The aftershocks of abandonment: 6 months later, Canadian aid organizations urge feds to help fill $35B void left by U.S.

Why It Matters

The eradication of USAID will have global ripple effects for decades. The agency, which had a budget of more than US$35 billion, was the backbone of much of the international assistance work in developing regions. This signals to other governments that they can also step back from their humanitarian commitments.

Canadian aid groups denounce airdrops as “costly, dangerous and ineffective”

Why It Matters

Despite dwindling supplies and a total blockade on anything new entering the Gaza Strip, aid organizations staffed by Palestinians themselves continue to serve the local population. However, with Israeli authorities imposing new registration requirements on INGOs, many may have to leave the Gaza Strip after working in the region for decades.

In Senegal's Djola lands, the fate of forest and culture go hand-in-hand

Why It Matters

Understanding the interconnectedness of culture and nature in Djola society highlights the need for conservation efforts that respect Indigenous traditions and the profound impact of environmental change on intangible cultural heritage.

Indigenous wisdom and the fight to save Senegal's mangroves

Why It Matters

Kawawana underscores the power of Indigenous conservation while exposing the complex challenges communities confront. There’s an inherent tension in "protection": securing resources for one group can unintentionally inflict hardship on others.

Custom LLMs and collaborative datasets: does the aid sector need AI?

Why It Matters

While artificial intelligence could make humanitarian aid program delivery more efficient, researchers have also criticized experimenting with new technologies on vulnerable populations.