Human rights and humanitarian organizations have strongly condemned a new law approved by the Knesset, warning that it expands the use of the death penalty in a way that could disproportionately affect Palestinians and undermine fundamental legal safeguards. The legislation, passed on 30 March, broadens the application of capital punishment in both military and civilian… [Read More]

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has entered its second month, prompting António Guterres to warn that the world is “on the edge of a wider war” with potentially catastrophic global consequences. Speaking outside the United Nations Security Council in New York, Guterres described a rapidly worsening situation as Israel and the United States… [Read More]

A series of urgent global developments highlights escalating humanitarian and health challenges, from worsening human rights conditions in South Sudan to updated opioid treatment guidelines and continued violence in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council have warned that South Sudan is facing a rapidly deteriorating human… [Read More]

A planning meeting between the International Labour Organization and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vientiane has focused on preparing Lao enterprises for the country’s upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. The discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities that businesses in Laos will face as global trade conditions… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have formalized their cooperation in Türkiye through a new Letter of Understanding (LoU), aimed at expanding access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods for refugees and host communities. The agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening coordinated efforts to support labour market integration,… [Read More]

Across Moldova, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions are playing a key role in advancing the green transition by integrating sustainability into practical learning. Through the EcoImpact initiative, students and teachers are turning environmental ideas into hands-on projects that benefit both campuses and local communities. Launched in spring 2025, EcoImpact has engaged 48… [Read More]

A regional exchange in Yerevan has brought renewed attention to the need for stronger rights, representation, and protection for domestic workers across the South Caucasus. The two-day event, held on 30–31 March 2026, gathered representatives from Armenia and Georgia to share experiences and explore policy pathways for improving working conditions in the sector. The discussions… [Read More]

In Yaoundé, a scrap metal recycling initiative is transforming waste into employment opportunities and safer working conditions, demonstrating how the sector can evolve into a source of dignity and sustainable livelihoods. Supported by the International Labour Organization, the project has helped clean up a long-neglected urban site, generate income, and improve working conditions for more… [Read More]

The World Bank Group and the Government of Sri Lanka have launched a new five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) aimed at supporting the country’s economic recovery, achieving a medium-term growth target of 7%, and creating more jobs through private sector development. Speaking on the initiative, Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic… [Read More]

A new report by the World Bank Group reveals that Zambia can tackle climate risks while driving inclusive, private sector–led growth through smart and cost-effective development investments. The findings emphasize that strengthening climate resilience can expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and support the country’s rapidly growing young population. The Zambia Country Climate and Development Report… [Read More]

Rwanda is a land of contrasts, with mountainous terrain, ancient rainforests, and national parks that host iconic wildlife such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. At the same time, it is a fast-growing industrial hub and one of the world’s rapidly expanding economies, balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. The country has long prioritized sustainability,… [Read More]

The European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded €118 million to 30 groundbreaking projects selected under the 2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges, aiming to deliver technological breakthroughs across four strategic areas: biotechnology for climate-resilient crops and plant-based biomanufacturing, generative AI for cancer diagnosis and treatment, autonomous robot collectives for construction, and waste-to-value devices for circular production of… [Read More]

Research shows that a sense of purpose is a key driver of healthy longevity, benefiting both physical and mental health. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), 166 million people over 50 make up 25% of the region’s population, and this number is set to rise sharply by 2038. While longer life spans represent progress,… [Read More]

The “State of the Nation: Global Perspectives” series explored social care systems across countries including England, India, Scotland, Australia, and the Netherlands, as well as global policy perspectives. Despite differences in culture and structure, the series highlighted that social care systems worldwide face similar pressures, such as ageing populations, rising demand, workforce shortages, funding constraints,… [Read More]

The FAIR for ALL (F4A) programme, funded by a five-year €71 million grant from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was implemented by a consortium including Huairou Commission, Third World Network-Africa, SOMO, and Oxfam Novib. Between 2021 and 2025, it supported civil society organizations, alliances, and movements across 14 countries, as well as at regional… [Read More]

In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the village of Khardi in Palghar district has long depended on its mangroves for fishing, farming, and collecting shellfish. Generations of families have linked their identity and livelihoods to these coastal forests, which silently maintained the ecological balance of the area. When mangroves began disappearing, saltwater intruded inland,… [Read More]

Rwanda’s threat to withdraw its troops from Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province highlights the fragility of Mozambique’s security strategy, which is heavily dependent on natural resources and external support. Senior Rwandan officials warned on 14 March that their forces could pull out if sustainable international funding is not secured, coinciding with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo’s visit… [Read More]

New York / Rome — The Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Máximo Torero, has warned that the ongoing disruption of the Strait of Hormuz trade corridor is triggering one of the most severe shocks to global commodity flows in recent years, with major implications for food security,… [Read More]

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore is celebrating Filipino Food Month 2026 under the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” highlighting the Philippines’ culinary connections with its ASEAN neighbors while honoring its unique food traditions. Established through Proclamation No. 469 in 2018, the annual observance promotes Filipino cuisine as an… [Read More]

Mamou, Guinea – In response to growing land degradation and climate change impacts, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched training sessions on 24 February 2026 to promote assisted natural regeneration (ANR) as a sustainable approach to restore landscapes and enhance ecosystem resilience. The initiative, implemented with the Ministries of Environment… [Read More]

Abuja, Nigeria – With technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to close tuberculosis (TB) detection gaps, expand access to testing and treatment, and strengthen services for vulnerable populations. These initiatives aim to improve early diagnosis and care, particularly for women and children who are often underdiagnosed. A case… [Read More]

In Douala, Cameroon, the “Healthy Food Market” project is being implemented in two pilot markets, New Deido and Ndogpassi, as part of efforts to prevent foodborne diseases and improve hygiene, sanitation, and overall food safety. Coordinated by the urban municipality, the project aims to gradually extend these practices to all markets in the city, with… [Read More]

Nigeria has introduced lenacapavir, a new long‑acting injectable medicine for HIV prevention, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen national HIV programs. The rollout, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, WHO, the Global Fund, PEPFAR, and partners, aligns with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment… [Read More]