The second stop of my 10-day, 6-city journey across India took me to a village called Barwani, approximately three hours southwest of Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh. As with other stops along the way, my purpose was to visit the site of a mobile health project that the mHealth Alliance supports through our Innovation Working Group catalytic grant program. I traveled the bumpy road to Barwani, watching the landscape around me grow increasingly […]

Over the long arc of its history, our Association has been about action.  Whether it was providing volunteers to staff the public affairs arm of the new UN headquarters in the 1950’s or our ongoing effort to provide UNDP with grassroots input on the Post-2015 development agenda, when called to action by UN leaders, our members rise to the challenge.  In asking for our support for the UN Convention on the Rights of People with

By Asif Khan and Katherine Conway Today, we focus on violence against girls and women, which is unfortunately a worldwide phenomenon. Did you know that 7 out of 10 women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime? That’s 7 women too many. Violence takes many forms – physical, sexual, emotional, and mental – and the vast majority of it is perpetrated by men and boys. Angel Ortiz, a Girl Up club leader for

Critics of the interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear programs make a point — the steps outlined by global leaders this weekend are but one portion of the actions demanded by the United Nations Security Council. Nonetheless, the fact remains that diplomats fundamentally must begin someplace. Over time, the doors that diplomacy opened in Geneva may hold the potential for real progress. As President Obama said to the nation following the signing: “Today, that diplomacy opened

Editor’s note: This blog was originally published on Huffington Post. It’s that time of year: Holiday decorations fill store shelves and holiday presents flash across TV screens. As my family starts to get into the holiday spirit, one of my biggest priorities, like that of most parents, is making sure the kids understand that “giving” is as much a part of the season as “receiving.” This year, I’ve got some help. #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 3,

Did you know that 222 million women and girls globally want to delay pregnancy but don’t have access to quality contraceptives? This unmet need has devastating impacts on women’s health, and impedes progress on our global development goals. As the largest donor to international family planning programs, the U.S. has a vital role to play in meeting this critical need. Yet, this issue is continually at the center of partisan fights. Peter Yeo of the

#GivingTuesday is still going strong — inspiring people across the globe to get out the give — but I wanted to take a step back for a minute, and share a few of the best moments so far. Thanks to more than 10,000 partners worldwide, including in all 50 states and more than 43 countries, an unprecedented wave of charity was started — one we hope will continue to spread this concept of the “giving movement.” So read

“Madiba dedicated his life to the causes of freedom, equality and opportunity, and our world is a better place because of him,” United Nations Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner. The world lost a true champion for peace. Nelson Mandela’s contributions to freedom, equality, and human rights will never be forgotten. We strive to follow his example of service to build a better world. To get inspired, here is a list of 10 amazing quotes

The world is mourning a great loss, and celebrating a great life.  Nelson Mandela was a man of courage, and a visionary for peace. Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan (right) with Nelson Mandela. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe. Madiba dedicated his life to freedom and equality.  He helped bring peace to his nation, and hope to the entire world.  His legacy lives on in the people he has inspired.  Because of him our world is better. I had