South Africa’s energy sector is experiencing significant transformation as municipalities increasingly explore pathways to energy security, economic resilience, and climate action, even as national attention focuses on load shedding and the challenges facing Eskom, the state-owned electricity utility responsible for roughly 90% of the country’s power generation. Local governments are emerging as key players in… [Read More]
Archives for 2025
African Health Ministers Approve New Framework to Fast-Track Oral Health Progress
African health ministers at the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka, Zambia, have endorsed a new framework aimed at accelerating progress in oral health across the continent. The initiative addresses the widespread prevalence of oral diseases affecting around 42% of the African population and sets ambitious targets, including providing at… [Read More]
Health Communication Network Enhances Emergency Response Capabilities in Angola
Angola has taken a significant step to strengthen public health communication by organizing a national training session focused on the role of the media in responding to health emergencies. The training, supported by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Social Communication (MINTTICS), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF,… [Read More]
African Health Ministers Launch Regional Forum to Strengthen Healthcare Collaboration
African health ministers convened in Lusaka, Zambia, to open the Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, the continent’s highest decision-making body on health. From 25 to 27 August 2025, representatives from all 47 WHO African Region countries will discuss measures to tackle pressing health challenges and endorse key resolutions… [Read More]
$1.7 Million “Stronger Together” Package Supports Families, Communities, and Businesses
Frankston City Council has launched its $1.7 million Local Support Package as part of the 2025–2026 Stronger Together Annual Budget, aimed at providing direct cost-of-living relief to residents, families, and businesses. Mayor Cr Kris Bolam JP described the initiative as one of the most community-driven programs the Council has delivered, emphasizing that it reflects a… [Read More]
Viet Nam: UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Repression of Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples and Theravada Buddhist Monks
UN experts have expressed serious concern over reports of escalating repression against Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples in Viet Nam, including human rights defenders, Theravada Buddhist monks, and cultural rights advocates. They highlighted that these individuals face systemic harassment, criminalisation, and restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms. The experts emphasized that peaceful efforts to promote Indigenous… [Read More]
UN Experts Urge Immediate and Unconditional Release of Malian Activist Clément Mamadou Dembélé
UN experts have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Malian civil society activist Clément Mamadou Dembélé, who remains in detention despite being cleared of all charges by a court. They urged Malian authorities to comply with the order issued on 17 April 2025 by the investigating judge of the first chamber of the… [Read More]
AB Charity Foundation Donates $1 Million to Jet Li’s Come Together Foundation
The AB Charity Foundation (AB Foundation) has announced a donation of US$1 million to the Come Together Foundation, established by internationally acclaimed actor Jet Li（李连杰）, to support its ongoing philanthropic initiatives. This contribution underscores the shared commitment of both foundations to global public welfare and humanitarian support. Founded in May 2025 in Ireland, the AB… [Read More]
Costa Rica Drives Territorial Transformation Through Digital Innovation and Women’s Leadership
In Costa Rica, the Connection SDGs (Conexión ODS) initiative is transforming local communities by combining digital innovation with women’s leadership. By leveraging technology in everyday problem-solving, the programme empowers women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and municipalities to create more inclusive and sustainable futures. Since its inception, over 300 participants have enhanced their skills in digital literacy,… [Read More]
Save the Children Opens First National Office in Syria to Expand Support for Children
Save the Children has opened its first national office in Syria, marking a major shift after 13 years of being managed from neighbouring countries. The organisation now operates exclusively from within Syria through hubs in Damascus, Aleppo, Raqqa, and Qamishli, employing more than 1,050 staff—96% of whom are Syrian nationals. This move places decision-making and… [Read More]
Indonesia’s Climate Future: From Coastlines to Global Commitments
On 18 July 2025, policymakers, climate experts, civil society representatives, private sector leaders, and development partners convened in Jakarta for a high-level meeting of the Friends of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Led by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment, the event marked the finalization of Indonesia’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (SNDC), a key milestone in the country’s… [Read More]
EIB Group Launches TechEU Platform to Simplify Financing for Europe’s Innovative Companies
