The Weekly

CEO Top of Mind

Marc Purcell, what is at the top of your mind this week?

With heartfelt condolences, we mourn the tragic loss of Sameh Ewaida, a valued member of the Save the Children family, alongside his beloved wife, children, and extended family. Sameh, 39, had been an integral part of Save the Children since 2019 and was known for bringing joy and kindness to his colleagues.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the staff and families of NGOs in Gaza who are currently facing the impact of this devastating conflict. Amidst global challenges, let us emphasize the importance of cherishing our relationships and bonds, and spending quality time with our loved ones during this year-end season. 

We express our gratitude to ACFID’s member colleagues for their collaboration and engagement across the year, and fortifying our commitment to development and humanitarian causes. Wishing you a peaceful break and holiday season.

To Action

ACFID Hiring: Chief of Policy & Advocacy

ACFID is hiring a Chief of Policy & Advocacy for 1-year parental leave cover (1 FTE). Further information about the role can be found here.

To Note

Gaza Ceasefire

The Australian Government has changed its tone on the ongoing Gaza crisis. It firstly released a joint statement alongside Canada and New Zealand, calling for a “sustainable humanitarian ceasefire”. A few hours later, Australia voted alongside Canada and New Zealand to support a ceasefire at the United Nations General Assembly.  

ACFID has welcomed this with a media release, which can be found here. The joint statement with Canada and New Zealand can be found here. Australia’s explanation for its United Nations vote can be found here

To Note

COP28-ACFID’s take 

ACFID is concerned that developing countries will continue to bear the brunt of the global failure to act decisively on fossil fuels at COP28.  With no international commitment to phase out fossil fuels reached at the global summit, the vast majority of United Nations member states, along with climate change advocates, are deeply disappointed by what they consider a weak outcome that leaves room for too many unproven technologies. While the final text of the document contained a reference to “transitioning away from fossil fuels”, it stopped short of an outright commitment to phase out their use. Read our media release in full here

To Note

Southeast Asia Development Partnership Plan Workshop

Southeast Asia Development Partnership Plan Workshop

Our latest episode has dropped!- It’s an interview with the Green Climate Fund‘s deputy executive director, Henry Gonzalez, who gets candid about the Green Climate Fund and climate finance in general. It’s a fascinating – and rare – peek behind the curtain. It’s particularly pertinent given that Australia rejoined the GCF earlier this year. In this interview, Henry sheds light on the fund’s processes and inner workings, and what its future plans are.

To Note

A little less conversation- New Episode

Our latest episode has dropped!- It’s an interview with the Green Climate Fund‘s deputy executive director, Henry Gonzalez, who gets candid about the Green Climate Fund and climate finance in general. It’s a fascinating – and rare – peek behind the curtain. It’s particularly pertinent given that Australia rejoined the GCF earlier this year. In this interview, Henry sheds light on the fund’s processes and inner workings, and what its future plans are.

To Note

 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) last Sunday 10th December comes as human rights are under attack across the globe. From the impacts of climate change to the sharp rise in violent conflict, 2023 has been a year of enormous upheaval.  This year, ACFID put the focus on disability rights. Our media release can be found here

Kindly be advised that ACFID will be closed for the holiday season from December 22nd to January 8th. Please anticipate the release of The Weekly’s upcoming edition in your inbox during January.