Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Geneva/Kinshasa, 12 May 2025 – IOM is deeply concerned by the devastating impact of heavy rains and flooding battering South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 100 lives have reportedly been lost, including women, children, and the elderly, and many hundreds of people have been displaced.
IOM expresses its condolences to those impacted by the recent heavy rain and flooding, which is exacerbating the suffering and increasing the needs of communities harmed by months of violence between the Congolese Armed Forces and the Mouvement du 23 Mars ( M23).
Nearly 1.2 million have been displaced from their homes in North and South Kivu since January, while another 1.8 million have been compelled to return to their areas of origin with little to no access to assistance — many because displacement sites in areas under M23 control have been dismantled.
Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in eastern DRC lack access to critical services including shelter, health care, access to water and protection assistance. We continue to try scale up efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches people in need in DRC while calling for durable solutions.
I send greetings to everyone attending these important consultations on a defining issue of our time — the threat posed by lethal autonomous weapons systems.
Machines that have the power and discretion to take human lives without human control are politically unacceptable, morally repugnant and should be banned by international law.
I reiterate my call for the conclusion of a legally binding instrument by 2026.
The work being done by you and others around the world — including within the context of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons — is moving us in the right direction.
And my report of last year on this issue demonstrates widespread agreement on some fundamental principles.
First — human control over the use of force is essential.
We cannot delegate life-or-death decisions to machines.
And second — time is running out to take preventative action.
The Pact for the Future underscores the need for urgency and action on this issue.
We are living through deeply dangerous and divided times, and we don’t have a moment to lose.
As we look to accelerate action, these consultations provide an opportunity to discuss and overcome the concerns Member States have been raising.
From security and human rights to ethics — there are many aspects that require deeper consideration.
On an issue of such concern to all of humanity, every voice must be heard.
I thank you for providing yours, and helping us draw closer to a world in which lethal autonomous weapons systems have no place.
ROME/NEW YORK – Populations across the Gaza Strip are at risk of famine as fighting has surged again, border crossings are still closed, and food is dangerously scarce. Hunger and malnutrition have intensified sharply since all aid was blocked from entering on 2 March, reversing the clear humanitarian gains seen during the ceasefire earlier this year.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) snapshot released today, 470,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5), and the entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity. The report also projects an alarming 71,000 children and more than 17,000 mothers will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition. At the beginning of 2025, agencies estimated 60,000 children would need treatment.
“Families in Gaza are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border. We can’t get it to them because of the renewed conflict and the total ban on humanitarian aid imposed in early March,” said the UN World Food Programme’s Executive Director Cindy McCain. “It’s imperative that the international community acts urgently to get aid flowing into Gaza again. If we wait until after a famine is confirmed, it will already be too late for many people.”
The IPC snapshot for Gaza projects that renewed military operations, the ongoing complete blockade, and the critical lack of supplies needed for survival could push food insecurity, acute malnutrition and mortality levels past the famine thresholds in the coming months.
The vast majority of children in Gaza are facing extreme food deprivation as confirmed by 17 UN agencies and NGOs in the IPC report. Coupled with the severely limited access to health services and critical shortages of clean water and sanitation, rapid increases in acute malnutrition are expected in North Gaza, Gaza and Rafah governorates.
“The risk of famine does not arrive suddenly. It unfolds in places where access to food is blocked, where health systems are decimated, and where children are left without the bare minimum to survive. Hunger and acute malnutrition are a daily reality for children across the Gaza Strip,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “We have repeatedly warned of this trajectory and call again on all parties to prevent a catastrophe.”
Border crossings into Gaza have been closed for over two months – the longest the population has ever faced – causing food prices in markets to spike to astronomical levels, putting what little food is available out of reach for most families.
At the same time, more than 116,000 metric tons of food assistance – enough to feed one million people for up to four months – is already positioned in aid corridors, ready to be brought in. Hundreds of pallets of lifesaving nutrition treatments are also prepositioned for entry. United Nations agencies stand ready to work with all stakeholders and food security partners to bring in these food and nutrition supplies and distribute it as soon as borders reopen for principled aid delivery.
The UN World Food Programme and UNICEF remain on the ground in Gaza ready to deliver lifesaving aid according to required humanitarian principles.
WFP depleted its last food stocks to support hot meals kitchens for families on 25 April. A week earlier, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries closed as wheat flour and cooking fuel ran out. The same week, WFP food parcels for families – with two weeks of food rations – were exhausted. UNICEF continues to deliver water and critical nutrition services but its stocks for preventing malnutrition have run out and supplies for the therapeutic treatment of acute malnutrition are critically low.
UNICEF and WFP urge all parties to prioritize the needs of civilians and allow aid to enter Gaza immediately and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Note to Editors:
For more information on IPC system, please check here
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
The global nursing workforce has grown from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023, but wide disparities in the availability of nurses remain across regions and countries, according to the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), International Council of Nurses (ICN) and partners. Inequities in the global nursing workforce leave many of the world’s population without access to essential health services, which could threaten progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), global health security and the health-related development goals.
The new report released on International Nurses Day provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the nursing workforce at global, regional and country levels. Consolidating information from WHO’s 194 Member States, the evidence indicates global progress in reducing the nursing workforce shortage from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, with a projection to decline to 4.1 million by 2030. But, the overall progress still masks deep regional disparities: approximately 78% of the world’s nurses are concentrated in countries representing just 49% of the global population.
Low- and middle-income countries are facing challenges in graduating, employing and retaining nurses in the health system and will need to raise domestic investments to create and sustain jobs. In parallel, high-income countries need to be prepared to manage high levels of retiring nurses and review their reliance on foreign-trained nurses, strengthening bilateral agreements with the countries they recruit from.
“This report contains encouraging news, for which we congratulate the countries that are making progress,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “However, we cannot ignore the inequalities that mark the global nursing landscape. On International Nurses Day, I urge countries and partners to use this report as a signpost, showing us where we’ve come from, where we are now, and where we need to go – as rapidly as possible.”
Key findings
The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 (SoWN) report, based on data reported by 194 countries through the National Health Workforce Accounts, shows a 33% increase in the number of countries reporting data since the last edition in 2020. It includes detailed country profiles now available for public access online.
The report reveals complex disparities between and among countries, regions and socio-economic contexts. The data and evidence are intended to support country-led dialogue to contextualize the findings into policies and actions.
“We welcome the SoWN 2025 report as an important milestone for monitoring progress on strengthening and supporting the nursing workforce towards global health goals,” said Pam Cipriano, President, International Council of Nurses. “The report clearly exposes the inequalities that are holding back the nursing profession and acting as a barrier to achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Delivering on UHC is dependent on truly recognizing the value of nurses and on harnessing the power and influence of nurses to act as catalysts of positive change in our health systems.”
Gender and equity remain central concerns in the nursing workforce. Women continue to dominate the profession, making up 85% of the global nursing workforce.
Findings suggest that 1 in 7 nurses worldwide – and 23% in high-income countries – are foreign-born, highlighting reliance on international migration. In contrast, the proportion is significantly lower in upper middle-income countries (8%), lower middle-income countries (1%), and low-income countries (3%).
Low-income countries are increasing nurse graduate numbers at a faster pace than high-income countries. In many countries, hard-earned gains in the graduation rate of nurses are not resulting in improved densities due to the faster pace of population growth and lower employment opportunities. To address this, countries should create jobs to ensure graduates are hired and integrated into the health system and improve working conditions.
Age demographics and retirement trends reveal a mixed picture. The global nursing workforce is relatively young: 33% of nurses are aged under 35 years, compared with 19% who are expected to retire in the next 10 years. However, in 20 countries – mostly high-income – retirements are expected to outpace new entrants, raising concerns about nurse shortfalls, and having fewer experienced nurses to mentor early career nurses.
