Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

Devex Pro Weekender: Cuts at ONE, and Gavi ‘assault’

05 Feb 2024  |  Devex  |  English  |  Organizational Changes

The article discusses various developments in global health and organizational changes. Pascal Barollier from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, shares an encounter with an anti-vaccine individual, highlighting ongoing vaccine hesitancy issues. The ONE Campaign is reducing staff due to financial challenges. IDInsight appoints Rebecca Gong Sharp as CEO, and the French Development Agency's head, Rémy Rioux, discusses international financial system reform. The African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative sees an executive change, and tributes are paid to Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow for his advocacy for global south representation at the U.N. Other notable appointments include Cindy McCain at the World Food Programme and new board members at Results for Development.

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Results for Development U.N. Foundation World Food Programme U.N. Volunteers French Development Agency Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance ONE Campaign IDInsight African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative UNESCO The JPB Foundation Cherie Blair Foundation for Women

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Saidu Bah is a seasoned Freelance Multimedia Journalist based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with a keen focus on investigative journalism. His work encompasses a range of critical issues including human rights, environmental concerns, socio-economic development, and breaking news. Bah's reporting is ...

Palm oil's complex impact on Sierra Leone's Malen Chiefdom

08 Jul 2022  |  China Dialogue  |  English  |  Agriculture

The article discusses the transformation of Malen Chiefdom in Sierra Leone due to the establishment of oil palm plantations by Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC), a subsidiary of the Socfin Group. The land lease agreement with the government and local authority has led to conflict over land rights, inadequate compensation, and allegations of bribery and intimidation. Despite these issues, SAC has been awarded certification by the RSPO. The presence of SAC has impacted food security, with locals losing their subsistence farms and facing pollution from the plantation's operations. Attempts at conflict resolution have been unsuccessful, and the government's response to a critical report remains pending. The article also explores the environmental and social impacts of SAC's operations, including the loss of biodiversity, pollution of water sources, and the effects on local livelihoods. While some community members benefit from employment and development projects, others suffer from the loss of land and resources. The article concludes with the ongoing resistance from groups like MALOA, who seek fair renegotiation of the land deal.

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World Food Programme UN Development Programme Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Malen Affected Land Owners Association (MALOA) Oakland Institute Green Scenery FIAN Welthungerhilfe Environment Protection Agency European Commission

Anna Conkling is a freelance journalist from New York. Her work focuses on current events, climate change, the war in Ukraine, and pop culture.

Deadly Surprises From Putin Lurk Under These Family Homes

03 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Russian Occupation

Massive mine removal operations are underway in Ukraine as the country attempts to repair damage from the Russian occupation. Despite efforts by Ukrainian officials and the UN Development Programme, many residents are forced to clear unexploded ordnance themselves, risking their lives. Farmers like Sergey Teterdinko and Tarasov Roman have taken de-mining into their own hands due to the overwhelmed state services. The article highlights the personal struggles and dangers faced by these individuals, including the emotional and physical toll of the war.

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UN Development Programme Ukraine's emergency services Russian forces

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John Dennehy is a journalist based in Viantiane, Vientiane Prefecture, Laos.

Cop28 forced into extra time in search of a deal

12 Dec 2023  |  The National  |  English  |  International Relations

The Cop28 climate summit has extended into extra time with a new draft deal expected after many countries criticized the previous version for not including a 'phase-out' of fossil fuels. Negotiations have been challenging, with the presidency aiming to include a historic mention of fossil fuels in the next draft. The US, Europe, and small island states rejected the initial draft, seeking stronger language on emissions reduction. The EU's climate commissioner met with Cop28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber to advocate for the end of fossil fuels. Key disagreements remain, particularly around the language concerning fossil fuels, with Saudi Arabia potentially playing a crucial role. Technical matters on finance and loss and damage are seeing progress, and consensus is sought in line with the science on 1.5ºC. The pressure is on for the presidency to creatively help countries find common ground.

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UN Development Programme Cop28 European Union High Ambition Coalition Alliance of Small Island States Umbrella Group Grantham Institute for Climate Change Care Climate Justice Centre

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Janine di Giovanni has 25 years covering war and conflict and is an expert on The Arab world, terrorism, Afghanistan, Ira, France, USA, conflict, humanitarian disasters, anything conflict related
She has published five books, is writing one on Syria, has won many awards, is an Ochberg Fellow at ...

