Rwanda is a land of contrasts, with mountainous terrain, ancient rainforests, and national parks that host iconic wildlife such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. At the same time, it is a fast-growing industrial hub and one of the world’s rapidly expanding economies, balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. The country has long prioritized sustainability,… [Read More]
EIC Funds €118M for 30 Breakthrough Research Projects
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded €118 million to 30 groundbreaking projects selected under the 2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges, aiming to deliver technological breakthroughs across four strategic areas: biotechnology for climate-resilient crops and plant-based biomanufacturing, generative AI for cancer diagnosis and treatment, autonomous robot collectives for construction, and waste-to-value devices for circular production of… [Read More]
Rethinking Purpose in Later Life for Healthy Longevity
Research shows that a sense of purpose is a key driver of healthy longevity, benefiting both physical and mental health. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), 166 million people over 50 make up 25% of the region’s population, and this number is set to rise sharply by 2038. While longer life spans represent progress,… [Read More]
Global Lessons for the Future of Social Care
The “State of the Nation: Global Perspectives” series explored social care systems across countries including England, India, Scotland, Australia, and the Netherlands, as well as global policy perspectives. Despite differences in culture and structure, the series highlighted that social care systems worldwide face similar pressures, such as ageing populations, rising demand, workforce shortages, funding constraints,… [Read More]
Private Sector Lessons from FAIR for ALL Programme
The FAIR for ALL (F4A) programme, funded by a five-year €71 million grant from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was implemented by a consortium including Huairou Commission, Third World Network-Africa, SOMO, and Oxfam Novib. Between 2021 and 2025, it supported civil society organizations, alliances, and movements across 14 countries, as well as at regional… [Read More]
Maharashtra Village Restores Mangrove Forests
In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the village of Khardi in Palghar district has long depended on its mangroves for fishing, farming, and collecting shellfish. Generations of families have linked their identity and livelihoods to these coastal forests, which silently maintained the ecological balance of the area. When mangroves began disappearing, saltwater intruded inland,… [Read More]
Rwanda’s Withdrawal from Cabo Delgado: Key Lessons
Rwanda’s threat to withdraw its troops from Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province highlights the fragility of Mozambique’s security strategy, which is heavily dependent on natural resources and external support. Senior Rwandan officials warned on 14 March that their forces could pull out if sustainable international funding is not secured, coinciding with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo’s visit… [Read More]
FAO Warns of Global Food Risks from Strait of Hormuz Disruption
New York / Rome — The Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Máximo Torero, has warned that the ongoing disruption of the Strait of Hormuz trade corridor is triggering one of the most severe shocks to global commodity flows in recent years, with major implications for food security,… [Read More]
Filipino Food Month 2026 Launched in the Philippines with Culinary Showcases
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore is celebrating Filipino Food Month 2026 under the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN,” highlighting the Philippines’ culinary connections with its ASEAN neighbors while honoring its unique food traditions. Established through Proclamation No. 469 in 2018, the annual observance promotes Filipino cuisine as an… [Read More]
FAO Promotes Assisted Natural Regeneration in Guinea
Mamou, Guinea – In response to growing land degradation and climate change impacts, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched training sessions on 24 February 2026 to promote assisted natural regeneration (ANR) as a sustainable approach to restore landscapes and enhance ecosystem resilience. The initiative, implemented with the Ministries of Environment… [Read More]
Nigeria Boosts Tuberculosis Detection Efforts Nationwide
Abuja, Nigeria – With technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to close tuberculosis (TB) detection gaps, expand access to testing and treatment, and strengthen services for vulnerable populations. These initiatives aim to improve early diagnosis and care, particularly for women and children who are often underdiagnosed. A case… [Read More]
Safer Food Through Cleaner Markets in Cameroon
In Douala, Cameroon, the “Healthy Food Market” project is being implemented in two pilot markets, New Deido and Ndogpassi, as part of efforts to prevent foodborne diseases and improve hygiene, sanitation, and overall food safety. Coordinated by the urban municipality, the project aims to gradually extend these practices to all markets in the city, with… [Read More]
Long‑Acting HIV Prevention Introduced in Nigeria to Strengthen Response
Nigeria has introduced lenacapavir, a new long‑acting injectable medicine for HIV prevention, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen national HIV programs. The rollout, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, WHO, the Global Fund, PEPFAR, and partners, aligns with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment… [Read More]
Ethiopia Marks World TB Day 2026, Pledges to End Tuberculosis
Ethiopia commemorated World TB Day 2026 from 27–29 March through a three-day national event that brought together government leaders, researchers, partners, civil society, and TB-affected communities to accelerate action against tuberculosis (TB). The observance, held under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, powered by people,” included the National Tuberculosis Research Conference… [Read More]
Seeking Case Studies on Integrated HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STI Care
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a call for case studies on integrated service delivery for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim is to gather real-world examples of how these services are organized, delivered, and coordinated across different settings. The findings will help illustrate practical approaches and provide lessons… [Read More]
Asia’s Plastic Waste Solutions Backed by New Investment Fund
A new investment fund has been launched to tackle plastic waste and support recycling initiatives across Asia, aiming to address the region’s growing environmental challenges. The fund seeks to channel capital into innovative solutions that reduce plastic pollution, enhance recycling infrastructure, and promote a circular economy. The initiative will focus on supporting businesses and projects… [Read More]
Invest in Peace, Invest in Mine Action
The world observes the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April, highlighting the critical role mine action plays in promoting peace, enabling recovery, and supporting sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace, Invest in Mine Action,” underscores the reality that peace cannot endure in areas where landmines, cluster… [Read More]
Coca-Cola to Invest $1 Billion in South Africa by 2030
Coca-Cola, together with its authorized bottlers Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, has announced a major investment of 17.6 billion rand (approximately $1.05 billion) in South Africa through 2030. The investment aims to expand production capacity, strengthen distribution networks, and accelerate innovation across the Coca-Cola system’s value chain. The announcement was made by… [Read More]
IFAD and Bank of Uganda Launch Remittance Dashboard
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in partnership with the Bank of Uganda (BoU), has launched an interactive remittance dashboard to provide comprehensive, publicly available data on Uganda’s remittance markets. Remittances play a critical role in the country’s economy, with inflows reaching US$2.5 billion in 2025, or approximately 3.8 per cent of GDP, supporting… [Read More]
Mission 300 Forms Council to Expand Electricity Access in Africa
The World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and The Rockefeller Foundation have launched the Mission 300 Private Sector Council to mobilize private investment for connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, while supporting job creation across the continent. The council brings together 14 leaders from diverse sectors to drive strategies that attract capital,… [Read More]
EU Announces Additional €2 Million Aid for Cuba
The European Commission has announced an additional €2 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba in response to worsening humanitarian conditions on the island. The new funding is intended to support logistics for humanitarian partners delivering urgent assistance to the most vulnerable people, particularly as the ongoing energy crisis continues to disrupt access to food and… [Read More]
UNEP FI Makes Climate Data Accessible for Financial Institutions
UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has launched the Climate Pathways Navigator, a new tool designed to help financial institutions access the climate scenario data they need to make informed, science-based decisions on decarbonization. Announced on 1 April 2026 in Geneva, the tool is intended to support banks, investors, insurers, and other financial actors in strengthening… [Read More]
Türkiye Continues UNDP Partnership on Sustainable Development
The Government of Türkiye has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by continuing its annual contribution of $1.2 million to UNDP’s core resources under its 2025–2027 multi-year commitment. The country has also made an early payment of its 2026 core contribution, highlighting its continued support at a time when flexible… [Read More]
