Reciprocal tariffs should exclude vulnerable developing economies
14/4/2025: A report by UN Trade and Development argues that vulnerable and small economies, whose activities have a negligible effect on trade deficits, should be exempt from new tariff hikes. Additional tariff revenue collected from these economies would be minimal.
Source: UN Trade and Development
The Sudan crisis now threatens regional stability
13/4/2025: An Oxfam report warns that, as Sudan’s conflict enters its third year, massive displacement and fighting are spilling over into neighbouring countries, worsening the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The report urges all warring parties to halt fighting and prioritize diplomacy, in order to forge an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Source: Oxfam International
Needs intensify as 400,000 Syrians return
11/4/2025: Some 400,000 Syrians have returned from neighbouring countries since the fall of the Assad regime in December. During the same period, more than 1 million internally displaced people within Syria have also returned. Without adequate funding, these returns may not be sustainable.
Source: UN Refugee Agency
Loss and damage fund to hand out $250 million in initial phase
11/4/2025: The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage will spend $250 million before the end of 2026 to help developing countries deal with climate-driven disasters. A network of NGOs has estimated that developing countries’ loss and damage needs add up to about $400 billion a year.
Source: Climate Home News
Flip-flop US tariffs undermine World Trade Organization
11/4/2025: President Trump has withdrawn the US from the UN Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement. His on-off announcements on tariffs make life uncomfortable for the World Trade Organization.
Source: Inter Press Service
UN food agency caught in Trump administration’s crosshairs
11/4/2025: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has been ordered by the Trump administration to halt initiatives that do not align with an “America First” foreign policy. The US cannot accept any focus on climate in FAO’s work and no longer affirms the UN Sustainable Development Goals or any agenda for achieving them by 2030.
Source: Devex
Countries are experiencing health system disruptions
10/4/2025: The World Health Organization has warned of health service disruptions in 70% of its surveyed country offices as a result of sudden suspensions and reductions in foreign aid for health. The findings are based on rapid assessment of the fast-evolving situation.
Africa is proof that investing in climate resilience works
10/4/2025: The President of Kenya argues that investment in climate adaptation makes good business sense. The Global Center on Adaptation estimates Africa's needs at more than $50bn a year, whereas actual funding is only a fraction of that.
Source: The Guardian
Rohingya refugees are not safe in Bangladesh or Myanmar
10/4/2025: The refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh have become overcrowded and insecure. Funding support is inadequate. The Myanmar government has agreed to resettlement of as many as 180,000 Rohingyas but the civil war and breakdown of government raises questions about safety.
Source: Inter Press Service
The US spins out of control, into an economic world of its own
7/4/2025: Donald Trump's imposition of a tariff wall around the US economy is a major blow to global economic integration. There is the added layer of confusion around whether Trump’s tariff policy will stick or whether he will try to use it as a bargaining chip.
Source: East Asia Forum