Clearing landmines from Ukraine will be a huge task, but it can be done

09 Aug 2023  |  The National  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Ukraine has become the most mined country globally, with over 30% of its land affected by unexploded ordnance due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The demining process is expected to take decades and cost billions, with significant efforts already underway by organizations like the Halo Trust and the United Nations Development Programme. The presence of landmines has severely impacted agriculture, leading to food insecurity both within Ukraine and globally. The International Commission to Ban Landmines continues to advocate for the end of landmine use, emphasizing their inhumane nature and long-term dangers.

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United Nations Development Programme World Food Programme UN Globsec International Commission to Ban Landmines Financial Times Agriculture Ministry Ukrainian Armed Forces Halo Trust CNN World Bank

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Paula Dupraz-Dobias is a journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland, also working regularly in Peru.

Nicaragua goes it alone despite COVID-19 and political unrest

02 Sept 2020  |  www.thenewhumanitarian.org  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Nicaragua, under President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo, faces increasing poverty, malnutrition, and emigration due to political strife and a criticized response to the coronavirus outbreak. Aid and human rights groups, such as CISAS and CENIDH, are under threat, with many members forced to flee. The government's dismissive approach to COVID-19, promoting mass gatherings and not providing adequate PPE, has led to a discrepancy between official and suspected case counts. International aid is either unwanted or restricted, with organizations like UNDP and IACHR facing government pressure. Despite this, the International Committee of the Red Cross continues to operate, offering support for political prisoners.

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United Nations Development Programme UN High Commissioner for Human Rights World Food Programme CISAS ACLED CENIDH Popol Na Foundation Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Pan American Health Organization USAID International Committee of the Red Cross

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Journalist in Kathmandu, often with BBC Travel, der Spiegel, Stern, the Scotsman and other German and British media. 
Former senior foreign correspondent in Brussels covering EU affairs. Worked in broadcast, but still prefer print and photography. 
I usually write in English and German, but can ...

In Afghanistan, a wrenching choice between drought and migration

05 Oct 2023  |  www.context.news  |  English  |  Migration

Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate change-induced droughts, economic collapse, and poor governance by the Taliban. The drought has devastated agricultural communities, forcing many to consider migration for survival. The United Nations and other organizations are providing aid, but the situation remains dire with millions in need. The Taliban's lack of resources and governance challenges further complicate efforts to address the crisis.

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U.N. Development Programme Taliban United Nations The Center for Climate and Security Islamic State Khorasan

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

Could imitating volcanos fix the climate crisis? Science is split

28 Feb 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Environmental Science

Researchers in Southeast Asia are exploring the potential of stratospheric aerosol injection (SRM) to mimic volcanic cooling effects and mitigate global warming. Despite its promise, SRM remains controversial due to its untested nature and potential side effects. Scientists emphasize that SRM should not replace carbon emission reductions but could serve as a supplementary measure. The debate continues over its feasibility, ethical implications, and geopolitical consequences, with significant research and funding concentrated in the United States and China. Some private companies, like Make Sunsets, are already attempting small-scale SRM experiments, facing regulatory and environmental challenges.

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UN Environment Programme UN Climate Change National Science and Technology Development Agency Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology Degrees Initiative Open Philanthropy Beijing Normal University Zhejiang University Chinese Academy of Sciences White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Indian Institute of Science Sweden’s Space Agency Harvard University Earth System Governance Manipal Academy of Higher Education’s Centre for Climate Studies University of Lapland’s Arctic Center

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Anmol Irfan is a journalist based in Lahore, Pakistan. She has a BA in History from the London School of Economics. She is also the Founder of Perspective Magazine, an online magazine and community platform that seeks to empower marginalised voices and unheard stories in Pakistan. 
Her writing ...

Afghan woman wants to help educate women

22 Dec 2022  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Farida, a British-Afghan woman, runs The Needy Charity from London, focusing on providing education to young women in Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban's oppressive policies banning women from education, Farida's charity offers educational workshops and essential skills training. The Taliban's takeover has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving many women and children in extreme poverty. Farida's efforts aim to empower Afghan women and children through education, hoping to prepare them for better opportunities, including international academic certifications.

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UN Development Programme The Needy Charity Taliban Malala Fund

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Marta is a freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker covering Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. She has been based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since 2012 but her work often takes her to neighbouring countries and to Poland, where she was born and lived until 2001.

Her work has been published ...

