Measles deaths have fallen by 88 percent since 2000, but the number of infections is rising.

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November 28, 2025 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report finding that global vaccination efforts have reduced measles deaths by 88 percent between 2000 and 2024, saving nearly 59 million lives.

However, despite the impressive decline in mortality, the disease continues to spread. In 2024, approximately 95,000 people died from measles, mostly children under five. This is one of the lowest figures in recent decades, but every death from a disease preventable with an inexpensive and effective vaccine remains a tragedy.

According to the WHO, the number of measles cases worldwide has risen sharply: in 2024, approximately 11 million were registered – 800,000 more than before the pandemic in 2019.

“Measles is the most contagious virus in the world, and these data show once again that it exploits any gaps in our collective defenses,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “If every child in every community is vaccinated, we can avoid outbreaks, save lives, and ultimately eliminate the disease.”

Regional trends

In the Eastern Mediterranean, the number of measles cases increased by 86 percent compared to 2019, in Europe by 47 percent, and in Southeast Asia by 42 percent.

Africa, by contrast, has shown a decline: the number of cases has fallen by 40 percent, and deaths by 50 percent, which is due to increased vaccination coverage.

In 2024, 84 percent of children worldwide received the first dose of vaccine, while only 76 percent received the second, while at least 95 percent coverage with two doses is needed to prevent transmission. More than 30 million children remained unprotected, three-quarters of them in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Large outbreaks

In 2024, major measles outbreaks were reported in 59 countries, almost three times more than in 2021. In 2025, the situation worsened in countries in North and South America, where large outbreaks also began.

The WHO warns that cuts in funding for laboratory networks and national vaccination programs could lead to further lapses in immune protection and an increase in the number of infections.

Moving towards a measles-free world

By the end of 2024, measles had been eliminated in 81 countries. In 2025, these countries were joined by the Pacific island nations, as well as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles—the first African countries to be certified as measles-free. A total of 96 countries now have measles-free status.

Even in developed countries, the disease sometimes resurfaces due to vaccination rates falling below the 95 percent threshold. The WHO is calling on governments to make sustained investments to ensure all children receive two doses of the vaccine and to strengthen surveillance systems.

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Guinea-Bissau Coup: UN Secretary-General Calls for Return to Constitutional Order

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November 28, 2025 International law

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over developments in Guinea-Bissau. He strongly condemned the military coup d'état and any attempts to undermine constitutional order in the country.

According to a statement released by the UN chief's press service, ignoring the will of citizens who peacefully voted in the November 23 general elections is a "gross violation of the democratic process." Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials—including election organizers, opposition leaders, and other political figures.

The Secretary-General emphasized the need to exercise maximum restraint, uphold the rule of law, and respect the will of the people, acting strictly within the framework of international human rights law. All disputes, he noted, must be resolved through legal mechanisms and peaceful and inclusive dialogue.

Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the UN's full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the West African Elders' Forum to safeguard democracy, strengthen stability and ensure a peaceful conclusion to the electoral process, and ensure Guinea-Bissau's speedy return to a democratic path.

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The UN condemned the Israeli invasion of Syria.

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November 28, 2025 Peace and security

UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Roshdi has strongly condemned the Israeli incursion into Syrian territory in the Damascus suburbs, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of civilians.

According to available reports, the invasion and accompanying airstrikes caused a mass displacement of families from the city of Beit Jinn. People were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring areas.

Roshdi stressed that such actions constitute a "serious and unacceptable violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and further destabilize the already fragile situation in the region.

The United Nations, she said, remains firmly committed to the principles of Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. The Deputy Special Envoy called for an immediate end to such violations and reiterated the need for full compliance with the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.

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The Tipping Point: Putting Global Industry on a Fairer, Greener Path to Economic Growth

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Conor Lenon, Riyadh

November 27, 2025 Economic development

The international community took another step towards making industrial development greener and fairer: on Thursday, the final day of the Global Industrial Summit in the Saudi capital, the Riyadh Declaration was adopted.

The world is inexorably moving toward further industrialization, opening up opportunities to create decent jobs and improve the well-being of millions of the world's poorest people. But for industrial growth to truly benefit the entire population and the planet, international trade and industry must develop with a view to reducing emissions.

