Global Resources

World Geography

If you hear a place in the news — Ukraine, the West Bank, the Congo, Taiwan — it helps to know where it is, what borders it, what languages are spoken, and what daily life can be like. Here are a few reliable starting points. (Tip: for any big topic, it’s smart to compare more than one source.)

CIA World Factbook Country profiles: maps, people, economy, geography UN Data Global statistics across many UN sources World Bank Data Charts + indicators by country (population, health, more) Our World in Data Easy-to-read charts on the world’s big questions National Geographic Education Geography lessons, maps, and classroom-friendly resources Google Earth (Web) Explore the planet in 3D — zoom from space to streets

Want a quick classroom activity? Pick a country, find it on a map, then learn three things: one place (a city/landmark), one language, and one way people help their community.

Free Education Around the World

Here are trusted places to learn for free (or mostly free). Some platforms offer free access with optional paid certificates or upgrades—we note that when it applies.

Khan Academy Always‑free lessons and practice for K–12 (plus SAT, math, science, reading, more). CK‑12 Free K–12 FlexBooks® plus adaptive practice, simulations, and videos. OpenStax Free, peer‑reviewed textbooks (middle school through college) and course materials. PhET Simulations Free interactive math & science simulations (great for classrooms and curiosity). OER Commons A huge library of free Open Educational Resources (lessons, units, full courses). PBS LearningMedia Free classroom‑ready videos, interactives, and lesson plans (U.S. PBS partners). BBC Bitesize Study support and learning resources across many school subjects (UK‑based). TED‑Ed Short animated lessons and discussion prompts—great for sparking curiosity. MIT OpenCourseWare Free MIT course materials (syllabi, lectures, assignments) for self‑study. Open Yale Courses Free access to full Yale lecture courses (video/audio, readings). OpenLearn (Open University) Thousands of free bite‑size courses and learning paths from The Open University. Saylor Academy Tuition‑free online courses (many college‑level) with optional low‑cost certificates. edX University courses worldwide—many offer a free audit track (certificate typically paid). Coursera Courses from universities/companies—many let you preview learning for free (full access varies). FutureLearn Free online courses from global universities & organizations (access options vary by course).

Global News Sources (and why fact‑checking matters)

News can sometimes be biased—by politics, money, culture, or simply what’s trending. A healthy habit is to compare a few trusted sources, look for evidence, and be careful with headlines designed to spark anger or fear. The Global Pledge leans toward peace, connection, honesty, and trust—so these sources are chosen for strong reporting standards and a generally constructive, solutions‑friendly tone.

Quick tip: before sharing a big story, try checking two outlets (from different regions) plus a fact‑check link.

BBC News Global reporting from the UK’s public broadcaster (English). Reuters Straight‑ahead international reporting and “just the facts” coverage. AP News One of the world’s major wire services—fast, factual coverage. Al Jazeera English International reporting with strong coverage beyond the U.S./Europe. DW (Deutsche Welle) German public broadcaster with an English world‑news edition. France 24 (English) International news with European and global perspectives (English). NHK WORLD‑JAPAN English news from Japan’s public broadcaster; strong Asia coverage. NPR Public‑radio journalism with deep explainers and interviews (U.S.). CBC News Canada’s public broadcaster with international and local coverage. ABC News (Australia) Australia’s public broadcaster; strong Pacific and Asia‑region coverage. The Conversation University experts explain the news with sources and context. Our World in Data Charts and evidence on global health, poverty, climate, education, and more. ProPublica Investigative journalism focused on accountability and public interest. Reuters Fact Check Quick checks on viral claims, images, and misinformation. AP Fact Check Fact‑checks and context on widely shared claims. Full Fact (UK) Independent fact‑checking charity (UK) with clear explanations.

Organizations Living the Global Pledge

These organizations work every day for peace, human dignity, animal welfare, and care for our shared planet. News and opinions can be biased — and charities can vary — so it’s wise to double‑check sources, read transparency reports, and look for a strong share of spending going directly to programs and people served.

Tip: Charity evaluators often look for roughly 70%+ program spending as a healthy sign, and they also weigh transparency and results reporting. How to think about overhead • BBB charity standards

United Nations Global cooperation, peace, human rights, and development. UNICEF Children’s health, education, protection, and emergency support. UNHCR Refugee protection, shelter, and life‑saving assistance worldwide. World Food Programme Emergency food assistance and long‑term hunger solutions. UN Environment Programme Global environmental protection and climate solutions. Doctors Without Borders Independent medical care in crises, disasters, and conflict zones. International Rescue Committee Supports refugees with health, education, safety, and rebuilding lives. Red Cross & Red Crescent Disaster response, health services, and humanitarian support worldwide. Save the Children Children’s education, health, and protection programs globally. CARE Fights poverty and supports communities, especially women and girls. Oxfam Humanitarian aid and work to reduce inequality and poverty. Direct Relief Delivers medical aid and supplies where they’re needed most. Partners In Health Expands access to high‑quality healthcare in underserved communities. World Central Kitchen Rapid meals and support for communities after disasters and conflict. Amnesty International Human rights research, advocacy, and protection worldwide. Human Rights Watch Investigates abuses and pushes for policy and legal protections. International Justice Mission Works to stop violence and exploitation and strengthen justice systems. Transparency International Fights corruption and strengthens accountability worldwide. Search for Common Ground Builds peace through dialogue, media, and community programs. International Crisis Group Independent analysis to prevent and resolve deadly conflict. The Carter Center Peace, health, and human rights work with global partners. The Nature Conservancy Protects lands and waters for people and nature. Rainforest Trust Safeguards rainforest habitat and biodiversity through protection. World Resources Institute Research and action for climate, forests, cities, and clean energy. World Animal Protection Improves farm animal welfare and protects wildlife globally. IFAW Rescues animals, protects habitats, and reduces human‑wildlife conflict.

Want a quick “mission‑spending” check? Here are three examples of publicly reported program expense ratios: Doctors Without Borders USA (~85%), International Rescue Committee (~88%), and Direct Relief (~99%). (Ratios can change over time — always check the latest reports.)