Her Name Is Untac: UN Peacekeepers’ Forgotten Children in Cambodia – New Naratif

26 Oct 2021  |  New Naratif  |  English  |  United Nations Peacekeeping

The article tells the story of Sor Zamel, a Cambodian woman searching for her Ghanaian father, a former UN peacekeeper. It delves into the legacy of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), highlighting the issue of 'peace babies' - children born to local women and UN peacekeepers. The piece discusses the broader context of UN peacekeeping missions, including allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, and the challenges faced by children seeking their peacekeeper fathers. It also touches on the UN's efforts to address paternity claims and the landmark ruling in Haiti where a court ordered a peacekeeper to pay child support. The article concludes with Zamel's decision to stop searching for her father due to personal hardships and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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UN Development Programme United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) Black Corp Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti

Anthony Langat is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.He specializes in reporting on human rights issues, governance, security and climate change

Mwangi Maina is a Multimedia journalist working for KTN News, Kenya's leading 24 Hour TV Channel in Eastern Africa as a Content Producer. I cover topics ranging from Politics, Regional affairs (Africa's Great Lakes Region), Media Freedom, Fake news as well as human interest stories. I also write ...

Kenya's Amb. Martin Kimani elected to lead global Executive board

10 Jan 2023  |  www.standardmedia.co.ke  |  English  |  International Relations

Kenya's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Martin Kimani, was elected as President of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNOPS, and UNFPA for 2023. The board, consisting of representatives from 36 countries, provides intergovernmental support and supervision for these organizations. Kimani's election follows Kenya's recent tenure at the UN Security Council, where he was a prominent voice on the Ukraine conflict. He previously served as Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center and President of the UN Security Council in October 2021.

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UN Security Council UN Population Fund UN Office for Project Services United Nations Development Programme National Counter Terrorism Center

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Farai Shawn Matiashe is an award-winning journalist based in Mutare, Zimbabwe who writes for various international media outlets including Aljazeera (Qatar), CNN International (UK) the Thomson Reuters Foundation (UK), Vice World News (UK), The Africa Report (France), Euronews (UK) and Quartz Africa ...

Malawi: Loss and Damage Fund - Delays Leave Countries Waiting and Wondering

20 Mar 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  International Aid

Vulnerable countries like Malawi are still uncertain about the operational details of the Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP28. Cyclone Freddy's devastation in Malawi has left thousands in poverty, with the government estimating a need for $700 million for rebuilding. Despite pledges totaling $662 million from various countries, the fund's accessibility and operational mechanisms remain unclear. Delays in setting up the fund's board and unresolved issues about its host and application process have further postponed aid. Malawians continue to face hardships as they await the much-needed financial support.

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UN Development Programme COP28 World Bank Loss and Damage Youth Coalition Loss and Damage Collaboration

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Alastair McCready is editor for regional magazine Southeast Asia Globe, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is able to provide editing, photography and reporting, as well as contacts in country and across the region.

'I feel hopeless': Living in Laos on the brink

08 Oct 2023  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Chinese Investment

Laos is grappling with a severe economic crisis driven by unsustainable government borrowing for Chinese-backed infrastructure projects. The crisis has led to high inflation, currency depreciation, and widespread disillusionment among the youth, many of whom are seeking opportunities abroad. The Lao People's Revolutionary Party faces criticism for its economic mismanagement and suppression of dissent, exemplified by the shooting of activist Anousa 'Jack' Luangsuphom. The country's heavy debt to China raises concerns about its sovereignty and future economic stability.

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UN Development Programme Lao People's Revolutionary Party Manushya Foundation International Monetary Fund

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I'm an experienced breaking news and investigative reporter in Oakland. I worked for six years as a staff breaking news reporter and editor at San Francisco-based Bay City News Service before becoming a full time freelancer in 2017. Since then, I've been writing investigative features on policing, ...

New study shows China’s stark influence in 70 global institutions in charts

16 Nov 2021  |  ThePrint  |  English  |  Multilateral Development

China's evolving role in multilateral development organizations is significant, driven by its economic size and strategic contributions. The country has increased its voluntary contributions and secured key leadership positions, enhancing its influence. China's firms dominate MDB procurement contracts, benefiting from institutional rules favoring low bids. The article highlights the need for scrutiny in areas where China's influence may undermine development goals, such as procurement and debt sustainability. Despite concerns, cooperation with China in multilateral institutions remains crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change and pandemics.

