The Rockefeller Foundation and the Center for Civic Futures (CCF) have launched the AI Readiness Project, a national initiative designed to help U.S. governments build the capacity, confidence, and shared infrastructure needed to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly in public service. This effort aims to equip state, territorial, and Tribal governments with the knowledge, networks,… [Read More]
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What the World Can Learn from Gavi’s Zero-Dose Vaccination Approach
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, shared insights from the year two evaluation of its efforts to reach zero-dose (ZD) children—infants who have not received even the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP1) by the end of their first year. The evaluation highlighted both barriers and enablers in designing and delivering ZD programmes,… [Read More]
Central America to Benefit from €1 Billion EIB Investment in Electricity and Renewable Energy
The European Investment Bank (EIB), through its international partnerships and development arm EIB Global, has announced a €1 billion financing initiative to strengthen electricity infrastructure and promote renewable energy across Central America. Launched at the CELAC-EU summit in Colombia, the initiative aligns with the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda and aims to support transmission and… [Read More]
EIB Supports Ecuador with $100M Investment in Water, Sanitation, and Waste Systems
The European Investment Bank (EIB), through its development-focused branch EIB Global, and the Development Bank of Ecuador (BDE) have announced a new USD 100 million loan to expand water, sanitation, and waste management services across Ecuador. This loan complements an earlier USD 100 million framework and will collectively benefit around 1,000,000 people, particularly in underserved… [Read More]
Bangladesh Advances Sustainable Infrastructure with $75 Million AIIB and NDB Loan to City Bank PLC
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB) have jointly committed USD 75 million in financing to City Bank PLC (CBL), a leading private commercial bank in Bangladesh, to promote sustainable infrastructure development. AIIB is providing USD 50 million, while NDB is contributing USD 25 million, marking the first on-lending facility… [Read More]
$800 Million Fund to Protect Amazonia and Central America Backed by IDB and Nordic Countries
BELÉM, Brazil — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Impact Fund Denmark, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) have signed a letter of intent to establish a new guarantee expected to unlock approximately $800 million in additional lending capacity for clean-energy projects under the Amazonia Forever and… [Read More]
New Climate Resilient Schools in South Sudan to Protect Over 200,000 Children from Climate Impacts
Save the Children, with support from the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education, has launched a US$17 million initiative to strengthen climate resilience through education in South Sudan. The programme, known as Building the Climate Resilience of Children and Communities through the Education Sector (BRACE), aims to ensure that over 200,000 children,… [Read More]
Second Typhoon in a Week Disrupts Schools in the Philippines as World Leaders Address Climate Crisis
Typhoon Fung-wong struck the Philippines overnight, following a series of recent disasters and further exposing the country’s vulnerability as the world’s most disaster-prone nation this year. The typhoon forced the suspension of schools for at least two days, affecting millions of children and disrupting their education. At least two people were killed, and over 1.4… [Read More]
Extreme Weather Threatens to Make Refugee Camps Unlivable by 2050
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has highlighted the increasing vulnerability of displaced communities as extreme weather events intensify globally. Floods in South Sudan and Brazil, record-breaking heat in Kenya and Pakistan, and severe water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia are pushing already fragile populations to the brink. Over the past decade, weather-related disasters have… [Read More]
Why Adaptation Finance Is Rising on the Climate Agenda and How Banks Can Participate at COP30
As climate change impacts intensify, climate adaptation—the process of adjusting systems, communities, and economies to cope with changing climate conditions—is increasingly moving from the periphery to the core of climate action. For financial institutions, adaptation is not only a policy imperative but also an emerging area of risk management, investment opportunity, and strategic relevance. By… [Read More]
AU Launches Inaugural Science and Technology Symposium to Strengthen Disaster Resilience in Africa
The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), inaugurated the first-ever Symposium of the Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (Af-STAG DRR) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Co-organized with Partners Enhancing Resilience for People Exposed to Risks (Periperi U), a consortium of… [Read More]
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Announces Major Investment to Help Farmers Adapt to Extreme Weather