This hasn't always been the case in the past, but the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is striving to change that. "We're well aware of the challenges and problems, but we're here to offer solutions," says Manuel Mattiat, head of UNIDO. "With the knowledge we have, the technologies we have, and the financial resources we have, anything is possible."

Investing in the Global South

United Nations News Service

Manuel Mattiat, Head of UNIDO

Mattiat spoke to UN News on the final day of the summit, which discussed a wide range of issues related to industrial development in the Global South, from youth entrepreneurship to women's empowerment in business.

Against a backdrop of unprecedented attention to the UN's work, the Riyadh conference showcases the expertise and knowledge that the world's leading multilateral organization can offer investors and businesses, as well as a range of practical solutions aimed at helping the most vulnerable people escape poverty.

"We're here to build bridges," explains Matiat. "Many developed, industrialized countries with resources and a high level of development are ready to invest, but they haven't yet found suitable entry points. That's why we're here in Riyadh: to mobilize investment for the least developed countries."

United Nations News Service/K. Lennon

People come first

On Thursday, representatives of UNIDO Member States – both developed and developing – adopted the Riyadh Declaration, which calls for strengthened cooperation between governments, business and civil society to ensure that industrialization contributes to a green economy, equitable opportunities and improved living conditions.

The declaration, which draws attention to youth issues and women's rights, aims to expand access to skills and employment for all groups. The document emphasizes the importance of innovation and digital transformation – developing countries must be able to take advantage of new technologies and compete effectively in global markets.

The adoption of the declaration is seen as a turning point in global industrial policy: it lays the foundation for mobilizing resources and achieving tangible results for communities around the world.

Riyadh Declaration: in brief

Promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development as a driver of poverty reduction, job creation, and resilience. Calls for sustainable practices consistent with the Paris Agreement and UN climate goals. Encourages digital transformation and innovation to bridge the technological divide. Emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges such as inequality and climate change.

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Sudan: 45 percent of population on the brink of starvation

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November 26, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Famine in Sudan is a direct consequence of the war. More than two and a half years of armed conflict have pushed 21.2 million people—45 percent of the population—to the brink of starvation, with famine officially confirmed in two cities. However, where the fighting has eased and humanitarian organizations have gained access to those in need, malnutrition rates have begun to decline.

Aid volumes have increased in areas reached by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), bringing significant relief to the population. However, in areas where clashes continue, communities are cut off from humanitarian support, and the situation remains critical.

Two cities in the grip of hunger

Two towns, El Fasher and Kadugli, where famine has been declared, are largely isolated from aid supplies.

The WFP has been warning of a critical situation in El Fasher since April 2024, when the city came under siege.

However, WFP operations in Sudan have already helped turn the tide: while ten areas were classified as famine-stricken in December 2024, nine of them have since been graduated from that category or downgraded to “at risk of famine” status – primarily in areas where aid has been delivered regularly.

Aid is growing, but resources are running low

Over the past year, WFP has dramatically increased its support across the country, helping stem the spread of hunger in several regions. With safe humanitarian corridors, unrestricted access, and sufficient resources, this trend can be maintained.

WFP currently assists more than four million people monthly with food and cash assistance. This is double the monthly figure for last year.

Since the beginning of 2025, the number of people receiving assistance in areas where famine has been confirmed and in areas on the brink of famine has tripled. Over the past six months, approximately 1.8 million people in these areas have received monthly WFP assistance—85 percent of all those in need of support in these regions.

Restoring humanitarian access

The past year has also brought success in restoring humanitarian access to areas that were virtually inaccessible in 2024: Khartoum, Al Jazeera, parts of North Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, and Kadugli.

When fighting subsided in Khartoum in March-April 2025, WFP quickly delivered aid. Over the following months (April-June 2025), more than a million people in all seven districts of Khartoum received assistance.

In late October 2025, a UN humanitarian convoy reached besieged Kadugli – the first large-scale aid delivery since the start of the conflict, paving the way for the establishment of a regular humanitarian corridor.

