Four perspectives on the conflict that divides the world

Whether FUF members are in Dublin, Berlin, the Arava or the Jordan Valley, the consequences of the conflict between Israel and Hamas are something that arouses emotions and touches. Photos in order: Anna Lundberg/Molly Adolfsson/Linn Davrin/Josephine Forthmann

Of: Karin Klerby

No matter where our editorial team is located, the conflict between Israel and Hamas and its impact on people in Israel and Palestine is something that engages and provokes debate. This week, we portray this issue from four locations and perspectives.

May 13, 2025, News

APRIL JOKE: Dousa's new responsibilities – we have the full list!

Utvecklingsmagasinet has learned that Benjamin Dousa's portfolio will be expanded and his new title will be Minister for Foreign Trade, Gender Equality, Development Assistance and Working Life Affairs. Image: Collage in Canva. Photo: Kristian Pohl/Government Office

Of: The Chancellery

APRIL APRIL! FUF's very purpose is to spread reliable knowledge about global issues. But yesterday, April 1st, we couldn't resist making a joke about it a little when the opportunity arose with Paulina Brandberg's resignation the day before. So to clarify – as far as we know, Minister Dousa will NOT be expanding her portfolio.  Yesterday, the news came that three liberals are leaving important positions within the party and the government. Including Paulina Brandberg, who is resigning from her position as Minister of Gender Equality and Working Life. Utvecklingsmagasinet has learned that the resignation will have repercussions in the corridors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

April 1, 2025, News

Swedes' willingness to provide assistance is increasing in a turbulent world situation

In an opinion poll conducted on behalf of the aid organization Diakonia, 42 percent wanted to see Sweden return to spending one percent of its GNI on aid. Image: Collage in Canva.

Of: Agnes Fältman

Four out of ten Swedes think that Sweden's aid should be increased to one percent of gross national income, according to a new survey by the aid organization Diakonia. At the same time, Donald Trump is dismantling USAID, and several European countries are calling for tighter aid budgets.  – When the US turns its back, many seem to think that Sweden should step forward, says Mattias Brunander, Diakonia's Secretary General. 

April 1, 2025, News

EU proposal to centralize aid faces sharp criticism

In the period 2024–2029, the EU's global work will prioritise enlargement of the Union, the neighbourhood, economic cooperation and reform of the multilateral system. Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, will lead this work within the framework of development cooperation. Image: CC-BY-4.0/European Parliament/Flickr

Of: Nora Sargin

A leaked internally paper from European foreign service (EEAS) suggests to aid workers moved from EUdelegations i 80 countries to 18 regional hubs. The purpose is said to be to efficiencyra the work, men criticismer warns for reduced lokal norvaro and ett Shift away from̊n rightgoat-based assistance. 

March 27, 2025, News

In a changing donor landscape: “Effectiveness principles are more important than ever”

Sida staff member Annika Otterstedt and FUF board member Lennart Wohlgemuth discuss development effectiveness in the EBA podcast studio. Image: Christian Schneider/Expert Group for Aid Analysis.

Of: Anna Sjöberg Tibblin

When the US had just decided to freeze its aid, dissolve USAID and review support for multilateral organizations, FUF members Lennart Wohlgemuth and Anna Sjöberg Tibblin met with Sida employees to discuss their report on development effectiveness in multi-bi assistance. The discussion turned to the consequences of the US's restructuring for Swedish aid.

March 21, 2025, News

Bolivia pauses decision on $2 billion lithium extraction

The lithium that can be extracted from Bolivia's seemingly endless Uyuni salt flats is an important component in, for example, electric car batteries. Bolivia has the world's largest lithium reserve and many foreign investors are interested in the resource. Image: Pedro Travassos/Flickr.

Of: Elina Malmberg

Bolivia's huge lithium reserves are seen as importanta for the country economica development. Despite this, now pauses Parliament of Bolivia de decision regarding kontrakt with China and Russia concerning lithium extraction after pressure from critics which means that the contracts pressed with insufficient consultation w/ local communities.

February 28, 2025, News

From free vote to 'foreign agent': Kyrgyzstan's new law hits civil society

In recent years, Kyrgyzstan's rule has become increasingly authoritarian and repression of opposition voices, media and civil society has intensified, reports Freedom House 2024. Photo: Arseniy Kotov/Pexels

Of: Johanna Berzell

In March 2024 Kyrgyzstan introduced a "foreign representatives" law that requires organizations with foreign funding to be registered and audited. Lagene, reminiscent of Russia's infamous Foreign Agent Law, has awakened strong reactions internationally. Critics believe that the law hoodr civil society's independence and limitr freedom of expression. 

January 10, 2025, FUF-correspondents, News

Internet shut down and barricades in Pakistan after protests for jailed prime minister

Protests in London in August 2023 after former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was jailed. Image: Alisdare Hickson/Flickr.

Of: Benjamin Frisk

Nationwide security restrictions, shutdown of the internet and barricadedered ways. Protestant in Pakistan's capital Islamabad has met av several security measures from authorities and lett to violent clashes between security forces and thousands of protesters. Imran Khan became Pakistan's first prime minister to be ousted by a motion of no confidence, but among many of his supporters, support remains strong.  

December 22, 2024, News

Somaliland: Democratic achievements in the nation that does not exist

Ibrahim Egal, pictured, was the first democratically elected president of self-proclaimed Somaliland. His presidency lasted between 1996 and 2002. Photo: Charles Fred /Flickr

Of: Patrik Ölvestad

On November 13 this year, voters in Somaliland went to the polls to elect a new president. The opposition party's candidate, Mohamed Abdullahi, emerged victorious. The breakaway region of Somalia lacks international recognition. At the same time, international interest in the breakaway region is increasing, which has led to intensified geopolitical tensions. 

December 22, 2024, News

FUF examines the multilateral assistance to the EBA

FUF's chancellor Anna Sjöberg Tibblin and board member Lennart Wohlgemuth have written the report "Swedish Multi-Bi Aid and Development Effectiveness" for the Expert Group for Aid Analysis (EBA).

Of: The Chancellery

SEK 13 billion of the Swedish aid went under 2023 to specific countiesthe via multilateral organizations, so-called multi-bi support. FUFarna Lennart Well-being and Anna Sjöberg Tibblin have written a "working paper" for the Expert Group for Aid Analysis (EBA) where they investigated the possibilities for Side to sackcompensate that multilateral partners lioner up to aid effectiveness principles om local ownership, focus on results, inclusive partnership, transparency and mutual accountability i the very largest channel for Swedish aid.  

December 9, 2024, FUF news, News