Around two thirds (62%) of countries reported the existence of advanced practice nursing roles – marking significant progress since 2020 (where only 53% reported advanced practice nursing roles). These types of nurses have been shown to expand access to and quality of care in many different settings.
The report also highlights improvements in nursing leadership: 82% of countries reported having a senior government nursing official to manage the nursing workforce. However, leadership development opportunities remain uneven. While 66% of countries report having such initiatives in place, only 25% of low-income countries offer structured leadership development.
Mental health and workforce well-being remain areas of concern. Only 42% of responding countries have provisions for nurses’ mental health support, despite increased workloads and trauma experienced during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this is essential to retain skilled professionals and ensure quality of care.
Policy priorities for 2026–2030
The report introduces forward-looking policy priorities, calling on countries to:
expand and equitably distribute nursing jobs, especially in underserved regions;
strengthen domestic education systems and align qualifications with defined roles;
improve working conditions, pay equity, and mental well-being support;
further develop nursing regulation and advanced practice nursing roles;
promote gender equity and protect nurses working in fragile, conflict-affected settings;
harness digital technologies and prepare nurses for climate-responsive care; and
advance nursing leadership and ensure leadership development opportunities are equitable.
The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report presents the most contemporary evidence on the global nursing workforce, including education, employment, migration, regulation, working conditions, leadership and more. The report includes updated indicators and robust estimates on global and regional-level nursing stock, shortage, and projections to 2030. Online county profiles provide national level data in a downloadable (PDF) format.
On this Day of Vesak, I extend my warmest wishes to Buddhists worldwide as they commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
The Buddha’s teachings of compassion, tolerance and selfless service resonate deeply with the values of the United Nations.
In an era of profound global challenges, these timeless principles must guide our shared path forward.
As we honor this sacred occasion, may we be inspired to bridge divides, foster solidarity, and work together towards a more peaceful, sustainable and harmonious world.
Happy Vesak Day to all.
***
En ce jour du Vesak, je présente mes meilleurs vœux aux bouddhistes du monde entier qui commémorent la naissance, l’éveil et la disparition du Bouddha.
Les enseignements du Bouddha sur la compassion, la tolérance et l’altruisme font parfaitement écho aux valeurs de l’Organisation des Nations Unies.
À une époque marquée par de graves problèmes mondiaux, ces principes intemporels nous montrent la voie que nous devons suivre ensemble.
Que ce jour sacré nous incite à jeter des ponts, à favoriser la solidarité et à œuvrer de concert à la création d’un monde plus pacifique, plus durable et plus harmonieux.
The global nursing workforce has grown from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023, but wide disparities in the availability of nurses remain across regions and countries, according to the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), International Council of Nurses (ICN) and partners. Inequities in the global nursing workforce leave many of the world’s population without access to essential health services, which could threaten progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), global health security and the health-related development goals.
The new report released on International Nurses Day provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the nursing workforce at global, regional and country levels. Consolidating information from WHO’s 194 Member States, the evidence indicates global progress in reducing the nursing workforce shortage from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, with a projection to decline to 4.1 million by 2030. But, the overall progress still masks deep regional disparities: approximately 78% of the world’s nurses are concentrated in countries representing just 49% of the global population.
Low- and middle-income countries are facing challenges in graduating, employing and retaining nurses in the health system and will need to raise domestic investments to create and sustain jobs. In parallel, high-income countries need to be prepared to manage high levels of retiring nurses and review their reliance on foreign-trained nurses, strengthening bilateral agreements with the countries they recruit from.
“This report contains encouraging news, for which we congratulate the countries that are making progress,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “However, we cannot ignore the inequalities that mark the global nursing landscape. On International Nurses Day, I urge countries and partners to use this report as a signpost, showing us where we’ve come from, where we are now, and where we need to go – as rapidly as possible.”
Key findings
The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 (SoWN) report, based on data reported by 194 countries through the National Health Workforce Accounts, shows a 33% increase in the number of countries reporting data since the last edition in 2020. It includes detailed country profiles now available for public access online.
The report reveals complex disparities between and among countries, regions and socio-economic contexts. The data and evidence are intended to support country-led dialogue to contextualize the findings into policies and actions.
“We welcome the SoWN 2025 report as an important milestone for monitoring progress on strengthening and supporting the nursing workforce towards global health goals,” said Pam Cipriano, President, International Council of Nurses. “The report clearly exposes the inequalities that are holding back the nursing profession and acting as a barrier to achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Delivering on UHC is dependent on truly recognizing the value of nurses and on harnessing the power and influence of nurses to act as catalysts of positive change in our health systems.”
Gender and equity remain central concerns in the nursing workforce. Women continue to dominate the profession, making up 85% of the global nursing workforce.
Findings suggest that 1 in 7 nurses worldwide – and 23% in high-income countries – are foreign-born, highlighting reliance on international migration. In contrast, the proportion is significantly lower in upper middle-income countries (8%), lower middle-income countries (1%), and low-income countries (3%).
Low-income countries are increasing nurse graduate numbers at a faster pace than high-income countries. In many countries, hard-earned gains in the graduation rate of nurses are not resulting in improved densities due to the faster pace of population growth and lower employment opportunities. To address this, countries should create jobs to ensure graduates are hired and integrated into the health system and improve working conditions.
Age demographics and retirement trends reveal a mixed picture. The global nursing workforce is relatively young: 33% of nurses are aged under 35 years, compared with 19% who are expected to retire in the next 10 years. However, in 20 countries – mostly high-income – retirements are expected to outpace new entrants, raising concerns about nurse shortfalls, and having fewer experienced nurses to mentor early career nurses.
Around two thirds (62%) of countries reported the existence of advanced practice nursing roles – marking significant progress since 2020 (where only 53% reported advanced practice nursing roles). These types of nurses have been shown to expand access to and quality of care in many different settings.
The report also highlights improvements in nursing leadership: 82% of countries reported having a senior government nursing official to manage the nursing workforce. However, leadership development opportunities remain uneven. While 66% of countries report having such initiatives in place, only 25% of low-income countries offer structured leadership development.
Mental health and workforce well-being remain areas of concern. Only 42% of responding countries have provisions for nurses’ mental health support, despite increased workloads and trauma experienced during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this is essential to retain skilled professionals and ensure quality of care.
Policy priorities for 2026–2030
The report introduces forward-looking policy priorities, calling on countries to:
expand and equitably distribute nursing jobs, especially in underserved regions;
strengthen domestic education systems and align qualifications with defined roles;
improve working conditions, pay equity, and mental well-being support;
further develop nursing regulation and advanced practice nursing roles;
promote gender equity and protect nurses working in fragile, conflict-affected settings;
harness digital technologies and prepare nurses for climate-responsive care; and
advance nursing leadership and ensure leadership development opportunities are equitable.
The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report presents the most contemporary evidence on the global nursing workforce, including education, employment, migration, regulation, working conditions, leadership and more. The report includes updated indicators and robust estimates on global and regional-level nursing stock, shortage, and projections to 2030. Online county profiles provide national level data in a downloadable (PDF) format.
On April 24, 2025, Indonesia made a masterful geopolitical move. Jakarta granted Fiji US$6 million in financial aid and offered to cooperate with them on military training — a seemingly benign act of diplomacy that conceals a darker purpose.
“There’s no need to be burdened by debt,” declared Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the bilateral meeting at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace.
More significantly, he pledged Fiji’s respect for Indonesian sovereignty — diplomatic code for abandoning West Papua’s struggle for self-determination.
This aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s Law No. 2 of 2023, which established frameworks for defence cooperation, including joint research, technology transfer, and military education, between the two nations.
This is not merely a partnership — it is ideological assimilation.
