Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

DFID’s last stand — the soccer rivalry dividing development

11 Mar 2024  |  Devex  |  English  |  Sports

The merger of the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID) remains incomplete, as evidenced by the separate football teams of the two departments. The Africa CDC undergoes leadership changes with Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma stepping down and Dr. Raji Tajudeen taking over as acting deputy director-general. The Natural Resources Defense Council appoints Yamide Dagnet as international senior vice president, while the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation names Paulin Basinga as its new Africa director. Seth Berkley joins Micron Biomedical as a scientific adviser. The article also highlights upcoming events such as the Commission on the Status of Women and South by Southwest.

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office Department for International Development Africa CDC Open Society Foundations WHO African Union Green Climate Fund United Nations

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Joshua Askew is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

UK accuses Russia of democratic interference

07 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  UK-Russia Relations

The UK has accused Russia of using cyber attacks to disrupt its democracy, targeting politicians, civil servants, journalists, and NGOs. The Foreign Office claims these attacks, led by the FSB and groups like Star Blizzard, aim to undermine trust in politics. Sanctions have been imposed on individuals involved, and the Russian Ambassador has been summoned. The UK government emphasizes the need for robust cyber defenses, with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden highlighting the ongoing threat from state and sub-state actors. Relations between Russia and the West remain strained, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Federal Security Service (FSB) National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) UK Government Russian Government

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Rebecca Bird is an ethical multimedia journalist and news editor based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She has more than 17 years of experience working on newspapers, news websites and radio stations in the UK and the Caribbean.

Rebecca has additional related skills in photography, videography, ...

UK to send specialist assistance to Turks and Caicos after surge in fatal shootings

08 Feb 2024  |  news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The UK is sending a specialist team to the Turks and Caicos Islands in response to a rise in shooting deaths, with four men killed in early February following 21 homicides in a two-month period in 2022. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's 14-member team includes police firearms experts and criminal investigators. TCI's governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, announced the deployment and the pursuit of additional support from Caribbean partners. Premier Washington Misick condemned the violence, and opposition leader Edwin Astwood described the murders as a calamity.

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Turks and Caicos Islands Government Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

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A determined, passionate and hard- working journalist. I enjoy running, hiking and exercising and often take on challenges to raise money for charity. I’m an avid traveller, home cook and bookworm.

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– Shorthand 100 WPM
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World's biggest airport to open by 2030 with six runways and 120million passengers a year

01 Mar 2024  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Infrastructure

Plans for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been unveiled, with the airport set to open by 2030. The airport will feature six runways and is expected to handle 120 million passengers annually, potentially increasing to 185 million by 2050. The project aligns with Saudi Arabia's vision to transform Riyadh into a top global city economy and support population growth. The airport, designed by Foster + Partners and delivered by Mace, will generate around 150,000 jobs. Despite regional conflicts, Riyadh remains a safe travel destination. Other new airports are also being developed in Europe, including Warsaw Solidarity Airport in Poland and Salerno Airport in Italy.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Saudi Press Agency UK Government

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Richard Collett is a freelance journalist based in Exeter, United Kingdom.

The Western tourists going to Iraq for vacation

01 Jan 2024  |  www.cnn.com  |  English  |  Cultural Tourism

Western tourists are increasingly visiting Iraq, drawn by its rich cultural heritage and historical sites despite security warnings from governments like the US and UK. Tour operators are seeing a rise in demand, with companies like Lupine Travel and Bil Weekend offering tours to various regions, including Kurdistan. The Iraqi government is investing in tourism infrastructure, aiming to change the country's negative image. While safety remains a concern, tourists report positive experiences, highlighting Iraq's hospitality and cultural richness. Human rights issues, such as laws against same-sex relationships, pose ethical questions for travelers.

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UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office US Department of State Human Rights Watch Kurdistan Regional Government Tourism Board

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Sarah Faith is a journalist based in Brighton, United Kingdom specialising in responsible, sustainable, and ethical travel.

Children tie string to their toes to tempt rollerskaters in world's most unusual Christmas tradition

17 Nov 2024  |  The Mirror  |  English  |  Cultural Practices

The article explores unique Christmas traditions from around the world, highlighting practices such as roller skating to morning mass in Caracas, Venezuela, and the Krampus parades in Austria. It also discusses Japan's KFC Christmas ritual, Catalonia's Caga Tió and Caganer traditions, Iceland's Christmas book flood, and Finland's Christmas Eve sauna. The piece provides insights into how travelers can experience these traditions, while also noting travel advisories, such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's advice against non-essential travel to Venezuela.