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UN Development Programme UN African Development Bank Inter-American Development Bank New Development Bank World Bank Group Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank International Finance Corporation World Health Organization UNESCO Food and Agriculture Organization International Fund for Agricultural Development World Food Programme IMF

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I am a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. I specialize in science reporting in the areas of climate change, environment, food systems, renewable energy, and health.

To view some of my posted works, kindly follow the links below.

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Thanks for showing interest.

Farmers restore Kenyan forest to save endangered water sources

05 Oct 2023  |  Devex  |  English  |  Climate Change

Farmers in central Kenya are actively restoring the Aberdare Forest to combat deforestation and water stress, planting saplings to improve water absorption and storage. The forest, a crucial water source for millions, faces threats from fires, illegal logging, and climate change. Local organizations, including WWF-Kenya and community forest associations, are educating communities on sustainable practices and restoring degraded areas. The Ewaso Nyiro River, vital for northeastern Kenya, is shrinking due to water extraction and development, leading to potential conflicts over water resources. Efforts include promoting peace and conservation through community education and initiatives like the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative.

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Merti Integrated Development Programme U.N. Environment Assembly United Nations North Kinangop Forest Station UNESCO National Museums of Kenya North Kinangop Community Forest Association African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative

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Fabíola Ortiz is a Luso-Brazilian journalist currently based in Dortmund, Germany.
As an independent journalist, I report in Portuguese, Spanish and English about current affairs, development, human rights and international relations. 
I previously lived in Argentina, Australia, Brazil and United ...

Climate Change Creates New Geography of Food

01 Oct 2023  |  Truthout  |  English  |  Agriculture

The climate changes induced by global warming and altered rainfall patterns are reshaping food production in the tropics, as highlighted at the COP20 climate summit in Lima, Peru. Experts warn of rising food prices if tropical countries do not adapt promptly. Key crops like coffee, cacao, and beans are particularly vulnerable, with significant impacts on regions such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and Central America. The International Food Policy Research Institute predicts up to a 30% increase in food prices due to climate change. Strategies like agroforestry and crop diversification are suggested to mitigate these impacts, but systemic limits to agricultural adaptation remain a concern.

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U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation United States Agency for International Development CGIAR Research Programme for Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change International Food Policy Research Institute International Centre for Tropical Agriculture International Coffee Organisation CGIAR consortium Earth Innovation Institute Centre for International Forestry Research

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Patpon Sabpaitoon is a journalist based in Bangkok, Thailand. He previously worked for the Bangkok Post, Today, and Matichon. He is currently a senior journalist at Prachatai.

No country for women

12 Mar 2020  |  www.bangkokpost.com  |  English  |  Social Issues

Women have historically been marginalized and continue to face significant barriers in achieving equality in political and economic spheres. Despite progress in health and education, women remain underrepresented in positions of power due to longstanding biases and social judgments. The UN Development Programme's Gender Social Norms Index highlights persistent gender biases, with many believing men are better suited for leadership roles. In Thailand, women's representation in government is minimal, and media often trivializes their contributions. Greater female participation in politics and economics is essential for balanced policies and societal progress.

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UN Development Programme S&P 500 Hollywood

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Journalist covering East Africa with a focus on conflict, politics and US foreign policy.

Somalia struggles with coronavirus as infections go undetected

28 Apr 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Somalia faces a severe challenge in containing COVID-19 due to limited testing capacity, poor health infrastructure, and decades of conflict. With only three labs capable of testing and a lack of organized information systems, the actual number of infections is likely much higher than reported. Humanitarian organizations and local authorities are doing their best with limited resources, but the situation is exacerbated by the presence of al-Shabab and the population's resilience to insecurity. International aid, including donations from Alibaba and Turkey, provides some relief, but more urgent attention is needed to prevent a severe crisis.

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UN Development Programme United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs CARE Amnesty International Federal Government of Somalia Ministry of Health al-Shabab

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Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

Is democracy dying in Africa? Senegal’s slide into chaos bodes ill in a year of key elections

03 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Elections

Senegal, once a beacon of democracy in Africa, is experiencing severe political unrest under President Macky Sall, who has postponed elections and is accused of authoritarian practices. The death of rapper and activist Baba Khan during protests highlights the brutal crackdown on dissent. Experts warn of a broader decline in democracy across Africa, with increasing military coups and disillusionment among the youth. Despite the grim outlook, some analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term prospects for democracy on the continent.

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UN Development Programme Senegal Government Council on Foreign Relations Leeds Beckett University African National Congress Amnesty International Chatham House Pastef African League of Blogger and Cyber Activists

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