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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 125
80/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
134
Articles
134
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Austerity and Privatization Weakened OECD Education Systems
The article discusses the declining performance of OECD education systems, attributing the decline primarily to austerity measures and budget cuts rather than recent factors like AI and social media. It references the OECD PISA 2025 report showing record low scores in reading, math, and science across OECD countries. The piece highlights that austerity policies began post-2008 financial crisis, leading to reduced public education funding, lower teacher salaries, and increased workload. Specific examples include Greece experiencing over a quarter drop in real teacher wages, Finland reducing education spending by 1.5 billion euros, and U.S. per-pupil spending falling by 7%. Teacher shortages have worsened, with 40% of schools reporting difficulties due to staff shortages in 2025.
Sweden’s Far Right Falters
In the 13 September 2026 general election in Sweden, support for the far-right Sweden Democrats declined for the first time in their history, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. This decline contributed to the resignation of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, paving the way for the center-left Social Democrats to negotiate a coalition. Despite this electoral loss, concerns remain that the next government might continue hostile policies toward migrants, which have been central to Sweden's political discourse. The Sweden Democrats, originally rooted in neo-Nazi movements, gained prominence after the Moderate Party included them in government in 2019. Their influence grew further in 2022 when they secured 20.5% of the vote, leading to a minority government under Kristersson, who aimed to form a majority government with them. The party's rhetoric, including Islamophobic elements, has shaped public opinion and influenced restrictive migration policies, which have intensified under recent governments.
Climate Change Is Becoming a Pregnancy Hazard Worldwide, Survey Finds
A survey of 1,001 maternal health professionals across five countries found that nearly all respondents had treated pregnant women or newborns whose health was impacted by extreme heat. The study, commissioned by the Wellcome global health foundation, highlights rising concerns about climate change exacerbating pregnancy risks, with 73% noting increased heat-related complications over the past five years. The findings were shared during a global campaign advocating for improved protections for pregnant women and healthcare workers amid rising temperatures. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the urgent need to address this emerging threat to maternal and infant health.
Renewables, Farmer Aggregation Offer Solutions to Africa’s Post-Harvest Losses
At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, experts discussed how renewable energy could address post-harvest losses in African agriculture. These losses, which can reach up to 70% for perishable goods, threaten economic growth and livelihoods due to inadequate cold storage, unreliable power, and poor infrastructure. Renewable solutions like solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and agro-processing were highlighted as ways to reduce waste, improve productivity, and enable farmers to access higher-value markets. Industry leaders emphasized the need for aggregated market approaches and scalable models to fully realize the potential of renewable energy in agriculture.
For Pakistan Rising Fistula Cases Make SDG 3 Goal Elusive
The article discusses the ongoing issue of untreated obstetric fistulas in Pakistan, focusing on the personal struggle of Shehnaz Ali, a woman who has lived with the condition for 16 years. She developed a fistula due to a botched Cesarean section, leading to lifelong physical and social suffering. Despite the availability of treatment through facilities like the Kooh Goth Women’s Hospital (KGWH), many women remain untreated, highlighting systemic challenges in healthcare access and awareness. The hospital, established by Dr. Shershah Syed and supported by charitable efforts, has treated over 3,200 women since 2007, underscoring the critical need for expanded services to meet global health goals such as Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3).
SUDAN: ‘It’s Shocking to Be Forced into Silence Simply Because You Are a Refugee’
An anonymous Sudanese civil society activist, speaking to CIVICUS, describes the ongoing impact of Sudan's war, which has displaced millions both internally and internationally. Despite the severity of the crisis, the situation remains underreported globally. The activist highlights the challenges faced by refugees in host countries, including xenophobia, restricted movement, and difficulty in obtaining residency documents. They emphasize the shift in focus from radical activism to reform-oriented approaches, driven by the need for dialogue and understanding. Sudanese civil society, both inside and outside the country, has demonstrated resilience through grassroots efforts, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for peace.
The Ingenuity Trap
The article describes the challenges faced by Gazan students during the Tawjihi national secondary school examination, highlighting the extreme conditions under which the exam was conducted. Despite significant damage to Gaza's infrastructure, including 97.5% of schools being affected, educators managed to organize the exam using makeshift solutions such as repairing photocopiers, using old ink supplies, and constructing temporary learning spaces from available materials. The exam involved over 95,000 students, with staff working under ongoing conflict and limited resources. The piece raises questions about international responses to the situation, suggesting that focusing on resilience might delay necessary action. It also notes the broader humanitarian impact, including the loss of thousands of students and educators.
