The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved 22 new project preparation grants across 34 countries, totaling over $87 million. This fourth round of grants prioritized support for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and projects involving international financial institutions (IFIs), aiming to direct biodiversity funding… [Read More]
New FAO-UNDP Study Evaluates Global National Adaptation Plans
A landmark side event at COP 30 highlighted the critical role of agrifood systems in national adaptation plans (NAPs) while revealing persistent gaps that hinder their full potential for climate action. The event, held on 20 November 2025, officially launched the SCALA-supported report Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans – An Analysis, which outlines targeted… [Read More]
Jamaica Receives Initial USD 2 Million in UNDP Resilient Recovery Funding
Kingston, 24 November 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has mobilized an initial USD 2 million in Resilient Recovery grants to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, aiming to restore community life, livelihoods, and advance the national vision for a resilient recovery. The grants follow a recent surge mission by UNDP’s global and… [Read More]
Strong Public Support for Climate Action Highlighted in UNDP Survey
A landmark global survey, UNDP’s Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, reveals widespread public concern over climate change and strong demand for government action. Conducted across 77 countries and covering 87% of the world’s population, the survey found that 80% of respondents want their governments to take stronger climate action. Compared to last year, 53% of participants… [Read More]
Sustainable Agriculture Boost: UNDP Launches Wastewater Treatment Facility in Rural Damascus
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Adaptation Fund and in partnership with Syrian ministries, inaugurated the Zibdeen Wastewater Treatment Plant in Eastern Ghouta, Rural Damascus. This project represents a significant step toward climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and livelihood recovery in Syria. Funded with US$4.89 million, the initiative included the rehabilitation of… [Read More]
World AIDS Day – 1 December 2025: Fighting Stigma, Supporting Communities
As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the global community faces both opportunities and challenges in ending AIDS as a public health threat. Despite decades of progress, gains are being threatened by tightening financing, conflict, climate shocks, and growing inequalities. Persistent issues such as underinvestment… [Read More]
Justice at Risk: The Critical Role of the International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing unprecedented challenges as governments including the United States and Russia take actions that undermine its mandate as the court of last resort for prosecuting the gravest crimes. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that ICC member countries must remain steadfast in defending the court to ensure impartial justice continues to… [Read More]
How Agent Networks Are Transforming Access to Financial Services in Ethiopia
In the bustling Piassa neighborhood of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, mobile money agent Ziyada Seid is helping her community engage with the digital economy. Operating from her small grocery store, she assists customers with paying utility bills, settling traffic penalties, and other digital financial services. Supported by Highlight Trading, a leading Ethiopian distributor collaborating with telecoms,… [Read More]
Overcoming Humanitarian Funding Shortfalls Through Mutualisation
The humanitarian sector is facing an unprecedented funding crisis, forcing organisations to find innovative ways to sustain operations. With global humanitarian needs reaching 300 million people in 2025 and funding covering only a fraction of these needs, aid actors are challenged to respond effectively with limited resources. Mutualisation, or resource pooling, has emerged as a… [Read More]
States Urged to Defend Civilians and Reinforce Mine Ban Treaty Commitments
The four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine have left the country heavily contaminated with antipersonnel landmines, causing hundreds of civilian casualties and posing long-term risks to local communities. Russia’s extensive use of these mines is widely recognized as unlawful, while Ukraine, despite being a state party to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, has… [Read More]
Russian Government Labels Human Rights Watch as “Undesirable”
On November 28, 2025, Russia officially designated Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable” foreign organization, effectively banning its operations in the country. The announcement, made public by the Ministry of Justice, reflects a continuing pattern of repression by the Kremlin, according to Human Rights Watch. Philippe Bolopion, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, emphasized that… [Read More]
Wales to Receive £16 Billion Investment Boost, Thousands of Jobs Expected
Since the launch of the Summit, new investments in Wales have reached a total of £16 billion, spanning multiple sectors and creating thousands of jobs. Major international companies contributing to this investment include Vodafone, GE Aerospace Wales, Associated British Ports, RWE, Eni, Bad Wolf, and Vantage Data Centers, reflecting strong confidence in the Welsh economy…. [Read More]
