An evaluation by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Independent Evaluation Department has concluded that while the bank has contributed significantly to urban livability across Asia and the Pacific, greater progress will depend on stronger cross-sectoral collaboration, enhanced staff capacity, and deeper engagement with local governments. The review, covering ADB’s livable cities portfolio from 2017 to… [Read More]
ADB Invests in Fosun United Health Insurance to Expand Healthcare Coverage in China
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has made its first direct equity investment in the insurance sector by committing CNY 270 million ($37.3 million) to Fosun United Health Insurance Company Limited (FUHI). The investment, approved by regulators, is part of a joint effort with the International Finance Corporation and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical, both of which contributed… [Read More]
AfDB Board Approves New Strategy to Boost Economic Diversification in Lesotho
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a new $209 million Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Lesotho, outlining a five-year plan to accelerate economic diversification, resilience, and inclusive growth. The strategy comes at a pivotal time, as the country grapples with multiple challenges, including the impact of a 15 percent U.S. tariff… [Read More]
African Development Bank Trains East African Finance Experts to Boost Service Delivery
The African Development Bank Group’s Fiduciary and Inspection Department, in partnership with the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Secretariat of the World Bank, organized a flagship training on the PEFA framework for public financial management (PFM) experts in Eastern Africa. Held from 16 to 18 September 2025, the program brought together more than 60… [Read More]
African Development Bank Strengthens Project Management Capacity in the DRC
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) recently held a four-day workshop in Kinshasa aimed at strengthening project management and improving the performance of Bank-financed operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The event, organized between 8 and 11 September 2025 by the African Development Institute and the Bank’s fiduciary departments in collaboration with the… [Read More]
WTO Opens NGO Accreditation for 2026 Yaoundé Ministerial Conference
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has officially opened the accreditation process for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) wishing to attend its 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26 to 29 March 2026. Registered NGOs will be allowed to attend the plenary sessions of the conference, though without speaking rights. Applications are… [Read More]
Amnesty International USA Warns of Growing Threat to Free Expression in the United States
Amnesty International USA has raised urgent concerns over what it describes as a mounting crisis for freedom of expression in the United States. Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, warned, “There is a stunning wave of fear to speak out in the United States right now, which would have been simply unthinkable just… [Read More]
Slovak Parliament Urged to Reject Constitutional Amendments Threatening LGBTI Rights and Gender Equality
Ahead of the September 25 vote in the Slovak parliament, Amnesty International Slovakia has called on lawmakers to reject proposed constitutional amendments that would recognize only two genders, restrict comprehensive sexuality education, and limit adoption to married heterosexual couples. Rado Sloboda, Director of Amnesty International Slovakia, warned that if passed, the changes would “deal a… [Read More]
EIB Backs Nexans with €250 Million to Boost Innovation, Copper Recycling, and Energy Transition
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved €250 million in financing to support Nexans, a global leader in cable system manufacturing and services, enabling the company to accelerate its research and development (R&D) and industrial investments for 2024–2029. Part of the funding is backed by an InvestEU guarantee, reinforcing innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in strategic… [Read More]
Eastern Europe and Central Asia Transform Climate Challenges into Sustainable Opportunities
Countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are feeling the impacts of climate change more intensely than ever. Droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall are increasingly affecting food production, hydropower, and critical infrastructure. These disruptions threaten the most vulnerable populations, particularly poorer households, while the cost of climate-related damages is projected to rise sharply by 2050…. [Read More]
17-Year-Old Student Leads the Fight Against Hunger in Uganda’s Karamoja Region
At just 17, Patience Namuju is making a real difference in Uganda’s Karamoja region, one of the country’s most food-insecure areas. With 45% of the population facing crisis-level food insecurity and over 112,000 children under five malnourished last year, Patience has stepped up to create solutions that empower her community. As chair of the Health… [Read More]
Nepal’s Health Volunteers, Disability Advocate, and LEPRA Society Named WHO South-East Asia Public Health Champions