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UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

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Dieter Göttert is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

St Helena’s Marine Protected Area Declared an International Hope Spot

06 Nov 2023  |  Nomad Africa Magazine | Celebrating the world's richest continent  |  English  |  Environmental Milestone

Mission Blue has recognized St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) as a Hope Spot, celebrating the island’s 20-year journey in marine research and conservation. St Helena’s 450,000km² MPA joins a global network of 157 Hope Spots, highlighting its near-pristine marine environment and rich biodiversity. The recognition underscores the island's commitment to ocean health amidst challenges like climate change and pollution. Key figures, including Dr. Sylvia Earle and UK Minister David Rutley, praised St Helena’s efforts, positioning it as a global beacon for marine conservation.

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UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Mission Blue St Helena National Trust Blue Belt Programme

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai faces trial under ‘unfair’ national security law

15 Dec 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Political Repression

Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen, is set to begin his national security trial, facing charges of collusion with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. Lai, who has pleaded not guilty, could face life imprisonment if convicted. His son Sebastien has been advocating for his release, recently meeting with UK Foreign Minister David Cameron. Lai's entrepreneurial success with Giordano and founding of Next Media and Apple Daily are highlighted, as well as his support for free speech and democracy. The trial, which will not include a jury and will be overseen by handpicked judges, is seen as a test of the national security law and has been criticized by international legal experts and human rights organizations.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Hong Kong National Security Police Georgetown University's Center for Asian Law Human Rights Watch

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Andy Hirschfeld is a journalist based in New York City. His work has appeared in numerous publications including The Daily Beast, Slate, Observer, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Fortune Magazine, Time Out Magazine, Eater, NY Focus, Insidehook,  The Daily Dot, Digital Trends, TYT Investigates, Al Jazeera ...

Iran to hold nuclear talks with France, Germany, UK

24 Nov 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Middle East Tensions

Iran is set to engage in nuclear talks with France, Germany, and the UK amid rising tensions over its nuclear program. The meeting follows a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticizing Iran's lack of cooperation, which was supported by the three European nations. Iran announced advancements in its nuclear technology but reiterated its commitment to cooperate with the IAEA. The discussions will also cover regional issues, including Palestine and Lebanon. The backdrop includes the US's 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, leading to increased tensions and Iran's reduced cooperation with the IAEA.

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UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Iranian Foreign Ministry International Atomic Energy Agency

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Joe Lo is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom who is available to cover any event in London but specialises in politics and football.

Gulf leaders buy caviar, Rolexes and other gifts for UK ministers

01 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Human Rights

Gulf monarchies have been giving lavish gifts to UK ministers, including caviar, Rolex watches, and luxury hampers, raising concerns about undue influence on UK foreign policy. Campaigners argue these gifts are attempts to buy political favor and highlight the poor human rights records of the gifting countries. Notable recipients include Boris Johnson and Theresa May, while organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticize the repressive actions of Gulf states. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not commented on these revelations.

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy Campaign Against Arms Trade Human Rights Watch Amnesty International

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Freelance journalist interested in conflict and international law; the Middle East and Africa. Currently based in Iraqi Kurdistan covering ISIS conflict, IDP and refugee crisis, energy news. Bylines in Daily Telegraph, Foreign Policy, Al Jazeera, Maclean's magazine, National Post, The Daily Beast, ...

Son of British man detained in Sudan pleads for his release

02 Oct 2023  |  ca.sports.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Conflict in Sudan

Yaslam Al-Tayeb, a British-Dutch citizen, has been detained by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, Sudan, and his son Yasin is pleading for his release, emphasizing the urgent need for diabetes medication. The RSF, led by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, is in conflict with the Sudanese army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The RSF has been accused of using civilians as human shields, while Dagalo insists on their commitment to protecting civilians. British and Dutch authorities have been informed, but no immediate action has been taken. The situation is dire as evacuation flights continue and the healthcare system collapses.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Dutch Foreign Ministry Rapid Support Forces

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farayi Machamire is a journalist.