Indonesia’s financial generosity comes with unwritten expectations. By integrating Fijian forces into Indonesian military training programmes, Jakarta aims to export its “anti-separatist” doctrine, which frames Papuan resistance as a “criminal insurgency” rather than legitimate political expression.
The US $6 million is not aid — it’s a strategic investment in regional complicity.
Geopolitical chess in a fractured world Indonesia’s manoeuvres must be understood in the context of escalating global tensions.
The rivalry between the US and China has transformed the Indo-Pacific into a strategic battleground, leaving Pacific Island nations caught between competing spheres of influence.
Although Jakarta is officially “non-aligned,” it is playing both sides to secure its territorial ambitions.
Its aid to Fiji is one move in a comprehensive regional strategy to diplomatically isolate West Papua.
Flashback to West Papuan leader Benny Wenda (left) meeting Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva in February 2023 . . . At the time, Rabuka declared: “We will support them [ULMWP] because they are Melanesians.” Image: Fiji govt
By strengthening economic and military ties with strategically positioned nations, Indonesia is systematically undermining Papuan representation in important forums such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), and the United Nations.
While the world focuses on superpower competition, Indonesia is quietly strengthening its position on what it considers an internal matter — effectively removing West Papua from international discourse.
The Russian connection: Shadow alliances Another significant yet less examined relationship is Indonesia’s growing partnership with Russia, particularly in defence technology, intelligence sharing, and energy cooperation
This relationship provides Jakarta with advanced military capabilities and reduces its dependence on Western powers and China.
Russia’s unwavering support for territorial integrity, as evidenced by its position on Crimea and Ukraine, makes it an ideal partner for Indonesia’s West Papua policy.
Moscow’s diplomatic support strengthens Jakarta’s argument that “separatist” movements are internal security issues rather than legitimate independence struggles.
This strategic triangulation — balancing relations with Washington, Beijing, and Moscow– allows Indonesia to pursue regional dominance with minimal international backlash. Each superpower, focused on countering the others’ influence, overlooks Indonesia’s systematic suppression of Papuan self-determination.
Institutionalising silence: Beyond diplomacy The practical consequence of Indonesia’s multidimensional strategy is the diplomatic isolation of West Papua. Historically positioned to advocate for Melanesian solidarity, Fiji now faces economic incentives to remain silent on Indonesian human rights abuses.
A similar pattern emerges across the Pacific as Jakarta extends these types of arrangements to other regional players.
It is not just about temporary diplomatic alignment; it is about the structural transformation of regional politics.
When Pacific nations integrate their security apparatuses with Indonesia’s, they inevitably adopt Jakarta’s security narratives. Resistance movements are labelled “terrorist threats,” independence advocates are branded “destabilising elements,” and human rights concerns are dismissed as “foreign interference”.
Most alarmingly, military cooperation provides Indonesia with channels to export its counterinsurgency techniques, which are frequently criticised by human rights organisations for their brutality.
Security forces in the Pacific trained in these approaches may eventually use them against their own Papuan advocacy groups.
The price of strategic loyalty For just US$6 million — a fraction of Indonesia’s defence budget — Jakarta purchases Fiji’s diplomatic loyalty, military alignment, and ideological compliance. This transaction exemplifies how economic incentives increasingly override moral considerations such as human rights, indigenous sovereignty, and decolonisation principles that once defined Pacific regionalism.
Indonesia’s approach represents a sophisticated evolution in its foreign policy. No longer defensive about West Papua, Jakarta is now aggressively consolidating regional support, methodically closing avenues for international intervention, and systematically delegitimising Papuan voices on the global stage.
Will the Pacific remember its soul? The path ahead for West Papua is becoming increasingly treacherous. Beyond domestic repression, the movement now faces waning international support as economic pragmatism supplants moral principle throughout the Pacific region.
Unless Pacific nations reconnect with their anti-colonial heritage and the values that secured their independence, West Papua’s struggle risks fading into obscurity, overwhelmed by geopolitical calculations and economic incentives.
The question facing the Pacific region is not simply about West Papua, but about regional identity itself. Will Pacific nations remain true to their foundational values of indigenous solidarity and decolonisation? Or will they sacrifice these principles on the altar of transactional diplomacy?
The date April 24, 2025, may one day be remembered not only as the day Indonesia gave Fiji US$6 million but also as the day the Pacific began trading its moral authority for economic expediency, abandoning West Papua to perpetual colonisation in exchange for short-term gains.
The Pacific is at a crossroads — it can either reclaim its voice or resign itself to becoming a theatre where greater powers dictate the fate of indigenous peoples. For West Papua, everything depends on which path is chosen.
Ali Mirin is a West Papuan from the Kimyal tribe of the highlands that share a border with the Star Mountain region of Papua New Guinea. He graduated with a Master of Arts in international relations from Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Disasters continue to generate significant impacts across Latin America and the Caribbean. Many occur suddenly, such as storms or hurricanes; others unfold gradually, like droughts. Yet their consequences are consistent: loss of life, disruption of livelihoods, infrastructure damage, and severe economic impacts. Between 2000 and 2024, more than 2,350 disasters were recorded in the region, affecting over 320 million people.
International cooperation and public budgets are limited and remain largely reactive. In this context, private sector engagement has become essential to enhancing investments in prevention and, in so doing, to help protect employees, communities, and business operations. Resilience is not only a matter of public policy but a collective effort that requires the involvement of industry, business networks, and productive territories.
Sustainable business development is closely tied to the resilience of the communities in which they operate. Private sector actors are increasingly cognizant that risk is not an external factor but a direct threat to their workforce, infrastructure, and operational continuity. In response, more and more companies are stepping up and taking on active roles in disaster risk reduction such as by co-investing in early warning systems, contributing to territorial planning, and providing data, expertise, logistics, or technological solutions to strengthen collective resilience.
These partnerships do not form automatically. They require clear regulatory frameworks, long-term vision, sustained political will, and strong leadership. They also require a shared understanding that resilience is not built overnight, nor in isolation. Disaster risk reduction and resilience-building are progressive, collective processes that face challenges and demand ongoing commitment, cross-sectoral coordination, and a strategic focus on prevention.
From the perspective of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the way forward is clear: investing in prevention and mitigation not only saves lives—it also protects economic value. For every dollar invested in resilience, four to seven dollars are saved in response and recovery. However, according to case studies featured in the 2024 Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk in Latin America and the Caribbean (RAR24), only about 6% of public spending in the region is allocated to disaster prevention. Eighty percent is still directed toward compensatory measures.
“Disaster risk reduction is not solely an institutional responsibility. It is a shared task that requires vision, political leadership, and coordinated action among governments, the private sector, and communities. Only through concrete partnerships can we anticipate threats and protect what matters most: people, livelihoods, and the stability of our territories,” said Nahuel Arenas, Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean.
According to the latest report from the Swiss Re Institute, only approximately 17% of total economic losses from disasters in Latin America in 2024 were insured. This gap highlights the structural limitations of the insurance system in the face of increasing threats and sends a clear warning: without substantial risk reduction, the risk of uninsurability will grow—particularly in highly exposed areas where some insurers have already begun to withdraw their operations.
The good news is that solutions already exist. UNDRR promotes a diversified strategy that includes prospective, corrective, and compensatory risk management—a model that not only helps companies avoid losses, but also improves the return on their investments. Integrating resilience into investment decisions, applying seismic building codes, replacing flammable materials, upgrading drainage systems, supporting multi-hazard early warning systems, allocating risk-informed dedicated budgets, establishing emergency funds, and preparing and updating contingency plans are some of the measures that can make the difference between business continuity and operational disruption.
Resilience-focused business networks are already active in the region. ARISE, the global private sector initiative led by UNDRR, brings together more than 250 companies in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the potential to influence over 100,000 businesses. Through this platform, the private sector works in coordination to build capacities, share knowledge, and advance a safer, more sustainable, and risk-informed economy.
