Ben Parker
@benparker140.bsky.social
Humanitarian policy and practice, news, data and tech. Previous: UN South Sudan, CEO at The New Humanitarian, Chief of Staff at the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Reposted by Ben Parker
👖🌱 Ever wonder where your dropped-off clothes go?
Some travel thousands of kilometres – Spain to Pakistan and even back – sometimes tripling emissions vs local processing.
Once outside the EU, the trail goes dark – and new Brussels rules may worsen it.
Read more: www.ftm.eu/articles/eur...
Some travel thousands of kilometres – Spain to Pakistan and even back – sometimes tripling emissions vs local processing.
Once outside the EU, the trail goes dark – and new Brussels rules may worsen it.
Read more: www.ftm.eu/articles/eur...
November 27, 2025 at 6:57 AM
👖🌱 Ever wonder where your dropped-off clothes go?
Some travel thousands of kilometres – Spain to Pakistan and even back – sometimes tripling emissions vs local processing.
Once outside the EU, the trail goes dark – and new Brussels rules may worsen it.
Read more: www.ftm.eu/articles/eur...
Some travel thousands of kilometres – Spain to Pakistan and even back – sometimes tripling emissions vs local processing.
Once outside the EU, the trail goes dark – and new Brussels rules may worsen it.
Read more: www.ftm.eu/articles/eur...
Reposted by Ben Parker
African Parks runs conservation sites all over the continent. Former staff describe the organisation’s operations as a ‘shitshow’ of toxic mismanagement and lawlessness.
NGO accused of mismanaging Chad’s oldest national park
African Parks runs conservation sites all over the continent. Former staff describe the organisation’s operations as a ‘shitshow’ of toxic mismanagement and lawlessness.
continent.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:16 AM
African Parks runs conservation sites all over the continent. Former staff describe the organisation’s operations as a ‘shitshow’ of toxic mismanagement and lawlessness.
Reposted by Ben Parker
![Comic. Panels up to the 10-year point are grayed out. New panels since the Ten Years comic, which chronicles the first ten years of PERSON 1's journey with cancer: (1) [two people in bed] PERSON 1 (woman): One more chapter? PERSON 2 (man): Don’t we both have to get up early? PERSON 1: Nnnnnggggh PERSON 2: Sure, good point. (2) [many people wearing masks, walking while looking at graphs on their phones] (3) [birds landing on people] PERSON 2 in beanie and scarf: Hah! They like *my* seeds best. PERSON 1 in scarf holding phone with a bird sitting on it: Wait, how do I take a picture of this one? (4) [two people rowing boats with tree landscape] (5) [Person 1 carries overflowing stack of things to Person 2 in bed] PERSON 1: I brought you honey lemon tea, more pillows, a cinnamon roll, Tylenol, another blanket, a– PERSON 2: It was just Appendicitis, I’m really– PERSON 1: *It is my turn to take care of you and I am going to do it right!* (6) [Two people in car] (7) [still in car) PERSON 1: Oh my god. PERSON 2: Oh my god. (8) [car driving] PERSON 1: Pull over! PERSON 2: I am! (9) [both people get out of car] (10) [Large colored panel of aurora borealis over water with both people looking on] (11) [Person 1 sits against tree while Person 2 lies on the ground] PERSON 1: Fifteen years. No sign of the cancer. (12) I *am* having some weird symptoms. Joint pain. Fatigue. I think I’m losing my close-up vision. PERSON 2: Yeah. Me too. (13) PERSON 2: I think we’re getting old. (14) PERSON 1: I guess that’s okay. PERSON 2: It’s all I wanted.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreihwhjblp5lyiwp63ouar7ocfea7evmckytoeo7rkfuoo4gw5rnrra@jpeg)
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 PM
😬
🚀 Our early support of Zipline helped catalyze a new $150M award from the U.S. State Department and proved that when bold ideas take flight, lives change.
This is innovation in action. This is compassion, delivered.
🎥 Highway Child
This is innovation in action. This is compassion, delivered.
🎥 Highway Child
November 26, 2025 at 8:14 PM
😬
I have so many questions… and now Zipline is getting $150m from State Department?
Zipline Confirms Suspension of Operations at Three Key Operating Hubs in Ghana https://techlabari.com/zipline-confirms-suspension-of-operations-at-three-key-ghana-hubs/
Zipline Confirms Suspension of Operations at Three Key Operating Hubs in Ghana
Zipline has confirmed suspensions on drone delivery at three of its key operating hubs in Ghana. The company confirmed the move on Wednesday, calling it a “very difficult decision” to temporarily suspend services at its nests in Anum, Sefwi-Wiawso, and Kete-Krachi. The move comes six years after Zipline first launched its drone-delivery network in Ghana, […]
techlabari.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I have so many questions… and now Zipline is getting $150m from State Department?
Reposted by Ben Parker
Document now deleted by the OBR intern, have reuploaded the PDF here: smallpdf.com/share-docume...