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a new $1.4 billion, four-year commitment to help smallholder farmers adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change. Unveiled at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the initiative focuses on improving resilience and protecting progress against poverty across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where agricultural communities are increasingly vulnerable… [Read More]
$19.5 Million Open Society Investment to Drive Fair Economic Growth and Climate Action in Latin America
At COP30 in Rio de Janeiro, the Open Society Foundations announced a major $19.5 million commitment to strengthen environmental justice and support a fair, sustainable economy in Latin America. The initiative aims to protect environmental defenders, promote green economic opportunities, and ensure that environmental and economic transitions uphold human rights and community participation. Open Society… [Read More]
Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $15.5 Million for Virginia Land Conservation Projects
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced a total of $15.5 million in Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) funding to conserve 8,606 acres across the Commonwealth. The funding, designated for fiscal year 2026, will support 28 projects aimed at expanding state natural area preserves, public parks, and open spaces, as well as securing conservation easements that protect… [Read More]
US Allocates $3 Million in Post-Hurricane Aid via Catholic Church Partnership
Cuba’s government has described its cooperation with the Catholic Church as “positive” following an agreement that the Church would coordinate the distribution of US$3 million in post-hurricane humanitarian assistance from the United States. The aid is intended for Cubans in the island’s eastern provinces severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and… [Read More]
Supreme Court Backs Discriminatory Passport Policy in Landmark Ruling
The United States Supreme Court has permitted the implementation of a controversial Trump-era policy mandating that all new passports reflect an individual’s sex assigned at birth. This decision stems from an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, directing federal agencies to recognize only two sexes—male and female—considered fixed at birth. As a result,… [Read More]
Controversy in Indonesia as President Honors Former Dictator Soeharto
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has declared ten individuals as “national heroes” on November 10, Heroes Day, including former President Soeharto, who ruled the country from 1965 to 1998. The decision has sparked widespread controversy and condemnation, with over 80 public figures, including historians, signing a letter protesting the move. Critics argue that honoring Soeharto undermines… [Read More]
Human Rights Advocates Call on US to Address Abuses in Talks with Saudi Arabia
Human rights organizations have urged the United States government, including Congress, to address Saudi Arabia’s ongoing human rights abuses during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected visit to Washington, DC, on November 18, 2025. The visit marks the crown prince’s first trip to the US since authorizing the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal… [Read More]
Transforming Vulnerability into Strength: Lessons from Grenada’s Grey-Green Project
Across the Caribbean, coastal communities face the brunt of climate change — from rising seas and stronger hurricanes to accelerating erosion that threatens homes and livelihoods. Traditionally, the answer has been concrete: seawalls, breakwaters, and other “grey” infrastructure. But these solutions often fall short, offering only temporary relief while ignoring the ecosystems that naturally defend… [Read More]
Illicit Weapons Trafficking Driving Violence and Instability Worldwide, Say Experts
UN officials have called for urgent global cooperation to curb the illicit flow of weapons that are fuelling conflict, organized crime, and displacement in regions such as Haiti and the Sahel. Despite growing international efforts to tighten arms control frameworks, over one billion firearms remain in circulation worldwide, sustaining terrorism and violence across multiple regions…. [Read More]
Sudan Crisis: 89,000 People Displaced from El Fasher as Conflict Intensifies
Since the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia captured El Fasher after more than 500 days of siege in late October, nearly 89,000 civilians have fled from Tawila, Melit, Saraf Omra, and other surrounding localities. Many families have sought refuge in Tina, near the Sudan–Chad border, where host communities and UN partners—already stretched to capacity—are preparing… [Read More]
Building Healthcare Capacity to Fast-Track Cervical Cancer Elimination in Eswatini
Eswatini, one of the countries with the highest cervical cancer burden globally, is making significant strides toward eliminating the disease through its Cervical Cancer Elimination Acceleration Plan (2024–2028). Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, the plan aligns with the WHO Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public… [Read More]
Ontario Unveils Pothole Prevention and Repair Program to Strengthen Road Infrastructure
The Ontario government has announced a $10 million investment to improve road safety and prevent damage caused by potholes. The new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program will provide funding to municipalities with populations of up to 10,000 people to support essential road maintenance. This initiative is part of the province’s broader infrastructure strategy aimed at… [Read More]
