Tag: Plan International

Landmark study shows global gains for girls, but threats to progress loom

Stuart Mitchell

Groundbreaking research from Plan International that has documented girls from birth for eighteen years reveals that globally, girls’ lives have improved significantly over the past two decades but identifies these gains are now at risk with the next wave of challenges approaching. With improved access to education, girls are dreaming bigger and new laws protecting them from child marriage means they have broader choices in shaping their futures. But significant barriers – including widespread gender-based violence and the ever-worsening impacts of climate change – still stand in the way of…

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CEOs of major aid groups in Gaza warn aid system is collapsing

Stuart Mitchell

After 18 months of war, a staggering toll on civilians and aid workers, and now a six-week total siege, the humanitarian aid system in Gaza is facing total collapse with the CEOs of 12 major aid organisations making an urgent plea: let us do our jobs.  A new humanitarian access survey of 43 international and Palestinian aid organisations working in Gaza found nearly all of them – 95% – have had to suspend or dramatically cut services since the ceasefire ended one month ago on 18 March, with widespread and…

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Malawi first lady named as Global Girls Foundation ambassador

Stuart Mitchell

Her Excellency Monica Chakwera, First Lady of Malawi, has been appointed as the newest Ambassador of Plan International’s Global Girls Foundation (GGF).   The announcement was made at a dedicated event on Sunday, 16th February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, taking place during the 2025 African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, where African leaders and development partners gather to discuss urgent issues affecting girls and young women.   As GGF Ambassador, Monica Chakwera will play a key role in advocating for girls’ rights, education, and leadership across the continent, strengthening…

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Plan International appoints Reena Ghelani as its new Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Mitchell

Plan International is delighted to announce UN’s Reena Ghelani as its new Chief Executive Officer following a global search. Ghelani has extensive international executive leadership experience in the humanitarian and development sector. She joins Plan International from her current role as UN Assistant Secretary General – Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño / La Niña Response, having previously served at senior levels in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and roles in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).   I am deeply…

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Global coalition poised to overhaul financing for young leaders

Stuart Mitchell

Together with the United Nations Foundation, the Unlock the Future Coalition recently announced the Funders Collective – a new initiative designed to transform how we support children and young people in tackling the world’s biggest challenges. The Funders Collective is more than a typical funding initiative. It’s designed to reshape the financing landscape by breaking down systemic barriers through financing, research, data, and influence. With a bold focus on flexible, multi-year funding, it’s tailored to the real needs of young people and youth-led organisations, especially those in the Global South,…

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