This regional commitment will be further reflected next week in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, during the Sustainability Week and IV ARISE Forum 2025 for the Americas and the Caribbean. From 13 to 16 May, under the theme “Shaping a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” the event will bring together private sector leaders, governments, international organizations, ARISE networks, civil society, and financial system actors to address key topics such as resilient supply chains, climate action finance, early warning systems, risk transfer mechanisms, resilience education, and will highlight the vital role of women in business continuity and resilience. It provides a valuable opportunity to consolidate partnerships, exchange concrete solutions, and reinforce the role of the private sector as a key player in building a safer and more sustainable future.
Resilience doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intent, strategy, collaboration, and sustained effort. Recognizing risks is not enough—we must anticipate them and act accordingly. Resilience is a key component of any business strategy that requires investment, coordination and planning. And above all, it is built in partnership. In a time of increasing risks and mounting uncertainty, the private sector faces two paths: take action or bear the consequences. Failing to invest in resilience is, in effect, financing the disasters of the future.
Frontiers in Communication is a multidisciplinary journal that focuses on advancing communication developments across society and culture, in areas including politics, health, media and industry, science and environment.
Led by Field Chief Editor Prof Justin Lewis (Cardiff University, UK), this Scopus and DOAJ indexed journal welcomes research contributions in all areas of communication that advance our understanding of communication technologies and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
advertising and marketing communication
culture and communication
disaster communications
health communication
language communication
media, culture and creative industries media governance and the public sphere
multimodality of communication
organizational communication
science and environmental communication
visual communication.
Frontiers in Communication is a cross-disciplinary journal that seeks to develop understanding of the rapidly-changing global communication revolution and its relevance across social, economic and cultural spheres. Submissions that focus on new areas, such as multimodality of communication, advertising, and the creative industries are of particular interest.
Climate Impacts Tracker Asia commits to publishing in-depth analysis and reports that connect climate science to climate change, with the goals of:
Identifying the causes of climate change;
Reporting on climate change’s impact on a local and global scale, with a focus on communities and livelihoods;
Showcasing climate change mitigation, adaptation and solutions.
Climate Impacts Tracker aims to engage audiences by seeking out and crafting compelling stories and ensuring that they reach people and empower them to make a positive difference. Its approach to its work will include:
Collaborate and support partner organisations;
Communicate narratives that support the science behind climate change and its impact;
Inspire our audiences to raise key questions and take action surrounding climate impacts.
The first national consultation on the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative marked a significant step in assessing Belize’s current state of early warning systems and identifying gaps that will inform an actionable national roadmap. This roadmap will guide the country towards a multi-hazard, accessible, and inclusive early warning systems—that goes beyond meteorological hazards to address a broader range of risks.
Held from 5 to 7 May and convened by the Government of Belize, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, and partners including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the consultation served to consolidate a national diagnosis of gaps and opportunities, and to outline the pillars and areas of improvement that will shape a coordinated national strategy.
“Let this workshop be the catalyst for a renewed national commitment—where we strengthen our multi-hazard early warning systems, mobilize the financial and human resources we need, and align our efforts with ongoing initiatives. ‘Early Warnings for All’ is not just a UN vision—it must be Belize’s vision. Together, with knowledge, partnership, and will, we can build a more resilient and inclusive Belize for generations to come,” said Mr. Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development, speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño.
This national process is supported by a set of complementary initiatives. Central among them is the development of the Country Work Programme (CWP), led by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) with support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which sets disaster risk management priorities for the next four years. The Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS) project—implemented jointly by UNDRR and WMO—enhances the enabling environment for early warning systems. These efforts are further reinforced by Belize’s participation in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative.
“We recognize the Government of Belize’s strong commitment to disaster risk reduction, clearly reflected in the development of its CWP and its focus on building inclusive and integrated early warning systems,” said Nahuel Arenas, Chief of UNDRR’s Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. “At UNDRR, we reaffirm our support to work alongside local governments to strengthen resilience and protection for all,” he added.
The consultation also served as a platform to launch the UN Joint SDG Fund Programme Belize Inclusive Resilience in Safe and SMART Spaces, implemented by UN Women and UNDRR, in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. The programme focuses on urban resilience, gender equality, and community safety, promoting safe and smart spaces and the development of inclusive local disaster resilience action plans for Belize City.
The launch began with the official signing ceremony of Belize City’s entry into the MCR2030 initiative. During the event, His Worship Mayor Bernard Wagner formally handed over the signed Letter of Commitment to UNDRR’s Regional Chief of Office, signaling Belize City’s role as the newest member of the global MCR2030 network and reinforcing its commitment to building a safer, more resilient urban future.
“Our participation in MCR2030 is more than symbolic. It is a declaration that Belize City is committed to a future where safety, preparedness, sustainability, and inclusive urban development are not optional, but essential,” said Mayor Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City.
“This effort is about ensuring that more people—especially in the most vulnerable communities—receive early warnings in time and know what to do,” said Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management.
Beyond reports and diagnostics, the true impact of these initiatives will be measured by their capacity to save lives and protect livelihoods, especially in vulnerable communities and among historically excluded communities.
“Belize’s commitment to linking national policies with concrete local action is an encouraging step toward the goals of the Sendai Framework. This progress reminds us that when we work in coordination and keep people at the center, resilience becomes both possible and real,” said Raúl Salazar, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Belize and El Salvador.
Resilience is more than a policy; it is a daily practice that demands coordination, evidence, participation, and political will. In this journey, Belize and El Salvador stand as natural partners. What is learned in one context can—and should—strengthen action in the other.
A dedicated webinar on “The Gap Fund: Supporting Armenian Municipalities Towards Climate Finance” was held on 8 May 2025, marking a significant milestone in the engagement of Armenian cities in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. Organized by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) partnership with the City Climate Finance Gap Fund — a committed member of the MCR2030 Regional Coordinating Committee — the event brought together municipal representatives, urban planners, and DRR practitioners from across Armenia.
In collaboration with UNDRR, COM EAST, and the National Platform for DRR in Armenia (ARNAP Foundation), the webinar introduced the Gap Fund’s objectives and application process, providing Armenian municipalities with practical guidance on accessing early-stage technical assistance for low-carbon, climate-resilient projects. The cities were equipped with a better understanding of how to apply for Gap Fund support, what types of assistance and expert guidance are available, and how these resources can help them move from climate ambition to actionable and fundable project pipelines.
As part of the session, Branka Knežević, Deputy Secretary for Urban Planning and Sustainable Development from the City of Podgorica, Montenegro, shared the city’s experience with the Gap Fund, offering valuable lessons learned and insights into developing successful climate finance proposals. Her contribution helped demonstrate how peer learning can support practical progress at the local level.
Andrew Bower, Programme Mangement Officer at UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized the importance of risk-sensitive urban development, reinforcing the MCR2030 vision to build resilient cities through targeted support and partnership. Following the webinar, GCoM and UNDRR will work closely in supporting Armenian cities with their applications to the Gap Fund.
With growing momentum for climate action at the local level, this session represents a vital step in preparing Armenian cities to pursue climate and resilience projects more effectively.
The Secretary-General welcomes the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions. He hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries.
The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this afternoon closed its one hundred and fifteenth session, during which it reviewed the reports of Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Republic of Korea and Ukraine.
Chinsung Chung, Committee Rapporteur, said that the Committee’s concluding observations for the five country reviews conducted during the session were available on the session’s webpage. The Committee thanked the State party delegations that participated in dialogues; the national human rights institutions of Ukraine and the Republic of Korea for submitting written reports and providing updates during the session; and the various civil society representatives who contributed essential information to the reviews.