SAGE programme transforms the lives of 13,400 marginalised girls in Zimbabwe

31 Jul 2023  |  Zim Morning Post  |  English  |  Marginalized Communities

The UK-funded Supporting Adolescent Girl’s Education (SAGE) Programme, which ran from August 2018 to July 2023, has positively impacted 13,400 out-of-school, marginalized girls in Zimbabwe by improving their literacy, numeracy, and life skills, and facilitating their transition into further education, training, or employment. The programme, implemented by Plan International and partners in collaboration with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has been praised for its evidence-based approach and significant contributions to human capital development. Key stakeholders, including beneficiaries and ministry officials, highlighted the programme's success in surpassing its targets and recommended ongoing community engagement and integration of proven innovations for sustainable impact.

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Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Girl’s Education Challenge Plan International Open University UK CBM AWET Econet

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Munyaradzi Makoni is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. His stories on agriculture, climate change, environment, higher education, politics, science and technology, science policy and religion have appeared in  SciDev.Net, Thompson Reuters Foundation, Africa Renewal, Research Africa, ...

UK foreign minister unveils Ghana science strategy on Africa tour

01 Aug 2023  |  www.researchprofessionalnews.com  |  English  |  Health Security

The UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, launched the UK-Ghana Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy 2023-2027 in Accra, aiming to enhance health security and maintain both nations at the forefront of life sciences. The strategy promotes collaboration in ICT, frontier technology, and pharmaceuticals. Cleverly's tour also included Nigeria and Zambia, emphasizing future-focused, mutually beneficial partnerships and advocating for African representation in international organizations like the UN Security Council and G20. The UK government plans to expand its science and technology partnerships to support security and prosperity through innovation.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office United Nations Security Council African Union G20

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Farai Shawn Matiashe is an award-winning journalist based in Mutare, Zimbabwe who writes for various international media outlets including Aljazeera (Qatar), CNN International (UK) the Thomson Reuters Foundation (UK), Vice World News (UK), The Africa Report (France), Euronews (UK) and Quartz Africa ...

Hello, sunshine: how solar electricity transformed care at a remote Zimbabwean clinic

27 Sept 2024  |  www.gavi.org  |  English  |  Rural Development

The installation of a 200 kW solar mini-grid at Hakwata Clinic in Chipinge, Zimbabwe, has significantly improved healthcare services by providing reliable electricity for vaccine refrigeration and data management. This initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, the Rural Electrification Agency, and funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has enhanced the clinic's ability to conduct outreach vaccination programs. The solar power project is part of a broader effort to address power shortages in Zimbabwe's healthcare facilities, with similar installations across the country. The initiative has also improved living conditions for healthcare workers, attracting more staff to the remote clinic.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office United Nations Development Programme Rural Electrification Agency Global Fund National Pharmaceutical Company United Bulawayo Hospitals

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Award-Winning Somali Filmmaker and Photographer | Expert in Humanitarian Storytelling | Based in Mogadishu, Somalia

As the Founding Director of Echo Impact Films, I bring over a decade of experience in storytelling through filmmaking and photography. My expertise lies in creating visually ...

Strength and Resilience: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

10 Oct 2024  |  IOM Somalia  |  English  |  Community Resilience

In Baidoa's IDP camps, a pilot project by IOM Danwadaag and Concern Worldwide Somalia has empowered 61 women through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sessions. Participants like Jawahir Ahmed and Sahra Isack Kulow have gained resilience and stress management skills, positively impacting their families and communities. The project, supported by the UK's FCDO, has fostered communal transformation, with women expressing interest in expanding the initiative to include family members and further community-building activities.

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United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) IOM Danwadaag Concern Worldwide Somalia

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Sheila Ponnie Juba based journalist, born in South Sudan, graduate of Nkumba University in Entebbe. Began her journalism career as a news and programming intern/reporter with Radio Miraya, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, (UNMISS). She also hosted a nightly news and culture radio program ...

Over 2 Million Children in South Sudan At Risk of Acute Malnutrition

25 Nov 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

South Sudan faces a severe malnutrition crisis, with over 2 million children and 1 million pregnant or lactating mothers at risk. The crisis is exacerbated by poor access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and the influx of refugees from Sudan. UNICEF and Save the Children are actively working to provide aid, but emphasize the need for more resources and long-term solutions. The U.K. government calls for addressing root causes to reduce reliance on humanitarian aid. The situation is compounded by poverty, food insecurity, and diseases like cholera.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office UNICEF Save the Children U.K. government

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Looking for Yoga Instructor course? Training & Certification for Teachers.