November 26, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Document now deleted by the OBR intern, have reuploaded the PDF here: smallpdf.com/share-docume...
Reposted by Ben Parker
Can confirm this is true
November 25, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Can confirm this is true
Reposted by Ben Parker
I already know every detail of this sordid affair and I am still cackling throughout this @brianphillips.bsky.social explainer
www.theringer.com/2025/11/25/n...
www.theringer.com/2025/11/25/n...
November 25, 2025 at 6:11 PM
I already know every detail of this sordid affair and I am still cackling throughout this @brianphillips.bsky.social explainer
www.theringer.com/2025/11/25/n...
www.theringer.com/2025/11/25/n...
Reposted by Ben Parker
Exclusive: First interview with negotiator in the room in Geneva. Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya tells me the US and Ukraine drafted a new peace deal but left the most politically sensitive elements to be decided by the countries’ presidents. www.ft.com/content/883e...
US and Ukraine draft new 19-point peace plan but defer biggest decisions
The most politically sensitive elements are left for Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss
www.ft.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Exclusive: First interview with negotiator in the room in Geneva. Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya tells me the US and Ukraine drafted a new peace deal but left the most politically sensitive elements to be decided by the countries’ presidents. www.ft.com/content/883e...
This “counter-proposal” incudes this clause on “grain shipments”. Noting the Black Sea Grain Initiative, this is a red flag.
Ukraine, like Russia, is entitled to use the Black Sea. There is no need for a special agreement, nor for that to be limited to grain. www.reuters.com/business/fin...
Ukraine, like Russia, is entitled to use the Black Sea. There is no need for a special agreement, nor for that to be limited to grain. www.reuters.com/business/fin...
November 23, 2025 at 10:08 PM
This “counter-proposal” incudes this clause on “grain shipments”. Noting the Black Sea Grain Initiative, this is a red flag.
Ukraine, like Russia, is entitled to use the Black Sea. There is no need for a special agreement, nor for that to be limited to grain. www.reuters.com/business/fin...
Ukraine, like Russia, is entitled to use the Black Sea. There is no need for a special agreement, nor for that to be limited to grain. www.reuters.com/business/fin...
Reposted by Ben Parker
I see a lot of Paidchecks on X didn’t realize that a whole lot of people on social media lie about their location to grift off the naïveté of the rage-addled American right.
Turns out this problem is real and it’s a thing those of us who worked on “disinformation” pointed out.
Turns out this problem is real and it’s a thing those of us who worked on “disinformation” pointed out.
November 23, 2025 at 5:11 AM
I see a lot of Paidchecks on X didn’t realize that a whole lot of people on social media lie about their location to grift off the naïveté of the rage-addled American right.
Turns out this problem is real and it’s a thing those of us who worked on “disinformation” pointed out.
Turns out this problem is real and it’s a thing those of us who worked on “disinformation” pointed out.
Reposted by Ben Parker
I'm less confident I understand what's happening with this Peace Proposal Saga than I was three episodes into Severence season 1.
Perhaps because like in that show, several of the key protagonists appear to be operating on about half a brain.
Perhaps because like in that show, several of the key protagonists appear to be operating on about half a brain.
What the actual fuck is going on.
America put forward a nearly carbon copy version of the Russian plan for Ukrainian conquest, admitted it and backtracked, then doubles down.
America put forward a nearly carbon copy version of the Russian plan for Ukrainian conquest, admitted it and backtracked, then doubles down.
November 23, 2025 at 10:45 AM
I'm less confident I understand what's happening with this Peace Proposal Saga than I was three episodes into Severence season 1.
Perhaps because like in that show, several of the key protagonists appear to be operating on about half a brain.
Perhaps because like in that show, several of the key protagonists appear to be operating on about half a brain.
Reposted by Ben Parker
this week's newsletter is titled "aren't you tired of feeling insane all the time?" and I think it speaks for itself
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
November 21, 2025 at 10:18 AM
this week's newsletter is titled "aren't you tired of feeling insane all the time?" and I think it speaks for itself
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
Reposted by Ben Parker
Sudan's war has caused a humanitarian crisis, but a video of a woman pleading for help as she holds her two children is AI-generated. Published on Instagram, the post also appeals for donations on a crowdfunding page with question marks over its legitimacy u.afp.com/ShZm
November 21, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Sudan's war has caused a humanitarian crisis, but a video of a woman pleading for help as she holds her two children is AI-generated. Published on Instagram, the post also appeals for donations on a crowdfunding page with question marks over its legitimacy u.afp.com/ShZm
Reposted by Ben Parker
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
Reposted by Ben Parker
Really looking forward to this today! #SFSCon
We're heading to #SFSCon
We're really excited to meet a community of people passionate about free software and, specifically, those who are making the trip to Bolzano for the Fediverse track, sponsored by #FediForum 🎉
Our talk is in the Fediverse track on Friday. We hope we'll see you there!
