On the sidelines of the 1st ASEAN–EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change in Langkawi on 4 September 2025, the European Union announced two regional programmes aimed at promoting nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience across Southeast Asia. Together, these initiatives represent an EU contribution of EUR 30 million and are designed to… [Read More]
Saskatchewan Boosts Maternal Mental Health with New Funding Support
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $100,000 annually in the Saskatchewan Perinatal Health Network (SaskPHN) to establish a province-wide maternal mental health support program. The initiative will offer free in-person and virtual peer support services for new and expecting parents across Saskatchewan, providing access to compassionate care during pregnancy and early parenthood. Mental Health and… [Read More]
Australia Pledges AUD 4 Million to Boost Safe Trade in Developing Nations
Australia is contributing AUD 4 million (approximately CHF 2.1 million) through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) benefit from global agriculture markets. This funding supports the STDF’s 2025–2030 Strategy, “Facilitating Safe Trade to Meet the Global Goals,” which aims to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities,… [Read More]
Transforming Panama’s Municipal Markets: Turning Waste into Sustainable Resilience
The municipal markets of Panama City are more than centers for trade—they are hubs of culture, food, and community, and increasingly, spaces for innovation in waste management. These markets generate significant organic waste, yet much of it remains edible, highlighting the contrast between food loss and persistent hunger in the country. Fundación Rescate de Alimentos… [Read More]
Feds Set to Release $185 Million in AmeriCorps Funding Within Weeks
Maryland was among more than two dozen states that recently claimed the federal government was withholding millions in AmeriCorps funding, marking a second round of cuts to the national service program since April. The dispute arose after AmeriCorps officials placed most of their headquarters staff on leave and dismissed thousands of members amid financial audit… [Read More]
US Approves $32.5 Million Aid to Support Nigeria’s Fight Against Hunger
The United States has approved $32.5 million in assistance to Nigeria to address hunger, marking a rare policy shift after most aid was suspended under former President Donald Trump. The funding, delivered through the US mission to Nigeria, will provide food and nutritional support to internally displaced people in conflict-affected areas. Northern Nigeria is facing… [Read More]
Viet Nam’s Human Development Journey: UNDP Highlights Grit and Perseverance
Viet Nam recently celebrated 80 years since its declaration of independence, a milestone reflecting the nation’s resilience and progress. This anniversary coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, underscoring a shared history of collaboration between Viet Nam and the UN built on values such as dignity, equality, and the belief in human potential…. [Read More]
WHO Launches First Online Training for Urban Health Capacity Assessment Toolkit
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted its first online training on the Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit, engaging 58 practitioners and policymakers from 22 countries across all six WHO regions. Participants represented local and national governments, regional and global city networks, and civil society organizations, working together to strengthen cross-sectoral action… [Read More]
Odesa Nursery School Reopens with UNDP and Japan’s Support After War Damage
Kindergarten No. 141 in Odesa has reopened after more than two years of closure due to war damage, offering children a safe and renewed learning environment. The restoration of the facility was led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan. Of the kindergarten’s three buildings, one has been… [Read More]
Grassroots Justice Uncovered: Strategies from Informal Settlements Worldwide
IDRC and the Grassroots Justice Network have launched a freely available book titled Legal Empowerment in Informal Settlements: Grassroots Experiences from the Global South. The volume presents a collection of case studies showcasing how grassroots, community-led justice strategies—known as legal empowerment—are advancing human rights in urban informal settlements across the Global South. Residents of informal… [Read More]
UN Report Calls for Urgent Action to Deliver Reparatory Justice for Africans and Diaspora
The UN Human Rights Office has released a report urging States and other actors to strengthen efforts toward reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent. The report emphasizes the importance of measures such as formal apologies, truth-seeking, memorialization, medical and psychosocial support, and financial compensation in addressing the enduring legacies of enslavement, the… [Read More]
UN Experts Raise Alarm as Russia Withdraws from European Anti-Torture Mechanism
Two UN Special Rapporteurs have strongly condemned Russia’s decision to end its cooperation with the European Committee on the Prevention of Torture. They stressed that external monitoring bodies serve as essential safeguards against abuses in prisons and other places of detention, warning that Russia’s move raises serious concerns about conditions behind bars. The experts highlighted… [Read More]
