Weekly briefing: where refugees settle and an app to end loneliness

Welcome to Apolitical's briefing for the week of 9 July. Sign up here for a weekly email on how the world’s most pressing problems are being tackled.

Top Stories

Experiment and fail well: Here are seven ways to get public servants innovating. Most government workers spend their careers avoiding risk. To start changing mindsets, managers should reward failure, scrap bureaucracy and steal from the private sector. (Apolitical)

Mapped: The surprising truth about where refugees live. Many think of migrants as on the move or in camps, where they get handouts from humanitarian agencies. But the reality is very different: millions live in big cities, where job opportunities could help them much more than aid. (Apolitical)

Leeds is fighting loneliness with an app and a map. Social isolation is reaching epidemic levels, but finding the people who are suffering is tricky. With a new app, people can report signs of loneliness in their community to the council, allowing Leeds to map outbreaks and target resources. (Apolitical)

The early childhood development reading list: 10 essential books and reports. Our list of must-reads covers critical topics, from childhood obesity to the impact of gun violence. Start here to better understand the complex, research-rich field. (Apolitical)

To end a murder epidemic, Latin American countries are giving mayors more power. Cities are finding unique ways to unite their communities against violence, from hosting women’s marches to commissioning graffiti. The region accounts for 8% of the world’s population, but 33% of its homicides. (Apolitical)

Member Contribution of the Week

In London’s city hall, we’ve got a new plan to close the gender gap. Traditional approaches, like mentoring schemes, are not working fast enough to close a 6% pay disparity. London will now pair women with senior leaders who will help them rise through the ranks. (Siobhan Mckenna, Senior Policy Office at London City Hall)

Energy, Environment and Economic Policy

Mexico took out an insurance policy to protect the Great Mayan Reef. A payout is triggered whenever a hurricane makes landfall, rather than according to how much damage it inflicts. The tourism industry, which earns $10billion annually from visitors to the Riviera Maya, will pay into the fund. (Deutsche Welle)

Nairobi, Kenya is banning cars in two of its busiest neighbourhoods twice a week. It’s upgrading roads and public transit to prepare for car-free Wednesdays and Saturdays, which will launch in six months. The policy could reduce some types of pollution by up to 78%. (The Conversation)

Governance and Citizen Engagement

Ambassadors aren’t just assigned to countries anymore. Denmark, Singapore and Ireland are recruiting ’thematic’ diplomats in sectors like tech and fashion design. The goal is to boost government collaboration with the private sector. (Govinsider)

A mandatory monthly day of service helped Rwanda bounce back after genocide. Every able-bodied citizen between the ages of 18 and 65 volunteers in their community for three hours each month. Attendance is strictly enforced: those who skip out can face fines or even arrest. (The New York Times)

Health and Ageing

A Swiss program reduced suicidal behaviour by 80%. It’s already in use in Finland, Sweden and Lithuania, and will now be tested in the US, where suicide has increased by 25% since 1999. The program focuses on strengthening the bond between doctor and patient. (Yes! Magazine)

Education and Changing Jobs

London residents who earn less than the living wage will get free training in 2019. Anyone who makes $26,350 annually ($13.50 per hour) or less can access skills and language courses. The goal is to help people in low-paying jobs advance in their careers. (FE Week)

And finally

Norway and Sweden are feuding over border-crossing reindeer. The Norwegian agriculture minister threatened to kill those that cross over unless new grazing laws are put in place. Norway says current rules give indigenous Swedes too much leeway to herd across borders. (Quartz)