Cambodia Strengthens Public Employment Services to Improve Skills Matching and Decent Work
Nearly 100 public employment services (PES) officials in Cambodia have received training to strengthen their competencies in delivering high-quality, efficient employment services. The initiative aims to create a more responsive and inclusive labor market, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, are not left behind. The training is a collaboration between the International Labour… [Read More]
WFP Receives Critical Support from France to Aid Refugees and Improve Women and Children’s Nutrition in Uganda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a EUR 2 million contribution from the Government of France to enhance food security for refugees and improve nutrition for women and children in Uganda. Announced at a ceremony in Kampala with France’s Ambassador Virginie Leroy and WFP’s Country Director Lauren Landis, the funding will enable… [Read More]
Bangkok’s “Nextopia” Exhibition Highlights WFP’s Efforts Against Hunger in Asia
The exhibition in Bangkok, titled “Steps for Tomorrow – A Journey Towards Zero Hunger,” was launched by the United Nations World Food Programme and Siam Piwat to raise awareness about WFP’s efforts to combat hunger across the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights the scale of the crisis, with 69 million people facing acute hunger driven by… [Read More]
WFP Provides Emergency Food Assistance to Households Affected by Karail Fire
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered emergency food assistance to families affected by the 25 November fire that swept through the Karail slum in Dhaka. Many families who lost their homes and belongings are now taking temporary shelter at a nearby Girls’ High School. Working closely with the Department of Disaster Management,… [Read More]
Italy, Dubai Humanitarian, and WFP Convene Second Conference for Nations Hosting Humanitarian Logistics Hubs
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dubai Humanitarian, and the United Nations World Food Programme co-hosted the Second Conference of Countries Hosting the World’s Humanitarian Hubs in Brindisi. The event marked 25 years of operations at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Brindisi, celebrating its pioneering role in global humanitarian logistics… [Read More]
Nepal to Improve Public Finance and Devolved Services with New ADB Support
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $100 million policy-based loan to support Nepal’s ongoing public financial management reforms, aiming to improve expenditure planning, strengthen debt management, and enhance financial governance at both national and subnational levels. The program seeks to advance Nepal’s fiscal sustainability while empowering local governments to deliver more efficient and accountable… [Read More]
Tajikistan Secures $50 Million ADB Grant for Green Jobs and Climate-Resilient Enterprises
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $50 million grant to help Tajikistan advance key structural reforms that promote green jobs and strengthen economic resilience, with a particular focus on improving opportunities for women. The support comes through the Asian Development Fund under subprogram 2 of the Enabling Climate-Responsive Business Environment Improvement Program. The reforms… [Read More]
ADB Backs Green Port Upgrades and Sustainable Shipping in Anhui, China
The Asian Development Bank has approved a CNY755.64 million ($106.05 million) loan to advance green, smart, and climate-resilient inland river ports and clean-energy shipping in Anhui Province, PRC. The initiative aims to modernize the port and shipping sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve logistics connectivity to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The Anhui… [Read More]
Cambodia Secures $763 Million ADB Investment for Water Security and Urban Development
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $763 million investment program, including a $20 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, to expand safe water supply and sanitation in Cambodia while strengthening water security and building more resilient, livable cities. The initiative aims to upgrade essential services and support climate resilience in rapidly growing urban… [Read More]
Mauritania Railway Upgrade Secures US$275 Million Investment from EIB Global and AfDB
A major financing package of US$275 million has been signed by the African Development Bank and EIB Global to modernise Mauritania’s primary railway corridor linking the iron ore hub of Zouerate with the Atlantic port of Nouadhibou. The investment, guaranteed by the European Union, aims to strengthen Mauritania’s competitiveness, advance green growth, and deepen regional… [Read More]
National Resilience and Development Facility (NRDF) Kicks Off TARABOT Programme Phase II
The second phase of the TARABOT Palestine Programme has been launched through a partnership between the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, UNDP/PAPP, and the Governments of Finland and Austria. Designed as a three-year initiative, TARABOT Phase II aims to coordinate national, local, and international efforts to strengthen the resilience of Palestinian communities facing severe… [Read More]