The WHO South-East Asia Region has announced the winners of its newly instituted Public Health Champion Awards. The Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) of Nepal, disability inclusion advocate Dr. Satendra Singh, and the LEPRA Society have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to public health. The FCHVs were honored for their transformative work in maternal… [Read More]
KSrelief Boosts Lifesaving Health Services in Syria with $4.5 Million Donation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed a generous new donation of US$ 4.5 million from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) to support essential health services in Syria. The funding targets critical health facilities in Idleb, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, regions where resources remain strained due to the devastating 2023 earthquake—the… [Read More]
Afghanistan Faces Rising Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Challenges
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are placing a growing strain on Afghanistan’s health system. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung conditions currently account for 43% of deaths in the country, with projections indicating this could rise above 60% by 2030, particularly affecting women. Substance use and road traffic accidents further compound the health burden. Thousands of… [Read More]
PAHO and Mérieux Foundation USA Partner to Strengthen Laboratory Systems in the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Mérieux Foundation USA (FMx USA) have signed a Framework Agreement to enhance laboratory systems and improve access to quality diagnostics across the Americas. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The agreement establishes a framework for… [Read More]
IFRC Appeals for CHF 20 Million to Contain Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DRC’s Kasai Province
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 20 million Swiss francs to contain the first Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Kasai province since 2008. The goal is to prevent further spread and address a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis. Ariel Kestens, IFRC… [Read More]
UNESCO Launches First Grants to Combat Climate Disinformation Ahead of COP30
UNESCO, the UN Secretariat, and the Government of Brazil have announced the first group of high-scoring projects selected under the Global Fund for Information Integrity on Climate Change. The projects are now being contacted to finalize grant agreements, marking a key milestone in the global fight against climate disinformation—one of the major barriers to science-based… [Read More]
West Africa’s Green Ambitions Stall Amid Major Energy Funding Shortfall
West African countries are pushing ambitious plans for renewable energy and clean cooking initiatives, but insufficient financing threatens to derail these efforts. The ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2025), held from September 18 to 19 in Banjul, Gambia, spotlighted the region’s commitment to an accelerated energy transition, with priorities including electric mobility, green hydrogen, and… [Read More]
UK FCDO Seeks Study on Effectiveness of Higher Education Partnerships in East Africa
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has invited tenders to assess the effectiveness of UK higher education (HE) partnerships in East Africa, with applications due by 17 October 2025. The study will examine the equity, collaboration, and measurable benefits of these partnerships for both UK and East African institutions. The UK has a… [Read More]
Senegal Launches $4.5 Million Relief Package for Flood-Affected Communities
The Senegalese government has approved an emergency fund of CFA2.5 billion ($4.5 million) to support populations impacted by recent floods, officials announced on September 19. The relief package allocates $1.8 million for urgent drainage works to clear stagnant water and $2.7 million for direct assistance, including food distribution, shelter materials, and logistical support. Floods continue… [Read More]
MSF Sounds Alarm as Funding Cuts Threaten Global Fight Against AIDS, TB and Malaria
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria are at serious risk due to drastic reductions in international health funding. In January, the United States, historically the largest contributor to global health programs, announced a suspension and review of all international aid. As a result, nearly $3… [Read More]
Angola Boosts Ebola Preparedness Amid DRC Outbreak
In response to the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola is stepping up disease surveillance, prevention, and preparedness efforts, particularly in Lunda Norte province, which shares a border with the DRC. A multidisciplinary team comprising experts from the National Directorate of Public Health, the National Institute for Health Research, WHO,… [Read More]
Digitizing Fuel Management: WHO Ethiopia Adopts TeleBirr E-Payment System
WHO Ethiopia has fully transitioned its fuel management operations to the TeleBirr e-payment platform, marking a key milestone in its drive for transparency, efficiency, and digital transformation. This move aligns with national regulations introduced in April 2024, which mandated that all fuel transactions in Ethiopia shift from paper-based coupons to electronic payments. With a fleet… [Read More]
