What happened. What we know.

Aerial strikes killed residents and injured dozens in Kyiv and Kharkiv, according to OCHA. Aid workers and rescuers provided emergency assistance, while Ukrainian authorities reported further damage and casualties in both cities.

The UN Development Programme launched two initiatives aimed at increasing investment and employment. UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo warned that 800 million of 1.2 billion young people entering labour markets in developing economies over the next 15 years may not find jobs without policy action.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented a proposed $3.3 billion programme budget for 2027, $40.8 million below the approved 2026 level. He also outlined further UN80 Initiative reforms and urged Member States to pay their dues on time.

UN Special Representative Najat Maalla M’jid briefed journalists in New York after presenting her final report to the General Assembly. She said violence-prevention efforts are not keeping pace with risks including conflict, poverty, food insecurity and technology-facilitated abuse.

Andy Burnham announced “Your first home”, a proposed England scheme offering eligible first-time buyers a 20% equity loan and 2.5% minimum deposit. Bellway’s chief executive said it could lift output by about 10%; the government also plans to return long-term empty homes to use.

Nearly 50,000 people protested in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse on September 20 against a bill that would presume police and gendarmes acted in self-defence when using firearms. The bill passed the National Assembly and awaits a Senate vote.