Following the Taliban's prohibition of women aid employees from working, major Western aid groups in Afghanistan, including Save The Children and the International Rescue Committee, have suspended operations, impacting the delivery of urgent humanitarian support to half the country's population. The United Nations and various aid organizations have condemned the ban, which has dire consequences for Afghans, particularly women. UN officials are negotiating with Taliban leaders to reconsider the ban, as the humanitarian sector faces a dangerous impasse with winter exacerbating conditions. Ignacio Packer, executive director of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, emphasized the unity among groups against the ban and the challenges it presents to providing life-saving assistance. The situation is complicated by divisions within the Taliban leadership and the potential for further restrictions on aid delivery to women.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director general, addressed the recent senior management changes at WHO, attributing them to factors such as retirement and personal plans, and denied they were linked to a strategic shift. The reshuffle follows his uncontested re-election and donor pressure to streamline the leadership team. Departures include Soumya Swaminathan and Mariângela Batista Galvão Simão, who expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from big pharma and wealthy nations in sharing vaccines and knowledge. The WHO, facing workplace stress and allegations of sexual harassment and abuse, is working to fill remaining leadership positions.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, with its business-centric approach, has drawn criticism for not being inclusive enough towards multilateral organizations and the wider international community. Despite WEF's theme of 'Cooperation in a Fragmented World' and intentions to address global crises, the focus has largely remained on business interests. International Geneva, represented by figures like Nathalie Fontanet and organizations such as the WHO, emphasized their year-round efforts to tackle global issues, including a treaty to combat plastic pollution. UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the energy industry for its role in climate change, while climate activists like Vanessa Nakate condemned the enabling of the climate crisis by some Davos participants. Despite these criticisms, some, like Peter Brabeck-Letmathe of GESDA, see the WEF as a platform for impactful discussions and initiatives. The article highlights the tension between the need for substantive discussions on global crises and the business models that dominate the WEF agenda.

Women have faced challenges in achieving recognition, equal pay, and respect within international organizations despite over a century of efforts for equality. The League of Nations and the United Nations codified equal employment access for women, but in practice, women often held subordinate positions. Historian Myriam Piguet discusses the slow progress towards gender equality, influenced by political and cultural constraints, and the persistence of discriminatory practices and sexual harassment. While some improvements have been made, systemic issues remain, such as gendered perceptions of roles and the 'glass cliff' phenomenon.

Gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and women-led organizations in Colombia and other countries are facing challenges after a $25 million UN Central Emergency Response Fund grant ended. The grant, announced in late 2020, aimed to address GBV in 11 countries, including Colombia, by funding local organizations like the Frida Kahlo Foundation. Despite initial success, many organizations are now struggling to find new funding to continue their services. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, which administered the grants, have been criticized for the short-term nature of the funding and the stringent requirements placed on recipients. The situation has led to program shutdowns and concerns about the sustainability of GBV services, with some organizations, such as the Kachin Women's Association of Thailand, facing additional challenges due to local conflicts and the inability to meet UN procurement requirements.

The article provides a weekly summary of events at the United Nations, focusing on the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal and its global repercussions, the first-ever Security Council briefing on AI, and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. It also covers the 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, discussions on creating a special tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders for the crime of aggression, and the challenges faced by the UN's cross-border humanitarian aid in Syria. Additionally, it touches on the UN's tribute to personnel who died in the line of duty, the New Agenda for Peace proposal, and concerns over attacks against aid workers in Sudan.

Amy Pope, the deputy director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is challenging the re-election of her boss, Director-General António Vitorino, in a bid backed by the Biden administration. This move breaks with tradition as the IOM has historically been led by an American. The election is set for May 15, and the outcome could influence the organization's direction on global migration issues. The US, a major donor to the IOM, seeks to regain influence in multilateral organizations, reversing the Trump administration's stance. The article discusses the implications of the election, the candidates' platforms, and the broader context of the US's role in international bodies.

Switzerland's commodities trading sector is adjusting to the new reality of economic sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The country, which manages a significant portion of Russian crude oil and oil products, has seen major banks like Société Générale and Credit Suisse halt financing for Russian trades. This has impacted traders' access to commodity sources, credit, insurance, and shipping. Companies such as Trafigura, Glencore, Vitol, and Gunvor are ensuring compliance with sanctions, while the price of Brent crude has surged. Switzerland's role as a major hub for Russian and Ukrainian grain and vegetable oil trading is also affected, with concerns over food security in regions dependent on these supplies. Shipping challenges have arisen, with increased costs and risks in the Black Sea region.

Swiss banks, known for their conservative culture, are slowly beginning to embrace gender diversity in their top management. Despite gender quotas becoming part of Swiss law in 2021, female representation in leadership roles remains low compared to other European countries. Some banks, like Pictet and Lombard Odier, have made progress by appointing female partners, but others like Bordier and Gonet have no women in senior roles. Experts argue that genuine gender diversity is crucial for innovation and performance, and clients are pressuring banks for change. The Swiss financial sector is also being encouraged to adopt a gender lens in sustainable investment. The article suggests that banks that fail to adapt may face talent shortages and salary inflation.

Cuba is experiencing severe food and medicine shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, US sanctions, and reduced support from Venezuela. Citizen-led groups have emerged to fill the gaps left by limited international aid and insufficient government support. The public health system is at risk of collapse, and shortages have worsened since early 2021. The US embargo, strengthened by the Trump administration, has significantly impacted remittances, a key source of income for Cubans. Grassroots initiatives have gained traction through social media, collecting donations for those in need. Despite some international aid increases, citizen initiatives have become crucial in all 15 provinces. The Cuban government has begun to acknowledge chronic medication shortages and has pressured informal aid groups to declare their humanitarian, non-political nature. International organizations like Oxfam and Caritas have contributed to the aid efforts, and there are calls for the US to support the Cuban people constructively.

