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The World Bank Group has opened a new office in Madrid, strengthening its partnership with Spain and expanding efforts to mobilize private capital, support investment, and create jobs in emerging markets. Announced on June 29, 2026, the Madrid office will serve as a central platform connecting the World Bank Group with the Spanish government, private… [Read More]

Health leaders across the Caribbean have strengthened regional efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages and the growing burden of chronic diseases. The Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission (HRH-CC) held its 10th meeting on June 17, 2026, bringing together policymakers, health officials, and regulatory organizations to advance solutions for stronger and more resilient health systems…. [Read More]

Bangladesh has launched a new national Business Development Services (BDS) Portal to help entrepreneurs access finance, training, licensing information, market opportunities, and business support services through a single digital platform. The portal was introduced by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the SME Foundation, and the Ministry of Industries under the ILO ProGRESS project, with funding… [Read More]

A new initiative in Bangladesh is highlighting the role of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in creating a more inclusive technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system. Policymakers, development partners, and skills training experts gathered in Dhaka to discuss how public investments can better support women and girls in accessing skills, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The… [Read More]

Pakistan has announced its first national Anticipatory Action Strategy to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of climate-related hazards on vulnerable communities. The strategy, supported by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), aims to shift disaster management from emergency response toward early action based on risk forecasts. Anticipatory action allows governments and humanitarian… [Read More]

The Government of Japan has contributed US$1.2 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen health and education in Somalia by providing daily nutritious school meals to more than 14,000 children and 178 school support staff in the Southwest and Jubaland states through February 2027. The funding will enable WFP to implement… [Read More]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new 42-month financing program worth US$95.8 million for Mauritania under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The initiative is designed to strengthen macroeconomic stability, support inclusive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the country’s long-term economic resilience. Approved by the IMF Executive Board… [Read More]

Ethiopia has reached a new preliminary agreement with a committee representing its Eurobond holders to restructure its US$1 billion sovereign bond, marking another significant step in the country’s ongoing debt restructuring efforts following its default in December 2023. Announced on June 29, 2026, the agreement follows more than five months of negotiations and provides for… [Read More]

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has launched a €108.3 million (approximately US$123 million) financing facility to support the modernization of Togo’s agricultural sector and strengthen the country’s food security. Announced on June 23, 2026, the 10-year funding initiative forms part of the Togolese Agriculture Modernization Program (ProMAT). The financing will support the acquisition, assembly, and… [Read More]

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment (ASRA) have launched a new strategic partnership to help countries better anticipate, assess, and respond to increasingly interconnected global crises. Announced on June 30, 2026, the initiative aims to strengthen risk-informed decision-making as nations face growing challenges from climate change, conflict, natural… [Read More]

A new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assessment warns that the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could push an estimated 985,000 additional people into poverty while causing billions of dollars in economic losses across Africa. The report highlights that the crisis extends far beyond public health,… [Read More]

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved four new climate adaptation projects that will help Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Tuvalu, and Vanuatu strengthen resilience against the growing impacts of climate change. The projects, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), represent approximately US$14 million in GEF grant funding and… [Read More]

Reliable internet access is transforming healthcare and public services in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, one of the Philippines’ most remote municipalities. Through the Connectivity, Capability, and Resiliency through Free Wi-Fi for All (CoRe FW4A) project, a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Local Government Unit… [Read More]

At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on June 29, 2026, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo called for greater global cooperation, investment, and decisive action to address mounting economic, geopolitical, and development challenges. Speaking at the official high-level opening, he said the world is experiencing unprecedented wealth and innovation alongside growing instability, making international collaboration more important… [Read More]

Colombia is working to build a more inclusive digital future by ensuring that internet connectivity leads to meaningful opportunities rather than simply providing online access. The country’s digital transformation strategy focuses on equipping young people with digital skills, improving access to decent jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, creating safe digital environments, and encouraging youth participation in shaping… [Read More]

Technology can play an important role in strengthening community resilience and sustaining peace in Tanzania when it is guided by trust, ethics and local ownership. A visit to the Tanzania Peacekeeping Training Centre under the Japan SDG Innovation Challenge study tour highlighted how digital tools, artificial intelligence and data systems can support early warning, human… [Read More]

A new UN Development Programme report warns that the fallout from conflict in the Middle East could push fossil fuel subsidies toward US$1 trillion, placing heavy pressure on developing countries already struggling with debt and limited fiscal space. The report says governments are using subsidies, price caps, tax rebates and demand-management measures to protect people… [Read More]

Trade unions in India are strengthening action for gender equality, labour rights and safer workplaces through an ILO-supported training workshop held in Siliguri, North Bengal. The initiative marked the anniversary of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), and supported the development of the Indian National Trade Union Congress’s National Gender Policy and Action… [Read More]

The United Nations World Food Programme is scaling up food assistance, logistics and telecommunications support in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as Ebola continues to spread through communities already affected by conflict, displacement and severe hunger. WFP warns that food assistance is essential to helping contain the outbreak, as hunger and insecurity make it… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association and tripartite partners have advanced efforts to establish a standardized wage framework for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. The move follows the validation of an assessment on cluster-based wage systems during a workshop held in Addis Ababa. The workshop brought together farm managers, worker representatives, regional authorities,… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization is strengthening technical and vocational education and training in Ethiopia by helping instructors integrate core skills into classroom teaching, curricula and assessment systems. The initiative aims to improve youth employability, support smoother school-to-work transitions and prepare graduates for the changing demands of the labour market. The training was held in Hawassa… [Read More]

Small businesses are playing a powerful role in advancing sustainable development by creating jobs, supporting local communities and opening pathways to economic opportunity. Published in observance of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, this story highlights how the United Nations is helping MSMEs overcome barriers and contribute to more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies. MSMEs… [Read More]

North Macedonia is demonstrating how innovation, green finance and renewable energy can strengthen small businesses and accelerate sustainable economic growth. Through the Green Finance Facility (GFF), micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are gaining access to financing that helps them invest in clean energy technologies, improve competitiveness and build resilience against rising energy costs. MSMEs… [Read More]