In a major breakthrough for global environmental governance, nations have formally established a new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution to provide independent, evidence-based guidance on managing some of the world’s most pressing environmental health threats. The decision, made at an Intergovernmental Meeting convened by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) from 19–20 June 2025, marks the culmination of negotiations launched after a 2022 UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution calling for the creation of such a panel. Filling a critical gap in global governance, the new body will support countries in crafting effective, context-specific policies by conducting global assessments,…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Better nutrition is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty affecting millions of people across the world. As international development funding faces unprecedented strain, private sector partnerships are a key piece of the jigsaw to close the nutrition funding gap. With the right approach, we can leverage private sector resources and innovation for mutually beneficial partnerships that drive impact at scale. By Shelley Pigott & Lucy Kanya Access to good nutrition is essential for communities to thrive. It is deeply linked to global challenges such as poverty, climate change, gender inequality, education inequity, and food insecurity. When we address malnutrition, we save…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned Thursday’s missile strike by Iran on Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel — the only major hospital in the region — which left the 1,200-bed facility severely damaged and partially inoperable. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern in a post on X, revealing that the attack injured dozens of patients, forced the evacuation of 250 others, and caused major structural and operational disruptions. “This morning’s attack on Soroka Medical Center resulted in dozens of patients being injured, some severely… and damage to the facility, leaving it only partially…
Ecuador has made history by becoming the first country in the world to transparently measure a living wage in its aquaculture sector, specifically in shrimp farming. This move marks a significant milestone in advancing social responsibility within the global seafood industry. The initiative is led by the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP), in collaboration with the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA). Announced during the latest edition of SustainED in Guayaquil, the new framework allows shrimp producers to assess and publicly report whether their workers earn a living wage—defined as sufficient income to meet basic needs such as food, housing, education, and…
In recent years, Boeing aircraft have been involved in several high-profile and tragic air disasters, drawing global attention to aviation safety and the aircraft manufacturer’s crisis management. This report reviews five of the deadliest crashes involving Boeing jets from 2018 to 2025—each confirmed and backed by official investigations and media coverage. Lion Air Flight JT610 – Indonesia (October 29, 2018) Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8 Fatalities: 189 Summary: Shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, the aircraft crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board. The incident was linked to a faulty sensor and issues with the aircraft’s automated…
In a world where opinions on global conflicts are often shaped by religious loyalty or political bias, clarity and context are crucial. Nowhere is this more evident than in the highly polarizing discourse surrounding Iran and Israel, two nations frequently seen through narrow lenses shaped by faith, ideology, or misinformation. Let’s take a step back and look at some critical facts that challenge common assumptions and promote a more nuanced understanding. Iran is not an Arab nation One of the most widely held misconceptions is that Iran is an Arab country. It is not. Iran is a Persian nation, with…
China has reportedly conducted a test of a powerful non-nuclear hydrogen bomb that generates a scorching 1000°C fireball — a heat intensity capable of instantly vaporizing anything in its immediate blast zone. The weapon, which harnesses thermobaric (fuel-air explosive) technology rather than nuclear reactions, is being hailed as a significant leap in conventional warfare capabilities. Unlike traditional nuclear bombs, this new device does not emit radioactive fallout. Instead, it relies on the detonation of fuel dispersed into the air, which is then ignited to produce a massive explosion characterized by extreme heat and intense pressure. The result of the non-nuclear…
A Professor of Statistics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Barnabas Adebola, has called on governments at all levels to prioritise regular and accurate data collection as a foundation for effective planning and national development. Delivering the institution’s 181st Inaugural Lecture titled “Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen: Understanding the Hide and Seek Game”, Prof. Adebola stressed that quality data gathering using statistical methods is essential for precision in decision-making and for fostering development across sectors. “There should be enabling laws to foster strong collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations, and universities in unbiased and quality data…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total of N1.659 trillion as revenue for May 2025 to the Federal Government, State Governments, and Local Government Councils (LGCs). The revenue allocation was finalized at FAAC’s June meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, according to a communiqué released by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. The distributed sum comprises: Statutory revenue: N863.895 billion Value Added Tax (VAT): N691.714 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL): N27.667 billion Exchange Difference: N76.614 billion Gross revenue and deductions FAAC reported a gross…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guideline for the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, aiming to reduce life-threatening complications for both mothers and babies affected by the condition. Sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder marked by misshapen red blood cells, increases the risk of severe anemia, infections, and organ failure. These dangers become even more pronounced during pregnancy, with affected women facing a 4- to 11-times higher risk of maternal death compared to those without the disease. “With quality health care, women with inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease can have…