by Archibong Bassey Like many children living in Nigeria – a malaria endemic country, I battled Malaria while growing up. Despite my mother’s tireless efforts with limited resources, the disease always struck, leaving her burdened with guilt as she nursed me to recovery. In Nigeria, at that time, only 2 per cent of households reported ownership of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) (Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys, 2003). Environmental factors such as clogged gutters and bad roads left stagnant waters that fueled mosquito breeding.  This is in addition to financial constraints to affo ..read more

by Lillian Efobi Photo credit: Watch List 2024 | Crisis Group – Countries with Ongoing Conflicts From Northeast Nigeria to South Sudan, Yemen, North Kivu, Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Colombia, bombs bloom like malevolent flower, dreams lie shattered, violence of symphony cracks lullabies to the cannons forever. The world is in turmoil with many unresolved crises, yet we desire peace, especially, children who don’t start wars nor have the powers to end wars, yet are the most affected. Is World Peace possible? In celebration of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, c ..read more

by Katerina Panagi Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean lies the island of Cyprus, a land rich in history and culture. While modernity has brought rapid changes to its landscapes and societies, the echoes of ancient civilizations still reverberate through the island, shaping the perspectives of its people today. From the enigmatic ruins of ancient cities to the enduring legacies of past inhabitants, Cyprus serves as a living testament to the enduring influence of its ancient civilizations. Cyprus has been inhabited for millennia, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Neolithic per ..read more

by Shelley Addison-bell, Ocean Youth Working Group Communications and Brand Lead Photo source: Shelley Addison-bell (Author) The world’s oceans are filled with life, from vibrant coral reefs to shallow shores. Beneath its surface is a crucial hero of marine ecosystems: seagrass. For World Seagrass Day, on March 1, we came together to recognize the vital role of these often-overlooked plants in sustaining our oceans and combating climate change. Organised by the Ocean Youth Working Group of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, this year’s World Seagrass Day was celebrated with an onli ..read more

by Adedoyin Ajayi Photo: An eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent & the Grenadines on Thursday, ‎April ‎22, ‎2021. Photo by Robertson S. Henry  The 2024 Caribbean Youth Dialogues organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) provided an appraisal on five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hosted by ECLAC delegates Candice Gonzales, Colleen Skeete, and Abdullahi Abdulkadri, the two-day virtual session, held on April 3 and 4examined the progress of SDGs 1, 2, 13, 16, and 17. The presentations by speakers from various parts of the Car ..read more

by Similoluwa Ifedayo Leadership is the act of guiding a group of people or an organisation. Every good leader with the aim of building a system that transcends time requires the ability to take risks and challenge the status quo. Leadership in sustainable development plays a key role in addressing poverty and fostering inclusive economic progress. According to the World Bank Group, about 700 million people live on less than $2.15 per day, the extreme poverty line. Extreme poverty remains concentrated in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, fragile and conflict-affected areas, and rural areas. For exa ..read more

by Ainesh Dey photo caption: The team arguing against the motion won the 8th Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development The 8th Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development held recently in London shed light on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The motion under discussion, ‘Artificial Intelligence is the answer to accelerating the power of sport to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,’ sparked lively debate among experts in the field. Ultimately, the tea ..read more

by Joshua Kimera The judicial system stands as the cornerstone of any society founded upon the principles of justice and fairness. It serves as the bedrock upon which trust and confidence in the rule of law are built. However, in recent times, trust in judicial systems worldwide has faced significant challenges, eroded by perceptions of bias, inefficiency and inaccessibility. Consequently, there arises an imperative to explore avenues for enhancing and revitalising these systems to restore faith amongst the people they serve. This article delves into why this is so, and various strategies and ..read more

by Oluwatosin Oludele From “why you dey cry? No be man you be?” to “man no suppose dey gentle my guy”, society has always instructed men on how to act, think, and live. We are constantly bombarded with messages from the media and our environment on the Dos and Don’ts of being a man as though it’s a character we put on, an armor even— “don’t cry, don’t ask for help”; “be tough, be hypersexual”. Endless unspoken and spoken rules that are in the business of turning men to walls—unmoving, unfeeling, a stoic statue made of flesh. Male stereotypes and toxic masculinity did not just pop up like those ..read more

by Sitaram Nayak Atul Singh’s story is one of unwavering commitment to the service of humanity, rooted in his humble beginnings in a village in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Currently residing in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Atul’s journey of compassion began early in his college days, where he pursued a degree in Information Technology. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Atul initiated the ‘Raktabhiyan’ mission, which translates to ‘Blood Journey’, aiming to dispel myths surrounding blood donation and ensure its availability across the nation. His motivation stems from a personal tragedy wh ..read more