Ms. Chung said that this year was the sixtieth anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. During the yearlong campaign, the Committee would highlight the achievements made in the last 60 years and identify effective and concrete ways to overcome structural and emerging challenges in making the Convention’s goal – a world free of racial discrimination – a reality. Information on the anniversary was available on the webpage for the campaign.
At the opening meeting of the session, Ms. Chung reported, Antti Korkeakivi, Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, gave a speech highlighting the Committee’s important work and its contributions to promoting and protecting the human rights of all people without discrimination. He underlined that the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention was an opportunity to explore avenues to generate greater political will and concrete action to fight against racial discrimination.
Mr. Korkeakivi recognised the negative impact of the United Nations’ liquidity crisis on the planning and implementation of the work of all Committees, as the holding of the next sessions for this year was still uncertain. He confirmed that the Office of the High Commissioner was doing its utmost to ensure that the treaty bodies could implement their mandates. Nevertheless, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future.
During the one hundred and fifteenth session, Ms. Chung said, the Committee reviewed follow-up reports for Croatia, Germany, Morocco, Uruguay and Tajikistan. The Committee thanked these States parties for their reports and invited them to duly consider its recommendations and include the steps taken to implement them in their next periodic reports.
The Committee pursued its work toward the elaboration of its joint general recommendations 38 and 39 with the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families on eradicating xenophobia towards migrants and others perceived as such.
Ms. Chung said the Committee also discussed the development of a general recommendation on reparations for the injustices of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, their treatment as chattel, and the ongoing harms to people of African descent, holding a half-day of general discussion on 25 April 2025 as part of this process. Two expert panels examined legal frameworks for reparations and the lasting effects of slavery, including systemic racism and institutional responsibility. Drawing on these discussions and over 60 written submissions, the Committee would now begin drafting the general recommendation, which would be shared for public input before adoption. Further information was available on the Committee’s webpage.
Further, Ms. Chung reported, the Committee considered 16 submissions under its early warning and urgent action procedure and endorsed 13 letters to States parties assessed in this procedure. It also considered four cases under the individual complaints procedure. It declared admissible one case against Germany and discontinued three other cases.
Ms. Chung also provided an update on the follow-up procedure to the Ad-Hoc Conciliation Commission report published in August 2024 on the inter-State communication submitted by the State of Palestine against Israel under article 11 of the Convention. Today, 9 May, the Committee issued a statement on the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, acting under its follow-up and early warning and urgent action procedure.
On 24 April, Ms. Chung said, the Committee held a meeting with States parties. The Committee thanked all States parties’ representatives who contributed to this event and appreciated that it was well attended. Earlier today, the Committee also held a meeting with civil society organizations. In addition, during the session, the Committee heard a report on follow-up to article 13 of the Convention and adopted an updated version of its Rules of Procedure, which would be made available shortly.
In closing remarks, Michal Balcerzak, Committee Chairperson, said this had been a very productive session. He thanked the Committee Experts, who had all contributed significantly to the Committee’s work throughout the session, and to working towards the Committee’s mandate of the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination wherever it occurred. He also thanked all other persons who had contributed to the smooth execution of the Committee’s work.
Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. Other documents related to the session can be found here.
Due to the current financial situation, the dates of the second sessions of some treaty bodies are not yet confirmed. The next session of the Committee is scheduled take place between 11 and 29 August 2025, with the reports of Burundi, Guatemala, Maldives, New Zealand, Sweden and Tunisia scheduled for review. All information, including the proposed programme of work, will be available on the session webpage.
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Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
The Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG) is a Portuguese research laboratory whose mission is to promote and carry out research, demonstration and knowledge transfer actions, technical and technological assistance and laboratory support aimed at companies, in the fields of energy and geology.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
9 May 2025, Geneva – For decades, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has supported Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programs in more than 100 countries—helping people without resources, legal options, or support return to their countries of origin safely and with dignity. AVR is a proven, rights-based tool that allows migrants facing the challenges of a complex global migration system to regain agency and make informed decisions.
At the request of the U.S. government, IOM is providing AVR to people in the U.S. who register to voluntarily return to their countries of origin. Our role is to ensure that those who lack the means to return on their own can do so in a safe, dignified, and informed way. This reflects IOM’s global mandate to protect vulnerable people, uphold human dignity, and ensure that migration—whether to a new home or in return—is safe, orderly, and rights-based.
The United States determines its own migration policy. IOM does not facilitate or implement deportations. Our involvement begins only after an individual, required by U.S. law to leave the country, gives informed consent to receive assistance. In these moments, IOM ensures that people have access to accurate information and essential services, in line with international standards.
IOM helps people navigate the complexities of the migration system to find stability, safety, and the ability to make meaningful choices about their future. In the United States, many migrants face a challenging reality—navigating complex systems with limited options and resources. This initiative provides support to those who choose to return, helping them make a life-changing decision with care and clarity.
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, notes with deep regret that the United States of America has announced its intention to deny future funding to the organization by triggering the Kemp-Kasten Amendment. This decision is based on unfounded claims about UNFPA’s work in China that have long been disproved – including by the US Government itself. It comes in addition to termination notices UNFPA has already received for more than 40 existing humanitarian projects, amounting to some $335 million in funding.
Following the abrupt termination of development assistance grants, this move will add further strain to the already-stretched global public health system. It will cut essential support for millions of people living in humanitarian crises and for midwives preventing mothers from dying in childbirth — work that is a ‘best-buy’ in development, a cost-effective investment that generates positive returns over generations.
UNFPA’s decades-long partnership with the United States, a founding partner, has made the world safer, stronger and more prosperous. Together, we have strengthened health systems, saved millions of lives, and improved the economic prospects of families and communities worldwide. Over the past four years alone, with the US Government’s life-saving investments we prevented more than 17,000 maternal deaths, 9 million unintended pregnancies and nearly 3 million unsafe abortions by expanding access to voluntary family planning.
UNFPA remains keen to maintain an open dialogue with the US Government, including through the UNFPA Executive Board, of which the USA is a member.
We urge the United States to reconsider its stance and reclaim its position as a leader in global public health, saving millions of lives. Funding UNFPA – the only United Nations agency dedicated to reproductive health and rights – is the surest way of reducing the risk of coercive practices around the world.
UNFPA staff and partners are determined to support safety and dignity, progress and hope for every woman and girl. We will continue to work tirelessly under our mandate to deliver on our collective promise to women and girls around the world.
The Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for another year, as the world’s youngest nation teeters on the brink of renewed conflict.
Introduced by the United States and supported by 11 other Council members, the resolution extended the mandate of UNMISS until 30 April next year.
This action follows a short nine-day “technical rollover” approved by the Council on 30 April to allow more time for negotiations.
Through the text – adopted on Thursday – the Security Councilauthorized the peacekeeping mission to “use all necessary means” to implement its mandate – including the protection of civilians, assisting aid delivery, supporting implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, and investigating violations of international law.
Three nations – China, Pakistan, and Russia – abstained.
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The massive explosion and fires that rocked the Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on 26 April 2025 took the lives of at least 57 people and injured over 1,200, according to media reports. The port’s activities and surrounding community were severely impacted and the hazardous smoke could have severe health and environmental effects. The government has stated that negligence and non-compliance with safety measures regarding the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals were the causes.
To prevent and mitigate the effects of future incidents, Member States worldwide are invited to engage in UNECE’s current interagency work to support governments to strengthen safety and security measures across sectors for the management of hazardous chemicals.
Major port explosions in Lebanon (Beirut port in 2020) and China (Tianjin port in 2015), as well as blasts in Equatorial Guinea (Bata barracks in 2021) and USA (West Fertilizer Explosion in 2013), have had lasting impacts. These resulted from inadequate storage and handling of hazardous chemicals and in some cases prompted governments to strengthen their inspections of chemical facilities, review inventories, follow-up on non-compliance and suspected irregularities and raise public awareness. As governments review and improve safety measures, risks need to be carefully assessed against the background of the ongoing global energy transition, aiming to mitigate climate change, while also adapting to its increasing impacts. Certain hazardous substances and technologies affiliated with the energy transition have potential to cause accidents if not properly managed. In a changing climate, increasingly severe and frequent natural hazards can trigger accidents and exacerbate their effects.
