The UNODC Youth Forum 2026, held from March 9-11 on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria, brought together 26 youth leaders from 21 countries. For nearly 15 years, the forum has aimed to create a space for active youth leaders to learn about evidence-based drug… [Read More]
IFC Teams Up with OnePuhunan to Boost MSME Finance in Rural Philippines
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has partnered with CreditAccess Philippines Financing Company, Inc. (OnePuhunan), a leading microfinance institution in the Philippines, to improve access to finance and promote job creation in rural communities. This collaboration focuses on microloans, particularly for women-owned or led microenterprises, aiming to support business… [Read More]
Ecuador Court Confirms Adolescents’ Right to Gender Recognition
On March 10, 2026, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court issued a groundbreaking ruling affirming the rights of transgender adolescents to modify their gender on identity documents. This decision came after the civil registry denied a request from the parents of a 15-year-old to change his gender marker, citing a law requiring applicants to be of legal age…. [Read More]
NHS England Restricts Access to Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapies
NHS England has announced a policy blocking new referrals for gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender youth under 18, effective from March 9. This decision will undergo a 90-day consultation period, after which a longer-term policy will be introduced. The restriction prevents clinicians from initiating new referrals but allows those already undergoing treatment to continue. However,… [Read More]
AU Urged to Strengthen Framework Against Violence Toward Women
Violence against women and girls in Africa remains a critical issue, with approximately one in three women and girls aged 15 to 49 experiencing physical or sexual violence. In response, the African Union (AU) adopted its Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in 2025, marking a significant step forward. However, women’s rights organizations… [Read More]
Findings on Iran US School Attack Call for Accountability and Educational Reform
A recent report revealed that the United States is responsible for a deadly missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, Iran, which killed at least 175 people, including children. The attack, which occurred on February 28, 2026, was the result of outdated targeting data provided by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. Despite… [Read More]
The Struggle for the Right to Exist: Voices from the Frontline
Pascale’s involvement in feminist activism stems from her personal experiences and desire to create change. Having grown up witnessing gender-based violence and experiencing sexual violence herself at a young age, she became motivated to build a supportive space for women and girls facing similar challenges. Her journey started with joining feminist groups and eventually led… [Read More]
$500,000 Fund to Boost Early-Stage Assistive Tech Startups in Africa
The Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D), a Kenya-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing assistive technology innovation, has partnered with the Judith Neilson Foundation to launch the Momentous Pilot Fund, a $500,000 initiative aimed at supporting early-stage assistive technology startups across Africa. This fund targets digital solutions that enhance mobility, communication, inclusive education, independent living, and… [Read More]
Funding Secured to Support Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Camden
Camden Council is continuing its commitment to refugees and asylum seekers by extending the Borough of Sanctuary grant scheme, aimed at fostering community integration and supporting displaced individuals. The funding will help expand initiatives designed to assist refugees and asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives after fleeing conflict. These initiatives focus on removing barriers to… [Read More]
GSK IMPACT Award 2026: Ten Health Charities Recognized
Ten small and medium-sized charities have been named as the winners of the 2026 GSK IMPACT Awards, recognizing their exceptional efforts in improving health and wellbeing in communities across the UK. The awards are presented by global biopharma company GSK in partnership with The King’s Fund. This year’s awards come at a time when small… [Read More]
Kofi Annan Foundation and Interpeace Unite to Address Global Funding Crunch
In a strategic move to adapt to shrinking funding for peacebuilding and humanitarian work, the Kofi Annan Foundation and Interpeace have announced a partnership that will see them share office space and merge certain operations. This collaboration is driven by the need to reduce costs while maintaining the effectiveness of their mission in a changing… [Read More]
EIB and European Commission Launch Capacity Building for EU Small Ports
The European Investment Bank (EIB), in partnership with the European Commission, is launching a new technical training programme to strengthen the strategic port infrastructure across the European Union. The initiative, supported by the Connecting Europe Facility and Cohesion Policy Funds, falls under the JASPERS mandate. It aims to enhance the capacity of small and medium-sized… [Read More]