Canada Launches Centre of Excellence to Boost Community Disaster Recovery
Recent disasters across Canada, including the Lytton wildfire in 2021, Hurricane Fiona in 2022, the Northwest Territories wildfires in 2023, and severe wildfire seasons in 2024 and 2025, have underscored the complexity of disaster recovery. Early planning—ideally before a disaster occurs—can significantly accelerate rebuilding, help businesses resume operations sooner, and integrate measures that reduce future… [Read More]
$14.6 Million Investment by Canada and Ontario to Help Farmers Enhance Farmlands
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $14.6 million through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) to help farmers improve their farmland and build long-term resiliency. This investment aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy, aiming to equip farmers with tools to remain competitive amid U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainties. An additional $9.6… [Read More]
A Nordic Perspective on Workplace Compliance and the Power of Social Dialogue
A Turkish tripartite delegation visited Sweden from 25–29 August 2025 under the EU-funded project “Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection Guidance and Social Dialogue (WPC),” jointly implemented by the ILO and Türkiye’s Directorate of Guidance and Inspection (DoGI). The delegation included senior labour inspectors, as well as representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations, who engaged with… [Read More]
African Development Bank Pledges Stronger Climate Action at Africa Climate Week 2025
The African Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s climate agenda at the opening of Climate Week 2025 in Addis Ababa, where leaders called for urgent implementation of global pledges. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie declared that Africa was embracing a new path, envisioning prosperity through integrated electricity markets, transformed food systems, and the… [Read More]
Atlantic Lithium Raises £28M Equity Funding to Advance Ewoyaa Project
Atlantic Lithium has secured a £28 million equity funding package through an agreement with Long State Investments, marking a major milestone for Ghana’s Ewoyaa Lithium Project. This funding is set to support the company’s ambition of becoming Ghana’s first lithium producer while helping it manage regulatory delays and market volatility. Investor confidence in the project’s… [Read More]
Thailand Trade Unions Advance Efforts for Safer, Healthier Workplaces
Thai trade unions have taken an important step toward embedding workers’ voices in occupational safety and health (OSH) standards with the launch of a new training initiative. The first workshop, held on 22 August 2025 in Bangkok, was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with support from the governments of Japan and Canada. It… [Read More]
Unlocking Social Infrastructure Funding in South Africa: Why Getting the Basics Right Matters
South Africa’s social infrastructure challenges often appear to be a question of funding, but the reality is more complex. While money is scarce compared to the country’s needs, a recent Sustainability at a Crossroad 2025 report by GlobeScan, ERM, and Volans shows that funding gaps are often a symptom of deeper systemic issues. The report,… [Read More]
Women Power Half of Sub-Saharan Africa’s Agrifood Sector, Yet Inequalities Persist: New Report
In sub-Saharan Africa, women play a central role in agrifood systems, with approximately 76 percent of working women employed in the sector and women making up 49 percent of the overall agrifood workforce. Employment for women in off-farm segments—including production, processing, distribution, consumption, and packaging—has increased from 21 percent in 2005 to 29 percent in… [Read More]
FAO-GEF Partnership Strengthens Namibia’s Dryland Farmers, Protects Seeds, and Reduces Food Loss
In Namibia’s Kavango East region, seventy smallholder farmers have received training to reduce food losses and preserve traditional seeds as part of an initiative themed “Our Seeds, Our Heritage.” The program, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Namibian government and funded by the Global Environment… [Read More]
Zimbabwean Youth Explore Green Entrepreneurship at Look and Learn Event
Young green entrepreneurs in Marondera district in Zimbabwe, who were previously supported by FAO under the Green Jobs for Rural Youth Employment Project implemented in 2020–2024, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), are undertaking a look-and-learn event to showcase and share experiences. Youths are leading the organisation od the event with support from… [Read More]
From Thread to Opportunity: Silk Industry Empowers Women with Jobs in Egypt
In Naqada, Upper Egypt, silk weaving is giving women like Sumaya Mohamed a new sense of purpose and independence. Once struggling to find work, Sumaya discovered opportunity through a weaving workshop run by the Egypt Network for Integrated Development (ENID), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Spanish Agency for International… [Read More]