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has launched the TechEU Programme, a landmark initiative designed to mobilise €250 billion in investment by 2027 to support start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative companies across Europe. At the heart of this effort is a fast-track financing system that simplifies the process for businesses to seek funding and ensures swift… [Read More]
CommBank’s Can4Cancer Campaign Reaches $20 Million Fundraising Milestone
Over the past decade, Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) employees have dedicated themselves to walking, cycling, running, and swimming thousands of kilometres to raise funds for cancer research. Now in its 11th year, the Can4Cancer initiative has surpassed a major milestone, raising more than $20 million for Tour de Cure. These funds have supported 189 cancer projects… [Read More]
Kenya Launches Historic Joint Strategy for Disability Rights and Inclusion
The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with 71 organizations from civil society, the private sector, development partners, and the United Nations, has launched the Joint Disability Inclusion Strategy (2025–2027). This landmark framework is aimed at accelerating the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across the country. Grounded in the Persons with Disabilities Act… [Read More]
Coca-Cola HBC Foundation Gives €2.3 Million to Aid Wildfire and Flood Recovery
On August 25, 2025, the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation announced a €2.3 million contribution to help communities recover from recent wildfires and floods. The donation will be directed toward reforestation projects in Greece and Cyprus, training and equipping volunteer firefighters in Bulgaria, and relief programs in Romania’s Suceava County to support flood-impacted families in rebuilding shelters… [Read More]
World Bank Launches Education Project in Punjab to Benefit 4 Million+ Children
The World Bank has approved a US$47.9 million grant, funded by the Global Partnership for Education Fund, to enhance educational access and quality for children in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The support is aimed at improving participation among both girls and boys at pre-primary and primary levels, strengthening learning outcomes, and providing remedial support for elementary… [Read More]
WFP Highlights India’s Role in Global Hunger Fight as Western Aid Declines
Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, has emphasized India’s pivotal role in addressing global hunger as Western funding declines. Speaking to PTI, Skau highlighted that India’s homegrown food security solutions, such as grain ATMs, rice fortification, smart warehousing, and supply chain optimisation, are more applicable to crisis-hit regions in Africa and… [Read More]
Ethiopia’s Controversial Draft Civil Society Law Faces Global Criticism
Human Rights Watch has issued a warning that Ethiopia’s proposed amendments to its civil society law pose a severe threat to civic freedom and democratic accountability. Marketed as regulatory reform, the draft legislation would consolidate authoritarian control while eliminating independent civic voices, obstructing public scrutiny, and suppressing electoral accountability ahead of the 2026 national elections…. [Read More]
$1M Funding Secured to Improve Coastal Walkways and Accessibility
The City of Newcastle is set to improve pedestrian and cycling access along a popular beachside precinct with significant infrastructure upgrades. The projects, located near Bar Beach and King Edward Park, will introduce new shared path connections and enhanced crossing facilities to increase safety for all users. Each project has received $500,000 in funding through… [Read More]
White Rock Invests in Infrastructure Upgrades to Improve Stormwater Management
The City of White Rock is set to enhance stormwater management and protect local waterways through the Marine Drive Stormwater Improvements project, supported by a combined investment of more than $9.86 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The project targets drainage upgrades along Marine Drive between Stayte Road and Finlay Street, including the installation… [Read More]
Indonesia Calls on EU to Lift Biodiesel Countervailing Duty Following WTO Ruling
Indonesia’s trade ministry has called on the European Union to remove countervailing duties on biodiesel imports following a favorable ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO supported several of Indonesia’s key claims in its complaint, which argued that the EU’s duties violated international trade rules. Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized that the EU… [Read More]
ADB and Sun Pacific Energy Partner on $2.8M Solar Expansion in Samoa
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Sun Pacific Energy Ltd (SPEL) have signed a $2.8 million (approximately AU$4.3 million) loan to expand renewable energy generation in Samoa. The financing will support the upgrade and expansion of SPEL’s Upolu Solar Farm, originally partly funded by ADB in 2017, through the installation of higher-efficiency solar panels. The… [Read More]
ADB and GSA Partner to Launch Green Data Center in Thailand
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and GSA Data Center 01 Company Limited (GSA) have signed a local currency green loan of THB 900 million (approximately $26.8 million) to finance the development, construction, and operation of a 25.6-megawatt colocation green data center in Samut Prakan province, Thailand. The facility is designed to be highly energy-efficient, targeting… [Read More]