ILO, IMO, UNDRR, UNEP, UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit, UNITAR, WHO, OECD, the European Commission and European Investment Bank also support risk management from different angles, with their respective legal and policy instruments and guidance.
UNECE has also initiated a partnership with these organizations to follow-up on the 2020 Beirut port explosion and implement a three-year global project, supported by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. The initiative aims to promote and improve knowledge of international instruments that apply along the lifecycle of chemicals for preventing and mitigating accidents, strengthen capacities for related policies and governance and increase knowledge of authorities on preparedness and response.
A new video that introduces the risks of managing hazardous chemicals and tools available to manage them; a forthcoming information repository and report with more information on international instruments and national good practices; and a global seminar on this topic within the framework of the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Industrial Accidents Convention at the end of 2026.
International cooperation and coordination, including across sectors, are key to enhancing knowledge and developing tools to avoid future incidents involving hazardous chemicals and to protect people, the environment and economies from them.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have today announced a sublicensing agreement between MPP and a Nigerian health technology company – Codix Bio – to start development and manufacturing of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) using technology transferred from global in-vitro diagnostics company – SD Biosensor (SDB). This agreement will contribute to advancing equitable access to vital diagnostic tools through local production, expanding manufacturing capacity in the African Region.
The new RDT technology is especially useful for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as it is easy to use in health facilities without requiring additional equipment. Tests are highly sensitive and can generate results within 20 minutes. Codix Bio will initially focus on producing RDTs for HIV, but the technology can also be used for manufacturing tests for malaria and syphilis, among others. It can also be quickly adapted to other diseases, which will prove valuable during health emergencies and pandemics, contributing to improvements in health security and equity.
“Sublicensing SDB’s RDT technology marks a major milestone in strengthening manufacturing capabilities in regions where they are needed most,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General, Access to Medicines and Health Products. “It can help advance global commitments made at the 2023 World Health Assembly to promote equitable access to diagnostics as a cornerstone of universal health coverage and pandemic preparedness.”
“We are delighted to have signed this first sublicense agreement for RDTs with Codix Bio. Today marks a major step forward in diversifying diagnostic production and ensuring access where it is needed most,” said Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool. “It shows how voluntary licensing and coordinated technology transfer can empower manufacturers in LMICs, ultimately helping reshape global supply chains to become more equitable and resilient.”
“The announcement of this sublicensing agreement with Codix Bio marks an important milestone in our partnership with WHO and MPP. By coupling the technology transfer with coordinated support, this initiative not only helps Codix Bio respond to health priorities in Nigeria and the region – it also demonstrates a collaborative model for building sustainable and self-reliant local manufacturing capacity,” said Hyo-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman of SD Biosensor, Inc. “We are proud that our highly adaptable and reliable rapid diagnostic testing technology will contribute to strengthening regional manufacturing ecosystems and expanding equitable access to diagnostics.”
After the WHO and MPP open call was announced for applications for LMIC-based manufacturers, Codix Bio was selected as the first sublicensee. “This landmark agreement is a defining moment in our journey of health-tech innovation and a breakthrough for local healthcare manufacturing in Africa. Being selected as the first sublicensee under this global initiative underscores our commitment to contribute meaningfully to pandemic preparedness and regional health security,” said Sammy Ogunjimi, Group Managing Director/CEO, Codix Group. “With support from WHO and MPP, we are committed to producing high-quality, rapid diagnostic tests that can transform access to timely diagnosis, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent.”
HTAP will coordinate support from across WHO and its partners, covering areas such as workforce development, regulatory compliance and product uptake. It is also continuing with evaluations for a potential second sublicensee for this technology transfer.
Most LMICs rely on importing health diagnostics. Following fragility and heavy dependence on imported health product supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic and important lessons learnt for regional health security, there is growing momentum for improving local production and supply resilience, including by institutions such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Global Fund and Unitaid.
Note to editors
About Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organization working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organizations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritize and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. medicinespatentpool.org
About WHO Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int
WFP/Lena von Zabern. Woman from Western Darfur, arrived 4 month ago with her 6-month-old baby in Koulbus. She receives WFP treatment against malnutrition
DAKAR, Senegal – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) sounded the alarm today as persistent conflict, displacement, economic deterioration, and recurrent extreme weather in West and Central Africa are driving millions of people towards emergency levels of hunger (IPC4).
According to the latest food security analysis of the Cadre Harmonisé, more than 36 million people are struggling to meet their basic food and nutrition needs, a number projected to rise to over 52 million during the June–August 2025 lean season, including almost three million in emergency conditions (IPC4), and 2,600 people in Mali at risk of facing catastrophic hunger (IPC5).
Unyielding conflict has forcibly displaced more than 10 million of the most vulnerable across the region, including 2.4 million refugees and asylum seekers, in Chad, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Niger. Almost eight million more have been internally displaced mainly in Nigeria, and Cameroon. Many have been cut off from their livelihoods – fleeing farms and grazing lands in search of food and shelter.
Food inflation exacerbated by rising food and fuel costs are pushing crisis hunger levels to new highs in Ghana, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. Food prices continue to rise in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon too, placing nutritious food far out of reach for the most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, recurrent extreme weather, particularly in the Central Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and Central African Republic erodes the ability of families to feed themselves. In 2024 alone, floods affected over six million people across the region.
WFP stands ready to respond and scale up vital assistance
WFP aims to reach almost 12 million women, men, girls and boys in West Africa and the Sahel with critical assistance and nutritional support this year to help the most vulnerable withstand hunger shocks when they inevitably occur.
In 2025, WFP has already reached three million of the most vulnerable with life-saving assistance – including refugees, internally displaced persons, malnourished children under five, and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls.
While humanitarian needs are at a historical high, resources to mount an effective response at scale are not keeping pace.
“We are at a tipping point and millions of lives are at stake.,” warned Margot van der Velden, WFP’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Without immediate funding, WFP will be forced to scale down even further both in the number of people reached and the size of food rations distributed. The consequences are devastating, communities already in crisis, many have been forced to sell their last assets and skip meals, risking long-term effects to their health and life.”
Today, WFP warns that five million people risk losing assistance altogether unless urgent funding is received.
Between June and August 2024, funding shortfalls forced WFP to assist only 7.3 million people in the Sahel – just 60 percent of the organization’s intended target – with many receiving reduced rations.
Insufficient funding also threatens the WFP-managed UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) operations from providing emergency support to the humanitarian community in Mali and Nigeria. UNHAS provides essential aviation services and logistics support to ensure frontline aid workers and life-saving supplies can reach those most in need.
WFP urgently requires US$ 710 million to continue life-saving assistance for the most vulnerable in the region for the next six months (May–October 2025).
Ending generational hunger cycles must address root causes
Beyond emergency food assistance, WFP is urging governments and partners to invest in sustainable solutions aimed at building resilience and reducing long-term dependency on aid.
Since 2018, WFP has been working with governments across the Sahel to address the root causes of hunger through its successful integrated Resilience Program – rehabilitating over 300,000 hectares of land to support over four million people in more than 3,400 villages.
“By leading the way and investing in early actions, and restoring ecosystems, we can protect vulnerable communities, save lives, reduce future humanitarian needs, and safeguard resilience gains across the Sahel,” added van der Velden. “We know what works. We urge the international community to collectively enhance investments in building back ecosystems and strengthening local economies for communities to thrive; it costs little and prevents crises.”