Supporting agriculture is the way to reduce hunger

WFP has also played a key role in increasing wheat and sorghum production in eastern Sudan through projects supported by the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

Increased crop yields have been one of the reasons for the decline in malnutrition rates.

Increased funding is needed

WFP will require $662 million to continue delivering aid over the next six months. With additional resources, WFP will be able to scale up its operations and support 8 million people per month.

Funding is needed for both emergency aid and long-term projects aimed at increasing agricultural production, restoring damaged housing and infrastructure, and improving living conditions.

WFP calls on the international community to urgently increase funding for projects in Sudan.

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Top Stories of the Day | Wednesday: Somalia, peacebuilding, transport, UN Secretary-General

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November 26, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: a state of emergency due to drought in Somalia, peacebuilding resolutions, World Sustainable Transport Day, the selection of candidates for the post of UN Secretary-General.

Drought in Somalia

Somalia is experiencing rapidly worsening droughtFor the fourth consecutive rainy season, rainfall has been extremely poor, reservoirs have emptied, vast swathes of the country are without water, and millions of people are at risk of starvation and displacement. UN humanitarian agencies warned on Wednesday. On November 10, the Federal Government of Somalia officially declared a state of emergency and appealed to the international community for assistance. The situation continues to deteriorate, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Maintaining peace

The UN General Assembly and Security Council today adopted agreed resolutions on the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture. These decisions reaffirm the commitment to strengthening the UN's effectiveness in sustaining peace. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund reported exceeding the $1 billion mark in approved funding for programs since 2020. However, approximately $500 million remains needed to implement the 2020–2026 strategy. The fund currently supports more than 50 countries.

Sustainable transport

Transport is vital for connectivity, trade, economic growth, and employment. However, the transport sector is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. A balance must be achieved between sustainable transport development and economic growth. In this regard, the UN General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, declared the 2023 UN Sustainable Transport Strategy on November 26 World Sustainable Transport DayIn addition, December 10 marks the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.

Election of the General Secretary

On the eve, the President of the UN General Assembly and the President of the Security Council – the two main organs of the United Nations – officially launched the process of selecting the next Secretary-General, sending a letter to member countries inviting them to nominate candidates. As a reminder, the current UN chief's term expires at the end of 2026. According to the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.

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Generation 2050 in Central Asia: A Chance for Rapid Economic Growth That Can't Be Missed

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November 26, 2025 Economic development

Central Asia is experiencing profound demographic changes that will shape the region's economic and social future in the coming decades. According to the regional report "Generation 2050 in Central Asia," prepared with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than half the population of five countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—is now under 30 years old.

This creates a unique opportunity to reap a "demographic dividend": an increase in the share of the working-age population could lead to accelerated economic growth. However, this opportunity can only be realized through significant investment in human capital.

A young region in a rapidly aging world

Against the backdrop of global population aging, Central Asia remains one of the youngest regions in Eurasia. In Tajikistan, the median age is only 22, in Kyrgyzstan it is 25, and in Uzbekistan it is 27. Even by 2050, these figures will remain relatively low, increasing the window of opportunity for economic growth.

The region's population continues to grow: from 56 million in 2000, it has increased to over 84 million by 2025 and will reach nearly 112 million by mid-century. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are experiencing particularly rapid population growth: the former will add almost 5 million people by 2050, while the latter will add over 15 million. The number of women of reproductive age is also increasing, maintaining stable birth rates despite their gradual decline.

Investments in human capital

The report calls for investment in education, healthcare, and skills development for the younger generation. This is particularly important in Central Asia, as countries in the region still struggle with human capital.

According to the World Bank, children born in the region today will only realize 50-60 percent of their productive potential due to limited access to quality education, health care, and social protection.

If investment in children and youth remains at the current level, the region risks facing rising unemployment, increasing inequality, and a loss of economic potential, the report's authors warn.

A critical period

Today, there are approximately 60 dependents for every 100 working-age people in Central Asia—a historically low figure that will begin to rise after 2040 due to population aging. This means that the next 10–15 years are critical: without modernizing the education, healthcare, and social protection systems now, economic growth will be limited for decades to come.