Croatia Receives €536 Million EIB Financing Focused on Small Businesses and Cities
In 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group allocated €547 million in financing to Croatia, focusing on business growth, green and digital projects, and urban development. More than half of this funding supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Mid-Caps, and public entities involved in sustainable and digital transformation projects. The financing package included €325 million… [Read More]
EIB Group Invests €3 Billion in Portugal’s Housing, Transport, and Innovation
In 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group significantly increased its investment in Portugal, reaching a total of €3 billion, a 43% rise compared to the previous year. This funding supported a wide range of projects, with a major focus on social infrastructure, climate action, transport, and innovation. Over €1 billion was allocated to social… [Read More]
EU and IDB Invest $150M to Upgrade Paraguay’s Electricity Network
The European Investment Bank (EIB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the European Commission have announced a significant co-financing initiative to modernize Paraguay’s electricity transmission system. The €225 million operation will focus on building the Emboscada substation and associated transmission lines, strengthening the country’s national electricity grid. This investment aims to improve the reliability, capacity,… [Read More]
EIB Supports Iren with €225 Million to Boost Italy’s Circular Economy
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €225 million financing agreement with Iren Group to support the company’s 2025-2028 investment plan aimed at promoting circular economy practices and energy efficiency in Italy. The funding will back projects to modernize waste management systems and improve the energy performance of public and private buildings, with a… [Read More]
EU and FAO Launch Agribusiness Grant Programme Up to USD 150,000
A new grant programme has been launched in the State Agrarian Registry (SAR), offering agricultural enterprises in Ukraine up to USD 150,000 to develop aggregation models in the berry and vegetable sectors. The initiative is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial support from the European Union (EU),… [Read More]
Belgium Strengthens Uganda’s Health Sector Coordination
In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda, with financial support from the Embassy of Belgium, made significant strides in strengthening coordination, policy dialogue, and collective action within Uganda’s health sector. Belgium’s contribution played a pivotal role in helping WHO convene a wide range of health partners around national priorities, ensuring alignment and coherence across… [Read More]
Ghana’s Mental Health Progress: WHO Strengthens Suicide Reporting
The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP), organized regional workshops to enhance the capacity of media professionals in responsible suicide and mental health reporting. The workshops, attended by 90 journalists from various regions of Ghana, aim to align with WHO’s global suicide prevention guidance and support Ghana’s… [Read More]
Lebanon Crisis Deepens: Civilians Face the Worst of the ‘Perfect Storm’
The current escalation in Lebanon began on 2 March, when Hezbollah fired on Israeli positions, prompting a strong retaliation from Israel. Since then, exchanges have intensified, with heavier fire from Hezbollah and increased attacks, including some ground incursions from Israel, resulting in what UN officials describe as a “full-blown humanitarian catastrophe.” A staggering 815,000 people… [Read More]
Russia’s Deportation of Ukrainian Children Declared a Crime Against Humanity
The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, an independent body investigating Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has presented its latest findings to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The report verified the deportation and transfer of 1,205 children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia or other occupied regions. The commission concluded that these actions constituted… [Read More]
Canada Provides Aid to Meet Lebanon’s Humanitarian Needs
Lebanon is experiencing severe humanitarian challenges due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, resulting in mass displacement, disrupted markets, and increasing food insecurity. The conflict has significantly impacted access to essential health care, with attacks on health workers, ambulances, and medical facilities. Many hospitals and primary care centres have been forced to close… [Read More]
Minister McConalogue to Strengthen Ireland’s Ties with Thailand and Vietnam
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, will visit Thailand and Vietnam from 12 to 21 March 2026 as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day outreach in Southeast Asia. This visit aims to showcase Ireland’s cultural and sporting connections, support Irish community organisations, advance development cooperation priorities, and explore opportunities… [Read More]