WFP remains committed to working closely with national authorities, regional bodies, and humanitarian partners to ensure timely, targeted, and safe assistance reaches those most in need.
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Note to Editor
For more information on the Cadre Harmonisé, please check here
Photos and videos (B-rolls + interviews) availablehere
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
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WHO actively engages with nongovernmental organizations, international business associations and philanthropic foundations – collectively referred to as non-State actors (NSAs) – to support Member States’ effort to advance the public health agenda. In this context, NSAs requested a dedicated opportunity to discuss the draft resolution on Strengthening the evidence base for public health and social measures, with the aim of promoting a shared understanding of the draft resolution and facilitating technical exchanges and collaboration between Member States, NSAs and WHO.
On 29 April 2025, NSAs, represented by the World Heart Federation and the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations led a focused webinar to contribute perspectives ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly.
About the draft resolutio
Public health and social measures (PHSM) refer to nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented by individuals, communities, institutions and governments to reduce the risk and scale of infectious disease transmission and lower hospitalizations and deaths. As part of Community Protection, the subsystem of the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, prevention, response and resilience, Examples include symptom screening, personal hygiene measures, surface cleaning, vector control, modifications to gatherings, and domestic or international mobility. PHSM, therefore, play a critical role in reducing the pressure on the health care system, buying time to develop and distribute medical countermeasures (MCM) such as vaccines and treatments, thereby saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods.
Norway and several other Member States, therefore, have tabled a draft resolution urging to strengthen research capacities and systems to measure the effectiveness and unintended negative consequences of PHSM implementation, with an emphasis on the importance on behavioral and social change science, community participatory research, supportive ethics and regulatory bodies and the highest level of human research subject protections. Furthermore, the draft resolution underscores the importance of the use of robust evidence to inform decisions on proportionate, relevant and context-specific PHSM policy and implementation.
An informal session with non-State actors (NSA) held ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA)
Panelists from the Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research within Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) and WHO, moderated by the World Heart Federation exchanged views on the critical need for better evidence on PHSM during health emergencies, and reflected a diverse perspectives on the opportunities for implementing the draft resolution.
The panel stressed the resolution’s landmark commitment to building a robust evidence base for PHSM, the importance of expanding the knowledge base not only for PHSM effectiveness research, but also for research on PHSM implementation, adherence, and its unintended consequences. The session underscored the importance of involving non-State actors, particularly CSOs and academia, in both PHSM research and its implementation.
Panelists and participants also addressed the complexities of conducting rigorous PHSM research during health emergencies, including the need to gain public and political support, navigate ethical and legal constraints on research, and adapt to rapidly evolving nature of health emergencies. The draft resolution aims to catalyze rapid evidence generation during emergencies, integrate behavioral science, ensure transparent data sharing, and uphold ethical oversight especially research subject protection.
As part of Community Protection, the subsystem of the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, prevention, response and resilience, PHSM research and implementation are pivotal. The resolution reflects a strong commitment to collaboration among Member States, NSAs, and WHO—aiming to advance evidence-informed and equitable PHSM approaches for future health crises.
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The global phosphate fertilizer industry produces in excess of 230 million tonnes of phosphogypsum (PG) each year, a quantity anticipated to increase in response to the escalating demand for food production. Historically regarded as a waste, PG has now accumulated in stockpiles surpassing 6 billion tonnes, thereby presenting significant environmental and economic challenges.
The newly released 2025 International Fertilizer Association (IFA) report titled “Phosphogypsum: From Waste to Inventory ” presents compelling evidence that phosphogypsum (PG) can be reclassified as a secondary raw material, exhibiting a multitude of potential applications. These analyses were undertaken with the support of the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS), which provides a structured framework for sustainable resource classification and reuse. As of 2024, global reuse rates of PG are approximately 35%, with countries such as Brazil and China showcasing the viability of large-scale, market-driven valorization. Presently, PG is utilised in road construction, building materials, soil conditioning, and environmental restoration initiatives. With appropriate pre-treatment and well-defined regulatory frameworks, even critical raw materials, such as rare earth elements (REE), can be effectively recovered from PG in significant quantities.
UNRMS: A Governance Framework for Circular Resource Use
The United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) provides a progressive governance framework aimed at supporting the sustainable utilisation of natural resources, including industrial co-products such as PG. UNRMS integrates principles of transparency, circularity, value creation, and equity at every phase of the resource lifecycle, encompassing production through to post-use recovery.
Within the framework of PG studies, UNRMS advocates for a shift from waste disposal towards the valorization of resources. It encourages nations to implement differentiated regulatory approaches that are congruent with environmental risks and socio-economic advantages. By incorporating PG management into comprehensive national strategies—particularly those that focus on climate resilience, food security, and green infrastructure—UNRMS offers governments and industry a pragmatic model to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
100% Utilization: A Feasible and Forward-Looking Objective
The 2025 report delineates an expanding array of PG applications, many of which are commercially viable. These encompass:
Bio-innovation and land restoration techniques include microbial soil enhancement, biocrust stabilization, and mangrove substrate engineering.
By implementing the UNRMS framework, countries can facilitate the establishment of policies, investments, and innovations that render the goal of 100% PG utilization both attainable and imminent. This approach constitutes not only a solution for waste management but also a conduit for climate-smart, resource-efficient, and inclusive development.
As the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week kicks off around the world under the theme “Make walking and cycling safe,” the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new toolkit to help governments promote active mobility – by making it safer.
Each year, nearly 1.2 million people lose their lives on the roads, more than a quarter of them while walking or cycling. Yet, only 0.2% of the roads worldwide are equipped with cycle lanes, and far too many communities lack basics like sidewalks or safe pedestrian crossings.
“Walking and cycling improve health and make cities more sustainable. Every step and every ride help to cut congestion, air pollution and disease,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we must make walking and cycling safe, so more people choose these healthier, greener options.”
Despite their benefits, fewer than one-third of countries have national policies to promote walking and cycling. WHO’s new toolkit aims to fill that gap with practical, evidence-based guidance for policymakers, urban planners, health advocates and civil society. The toolkit calls for bold action including:
integrating walking and cycling into transport, health, environmental and education policies;
building safe infrastructure like sidewalks, crossings and protected cycle lanes;
setting and enforcing safer speed limits aligned with global best practices;
promoting safe road use through public awareness and behaviour change campaigns; and
using financial incentives to encourage active mobility.
While global pedestrian deaths dropped slightly and cyclist deaths plateaued between 2011 and 2021, regional trends show growing danger:
In the WHO South-East Asia Region, pedestrian deaths rose by 42%.
In the European Region, cyclist deaths surged by 50%.
In the Western Pacific Region, cyclist deaths soared by 88%.
This week, WHO joins hundreds of organizations and governments worldwide to demand urgent action on road safety. The Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety is mobilizing over 400 member organizations in 100 countries to support the campaign.
“It is urgent to make, what should be our most natural means of transport, safer. This is paramount for road safety, but also health, equity and climate,”said Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for the Social Determinants of Health. “We’re calling on all sectors – transport, health, education and beyond – to make walking and cycling safe and accessible for everyone.”
People and Nature is dedicated to publishing interdisciplinary research that explores the relationships between humans and nature.
This international journal promotes innovation and experimentation, and encourages submissions that stimulate debate. Papers must have some ecological relevance but will also have material drawn from one or more other disciplines, such as economics, geography, sociology, and law. People and Nature is part of the prestigious British Ecological Society portfolio.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and Catholics around the world.
The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges.
Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion.
I look forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.
It is rooted in the first words of Pope Leo. Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: May peace be with all the world.
This story was written by the Justice and Corrections Service at the UN Department of Peace Operations, which supports the work of peacekeeping operations and special political missions, as well as other UN entities, to strengthen the rule of law and criminal justice systems, including courts and prisons.
