ItalyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1964
Ownership
Inter Press Service (IPS) is a non-profit global news agency headquartered in Rome, founded in 1964 by Italian journalist Roberto Savio and Argentine political scientist Pablo Piacentini. Originally a journalist cooperative, it became a public-benefit development-cooperation organisation in 1994 and re-established a cooperative consortium structure (IPS International News Agency) in 2005; it is owned by its own regional centres and journalists rather than by any company, state or newspaper group.
Funding
Funded through subscribers and clients, multilateral and national development-cooperation programmes, and project grants from foundations; donor governments have at various times included Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. It is notably not financed by any single country or media group.
Affiliation & stance
Focuses on the Global South, development, civil society and globalisation, with a centre-left/development-NGO editorial outlook. Despite reliance on development donors, it is a journalist-owned non-profit cooperative free of party, state or corporate ownership, so INDEPENDENT (centre-left) is the correct classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 90
79/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
116
Articles
116
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
UN: Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting children in Gaza
The Pope called on nations to put food, water and health above geopolitical interests
Worldwide expenditure on nuclear weapons at record levels
The heat is the sun, but the coal and gas still keep the system stable.
Elections Colombia, country shielded for the vote between Cepeda and De La Espriella: between bombings, restrictions and attacks on the media
The Iran War won’t kill dollar dominance. But Washington might.
Recent coverage
Sudan's RSF closes in on Al Obeid as UN warned of imminent atrocities
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, is advancing toward Al Obeid in the North Kordofan region, which is currently held by the Sudanese army. The city has experienced significant disruptions due to RSF drone strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure, including the main power station, leading to power outages, water shortages, and hospital operations being affected. Residents report that life remains mostly normal despite these challenges, though fuel shortages persist after attacks on gas stations. Videos circulating online show RSF fighters claiming they will capture Al Obeid within days. Al Obeid is strategically important as it houses the army's 5th Infantry Division and serves as a major commercial hub. Losing this city would be a significant setback for the army, similar to their previous loss of El Fasher in Darfur, which led to widespread atrocities by the RSF. In response, multiple countries, including Norway, Britain, France, and Germany, have raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council, warning of potential large-scale atrocities if the RSF escalates its assault on Al Obeid.
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Discounting Demographic Realities
The article discusses how many governments are reluctant to accept ongoing demographic changes such as low fertility rates, aging populations, and slow labor force growth. Despite clear evidence from organizations like the United Nations showing that global population trends are shifting, policymakers often prioritize short-term political goals over long-term adaptations. This includes avoiding difficult decisions like increasing taxes, adjusting retirement ages, or expanding immigration. The piece highlights that 63 countries have already experienced population peaks, and another 48 are expected to do so within 30 years. It argues that rather than trying to reverse these trends, governments should adjust policies to align with current demographic realities.
A Castelluccio di Norcia il caldo spegne la fioritura
The annual flower bloom in the Pian Grande area of Castelluccio di Norcia, known for its vibrant mosaic of colors, has been significantly reduced this year due to unusual weather conditions. Typically occurring between mid-June and early July, the event usually attracts thousands of visitors but appears much less colorful compared to previous years. Local authorities attribute this decline to extreme drought and high temperatures, which reached up to 30 degrees Celsius. Gianni Coccia, a local official and farmer, noted that rainfall had largely ceased by late May, followed by exceptional dryness, leading to the withering of many plant species. Despite the reduced floral display, the area continues to draw visitors, though the visual impact is notably different from more favorable seasons.
UN Senior Members Urge Universal Abolition of Death Penalty
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, have called for the universal abolition of the death penalty during the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty held in Paris. Guterres emphasized that the death penalty is inhumane, risks innocent lives, and has no place in modern society. The congress, organized by the French NGO ECPM and supported by France, the European Union, and Switzerland, brings together governments, officials, legal experts, and activists to discuss steps toward abolishing the death penalty globally. President Emmanuel Macron echoed these calls, stating that the death penalty does not enhance societal safety. The European Union previously issued a statement urging a moratorium on executions as a step toward abolition, aligning with a broader international consensus against the practice.
Abu Dhabi’s Coral Promise to the Future
The article discusses Abu Dhabi's significant efforts in coral reef restoration through the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens Project, which has cultivated over 1.8 million coral colonies. The initiative is highlighted as a strategic investment in natural infrastructure, aiming to enhance coastal protection, support marine biodiversity, and contribute to a sustainable blue economy. The piece emphasizes the integration of coral restoration with broader sustainability goals such as renewable energy development and urban greening, reflecting a transition from fossil fuel reliance toward long-term ecological and economic resilience.
