Somalia looks to the future as the UN’s political mission closes
31/10/2026: For three decades the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia has supported efforts to create constitutional processes, human rights frameworks and the development of governance structures in the country. As this support ends, specialist UN humanitarian and development agencies will remain to respond to continuing conflict and climate shocks.
Source: UN News
One year on, the Tropical Forest Forever Facility remains work in progress
29/10/2026: Launched at the 2025 COP30 climate summit, the Tropical Forest Forever Facility promises eligible countries up to USD 4 a year for every hectare of standing forest, of which at least 20% must go to Indigenous peoples. Specific arrangements for the financial model remain work in progress.
Source: Dialogue Earth
Is the US undermining the EU’s diplomatic blockade of Myanmar?
27/10/2026: With the US reopening talks with Myanmar's military-backed government, and several Southeast Asian countries restarting diplomatic contacts, the EU is facing uncomfortable questions about its own boycott of the junta. The EU has long positioned itself as a defender of democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
Source: DW
AI’s hunger for power can help electrify Africa
27/10/2026: The future of artificial intelligence has triggered concern for power supplies and job security across the most developed global economies. African countries start from a very different baseline and a more positive attitude towards the technology may emerge.
Source: Devex
Ultra-rich produce more carbon pollution than nearly half of humanity
27/10/2026: Ahead of the forthcoming UN climate summit (COP31), Oxfam has published findings that the world’s richest 0.1 percent (8 million people) produces more carbon pollution than the world’s poorest 3.5 billion people combined. Furthermore, the super-rich can buy their way out of the impacts of climate change, whilst profiting from the consequences of their pollution.
Source: Oxfam International
Women and girls’ death toll in armed conflict doubles since 2021
26/10/2026: More than 37,000 civilians were killed in conflict last year. Women and girls accounted for one in four of these deaths, according to the 2026 UN Secretary-General’s report on Women, Peace, and Security. The report also shows that, in 2025, women made up only five per cent of negotiators across 57 peace processes worldwide.
Source: UN Women
Investigators find Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine
26/10/2026: The latest report of the UN-appointed Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine finds that the Russian authorities have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by attacking civilians and vital energy infrastructure, among other violations of international law.
Source: UN News
Oxfam condemns Israeli military operation and mass displacement in Hebron
26/10/2026: Oxfam has issued a statement alleging that Israel’s military campaign in Hebron amounts to a policy of ethnic cleansing. It refers to destruction of factories, workshops, and business premises in parallel with movement restrictions and forced displacement.
Source: Oxfam International
UN marks 81 years of global cooperation
23/10/2026: The United Nations has celebrated the anniversary of the entry into force of its Charter in 1945. The agenda has remained consistent over 81 years, settling disputes through diplomacy, combating poverty and hunger, and promoting human rights.
Source: UN News
Anger in Finland as Google illegally fells 250,000 trees for datacentre
22/10/2026: Google has been ordered by Finnish authorities to temporarily stop work on two data centre developments after it failed to complete the necessary environmental impact assessments. Revelations over Google’s misconduct have prompted public concern over what these deals mean for nearby communities.
Source: The Guardian