Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160 million from its emergency fund for 12 underfunded crises, including $150m for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cuba, Mali, Niger, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen, plus $10m to improve access for people with disabilities. Refugee Education: UNHCR warned 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with 44% of school-age refugee kids missing education and funding cuts threatening further setbacks. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are gathering in the Pacific for talks ahead of COP31, as island nations push for stronger climate finance and urgent ocean-focused adaptation. Energy Governance: West Africa launched REGIS-WA, a regional energy governance and information system to improve cross-border clean energy integration. Global Health: WHO reported global life expectancy rebounded to 73.3 years near pre-COVID levels, while noncommunicable diseases keep rising. Prison Overcrowding: A UN torture rapporteur received input from a national human rights institution on expanding non-custodial options and improving detention conditions. UK Visa Pressure: A UK university says tighter visa rules are driving a $53m budget squeeze as African student recruitment takes a hit. International Security: Cyprus joined a statement backing UN “snapback” sanctions on Iran, reaffirming restrictions on nuclear and arms-related transfers.