Author: Solomon Alaka

Enhanced preparedness and emergency response: Strengthening the EU Civil Protection Mechanism combined with ambitious health funding

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Today, the European Commission proposed to update the Regulation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), integrating the financing for health emergency preparedness and response, to ensure a comprehensive and integrated EU response to crises. As one of the first deliverables under the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, the new Regulation will enhance EU support and […]

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Are they effective, pointless, or just plain dangerous?

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With summer in full swing, many people will be tempted by supposedly miraculous dieting tricks to lose those excess kilos that prevent them from enjoying the perfect physique. Among them are so-called “mono diets”: restrictive regimes that consist of exclusively eating one type of food for a period of time, with the aim of quickly […]

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‘You have to be able to rule your life’: The care revolution in Latin America

Solomon AlakaLeave a Comment on ‘You have to be able to rule your life’: The care revolution in Latin America

The workers we don’t pay or see are grandmothers, mothers, daughters — the women who take care of children, look after ill family members and give dignity to the elderly.  To do this vital care work, they give up formal employment with pay cheques.  “Our system is designed as if women didn’t do care work, […]

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👑 HRH The Princess Royal Opens Genetic Disease Research Centre and Visits Olive Academy in Cambridge

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On 18 July 2025, HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, officially opened Insmed Innovation UK Limited’s new Genetic Disease Research Centre at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing research into rare genetic diseases, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge science and innovation. During her visit, […]

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Syria crisis: Hundreds killed in ongoing violence, hospitals overwhelmed

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Briefing reporters in Geneva, UN human rights office, OHCHR, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani highlighted “credible” reports of “widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes” in the city of Suweida. “Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the […]

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Aid cuts leave refugee agency unable to shelter six in 10 fleeing war in Sudan

Solomon AlakaLeave a Comment on Aid cuts leave refugee agency unable to shelter six in 10 fleeing war in Sudan

Globally, $1.4 billion of the agency’s programmes are being shuttered or put on hold, UNHCR said in a new report. “We can’t stop water, you can’t stop sanitation, but we’re having to take decisions when it comes, for example, to shelter,” said UNHCR Director of External Relations Dominique Hyde. “We’re have people arriving on a […]

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👑 Queen Camilla Celebrates Her 78th Birthday

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Born on 17 July 1947, HRH Queen Camilla marks her 78th birthday yesterday. Formerly known as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, she became Queen Consort upon the accession of King Charles III in 2022. Throughout her royal tenure, Queen Camilla has been a champion of literacy, domestic violence awareness, and animal welfare. Her longstanding passion for […]

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Commissioner Lahbib visits Greece to discuss wildfire prevention, preparedness and response

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As work continues to prevent and contain fire threats across southern Europe, the Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, is in Athens, Greece today and tomorrow to hold meetings and discuss the EU’s joint wildfire prevention, preparedness and response efforts, and the future of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Today, the Commissioner […]

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Rethinking Impact Measurement and Management: Fit for Outcomes | Blog

Solomon AlakaLeave a Comment on Rethinking Impact Measurement and Management: Fit for Outcomes | Blog

Imagine an investment officer at a development finance institution (DFI) reviewing a follow-on proposal from a financial inclusion fund they backed five years ago. The first fund invested in a range of Series B-stage financial services providers (FSP). But now, as they consider a second investment into a second fund, they realize something’s missing: outcomes […]

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EU budget 2028-2034 for a stronger Europe

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  The Commission has presented its proposal for an ambitious and dynamic long-term EU budget, the so-called Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will run for seven years, starting in 2028. Almost €2 trillion, or 1.26% of the average EU’s gross national income between 2028 and 2034, will support Europe’s ambition to be independent, safe, prosperous and […]

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