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In a statement issued by his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over escalating violence in South Sudan, where nearly 10 million people—more than two-thirds of the population—now require life-saving humanitarian assistance and continue to suffer the consequences of ongoing conflict. Guterres highlighted that fighting, attacks, looting, movement restrictions,… [Read More]

Geneva – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, will visit Egypt from 8 to 17 February 2026 at the invitation of the Government. The visit aims to assess the enjoyment of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation in the country. During… [Read More]

Two newly released World Bank Group reports warn that South Sudan is facing a critical moment, where urgent climate-smart action and stronger public financial management are essential to reversing economic decline and setting the country on a sustainable development path. The Public Finance Review and the Country Climate and Development Report highlight how intensifying climate… [Read More]

Geneva – Mexico has shown political commitment to combat and prevent torture, and significant progress has been acknowledged by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) following their third visit to the country. However, experts highlighted ongoing gaps between the legal frameworks and policies in place and their practical implementation. Since the SPT’s previous… [Read More]

The World Bank Group has approved a US$200 million loan to support Bolivia’s efforts to protect households most affected by the ongoing economic crisis and to strengthen the country’s social protection system. The financing aims to make social assistance more effective, efficient, and resilient, while improving preparedness for future shocks and emergencies. The operation supports… [Read More]

As global attention focuses on ending female genital mutilation (FGM), The Gambia faces a pivotal legal battle that could reverse its 2015 ban on the practice. The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments that, if successful, would strip women and girls of their legal protection from FGM. The urgency of this moment is underscored by… [Read More]

The World Bank has approved US$150 million in financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Gabon’s Access to Basic Services and Performance Improvement Project. The operation aims to modernize water and electricity services, expand universal access, and strengthen the financial sustainability of service providers, while contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation… [Read More]

The World Bank has approved a US$95 million operation to help expand access to finance for more than 100,000 small and medium enterprises in Nepal, supporting job-led growth and strengthening financial inclusion. Approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, the financing aims to address key barriers faced by underserved businesses while promoting private… [Read More]

As Uganda pursues long-term economic transformation, any major changes—such as modernizing or greening its transport systems—must be implemented in a way that safeguards livelihoods and expands opportunities for all. The Uganda Just Transition Framework (2025) provides the national blueprint for achieving this goal, outlining how government, communities, and development partners can ensure that no one… [Read More]

The World Bank has approved US$350 million in new financing to support Lebanon’s economic and financial recovery by strengthening social protection systems, promoting economic inclusion, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services. The financing package, approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors, aims to help the country meet the urgent needs of… [Read More]

Through Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme, local authorities across the UK are adopting new approaches to accelerate the journey from net zero planning to delivery, helping transform ideas into projects that can attract external investment. The Planning, Pipeline and Finance campaign draws on insights from programme partners to show how councils can better align… [Read More]

Community energy projects are increasingly being recognised by local authorities across the UK as a powerful tool to advance net zero ambitions while delivering tangible social, economic, and environmental benefits. Supported by Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme, the Carbon Trust highlights how locally led energy initiatives can reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and… [Read More]

The United Nations World Food Programme in Bangladesh has received an additional EUR 2 million from the European Union to sustain critical food and nutrition assistance for Rohingya refugees and host communities. The funding, provided through the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, brings the EU’s total contribution to WFP… [Read More]

The signing of an “ELENA” agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) will support Belgian developer KARNO in the large-scale deployment of decarbonized heating and cooling solutions, advancing the energy transition. ELENA is an energy efficiency grant program funded by the European Commission’s InvestEU program and implemented by the EIB’s Advisory Services. Amid the energy… [Read More]

As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fifth year in February 2026, health-care facilities in frontline regions continue to operate under severe strain. Hospitals in Chernihiv, Kherson, Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Sumy face constant pressure due to ongoing hostilities, regular shelling, and a sustained influx of patients requiring urgent medical and surgical care. In December… [Read More]

Bridgetown, Barbados, 3 February 2026 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with United Nations agencies in Barbados, hosted a group of visiting French Caribbean students for an orientation session on PAHO’s regional work, with a particular focus on the French territories. Around 30 students and their chaperones from EduCarib Mobility, an organization… [Read More]

Partners of the European Union-funded Agri-food Business Development Programme convened in Baghdad at a high-level event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to review progress made across Iraq’s agri-food value chains and explore pathways for increasing private sector investment. The event brought together national authorities, international partners, and private sector… [Read More]

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a virtual reality (VR) platform aimed at building capacity and enhancing preparedness in public health laboratories across the Americas for the surveillance of influenza and other epidemic-prone pathogens. The immersive tool was introduced at the Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Network (SARInet plus) regional laboratory meeting in Brasília,… [Read More]

Almost two years ago, Gatumba village in western Burundi was devastated by heavy rains triggered by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which caused floods affecting nearly 300,000 people nationwide. Among those impacted was 39-year-old Jeanine Ndabazaniye, a mother of ten, who lost her home and belongings. Today, she and other displaced residents are gradually rebuilding… [Read More]

New Zealand has launched a science partnership with a leading UAE university aimed at enhancing the country’s advanced engineering and modelling capabilities. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the collaboration will create high-value jobs, encourage economic growth, and improve climate risk management. By combining New Zealand’s research expertise with the UAE’s strengths… [Read More]

The New Zealand Government has committed nearly $28 million to support erosion control projects in the country’s hill country, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. This funding, provided under the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP), is intended to protect productive land from the impacts of severe weather, maintain soil health, and limit downstream damage…. [Read More]

A new ILO report, “Mapping just transition in NDC 3.0: Global trends across 123 countries”, highlights a significant increase in references to just transition, employment, and decent work in the latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). While the report acknowledges this progress, it emphasizes the critical need to focus on implementation, including labour-related policies that support… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) have reinforced their partnership to promote youth employment during a high-level meeting held on 3 February 2026 at the WAEMU Commission headquarters in Ouagadougou. The discussions centered on a joint ILO-WAEMU programme for 2026–2030, which is currently being developed to support… [Read More]