Beyond the United Nations — Reclaiming Integrity and Purpose in Global Governance
This article is a personal reflection by an individual who has spent over 25 years working within the United Nations system, including two decades at the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). The author discusses their decision to leave the UN through the Early Separation Programme, citing reasons such as declining health, concerns over institutional integrity, and a desire to pursue independent work with greater autonomy. They highlight challenges like bureaucratic stress, favoritism, and the erosion of core values within the organization. The piece includes advice for others considering leaving the UN, emphasizing the importance of planning, maintaining health, seeking clarity, and nurturing relationships. It does not present a political stance but rather focuses on organizational culture and personal career choices.
When an Ally Becomes a Liability
The article discusses the deteriorating relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum in June 2026. This agreement, brokered by Pakistan, aimed to end the war against Iran by establishing a permanent ceasefire, reopening trade routes, and creating a reconstruction fund. However, Netanyahu opposed the deal, arguing it failed to address Iran's nuclear program or its regional influence. Israeli military actions continued despite the agreement, prompting Trump to criticize Netanyahu directly, calling him 'crazy' during a phone conversation. The rift highlights differing strategic goals between the two leaders, with Trump seeking a negotiated end to the conflict and Netanyahu aiming for Iran's permanent weakening.
CNN: Why the future of oil prices will depend on China
The future of global oil prices may depend heavily on China, which has taken several measures to protect its economy from the effects of the conflict in Iran, which has restricted access to over 11 million barrels of oil per day. Through reducing imports, utilizing strategic reserves, and promoting clean energy, Beijing has absorbed much of the pressure from high prices, contributing to stabilizing the global market. Analysts estimate that China acts as an 'invisible regulatory force' in the oil market, with its ability to reduce imports by up to 3 million barrels daily—nearly equal to Japan’s total demand—helping prevent price spikes despite reduced supply due to the conflict. The Chinese government has created reserves exceeding 1 billion barrels and limited exports of refined products like gasoline and diesel to ensure domestic sufficiency and reduce international demand. Additionally, rapid development of electric vehicles has decreased oil consumption by approximately 1 million barrels per day. However, the International Energy Agency warns that potential re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to oversupply next year, potentially leading to replenishment or even growth
Respect Strength, Question Power: Reflections from the 2026 Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly
The article reflects on the 2026 Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC26), emphasizing themes of collective care, resistance to oppressive systems, and rethinking the concept of 'resilience' in activism. The author critiques the tendency to celebrate activists' endurance without addressing the structural power dynamics that enable their struggles. The assembly, co-hosted by EngageMedia, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA), and DAKILA, brought together over 800 participants from the Asia-Pacific region. The piece highlights the importance of moving in harmony with others ('Na Pada Ajong Ta') rather than conforming to uniform narratives of unity. It also connects these ideas to broader concerns about AI development and the role of social, political, and economic structures in shaping knowledge and priorities.
UN Artificial Intelligence Panel Launches Report Ahead of Global Conference
The UN Independent Panel on Artificial Intelligence released a preliminary report highlighting the rapid advancement of AI technologies and the urgent need for scientifically informed global regulation. The report, authored by 40 international experts, outlines both the potential benefits and risks of AI, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking. It will be presented at the upcoming UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva. Co-chairs Yoshua Bengio and Maria Ressa stressed that the report does not offer direct policy recommendations but advocates for governance grounded in scientific integrity.
U.S. Aid Withdrawal for HIV ‘Devastating’
The U.S. has announced plans to withdraw funding for HIV programs in South Africa under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This decision, set to fully phase out by early 2027, has drawn criticism from HIV experts and activists who warn it could lead to increased HIV transmission and preventable deaths. South Africa already has the world’s highest HIV burden, and PEPFAR has historically provided critical support for treatment, prevention, and healthcare infrastructure. While the South African government now covers most antiretroviral drugs domestically, PEPFAR remains vital for supporting community health programs, mobile clinics, and data collection. Critics argue the withdrawal appears linked to unmet U.S. political conditions rather than purely medical necessity.
Why Cities Are the Starting Point for Tackling the Global Cancer Crisis
The article discusses the growing global cancer crisis, emphasizing the critical role of cities in addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It highlights the complexity of cancer care, noting that effective treatment requires coordinated services, specialist input, and supportive care. The piece argues that cities provide an ideal platform for improving access to oncology medicines and services due to their ability to integrate diverse healthcare resources and governance structures. It cites projections that cancer incidence in LMICs could increase by 142% by 2040, making them responsible for over half of new cases and two-thirds of deaths by 2050. The article calls for shifting from national cancer plans to locally driven, well-funded programs that ensure equitable access to care.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.