Add us as your preferred source on Google to see more of our content in Search.
Add to Preferred SourcesGuterres strongly condemns the attack in Iran, 2024 started with ‘loss, pain, and anguish’ and the Japan earthquake. Here is what you missed from last week’s headlines in the international development sector.
Guterres strongly condemns attack in Iran; over 100 reportedly killed
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned an attack in Iran that has reportedly killed more than 100 people taking part in a commemoration for a former top military general in the eastern city of Kerman.
More than 170 people have also been wounded according to Iranian officials at the scene.
News reports citing local officials said that there were two explosions as thousands were walking along the route to a cemetery in Kerman which is the final resting place of Qassim Suleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in the Iraqi capital Baghdad four years ago.
Reports suggest the roadside bombs were detonated by remote control, causing widespread carnage and chaos, in what Iranian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.
Given the scale and size of the blasts, it’s likely that the death toll will rise.
Ukraine: 2024 starts with ‘loss, pain, and anguish’ amid intense Russian strikes
Major aerial attacks causing widespread death and destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure have rained down on Ukraine in the first days of 2024 due to an intense new Russian offensive.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown strongly condemned the assaults targeting mostly cities.
“For the people of Ukraine, the new year started with loss, pain, and anguish. For the third day in a row, vast aerial assaults by the Russian Federation have caused death – including several children – and destruction of homes”, Ms. Brown stated.
She emphasized that the situation is particularly alarming as many parts of the capital, Kyiv, have been left without electricity or water, which is particularly dangerous as temperatures are forecast to drop to -20 degrees Celsius later this week.
Red Cross swings into action immediately after Japan earthquake
Responding to a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the Ishikawa Prefecture, the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) has mobilized swiftly. The events of New Year’s Day have caused extensive damage, disrupting power, water supplies, communications, and transportation. Tragically, at least sixty-two lives have been lost, with many more injured.
In the immediate aftermath, JRCS’s nationwide network was activated, with staff from the Tokyo headquarters rapidly deployed for assessment and coordination. Local chapters, supported by Red Cross hospitals and Blood Centres, initiated response actions. Echoing the spirit of solidarity, neighboring JRCS branches have dispatched additional relief teams.
Nobuaki Sato, Deputy Director General of the International Department of the JRCS, said: “The earthquake shook the country to its maximum intensity and triggered the highest tsunami alert, and people could not help but be reminded of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 13 years ago. We did not encounter a major tsunami, but there is a long way to go to promote the more rapid evacuation of people, search and rescue for missing people, support for evacuees and their recovery. The Japanese Red Cross Society will stay close to the people affected and provide support.”
DevelopmentAid Editorials
Hero Stories | Empowering women farmers: Dr. Zeinab Al-Momany’s vision for sustainable change in Jordan and beyond
Nestled in the heart of Jordan, a unique blend of tradition and innovation sets the stage for the inspirational journey of Dr. Zeinab Al-Momany. Serving as the President of the Specific Union for Productive Farmer Women in Jordan (SUFWJ), she has pioneered the empowerment of women farmers, fostering a thriving community of over 5,000 individuals committed to achieving economic independence and gender equality in the agricultural sector. Dr. Al-Momany’s visionary efforts transcend national borders, giving rise to the first ever network for Arab women farmers. Through initiatives like SUFWJ and the Arab Farmer Network, she has not only secured tangible gains for women farmers, such as equal wages, land ownership, and access to microfinance but has also become a transformative force in rural economies, illuminating a path towards a more equitable future for women in agriculture across the Arab world. In this installment of our “Hero Stories” series, we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and profound transformative impact of empowering women in agriculture.
Unlocking career opportunities: Tips for development experts from South Asia
After so many years of hard work to complete your university degree, it can sometimes feel a bit unfair when the skies do not simply open up and rain down job offers your way. Luckily, however, savvy development experts know that mastering a few simple steps is the key to unlocking awesome job opportunities and a lifetime building a career that you seek.
Whether you’re a development expert from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, or somewhere else in South Asia, we have put together a handy list of useful tips for finding lucrative partnerships, consulting gigs, and job opportunities so that you can make the most of your hard-earned university degree(s) and certifications.
Here’s what else has happened
Gaza war: Continuing airstrikes were reported across Gaza and “intense ground battles” between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in refugee camps in central areas have reportedly left many dead.
Timor-Leste: The Timor-Leste Ministry of Health (MOH) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) signed an agreement supported by a $600,000 fund to purchase stocks of Super Cereal, a specialized nutritious food to tackle malnutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
DOE: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $70 million in funding to support research into technologies designed to increase resilience and reduce risks to energy delivery infrastructure from a variety of hazards, including cyber and physical threats, natural disasters, and climate-change-fueled extreme weather events.
UN relief chief: Nearly nine months of war have tipped Sudan into a downward spiral that only grows more ruinous by the day. As the conflict spreads, human suffering is deepening, humanitarian access is shrinking, and hope is dwindling. This cannot continue.
Reports
Flagship economic report highlights why global cooperation is key
The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects report for 2024 projects a slowdown in global growth from an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 2.4 per cent in 2024.
Events
Better Policies for More Resilient Health Systems
📅 23 January 2024
Paris, France
As the world emerges from the biggest public health emergency in more than a century, it is clear that there are lessons to be learned. The COVID-19 crisis exposed significant weaknesses in health systems, calling for urgent action to ensure that they are more resilient to future shocks. At the same time, global megatrends such as climate change, demographic change, and increased digitalization will likely have significant implications for health and healthcare in the years to come.
In January 2024, Health Ministers from OECD and partner countries will come together to discuss the legacy and lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis, the health policy challenges that lie ahead, and the actions needed to address them. The meeting will be Chaired by Belgium, with Australia, Chile, Germany, Norway, and Slovenia serving as Vice-Chairs.
5-Day Professional Certificate in Value-Driven Leadership – Dubai 2024
📅 11-15 March 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Are you ready to ignite your leadership potential and pave the way for a future of value-driven success? We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 5-Day Inemmo Professional Certificate in Value-Driven Leadership Programme, coming to the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving business landscape, true leaders stand apart by harnessing the power of value-driven decision-making and inspiring others towards excellence. This transformative program, brought to you by Inemmo, renowned global leaders in leadership development, is designed to equip you with the tools, insights, and strategies to lead with purpose, authenticity, and impact.
For more information and to register, call +237 69 983 0862. Early bird discounts are available for a limited time!