In some peacekeeping settings, armed groups attack prisons as a deliberate strategy. Their aim may be to release dangerous inmates and destabilize communities or to free their own members and bolster their ranks by coercing newly released inmates to join them. In others, prisoners are breaking free to escape appalling conditions. Regardless of the reasons, a single mass escape can significantly set back what peacekeeping has taken years to accomplish.
“Peacekeepers risk their lives to oppose armed groups and protect civilians, but without a functioning prison system, high-risk prisoners can sometimes simply walk away,” warns Robert Pulver, Chief of the Justice and Corrections Service at the UN Department of Peace Operations.
Effective, well-managed prisons are essential to public safety and long-term peace. When prisons are not secured, they can become targets for armed groups. When they are overcrowded, under-resourced or inhumane, they can become flashpoints for violence, mass escapes and radicalization, undermining already fragile peace efforts. “Without safe, secure and humane prisons, there can be no law and order and no rule of law, the lives of civilians are put in danger and peace remains at risk,” says Pulver.
The cost of inaction
In January, armed group offensives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) resulted in prison breaks, including in the cities of Goma, Bukavu and Kabare. Over 7,000 prisoners escaped, of which more than 4,500 were high-risk inmates. Some were members of armed groups, some had been convicted of crimes against humanity, war crimes and conflict-related sexual violence. Some remain at large, making threats against victims and those who were involved in the legal proceedings against them. Some have rejoined armed groups, including in command positions.
In Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), Ngaragba Prison was housing more than five times its intended capacity, causing food shortages, deaths from malnutrition and heightened security and health risks. Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, DRC, was designed to hold 1,500 inmates but was holding close to 10 times that when an escape occurred last September. Prisons like these “are time bombs waiting to explode,” says Pulver, facing much higher risks of mass escapes.
In conflict-affected settings, prison breaks undo the hard work missions have undertaken to remove dangerous individuals from communities and hold them accountable. They erode confidence in state capacity to maintain order and exacerbate cycles of violence – especially when armed actors exploit prison breaks to advance their agendas.
Building safe prisons
With support from Member States, UN peacekeeping missions are helping national authorities in conflict-affected countries improve prison management and security. In the DRC, UN peacekeeping has supported the installation of surveillance systems, like CCTV and drones, the improvement of infrastructure and the development of emergency response protocols. Inthe CAR, we have supported health screenings for over 2,000 detainees, helping them get treatment for illness and malnutrition through the International Committee of the Red Cross. In Kosovo, we have supported rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
Currently, 28 Member States provide corrections personnel to peacekeeping and special political missions to help in these efforts. These officers help train national prison staff in key areas including the prevention of violent extremism and prison escapes. However, many challenges remain due to insufficient resources, jeopardizing the very security goals peacekeepers strive to achieve.
Stepping up support
Canada, Rwanda and Sweden co-chair the Group of Friends of Corrections in New York to draw more political support, expertise and resources for this often-neglected aspect of peace operations.
The upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin offers a key opportunity for Member States to strengthen this work. Participants are expected to pledge vital resources, including trained corrections personnel and equipment such as protective gear and metal detectors.
This support will help transform at-risk prisons from security liabilities into pillars of peace and public safety.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the Global action plan for clinical trial ecosystem strengthening (GAP-CTS), a key implementation tool aligned with World Health Assembly resolution WHA75.8 (2022) on strengthening clinical trials. The plan outlines nine priority actions to support countries and stakeholders reform and sustain clinical trial systems that are fit for purpose, inclusive and locally led.
Anchored in WHO’s 2024 Guidance for best practices for clinical trials, GAP-CTS addresses persistent disparities in trial activity and access, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and calls for systemic improvements to trial funding, design, coordination and ethical oversight.
The nine actions are designed to:
strengthen national leadership and governance of research systems
enhance engagement with patients, communities and the public
address barriers faced by under-represented populations
adopt innovative designs and digital technologies
accelerate access to training for the research workforce
improve regulatory and ethics review efficiency
integrate trials into health systems and routine care
improve research transparency via trial registries
expand international collaboration across regions and sectors.
“Reformed research and clinical trial ecosystems will lead to more equitable access to research capacity, better trained workforces and higher quality evidence that meets local population needs,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist at WHO.
To support uptake, WHO will convene partners through the Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF) – a WHO-managed network that facilitates peer support and knowledge exchange on implementing these actions. All stakeholders– including WHO Member States, funders, regulators, trial sponsors, patient and community engagement organizations, and research institutions – are called to align their efforts with GAP-CTS, contribute data to monitor progress and support collaborative reforms.
The GAP-CTS is designed to be used by a wide range of stakeholders, including those involved in trial funding prioritization, ethics oversight, patient and community involvement, regulation and clinical research delivery, with the goal of creating sustainable and resilient ecosystems for high-quality clinical research.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day – 8 May – is a fitting moment to reflect on the immense service given by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, and by their global umbrella organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC).
The Red Cross and Red Crescent is arguably the most iconic socially-oriented global brand. Instantly recognizable, it represents first aid, medical and humanitarian support, community service, and unassuming, practical action in the face of crisis.
Like so many others, I grew with this venerable Red Cross brand as part of the fabric of my community, my city and my country. But when I entered the world of disaster risk reduction, my relationship with the Red Cross and Red Crescent deepened as I engaged professionally with the people who make up the movement, working tirelessly for their National Societies all around the world.
But this is far from my first experience with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Over the past three decades, I have worked side by side with Red Cross colleagues in more than two dozen countries, and with every interaction I’ve learnt something new.
As I reflect on these experiences, a flood of memories returns:
Meeting Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran colleagues immediately after landing in Bam after the 2003 earthquake, and jointly launching IFRC and UN Flash Appeals.
Witnessing the birth of the Maldivian Red Crescent Society in the wake of the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Supporting colleagues and friends from the Nepal Red Cross Society in developing their DP-Net (Disaster Preparedness Net) – a disaster-preparedness network that paid rich dividends in the aftermath of the 2105 Gorkha earthquake.
Learning from the volunteers of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), who form the bed rock of the country’s Cyclone Preparedness Programme.
More recently, engaging with the Vanuatu Red Cross Society, on their leading work on post-earthquake school safety in the country’s recovery.
And just this week, exchanging insights with the President of the Spanish Red Cross, who told me how they mobilized the response to Valencia floods.
Inspiring recent encounters: With Spanish Red Cross President, Maria del Mar Pageo, and with Vanuatu Red Cross President, Moses Stevens, and Vanuatu Red Cross Secretary General, Dickinson Tevi; and with IFRC Pacific Office Head, Finau Leveni.
My experiences are too many to recount them all. But as I reflect on their essence, three core lessons stand out:
First, each interaction with the Red Cross is a humbling experience. It is a gentle invitation to step out of policy wonkishness, reminding us what this work is ultimately about: serving communities – and especially the most vulnerable. We must keep returning to this core question: ‘Are we meeting the needs of those we serve?’
Second, each interaction is always the same yet different! All National Societies are guided by the same humanitarian principles, yet each is deeply rooted in its own social, cultural, and political context. Their organizers and volunteers come from the communities they serve –giving them a superpower of local engagement and impact.
And finally, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement shows that voices for societal change don’t always have to be shrill. As auxiliary institutions that work alongside governments – but on their own principled terms – Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are unique. They get a lot done quietly and unassumingly, and as a result can often operate in contexts where most other assistance providers struggle to gain access.
On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, I offer my heartfelt congratulations – and thanks – to all my colleagues and friends in the Movement. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to work alongside you.
The Corporación de Radio y Televisión Española, Sociedad Anónima, S. M. E. known as Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE), is the state-owned public corporation that assumed in 2007 the indirect management of the Spanish public radio and television service known as Ente Público Radiotelevisión Española.