Buthaina Al-Iryani

War in the Middle East has halted global growth momentum. Energy price shocks, rising inflation expectations, and tightening financial conditions pose serious risks. The right policies and stronger global cooperation are needed to contain the damage. Read more:imf.org/en/blogs/artic…

The shock from the war in the Middle East is global but the impact is uneven. Exporters able to keep exports flowing face smaller headwinds, while oil importers with limited policy space are more vulnerable. Our Chart of the Week shows where risks overlap: imf.org/en/blogs/artic…

138 million children are victims of child labour worldwide, robbing them of their right to an education & threatening their future. More must be done to #EndChildLabour.

Important shift in positioning water as a driver of growth and jobs. The focus on innovative public–private financing and country-led platforms is promising. Ensuring strong alignment with public finance systems will be key so that these investments translate into equitable access to essential services, particularly for children and vulnerable groups. @UNICEFSocPolicy

By 2029 global debt will reach 100 percent of GDPs. It is crucial to safeguard social spending for children now and in future @UNICEFSocPolicy

IMF's latest Fiscal Monitor was just launched this morning. It flags that government debt is estimated to reach 100% of GDP by 2029. @UNICEFSocPolicy

Under the assumption of a short-lived conflict, global growth is projected to slow to 3.1% in 2026, with inflation rising to 4.4%. Should the war reignite, the outlook could deteriorate further, with added pressure on fuel prices & supply chain disruptions imf.org/en/publication…

This morning, IMF launched the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Global Economy in the Shadow of War, highlighting how the war in MENA has halted recovery momentum and triggered a major energy-driven shock—also emphasized during the IMF discussion on the war in the MENA region. IMF scenarios suggest that global growth slows to 3.1% (inflation 4.4%) in the reference case, drops to 2.5% (5.4% inflation) in the adverse scenario, and to ~2% with inflation above 6% in the severe scenario—clearly pointing to downside risks. The shock is transmitted through commodity price pressures, rising inflation risks, and tighter financial conditions, with uneven impacts across countries: conflict-affected countries face severe output losses; energy exporters face disruptions despite higher prices; and energy importers face rising inflation and weaker growth, with low-income countries most constrained by limited fiscal space. With fiscal pressures intensifying, safeguarding social spending and sustaining investments in children and human capital is not only a social imperative—it is a macro-critical priority for stability, recovery, and long-term growth. @UNICEFSocPolicy imfconnect.org/content/imf/en…

UNICEF urges governments, the international community and private sector to: ➡️ Protect social spending #ForEveryChild ➡️ Build resilient public finance systems ➡️ Mobilize inclusive and innovative financing to advance child rights #FinancingOurFuture

Launched today: the Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2026. ⬇️ The report shows how the #SevillaCommitment from the #FFD4 Conference can be implemented to get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track. ow.ly/KIIw50YGIfH

Poverty should never decide a child’s future. Yet for millions, it shapes every day. An empty classroom. A skipped meal. Untreated illness. The pressure to work instead of learn. With the right action, we can protect childhoods and build stronger futures. Without urgent action, too many children will be left behind.

One visit. One conversation. One life at a time. In Niger, youth volunteers like Nana, 17, and Mariama, 25, help keep children in their communities healthy. Watch to find out how.

Statement by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen at the conclusion of the tenth meeting of the Supervisory Committee on the implementation of the Detainees’ Release Agreement Muscat - 23 December 2025. The parties to the conflict in Yemen concluded today a twelve-day meeting in the Sultanate of #Oman, during which they agreed to the new phase of releasing conflict-related detainees from all sides. The meeting was held within the framework of the Supervisory Committee on the Implementation of the Detainees’ Release Agreement, co-chaired by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This was the tenth meeting of the Supervisory Committee, established under the Stockholm Agreement to support the parties in meeting their commitments under Stockholm Agreement to release all conflict-related detainees. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for #Yemen Hans Grundberg welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and stressed the humanitarian significance of demonstrating progress on the release of conflict-related detainees. The Special Envoy expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for generously hosting the meeting and for its consistent support to the efforts of OSESGY. “Reaching an agreement over another phase of the release of conflict-related detainees is a positive and meaningful step that will hopefully ease the suffering of detainees and their families across Yemen,” Mr. Grundberg said. “The agreement’s effective implementation will require the continued engagement and cooperation of the parties, coordinated regional support and sustained efforts to build on this progress toward further releases.” The Office of the Special Envoy reaffirmed its commitment to continue facilitating the implementation of the Detainees’ Exchange Agreement, in line with humanitarian principles. osesgy.unmissions.org/en/news/statem…

Children who are forced to migrate because of conflict, poverty and climate change often face additional danger and discrimination on their journey. This #MigrantsDay, join us in sharing this message widely: every child - no matter who or where they are - has the right to protection, care and all the support and services they need to thrive. Learn more: unicef.link/3Kzb9bC

Tayba is relieved that her twins are benefitting from a UNICEF-supported nutrition programme in Tawila, Sudan. She had given birth to them while fleeing from the violence in Al Fasher. For children’s well-being, the violence in Sudan must end NOW.

I strongly condemn the arbitrary detention of a further 10 @UN colleagues by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen. I call for the immediate & unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained personnel. I stand in solidarity with affected families & communities in Yemen.

The people of Yemen demand and deserve peace. I call on everyone to prioritize dialogue over violence. Any unilateral actions that could inflame this fragile situation are unacceptable. The @UN remains committed to supporting the Yemeni people along the path to peace.

The continued arbitrary detention of 59 @UN colleagues, partner personnel, staff from NGOs, civil society organizations & diplomatic missions in Yemen is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the Yemeni people. The @UN & its partners must be allowed to perform our work without interference. #NotATarget