Remittances far outstrip foreign aid. But can they replace it?
16/4/2025: In 2024, global remittances totalled around $685 billion, outpacing foreign aid. India was the top recipient, with inflows reaching $129 billion, followed by Mexico with $68 billion. There is debate about the pros and cons of remittances.
Source: Devex
Countries finalize historic pandemic agreement
16/4/2025: A multilateral Pandemic Agreement outlines a framework for strengthening international collaboration in the face of future global health threats. The agreed draft will now be submitted for consideration to the 78th World Health Assembly, set to begin in May. The US has withdrawn from the process and would not be bound by the pact.
Source: UN News
Is it time to say RIP to the Sustainable Development Goals?
15/4/2025: Even before the dramatic changes of the past few months, the Sustainable Development Goals were in trouble, with only 17% on track. But the Goals still enjoy almost universal support among UN members who recognize that humanity’s progress has happened when people work together, not when a ‘winner-takes-all’ mentality prevails.
Source: Inter Press Service
UN landmines resolution highlights human rights impact
14/4/2025: The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution which strongly endorses the long-standing international treaty prohibiting antipersonnel mines. Since March, five European countries have announced their intention to withdraw from the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, while US government aid cuts have disrupted mine clearance operations around the world.
Source: Human Rights Watch
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