Migration poses particular challenges. Millions of residents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan work abroad, and their children grow up separated from their parents, which impacts their emotional well-being, academic performance, and social adaptation. In the coming years, many migrants will return home at retirement age, increasing the burden on social services.

Urban Future: Opportunity or Risk?

By mid-century, 60.5 percent of the region's population will live in cities. However, infrastructure development—water supply, sanitation, transportation, and healthcare—has not yet kept pace with urban growth. This is particularly acute in the rapidly growing districts of Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Bishkek.

The climate factor is also exacerbating the situation: droughts, melting glaciers, and water shortages are already leading to population displacement and increased pressure on urban areas. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are also increasingly experiencing heatwaves, which threaten health and the economy.

Investing for the Future

Experts emphasize that two-thirds of future economic growth will come from investments in human capital. This means:

access to quality education from an early age; provision of children and adolescents with modern medicine and healthy nutrition; social protection systems that support families; employment and training programs for youth, including girls and young women; expanding access to water, sanitation, and a safe urban environment.

If these measures are implemented, Central Asia will be able to capitalize on its greatest asset: a young, energetic, and numerous generation that will shape the region in 2050.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | Bishkek: The City Is Growing, Greening, and Getting Smarter

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Somalia declares state of emergency due to drought, leaving millions facing starvation

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November 26, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Somalia is experiencing a rapidly worsening drought: for the fourth consecutive rainy season, rainfall has been extremely poor, reservoirs have run dry, vast swathes of the country are without water, and millions of people are at risk of starvation and displacement, UN humanitarian agencies warned on Wednesday.

On November 10, the Federal Government of Somalia officially declared a state of emergency and appealed to the international community for assistance. The situation continues to deteriorate in the northern, central, and southern regions of the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

One of the hardest-hit regions was Puntland in eastern Somalia, where local authorities estimate nearly a million people are in need of assistance, 130,000 of whom require emergency aid.

Acute shortage of resources

UN staff visiting the Bari and Nugaal regions in early November documented severe water and food shortages. Local residents fear the situation could escalate into a catastrophe in the coming months.

"There has been no rain since last year; this is the worst drought in many years," said Abdikani Osman Omar, head of the village council of Shahda in the Bari region.

"Hundreds of displaced families arrived here three months ago, and the flow continues. They are mostly women and children; the men have gone to neighboring Ethiopia in search of pasture and water," he added.

According to Omar, the village lacks the resources to support the displaced people, as even local residents lack water and food.

In many parts of Puntland, water bodies have dried up, vegetation has died, and many settlements have been abandoned.

In the city of Dahan, where brief rains in early spring gave residents reason to hope for the best, people are now forced to buy expensive imported water after the local well turned out to be contaminated.

Serious funding shortfall

Lack of funding worsens the crisis.

"We used to receive food aid, food for the children, and medicine for our medical center. Now this aid has practically ceased," said the head of the Jama community, Abshir Hersi. According to him, about 150 families have resettled in the city.

As of November 23, the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia was only 23.7 percent funded. This has forced organizations to drastically reduce aid. The number of people receiving food parcels has fallen from 1.1 million in August to just 350,000 this month.

In Puntland alone, 89 food points and 198 health centres are facing severe resource shortages.

Millions of people are starving

The drought is unfolding amid an already dire humanitarian situation. Some 4.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity by December, and 1.85 million children under five are estimated to suffer from acute malnutrition by mid-2026.

Weather forecasts don't promise any immediate relief. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that dry and hot conditions will persist in most parts of Somalia, particularly in the central and northern regions.

"High temperatures and lack of rain are likely to exacerbate water shortages and hinder pasture recovery in most areas," FAO said.

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Defying Barriers: Young Entrepreneurs Are Ready to Take Risks and Build the Industry of the Future

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November 26, 2025 Economic development

Young people make a vital contribution to the development of the industrial complex and the introduction of new technologies. Furthermore, young people are generally concerned about issues such as climate change and are eager to serve society. The role of young people was highlighted at the Global Industrial Summit in Riyadh, with an entire day dedicated to the generation of the future.

