Tourism leaders from across Asia and the Pacific have met to plan the sector’s restart and recovery even as borders remain closed throughout the region. The 33rd Joint meeting of the World Tourism Organization’s Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and its Commission for South Asia (14 September 2021) came on the back of a challenging year for the region. The first to feel the impacts of the pandemic, the tourism sector of Asia and the Pacific has also been the hardest hit, recording a 95% … [Read more...] about Tourism Leaders across Asia and the Pacific plans for sector’s restart and recovery
ADB partner with Tajikistan to focus on improving quality of growth
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for Tajikistan that will focus on improving the quality of the country’s economic growth by supporting government efforts to increase productivity and mobilize private investments. Under the new CPS 2021–2025, ADB operations in Tajikistan will pursue three strategic priorities: supporting structural reforms to enhance resource allocation and mobilization, improving labor productivity through human capital … [Read more...] about ADB partner with Tajikistan to focus on improving quality of growth
After Iceland renews commitment to global equitable access to vaccines, first doses arrive in Côte d’Ivoire
The first doses donated by Iceland to COVAX have arrived in Côte d’Ivoire, with a shipment of 35,700 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine setting down in Abidjan on 19 September 2021. This is part of a total donation of 125,726 doses to COVAX, alongside a financial pledge of ISK 750 million in funding made earlier this year to the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (Gavi COVAX AMC). Iceland’s longstanding support for global development and public health in Africa has grown ever stronger – … [Read more...] about After Iceland renews commitment to global equitable access to vaccines, first doses arrive in Côte d’Ivoire
UNICEF urges governments to reopen schools as soon as possible
School children around the world have lost an estimated 1.8 trillion hours – and counting – of in-person learning since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. As a result, young learners have been cut off from their education and the other vital benefits schools provide. To call attention to this education crisis, UNICEF unveiled ‘No Time to Lose' at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The centerpiece of the installation is a clock, modelled to look like the … [Read more...] about UNICEF urges governments to reopen schools as soon as possible
Report shows Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa remain optimistic about the future of farming
Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are impacted disproportionately by climate change, poverty and undernutrition, yet a report released shows many remain optimistic about the future of farming. Of the thousands of farmers taking part in the four-country survey, two-thirds believe their children can succeed in farming, though many cautioned that food systems will need to change in order to make living incomes possible. On Air Dialogues: Listening to Rural People, released by Farm … [Read more...] about Report shows Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa remain optimistic about the future of farming
ADB approves additional support for Power Project in Nepal
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $60 million as additional support for the ongoing Electricity Grid Modernization Project that is upgrading power transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. The ongoing project, approved in November 2020, is automating 34 existing grid substations across Nepal, completing the installation of smart meters in the Kathmandu Valley, upgrading 144 kilometers (km) and constructing 113 km of transmission lines, and establishing an electricity … [Read more...] about ADB approves additional support for Power Project in Nepal
UNESCO invites G20 Ministers to join efforts to fight for gender equality
UNESCO has participated in the first-ever G20 ministerial conference on women’s empowerment, chaired by Elena Bonetti, Italian Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family. Gender equality ministers from G20 countries and representatives from international organizations (UNESCO, UN Women, ILO, OECD), the business community, academia and civil society gathered in Santa Margherita Ligure on 26 August 2021. The historic meeting was the first of its kind, building on the numerous G20 gender … [Read more...] about UNESCO invites G20 Ministers to join efforts to fight for gender equality
Virtual | Geneva PeaceTalks | 21 September 2021 | 16:00-17:30 CEST
As we heal from the pandemic and settle into a new “normal”, the 2021 Geneva PeaceTalks invites us to create some time and space for peace. How can a wider reflection on peace help us as we move forward as a collective? Get ready to watch the 9th edition of the Geneva PeaceTalks! The event is scheduled on the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2021, 16:00-17:30. The event will be livestreamed online from the Palais des Nations in Geneva. This year’s edition of the Geneva … [Read more...] about Virtual | Geneva PeaceTalks | 21 September 2021 | 16:00-17:30 CEST
Iraq receives first Italy-donated doses through COVAX
The first deliveries from a pledge of 15 million doses to be donated to COVAX by Italy have arrived, with 100,800 doses of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine to Iraq, and more shipping to additional countries in the coming days. Italy is donating doses to COVAX on top of the USD 470 million it has pledged to the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (Gavi COVAX AMC). Italy has contributed to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance since 2006 when it became a founding member of IFFIm and its third largest … [Read more...] about Iraq receives first Italy-donated doses through COVAX
Gavi boosts yellow fever diagnostics capacity across Africa
An initiative to boost yellow fever diagnostic capacity across Africa has ‘revolutionised’ diagnostics on the continent, one of the programme’s coordinating agencies, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said today. The initiative is part of the implementation of the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) strategy and brings together different partners including WHO, UNICEF, CDC, the Institut Pasteur Dakar, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, and the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The diagnostic capacity … [Read more...] about Gavi boosts yellow fever diagnostics capacity across Africa
