Tajikistan has made significant strides in reducing poverty over the past decade, with the national poverty rate falling from 56% in 2010 to about 20% in 2024, according to a new World Bank report, the Tajikistan Poverty and Equity Assessment. Over the same period, the share of the middle class has grown more than fourfold,… [Read More]
World Bank Group Closes Inaugural Securitization Transaction, Unlocking Private Investment for Emerging Markets
The World Bank Group, through its private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has successfully closed its first-ever securitization transaction, marking a major milestone in efforts to mobilize private capital for emerging markets. The transaction introduces a new model to attract institutional investment while allowing the World Bank Group to recycle its capital and… [Read More]
Amended International Health Regulations Enter into Force
Today marks a significant milestone in global health governance as the amended International Health Regulations (IHR) officially enter into force, reflecting renewed international commitment to cooperation during public health emergencies. These amendments are shaped by lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and aim to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and equity in response to global health risks…. [Read More]
Making a Splash at the 9th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries
From October 1-3, 2025, more than 40 partners from the IDRC-supported AQUADAPT initiative will convene in Bangkok, Thailand, for the 9th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF9). The gathering will explore how research on nature-based solutions can advance gender justice and climate resilience in aquaculture and fisheries. Women and other marginalized groups… [Read More]
Thriving Rural Communities Are the Foundation of Global Security, IFAD Emphasizes at UN General Assembly
In an increasingly unpredictable global economy, investments in the socio-economic transformation of rural areas are essential to building a more stable and prosperous world. This is the message Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is bringing to the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, urging the international community to… [Read More]
Building a Brighter Future Through Robotics: How LYBOTICS Empowers Libya’s Youth
Growing up in Libya, I witnessed first-hand how the potential of young people often goes untapped. In a country facing challenges across education, employment, and technology, I realized that building a better future meant investing in youth today. My journey began with a simple belief: technology and innovation can transform lives. I wanted to create… [Read More]
Thailand Celebrates Milestone in Localizing SDGs Through Data-Driven Community Investment
Thailand marked a significant step in its journey to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the closing of the Joint SDG Fund project, “Partnership to Accelerate SDG Localization in Thailand.” Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN-Habitat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the project bridged local data gaps and… [Read More]
Philippines Launches Comprehensive Freedom of Association Training to Strengthen Labour Rights
The Philippines has taken a major step to strengthen fundamental rights at work with the launch of a new comprehensive Freedom of Association (FOA) training resource. Developed jointly by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and crafted in consultation with workers and employers, the initiative aims to raise… [Read More]
30 Years Advancing Gender Equality: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Three decades after the landmark Beijing Declaration on women’s rights, the world has seen notable advances, yet women and girls continue to face widespread discrimination and violence. Ahead of the UN General Assembly commemoration on 22 September, UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) warned that global gender equality targets… [Read More]
UN, AU, and EU Leaders Unite to Boost Peace, Stability, and Development Across Africa
The United Nations, African Union, and European Union have pledged closer cooperation to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, from conflict resolution to climate change and economic development. The commitment came during their sixth trilateral meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly high-level week, culminating in a joint communiqué… [Read More]
‘Tidal Wave of Emotion’: Young Turkish Writer Wins Top UN Ocean Conservation Prize
Fifteen-year-old Reyyan Demiriz from Türkiye has captured first prize in the UN young writers’ competition, triumphing over 1.6 million entries from 65 countries. Her winning piece, described by Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki as a “tidal wave of emotion,” reflects the deep bond between humanity and the ocean. Organized by the UPU… [Read More]
UN Chief Warns of Escalating Crisis in Sudan’s El Fasher
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday issued a stark warning over the rapidly worsening situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, highlighting mounting risks to civilians trapped in the city. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have tightened their siege on El Fasher for over 500 days, with attacks on civilians intensifying in… [Read More]
UN Summit on Palestine: What You Need to Know Before World Leaders Meet
As Gaza endures nearly two years of conflict, with the latest Israeli ground offensive in the north, global attention is turning to the United Nations. On September 22, world leaders will convene at UN Headquarters in New York for a summit, sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving the long-stalled two-State solution—one Israeli,… [Read More]
UN Security Council Deadlocks on Iran: Sanctions Relief Bid Fails Amid Global Tensions
The UN Security Council on Friday rejected a proposal to continue sanctions relief for Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal, exposing deep divisions over the so-called “snapback” mechanism. The resolution, tabled by the Council president, the Republic of Korea, garnered only four votes in favor—from Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan—falling short of the nine votes… [Read More]
Youth Lead the Green Revolution: EU and UNDP Launch Agro Eco Club at Tashkent State Agriculture University
The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in close collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, have inaugurated the Youth Agro Eco Club at Tashkent State Agriculture University. This initiative is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of environmentally conscious specialists, equipping them to advance sustainable agriculture and champion environmental… [Read More]
Cultivating Innovation: EU-UNDP Empower Farmers and Youth in Uzbekistan’s Agri-Food Sector
The EU-AGRIN project, implemented in Uzbekistan by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the European Union and in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, is driving transformative change in the country’s agri-food sector. A recent workshop with specialists from the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of Agricultural Economics (CREA)… [Read More]
Moldova-EU Trade Boost: Steps Toward Duty-Free Access for Key Agricultural Exports
The European Union is moving towards eliminating customs duties on seven Moldovan agricultural products, taking a major step to increase trade and market access for Moldova. On 18 September, the EU Council adopted a position to be presented at the EU–Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration, focusing on products that are not yet fully liberalised… [Read More]
Change Makers in Action: Local Initiatives Tackling Suicide and Building Mental Resilience
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has announced the local organisations selected to receive funding through its Change Makers: Pitching for Prevention initiative, supporting community-driven projects aimed at reducing suicide risk and strengthening mental wellbeing. The program funds three projects in the Hunter region, three in the Central Coast, and… [Read More]
Understanding the EU’s Global Gateway: Why Civil Society Must Pay Attention
When the European Union introduced the Global Gateway in 2021, it positioned the initiative as a strategic response to a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Unlike traditional funding instruments, Global Gateway is designed to mobilize up to €300 billion in investments by 2027, with a focus on key sectors such as digital infrastructure, climate and energy,… [Read More]
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Launch New UK-Japan MUSUBI Programmes to Empower Youth and Strengthen Ties
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo to mark the launch of new UK-Japan partnership programmes under the MUSUBI Initiative, a unique public-private collaboration designed to foster the next generation of leaders in both countries. The event highlighted the deepening friendship and shared values between the United… [Read More]
UK Targets Georgia-Linked Supporters of Russia with Fresh Sanctions Amid Ukraine War
The UK has imposed new sanctions on Georgia-linked individuals and businesses backing Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, aiming to disrupt the Kremlin’s network of international support. With Russia facing mounting setbacks in Ukraine, the Kremlin is increasingly relying on proxies in third countries, including Georgia, to sustain its war effort and propaganda operations. Two oil… [Read More]
Canada Joins Global Effort to Protect Humanitarian Workers
Canada has officially endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, an initiative led by Australia, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding those delivering life-saving aid in conflict zones. Humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted during armed conflicts, placing their lives at risk and affecting the delivery of essential assistance. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers… [Read More]
Haiti: FAO and CERF Launch Emergency Initiative to Boost Rural Food Security Amid Crises
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has launched an emergency initiative in Haiti’s North and Centre departments to support the most vulnerable households facing escalating displacement, deportations, and worsening climatic shocks. The programme targets displaced persons, deportees from the Dominican… [Read More]