Scientific reports released before the commencement of COP28 indicate that the efforts made by countries to prevent global warming from reaching unprecedented levels are insufficient. The article raises the question of whether the existing solutions to combat climate change will be given due consideration at the upcoming conference.

Scientists have long warned of the risks of unbridled climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the link between environmental degradation and health. The IPCC, with its reports linking global warming to human activity, serves as a key reference for policy. The WHO has acknowledged the clear connection between the environment and disease, emphasizing the role of deforestation, agricultural practices, and urbanization in virus spillover. Despite increased public awareness and national commitments to reduce carbon emissions, global pledges are still insufficient to prevent significant temperature rises. The pandemic has affected long-term climate finance goals, with the UN Secretary-General calling for increased international public finance. The WHO suggests a pandemic treaty that considers environmental risks, and emphasizes that tackling climate change aligns with public health, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Swiss banks, central to the commodity trading sector, are re-evaluating their role in financing trades that may contribute to environmental damage, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, ING, and Rabobank have taken steps to limit or cease financing for trades involving beef, soybeans, and oil linked to deforestation or indigenous community exploitation. The shift reflects growing social and legal pressures, as well as a desire to align with Switzerland's image as a center for sustainable finance. However, some banks like Natixis and UBS have been criticized for their continued involvement or lack of transparency. Indigenous leaders and environmental groups acknowledge progress but call for more comprehensive action from the financial sector.

Franco-Israeli businessman Beny Steinmetz was sentenced to a five-year prison term for corruption and document forgery related to mining deals in Guinea. The trial in Geneva’s Palais de Justice revealed a corruption pact with Guinea's late president Lansana Conté and his wife Mamadie Touré, facilitated by Steinmetz's company BSGR and a network of advisors and shell companies. The case, which began with a Swiss investigation in 2013, has implications for the use of offshore companies in illegal activities and may signal a turning point for greater transparency and accountability in international business practices.

Nicaragua, under President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo, faces increasing poverty, malnutrition, and emigration due to political strife and a criticized response to the coronavirus outbreak. Aid and human rights groups, such as CISAS and CENIDH, are under threat, with many members forced to flee. The government's dismissive approach to COVID-19, promoting mass gatherings and not providing adequate PPE, has led to a discrepancy between official and suspected case counts. International aid is either unwanted or restricted, with organizations like UNDP and IACHR facing government pressure. Despite this, the International Committee of the Red Cross continues to operate, offering support for political prisoners.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been overhauling its internship program to increase diversity and accessibility for young people from low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief, announced stipends and health insurance for interns by 2020, aligning with a resolution adopted by member states. The WHO faced pressure to pay interns, especially after an incident involving an unpaid intern living in a tent. The UN and its organizations have often used unpaid interns due to budget constraints. Sushan Kharel, a Nepalese national, was among the first to benefit from the paid internship program at WHO. The WHO has suspended all internships until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and funding crisis, with the US withdrawing its significant financial contribution.

Climate-related disasters are causing increased damage, and there is concern that climate change commitments are being funded by reallocating regular aid budgets, which poorer countries depend on. A UN report confirmed 2019 as the second-warmest year, highlighting the humanitarian impact of climate-fueled dangers. Activists argue that wealthier countries are incorporating their climate funding within overseas development aid (ODA), thus displacing funds for disaster response and poverty relief. The upcoming COP26 climate summit in Glasgow is seen as a critical moment for ensuring that climate funds supplement rather than replace existing aid. An Oxfam study found that climate funds are increasingly part of overall ODA commitments, with countries like Switzerland and the UK using development budgets for climate projects. There is no consensus on what constitutes 'new and additional' funding, leading to mistrust among developing nations. The OECD estimated climate finance for developing countries at $71.2 billion in 2017, short of the $100 billion target, with most funds focused on mitigation rather than adaptation.

The United States is renewing its support for Venezuela's opposition a year after attempting to deliver aid, which was criticized for politicizing humanitarian efforts. Despite an attempted uprising and international lobbying, President Nicolás Maduro remains in power. The US, advocating for free elections and increased sanctions, may consider sanctions against companies like Rosneft trading with Venezuela. Over 4.6 million Venezuelans have emigrated due to the crisis, with humanitarian aid distribution being selective. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó, facing challenges, seeks to reignite international support. The US's renewed interest may be influenced by the upcoming presidential election and personal stances by President Trump. Secret talks and military options have been considered, but there is concern that time is strengthening Maduro's position.

CONCACAF members met in Zurich to deliberate reforms and prepare for the upcoming FIFA Congress. The meeting followed a series of arrests for corruption, including former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb. The organization unanimously adopted reforms and settled with Cartan Tours to avoid litigation costs. FIFA cut off funding to CONCACAF, which has not received expected funds. The FIFA presidential election is approaching, with candidates making last-minute pitches. CONCACAF members, traditionally voting as a block, may vote independently this time, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive decision-making processes.

Jordan's Prince Ali Al Hussein, a candidate in the upcoming FIFA presidential election, has intensified his campaign with a focus on reforming FIFA and prioritizing the sport. He faces competition from UEFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Jerome Champagne, and Tokyo Sexwale. Prince Ali criticized FIFA's integrity and the timing of financial cuts to CONCACAF and CONMEBOL federations. He advocates for the development of women's football and has a consistent stance on reform, contrasting with other candidates who previously supported Sepp Blatter.