Amy Pope, who was elected Monday to lead the IOM, has said the agency is stuck in an antiquated way of looking at the issue and in desperate need of renewal. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (KEYSTONE/AFP/FABRICE COFFRINI)

🇺🇳 UN migration agency elects American as first woman director. Amy Pope’s election means Washington will return to the helm of the IOM, which has only had two non-US directors since its founding.

🍬 Don't use sugar substitutes for weight loss, World Health Organization advises. Using non-sugar sweeteners instead of sugar has “no long-term benefits” for people trying to reduce body fat and could be “potentially” counterproductive, the WHO said.

🥤 WWF says UN should call for single-use plastic ban in upcoming treaty. The treaty, which is in the works for 2024 and will be legally binding, should introduce an “immediate” ban on such plastics, the Geneva-based fund said.

📉 Exclusive: The day the data died in Syria. Speculation is flaring that a crucial IOM program gathering data on humanitarian needs in Syria flatlined earlier this year as a result of government pressure.

🇸🇩 Sudanese fleeing fighting in their homeland face uncertain future, unsure of return. Of the more than 70,000 Sudanese that have fled to Egypt to escape fighting in and around Khartoum. Many hope to return, but have no idea when it will be safe to do so.