We're really excited to meet a community of people passionate about free software and, specifically, those who are making the trip to Bolzano for the Fediverse track, sponsored by #FediForum 🎉
Our talk is in the Fediverse track on Friday. We hope we'll see you there!
November 7, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Really looking forward to this today! #SFSCon
Starting now. What questions should I ask?
There's still time to register for this event THIS WEEK 👇👇👇
Funding crisis, UN reform and the future of humanitarian work, Thursday 6 November, 6pm-7pm, Bloomsbury Room, G35, Ground Floor, Senate House, London WC1E 7HU
rli.sas.ac.uk/events/fundi...
#FundingCrisis #Displacement #Refugees #IDPs
Funding crisis, UN reform and the future of humanitarian work, Thursday 6 November, 6pm-7pm, Bloomsbury Room, G35, Ground Floor, Senate House, London WC1E 7HU
rli.sas.ac.uk/events/fundi...
#FundingCrisis #Displacement #Refugees #IDPs
Register now for our next seminar:
Funding crisis, UN reform and the future of humanitarian work, 6 November, 6pm-7pm, Bloomsbury Room, G35, Ground Floor, Senate House
rli.sas.ac.uk/events/fundi...
#Funding #FundingCrisis #UN80 #IOM #UNHCR #Displacement #Refugees #IDPs #InternallyDisplacedPeople
Funding crisis, UN reform and the future of humanitarian work, 6 November, 6pm-7pm, Bloomsbury Room, G35, Ground Floor, Senate House
rli.sas.ac.uk/events/fundi...
#Funding #FundingCrisis #UN80 #IOM #UNHCR #Displacement #Refugees #IDPs #InternallyDisplacedPeople
November 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Starting now. What questions should I ask?
Reposted by Ben Parker
Something intensely frustrating which I've seen across academia, NGOs, media orgs and corporations (I mean, just, every professional space in the world) is "WHAT IF WE JUST DIDN'T" is **never** considered an option, and it's the same for this report.
Error rates like that, 3 years in? Ditch it ffs
Error rates like that, 3 years in? Ditch it ffs
October 22, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Something intensely frustrating which I've seen across academia, NGOs, media orgs and corporations (I mean, just, every professional space in the world) is "WHAT IF WE JUST DIDN'T" is **never** considered an option, and it's the same for this report.
Error rates like that, 3 years in? Ditch it ffs
Error rates like that, 3 years in? Ditch it ffs
Reposted by Ben Parker
Rebeca Grynspan stepping down from @unctad.bsky.social while she campaigns for UN SecGen
www.letemps.ch/suisse/genev...
www.letemps.ch/suisse/genev...
Rebeca Grynspan quitte ses fonctions pour la campagne de succession d’Antonio Guterres à la tête de l’ONU - Le Temps
La secrétaire générale de l’ONU pour le Commerce et le développement (CNUCED) a annoncé ce lundi quitter provisoirement son poste le temps de la campagne pour succéder au numéro 1 des Nations unis en ...
www.letemps.ch
October 14, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Rebeca Grynspan stepping down from @unctad.bsky.social while she campaigns for UN SecGen
www.letemps.ch/suisse/genev...
www.letemps.ch/suisse/genev...
“ UN80, Secretary-General António Guterres’s reform initiative, has been criticized for focusing on cost-cutting rather than on fundamental changes. Cosmetic surgery, or even amputating some limbs, is insufficient to make the UN the body the world needs.”
The UN Needs a Major Reset. A Charter Review Could Make It Happen. passblue.com/2025/10/15/t...
The UN Needs a Major Reset. A Charter Review Could Make It Happen.
passblue.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:17 AM
“ UN80, Secretary-General António Guterres’s reform initiative, has been criticized for focusing on cost-cutting rather than on fundamental changes. Cosmetic surgery, or even amputating some limbs, is insufficient to make the UN the body the world needs.”
Testing : I’m connecting my Mastodon and BlueSky accounts but now I have to change my handle ?
October 15, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Testing : I’m connecting my Mastodon and BlueSky accounts but now I have to change my handle ?
Reposted by Ben Parker
INSO endure une situation épouvantable au Burkina depuis juillet, qui empire encore aujourd'hui. Soutien et courage à leurs équipes
Déclaration d’INSO concernant nos activités au Burkina Faso et la détention continue de notre personnel. | International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)
ngosafety.org
October 7, 2025 at 9:47 PM
INSO endure une situation épouvantable au Burkina depuis juillet, qui empire encore aujourd'hui. Soutien et courage à leurs équipes
Reposted by Ben Parker
Positive Deviance and Anticipatory Action (PD–AA) in Risk Communication Community Engagement Solution Design
www.nrc.no
September 25, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Divisions in Tigray relished by others: www.thenewhumanitarian.org/opinion/firs...
I don’t want to fight again in another Tigray war
Tigray’s political class is split between support for Ethiopia or Eritrea, and Tigrayans fear they will pay the price.
www.thenewhumanitarian.org
August 5, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Divisions in Tigray relished by others: www.thenewhumanitarian.org/opinion/firs...