A recent report published on Tuesday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that the global economy showed resilience at the beginning of 2026, buoyed by trade, industrial output in developing nations, and investments related to artificial intelligence (AI).
Nonetheless, the report highlights that geopolitical tensions have increasingly taken over from trade issues as the primary source of global instability, particularly due to conflicts in the Middle East disrupting energy markets, financial conditions, and major shipping routes. UNCTAD forecasts a decline in global growth from 2.9 percent in 2025 to 2.6 percent in 2026, attributed to rising oil prices, transportation disruptions, market volatility, and decreased investment demand. Furthermore, the growth of world merchandise trade is projected to see a significant drop, decreasing from 4.7 percent in 2025 to a range of 1.5 to 2.5 percent in 2026. Developing nations are expected to bear the brunt of these challenges, facing increased costs for fuel, food, and fertilizers, alongside depreciating currencies and stricter financing conditions. The report notes that recent trade growth has been largely concentrated in AI-related sectors, such as semiconductors and data-processing devices, while overall trade activity remains sluggish. The UN agency has called for enhanced international collaboration, more predictable trade policies, and increased investment in renewable energy to mitigate vulnerability to future global crises.
In Gaza, humanitarian efforts are being severely hindered by significant funding shortages, leaving many families without reliable access to food, shelter, and essential services. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the 2026 Flash Appeal, which seeks over $4 billion to assist nearly 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, is currently only 12 percent funded, with $490 million received to date. This funding deficit is impacting food assistance; the UN and its partners are now providing kitchens that serve around 1 million meals daily in Gaza, a decrease from 1.8 million in February. Aid agencies have warned that one in five families is now eating only once per day, with many mothers skipping meals to ensure their children can eat.
Humanitarian operations are also facing significant hurdles, including restrictions on the import of spare parts, generators, and equipment, compounded by fuel shortages, damaged infrastructure, and movement limitations throughout Gaza. Concurrently, ongoing military operations are displacing civilians. Over the weekend, humanitarian partners documented the displacement of over 150 families from eastern Khan Younis and eastern Gaza City amid reports of tank movements and bombardments. The majority of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents remain displaced, many residing in overcrowded shelters under deteriorating humanitarian conditions. OCHA emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and granting access to safer areas where their fundamental needs can be met.
In South Sudan, violence in Jonglei state has displaced over 304,000 individuals since conflict escalated in January, particularly affecting the counties of Uror, Nyirol, Ayod, Duk, and Akobo. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that nearly 79,000 individuals have since returned to their places of origin, including more than 44,000 returning from Ethiopia’s Gambella region, with Akobo seeing the highest number of returns.
The newly appointed head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, has announced that peacekeepers will remain in Akobo despite planned troop reductions, due to ongoing security concerns in Jonglei state. She noted that tensions have eased in certain areas, allowing humanitarian partners to assist affected communities. “A cessation of hostilities and a renewed commitment to implementing the Peace Agreement in both letter and spirit are urgently needed to restore public confidence and sustain progress,” she cautioned.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the fatal shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which resulted in three fatalities on Monday. “The Secretary-General reaffirms that attacks on places of worship are particularly heinous and stresses the urgent need to confront hatred and intolerance in all their forms,” stated UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York. Mr. Guterres expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and showed solidarity with the Muslim community while calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. Reports indicate that two teenage suspects were found dead nearby shortly after the shooting, and authorities are reportedly treating the incident as a potential hate crime. Officials noted that a security guard at the mosque played a crucial role in preventing further casualties through a swift response.
