The United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week began with a powerful celebration of women’s empowerment, marking the 30th anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration—a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. Only the fifth woman to preside over the UN General Assembly in its 80-year history praised the courage of those “who fought for every phrase,… [Read More]
WHO
Minderoo Donates US$1M to Shield Humanitarian Heroes Amid Rising Global Threats
On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, the Minderoo Foundation has pledged US$1 million (A$1.52 million) to protect frontline aid workers risking their lives in conflict zones. Dr Andrew Forrest AO signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard those delivering life-saving assistance in the world’s… [Read More]
IDB Supports Enhanced Public Services and Urban Infrastructure in El Salvador
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $170 million loan to help El Salvador strengthen the economies of the Santa Tecla and La Libertad districts by improving access to quality public services and urban infrastructure. The program will focus on revitalizing municipal markets in both districts, ensuring they are universally accessible and climate-resilient, while… [Read More]
WFP Welcomes Pledges by Over 40 Governments to Expand National School Meal Programmes
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed commitments from more than 40 governments made over the past two years to expand national school meal programmes, bringing the world closer to the goal of ensuring every child receives a nutritious meal at school by 2030. As the host of the School Meals Coalition Secretariat and… [Read More]
Amended International Health Regulations Enter into Force
Today marks a significant milestone in global health governance as the amended International Health Regulations (IHR) officially enter into force, reflecting renewed international commitment to cooperation during public health emergencies. These amendments are shaped by lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and aim to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and equity in response to global health risks…. [Read More]
Thriving Rural Communities Are the Foundation of Global Security, IFAD Emphasizes at UN General Assembly
In an increasingly unpredictable global economy, investments in the socio-economic transformation of rural areas are essential to building a more stable and prosperous world. This is the message Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is bringing to the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, urging the international community to… [Read More]
Building a Brighter Future Through Robotics: How LYBOTICS Empowers Libya’s Youth
Growing up in Libya, I witnessed first-hand how the potential of young people often goes untapped. In a country facing challenges across education, employment, and technology, I realized that building a better future meant investing in youth today. My journey began with a simple belief: technology and innovation can transform lives. I wanted to create… [Read More]
‘Tidal Wave of Emotion’: Young Turkish Writer Wins Top UN Ocean Conservation Prize
Fifteen-year-old Reyyan Demiriz from Türkiye has captured first prize in the UN young writers’ competition, triumphing over 1.6 million entries from 65 countries. Her winning piece, described by Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki as a “tidal wave of emotion,” reflects the deep bond between humanity and the ocean. Organized by the UPU… [Read More]
Change Makers in Action: Local Initiatives Tackling Suicide and Building Mental Resilience
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has announced the local organisations selected to receive funding through its Change Makers: Pitching for Prevention initiative, supporting community-driven projects aimed at reducing suicide risk and strengthening mental wellbeing. The program funds three projects in the Hunter region, three in the Central Coast, and… [Read More]
Belarus Boosts Forest Fire Defenses with UNDP–China Initiative amid Rising Climate Risks
Belarus is stepping up efforts to protect its forests—covering over 40% of the country’s territory—through a new UNDP initiative supported by China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. The project, Safeguarding Forests of Belarus, aims to combine modern firefighting equipment with community-based prevention networks to tackle escalating wildfire threats driven by shifting climate patterns. The… [Read More]
UN Experts Warn of Rising Enforced Disappearances of Environmental Defenders
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Portugal and EIB Secure €1.34 Billion for Affordable Housing Projects
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €1.34 billion framework loan to support the construction and renovation of approximately 12,000 affordable housing units across Portugal. The first €450 million tranche of this financing was signed by the Republic of Portugal and the EIB, marking a significant step in addressing the country’s housing challenges while… [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
