Relief Chief Hails Progress Towards Three-Month Humanitarian Truce
UN relief chief David Beasley welcomed progress by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US toward a much-needed three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan. Speaking on social media, he emphasized the importance of safe, unhindered access for aid delivery amid the country’s escalating crisis of violence, hunger, and environmental challenges. The truce aims to provide… [Read More]
Kenya’s Hunger Crisis: One-Third of Children Malnourished in Turkana Amid Aid Cuts
Mothers in northern Kenya are facing severe challenges in feeding their children due to a combination of drought, locust infestations, reduced fishing caused by crocodile attacks, and cuts to humanitarian aid, according to Save the Children. In response, the organization’s Emergency Health Unit (EHU) has been operating in Turkana County to screen and treat children… [Read More]
Finland: One in Three Girls Face Online Sexual Abuse, Says Save the Children
A recent survey by Save the Children in Finland reveals alarming levels of online sexual abuse affecting children, with at least one in five children experiencing such abuse and one in three girls impacted. The study, conducted among 4,106 children aged 11 to 17, found that 31% had been contacted online by an adult or… [Read More]
Bolivia Bans Child Marriage Following Campaign by Children and Civil Society
Bolivia has become the 14th country in Latin America to ban child marriage, following a sustained campaign led by girls across the country and organizations including Save the Children, IPAS Bolivia, and Coordinadora de la Mujer. The Bolivian parliament passed legislation this week prohibiting marriages and civil unions involving children, ending the previous legal exception… [Read More]
UN Presses Ahead with Mission for a Better World Despite Global Challenges
The Secretary-General’s annual report, released ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, provides a candid assessment of the Organization’s efforts amid growing global challenges. Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the resilience and dedication of UN personnel, emphasizing that even in extraordinarily difficult circumstances, the UN must continue striving toward a better, more equitable… [Read More]
Estonia’s Success in Tackling Noncommunicable Diseases: Key Lessons Learned
Estonia has achieved remarkable progress in reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, making it one of ten WHO European Region Member States to reach the 2025 NCD Global Monitoring Framework target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality. Despite being a small country with limited resources, Estonia’s commitment to… [Read More]
Promoting Health Through Sports: WHO Launches New Guide for Clubs and Communities
WHO/Europe has launched a new guidance tool aimed at promoting health through sports by supporting sports clubs, managers, and decision-makers to integrate health promotion into the core of their activities. While sport is widely recognized for its physical, mental, and social benefits, participation alone does not automatically ensure improved health outcomes, as risks such as… [Read More]
UNGA: PAHO Joins Global Call for Action at High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health
On 25 September, global leaders will convene at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing. The meeting aims to adopt a Political Declaration to accelerate global efforts to reduce the… [Read More]
Slowing Progress on NCDs and Mental Health: WHO Calls for Affordable Interventions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report titled “Saving Lives, Spending Less”, highlighting that an additional investment of just US$3 per person annually in combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) could generate economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030. The report also analyzes country-level progress in reducing NCD mortality between 2010 and 2019…. [Read More]
Lesotho Strengthens One Health Collaboration Through National Bridging Workshop
Lesotho has taken significant steps to strengthen coordination between human, animal, and environmental health sectors through a three-day National Bridging Workshop held in Maseru District. The workshop, organized by the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, and Environment in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the… [Read More]
WHO Raises Alarm Over Rising Suicide Rates in Eswatini
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concern over the rising number of suicides in Eswatini, urging urgent and coordinated action to save lives. The Kingdom of Eswatini ranks second globally in suicide rates, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Speaking ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day in Mbabane, WHO Eswatini Representative Dr. Susan Tembo… [Read More]
Democratic Republic of the Congo Accelerates Response to End Ebola Outbreak
The response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is accelerating, with intensified measures aimed at breaking the chain of transmission. Since the declaration of the outbreak on 4 September 2025, major progress has been achieved in detection, treatment, vaccination, and contact tracing. Monitoring of confirmed case contacts has risen… [Read More]
Modern Laboratory Enhances Côte d’Ivoire’s Fight Against Polio
Côte d’Ivoire has taken an important step in strengthening its fight against poliovirus with the launch of an upgraded laboratory in Abidjan. The facility, based at the Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, is designed to improve the detection and timely response to polio cases, ensuring children are better protected from the debilitating disease. The new… [Read More]
What Is Antifa? Trump’s ‘Major Terrorist’ Label Explained
Former US President Donald Trump recently announced on his Truth Social platform that he was designating antifa as a “major terrorist organization.” In his post, he described the movement as “a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster” and called for investigations into its alleged funders. This is not the first time Trump has targeted antifa, as… [Read More]
EBRD Boosts Youth Entrepreneurship and Startups in Morocco
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a loan of up to €10 million in local currency to Fondation Arrawaj, a leading Moroccan microlender, to support young entrepreneurs in the country. The financing comes under the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme and will prioritize private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) owned… [Read More]