If We Can Start an Epoch, We Can Start a Farming Revolution
The article discusses the concept of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch marked by significant human impact on the planet, with the 1952 U.S. nuclear test at Enewetak Atoll serving as a key marker. It highlights the unintended consequences of human activities and emphasizes the need for intentional, equitable transformation. The piece connects this broader theme to the work of smallholder farmers, arguing that these communities, which make up nearly a quarter of the global population, are often overlooked in discussions about sustainable agriculture and planetary health. The author suggests that a 'Whole Earth Farming' approach could lead to a meaningful agricultural revolution, one that prioritizes the needs of those most affected by environmental changes.
Caring for Carers: Addressing Workplace Violence Against Nurses in Malaysia
The article discusses the challenges faced by nurses in Malaysia due to workplace violence, emphasizing the impact on their safety, dignity, and career retention. It highlights that nurses, predominantly women, are often subjected to verbal abuse, bullying, and other forms of non-physical violence, which affect their mental health and professional satisfaction. The piece connects these issues to broader systemic problems, including gender-based discrimination within healthcare hierarchies and the normalization of mistreatment. It references studies showing high rates of workplace violence among Malaysian nurses and underscores the need for improved support and safer working conditions.
Afghanistan’s Drought Deepens, and Women Bear the Heaviest Burden
A severe drought is worsening in Afghanistan, leading to significant water shortages that disproportionately affect women and girls. In Kabul and surrounding regions, wells and water sources are drying up, forcing women to travel longer distances to collect water for their families. Over half of the country is experiencing prolonged drought conditions, with 19 provinces facing critical water crises. Groundwater levels in Kabul are expected to decline significantly by 2030. In Faryab province, 90% of the area is impacted. Women like Simin Gul report increased physical strain from fetching water, often walking long distances and using water sparingly. The drought is exacerbating food insecurity, with the World Food Programme estimating 17.4 million people require urgent food aid. Local water infrastructure is inadequate, with piped water available only sporadically. Women face additional challenges during menstruation and when caring for children.
How to Protect Coastal Communities From Tide-Related Loss and Damage in Bangladesh
The article discusses the challenges faced by coastal communities in Bangladesh due to tidal surges and the importance of early warning systems in mitigating damage. Residents such as Nurunnahar and Meherun Nesa describe how the lack of timely alerts led to significant loss of property and displacement in past events like Cyclones Amphan and Yaas. Recent efforts have seen early warnings provided in 25 locations, allowing villagers to repair embankments and prepare for potential tidal threats. The United Nations' initiative to provide early warnings by 2027 and a recent report highlighting the vulnerability of over 14 million people in South Asia underscore the urgency of improving disaster preparedness. The article emphasizes the need for reliable early warning systems to prevent further loss of life and property.
“The Price of a Narrow Metric: Why Vulnerability Must Count”
This article discusses the challenges faced by small island nations like Seychelles, which rely on fragile economies and face significant vulnerabilities due to their geographic isolation and dependence on external factors. President Dr. Patrick Herminie of Seychelles highlights the limitations of using GDP as the sole metric for assessing a country's economic status, arguing that it fails to account for structural vulnerabilities such as reliance on imported goods, exposure to natural disasters, and limited economic diversity. The article emphasizes the need for international finance mechanisms to incorporate metrics like the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), which would better reflect the true economic and environmental risks these nations face. Seychelles has been advocating for this approach since 2009, calling for more tailored financial support that acknowledges the unique challenges of small island developing states.
A Stronger Future for Coffee Starts Where It Is Grown
The article discusses the importance of building a sustainable future for coffee by focusing on improving conditions for coffee-producing regions. It highlights the global significance of coffee as a commodity that supports millions of farmers and workers worldwide. The piece notes that coffee production is vulnerable to environmental factors like droughts, frosts, and pests, as well as economic pressures such as fluctuating prices and geopolitical issues. It emphasizes that the concentration of coffee production in a few countries makes these regions particularly susceptible to market shocks. The article suggests that enhancing the resilience of coffee farms and supporting producers through adaptive strategies is crucial for ensuring stability in the coffee industry.