Missing British Boy Alex Batty Found In France Six Years After His 'Abduction'

01 Oct 2023  |  www.indiatimes.com  |  English  |  Abduction

Six years after disappearing during a family trip in Spain, British boy Alex Batty has been found in Revel, France. Now 17, Alex had joined a traveling spiritual community with his mother and grandfather, who were prohibited from accompanying him. After leaving the group, Alex was picked up by a truck driver, leading to his identification by French police. Greater Manchester Police are working with French authorities to authenticate the report, while Alex's mother and grandfather remain wanted in connection with his disappearance. Alex is currently under the care of social services in France.

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Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Greater Manchester Police French Police

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Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

Ex-Brit soldier, 39, missing feared dead in Ukraine as Zelensky gives nation’s thanks & vows ‘we will never forget’

06 Feb 2025  |  The Sun  |  English  |  War in Ukraine

A British soldier, Christopher Walker, is feared dead in Ukraine after fighting against Russian forces. Walker, a former Royal Artillery gunner, joined Ukraine's international legion in response to President Zelensky's call for volunteers. The article highlights the deaths of other British volunteers, including James Wilton and Alexander Garms-Rizzi, who were killed in action. President Zelensky expressed gratitude for their sacrifices. The article also mentions a potential peace plan by Donald Trump and the death of a high-ranking Russian official, Sergey Efremov, in the conflict.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Russian Army British Army Royal Artillery Royal Welsh Fusilier Munich Security Conference

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Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

Increasing number of villages torched across Sudan shows conflict is intensifying - report

20 Mar 2024  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict in Sudan is intensifying, with a sharp increase in the number of villages destroyed or damaged by fire, particularly in Darfur. Satellite data from the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) indicates that March saw the highest number of fire-damaged settlements since the conflict began. The RSF and Sudanese military are both implicated, with airstrikes and ethnic cleansing reported. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with millions displaced and at risk of famine. International donors have pledged over €2bn in aid, and the UK has increased its humanitarian funding and imposed new sanctions.

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Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Centre for Information Resilience UN RSF Sudanese military

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Sophia Waterfield is a journalist based in York, United Kingdom.

FCDO's 'dysfunctional' IT systems hinder staff payments

05 Oct 2023  |  techmonitor.ai  |  English  |  Public Administration

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been criticized by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) for its dysfunctional IT systems, which have hindered staff recruitment and payments. The merger of the Foreign Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development in 2020 has led to significant corporate challenges, including issues with accessing information and dealing with a changing cast of interlocutors. The National Audit Office also highlighted outdated IT systems as a major constraint across government departments. Despite these challenges, the FCDO claims progress has been made in addressing recruitment and budget issues.

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Central Digital and Data Office National Audit Office Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Independent Commission for Aid Impact Department for International Development International Development Committee

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Emma Woollacott is a journalist based in Oxford, United Kingdom, writing in fields from science and tech to business and politics, freelance since 1992. I've written for most British broadsheet national newspapers, including the Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian, as well as many ...

U.K. Accuses China Of Cyber Attacks On MPs And Voters

26 Mar 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Espionage

The U.K. has formally accused China of cyber attacks targeting members of Parliament and the U.K. Electoral Commission, compromising personal data of millions of voters. The National Cyber Security Centre attributes the attacks to a Chinese state-affiliated entity, APT31, which also targeted MPs' email accounts. The U.K. government has sanctioned individuals and a company linked to APT31. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Chinese Ambassador, emphasizing the U.K.'s commitment to protecting its democratic institutions. Experts suggest the data theft may be motivated by a desire for high-quality personal information rather than direct electoral influence. The accusations follow a broader warning from the Five Eyes nations about Chinese espionage.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office National Cyber Security Centre U.K. Electoral Commission GCHQ Defending Democracy Taskforce Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Parliament’s Security Department Five Eyes Sentinel Labs Jamf

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Aawaz II Holds Provincial Consultation To Mark 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

12 Dec 2023  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Women's Rights

Aawaz II Programme organized a provincial consultation in Lahore to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, bringing together over 60 government officials, civil society representatives, and Aawaz II forum members. Key speakers emphasized the need for comprehensive safety and inclusion mechanisms, leveraging community networks, and the importance of local leadership. The event highlighted the commitment of various stakeholders, including the Punjab Police, British Council, and Women Protection Authority, to address and prevent gender-based violence. Recommendations included training staff in various sectors, sensitizing protection service providers, and ensuring accessibility of helplines.

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Aawaz II Peace & Justice Network Punjab Police British Council UNFPA Women Protection Authority

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