Young people are ready to take risks

Today, 90 percent of startups fail, and one could understand young people deciding that starting their own company – especially in such turbulent times for the global economy – is too risky.

"But there's a 10 percent chance you can make a difference in people's lives," counters student Daniel Wu, who boldly chose to take the risk.

"If no one takes advantage of that 10 percent, then no one will succeed in the future," he adds.

Wu's project, a digital platform for training rural youth in AI and software skills, has reached the finals of the Youth Innovation Competition run by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

As a finalist, Wu was invited to the UNIDO Global Industrial Summit in Riyadh, where he participated in a session of the Youth Parliament. This is a global discussion platform created by UNIDO jointly with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia.

Dialogue with political and industry leaders

The energy and enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs who attended the summit was palpable: they were eager to maximize networking opportunities and made sure to meet as many mentors, policymakers, and potential investors as possible.

The official youth program included a series of interactive dialogues, presentations of innovative technologies, and mentoring sessions. Young delegates presented cutting-edge solutions in renewable energy, circular economy practices, and digital manufacturing.

The forum's events opened up new opportunities for direct communication between young people and political and industry leaders.

"We know how our generation thinks"

Beyond the alarming statistics and high failure rates among startups, a lack of experience can also be a barrier for young people. But this doesn't stop Wu, who is convinced that young people's initiatives deserve investment because they offer a unique perspective on the world.

"We grew up with computers, with the internet, and we understand how people interact with different types of content. We have a good understanding of how our generation—the next big market segment—thinks, and that's why we have an advantage over the older generation," says Wu.

By dedicating an entire day to youth, the organizers of the Global Manufacturing Summit sent a clear message to the world: the industry of the future is shaped not only by established leaders, but also by the creativity and determination of the next generation.

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Ukraine: More than 340 educational institutions have been damaged as a result of fighting this year.

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November 26, 2025 Peace and security

Since the beginning of the year, more than 340 educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged or completely destroyed as a result of the ongoing full-scale war. This disrupts the educational process and deprives children of their right to an education, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported today.

This brings the total number of schools damaged or destroyed since the war escalated in February 2022 to 2,800. Since these are only UN-confirmed incidents, the actual figure is likely higher.

"Schools must remain protected spaces where children can learn safely, even during war. In times of crisis, education provides children with support and a sense of normalcy," noted UNICEF Country Representative Munir Mammadzadeh.

"Schools are more than just places for learning: they provide children with comprehensive development through interaction with classmates and teachers, and also provide access to other social services," he added.

Threats to children

This school year – the fourth under conditions of a full-scale war – 4.6 million young residents of Ukraine continue face dangers and obstacles during the educational process. Attacks damage and destroy schools, threatening the lives of children. Air raid sirens interrupt classes. Many schools, especially in frontline areas, are closed due to fighting or a lack of adequate shelters, forcing nearly a million children to study online.

For those studying in a blended format or entirely remotely, the lack of face-to-face interaction with teachers and peers complicates the educational process and exacerbates the negative effects of war on psychological health and development.

"Despite all the challenges, Ukrainian children are determined to continue their education – in schools or online, in classrooms or in shelters. They believe in a future where their dreams will come true," Mammadzade said.

Investing in the future

As part of the response, implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with the government and local partners, more than half a million children have gained access to inclusive formal and non-formal education, including safe in-person learning—the most effective learning format. Catch-up classes have also been organized for those who were forced to miss some classes.

Read also:

Numbers and faces: how war changed the lives of Ukrainian schoolchildren

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Safe Schools Declaration, UNICEF recalls. At that time, the global community pledged to protect children's right to education during wartime, ensure the continuity of education, and prevent the use of schools for military purposes.

At a two-day International Conference on the Declaration, which concludes today in Nairobi, UNICEF is joining government representatives, children, youth activists and other partners to discuss how best to support education in conflict-affected settings and how to strengthen this global commitment.

Education during wartime is not a privilege – it is a necessity, the UN agency emphasizes. UNICEF calls on international partners to continue supporting Ukraine's education system. The fund is convinced that this is a vital investment in children and the country's future.

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